Barbie has gone into the hospital to welcome baby girl Bassett. She will return in a few days. Meantime, you can see more on the new arrival on WLBT tonight or go to http://www.wlbt.com/ .
Please remember to keep Barbie's brother, Doug, in your prayers for his heart procedure today. Unfortunately, Barbie and Doug will be having surgeries at the same time. She has asked all of her family members to stay in Oxford to be with her brother, his wife and young son to make sure he has plenty of family members with him.
Monday, March 31, 2008
God's Lipstick
Someone asked me the other day, "What's wrong with Will's leg?" This question was asked in front of Gracie, who has a bionic ear. She hears everything and is very observant. Will has what is called a hemangioma. When he was being formed, the blood vessels (in a small area the size of a quarter on his lower leg) did not fuse together. The vessels stayed open causing the blood to pool in a small area. Shortly after Will was born, we noticed a small red spot but didn't think much about it. After a few visits to the pediatrician, he informed me what the large red spot was and gave me the good news: it would be completely gone by the time Will turns 3. But for someone who has never seen a raised area of bright red blood vessels, I'm sure it can be a bit concerning. Today, that spot is doing exactly what the doctor said it would...it's disappearing. There are only a few hints of what used to be. In a few more months, all of his vessels will fuse and connect together and the blood will completely flow in that spot.
So Gracie asked me, "Is there something wrong with Will?" No, I explained to her. Some people just don't know the right things to say nor how to say them. Gracie was concerned this lady had hurt Will's feelings, but Will is still so young, he could care less! Gracie wanted to know then what caused the spot on Will's leg, especially if other people were noticing. "That's where God kissed him," I told her. My answer was good enough because she didn't ask about it again.
Words can be damaging. Proverbs 12:18 says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing." As humans, we have the tendency to speak without thinking about how our words will be taken by someone else.
While we were in Walmart recently, someone spotted Will's leg and wanted to know, "What's that? Did he fall?" Gracie quickly responded, "That's where God kissed him...and left some lipstick."
I doubt God wears lipstick but he has certainly left His handiwork on each of us!
So Gracie asked me, "Is there something wrong with Will?" No, I explained to her. Some people just don't know the right things to say nor how to say them. Gracie was concerned this lady had hurt Will's feelings, but Will is still so young, he could care less! Gracie wanted to know then what caused the spot on Will's leg, especially if other people were noticing. "That's where God kissed him," I told her. My answer was good enough because she didn't ask about it again.
Words can be damaging. Proverbs 12:18 says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing." As humans, we have the tendency to speak without thinking about how our words will be taken by someone else.
While we were in Walmart recently, someone spotted Will's leg and wanted to know, "What's that? Did he fall?" Gracie quickly responded, "That's where God kissed him...and left some lipstick."
I doubt God wears lipstick but he has certainly left His handiwork on each of us!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Viewer Emails
It's time for another installment of viewer emails.
Tuesday night, I wore a white collared maternity shirt. It's after Easter, right? So I thought I could get away with wearing the shirt---apparently not.
Barbie, I know you are anxious and excited about your new addition. Just a little piece of advice: white would probably be the least best color for you at this point. You are obviously dealing with an enlargement issue since you are 8 1/2 months pregnant. It just makes you look larger, that's all. One solid color (not white) would be better, don't you think? Just trying to be helpful. Signed, Bobbie Self
(Not only is white NOT the best color for me to wear, but I'm covering up the map again!)
Barbie, you need to get a pointer or longer arms. You are covering up Natchez on the state map. Signed F.Lovett
For those of you who read the blog, I've shared a television secret with you: television cameras make everyone look 10-15 pounds heavier than normal. Most people who have never seen themselves on tv don't realize the harsh reality. So this week, I've received several emails and phone calls from viewers asking this question:
Barbie, I know you have been asked this question a number of times, but I must ask when is the third baby due, and are you and William having twins? I have been with you through both your children but this came by surprise. Signed, Peggy Adams
Barbie, When is the new baby due? I think this is number 3 since I''ve been here. Looks like more than one. Right or wrong? Signed, Marge
Barbie, my husband and I watch you faithfully each night. You're really getting big so I'm hoping you are carrying twins instead of just one. By the way, can you say hello tonight on the 6pm news to my husband and I? Signed, Eloise & Bobby Hood
The next time someone asks me if I'm having twins, I'm thinking about really shocking their socks off and saying something like, "Haven't you heard? I'm have quintuplets!" as I smile.....
Tuesday night, I wore a white collared maternity shirt. It's after Easter, right? So I thought I could get away with wearing the shirt---apparently not.
Barbie, I know you are anxious and excited about your new addition. Just a little piece of advice: white would probably be the least best color for you at this point. You are obviously dealing with an enlargement issue since you are 8 1/2 months pregnant. It just makes you look larger, that's all. One solid color (not white) would be better, don't you think? Just trying to be helpful. Signed, Bobbie Self
(Not only is white NOT the best color for me to wear, but I'm covering up the map again!)
