Me? Wrong?

My husband pointed out a spelling mistake I had on one of my weather graphics the other night. "Did you know you put 'Hazing Evening'?" he asked. Surely not! I was the best speller in my elementary school and I know how to spell. I argued with him for a short while and told him there was "no way" I misspelled hazy. At least that was my intention...I was supposed to have written "Hazy Evening". Turns out I checked the tape and sure enough I had tonight's forecast as "Hazing Evening." I'm sure people at home were wondering what in the world I was thinking.

I once had a boyfriend who referred to me as "little miss can't be wrong". I admit, I am passionate about some things in life so I will stand my ground. But to admit I had made a mistake wasn't easy, as trivial as it was. Psalm 25:9 says "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." Pride is like a barrier that blocks out the very things God desires to do in our lives. In James 4:6 it says "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

So with a humble heart, I had to admit to my husband that I was wrong and had to apologize for being offended to his suggestion that I had make a mistake. When we have too much pride, we often block blessings God wants to bestow on us.

With Whom Do You Spend Your Time?

Last night, my husband made the mistake of sharing peanut butter with baby Will. I was in the floor playing and Will walked up to me and planted several kisses on my cheek. Shortly thereafter, it was time for me to head back to the tv station to prepare for the 10pm newscast. I noticed my co-workers were looking closely at my face but I didn't think anything of it. While I was in the dressing room touching up my makeup, I noticed what they had been staring at--I had peanut butter on my face! It was obvious Will had been kissing on me again. My co-workers are usually quick to point out when I have dirty hand spots on my clothes, a Kool-aid spot on my shirt, or some left-over Pop Tart on my pants leg from the little one. Its obvious I'm a mother.

I love the story of Moses' encounter with God in Exodus 34:29. Moses had gone up to Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. When Aaron and the Israelites saw Moses, the Bible says "his face was radiant." Ever been around people who made you feel uplifted when you were around them? Have you been around people who were so negative you felt horrible after you left their presence? I know I have.

As Christians, we are to project the goodness of God in all His glory. When we spend time with Him, it becomes evident to those around us. When we don't spend time with God, it too is clear to those we encounter.

Peanut Butter kisses or not, I want it to be evident to those around me who I spend time with. I don't want people to walk away from a conversation with me and wonder if Jesus lives in me.

Getting Back Up

I enjoy watching pageants. Guess its because I'm an old has been queen myself. I was admiring all of the beautiful evening gowns last night while watching the Miss Universe pageant when Miss USA walked out on stage. She glided across the stage with her million dollar smile and then *bonk* --she fell flat on her rear. She quickly got back up and finished her walk down the stage, smiling the whole way. Although I've never fallen on stage before, I've tripped, I've stumbled and I've even almost fainted on stage. So I knew her heart must've been pounding from embarrassment and downright "I can't believe that just happened to me" type of feelings.

After watching the replay of her fall at the tv station, I quickly thought back to a gospel song by Donnie McClurkin. The lyrics say, "We fall down, but we get up. For a saint is just a sinner who fell down--and got up." James 1:12 says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." How true that is. Falling down is one thing, but getting back up again in another.

Saints are often revered and honored. Truth be told, they were/are normal people who fell down in their life, but got back up. So remember, we fall down but we get up. You can get back up again, too.

11 Years and Counting

Gracie informed me the other day that she is going to marry her daddy. I told her I thought that was sweet, but that I was already married to him and one day she will marry someone else. "But mommy," she said, "we can share daddy." Then she went on to tell me Bert Case is her boyfriend.

The Bible says husbands and wives should love each other just as Jesus loves the church (His people). That's powerful. There have been many times when I haven't loved my husband that much! Every relationship has its ups and downs. But the main thing successful marriages have is commitment. Think about that...if we are to love each other as Christ loves the church, then we must be committed the other person. Christ doesn't give up on us. He loves us in spite of our faults, mess ups, blatant disregard for His Word, our moodiness--you name it. Yet He never throws up His hands and says "I'm outta here. You're just too difficult to live with anymore! You never listen. You don't know how I feel. We never spend time together anymore!" Instead, He sticks with us through thick and thin, always ready to welcome us back even when we have felt like throwing in the towel. When you think of marriage as a reflection of Christ's relationship to you, it puts things into perspective.

