Paiges Petals

She Said Yes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 00:27:00 +0000

My baby girl found the love of her life, Rob and she was waiting for that famous question! She waited and waited. On Valentines Day she asked Rob, "Do I need to look into my smashed potatoes for the ring?" She has some more great stories like that one. But, Elizabeth said yes to Rob on July 2nd at White Rock Lake. It took Jessica, her BFF, some exaggerated stories and few lies to get her to drive to her house which is near the lake. She got her to the lake and there was Rob on the dock waiting on her! Yes, I cried!

Elizabeth is on top of the world and I am so excited to have Rob as my son! The venue and the date is our first priority and we will breathe a sigh of relief after that's decided!

The Crooked Path

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 15:28:00 +0000

"Consider what God has done. Who can straighten what he has made crooked? (Ecclesiastes 7:13)

God often seems to place his children in places of deep difficulty, leading them into a corner from which there is no escape. He creates situations that human judgment, even if consulted, would never allow.

Your situation is filled with uncertainty and is very serious but it is perfectly right. The reason behind it will more than justify Him who brought you here, for it is a platform from which God will display His almighty grace and power.

He not only will deliver you but in doing so will impart a lesson that you will never forget. And in days to come, you will return to the truth of it through singing. You will be unable to ever thank God enough for doing exactly what He has done. ~Streams in the Desert.

This is the devotion for March 1st in Streams in the Desert and I see that I have noted with a purple highlighter 2012. “Into a corner from which there is no escape” is where I have been many times and this particular place began in November 2011. I made the decision to continue our small business after my husband died and I didn’t not know how it would end up, but believed in faith that I was in God’s will. Now it is three years later and really don't know what is next. Cloudiness of the circumstance as stated above says it very simply for me. I felt I heard a promise from God and I faithfully followed that promise and believed. I felt uncertainty, anxiety and fear but in my heart I felt I was being obedient. It certainly has guided me to the other side without a financial win, but I have felt His hand all along the way and He certainly has a plan for me. Not knowing what the promise meant, I believed it to be and I have to depend on the reason behind it and I pray that in this journey God’s grace and power will be displayed. Now I believe He has given me a new promise that He will not only deliver me but in doing so I will take the great lessons I have learned and allow the experience, pain and joy of the past three years to transform me.

If you find yourself in this place, trust Him. He is faithful and He loves you!

xoxo,

I am on Bloglovin!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 16:37:00 +0000

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A Fifth Time Read

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 16:53:00 +0000

Am I really reading the same book for the 5th time? The first time was in 2010 and the coolest thing about this book is it is signed by the author. "Paige--your the One! Priscilla Num 14:24-30. I guess I can say this is my favorite book written by a Christian author because it has impacted my life every time I have read it and each time I read it I get a new message. The highlighter color has to be changed each time though. That was my prayer in 2010: "to be one in a million", which is the title of the book, by Priscilla Shirer. Oh, I forgot to brag that I had my picture taken with her too!

In 2014, I am still praying the same prayer. My life is on a different path that feels like another wilderness journey, so I suspect God lead me to hunt the book down for another read. Reading in chapter nine this morning, I came across my handwritten notes that caused me to read it over several times and tears began to flow. Let me share with you what I read prior to seeing my scribbles in the margin:

Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember Your abundant kindnesses, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea....They quickly forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel....but grumbled in their tents; they did not listen to the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 106:7, 13, 25).

"And what they missed as a result were numerous opportunities to recognize what God had done, what He was presently doing, and what He was still yet to do. God can and does move on behalf of His people. These thirsty in-between times when you are trudging through a particularly rough or stagnant patch have not fallen on you by mistake. He is making a way for His greatness to be seen, for His glory to be put on full display--a way for you to experience in real time what He promises to be when you're sitting on the pew, hoping it's true."

"What are you asking God to do for you at this season of life? What would you say you most desire if you were able to verbalize ever series of circumstances you're being called to walk through these days?"

My answer was scribbled in the margin.

2010
1) Healing

2) Debt

3) Kids' hearts toward God

My thought immediately was Wow! These were all answered prayer.

Healing didn't quite happen as I prayed it would. Pat was healed of cancer on the other side of Heaven, but there was much healing done here while he was still on this earth. Healing began in many of the lives Pat touched, including me and the kids.

