2011 recap...

Well sweet family and friends,

The year 2011 is rapidly coming to an end! This has been quite a year for the Griffith family, as it has for many people in our lives this year! We have witnessed many trials in the lives of our family and friends. This has been a year of heart break, cancer, stroke, death and believe it or not a little joy mixed in there too!

Our sweet Ayden turned 5 this year and started kindergarten. He is a very smart little boy with a huge imagination! His most recent “thing” in his life to do is to shorten all his words…so in just 9 more (as I write this) sleeping nights he and his family will be at “Grams” for Christmas.

The twins, Rylee and Caleb turned 2 this year and they are developing HUGE personalities. They are very funny. I thought when they were born Rylee would be the dominate one, and while she tends to be more than not…I see a ray of hope in Caleb as he will take charge when he has had enough from the little princess…they are mini me’s of their parents…she is very laid back…he is very precise!

Landon is 3 this year and as 2011 comes to an end…I think…NOT sure…but I think he just may survive potty training…although his momma may need a tranquiller! He is also very funny…his speech has come so far this year…Cassie asked what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas this year…he said…I go to Grammy’s for Christmas…I love that little boy! He looks at you and grins and you know you are loved by a sweetie!!!! (Just don’t make him mad!)

And last but by no means least, Camden is 2 and you better watch out if he is awake. He is the one of all my grandbabies I was afraid I wouldn’t have a “connection” with because he was born in Florida and I haven’t had the opportunity spend with him and form memories with but this summer we got to spend almost a month together and you know what…he is grammy’s boy too!!!! We just recently got webcams and talked with him…Cassie says he has asked no less than 50 times to come to Grammy’s since we talked….love that boy!!!!

We are going to have another sweet baby in May in Florida and I am so excited…we find out the gender in just 3 more days…so excited…while I’d love to see Cassie have a sweet pink baby girl…she does boys so well!!! She is a good boy momma so whatever God gives us, we pray for a healthy, happy baby that grows up to love Jesus with all their heart!!!!

Cassie and Jesse are good. Their ministry is thriving in Florida. Many think it is Jesse’s ministry but I’ve learned over the years that when God calls a man, He calls that man’s family. They work together as a team…Jesse has his strong areas that God uses and stretches and Cassie has her gifts…as in their wedding vows…God said the 2 shall become one…in their ministry…God has put the 2 together to make one ministry for HIS glory.

Heather and Donnie have had a good year as well. We see them growing in the Lord also…Donnie has started attending a men’s bible study and I love to see him come in on Tuesday morning’s because he is always excited about what they’ve discussed the night before at the study. Heather started a bible study with some of the teachers she works with after school once a week and has loved it. They believe God is going to send them to Canada this coming summer on a mission trip with their church and are looking forward to serving together!

Michael has settled in to a job at the bank this year and still leading worship at the church. I know I may be partial, but I think God has giving him a great ability to lead worship and I’m thankful for that gift! He misses being outside now with an inside job. He has been a huge blessing this past year on the Griffith farm. He chose to not get a job for the first 3 months of the year and took care of the farm and at times did a few things on his uncle’s place so that others could be at the hospital with Grandma and Poppa. I guess that is picture of what I think Michael is…when the chips are down…he has a sacrificial heart!

As you all know our Katie got married this summer. I’ve bragged and bragged that I haven’t cried…well about a month ago the tears came and I’m not sure when they will stop. I miss having her here to talk to…one thing I can say about my girls (all of them)…we are not just parent/child we are friends…anyway…I miss her but she and Thomas are good and happy…they work with the teens at their church and she is continuing  to work on her education degree. Thomas is a huge blessing to our family as well!

Amy, our Germany girl has been in communication with us this year a little more than usual…I think she misses us and I KNOW we miss her more and more…we pray that someday God will allow us to see her again face to face…we so much want her to visit us again…but someday…Scott and I want to see HER home!

As most of you know…Scott’s dad was diagnosed with cancer the last week of 2010 and has faced many challenges this year…he is doing pretty well now but still has many days he doesn’t feel well at all. I have watched as this family has walked this road together. It was been difficult to say the least. However, God is our sustaining force thru it all. My mother in law is one of the strongest women I know but I don’t think she knows just how strong she is…I know God is the one who has carried her thru but still I hope someday she sees her strength.