Barbie, you need to get a pointer or longer arms. You are covering up Natchez on the state map. Signed F.Lovett
For those of you who read the blog, I've shared a television secret with you: television cameras make everyone look 10-15 pounds heavier than normal. Most people who have never seen themselves on tv don't realize the harsh reality. So this week, I've received several emails and phone calls from viewers asking this question:
Barbie, I know you have been asked this question a number of times, but I must ask when is the third baby due, and are you and William having twins? I have been with you through both your children but this came by surprise. Signed, Peggy Adams
Barbie, When is the new baby due? I think this is number 3 since I''ve been here. Looks like more than one. Right or wrong? Signed, Marge
Barbie, my husband and I watch you faithfully each night. You're really getting big so I'm hoping you are carrying twins instead of just one. By the way, can you say hello tonight on the 6pm news to my husband and I? Signed, Eloise & Bobby Hood
The next time someone asks me if I'm having twins, I'm thinking about really shocking their socks off and saying something like, "Haven't you heard? I'm have quintuplets!" as I smile.....
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Getting Ready
Yesterday was too busy! In the middle of doctor's appointments, meetings, teaching and television, I was trying to get as many things done as I possibly could. Some people refer to this time in a pregnant woman's life as "nesting". If you don't know what that is, nesting is when you know the time is near for delivery and you get all of your affairs settled. The nursery is finished, the baby clothes are washed, my bags are packed, my car is gased up and the oil changed, I've caught up on my thank you notes, my work replacements are on stand-by, and my students at Mississippi College have plenty of projects and research papers to do while I'm away. I've done my best to prepare for whatever and whenever and have worked diligently towards that goal. Wouldn't it be nice if we took that same energy and diligence and got ready for eternal life?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men." As Christians, we are to continually prepare for our eternal life in heaven by witnessing to others through our actions, words and deeds. How will you prepare for your eternal life today?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men." As Christians, we are to continually prepare for our eternal life in heaven by witnessing to others through our actions, words and deeds. How will you prepare for your eternal life today?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Spiritual Ears
Children can say the funniest things. I'm sure those you who have children can remember some of the cute things they said when they were young. If Gracie doesn't hear the words or phrases just right, she makes up the rest.
Over the weekend, Gracie and Will were sitting on the couch together. Will laid his head on Gracie's shoulder. Gracie quickly said, "Will, you are activating me! Please! You're getting on my nervous!" I was in the kitchen and it was all I could do not to roll on the floor laughing. Then Sunday afternoon, we were outside watching the children play. Gracie grabbed a stick and was using it as her microphone. With a loud voice, she started singing, "Are you washed in the mud of the Lamb?" Once again, I was chuckling with laughter.
God has given us all spiritual ears to hear. There is no denying what God says when He speaks to us. We can't plead ignorant and say, "God, I thought I heard you say...." Matthew 7:24 says, "I hear the words of the Lord and act upon them like a sensible man who built his house upon the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." When God speaks to our heart, He makes Himself very clear. Listen closely today. He may have something to say.
Over the weekend, Gracie and Will were sitting on the couch together. Will laid his head on Gracie's shoulder. Gracie quickly said, "Will, you are activating me! Please! You're getting on my nervous!" I was in the kitchen and it was all I could do not to roll on the floor laughing. Then Sunday afternoon, we were outside watching the children play. Gracie grabbed a stick and was using it as her microphone. With a loud voice, she started singing, "Are you washed in the mud of the Lamb?" Once again, I was chuckling with laughter.
God has given us all spiritual ears to hear. There is no denying what God says when He speaks to us. We can't plead ignorant and say, "God, I thought I heard you say...." Matthew 7:24 says, "I hear the words of the Lord and act upon them like a sensible man who built his house upon the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." When God speaks to our heart, He makes Himself very clear. Listen closely today. He may have something to say.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Your Purpose
So much for the "full moon" theory! Baby girl didn't arrive over the weekend. We had already decided not to travel to see family because I'm so close to delivery. So instead, my brother, his wife and son came to see us. Our children hunted Easter Eggs and we got a chance to spend the day together. My brother wanted to continue his exercise regime and walked around the neighborhood for several miles. When he returned, we all sat and talked about how far God had brought him since his massive heart attacks last July.
My husband and I told him things that were said in his ICU room, the options the doctors gave the family for his life to continue, and various people who came in and prayed over him. His wife was unaware of alot of the things that happened because she was in Honduras visiting her family when Doug had the heart attack and it took a couple of days for her to get out of the country. Once again, we talked about his trip to heaven (see August 10 blog entry called "An Address in Heaven") and he mentioned how immediately he found himself in heaven. I told my brother how neat it must be to know God has a purpose for him staying on earth and how blessed we would all be if everyone in this world would realize their purpose.
My brother told us of an 80+ year old man who went to rehab every day the same time he did. This man had several heart attacks over the years and had 19 stints put in his heart! But Doug said, "Not one single person walked in the door of the rehab center without this man witnessing to them. No one left until the man had told them about Jesus!" Now, THAT'S someone who has found their purpose.
Philippians 1:6 says, "I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in me will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." What an awesome feeling to know that God isn't finished with many of us and of all the times we could've left this earth through death, He has left us here to fulfill a greater purpose. So, what is your reason for staying? What has God called you to do for Him?
