Mother's Day...of course I would write today!

This morning, I was up WAY before the sun!  I was having a hard time sleeping.  Which normally means I either ate something that totally didn't agree with me or the Lord has something to share with me.  I'm supposing it's the latter since I haven't had to make a mad dash to the potty this morning.  ;)
I needed to type up a PowerPoint presentation for my amazing hubby this morning's worship service.  So, that was one thing that I needed to get done.  But, also I needed to spend a little extra time this morning worshipping the God that makes this life possible and taking the time to thank him for a petite, and many times overlooked blessing in my life, my Momma.

The story of how I came into this world is nothing short of God's creativity and really to be bold, a Miracle.  I know that word is thrown around so much today, but it's really valid in this situation.

On August 17, 1979 at the young ages of 19 and 18, Coletta Ravon Schmidt and Rocky Wayne Greer entered into a covenant marriage with one another.  The peace and quiet in their home was replaced a couple of years later with the birth of Rocsann Ravon Greer, a curly headed, dimpled, blue eyed, sweet baby girl.  Life was good.  Eight months later, the world came crashing in around them--stroke was the word that rocked their world.  Apparently, it was a preventable stroke caused from birth control pills.  After 8 days in a coma, then came the exhausting work of rehabilitation.  Coletta, just 22 years old, endured the rigors of regaining the use of her left side that had been paralyzed in the stroke, and returned home a different, but very determined woman.
Then,  December of 1981 brought more shocking news--Pregnancy!  Immediately excitement was squelched by grief and dismay.  The doctors were not impressed to say the very least.  They were troubled at this news and quickly told the young couple to abort all hope for this child's survival right then and there, literally through means of an abortion.
Here's where the plot thickens.  Rocky and Coletta could not go through with even the thought of killing this life they had already brought into this world.  So, they changed doctors.  The pregnancy was considered high risk with a possibility of even losing Coletta in the process.  The proceeded with childlike faith.  Nine months later brought another surprising word, Daughter (AGAIN!).  They were sure this time it was a Son.  That daughter of course is Me, Cory Lynne.
I'm so thankful, not only for the memories I share with my mom (I assure you there are many because she is a great mom), but also for the time that I was being formed in the secret place, as the Bible calls it, and loving me even then enough to risk her own life to bring me in whatever condition I came, into this world!  AMAZING LOVE!
My mom and dad did the unheard of in those days, refuse a "medically endorsed" abortion.  I can't thank them enough!  She did everything a "normal" mother would do.  She taught us to do cartwheels in the back yard, she taught us cheers from when she was a cheerleader at Cordell High School.  She did everything (probably more than other moms her age)!  As I look at my daughter and feel my other child kicking wildly in my womb, I think of my mom and the unmatched sacrifice she made to bring my sister and me into this world and then continue on and raise us as if she had no reason or excuse not to be the same as any other more able bodied mom.  I just hope I am as courageous and fearless in raising my children as she was.
So, here's a little and very humble thank you, Momma!
You (and Daddy) are the best example of Love I can imagine!  I love you back!
Proverbs 31:26-31
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  
Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I apologize for my blank look in this picture.  This is the day we brought Elliana home.  I was a little more than exhausted and overwhelmed by the guests on our first day.

 Baby Shower (Meet and Greet) a week after Elli Kate was born.  What a difference a week makes!

This last summer!  She was twirling and I stopped her so we could take a quick pic!  That's all we get, really, are pictures on the run now. :)

Scanning the night sky for wish granting, falling stars in August (the Perseid meteor shower) has been a tradition for my family for years and years. My momma used to take my sister and me (yes, proper grammar would say me here, not I) outside to be entertained for free by the starry show put on by the Host of hosts. It was one of the only times in the year that my momma would stay up late, this late at least. I could tell she was genuinely excited about the time we would spend together watching the yearly shower. When I was young, I thought that the meteor shower was my chance for the year to stock up on some wishes! How vain!

Well, we'd get out blankets and pillows, pop plenty of popcorn and trek outdoors into the summer night's heat to our grassy mattress. It was really the neighbor's backyard we would lay in, but they didn't mind. It was a huge open field that was just ripe for laying in or, during daylight hours, playing an impromptu game of baseball. Nevertheless, we would pick out the same spot every year to relax and just watch quietly until the silence would be broken by an exclamation! Someone had caught a glimpse of the first one! I don't really know why we were so quiet. Maybe it was because we were focusing really hard on catching the flashes of light streaking across the sky. Or maybe it was because we were just truly humbled and awestruck by witnessing such a sight. Either way, it was always one important event I always anticipated; and I still do.

God allows us to see this amazing show every summer's end. It's sort of like the finale to a firework show. But, His show is timed out even better than one at the Magic Kingdom! His symphony orchestra is playing in the heavens along with every burst and flash! I know that it's never been just for me or anyone else for that matter. He does everything for His glory, and He should! I just feel privileged to see this production every year. What an incredible God I have! He lets everyone and anyone see what He choreographed eons ago in a show that I saw tonight! The best part is that the display is free. You don't have to sneak in to see it. Just look up!

The same goes for salvation: He gives us all access to real life through His Son, Jesus. He wants you to know Him. Just ask, receive, and turn away from your old ways. Anyway.

This show is still playing the next few nights right in your own backyard. Catch it, if you get the chance! It's worth it, I promise!