We lost our sweet Maw Maw this year…I’ve started walking the past 3 months and as I walk past her house I can still see her sitting on that porch swing…. Saying…can you come sit with me and visit for a bit…Oh how wish I could now…but I know she is in the presence of our Lord…that picture brings me…joy…not comfort…just pure JOY…her first Christmas with her Savior…WOW!!!! Enough said there!

Scott and I are doing well this year I think. He works all he can and I am babysitting. God has taught us many things this year…it has been a hard year to know that there is nothing we can do to fix the pain our loved ones have had to endure…but attempt to be there for them and pray for them. This year we have both had to learn that our parenting days as we have known them are over and we don’t really like that! We are praying next year we will continue to serve the Lord together to the best of our ability…in January we will be married 30 years…and as I look back over those years…the good and the bad…I stand amazed…at just what God can do…I look at the man I’ve shared my life with…and I think this is true about both relationships, Scott loved the Lord when we got married and he loved me when we got married…I’ve witnessed a man fall deeply IN love with His Lord and Savior…and thru that he is in love with me too! I hope we all know what a miracle life is!

We love you all and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Scott and Lori

Life

Can I just say that it has been a long month in the Griffith household! We had to say see ya later to our sweet Maw Maw. I won't say goodbye or that we lost her because I will see her again and I know exactly where she is! She is sitting at the feet of our Lord...praising Him! It makes me smile to think of that. But still, we will miss her. I thought just the other day of a question I would have liked to ask her...Her funeral was beautiful. One of the sweetest I've ever attended with lots and lots of sweet words about a very special lady who touched not only her family for many generations, but who also touched her community!

I have been dealing with the Lord on a matter that I just can't seem to make public but a struggle He has convicted my heart about for years now. I feel very defeated in this area of my life. I so want victory in it so that I can scream to the world...I FINALLY beat this one...only thru JESUS...Him and Him alone.

Scott and I have also, as I've said in earlier posts, heard lots of messages this summer and even up to today about doing life with people. Pouring into their lives. I've known for many years now that God had a call on our lives together. I dreamed and searched for the vision for years. Thinking it would be a fulltime position or something "bigger" than Jane MO...do you know what I've learned...it IS big when God calls you...no matter the place you are called to serve. For some God does allow them to be paid staff positions...but for MOST of us...we are the lay people...with a call also...to serve and volunteer and love and pour ourselves into the lives of others...it has taken God a long time to get this thru my hard head but I get it and I'm honored to serve Him anywhere but most especially in Jane MO at Emmanuel Baptist Church...for HIS glory.

The holidays are coming upon us fast and I'm so looking forward to the Ball family coming home...I miss them so much lately...maybe because another one is on the way and I'm not there to see the tummy progress! I must admit I'm missing my baby girl as well...the emptiness of her room has gotten to me the last few weeks. But I'm thankful for 3 fine son in laws who all love my daughters the way Christ loves the church.

...Before you go...

Before you go there are somethings I want you to know. You have inspired me! You have taught me so many things over the years. You have loved me and accepted me and forgiven me over the years and for that I will always be grateful. You have been a woman of joy and grace, a woman that has lived out faith before me.

You loved my kids and started for first 3 of them out on their first Bible Stories. I think their love for Jesus may very well have started setting at your feet in Sunday School.

Because of you I can make apple butter, jelly, canned tomatoes, canned green beans and can even short of make a baby quilt now.

I'll always remember you when Scott gets stressed and says, "Well Sugar", or when my grand kids ask for a cookie from the cookie jar and when I think of heaven.

I pray in these last days and hours you know just how loved you and the legacy of love and godliness you leave behind in each of us.

I just had to say it before you go. I love you Maw maw

Weddings, babies and the future...