So as my husband and I celebrate our 11th anniversary today, I'm thankful for his commitment to me (and my crazy life) and I'm grateful Christ's love abides in him to give him just the right amount of mercy he needs to stay the course.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend and a restful Memorial Day!

Quick Judgements

Ever felt like someone had accused you of doing something you didn't do? Or perhaps only saw, or heard, half the story? That happened to me last night. My husband's company had a family picnic at the Mississippi Braves game at Trustmark Park. While I was working, my husband took the kids to the picnic. After the 6pm news, I went to the stadium to join them. Baby Will was exhausted. After having been there for several hours prior to my arrival, the child was pooped from playing and running around. I sat down on the picnic table and he laid in my lap with his bottle and started dozing off. Then it came time for the national anthem. I stayed seated with Will laid across my lap, only because I didn't want to disturb those around me and cause him to cry. (Ever been in a ceremony, church or theatre and hear a crying child? Ever wished the parent would remove the child? Then you know what I mean.) I sat there quietly and listened to the teen sing "The Star-Spangled Banner". When she finished, the crowd hooped, hollered and clapped. Baby Will was startled, woke up and found his second wind...and he was back to running 90 mph for the rest of the night.

When I returned to work for the 10pm news, this is the email I received.
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I was extremely disappointed tonight at the Braves game to see you could not stand and salute our flag (and country) as the national anthem was sung. Being someone the public looks up to and watches, that sure made a huge impact on my family who has family members fighting half way around the world so our flag can still wave high. Have a good night! --signed, Anonymous
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Obviously, this person didn't see "the whole story". Those standing around me saw Will sprawled out in my lap. Instead of getting a closer look, this viewer made a quick judgement about me and my patriotism. There have been times at church when I've had a sleeping child in my lap. When others beside and around me are standing for the prayer, I've stayed seated with the sleeping baby. This doesn't mean I am being disrespectful. I'm just being a parent for the moment.

In John 7, Jesus was being judged by his adversaries for healing a man on the Sabbath (Sunday). Jesus tells the crowd in verse 24, "Stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment." When you encounter people every day, do you quickly judge them by their appearance or their words? Realize there is always more to their story than what you see. Otherwise, you'll find yourself making a wrong judgement about someone and miss an opportunity to know the real person.

Wisdom From Above

While we were in the car last week running errands, Gracie piped up from the backseat and said, "Mommy, I know all about babies." You can imagine the shock I felt inside, so I decided to inquire about how much my 3 year old really knew about babies. "Oh, really? Tell me what you know about babies," I said. "Well, you go to the hospital and God brings a baby to the hospital and you get to take it home," Gracie answered. Breathing a sign of relief, I said "That's exactly how it happens!"

I was reading this morning about Solomon. Solomon was David's son and the heir to the throne. Some estimate Solomon was about 20 years old when he became king. You can imagine he was a bit nervous taking over after his father was so successful and dearly loved as king. The Bible says that Solomon asked God for wisdom to make the right decisions. In I Kings 3:10, it says "The Lord was pleased that Solomon has asked for this (wisdom). 'Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment, I will do what you have asked." The Bible goes on to say that God gave Solomon more than he asked for including riches and honor and a long life. The Bible says there has never been, nor will there ever be, a king as wise as Solomon.

I don't know about you, but I have numerous decisions to make every day. Some are trivial and some are more important than others. Ask for wisdom. God honors pure motives and those who honestly seek His counsel.

The Big, Hairy Deal..