My husband and I told him things that were said in his ICU room, the options the doctors gave the family for his life to continue, and various people who came in and prayed over him. His wife was unaware of alot of the things that happened because she was in Honduras visiting her family when Doug had the heart attack and it took a couple of days for her to get out of the country. Once again, we talked about his trip to heaven (see August 10 blog entry called "An Address in Heaven") and he mentioned how immediately he found himself in heaven. I told my brother how neat it must be to know God has a purpose for him staying on earth and how blessed we would all be if everyone in this world would realize their purpose.
My brother told us of an 80+ year old man who went to rehab every day the same time he did. This man had several heart attacks over the years and had 19 stints put in his heart! But Doug said, "Not one single person walked in the door of the rehab center without this man witnessing to them. No one left until the man had told them about Jesus!" Now, THAT'S someone who has found their purpose.
Philippians 1:6 says, "I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in me will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." What an awesome feeling to know that God isn't finished with many of us and of all the times we could've left this earth through death, He has left us here to fulfill a greater purpose. So, what is your reason for staying? What has God called you to do for Him?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Full Feet & Full Moons
On Monday, I was honored to do a photo shoot with "Beautiful Magazine" in my home. This is a new magazine for the metro area which features articles on beauty and fashion, all for women. I was asked by editor David Creel to be their May cover and feature spread, just time for Mothers Day. As you can see from one of the "behind the scenes" photos, we shared alot of laughs.
Also this week, we got another update and sneak peek of baby girl. The sonogram estimates her at being over 8 pounds (yikes!) and the doctor still seems to think it could be any day, although the calendar says I have another 3 weeks. As you can tell from the 4D sonogram picture, baby girl is all smiles about it and could care less.
With my swollen feet, I've had to improvise with my footwear here lately. One viewer saw my new fashion necessity last night on the news.
Also this week, we got another update and sneak peek of baby girl. The sonogram estimates her at being over 8 pounds (yikes!) and the doctor still seems to think it could be any day, although the calendar says I have another 3 weeks. As you can tell from the 4D sonogram picture, baby girl is all smiles about it and could care less.With my swollen feet, I've had to improvise with my footwear here lately. One viewer saw my new fashion necessity last night on the news.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was wondering if I saw you wearing baby blue house shoes on the 6 o clock news? If so, YOU GO GIRL!!! I know exactly how you feel. Good luck and God bless. Signed, Hope Hodges
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Yep, Hope is right. I was sportin' my baby blue house shoes. I have a black pair with sequins on them, but wasn't in the mood for the sparkles last night. The full moon is tonight and the older viewers have reminded me that most babies are born on full moons. We'll wait and see if baby girl consults the lunar calendar...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Help In Times Of Need
We don't get a newspaper here at our house, but my parents do. When I visited them last week, I grabbed The Commercial Appeal newspaper out of Memphis and read some of the advice columns. People with family problems, martial issues and job insecurities were asking the "experts" how to solve their problems.
Why is it that in time of trouble we so often seek the counsel of others rather than run to the arms of our all-sufficient God? I think it's because most of us don't really know our God. Why do many collapse in the day of trouble, become immobilized; why don't they take an aggressive stand in the face of fear? Because Christians, for the most part, can't boast in the name of their God. And yet we are called to say with David in Psalm 20:7, "Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boastin the name of the Lord."
In Bible days, chariots and horses were means of protection and escape during times of war. Today, our visible means of help, escape or protection come with different lables, shapes and forms. But are they really a source of safety? No. Proverbs 21:31 says, "The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is of the Lord."
In the Hebrew language the phrase "to boast in" means "to have confidence in, to trust in." Therefore, to boast in God's name means to have confidence in His name. God's name represents His character, His attributes, His nature. To know His name is to know Him. To boast in His name is to have confidence in who He is! In the day of trouble or need, run to God and put your trust in Him. He promises to deliver and protect!
Why is it that in time of trouble we so often seek the counsel of others rather than run to the arms of our all-sufficient God? I think it's because most of us don't really know our God. Why do many collapse in the day of trouble, become immobilized; why don't they take an aggressive stand in the face of fear? Because Christians, for the most part, can't boast in the name of their God. And yet we are called to say with David in Psalm 20:7, "Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boastin the name of the Lord."
In Bible days, chariots and horses were means of protection and escape during times of war. Today, our visible means of help, escape or protection come with different lables, shapes and forms. But are they really a source of safety? No. Proverbs 21:31 says, "The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is of the Lord."
In the Hebrew language the phrase "to boast in" means "to have confidence in, to trust in." Therefore, to boast in God's name means to have confidence in His name. God's name represents His character, His attributes, His nature. To know His name is to know Him. To boast in His name is to have confidence in who He is! In the day of trouble or need, run to God and put your trust in Him. He promises to deliver and protect!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Need Grace? Just Ask
Ever need alittle grace and mercy to get through the day? I find myself there right now. I stayed throughout the night at WLBT breaking into programming, tracking the storms and tornadoes. I left at 3am, went home and left it all in Eric Law's capable hands. I had just gotten in the bed shortly before 4am and the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Madison County. The tornadic rotation was headed straight for our subdivision (again). It passed over, not touching down, and I drifted off to sleep around 4:45am.