I have put off a post about my baby's wedding...I can't really say why. It has been a very odd feeling...her getting married and leaving the nest...I'm still not sure I'll find the words to express the emotions that I've had...she was the last of my girls to be home with me...and I believe we are great friends...I miss giggling with her at night...talking about the Lord with her...and watching her excitment for life in general...while I miss those things that I hold very dear to my heart...it is as if...this has been her destiny all along and so her being with Thomas is a very natural thing...I've shed no tears...(not that I haven't thought about it)...I look forward to their future together...does it sound crazy to say this feels like wearing a comfortable pair of warm socks...it just is...and is suppose to be...

Cassie called last week and shared the news with us that we will be grandparents again in May...this will be #4 for them....and before anyone says WOW to me...remember I also have 4...it is a great number...that way there doesn't have to be a middle child (Yeah for Landy!!!) I look forward to this one as much as I did for Ayden...the first one...already wondering what it will be...who it will look like...and praying it will act like Cassie...cause the others  sure don't!!!! What this one will do for the Lord...you know all the important questions...

This morning...thank YOU LORD!

This morning was great...I got to sleep in a bit...go for a walk..and then it was time to finish the housework I SHOULD have finished yesterday...but I was home alone and decided to be lazy just a little bit longer....so I did...and I got to see the most wonderful sight I could have imagined...my sweet father-in-law on his tractor...this is a picture of him...

Why is that such a big deal...we are rapidly approaching Oct...which will be the make of one year...that expect for a few dr appointments Willie was not able to leave the farm...or ride the 4 wheeler or the tractor...his was in so much pain...with no answers for such a long long time...we prayed for answers that simply seemed to not come as we watched him...get weaker and weaker and more discouraged by the day...Christmas came with such a odd "feeling" with the Griffith family last year...a feeling we didn't or don't really discuss...but one that we were very much afraid of....then the week following Christmas came the diagnosis of cancer...such a scary word...and many months of watching poppa fight and yet seem so defeat...but the strength that Linda...prayed over him...and willed into him...was amazing to watch...she said during this time..."I'm the mouth of this family but his is the glue...I think she sells herself short just a tad!...I think maybe out of the that mouth comes a little glue too!!!!

As, over all, a family who knows the Lord, we would agree that we understand that when we pray...asking God to heal people...that HE always hears...and He always heals...just sometimes not the way we, in our flesh desire...but He hears just the same...for the healing HE has brought our poppa's way we are so thankful...as Christmas approaches as again this year for the Griffith family...I believe there will be another "feeling"...a feeling of gratitude...of thankfulness...and I pray a feeling of "awe" and praise for the Lord..and his mercies that are new every morning...and for THIS morning and the the sight I got to see...THANK YOU LORD!

A Trip to St. Louis

We took our students on a mission trip to St. Louis. The trip is an arm of Global Encounter Ministries and is an amazing opportunity for students and adults alike. The Griffith household would highly recommend this trip. The students have to opportunity to be on mission for the Lord as well as setting under some very intense and intentional teaching for a week.

We have witnessed out students change a great deal this week. I believe with all my heart most of them are ready to move to another level with the Lord. It is such an honor to watch God move in the lives of our young people. I'm so thankful that I get to share in their lives. They don't know it but they teach me way more than I could ever teach them!

We worked in North St. Louis at Joshua Generation. We had about 32 kids on Monday but on the 2nd day we doubled that number. We had a few challenges as did every ministry site that week but we had an amazing week...witnessing 8 students coming to know the Lord. We also made new friends, and was able to love on children that desperately needed someone to love them, hug them and tell them how valuable they are to this world! Jesus Christ died for them and desires to have a relationship with them. Our students, I know, can each one close their eyes and still see the face of those kids...and the face of the one that touched their individual heart!

Our students shared Sunday night at our home church...such a BLESSING! Teenagers are so real and not afraid, like we adults, to be vulnerable and honest...if you missed this night you missed witnessing the evidence of God and His power in the lives of the students He has blessed Emmanual with!