Gracie woke up this morning and all sleepy-eyed asked, "Mommy, what happened to your hair?" I reminded her that I got it cut yesterday so it could go to someone else who didn't have hair. "I remember now," she said. "Because God said to share."

What a tremendous 24 hours it has been! I saw mothers and sons get their hair cut together; 4 sisters get their hair cut together; fathers and daughters have their hair chopped together, tears shed and the list goes on and on. There were heartwarming stories and some without stories (like myself). It was a day that would make any hard-hearted person melt.

So many people wanted to make yesterday about me. But it wasn't. It was about the hundreds of men, women, and children, from all races, who joined together to give women hope...hope for the present and hope for the future. Take a look at some of these faces..

This is little Cody. His mom told me Cody kisses the television set every night when I do the weather and this 3 year old insisted he give me a kiss while his mom was getting her hair cut. I think he made my day more than I made his.

Who would've thought that when Stephanie Bell-Flynt told me I needed to "go public" with my hair growing, it would've turned in to a world record for hair donors? To me, these pictures tell the stories of those who grew their hair for women they will never meet. Sometimes, that's what makes giving so special.

A Busy Day!

The day isn't even over and its been a big one so far. It started out early this morning with LIVE shots during the Morning Show, interviews on the radio and newspapers. I have 2 hours for a break and decided to come home and play with the children before I head back to Clinton and prepare for my own "lop off". Oh, if you could see the people and hear their stories..

When I checked my email this afternoon, I had one email from someone who wasn't too thrilled with my long hair, nor the effort that so many donors have put in.
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Barbie, glad you finally cut your hair! Just think how many lives you could have saved with a blood drive, that you spent so much time on. Oh yea, you wouldn't have had so many volunteers to give up something important like blood! Signed, Steve Ray
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To be honest, we actually thought about doing a blood drive today. But another blood drive is going on between several of the radio stations and the timing of doing both just didn't work out.

So back I go to Clinton and being in awe over the people who are giving up their hair so someone else can have a full head of it while they continue their cancer treatments. Here is the latest article written a couple of hours ago:

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070521/NEWS/70521024

3 Days and Counting...

As I was at the gym this morning running on the treadmill, my ponytail kept slapping me in the back. I realized I have 3 days left before I get my hair cut off for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths campaign. To date, we have 1,473 hair donors, including people from 11 different states and Russia. I will miss the versatility of having long hair but I look forward to going through the summer with shorter hair.

This all started when I watched actress Diane Lane get her hair cut on the Today Show last July for Beautiful Lengths. I made a personal commitment to grow my hair for women who have lost theirs due to cancer treatment. Shortly after watching her, I heard the latest statistics on breast cancer: 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. I thought "that is me". I am fortunate that women in my family have not been struck with any of the female cancers.

I found out this week Guinness Book of World Records will send a representative from London to join us this Monday for the hair cutting event. At the conclusion, we will be presented a certificate as we all go down in the record books for the most hair donations to a charity in 24 hours.

My hair will grow back, I know. But I wish I could see the smiles on the faces of the women who will receive our human hair wigs. Maybe I will one day...

Here is a wonderful article on the event in yesterday's Clinton News.

http://www.clintonnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070517/GO/705170316/1010

The Right Words

I have heard from so many of you since yesterday's post. Thanks to all of you who posted comments of encouragement and those who sent me emails. They all came at the right time and helped to lift my spirits. I was reading Proverbs 25:11 which says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." The emphasis Solomon, the writer of Proverbs, was making is that words can have exquisite beauty, value and artistry which our speech should resemble. As Christians, we are to support and lift each other up through difficult times and you did just that for me yesterday.

I was thinking back to last March when I came back from maternity leave. Not only was I dealing with the 'baby blues' that many of you have experienced and having two children to raise, but I was feeling the immense pressure to return to television looking perfect. For those of you who have had children, you know it doesn't happen that way--it takes time to lose the baby weight. I was being bombarded with emails from viewers wanting to know if I was expecting again because I was alittle pudgy. I called my mother and told her I thought I was having a nervous breakdown, which is totally unlike me. We talked for a while and she reminded me of something. "You feel like God called you to do this job, right?" I answered, "Yes, but I just want to quit. I can't handle this pressure." Mom then said, "If you quit, Satan wins."