I look down at my feet and legs now and I look like a cross between the Michelin Man and the Pillsberry Doughboy--my feet and legs are so swollen, I can't even see my toes. But I'll be headed back to work in a few hours to do it all over again, minus the bad weather.
In those days when we need alittle grace to get through the day, whether its due to fatigue, disappointment or hurt, the Bible says God freely gives us what we need. James 4:6 says, "God gives me more and more grace. That is why He says, 'God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but give grace continually to the lowly.'"
I look down at my feet and legs now and I look like a cross between the Michelin Man and the Pillsberry Doughboy--my feet and legs are so swollen, I can't even see my toes. But I'll be headed back to work in a few hours to do it all over again, minus the bad weather.
In those days when we need alittle grace to get through the day, whether its due to fatigue, disappointment or hurt, the Bible says God freely gives us what we need. James 4:6 says, "God gives me more and more grace. That is why He says, 'God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but give grace continually to the lowly.'"
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Severe Weather Possible
This week can be volatile weather-wise for Mississippi. The reason? Spring begins and the change in seasons is upon us. If you've been watching WLBT for the last few nights, you know what I'm about to say....severe weather is likely for the overnight hours.
Another strong cold front will push into the state tonight causing severe thunderstorms, large hail, damaging straight-line winds and possible tornadoes (sound familiar?). This event looks to occur late tonight and into the wee hours of Wednesday morning. This is the worst possible time considering most people are asleep. Although it may be good that I may not have to interrupt prime time programming (remember those nasty emails?), I dread knowing that lives could be at stake while most are in dreamland. Have your weather radio on and take a look at the map from the National Weather Service.
It will be a long night for those of us at WLBT, but we'll all get through this together!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Nothing Can Separate Us
When Will was born, Gracie was 2 1/2 years old so I don't think she fully understood the changes that were about to happen in her world. Now that she's 4, she's been asking a few more questions. One of her questions is, "Will you and daddy still be able to love me and play with me and Will after baby sissy gets here?" We have reassured her that nothing can separate her and Will from the love we have for them. God has given us enough love for all of them and there is nothing for her to worry about. In the same way, nothing can separate us from the love of God and we must rest in that truth.
The tribulations, distresses and persecutions that come into our lives are not meant to destroy us (although it may seem like it!). They are designed to drive us into God's everlasting arms of love.
God is love and everything that comes into your life must be filtered through His fingers of love. No one can touch you, speak to you, look at you, or do anything to you without His permission. If adversity comes into your life, it comes with His permission. Isaiah 45:7 says, "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." And if it comes, it will work together for your good. It will be used to conform you to His image. It will not keep you from the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 8:37-39 says, "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, not any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Whatever God allows to come into your life, you can know it is not designed to embitter, disfigure, or destroy you. It is permitted by a loving God for the purpose of conforming you and me to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The tribulations, distresses and persecutions that come into our lives are not meant to destroy us (although it may seem like it!). They are designed to drive us into God's everlasting arms of love.
God is love and everything that comes into your life must be filtered through His fingers of love. No one can touch you, speak to you, look at you, or do anything to you without His permission. If adversity comes into your life, it comes with His permission. Isaiah 45:7 says, "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." And if it comes, it will work together for your good. It will be used to conform you to His image. It will not keep you from the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 8:37-39 says, "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, not any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Whatever God allows to come into your life, you can know it is not designed to embitter, disfigure, or destroy you. It is permitted by a loving God for the purpose of conforming you and me to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Friday, March 14, 2008
I'm Back!
I had to take some time off this week because we got new hardwood floors put down in our home. Due to the time it took to get the furniture in, the work done, and the furniture moved back in, we were going to be displaced for several days. So I took the children and drove to stay with my parents in Marks and had a nice visit. The children watched as my dad saned catfish (that's just another word for "harvesting" the fish) and Gracie got to pet a catfish before he headed off to processor-land, we watched the crop duster airplanes make diving runs on the farm, and they played outside until their hearts were content. It was good to have a quiet break from work, but wouldn't you know, when I returned to work last night...the viewers were waiting with their emails and phone calls.
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Barbie, You are beautiful when you are pregnant. But the blouse that you are wearing today is awful. It makes you look like you are wearing a MOO MOO. Please don't wear something like this again. Signed, Dana Holbrook
Barbie, PLEASE go to the house. You look like you're going to EXPLODE on tv! Signed, Anonymous
You have gained too much weight to be on tv. It just doesn't look good anymore. Time for you to quit. Spare us. Signed, Anonymous
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"Welcome back" would've been nice. For some strange reason, I miss the farm again....
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Barbie, You are beautiful when you are pregnant. But the blouse that you are wearing today is awful. It makes you look like you are wearing a MOO MOO. Please don't wear something like this again. Signed, Dana Holbrook
Barbie, PLEASE go to the house. You look like you're going to EXPLODE on tv! Signed, Anonymous
You have gained too much weight to be on tv. It just doesn't look good anymore. Time for you to quit. Spare us. Signed, Anonymous
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"Welcome back" would've been nice. For some strange reason, I miss the farm again....
