Tag Archives: Family

December 25, 2016 · 4:14 pm

I hate wet socks!

What do wet socks have to do with CHRISTmas? Well, a lot in our world. 🙂 God used a single wet sock to start the trail of details that showed us He is with us and cares about the small details of our lives! 🙂

It all started this morning before we were about to do our small Christmas. Cleo – our calico kitty – played the part of the kids. She started pawing at our door when she thought it was time for us to mosey out of bed. We abided. Once up, we needed coffee. Our simple routine kicked into gear. Mike made the coffee and I threw Christmas cinnamon rolls in the oven. It was at this point I decided we needed festive Christmas music. My wireless speaker was in the the garage in my car. So off to the garage I trot so we can open presents. Mike is so excited. He can’t wait for me to open my gifts. 🙂

This is when the story really started – I stepped in water that had pooled from the rain off the car and hence the wet sock. Something had to be done! The sock came off and I walked back inside headed for the bedroom to get another sock. I hate WET socks!

Mike stopped me and would not let me get another sock. I argued I need a sock – one foot is bare and cold. No! He wanted me to sit down and open one of my presents. So I humored him – so I could get my sock! As I ripped the paper I notice one of my old shoe boxes…hmmmm. Then to my surprise I found a new pair of house shoes…with SOFT material! (I am a texture person – so I LOVE the fuzzy stuff!)

The wet sock opened the door for this perfect gift! Mike noticed I am always in socks or flip flops and didn’t have any house shoes! Love it! (But, inside I was a little curious why he was so excited about this gift – because he didn’t know I was going to have a wet sock! But, God did!)

My new feet warmers – I already have great leg warmers!

So, now that I was thinking…hmmmmm…that is the gift he is so excited about – he grabs another one. As he tries to hand it to me I run outside to take a photo of the sunrise. (Photography is the one thing I LOVE – and wish I made more time for it.) Mike is curious about what I am doing – but he figures it out! (Because I run outside and take photos – A LOT!)

In I come and he hands me the gift. I soon find out that this is the one he is so excited about! This gift is small but heavy. As I am holding it I am thinking “it is really small but I bet he added weight to the box.” 😉 Ripping the paper open I see a Nikon box. I say “Is this a camera?…No, this isn’t a camera….Is this really a camera?…Noooo…this can’t be a camera!” But guess what? It was a CAMERA! God is that good. He paved the way yet again for a PERFECT open door to my next gift. I had just stepped outside to take a picture with my phone and now I am opening a camera that my phone can’t hold a candle to….wow!

Needless to say – I LOVE IT and I am soooo excited to get busy taking photographs!!!! (Those will come soon – we are making some adjustments to the new purchase!)

Not the camera – just a representation of THE camera!

Now it was Mike’s turn to open a gift. But, he was so excited about my camera he wanted to research more on it. I stopped him. He only had one more gift. He persisted in doing research. I said – stop, open this gift. So, he did. 🙂 And God once again had paved the way – it was a photo I took years ago of the old barn put on a canvas.

fullsizerender-5

So in God’s amazing fashion He showed us how He truly cares about the details. On this day we celebrate Jesus’s birth – a detail that created eternity for us all – He shows up in the simple things. He does it daily but most of the time we forget to look for Him.

Mike and I looked at each other as he opened the canvas and were in awe of how God had made His presence known in our simple Christmas at home – just the two of us. He confirmed that the ultimate present of His son was a detail we will forever be grateful.

This season has proven to many that life is short and we only have one to live. God sent Jesus on this day thousands of years ago to save us – a small, yet eternal detail we can not ignore. All we have to do is add the detail of belief!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3.16

“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”

Romans 10:9

With all of this being said – I hope you have some wet sock moments where you are able to see the hand of God in every detail of your life! He is there. He cares. He wants to be a detail in your life – He will if only you believe!

Merry CHRISTmas! Trish

The Return…

This past weekend marked the return. The return to what? Well, a couple of things…a return to where my running days started many moons ago and the return to where running helped heal my soul. Though, to be honest – the return to my running roots was not the first thing on my mind – it was the return to reclaim the trails that healed my heart that surfaced first.

It all started several months ago when my running angels decided to run a half marathon in Missouri. Why Missouri? One of them has a sister who was running her first half marathon and she wanted to be there to support and encourage her.

Proverbs 27.17

As iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend.