Debt was taken care of fully and completely but not the timeline I had hoped for. That was certainly a wilderness journey, and as I look back I can see how God had His hand in every step that was taken. His lessons were invaluable.

Kids's hearts toward God is clearly being seen as God has taken the worse tragedy a child could imagine and use it to draw them to Himself, while molding and changing them to be women and men of God. Although they miss their dad each and every day, God is working in their lives.

Promises were fulfilled and prayers were answered. God showed me again today through my scribbles how faithful and good He is and a reminder that He never changes. No matter what I am going through now, I have to trust Him and stand on the other promises that He has given me while I continue in my journey.

"When we pray for what we most wish to happen, we can trust with absolute assurance that He will either act according to our prayer....or do something better. He will either bless us with what we want, or He'll bless us with what we really need and change our hearts to desire what He's given. He alone knows what will get us most prepared for our next stage of abundant living, what will draw us nearest to Him in fellowship and intimacy, what will cause His glory to burst upon the stage of our lives with weighty significance where everybody who wants to can see it. We can totally rely on Him to take us exactly where we need to go....if we'll only be wiling to follow.

"You can stand in the midst of uncertainty, trusting that you are safe in your Father's arms."

In His Grip,

The Year 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 17:48:00 +0000

It is December 26th and it is mid morning because I really slept in this morning. I am now enjoying my chair as I use my Santa coffee cup one more time. I really need to get into that kitchen and living room to clean up that mess. I am instantly reminded of Andy Rooney's quote that I saw on a friend's FB yesterday.

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly." ~ Andy Rooney, American writer, producer, humorist. ”

I guess I will leave the mess a while longer while I reflect on 2013.

Christmas cards are being sent less and less it seems over the years, and I have been guilty of that the past two. I know that social media has a lot to do with that as we can keep up with each other's lives easier now, but I do miss writing that Christmas letter each year and more importantly reading and enjoying our annual cards received from friends and family. What I certainly love the most are the photos that we receive and viewthrough the cards, and on Facebook and Instagram.

The end of 2013 seemed to arrive faster than usual. The year was certainly full of change and adventure for me with living as an empty nester, anticipating the release of the movie, My Son, and the event of the year, Kristin and Matt's wedding!

Elizabeth's year was full with a job promotion with Senior Health Care Centers, the new love of her life, Rob, and the joy of their shared pup, Khai! She lives in the Plano/The Colony area and works in Denton as the Director of Marketing. She and Rob met on their kick ball team and the love sparks began after she invited him to attend a wedding. Rob is a civil engineer in Dallas and is originally from Florida. We love him and he fits right in!

Matt is now a married man as of October 25th when he married the beautiful Kristin Ford. What a blessing she is to our family and I know that she is the one that God had me praying for so many years ago. Matt is still peddling windows (his Dad's phrase) for our window replacement company and has done very well this year. I am so very thankful for Matt and his loving support. He is always there when I need him. Also, Cash, Pat's beloved australian shepherd, loves living at their house and he has a new sister australian shepherd, Maddox.

Garrett is a freshman at Blinn College in College Station. This year has been an eye opener for a new student that never studied much in high school and if he had his way, he would go back to high school. I am so proud of the man he is becoming and you can certainly see Pat's hand prints all over him! Garrett loves that!

The new addition to the family last Christmas was Hank, Garrett's boxer. Much to Garrett's dismay, he is really mine. This beautiful, white and deaf sweetheart has brought me so much joy and the kids make fun of me because he is very spoiled and I take his picture the most!

As for me, I certainly was busy doing various things. I began developing websites and plan to continue this in the future. The movie, My Son, took a lot of my time this year marketing and promoting for the release on September 20th. I was cast as the mother, Sherri Clark, of the main character in this Christian feature film. The premier was truly a magical night that I will never forget and I feel so blessed to be a part of it. Another highlight of the year for me was that I had the honor of doing the florals for the wedding which inspired me to continue my floral design business, Petals by Paige.

2013 has been been a year of healing while building new family traditions and most of all bringing the five of us closer and closer to each other. We miss Pat very much, but we always find a story to tell, a memory to remember or just making plain fun of the dad who was such a vital part of this family. I was able to surprise the kids this Christmas with quilts made from their dad's favorite t-shirts and the smiles and tears on their faces when they opened me blessed me beyond measure.