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Taking Some Time Off
Barbie will be taking several days off and will return on Thursday. Feel free to browse the blog.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Snow?! Again?
Are you having visions of snowflakes? I am. The National Weather Service has issued a Snow Advisory and a Heavy Snow Warning for counties along the I-20 corridor and north of the interstate. I can't remember the last time we've been put under either one of those advisories. Last time it snowed in central Mississippi, we were under a Winter Weather Advisory, which isn't as exciting. By the way, both advisories start at 5pm Friday and go until 2am Saturday and some accumulation is expected. Take a look at the map and locate your county to see if you are included.
Here in Mississippi, a little bit of snow will make residents drive crazy. So be prepared to drive slow. I don't anticipate power outages or the need to stock up on non-perishables, but I imagine some residents will "think" they hear that suggestion and pack the grocery stores anyway. So if you see some snow where you are, enjoy it while it lasts----we'll be in the 60s by early next week!
Here in Mississippi, a little bit of snow will make residents drive crazy. So be prepared to drive slow. I don't anticipate power outages or the need to stock up on non-perishables, but I imagine some residents will "think" they hear that suggestion and pack the grocery stores anyway. So if you see some snow where you are, enjoy it while it lasts----we'll be in the 60s by early next week!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Is That God Calling?
As expected, Gracie has started asking some questions about the baby: "When will baby sister get here? How will baby sister get out of your tummy?", etc. Without going into graphic detail (obviously), I finally told Gracie that God will call us one day and tell us to come to the hospital to pick up baby sister. I've promised her that when we get that phone call, we'll be sure to let her know and will tell her when she and Will can come up to the hospital to meet the baby. So now, every morning if the phone rings, Gracie runs to the phone and eagerly asks me, "Is that God calling?! Is it time to go to the hospital yet?"
If God were to tell you to do something, would you know it? Would you listen? James 1:23-25 puts it this way, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it---he will be blessed in what he does."
No, God probably won't call you on the telephone today and ask you to do something for Him. But He may speak to your heart in one way or another and let you make the decision as to whether you will obey His calling or not.
If God were to tell you to do something, would you know it? Would you listen? James 1:23-25 puts it this way, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it---he will be blessed in what he does."
No, God probably won't call you on the telephone today and ask you to do something for Him. But He may speak to your heart in one way or another and let you make the decision as to whether you will obey His calling or not.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Watching Others Get Blessed
Last weekend, we put the finishing touches on the nursery. My husband set up the furniture while I washed baby clothes and set up the bedding. I had not had a chance to tackle the baby gifts and thought it would be a good time to put everything away and in it's place. I wondered how Gracie would react to the bags of baby presents being pulled out and cataloged. Surprisingly, she was very helpful and excited. "Baby sister will look so cute in this outfit, momma. Isn't this the sweetest thing, mom? Baby sister will love this present!" she would say while we were unpacking the gifts. I was so worried about Gracie's feelings and seeing all of the things the baby was getting, but Gracie was instead excited for the baby.
How you ever sat by and watched someone else get all of the blessings and wondered "When will it be my turn?" The Bible tells the wonderful story of Hannah as she was watching others get blessed.
You know the story, Hannah had wanted children for years but she had none. Instead, she found herself watching Peninnah have all of the children. Peninnah wasn't helping much; she kept rubbing her fertility in Hannah's face. Hannah was deeply hurt and tired of watching someone else get blessed with the one thing she wanted. Hannah went to the temple and poored out her heart to God in prayer. In 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah prayed "O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life." The Bible says she "wept in bitterness of soul". When your soul is so broken that you're bitter, you are at your lowest of low. Eli sees her praying outloud and thinks Hannah is drunk, but Hannah corrects him. Verse 16, "I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief," she tells him. The rest of the story is revealed. Hannah has a baby and names him Samuel.
It's hard to watch others get blessed with the very things you've longed for. But if God puts a specific desire in your heart, I believe He will see that desire come to fruition in your life.
How you ever sat by and watched someone else get all of the blessings and wondered "When will it be my turn?" The Bible tells the wonderful story of Hannah as she was watching others get blessed.
You know the story, Hannah had wanted children for years but she had none. Instead, she found herself watching Peninnah have all of the children. Peninnah wasn't helping much; she kept rubbing her fertility in Hannah's face. Hannah was deeply hurt and tired of watching someone else get blessed with the one thing she wanted. Hannah went to the temple and poored out her heart to God in prayer. In 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah prayed "O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life." The Bible says she "wept in bitterness of soul". When your soul is so broken that you're bitter, you are at your lowest of low. Eli sees her praying outloud and thinks Hannah is drunk, but Hannah corrects him. Verse 16, "I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief," she tells him. The rest of the story is revealed. Hannah has a baby and names him Samuel.