A girl’s trip was in order. We were all excited. Then, I checked my graduate school calendar and realized I couldn’t go…I had class. Bummer! Needing the accountability, I knew I still wanted to train with them so I looked for a half marathon on another weekend. The Fayetteville Hero Half Marathon(FHHM) in Fayetteville, Arkansas fit the bill. It was the weekend after my friends’ half AND it was over my fall break. This meant traveling to my parents and enjoying quality time with them along with the run. Yay! I registered and started training.

The FHHM is a run to honor the fallen heroes of 9/11 and the local heroes that are our first responders today. Throughout the weeks and months before the FHHM would post inspirational messages on their Instagram and Facebook pages. One day they posted a message asking who our hero was and why. They were going to draw from those who posted and give away one free entry. Well, I won. 🙂 This made the run even sweeter. Here was my entry:

As you can read, my hero is my mom. Life changed for all of us that year in 2013. We learned how to run new roads and tackle new challenges. As one of her caregivers for 2 1/2 months, I needed respite. I took to the roads of Northwest Arkansas to scream, pray, cry and recover from the emotional roller coaster ride I was on watching my mom, my hero, struggle so. These roads were my caregivers and I was coming back to reclaim them and thank them. That was my goal.

Mom made it through 2013 like the hero she is. She hasn’t stopped since. God blessed our family by allowing mom to keep on keeping on. What a true blessing!!!

The day before the race, dad, Mike, and I went to pick up my race packet in Fayetteville. This weekend just happened to be the Arkansas Razorback’s SEC home opener against Alabama. (I have to admit this was an incentive to come to Arkansas over fall break as well.) We decided to head to Fayetteville and do a little reminiscing along the way. Dad wanted me to drive by the house we lived in for a short time while I was 14-15 years old. We lived in Fayetteville during my freshman year in high school. Daddy was finishing his doctorate in Education at the University of Arkansas during this time.

As we drove the roads to the house, images came to my head of that first running day! I can see it like it was yesterday. I am not sure how many of us can remember the first day we stepped out on the roads…but I am so thankful I can. It hadn’t hit me until this drive. This is where God started my running journey. This is where He started writing the story that would include – Wheel of Fortune…Boston Qualifying attempts, failures and successes…Run for God Bible studies…Running Angels…Finding out who I am with and without Him…Respite runs…and I could go on and on! We were RETURNing to where it all started.

God does have a masterplan. He knows what He is doing even when we don’t see it.

Isaiah 46.10

I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’

He knew that over 32 years later I would be running the FHHM, reclaiming the roads by winning my age group…setting a half marathon PR…coming in as 7th overall woman – and that I would look back at where I started…at this mailbox!

(This is the where the Mailbox Story/Poem originated…and where the name for my blog came from.)

The Mailbox Story

“Just make it to the next mailbox,” a mom and dad would say

As they and their daughter were out running one day.

Both, knowing another mailbox lay ahead,

as she was ready to call it quits,

would push her to persevere instead.

With every mailbox successfully passed

She made the victory lap to home at last.

To this day the message is still very clear…

Struggles will come and go, as the mailboxes came and went

But in the end, the prize will be held dear for the endurance that was spent.

“Just make it to the next mailbox,” they would say.
What is your mailbox today?

Jeremiah 29.11-13

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

God story started an amazing story at this mailbox on this day so many years ago. He sees our potential before we do and uses His children to carry out His plan for His glory. He continues to show me through the ups and the downs of life He is God and He is the God of the impossible!

Ephesians 3.20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…

God blessed me with incredible parents – the best anyone could ask for…in my opinion! We continued our trip down memory lane once I picked up my race packet. We headed to the U of A to find daddy’s name in the sidewalk. The U of A has a unique tradition called the Senior Walk. Each graduating class since 1905 has had their names engraved in the sidewalks that stretch across the campus. It is a sight to see. We were off to find dad’s name and we did. We were returning once again…

The picture on the bottom right was Mike’s idea. It represents so much. I am in my dad’s shadow – he has cast a large one for us to follow. He has taught us(along with mom), the importance of loving the Lord first. They have paved the path for us in regards to education as well. They both are the reason I am continuing my education – which will wrap up on May 5, 2017…my wonderful husband’s birthday! I could probably write a whole blog using these photos…;)

The return to Northwest Arkansas has brought me full circle in several ways. God continues to go before and plan the way. He is out there with us every single day. Through the mountains and the valleys….like on the FHHM course….we will struggle but there will be a highlight along the way! The struggles will make us stronger. The highs will make us want to come back for more!