I didn't see it at the time, but Satan was controlling my mind and emotions, which can be powerful for women. Is there something in your life now that Satan has a grip on? Just remember, if you give up, he wins.

By the way, do you remember Mike? After responding to his email yesterday, this is what he sent me: "Thank you for your quick and kind natured response. Please accept my apology for not choosing my words more carefully. I'm sure it is tough being in he public eye, and wish you continued success. --Mike"

Ever Feel Like Quitting?

I feel like quitting right now. After I got off the set last night, I received this email. Tell me if you wouldn't want to quit, too.
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Barbie is a little chunky but pretty nevertheless. Problem I have is that her wardrobe looks like it's from Walmart and doesn't fit well either. Mostly too small and makes her look even fatter than she is. Can you please get her to dress better?? I just moved into the area from Chicago. The news people there seem to watch their weight better, and wear clothes that fit.
-signed, Mike Mullen
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I cried all the way home last night and kept crying through the night. For a moment there, I had a flashback to elementary school, being on the playground and someone calling me 'fatso' while the other is making fun of the clothes my mother had made me.

In the middle of all the hurt last night (and this morning), the Holy Spirit was trying to console me. I remember the story of David. Samuel had been sent by God to find a new king. David was the runt of his family and had much better looking older brothers. When Samuel saw David's brother Eliab, he thought Eliab was the best looking of the bunch and would make a handsome king. But God told Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

I wanted to be a meteorologist to forecast and present the weather, along with sharing my faith. I never had a desire to be looked at for who I was on the outside, because as I child I wasn't much to look at. Mike probably hasn't heard that television makes people appear 10-15 pounds larger than they really are. It will be hard today not to think about what Mike has said, but I'll press on and try to remember "the Lord looks at the heart".

Hard to Remember

I went home last weekend to visit my parents for Mothers Day. One of the things I enjoy doing when I go home is sitting in my mother's Sunday School class in my home church, Crowder Baptist Church. Mom asked the class to recite sayings or bits of advice we were told by parents or teachers when we were growing up. None of us had trouble remembering them: "birds of a feather flock together"; "this hurts me more than it hurts you"; "if so-in-so jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?" The list went on and on. The one my mother always told me, "it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside; its whats on the inside that counts". If I had a dime for every time I rolled my eyes when she said that, I would be rich. Then, mom asked a different question--what scripture verses have meant the most to you in your life? The room was silent. After a few seconds, someone blurted out John 3:16. It was obvious it was difficult for members of the class to recite scripture.

When I was in grad school, I made sure I memorized every formula and every why and how there was to thermodynamic and synoptic meteorology. My grade, masters degree, and possible first job depended on it. So why are we so uninterested in studying God's Word? Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

The ancient lamp was small and flat with a wick and oil. It gave just enough light to see a short distance ahead. Similarly, God's Word (the Bible) gives light enough for each step in making every day decisions. When you are able to recite and remember scripture (not necessarily the specific book and chapter it comes from), you are able to receive encouragement and strength for the day. Not only does God hear you but more importantly, Satan hears you. And the Bible says, "he flees". So take a moment today and read over some verses that have meant the most to you in you life and commit them to memory. Your grade or career may not depend on it, but your eternal life does.