It's hard to watch others get blessed with the very things you've longed for. But if God puts a specific desire in your heart, I believe He will see that desire come to fruition in your life.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Some Unhappy Viewers
As you are well aware, yesterday's severe weather prediction was true to form. The tornado warnings started around 4:45pm for our viewing area and continued through the evening. The timing of the severe weather was good and bad: good in that the worst of the weather came in before the overnight hours and most people were awake and prepared---bad in that the severe weather came in during prime time television shows. We received over 200 emails from people who were grateful for the coverage, but as you can imagine, we also received some negative emails, too. I am still disappointed in the number of people who think just because the bad weather is not over their house, then it isn't important. Or, they think I'm so vain that I enjoy being the tv for hours at a time and think others want to see me 24/7 (farthest thing from the truth). These viewers were wanting to see their favorite NBC shows like "Deal or No Deal" and "Medium". Many don't understand that WLBT's management has made severe weather coverage a priority. When it comes to tornado warnings, WLBT's policy dictates when we go on the air to cover programming and when we get off the air. I don't make those decisions...I'm just the messenger. However, I take this job seriously and because I've been affected by an F4 tornado and lost a former WLBT co-worker in the 2001 tornado that ravaged my neighborhood, I guess you could say my perspective is alittle different. Here are some of the emails I received last night:
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Please, please get off the air. Everyone knows the weather is bad and we can catch you online if we have to. We have radios but this is ridiculous at how you just take over the airways at the slightest hint of bad weather. Signed, Peggy
While I appreciate your continued broadcast of the severe weather and have taken the necessary precautions, you are the only local channel that has preempted the regular lineup. We are watching other broadcasts because they are only breaking in every 30 minutes or if there is a major change in the weather. We stopped watching CBS because Tony did the same thing you are doing. Hoping for normal TV on NBC, Joe Surkin
Barbie, I appreciate your dedication, and the effort you bring to the WLBT listeners, however, you can not possibly know how many people I (the college educated 40-60's group) run into who get very angry when YOU get on the air, thinking we want or need to know about the "light show" taking place in downtown Jackson, and all the other worthless information, stretching what should take 3-5 minutes, into 30-40 minutes to give. If you were really in touch with your audience, you would know that we work very hard during the day/night, and when we get home, many of us turn on the TV for relaxation.......not to hear you give us the same information over and over, and over again, essentially consuming the entire time we wanted to devote to our down time, watching our favorite television show. The WLBT audience, contrary to what you might believe, does not rush home, to listen to YOU. Now, you can put whatever spin you want on this.....or attach whatever emotions you think will explain or legitimize your actions, but if you care, many in the WLBT viewing area, want you to hurry-up, give the necessary information, then get off. The WLBT audience is made-up of educated folks who only need to look outside their windows to see that the weather is bad, and only need to see the weather, on television, in a matter of a few minutes- if the bad weather is coming our way........we (many, who apparently are far wiser than you-since you can't recognize this) did not turn on the television to watch the "Barbie Hour." Again, spin this however you want, but the audience isn't listening, and you are only making us more ANGRY by trying to insult our intelligence with your ridiculous excuses about how others, if not me, want to watch your OSCAR Performance. Signed, Adonis Jackson
Apparently you don't get it. If a tornado had been booming down on my house last night, and I had sat in front of my television listening to you for an hour, I would be dead this morning. The weather alert I want from you should only take 2 minutes, otherwise you are there for "show" effect. Is that really the reason you spend an hour to give me the information which would only take 2 minutes to give? Well, that's what it looks like to the public! If you don't believe this, you have only yourself to blame when the viewers go elsewhere to get their weather. Signed, Anoymous
Please get back to the regular programming. You people are so weather-phobic, it's pitiful!
I would really like to see Medium. Signed, Anonymous
Please keep it short. You can report about amount of rainfall etc... in your regular news hour. Please don't take up the ENTIRE evening TV program. You are the only broadcast that keeps going on and on and on. Signed, Linda Lau
We got it, that's enough, please get off the air. There is such a thing called The Weather Channel. Please you dont have to keep saying the same thing over and over. Also, you listening to the weather radio on the air is ridiculous. Signed, Randy McNamee
I have discovered where the incompetent meteorologists go when they cannot work anywhere else. Apparently, they are employed at your station under your careful supervision. Tonights display of total uneducated simplicity only shows that you are incapable of truly giving a weather report but rather enjoy feeling that your useless conversation is somehow going to save lives. Signed, Terry Magnon
Sorry, but can we please watch Medium? I understand people need to be informed but isn't a scrolling banner with an interruption from NOAA once and a while good enough? It sure use to be. You guys now make bad storms into a show of it's own. Sorry, but jeez... Signed, Lisa Byrd
It is totally unnecessary to spend hours upon hours on the air giving the weather, even if the weather is bad. You are not doing a public service, if anything, you are heightening fear in an attempt to increase ratings. Breaking in from time to time and giving updates at the bottom of the screen is adequate in most situations, even tonight. The audience is well aware that your station has the finest, most up to date equipment available along with the most knowledgeable, experienced meteorologists, but enough is enough. Do you really have to read emails on the air? Television stations exist based on viewers and advertising. Well, I watched other stations tonight! Signed, Gwen Allen