The journey through the half marathon race allowed me to reclaim the trails and renew the love for running that started so many years ago. It also allowed me to rejoice over those God has given me to be by my side through this journey. My pick-me-up during a tough or 3 tough spots on the race course was my dear husband who runs marathons of his own to find me as I run the races. He pushes me and encourages me with his presence and his words. This weekend of returning helped me see how precious he is to me and how he fits in my story so well – only God could do that! God knew I would need him in my life to keep on keeping on! 😉

Deuteronomy 31.8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

God will never leave us and He goes before us. This weekend of returns will forever be etched in my heart. It is a story of God’s faithfulness to one of His own who in no way deserves the mercy and grace He has given. God is so very good. He is helping us write our story before we ever get to the next mailbox. He wants us to continue to persevere and make it through to the other side – He is waiting – His glory and story to be displayed.

Hebrews 12.1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

RACE PHOTOS

1:46:19 ~ 1st in age group ~ 7th overall woman

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Tagged as Family, fayetteville hero half marathon, friends, God, hero, iron sharpens iron, pr, proverbs 27:17, Run For God, Running, running blessed

April 7, 2014 · 9:41 pm

God’s 45th birthday present to me…

Run with Trish 5k 2014 Prayer Circle

As Boston 2014 approaches, I can’t help but reflect on Boston 2013. My emotions have been pretty tame up until about a week or so ago. I think of the joy and excitement we had going into the run and then the tragedy that struck and broke those emotions apart. But we are runners and we are resilient…we will run!

Little did I know on April 15 that God was giving me an early 45th birthday present. He was delivering beauty from the ashes on that day…He allowed me to run a 45-year-old Boston qualifying run at age 44. So, I turned 45 on Saturday – 4/5/2104. Race day age is the age you get to count when trying to qualify…of course that didn’t dawn on me until the Saturday after Boston 2013. God allowed me to live through April 15 and let His goodness soak in through the tragedy.

My dream of running Boston as a true qualified runner is coming true on April 21, 2014…and God orchestrated that last year. He also knew when I started my Boston journey in 2011 that it would work out this way. He knew I would find Team Hoyt and be able to run with them for two years as a charity runner. He knew the beauty from the ashes in 2013 would be to once again join Team Hoyt in 2014 as a qualifier! Happy Birthday to me! Thanks to the Lord for this amazing blessing!

So, this past weekend we had our 3rd Run with Trish for Team Hoyt for my Boston journey. This year was different from any other in several ways. First, I had the majority of my family and Mike’s family present for the run/walk. They all participated and some of them even won their age groups. Blessed and thankful is all I can say. Our families were on a roller coaster ride much of 2013. To have us all together and healthy brings more joy than I can truly describe!

Newsom/Taylor Families…

Mom – Doesn’t she look great??? She won her age group! 🙂

Dad – He too won his age group.

My niece Taylor did too!!

My sister, Lisa cheering us all on!

Secondly, I had the incredible privilege of pushing a sweet 12-year-old named Gracey. Gracey has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. I was able to be her legs across the 3.1 miles. When a hill would come I would push through it for her. I would tell her what was coming up along the way. Gracey did a couple or should I say several wheelies as we turned corners. She exclaimed with excitement throughout the whole course. AGAIN, what a true joy!

The Estes Family

Gracey and I coming into the finish!

Thirdly, we had GREAT weather. It was perfect! We couldn’t have asked for more idea running weather! The venue was ideal. The surroundings made for awesome pictures by a wonderful photographer…my other niece, Lane.

The photographer, my niece Lane…

Check her photos out here: http://laneybugphotos.smugmug.com/Proofing/2014-Sessions/2014-Run-With-Trish-5k/

Fourthly, my dear husband and gift from God spoke of his experience during the Boston bombing aftermath. He talked about how without the bad we really and truly wouldn’t experience the good…how it all works together to help us appreciate the life God has given us! Mike is such an encourager and he definitely shared his heart with us!