God has been teaching me personally many things in the last several months. Our Pastor has been preaching thru the book of Hebrews...and God has used that book in a great way in my life. Then we go to St. Louis and the teaching was also very...what word would I use...impacting! Life changing...I'm learning more and more every year I live that God's word is put out there...we can learn or we can not...but if I choose not to hear...I stop with the Lord...been there done that and don't want that again...

just a few lessons I've learned:
-people won't care about the Gospel if they think we don't care about them
-we are to be the fragrance of Jesus Christ
-are those dear to me...the Christian subculture or the lost?
-I must have compassion...not just on Sunday...Christ was moved with compassion
-hospitality...give up for others...we must do life with people...we must!
-we must meet them on their truff...not on ours!
-reputation...people "hear" our talk but they "see" our walk everyday...what reputation in the community do I have...what reputations does our church have? Are we meeting needs in our community?
-it's not about the numbers...if we can't care about the 1 we don't care about the many!
-am I really hungry for the Lord?
-how long has it been since I've said I'm running hard after God?
-Is going to be about Him or me...I'm the one who makes that choice
IF I'M NEVER HUNGRY FOR GOD THAT SHOULD TELL ME SOMETHING!
-stop pursing religion and start pursing Jesus Christ
-so many of us desire the "power" of the resurrection but we do not want to experience death to self in Christ!
-Jesus requires my life...NOT sunday services, a mission trip, hands raised in worship...my life!
-IF YOU LOVE ME YOU WILL OBEY ME....Christ has spoken to me...will I obey or will I not...

So much to digest in a short week...God has spoken and I'm ready...whatever that means..I'm not gonna lie...I'm excited and I'm scared...but I'm ready

Another couple of Birthday's...

I usually write something for the birthday people in my life on their birthday but as usual I'm a little behind...trying to find the words from my heart this year...

Scott and Michael shared another birthday on the 23rd. Michael is an amazing young man. In the past year he has graduated college, run the farm thru the winter and started his first "grown up" job. (started to write adult...afraid someone would question what "kind" of adult..hehehehe). His grandfather was diagnoised with cancer this winter just after he graduated. He had planned to then start a new job but was needed on the farm. With all the kids taking turns at the hospital with Willie and Linda...Michael was truly a God send to the family...knowing the cows were feed, ice on the ponds broken and any other odd jobs needed. I don't know what we would have done with out him and I can't remember if we told him thank you and we are so proud of you for the sacrifice you gave during those months. As his family, we tease him so much about being "tight" but it is a good thing because he had saved and during the winter he was still able to pay his bills.

So to you Michael, I'm so proud to call you my son. Thank you for all you do for me...and thank you for the song you wrote me for Mother's Day this year...you know why it meant so much to me...but right back at you....YOU ARE LOVED!

For my sweet husband WHO IS 49 this year! I love you so much! I remember thinking when we were dating and first married...we'd never be old...but if we were...we'd be wise...NOT...this to has been a challenging year for him...work is slow but steady...I've watched him choose to trust God on a whole new level this year with his father's illness...we've been lucky for the most part as a family to not have to face alot of serious illness...and this is the first so close for Scott...and again...his faith...has pushed him thru...those days I saw him...scared...worried...not sure what to say...he would trust in the Lord...praying faithfully for not only Willie's healing but his ability to fight this worrible disease mentally...

I an say one thing for sure...we as a family...have learned to appreciate each other even more this year...and the friends and the community around us...so to Scott and Michael I don't want it to go unsaid...I love you both and I APPRECIATE you both so much! While you butt heads most days about the way to do something or make something or fix something...you share so many of the same qualities...you both love very deeply...you both have such a sense of protecting or caring for those close to you...you both have an incredible work ethic...and you both love the Lord with a passion....happy birthday to 2 of my most favorite men!