Barbie, would you please stop giving us the wall to wall coverage every time it rains and a tornado could "possibly" occur? We dont need 3-4 hours of nonstop repeating of warnings and watches when a simple 1/10 size screen graphic or scrolling could do th job. We can clearly see and hear whats going on outside our window AND we have our weather radio, so WHY the nonstop repeating of info that you are clearly getting from your weather radio in the first place?? Pathetic! And we couldn't care less about your awards, pregnancy, "award winning weather team" or WLBT's "latest best in the world super duper doppler" equipment. We want to watch our shows and not your constant babbling on and on thats accomplishing nothing. Again, we can see and hear what the weathers doing with our own eyes and ears. Just stick to your daily 2 minute weather skit. Signed, Susan Conners
I hated Channel 3 last night! Talk about overdoing something, geez. From the time I got home at 4:45 until 7:30, then back again around 8:15, hardly anything but yakking about weather. Come on! Whatever happened to just putting the state map in the corner with the counties highlighted and the scroll across the bottom, then just breaking in occasionally? Then interrupting Deal or No Deal - one of the few NBC shows worth watching - and Barbie later flippantly saying oh you know, someone will win a million some day - well, I would like to know how much the guy from Tennessee won who we were watching after you got through eating! Barbie, you said the viewers meant so much you had to keep them posted, then in the next line Eric said something about eating, I'm glad you took a little while off to eat. And reading the e-mails, who gives a flip about them - probably the ones who wrote just wanted to hear their names on the air. I called the WAPT phone number for messages (355-1616) and spouted off to them, and wished I knew one at WLBT to call too. I'm sure you lost a lot of money in advertising. Thank heavens for Fox News. Signed, Carol Wiley
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Do you ever have people complain about how you do your job? Do you have policies you have to adhere to? Then you know exactly why these kind of emails can disturb you. I would love to work a career where EVERYONE was satisfied with the outcome. But in this business, it just doesn't happen.
And thanks to my dear friend Maggie Wade who brought me back a sandwich last night for dinner. Contrary to what the above emailer, Carol, thought she heard, we did not have a dinner break because the National Weather Service kept issuing tornado warnings. When I got home this morning at 1am, I was able to sit down and eat my sandwich that Maggie brought me at 7:30pm last night.
Some days I think labor will be easier than trying to explain our television station's policy and why WLBT has chosen to go about severe weather coverage more intensely. This is one of those days when I'm going to have to pray myself back into work...
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Please, please get off the air. Everyone knows the weather is bad and we can catch you online if we have to. We have radios but this is ridiculous at how you just take over the airways at the slightest hint of bad weather. Signed, Peggy
While I appreciate your continued broadcast of the severe weather and have taken the necessary precautions, you are the only local channel that has preempted the regular lineup. We are watching other broadcasts because they are only breaking in every 30 minutes or if there is a major change in the weather. We stopped watching CBS because Tony did the same thing you are doing. Hoping for normal TV on NBC, Joe Surkin
Barbie, I appreciate your dedication, and the effort you bring to the WLBT listeners, however, you can not possibly know how many people I (the college educated 40-60's group) run into who get very angry when YOU get on the air, thinking we want or need to know about the "light show" taking place in downtown Jackson, and all the other worthless information, stretching what should take 3-5 minutes, into 30-40 minutes to give. If you were really in touch with your audience, you would know that we work very hard during the day/night, and when we get home, many of us turn on the TV for relaxation.......not to hear you give us the same information over and over, and over again, essentially consuming the entire time we wanted to devote to our down time, watching our favorite television show. The WLBT audience, contrary to what you might believe, does not rush home, to listen to YOU. Now, you can put whatever spin you want on this.....or attach whatever emotions you think will explain or legitimize your actions, but if you care, many in the WLBT viewing area, want you to hurry-up, give the necessary information, then get off. The WLBT audience is made-up of educated folks who only need to look outside their windows to see that the weather is bad, and only need to see the weather, on television, in a matter of a few minutes- if the bad weather is coming our way........we (many, who apparently are far wiser than you-since you can't recognize this) did not turn on the television to watch the "Barbie Hour." Again, spin this however you want, but the audience isn't listening, and you are only making us more ANGRY by trying to insult our intelligence with your ridiculous excuses about how others, if not me, want to watch your OSCAR Performance. Signed, Adonis Jackson
Apparently you don't get it. If a tornado had been booming down on my house last night, and I had sat in front of my television listening to you for an hour, I would be dead this morning. The weather alert I want from you should only take 2 minutes, otherwise you are there for "show" effect. Is that really the reason you spend an hour to give me the information which would only take 2 minutes to give? Well, that's what it looks like to the public! If you don't believe this, you have only yourself to blame when the viewers go elsewhere to get their weather. Signed, Anoymous
Please get back to the regular programming. You people are so weather-phobic, it's pitiful!