Romans 8.28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

Mike…:)

What was the same? My running angels…they were there all around helping make the DAY a grand one. They started it by singing happy birthday and providing goodies to snack on at our early 6 a.m. set-up. They made sure the race went smoothly from registration, to timing, to emceeing, to the sound system, to ice for drinks, to post-race food, to door prizes and awards, to clean up…I couldn’t ask for better friends!!! It takes a village to run the Run with Trish 5k for Team Hoyt!

My running angels!!!

So needless to say…God gave me a BLESSED 45th birthday…He started orchestrating it last year with a BQ and had it complete itself with an AWESOME day that cannot be replicated! It was a day to remember forever! One to say was truly one of the BEST! I was surrounded by people I love more than life itself, doing something I love and God gave me as a tool to use for HIM all while helping others in the process! What a day!

God is good all the time and all the time God is good…as one of my running angels likes to say!

So, going into Boston 2014 my joy runneth over!!! The good and the bad help me see the joy in life! I am ready to go to Boston and run for HIM with a team that is an earthly example of what our heavenly Father does for us….check it out here:

This God-given journey that started many years ago is going to finish Boston Strong on April 21, 204. Stay tuned!

One phone call away…

As I was looking through our 2013 Taylor Christmas photos, music was playing in the background. The words “I guess we’re all one phone call from our knees” rang out. These words have so much meaning to our family this year. We experienced that phone call more than once!

My family first experienced the phone call on April 15, 2013…The Boston Marathon! The second phone call was from dad on June 12, 2013 when mom had her brain bleed. The third and hopefully final phone call of 2013 was on November 8 when Mike fell from the ladder and broke his shoulder and nose. All of these things literally brought us to our knees! We cried out to our Lord and Savior for help, for comfort, for healing, for understanding and for peace! To which He answered all of them in His perfect timing.

Romans 8.26

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

: Our Christmas Miracle – Mom!

: The Taylor side of the family…minus a few!

: Mom, Dad and Jasmine

: Auntie Lane – the photographer

: Mom and Dad

: All I want for Christmas is YOU!

: Loving on Penn during his first Christmas!

These photos were taken by my very talented niece Lane Lewis of Laneybugphotos. Check her work the rest of Christmas 2013 here: http://laneybugphotos.smugmug.com/MyPhotos/2013/Christmas-2013/i-Fd6xdth

She truly captured the overwhelming joy our family experienced this season.

This Christmas we celebrated life. First, we celebrated Jesus’ birth and life! His life and death assures us of eternal life and comfort on earth through the Holy Spirit. We have felt His presence through the Holy Spirit with each phone call. It baffles me how anyone can receive a phone call that brings you to your knees and not know, really know God. How do they survive? He is the only way I have survived and found peace and joy in ALL circumstances.

Jeremiah 29.11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Then we celebrated our lives and being able to be together! We enjoyed quality time just being! This time of year we forget that…we forget to be still and just take it all in! We celebrated sitting in a room with one another…conversing, laughing, reminiscing…being together in the moment.

Looking at the pictures brings us tears of joy just knowing how faithful God has been. He never left us. He held us together the whole time. Mom is a miracle! Mike is alive and healing extremely well! Boston 2014 will bring closure to a bittersweet Boston 2013. All of these things have taught us to live for Him in the moment.

We have learned this year that the moment will and can end. We have no control of when that will happen. But it will! Take this day and make it your best. God gave us the best present next to His son – the PRESENT….we need to live in it and find the joy in the people around us!

Psalm 30.5

For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

Matthew 6.25-34

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[g] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

2014 will hopefully be a little less eventful. BUT, if it is not and I receive yet another phone call…my knees is where you will find me. Why?Because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my Lord and Savior will be there to pick me up and help me take each step of whatever journey lay ahead. How do I know? Because He has proven Himself over and over in 2013(and before!) He is our Lord and He is our Savior…He is faithful and good ALL the time!

Romans 8.28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Peace that surpasses all understanding!

Isaiah 14.7

All the lands are at rest and at peace; they break into singing.

This morning I was up bright and early for a recovery run. Bright and early have not come often for me this summer. It has been much easier to run in the evenings due to our schedules. Even though early used to be normal, early was hard. But, I am so thankful I did it. There is nothing like an early morning run…especially when it is in the low 60s in August!

There is nothing like a morning run…especially when there is a peace that overcomes you as you realize you are the only one on a secluded golf course.

There is nothing like a morning run…especially when the sun is peaking out over the trees on the way back.