Revival Week

Our revival has offically started this week, however, I would say God has been speaking to His people in a new a fresh way for several weeks...or atleast He has been to me...I'm learning to see Him in a new, fresh way...I remember being saved so many, many years ago...then I remember 16 years ago people teaching me what it means to have that personal...daily walk with Him, you know the one where you ask His opinions on everything, every decision...honestly I must confess for the first 5 years of my salvation experience I feel cheated...but all glory to the Lord...He sent people into our lives to teach us more about Him...and now...He is doing this again...new revelations! I amazes me that the created of all...would desire us to know and understand Him more...but He does...not for us..but for HIS glory...so that our lives will not be good...but will attest to who He is... It has been a long hard winter...in many ways for me and I know others this year...I don't just mean physcially but emotionally and spiritually as well...and it is as if the Lord Himself has reached down from Heaven, raised my chin...said look at me my child...look at me...I pray I will stop being like the apostle Paul...looking at the waves crashing around me but will be faithful to look to the One who controls the waves... Join us at Emmauel Baptist Church...the revival services begin at 6:30 tonight and tomorrow...Sunday, sunday school is at 9:30 and morning services are at 10:45...a year ago I would have said come, give Jesus a try but no more can I say that...the blessed truth is we believe Him or we don't but He is there...come

Heather...happy b-day today!

Sis,

I'm so glad to spend the day with you today! I love the person you are and the friendship and bond we share as mother/daughter/friend. I hope today is so special today and you will know how loved and cherished you are!

I love you watch you love Jesus and share Him with the twins...and can't wait to see what He has in store for you this next year! I know it will be an adventure because that is what our life with Jesus is! Lifes GREAT adventure!

I pray a blessing on you, know I love you more than I can express, I'm so thankful that God gave you to me....to allow my life to be touch by such an amazing young woman!

I love ya!....mom

it's coming...really it is!

WOW! 2011 will be a year to remember...the snow has been unbelieveable...the long winter ugh...and the struggles we as a family have faced are some of the hardest to date...I find myself very quiet...very withdrawn...not knowing what to think or what to do...spending much time in prayer seeking God's comfort, advice and grace to face each new challenge that is tossed our way...I continue to be amazed how God cares for us...thru all areas in our lives...How people make in thru this life and thru difficult times without the Lord in their lives...I will never understand.

If you know me well at all you know spring is my favorite time of the year...after a long hard cold bitter winter...life returns...things begin to bloom and we see evidence of hope reborn...this spring will be even more a picture of that as life has felt like this long winter as well...the sun is shining bright this morning and it is cool and crisp in the air but it looks like a fresh new spring morning...

We all have our struggles to deal with...some feel much heavier than others, and while in our individual eyes this may seem true we must not compare our struggles...balancing them on scales to see which is the heaviest and hardest to bare...they are all hard to the person struggling thru them...we should, rather, encourage one another on, pray for each other...understand we can't fix it for each other...(that is so hard for me!)...and point one another to the author and perfector of our faith.

I, by the grace of God, get to go to Florida next week for a visit with my girl and her sweet boys(yes that means the little ones and the big one)...I'm so ready to see them...I hope we do nothing but just enjoy the stuffing out of each other! To see my grandbabies...reaching for me...hollering Grammy out to me is just a joy and a blessing...Rylee and Caleb get to do this several times a week and Ayden, Landon and Camden, while it isn't the same, are just a phone call away...Landy called this week to share exciting potty news with Grammy!!!! My kids and my grandbabies are the spring to my life...the hard winter of my past, my mistakes have a new a fresh beginning with my future generations...I pray they learn from my mistakes, they love Jesus with all that they have within themselves and they serve Him for the rest of their days!

One last thing, last night in youth class, I really just wanted to run...I thought class was going to be really tough...we had 29 students last night...and while they were loud... they are really great kids...we have one that is working on writing a song...no words yet but he played his guitar for us...amazing...then the girls lead us in a song of praise...we prayed...asked God to take over...and you know what...HE DID! The Lord had a great lesson for us all...about the different areas...or rooms if you will of our heart...He wants access and control over them all..but if we are honest we have secret hidding places we don't want to give up or reveal...Lord break my heart wide open for YOU!!!

Snow Days...

Well, it is a very pretty and very snowy day here in SW Missouri! We got up to a blanket of snow this morning much to Michaels delight...he has always loved it to snow...and while I will admit that I miss my Florida boys this morning and wish so much they could come and play in the snow with us...I miss having my 4 kiddos home with me...when I was many years younger...getting them all bundled up to go out and play...riding behind poppa or their daddy on the tractor...lots of cousins over...hot cocoa at grandmas...and stew...according to my kids...LOTS of stew...stew for WEEKS...keeping it cool on the porch in the snow...makes me smile at such sweet memories!