Viewer Complaints

In the last couple of days, I've received two emails complaining about WLBT's lack of weather coverage. It seems some viewers are confused as to what the difference is between a thunderstorm and a severe thunderstorm.
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I'm very disappointed in the weather coverage for southwest Mississippi. This morning we are experiencing fairly severe thunderstorms and heavy rain but there is NO coverage on WLBT to let us what's coming next. It seems that once the bad weather passes central Mississippi and the Jackson metro area, the coverage stops. The last coverage we had was over an hour ago and it stated the the line of heavy thunderstorms would be in the Tylertown area (our home) in 15 minutes. No word since to let us know what's on the way, not even the little corner box you had up all last night. Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened. I've considered calling or emailing several times to complain but today I just have to speak my mind. Please don't ignore you viewers in SW Mississippi. Our safety is just as important as the the folks' in central Mississippi. The people in this area have been loyal WLBT viewers for many years and we deserve the same attention as your other viewers. Signed, R. K. Fountain, Tylertown

Hi Barbie,
So many people depend on WLBT for their weather especially when bad weather is approaching. Recently though Smith County doesn't always go under a severe weather alert when it is approaching. We had a severe storm through here last week and I never saw an alert for Smith County although Simpson was under a warning. Got pretty windy! I remember one other storm also recently. I have heard some others comment about it too. Just want you to be aware. All of us complainers continue to watch WLBT though because you all do such a good job.
Signed, Joyce in Smith County
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Some storms that occur may seem severe, but according to the National Weather Service, they aren't. A storm becomes severe when it reaches a certain threshold, including winds in excess of 55 mph as well as other factors (possibility of hail, heavy rain, etc). I cannot issue my own personal severe thunderstorm warnings. If I did, the FCC would have my hide. We must wait on the NWS to issue the warning first. Once that is done, you will see the warning crawl on your tv screen and your county will be highlighted alerting viewers to the fact there is a storm that is considered severe.

No, we are not ignoring southwest Mississippi nor showing partiality towards the metro area. What may seem severe to one will not likely be to the NWS. So stay tuned and know that when you see your county under a warning, it is coming directly from the NWS. My job is to help keep you safe in each instance and encourage safety and common sense.

Waiting...

I was headed to the Post Office when I noticed a thin man standing on the corner of the intersection. He was waiting for the traffic to stop while he walked across the street. He looked dirty and unkept with his clothes tattered. It was warming up outside and his face was showing it. While I sat at the traffic light, I watched him spot a coin on the asphalt and pick it up. He crossed from one street to the next and made his way around. I don't know if he was homeless, but he appeared to be. I wondered to myself, 'What decisions did he make in his life that brought him to this point? Does he have any family? Is this what he wanted his life to be like? Where was he going?' As I drove away, I said a prayer of thanks that I was not in the same position he was in. Then, I prayed for him.

I couldn't get that man out of my mind. I realized how easily I could be homeless, roaming the streets looking for coins on the hot pavement to pick up. My family isn't perfect but at least I had a family to go home to.

Isaiah 30: 18 says "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" What does it mean to wait for the Lord? It means to trust him when a situation looks hopeless, even when it seems he is gone.

Ever felt like that man, wondering around from place to place trying to figure out what God wants you to do about a situation? I know I have. Waiting isn't easy, but if the Bible says I will be blessed for waiting, I'm willing to cool my heels and be still.

Mothers Day Newspaper Article

A reporter from the Madison County Herald published an article about me and motherhood today. I'm always nervous about being quoted in newspaper articles only because I've been misquoted so many times before.

So, here's to all of the mothers out there who try to make it work and to the mothers who have influenced us so much in our lives and made us who we are today!

http://www.mcherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/TASTE/705100302/1009

Sweet Blessings

Thanks to all of you who sent me birthday wishes yesterday. We were able to go out to dinner between newscasts and I didn't have to cook (the best part). We made it home in time for me to give the kids a bath before I headed back to work. While I was sitting on the floor dressing Will and Gracie was still in the tub, my husband walked in with a birthday cake lit with candles singing "Happy Birthday". I think Gracie was more excited than I was. I hurried her out of the tub so we could eat some cake before bedtime. She said, "Mommy, icing on cakes make birthdays beautiful!" Think about that one.