There is nothing like a morning run…especially when worship takes place along the way!

During the run I was overcome with a sense of peace. One I didn’t know I needed but realized it as soon as it hit.

As I anticipate my return home after a two and half month stay with my parents, my thoughts have been wondering. Peace is what I needed to calm them. Wondering how mom will do…wondering how dad will do…wondering how will they handle it on their own??? No need to worry…He has it and HE has a purpose for it all!

Earlier this week I heard the following song: Help Me Find It! Sidewalk Prophets

This song became my truth this summer. My plans were no longer important…His plans were. This summer has been a very sweet one. Mom, dad and I have had some special times laughing, crying, worrying, praying and loving. None of us would ever want mom to go through what she has over the past two and a half months but in the same breath we treasure this time we were given. It can never be replaced!

God provided us with a gift…actually many of them. The first gift was mom’s life! We had some scary moments. But God had different plans…He is not done with mom yet. We are forever grateful! He is using her and our story to reach many for Him. We are humbled and thankful for the opportunity to share His grace and mercy!

We have been given the gift of time! One of my love languages is quality time. My love tank in regards to my parents is FULL! This time has truly been special! We have laughed more than I can ever remember laughing. We have probably cried more too…but the sweet laughter is what I will forever remember as well as the inside stories we will always share. 🙂 Just between us…right, mom?

Come next weekend I will work on the quality time with my dear husband. I can’t go without saying how much his love and support during this time has meant to my parents and me. They know it has been sacrifice for us both. But they also know he was behind the decision for me to be here 100%! We love you Mike!

And we have been given the gift of LOVE – God’s love has surrounded us in ways that have completely overwhelmed us at times. Love shown through prayer, cards, calls, food, and more food. 🙂 Let me say a huge THANK YOU to everyone for all you have done for our family! We are eternally grateful!!! God has shown up and mom is living proof! Prayer works and God is good…all the time!

I too received an individual gift…I was able to see true love work. True love – 52 years in the making – lived out day by day. Is it perfect? No! But is it sweet and forever? Yes! Mom and dad have shown me what putting God first in their marriage looks like in times of extreme emotion – from frustration to worry, from sadness to happiness, from doubt to understanding. They have loved each other through it all. I am so very thankful to be able to have experienced it firsthand.

Commitment is a word our world has forgotten. When things get tough people run…not the Taylors! They are TaylorStrong through thick and thin. When things get tough, they pray! They remember who has them in His hand…our almighty God! The One who can give us peace when we don’t understand! I am so very grateful to be cut out of the TaylorStrong cloth!

Philippians 4.4-9

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We all have a purpose. God provides us the direction in His time. God gave me a new one this summer and as I go home I know mom is on the mend. My purpose is done for this time. When fear knocks and rises up as I leave, as I ponder thoughts about mom and her recovery, FAITH answers. Why? Because I know God has a purpose for her during this time. He is restoring her strength daily. She is still amazing us every day! I am not sure why we are amazed because we all know she is ELT – a fighter, an overcomer!

This week she has walked outside around their circle three separate times. She has made a lemon iced box pie. She is folding laundry. She is making her breakfast and daddy’s. If we let her do it she does it. Now of course, she does all of this with one of us close by…she is reluctantly under very close supervision. She is answered prayer in action!

So, I go back to peace! I have a peace as I approach leaving at the end of this week. A peace that leaves me singing because mom’s purpose is still in the works! A peace that will help me rest easy upon my return home! Amen!

Romans 8.28

²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Help Me Find It! Sidewalk Prophets

I don’t know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I’m finding I can’t do this on my own

I don’t know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I’m done fighting
I’m finally letting go

I will trust in You
You’ve never failed before
I will trust in You

(Chorus )
If there’s a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can You help me find it

Can You help me find it

I’m giving You fear and You give faith
I giving You doubt
You give me grace
For every step I’ve never been alone

Even when it hurts, You’ll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You’ve never let me go

I will wait for You
You’ve never failed before
I will wait for You

Chorus

I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again)
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You)
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see)
‘Cause You are all I need

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Tagged as August, Family, Father, God, Home, Jesus, Parenting, Peace

August 4, 2013 · 4:06 pm

From egg to flight…

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Isaiah 40.29-31

29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Yesterday I was able to experience something absolutely incredible. I watched the last of four baby birds fly from their nest. The Lord set it up perfectly for me! He knew when I first arrived in June at mom and dad’s…I would be intrigued by the momma bird nesting in a fern in the front of mom and dad’s house. When I first saw the eggs in the nest, I knew I wanted to chronicle their journey into the world with my camera. Little did I know I was going to be able to watch the last one fledge. It was truly amazing!