We now will focus on 2014 and wait with expectancy and faith as we trust our mighty God to go before us as He leads us. What I have learned the most in 2013 is that He is truly faithful and sovereign. I am so blessed as I am held firmly in His grip!

xoxo

The Thankful List

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 18:23:00 +0000

It is a Facebook thing, the Thirty days of Thankfulness for the month. I usually participate and today is Day 21. The first week and a half are easy, but I find myself lingering a bit longer the last half of the month creating my list. Many things that I am thankful are so small, private or just not humble, so I list the nice, readable 30. For the past two years, thankfulness has been whispered and actually cried out in my prayers, so I don't believe 90 days would be long enough.

We are approaching the second anniversary of Pat's death next week, and thankfulness and gratitude would be what I have to describe to be the strongest emotion other than grief. Oh, there is the journey itself with so much pain and challenges, but the gratitude, laughter, peace and love have carried us. As the days go by, the beauty of relationships dulls the grief.

What has been the most painful for me is my children's pain. I have seen it in their faces and felt it in the words that they text me. In the middle of the day or night, I will get a text from one of them. "I miss my dad." "I dreamed about dad last night." "If I had only one more day." They are experiencing major life events such as graduation, job promotions, engagements, weddings, and dad is not here to share with them. I told Garrett the other day how thankful I am that your dad's handprints is all over him." His reply, "I know. I am too."

I just read this:

During the month of November, we hear a lot about gratitude. Gratitude is more than being thankful for your blessings. Gratitude flows from a person’s heart when they see the good in God’s character, the good in themselves, and the good in others.

Gratitude is about finding what is good and magnifying it by appreciation and celebration. When we appreciate and celebrate the people, miracles and gifts of God in our lives, we begin to prosper because kingdom assignments are being fulfilled and expanding! Paula White

My kids have absolutely shown selflessness with me in the way they love me, support me, encourage me and even brag on me! My relationship with each child has grown stronger and the closeness of Elizabeth, Matt and Garrett is so strong and evident. Now that Kristin is my daughter, I am seeing Elizabeth and Garrett just embracing her and initiating her into our crazy Easterling madness!

This year introduced more changes for me as Matt moved out this summer, Garrett went off to college, so I am now an empty nester. I really have adapted well and love my space. We had the most magical wedding last month when Matt and Kristin married (I will blog about that soon....can't wait to show you the wedding photos.) and oh, how I would love to relive that day. Elizabeth got promoted this past year in her job as marketing director for a skilled nursing facility and doing excellent. She also has a new love, Rob. Garrett is finding out that school is hard, but he is up for the challenge with a bit of griping!

Sadly, I have friends that are walking the journey that Pat and I traveled and those raw and realistic emotions have hit me at times. Just reading my daily Bible these past few days, I am reminded of that journey when I see some of the notes that I made in the margins such as: tough days; "tired and weary"; "need wisdom regarding Pat's pain"; "do we do chemo or not"; and finally "Pat met Jesus today, November 26, 2011". What is my advice for couples facing cancer? I first tell them that there are many gifts in cancer. I tell them you will experience God hugs and they will just make you smile. I tell them to soak in God's word and allow Him to love, encourage and allow Him to teach you more about His faithfulness, sovereignty, and hope. I share with them that my most cherished gift I ever received was His peace. A peace that is so unknown and foreign....peace that which surpasses understanding.

When you lose a spouse, you start to learn about who you are without that person, especially after you have been together 30 years, and discover more about who God created you to be. I have found some discoveries about myself that are good, surprising and also hidden. I would like to use the word "unfortunately" as I begin the next sentence, ~~Unfortunately~~, I have discovered some things that I don't like much about me, but I can't as God is using these ugly discoveries to show me more about who He is, how He can transform me, but most of all that He loves me....unconditionally.

As I close, I realize that I could add to my list of those thankful days, but I will just bask in the fact that I have thankfully discovered more!

Happy Thanksgiving!

In His Grip!

Pre Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 21:56:00 +0000

The excitement isn't over in this family as we have a wedding October 25th! Kristin and Matt's big day is just a few weeks away. The bachelor and bachelorette parties were this weekend. Although the boys have not shared their photos from the weekend, I have a few from our night together!


Elizabeth & I on our way to dinner!

