Pollard News!

Busy, busy, busy, what can I say? Ali has gymnastics camp, two back to back and Elijah has swimming lessons, his final one, and baseball camp coming up. We have been to two Vacation Bible Schools as well. The family went to Myrtle Beach for a week the first week of July! Myrtle Beach was so much fun, one hundred yards from the beach, it was nice to get up every morning and take the Ipad down there and veg out!

Anthony is working hard of course, to pay for all these activities! We are all doing well.

Talk soon.
Traci

Sometimes You Just Wonder....

With the swirl in the news surrounding Whitney Houston's death, you can't help think I wonder if all the people that are coming out of the wood works now after she is gone, were there to support her when she was at the height of her addiction. I know first hand that addiction is a dangerous, isolating, lonely place to be in. It is past the "social" status of when you used to get high with your friends, as a "social" event if I may. No, when your addicted to something, it is hardly a time to be social, your supply is limited enough for you, much less sharing with someone else. The old saying, "One pill is too many, but a thousand is never enough." Your at peace now, Whitney, see you on the other side.

Such a Peaceful Place!

I am in such a good place right now, and I know it is because of my walk with Jesus! Before, I was always frustrated, sad for no apparent reason, and since I have committed my life to the Lord, it is amazing! I am happy, and with so much peace in my soul! The fears that I have, are being dealt with and eliminated one by one! It was so easy to obtain this lifestyle. God loves us so much, and with repentance it is available to anyone who believe that He is, who He says He is! If you don't know Jesus, I would love to pray with you, introduce Him to you! You can email me privately, pollardtl@cox.net.

I have so much to share about Him.

In His Love,
Traci

This is Ridiculous....

You know this is absolutely crazy, it has been ten years since Daniel passed away. I have learned to accept and deal with that. He is gone, and I must move on for that's what he would have wanted anyway. The ridiculous part is every time Elijah leaves the house, I almost fall apart, sometimes I do. I know that I have said I give it all to God, and that if it is his time, its his time. I don't know why I have such a fear about him leaving me. I probably need counseling or a  big kick in the butt. Either way I have to get over this fear! The craziest part is if something, God forbid did happen, and I was with him I could handle that better. I guess I just watched my mom go through such torment, even to this day, she has and never will be the same! Daniel was only 25, he had so much to live for! But that's another story....
Peace!

Do You Fear Dying?

This was on my mind today, and I thought about it. Do you have an unnatural fear about dying? I think about it more now that I am getting older, most certainly. I don't think that my thoughts are unnatural, for we all come to terms that death is a natural part of life. I think more along the lines of how it will affect the lives of those left behind. Dying is the easy part. Sometimes my thoughts about something happening to one of my kids could be alittle out there, I think, after losing my brother at such an early age, compounded with my fear of "not trusting this crazy world". I don't know what else to say about that one, I can take that one over to the OCD level. I have to be careful with that one. The Bible tells us not to fear death, and I know the end result of the journey is worth it. We are not of this world, or from this world, so we don't expect to stay in this world.

I guess I have always been that way with my children. I have only meant to protect them and shelter them. Having grown up with a family of law enforcement, reality about the dangers of this world were real! Real stories,. real victims, real crime scenes... something you don't easily forget. It doesn't help either when you are street smart, and know what time it is.

I need to give this to God, I can't control it, and I can take responsibility for my role in this scenario. I can continuously pray for their safety, wisdom, strength and guidance, and above all else, the Intelligence to know to whom to go to when the troubles come, God.... for they are coming.

One of the greatest gifts that I was ever told that is this, "We as Christians have the power given to us by Jesus Christ our Lord to command the enemy to flee from us! He must flee! Oh trust me, He will be back, but you have that power!

Penny for your thoughts.
Peace

It has been so long...

I can't believe how times flys, and the fact that I havent written in so long. So much is happening, I think too much. Yesterday I woke up and had tightness in my chest, and my blood pressure went up to 160/90 which is crazy, especially when my blood pressure is realy low, like 110 over whatever. Too much doing, I am PTA President at the Middle School, Vice President at the Elementary School, running five days a week between soccer and karate, as well as track, so I am tired. I can't forget that I am a full time student at Liberty University, no wonder I am struggling. I know I have to let something go.

The kids are all doing great, Alexis is in 7th grade already and Ej is in 3rd! No more babies thats for sure. They both excel at school which is a good thing.

Please check out my other blogs, they need viewers and I would love for you to follow. http://thewordasilearnit.blogspot.com and http://eyesofareader.blogspot.com .

Guess that is all for now.
Peace,
Traci

Alexis Medical Explorers Camp

Just Plain Fun.....

What If?