It came when I needed it most…after a long grueling day! I left the house around 11:00 a.m. to run my 16 miler. It was later than normal because I awoke to severe thunderstorms. While I was out struggling to finish what I had started…I heard from one of my lifelong friends who wanted to go to dinner. We made it an early one so I could go immediately after my run. I am always ravenous when I am done. 🙂

My run did not go as I wanted once again. I am so very stubborn and want to perform like I do in the best of circumstances…but I am not in the best of circumstances…so I won’t perform like I am. I get it! LOL! I think God is helping me to empathize with mom. He is helping me understand (from a different perspective) where she is…wanting to perform like she is in the best of circumstances. One major hurdle will be on August 13 when she has her bone flap replaced. YAY! But again, she has a long road to go. Granted…she is doing SO well! She has blown me away with her positive and upbeat attitude…she is a trooper. So, I, the stubborn one, needs to do the same! Be positive and do what I can do with what I have!

So, I finished my run with walking. But I finished!!! Once again I talked to my encouraging husband! He helped me put things in perspective…again. On my way to meet my friends, I had another encouraging conversation with another friend who echoed what Mike said. And of course at dinner – we had the same conversation. 🙂 I keep saying, God is teaching me! He really is… One never dreams of all the lessons that can be learned when you are open and willing to listen. As I said, I am stubborn and it has been taking me awhile, but I am getting there. So, then I come home uplifted! Thanks to great family and friends! I also had a call from another wonderful friend after I arrived home. All of them encouraged me in ways God knew I needed.

Proverbs 18:24

²⁴Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.

One the way home the view was beautiful. The clouds were rolling back in for another round of storms. I was driving mom’s wonderful VW Bug – which has been a silver lining on this journey. While I was stopped, I looked up and saw God-rays coming through the clouds. Once again I was reminded of His love and His hand even in the midst of a storm. He is so very good all the time!

Upon my arrival at home I heard a bird chirping. I thought it may be the momma bird because she had been constantly watching her young. When I took pictures, she would always let me know I was way too close for her comfort. She was never too far away. Like our God…He is always watching over us. He tells us if He is going to take care of the birds – why worry if He is going to take care of us.

Matthew 6.25-27

Do Not Worry

²⁵“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

I approached the nest and saw one baby bird. ONE! He was chirping not momma. The other three had fledged earlier in the day! Wow! I had been watching these babies all summer and now it was time for them to fly away. As I tried to get my camera and take one last photo – because I knew he would be gone soon – I realized I didn’t have time. He was going now. He jumped up the fern and chirped again. Then off he went! He flew and landed abruptly in a nearby tree. Then he tried again and went higher. It was truly one of the most awesome things I have ever seen. He took a leap of faith and he made it. He had been sheltered from the storms as he got strong enough to make that leap on his own. To witness the entire journey from egg to flight was a Godthing!

What is the parallel in my life? Mom! She started over on June 12. She has been sheltered from the storms by our heavenly Father. She has had the care of her TaylorStrong team. She is getting stronger every day. She is ready to take her leap of faith but we are not ready to let her. She is getting so close to where she will do it on her own very soon. (There are actually days she does things on her own before we catch her…this tells me she is close!)

Mom and my roles have been reversed these last 2 months. I am the one chirping when people or things get to close. I have learned how to be a better mom and daughter during this ordeal. We are getting close to the time for me to go home and let the bird fly on her own. I am sure momma bird was watching in the wings. I will too! Apprehension will be there when I leave in a little over two weeks…but God tells me not to worry…”Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6.26-27.

Mom and I are on parallel journeys. She is striving to regain her independence step by step. I am striving to finish strong on September 1 when I run the Tupelo Marathon TaylorSTRONG! The Lord has shown me this summer that this run is for my mom…my pace and my time don’t matter – what does is that I take each step toward the finish line and cross it with dignity and grace – as ELT would do! As she is doing every the step of the way on her marathon back to 100%!

2 Corinthians 12.9-10

⁹But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

TaylorStrong!