Painting With A Twist

My new daughter to be, Kristin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am doing the florals for the wedding reception and have started this project this week. As of today I have three down and many, many more to go! You can see below that Hank is all up in my floral business...it is all fun though! Wedding time is so exciting!

Hank

My Son Movie Premier

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 21:19:00 +0000

September 20th was absolutely magical.....limousine, red carpet and getting to share the evening with my friends and family. The movie was a hit and ran an extra week in the local theater. Retta Vision is meeting now with movie distribution companies now to get the movie out nationally. Meanwhile, this weekend the movie, My Son, has been nominated to the 2013 CMM Christian Film Festival this weekend in Clark, New Jersey, and actress Kate Randall, who plays my daughter, Jess in My Son, has been nominated for the "Best Actress in a Leading Role" award. I Love you, Kate and so very proud of you!

Rob, Elizabeth, Garrett, Kristin & Matt

The Clark Family

Restin & Kate

Austin, the star!

MY SON's R-Rating Is Getting Attention!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 21:20:00 +0000

MY SON, the movie is getting press. WFAA Channel 8 out of DFW has covered the story twice. Last night, Jim Douglas, of WFAA, did a follow up story on the R rating the movie received from the MPAA. Click below to see the two new stories:

Burleson church pulls together to produce movie they hope inspires faith

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/tarrant/Burleson-church-pulls-together-to-produce-movie-they-hope-inspires-faith-219994871.html#

MPAA gives Burleson church's $25,000 film an 'R' rating

http://www.wfaa.com/entertainment/MPAA-gives-Burleson-churchs-25000-film-an-R-rating-222264361.html

The Baptist Standard

Burleson church produces movie

The movie premiers September 20th at the Burleson Premier Theater. Tickets are on sale now!

How exciting to be a part of this movie and see just what God has in store!

https://www.facebook.com/MySonMovie
www.mysonmovie.com

My Son - Official Movie Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 03:08:00 +0000

www.mysonmovie.com

Did you recognize the mom? Yep, that is me! How did I get the opportunity to do a movie?

Paige Easterling

Sharri Clarke

A few months after the tragic loss of her husband to pancreatic cancer, Paige Easterling was asked by a friend to audition for a role in MY SON. With no prior acting experience, Paige was uncertain why God had placed such an unfamiliar opportunity in front of her. Looking back, she found that her involvement in the film proved to be a gift from God that aided in the healing process. Paige is the owner of a residential window replacement business and volunteers at her church, First Baptist of Burleson.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Cadon wasn't going anywhere . . . until he met Jess. Now that Jess and her young son Austin are living with him, his life seems to have direction and purpose.

But when they lose custody of Austin under questionable circumstances, Cadon feels responsible. His hope of having a normal family is all but lost. Desperate to keep Jess, Cadon turns to his lifelong friend Bo for help to reclaim their son.

He is willing to do anything.
Love Has No Limits.

As their plan unfolds and tensions escalate, Cadon finds himself trapped in a hostage crisis in a small church. With the situation spiraling out of control, Cadon, Jess and Bo will each have life-changing decisions to make. MY SON tells the story behind a too-real tragedy interwoven with a message of hope that can overcome even our worst choices.

History of the Film

In its continuing efforts to reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ, Retta Baptist Church has sought new and creative ways to accomplish this goal. One example of this is Retta's long history of ministry through media, including music videos and documentaries. In the summer of 2011, the vision of spreading the Gospel through media was expanded in the hearts of those at Retta to include the possibility of producing a feature film. Throughout the entire production process, from the writing of the script to the shooting of the film to the current marketing efforts, the goal has remained the same: to share with as many people as possible the message of hope and new life that Jesus offers in a way that they can relate to and will be easily accessible to them.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Principle photography for MY SON began on July 27th, 2012 and concluded August 24th after 26 days of near continuous filming. Additional scenes were shot in October of 2012 and March of 2013. A crew of more than 40 volunteers contributed behind the scenes in various roles during the filming process. Private homes, churches, and local businesses in the Texas cities of Burleson, Alvarado, Mansfield, and River Oaks provided the backdrop for the film's scenes.

The movie premiers on September 20th!

The Graduate!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 01:27:00 +0000

Every time I open up this blog, I always say I miss it. Time passes and so much of life has too! As of June 10th, I know longer have a child in school. Garrett graduated, we celebrated and now getting ready for him to go off to college in August.