I just was having a passing thought that I am so blessed to know of Jesus. What if I lived in a country that didn't even know he was, or worse yet, knew who he was, and forbid us to love him? I can't imagine not having the freedom to read my Bible, and sadly, I must admit I was ashamed to read the Bible in public here in the US, for fear of what people would think?! Wow, who care's anyways? Those who give you a hard time about reading the Bible, are the one's we are commanded to share His Word with.

Now that I am a University student majoring in Biblical Studies, I must admit, I am missing something; something that I don't know how to obtain, but feel like God and I could be alot closer. Understand this, this is my fault. He is open, and willing, and standing there with His arms wide open. Is it satan holding me back, or is it me? Is it an addiction, or fear of having to do what my flesh doesn't want to do. Sounds to me like selfishness. It's funny it probably is selfishness, but I want so badly to have the relationship with Jesus. It sounds to me after reading this, that the problem is me, and what am I going to do about it. What if I change? I know I will have what I am looking for, love!
What If? What do you think?

US Government May Close Down

For the last couple of days I have been watching the news on this whole government shut-down. I had heard that the government had done this once before in 1995, although I don't remember for it did not affect me much apparently. This shut-down would be different, my husband is employed by the DOD, and although he has not been notified of a furlough yet, it is a possibility.

The message I am getting is that the dilemma is not over the actual monetary budget, but the issue on whether or not the government will continue to federally support Planned Parenthood. Interestingly enough, the federal government has never funded abortions, but a program called Title 10. Title 10 is screening for cancer, mammograms, and other preventive procedures for women.

It will really be sad if the US stops paying the troops, especially those that are deployed in combat zones. Please pray for America, and that the Leadership makes good decisions.

I would like to share my other blog.

I started a blog for all the book reviews that I do, and I would like your opinion. Please let me know what you think of it. http://eyesofareader.blogspot.com/. Your opinion is important to me, so please review. Thanks so much

Blessings of Life

Today is a very special day for my family, not only is it Valentines Day, but it is also my husband's and I anniversary. Another year for us growing as a family, this holds very special to me, as we live in a world where family is devalued, and dysfunction is of the norm! It seems with each passing generation, the existence of a two family home is a term not understood by most. While we are in no way a perfect family, we work very hard to show each other love, devotion, and appreciation.

I believe that our marriage is even more glorified, when we have God's blessing! He is still our biggest encourager when thinks sometimes "feel"easier, to go apart, than to stand up and fight for the family.I can't say that building a life and family foundation with someone is easy, but I do know that with God first, and two parties willing to put the investment and work in, its an absolutely amazing journey!

Take today to tell you loved one, how special they are, and how much you love them, not just today because its Valentine's Day, but because you have been given the greatest gift of all from God above, the gift of time, another day!


Peace and Blessings!

Alexis Suffered Her First Dog Bite!

I don't think that childhood would be the same if you hadn't suffered some sort of animal bite. Cat, Dog, bird something. Yesterday Alexis suffered hers! She and her Best Friend were outside playing when the dog approached growling, so the girls took off running! Needless to say, that probably made the dog more excited and he jumped on her, knocked her down, and bit her is three different places!

I really don't know which is worse, looking at Alexis all banged up, or telling her Daddy what had happened. I think the Daddy part was the worse! I am so thankful that the dog did not attack her face, for I would have been bailing him out of Jail! Happy to report that the owner, and the dog are still among the living!

Surprisingly, the dog was a Collie and some other mix. It must have been the other mix that engaged the dogs, for I know Collie's are one of the most docile, sweet dogs on the planet!

Thank Goodness that she has the love for little dogs, especially now, so that she will not be warped about the nature of dogs. I explained to her that animals have their own personalities, and likes and dislikes, so for what ever reason, this dog did not like Alexis.

I remember when Katelyn was a baby, my mother's Rottweiler hated Katelyn! We never let that dog anywhere near her, for the time he jumped at her through the glass of the sliding glass door, was enough for me!

Happy to report, no stitches, and the dog had all his shots including rabies, so no needles for Ali.

Did You Know You Can Download a Kindle Reader and Read the Books for Free?

I have a Kindle and absolutely LOVE it! I download books to it on a daily basis by going to Amazon. com and then search for the free Kindle Books. After I bought my kindle, I learned that you could download the reader on to your PC, Phone, IPAD all for nothing, So really I didn't have to buy a Kindle, even though I love the ability to take my Kindle with me.
 
My husband recently bought me an IPAD, which I love as well. I am able to access all my books on there too! To be honest, the normal paid price for a book on Kindle is around $9.99, but I have bought very little and have not spent much on books!

You can also access Google Books, as well for free. Google has a large selection of great books. If you go to search on your Kindle, you are able to access the Internet, and Kindle gives you your own email account with Kindle.