Throughout your day, God uses small things to sweeten your life--a compliment from a co-worker, an open parking spot near the front of the store, a thoughtful driver who lets YOU go first, or a totally unsolicited comment from someone that makes your day. These are little blessings that God sends our way. Sure, we can pass off the open parking spot as luck; we can shrug off the compliment from our co-worker and dismiss its value; and we can even say 'it was my turn anyway' to the nice driver who let us go first.

These are little things disguised as gifts...sweet blessings. Don't block them by ignoring them.

Age = Wisdom

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking to the Brandon Senior Citizens Club for lunch. There were about 150 seniors in attendance. In my speech, I encouraged them to look at their senior years as a time to renew their life's passion. One lady came up and told me she was 69 years old. Believe me when I say she looked 55. I commented at how young she looked and she said, "I hope I never dress like I'm 69!"

Job 12:12 says "Is not widsom found among the ages? Does not long life bring understanding?" I couldn't help but notice the wisdom in that room yesterday. Men who have fought in wars, women who have been the rock for their families, and many who have overcome odds of various kinds.

I think back on some of my friends from home and how some of them didn't make it. Some were killed in car accidents and a few by suicide in their teen and college years. I don't know why the same fate didn't happen to me because I was no better than they. This morning, I realized how blessed I am to have made it to 35.

Maybe growing older isn't such a bad thing after all. If wisdom comes with age and long life brings understanding, I'll take all of the birthdays I can get.

Suffering in the Son

Saturday was planting day. We spent the afternoon planting merigolds, daylillies and periwinkles--all 216 of them! The kids were determined to help dig the holes for the flowers. With the week's previous rain, the soil was nice and loose. Nearly every hole we dug, we found an earthworm. Any fisherman would've wanted to dig in our dirt because of the abundance of bait. Gracie was amused at how funny the worms acted when we disturbed them. They would wiggle and writhe, moving to and fro, obviously upset that we had discovered them. After watching them for a few seconds, it was clear they were uncomfortable in the hot sun and wanted to be put back in their home.

Have you ever suffered because of a choice you made? Maybe it was the right choice and people looked down on you for it. Or, are you going through a difficult time and wondering when it will be over?

1 Peter 4:16 gives some encouragement, "If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed but praise God that you bear that name." Making the right choice because of conviction isn't always easy, but suffering because you see the bigger picture is well worth the effort it takes to come through the other side.

Rain, Finally!

Yesterday was busy! It was my husband's birthday so I woke up early to make a variety of fattening breakfast foods and took them to the office for him and his staff. I was honored to be nominated (thanks Susanne!) for Baptist Hospital and Lifetime Television's "Strong Woman" award. I enjoyed a lovely luncheon at the Hilton in our honor. Then, the weather turned rough.

Around 2pm, thunderstorms started going severe in southeast Mississippi and our weather coverage began with frequent cut-ins throughout the afternoon. When the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch, I knew it was going to be a long night.

I had plans to take my husband out to dinner between newscasts, but that idea was thrown out by news time. So he ordered take-out and brought the kids to WLBT and we had birthday dinner there. A birthday would not be complete without a cake and we enjoyed that, too--all while I monitored severe weather. Gracie and Will had fun roaming the hallowed halls of Channel 3, or as Gracie calls it "the number 3".

The storms continued until the wee hours of the morning and finally moved into Alabama. The good news is, Jackson recorded 1.11" of rain yesterday. That puts us +0.93" ahead. That's pretty good considering the month of May has just begun.

My birthday is Tuesday, so I'm hoping for a silent night. Wait, that doesn't come around until December.....

Hairy Emails

The countdown has begun to the big hair cutting event on May 21. At this writing, we have 1,402 people signed up to donate their hair on that day. This hair will be shipped to NYC that night on an 18 wheeler. Over the last couple of days, the "hair emails" have poured in and everyone has an opinion.