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June 25, 2013 · 5:16 pm

M.O.M. – Mom Overcoming Mountains & Mom’s Outstanding Moments….

Today has been filled with MOM – Mom Overcoming Mountains and Mom’s Outstanding Moments! She has had a great day and a good two days. She did end up having the CTA (CT with contrast dye in brain) just to make sure everything was still normal and PRAISE THE LORD – it was!!! The doctors believe the speech issues were caused by the medication they gave her to remain alert during the day. Needless to say, she is has not been on it for two days and she is a different person. Woo hoo!

Mom is steadily climbing and overcoming the mountains ahead of her. Her journey is providing her (and us) with some outstanding moments. 🙂 Today, Dad and I changed places. He is with mom and I am at home – my home away from home in Arkansas. Dad was able to witness some moments during her therapy sessions. She beat him in golf on the Wii. LOVE it! First, I love that they played the Wii. I wish I had been there to see it! Secondly, I LOVE she beat him!!! He called because he was so excited they got to play golf together. They also got to putt with a real putter and turf hole. I think they both had trouble. 🙂 These moments are priceless!!!! We thank God for them!

Mom also has a release date of early next week. We are waiting to hear if she can have her bone flap replaced before she leaves as well. The date may change if this is possible! God’s is moving mountains and Mom is climbing them. She will be home sweet home very soon! Thanks to each of you for all of your prayers. Your prayers are getting her up the steep inclines of this journey. She can feel them and so can we. We are so very thankful!

These are the outstanding moments that are drawing our family together. God is blessing us through this very difficult time. We are reminded daily we are so blessed to be where we are with mom. When we visit the rehabilitation gym each day, we see firsthand how blessed we are…tremendously! I also received sad news from a friend today. Her family had tragedy hit this week. In the midst of her struggles she reminded me, “we are all on our new journey that seems overwhelming at the time. Our only hope is in HIM and we have to cling to that!” I couldn’t have said it better…thanks friend! I love you and we are praying for you and your family!!!

God is our strength in times of trouble. He is are comforter. He is our father. He is our great physician and we are calling on Him to help us through this journey.

The pictures you see below are random photos from my parents’ home. One is purely to make mom and dad smile…they will get it when they see it. One is a mailbox. Mom is lookin’ toward the next mailbox minute by minute and day by day! She is MAKIN’ it to the next mailbox too! We are so proud of her strength, her faith, her determination and her gumption. She is such an inspiration.

We were talking about her humor through this ordeal today. It has become more pronounced along with her laughter and smiling. While talking about this over lunch she said, “we’ve gotta make it funny!” She has such a positive outlook. I have always loved my mom and dad beyond what words can describe and this new journey has shown me why – they both look for the good in ALL things! The love they have for one another is indescribable. They love God first and each other second and it is so very evident. God has them in His hands!!! We have and will continue to learn more about this love by watching them throughout this journey! So very blessed!

THE MAILBOX

“Just make it to the next mailbox!”

A mom and dad would say,

As they and their daughter

were out running one day.

They, knowing another mailbox lay ahead-

As she was ready to call it quits-

would push her to persevere instead.

With every mailbox successfully passed,

She made the victory lap to home at last.

To this day the message is still very clear…

Struggles will come and try to steal your cheer.

But as the mailboxes came and went…

She learned…

In the end the prize will be held dear for the endurance that was spent.

“Just make it to the next mailbox,” they would say.

What is your mailbox today?

written by Trish Newsom

The Taylor Family is aware of their current mailbox. How about you?

Anything is possible through the Strength of God

Philippians 4:13 NIV
I can do everything through him who gives me strength

Through him the weak become strong

Isaiah 40:29 NIV
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak

Ask God for strength

Psalm 119:28 NIV
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

How strong is God?

Numbers 11:23 NIV
The Lord answered Moses ” Is the Lord’s arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”

Who is your source of Strength?

Psalm 18:32-34 NIV
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Do not be afraid

Psalm 27:1 NIV
The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall i fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?

God will uphold you in his right hand

Isaiah 41:10 NIV
So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

God will not give you more than you can handle

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Lean on God and you will not be tired

Isaiah 40:31 NIV
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint

Love of God brings strength

Mark 12:30 NIV
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength

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Tag Archives: Family

I hate wet socks!

The Return…

God’s 45th birthday present to me…

One phone call away…

Peace that surpasses all understanding!