Just thought I would share.
Traci

The First Snow of the Year

Wow, it's actually snowing n Virginia. Very small, light snow, that of course is not sticking, but nevertheless, it's snow! I can't believe that we are winding down another year, time waits on no one, that's for sure. So many things I need to do, plans, goals, and objectives to be met! I do not want my desires of planning, goals, becoming extremely organized to fall on deaf ears, so I must be really diligent about making sure it happens, not doing like I usually do, and making a long list that sits in my planning book. We are leaving for the Bahama's on December 13th, yes I know, wow, perfect timing! A well needed break for everyone going! We invited my mother and Anthony's mother to go with us, my mom couldn't make it, but Anthony's mom is going!

I have started writing a book, moving very slowly, and letting the Holy Spirit lead me in direction and what to write, again, I need to be more focused and work on it daily. I feel so much better about myself when I am on task, and organized. I guess it is a little bit of OCD kicking in, but hey, whatever works!

Anthony wants to sell the house, and move in six months. That's all good, but actually that means, Traci will do all the preparations, like usual! Not complaining, I am blessed to have such a good husband who has the ability to make these dreams, true and factual, when he says he wants to do something, it will happen.

Well Kate is getting ready to come home for the holiday break, can't wait! Kody is turning 18 in 4 days! Wow I can't believe it!

Time to get out the Christmas cards, and in the mail, another one of my tasks on my list!

Until Next Time,
Peace

As you know, I am really into Genealogy, I have made up a blog just for that purpose. Please check it out and follow would be wonderful!
http://bowlingkinnections.com/

Healing the Spirit

     I was flipping through pages on the Internet, (yes, you can do that, lol) and typed in my brother's name to see what came up. I do have a couple websites in memory of him, but I pulled up a website, called Healing the Spirit.org http://www.healingthespirit.org/donor-listing.php#top

     Daniel was a donor after he died, and this list listed him, as well as so many others. Click the Link, and see what a humbling experience.

     Life is full of ups and down, but God said the storms will not last long! Trials come to make you strong, and I know that he will turn all the hurts, pain, and ugliness into something Good for his purpose.
I am hanging on to this promise, because otherwise I can't see it..... Dan RIP

 RT92URJS7H6V

This is a Blog Piece that I Wrote For Liberty University on "The Gospel."

"Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.' Matthew 7:21-23




In today's society perception is almost exclusive, what I mean is, a person can tell another person everything that they have ever read or heard about the bible, but if that person who is sharing the message, own lifestyle is less than desirable, then everything said about the message loses validity. Society perceives to be a "Christian" you must do certain things, routines, beliefs, customs or have particular traits to prove you are a Christian. Religion should I say, is often more important perception wise to the non-believer that the actual content of the message.



To be completely honest, it is sometimes difficult to teach and share the Word in the hateful, sinful, world that we live in. It is almost an Anti-Christ. I remember as a child, praying in school, and now people are afraid to acknowledge the truth, that God is who he says he is.



Some specific reasons that people reject the Christian gospel is as follows:



Abuse and misrepresentation of the churches and pastors/ church officials of authority. It is hard to send in your money, or support the church, when the Pastor has been sentenced to prison for tax evasion. This is more common than not, and it takes away from the true message, that God is Good, and HE is love



Science, simply biology for example. A child is taught of evolution, and Dinosaurs not the Adam and Eve Story, and Genesis, How God created the World in seven days.



Fear, or denial of the truth, people are "turned off" by the "Your going to Hell theory," Society today is a "me, me," society, and the thought of having to follow certain doctrine is denied by many. It is often construed of the Bible to be somewhat sexist, the misunderstanding of what roles woman played in the Bible for example.



Christians can help address these objections and better communicate the Christian gospel by setting a good example for a non-believer. Show him/her by example, how to live a Godly Lifestyle, share the truth's and promises that are for all people, in the Bible. When speaking to a person, make sure that what you are telling them is in line with what the Bible says. You are responsible to share the correct information with them. Honesty speaks heart, if you don't know the answer, say I don't know, let's find it together. Tell them about Jesus gift to all of us, and that Salvation is ours, if we ask for it. A lot of people, don't realize that they must ask for it.

Momology: A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids Book Review

     I love great books, and read a lot, so when I find a great book, I have to share! As a mom to five, I learned fairly early, that in order to have some sort of Peace, there had to be sort of order! I know this sounds militant, but really, with five kids you almost have to be, organizational wise that is.....The author breaks down her book in sections, using practical examples and experience on mastering "momhood". The author starts with the key term "resilience" and teaching our children that no matter what the situation is, or circumstances are that they are still "good" even when bad things happen. Secondly, that children are taught through self-awareness that they are important and valuable to someone who cares for them, and third, that there is meaning to life that is bigger, and greater than we, and now.

     The author, Shelly Radic shares that the core to being a great mom starts within us, sharing idea's for how to get to know ourselves, realizing and working with our strengths and weaknesses, taking the finesse to "fine tune" ourselves so that we can build our child.