I just have a question: how did you get your hair to grow so fast? Did you take a special vitamin or what? Please let me know cause my hair on top of my head grows fast and the back grows so slow. Since it has gotten hot, I bet you are ready to cut your hair. I know I would.
Signed, Mary from Roxie

I've been asked this question numerous time lately. Much to some viewers' disappointment, I am not taking anything to make my hair grow. I don't even take vitamins, although I probably should. I attribute the growth to good genes and not wearing too many ponytails, which will cause your hair to break off.

I don't mean this to sound bad, but I have been trying to find a look that suits you since you have been growing your hair out for the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign. I know you don't have long until you cut it, however, the style you had it in today is a good look for you with your hair away from your face more. It fits you well.
Signed, Carlos from Ridgeland

Ok, I don't know what to say about this one. Thank you--maybe? Growing my hair this long is new for me. Every day I'm learning to do something alittle different with it which can be challenging. I didn't know viewers were "trying to find a look that suits" me. A little inconvenience on my part will be a bigger blessing to some cancer survivor.

Lollipops in Heaven

While I was driving around doing errands yesterday morning, Gracie piped up in the backseat and asked "Why is KK in heaven?" (see the blog archive from Friday, February 2). This question came out of no where and it caught me off guard. I explained KK was is heaven because she asked Jesus to come in her heart and when she died, she went to heaven. I reminded Gracie of what she has been learning in church and the importance of listening to God. "But I don't want to go to heaven. I want to stay here with you and daddy and baby Will!" she said. By this point, she was visibly upset and had tears in her eyes. I told her, "Mommy, daddy and baby Will will all be there in heaven with you. So will Mary and Joseph and Moses and all of the people you've been learning about." "And baby Jesus?" she asked. "Of course, Jesus will be there and so will God," I assured her.

She questioned me even further. "But I want all of my toys and my house in Madison to be in heaven," she said. I told her God had a much bigger house for us to live in and more toys than she could ever imagine. To make her more comfortable, I asked Gracie to name some of the things she loves. She gave me a list. "Parties, flowers, and lollipops!" she said. I told her, "I'm sure there will be lots of parties and pretty flowers in heaven," not knowing really what to say about the request for lollipops. "When I get to heaven, I want to share lollipops with Mary, Joseph, Peter and Jesus!" she quipped with a smile. "I want to make sure I go to heaven with you, mommy. So I want God to come in my heart, too." At that point, I smiled.

Now, I don't know if heaven has lollipops or if Jesus would care to have one, but I do know it will greater than anything we could ever imagine. And if there are lollipops in heaven, I bet it won't matter how many we eat before dinner.....

A Greater Purpose

"Glenn" posted a comment on yesterday's blog that has led me to today's topic. He congratulated me for being named the Associated Press' Best Weathercaster for 2006. This is the third straight year I have won this category. If you are doing the math, that means since WLBT named me Chief Meteorologist I have won the award. But it didn't come easy.

As many of you know, I used to work at WAPT. I loved doing the weather in the mornings with Rick Whitlow and Tiffany Tyler. They both quickly became my friends and still are to this day. However, I experienced things there that went against my own personal convictions. After working there for two years, one night God woke me up and told me to leave. I questioned Him alot and didn't understand His plan; after all, I had no other job to go to. After much prayer and discussion with my husband, I resigned. That's when WLBT came calling. In order to prevent me from going to work at WLBT, WAPT sued me and took me to court (more details on my spiritual revelations during this time in my book which is still being written). Through the legal wranglings, I slipped into a deep depression, confused as to how people could be so cruel in going to the newspapers with false information. I forced myself to forgive, move on and look ahead at where I believed God would place me...at WLBT.

I studied the life of Joseph and his quarrels with his brothers, his imprisonment and his ultimate rise to leadership in Egypt. After his brothers realized who Joseph is, he tells them in Genesis 50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done."

So I am grateful for the awards, but more importantly, I'm thankful God had a greater good in mind for my life. I know He has one for you, too.