Graduation celebration began with a party with his two best friends, Paxton and Alex at Leslie and Jeff's followed by a cruise with more friends. Garrett and I left on the 13th for a four night stay and a day trip to Cozumel. A lot of great memories were made.

The Three!

The Three Moms of the Three!

June 10th was the big graduation!

After graduation, Garrett and I, his friends and my two girlfriends went on a cruise!

Paxton, Alex & Garrett

Leslie & Kay

Thanks for the great memories, G! I love you!

She Said Yes!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:01:00 +0000

Matt popped the question and Kristin Ford said yes! Sunday was a beautiful day of celebration and I cannot wait until Kristin is an Easterling. Personally, I am so excited about the upcoming wedding and that Kristin has allowed me to be a part of the planning. What fun we will have! Here are a few pictures!

Kristin & Matt

No date set yet!

What Have I Missed?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:41:00 +0000

Sitting in my chair and spending time with the Lord lately has not been often enough or long enough as I get so distracted with this laptop, or any other electronic that consumes my life. Why do I allow this? It is the sweetest part of my day. Oh, but God is so faithful. He hasn't moved...He is still with me, waiting on me. I opened up my favorite devotional this morning, Streams in the Desert, and He has a word specifically for me. Actually it was for yesterday, but He made sure I saw it this morning. "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8).

Abraham "did not know where he was going"--it simply was enough for him to know he went with God. He did not lean as much on the promises as he did on the Promiser. And he did not look at the difficulties of his circumstances but looked to His King--the eternal, limitless, invisible, wise and only God--who had reached down from His throne to direct his path and who would certainly prove himself.

What popped out to me was "He did not lean as much on the promises as he did on the Promiser". That's it. That was for me. Yes, God gave me so many promises that I have clung to this past year. I have read them over and over. I have cried out praying His word and repeating them to His listening ear. There is no doubt that He hears me and that He has a purpose and a plan for me, but I feel His message to me this morning is to trust Him over the promises. I am so undeserving of His goodness and faithfulness. He was waiting on me, luring me to Him. How many hugs have I missed this week by not putting our time together first each day. That makes me sad. That is like walking away from my earthly father as he extends his arms to me for a hug, and I choose to walk away ignoring the chance for that warm, loving embrace I know that I would get. I know that my Daddy loves me, but how much more does God love me! Wow!

So blessed!

The Last Leg

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:45:00 +0000

The greatest challenge in receiving great things from God is holding on for the last half hour~~Streams in the Desert.

When I read that this morning I had a heavy heart asking God to show me something. I just want to hear His voice as I need His wisdom, discernment and guidance (w/d/g) for my business. I have a list of Promises He has given me over the past year in regard to my business. Promises from His word that are written in the front of my Bible. It was only a few years ago that I was skipping the Old Testament chapters. I considered them boring and jumped to the New Testament. The Psalms and Proverbs kept my attention. This 365 day Bible was created to read each daily. Maybe some day was my thought. I wonder why I read February 1st reading of Exodus 14:13 on October 5, 2010? It is noted in the margin. That was the day Pat was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer stage 4. I may need to read my journal and hope that I noted what lead me to Exodus on that day.

Back to the Promises. I am thinking about them because I need to read them again. What exactly did they say....or better yet what was my interpretation. I am so glad that I took the time to scribble them in ink on the first blank page in faith. Faith based on his Promises alone. I need to read them now because I have been believing on what I cannot see.

This has been a very long and challenging road being a small business owner trying to learn the business as well as the secrets of it's success. I would have given up a long time ago if it hadn't been for the Promises. I have to trust in Him. After all, He knows the master plan.

As far as the Old Testament, I read it now and have found that most of the Promises came from those precious books. I truly love reading His word and wait in expectation for Him to encourage, love and speak to me.

Since I am still in the race, I have my tennis shoes laced up tight! I am.....

In His Grip,

Honey Do List

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 04:44:00 +0000

The honey do list is getting longer. Those heavy Christmas decoration boxes in the garage need to be moved to the attic. The light bulbs in the fixtures outside are out and I don't know how to disassemble them. That shelf under the living TV needs to be hung and the door on my desk fell off. We still haven't bought that push mower for the yard yet and the weeks are looking atrocious. I wonder if it is time to fertilize? I hate to be a nag. After all, Pat said it was nagging if I ask him to do something for me more than once. Well, here it goes, I need to ask the boys today to help me and I will do that after church.