     A big section of the book is entitled "Circles" regarding building a support system of other's around us, networking, building good and healthy girlfriends, continuing on throughout life with our husbands.
Shelly Radic is witty, funny, and uses practical examples dealing with "real issues". Her book is easy to read, and suited for all ages and stages of women.

TSN85HBPA7DG

Saturday Morning Quiet Time

     It's Quiet in our house, got my oils from Bath and Body Works burning, everyone is still asleep, except for the dog and I. I am sitting by the fireplace, (Yes, it is 36 degree's here) thinking today will be a pajama day! We all rented movies last night from Blockbuster, so we are squared away! May put on the fuzzy socks to do my homework later, but for now just wanted to write down my thoughts. It's funny to re-read this, and see the key words, fireplace, fuzzy socks, oil's burning, and my computer (writing)... for these are my "comforts", things that make me feel good inside! lol.... It is funny but I have passed these traditions on down to my girls, got we will grab a fuzzy blanket, socks, books, and something smelling good in a minute! Sometimes, it's the simple things in life that bring you the most comfort!

     I shared with you a few days ago, that I had a "visit" from my grandmother in my dreams! She is in Heaven, so our "visits" are few and far between, but I love those dreams that are so real, you actually have to think about, "Did this just happen?", or am I still dreaming. These are the dreams that you don't want to end. I think I have had one "visit" with Daniel since he has been gone, hoping to have more!

     Today I was thinking about my grandfather, "Papaw." Papaw was such a kind, patient man, who loved to just sit and talk, about each and everything we could think of! It's funny, I have had so many, many good memories of him. I still get that warm and fuzzy when I think of him, and how much I miss him! God is good, and I know that one day I will see him again, and have another talk! lol. He loved talking about John F Kennedy, when he was President, the books he read (mainly Louis L'Amour), cooking, and a vast of so many things. I miss his kind and gentle soul. I was so blessed as a child, I had great grandparents, and a wonderful relationship with them, I was even blessed with two sets of people, who took on the role of a grandparents, so I had "extras". I wish so much that my kids had that opportunity.

To wrap this up, I wanted to share a song that I love, it brings back a lot of good memories, and the questions asked in the song, is what I wonder (and wish) for today.

Enjoy~

Surreal Thoughts this Morning

     It has been a long month, first Ej turned 8 years old! This along with other things, has been difficult for me. Lately for me, life has been stirring rapidly. This month alone I personally knew of two births of new babies, and received the word that two people's life would be ending, according to God's Will. It's funny, there is no question about the babies birth, a time for joy, new love, and new opportunities for growth; but what about the two lives that are slowing down. A dear 92 year old woman, as expected, is ready to go home. Who can question that? I mean 92 years, I know she has seen a lot. My Godmother on the other hand is more troublesome for me. She is a little older than my mom, and has suffered many years with Congestive Heart Failure. Her .family has been gathered all week around her, spending every second that you can possibly get with your loved one. One minute her pulse is weak, and it is expected any moment that she will go, and later on that evening she has enough strength to ask her son to watch the television news. The very next day, she gets up and goes to the doctor, and now her family reports that she is in a confusion when she speaks, one minute making sense, and the other minute, talking about her conversation with her deceased parents. I think that has been one of God's greatest gifts to this family, one more opportunity with their momma, his wife, their sibling and friend. How in the world do you get ready to say good-bye to your momma? Worse yet, how do you prepare to say good-bye to your child, like my mother had to do? Getting old, is freaking me out. I think its not so much as the actual event of death that I am afraid of, its for the one's left behind. I know how devastating it is to lose someone.

     Lately, I have realized my kid's are growing up so fast. I logically understand that at the age of eleven and eight years old, they are still babies in terms of experience in this world. It is my job to protect them, love them, and bring them up safely without the trauma, that we adults spend the rest of our lives in therapy trying to get over. It is equally heart-wrenching to see your young adult children, struggle to figure out who they are, and what they want to be when they grow up. You want to make so many safe decisions for them, but somehow through it all, you find the strength to sometimes let them make their own mistakes.

     This morning I did something a little different with Elijah, I took the opportunity to "snuggle with him", and watched him sleep. Just quiet time, that we are so often in a hurry and miss. Rushing to get them up and ready to go somewhere, but today I didn't care, It was our time... didn't even matter if he was late for school, we had good quality time together. Oh, and by the way, he was still on time! lol....

It's amazing that I believe before forty years of age, life is/and was one big rush! Having children young, you never took the time to just enjoy them, it was always reaching from one goal to another. I remember watching my grandmother just sit and watch.... taking in every second of the situation that she had. Growing up, I always loved sitting and talking with older folks, and listening to their stories... it was those moments, that they had the opportunity to share with me, their "quiet moments" of life........

I take each day given to me and my loved one's on a whole new level, I just wanted to share my thoughts with you friends.

Peace