I pray today is a blessed day for you...if you are here...you are safe as you travel out and about...I'm thankful for the Lord, for my husband, for by grandbabies...that all just absolutely melt my heart...but today...I'm thankful so much for Cassie, Heather, Michael, Katie...and I cannot forget that I'm also very thankful for my sweet Amy Lynn...and Gastao...I love you all!

New Year, New challenges

Well 2011 is well into swing and with it changes and challenges are ahead for us just as they are for every person reading this post. We have so much to be thankful for as the New Year begins. We have already celebrated 4 birthdays this year! Cassie and Ayden's birthdays are the first week of January...Cassie probably doesn't want me to discuss her age on here so we will just say that she is a beautiful woman, wife, momma and daughter and I am constantly amazed at the growth I see in her life...in her walk with the Lord.

Ayden is 5 years old! It seems like yesterday they were telling us we'd be grandparents for the first time and now he is so big...and changing too! He is the oldest of 3 in his family and the oldest of our 5 grandbabies...he is a funny little boy...I have so many regrets with Michael as he grew up...so little patiences with him...if I'd only known then what I know now and I could see who short that time really was...well Ayden reminds me alot of Michael and so I can see...he is just a little boy with a funny personality...he likes to trick you and he likes to love on you...he will start Kindergarten this year and life will be different for sure! I pray sometime soon we get to hear from him that he has asked Jesus into his heart...I know that seems young but he has always been taught of the love the Lord has for him...so it may be soon and it may not but there will be a party in heaven and one in Missour whenever that time comes!

Finally we celebrated Rylee and Caleb's 2nd birthdays this past Saturday! They have changed so much this year also...Heather made us a video of the last year and I see them every day so I dont' realize the changes until I can stand back and look from the distance...they are funny little ones too becoming more and more their own..very indepentant individuals! Caleb's is usually more loving than Rylee and she tries to be the clown..trying to get a laugh!

Scott's dad, Willie, has be diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma which is a cancer of the blood plasma. It affects his bones. He has been in a great deal of pain. However, the Drs. in Little Rock are working on getting the pain under control and while it isn't gone it is much better at this point. He has not started his chemo yet but we are hoping they will begin at the end of this week. This has been a very trying and difficult time for the entire family. For Scott's parents, his siblings and their families...our children...very hard and yet...God has His fingerprints all over the entire thing! He has amazed us over and over...bringing people into Willie and Linda's path that are obvious believers...providing for their needs...He never ceases to amaze us!

Yesterday He humbled Scott and I so much...our church family took up a love offering for us b/c of the work Scott has missed while in Little Rock with his dad...sometime ago I think we would have been embarrassed but no more...we were humbled...by God's provision and His love...and the love of that little church on one of the hills of McDonald County...that church has been our family from the very beginning...I'm overwhelmed even today when I think of this unfailing love..from the people and from the Lord...

I pray you have this in your life as well...if you don't call me...I'd love to share it with you!

Please continue to pray for Willie as he has a huge battle ahead of him...but it is a battle he will not fight alone!

Cassie

To my oldest happy birthday today! I've never celebrated your birthday that I don't think about the hours you and I had after everyone went home for some much needed sleep since you decided to arrive in the wee hours of the morning...just you and me...I unwrapped you and was amazed that something so perfect and beautiful could be mine! Today is no exception!

How I wish I could spend the day with you but know you are in the foremost part of my mind today! You amaze me at the person you are today! You are an amazing wife, mom, friend and daughter. A woman who runs hard and fast after Jesus Christ. Although you are a beauty on the outside...that is what makes you beautiful on the in side.

There are many things I wish I could do over...however, the lessons I had to learn have helped to mold you into the person you are...things you KNOW not to do!

I know the past few years have been hard but I have watched you grow so much thru this new life in Christ! I love you beyond words and I'm so proud of you! You leave me speechless in your faith, trust and hope! I pray a blessing on you today my sweet, sweet girl!