I would really like to see Medium. Signed, Anonymous
Please keep it short. You can report about amount of rainfall etc... in your regular news hour. Please don't take up the ENTIRE evening TV program. You are the only broadcast that keeps going on and on and on. Signed, Linda Lau
We got it, that's enough, please get off the air. There is such a thing called The Weather Channel. Please you dont have to keep saying the same thing over and over. Also, you listening to the weather radio on the air is ridiculous. Signed, Randy McNamee
I have discovered where the incompetent meteorologists go when they cannot work anywhere else. Apparently, they are employed at your station under your careful supervision. Tonights display of total uneducated simplicity only shows that you are incapable of truly giving a weather report but rather enjoy feeling that your useless conversation is somehow going to save lives. Signed, Terry Magnon
Sorry, but can we please watch Medium? I understand people need to be informed but isn't a scrolling banner with an interruption from NOAA once and a while good enough? It sure use to be. You guys now make bad storms into a show of it's own. Sorry, but jeez... Signed, Lisa Byrd
It is totally unnecessary to spend hours upon hours on the air giving the weather, even if the weather is bad. You are not doing a public service, if anything, you are heightening fear in an attempt to increase ratings. Breaking in from time to time and giving updates at the bottom of the screen is adequate in most situations, even tonight. The audience is well aware that your station has the finest, most up to date equipment available along with the most knowledgeable, experienced meteorologists, but enough is enough. Do you really have to read emails on the air? Television stations exist based on viewers and advertising. Well, I watched other stations tonight! Signed, Gwen Allen
Barbie, would you please stop giving us the wall to wall coverage every time it rains and a tornado could "possibly" occur? We dont need 3-4 hours of nonstop repeating of warnings and watches when a simple 1/10 size screen graphic or scrolling could do th job. We can clearly see and hear whats going on outside our window AND we have our weather radio, so WHY the nonstop repeating of info that you are clearly getting from your weather radio in the first place?? Pathetic! And we couldn't care less about your awards, pregnancy, "award winning weather team" or WLBT's "latest best in the world super duper doppler" equipment. We want to watch our shows and not your constant babbling on and on thats accomplishing nothing. Again, we can see and hear what the weathers doing with our own eyes and ears. Just stick to your daily 2 minute weather skit. Signed, Susan Conners
I hated Channel 3 last night! Talk about overdoing something, geez. From the time I got home at 4:45 until 7:30, then back again around 8:15, hardly anything but yakking about weather. Come on! Whatever happened to just putting the state map in the corner with the counties highlighted and the scroll across the bottom, then just breaking in occasionally? Then interrupting Deal or No Deal - one of the few NBC shows worth watching - and Barbie later flippantly saying oh you know, someone will win a million some day - well, I would like to know how much the guy from Tennessee won who we were watching after you got through eating! Barbie, you said the viewers meant so much you had to keep them posted, then in the next line Eric said something about eating, I'm glad you took a little while off to eat. And reading the e-mails, who gives a flip about them - probably the ones who wrote just wanted to hear their names on the air. I called the WAPT phone number for messages (355-1616) and spouted off to them, and wished I knew one at WLBT to call too. I'm sure you lost a lot of money in advertising. Thank heavens for Fox News. Signed, Carol Wiley
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Do you ever have people complain about how you do your job? Do you have policies you have to adhere to? Then you know exactly why these kind of emails can disturb you. I would love to work a career where EVERYONE was satisfied with the outcome. But in this business, it just doesn't happen.
And thanks to my dear friend Maggie Wade who brought me back a sandwich last night for dinner. Contrary to what the above emailer, Carol, thought she heard, we did not have a dinner break because the National Weather Service kept issuing tornado warnings. When I got home this morning at 1am, I was able to sit down and eat my sandwich that Maggie brought me at 7:30pm last night.
Some days I think labor will be easier than trying to explain our television station's policy and why WLBT has chosen to go about severe weather coverage more intensely. This is one of those days when I'm going to have to pray myself back into work...
Monday, March 3, 2008
Severe Weather Likely
Once again, thank you for your prayers for my sister Rhonda. She is a little disappointed the cardiologists couldn't do what they went in to do last Friday. Her heart palpitations have returned over the weekend so she is taking the mild beta-blocker which was prescribed for her in hopes they will be controlled. The best part is, the doctors got a good look at her heart and said her heart "looks great"...no blockages or concerns. If she went through that whole process just to find that out, it was worth it!
Now onto the severe weather for today.
Last year, we had such a benign severe weather season. It practically didn't exist. Now I feel like singing that old John Lennon song, "Nobody told me there'd be days like these!" This year has been the most active severe weather season I've experienced in my 12 years of forecasting.
Today, all modes of severe weather are possible between 3pm-2am Tuesday: large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and heavy rain. Most of the bad weather should roll in after the kids are home from school and after most people have gotten home from work. However, this event has the potential to be worse than the February 5 tornado outbreak, which killed over 50 people in Arkansas and Tennessee (Mississippi saw injuries, but no deaths thankfully). It will be gusty today with wind gusts up to 30-40 mph, which could cause some minor damage ahead of the cold front. Make sure you have your weather radio on with batteries in hand as I'm sure some in our viewing area will lose electricity. If you hear the sirens go off where you are, get your family to a safe place. If you don't live near a siren, listen for the warnings on WLBT or your weather radio. We'll be in this together, so let's hope for the best.
I've posted the National Weather Service's latest graphic. Take a look at it and find your county.
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