So after church, I bring home some lunch and ask the boys to do me a favor. Their answer was simply, sure. Wow! That was easy. Matt purchases the lawn mower. Garrett puts together the new firewood holder that is needed for the backyard and shows me how to use the edger. They haul those heavy boxes up the stairs and I am relieved. It feels so good to get those little things done.

Matt and I head out to Lowes to purchase more items to finish off the to do list. What are we going to do with Hank this summer as he gets sunburn so easily? As he and I search the isles looking for a solution, I am reminded of the days that Pat and I made these trips together. Pat, you would be so proud of your boys! They have proudly stepped into your shoes trying so hard to be of help and support to me. Did you know they act like you too? They do and it just makes me smile!

Oh, one more reminder I had today of you....we had to buy cherry sours at Tractor Supply!

Hugs!

Last Home Game

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 05:28:00 +0000

"Mom, don't cry," is what I heard. "Well, I can't help it" was my reply. I have been dreading this day for seven plus years and it has arrived. I got it together, dried my eyes, grabbed his strong arm, and my 6' 0 handsome, baby boy escorted me to the middle of the gym floor. It was senior night and the last home game.

The water works began when I parked the car in the high school parking lot just 15 minutes before. This mom is walking into the gym for the very last time to watch her son play his last game as a Spartan. Of course, it wasn't just the last game that made me so emotional, it was also that his dad was not going to be there and share with me this very special moment. After all, we have been watching Garrett play basketball since he was five when he began playing Upward Basketball. We have traveled many miles and sat in basketball gyms all over Texas. Basketball played a major part in our lives, and we loved every moment.

Right before he walked onto the court, Garrett gave me note and a beautiful red rose. The coach greeted us on the court and presented Garrett a piece of the net from the basketball goals. Garrett shot many of the balls that went through those nets....what an appropriate gift. I remember the very first game that was played in that brand new shiny gym when G was a sophomore. It was a preseason game and he made the very first basket. That was so cool!

Garrett's high school season started in 2009 when he was a freshman as an Elk at Burleson High School. The following year, they opened the second high school and Garrett would be attending the new Burleson Centennial High School as a Spartan sophomore.

Unfortunately, basketball and cancer have collided in our family. In the summer of 2008, Garrett was playing summer league in Everman and I was reading in my car waiting on the game to begin and Pat to arrive. I knew he had just been to the doctor for a follow up for a test he had done, but nothing to be anxious about. He sat down in the passenger seat of my car, but he didn't remove his sunglasses. As he looked at me, I saw tears rolling down from under his black Ray bans. He told me that he was diagnosed with stage one esophageal cancer. Stunned and paralyzed we sat in that car. Later the tears flowed, but we had to dry it up and go watch our son play ball. That one sentence began the course of change in our lives and the life the five of us knew would never be the same.

In October 2010 was the beginning of basketball season and Garrett was a sophomore. Pat arrived on a Saturday afternoon to watch G play in an all day tournament. As I looked at Pat as he sat down, I saw that his eyes were very yellow. After a rush to the ER and a battery of tests in the days to follow, Pat was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

In November 2011, Garrett was a junior and the season had begun. On Monday, November 14th Pat watched Garrett score 30 points against South Hills High School. That was Pat's last game to ever watch G play because 12 days later, Pat was promoted to Heaven. I remember asking God why he would take Pat right in the middle of basketball season. He answered me clearly with a question "Because what gives you the most joy?" That would be watching G play basketball....thank you God.

So, you can see how basketball is not just a sport my son plays. Basketball is the only sport Garrett has ever played and It has been so intertwined with our life journey and that journey has included pain, change and grief along with God's peace, joy, and favor. I am so thankful. I am thankful that God gifted my son with such talent and to give him something to focus on. He also used this sport to bring us together as a family a couple of times a week. A sport that has allowed our friends, life group, students, coaches and the community to show us love and share the joy of our favorite sport.

My heart has hurt these past couple of days and as always, time will heal. In the meantime, I will cherish the wonderful memories. We still have one last exciting game on Tuesday against Burleson High School. Yes, I will have tears as I leave that game.

One more time: "Go Spartans!" "Go #23!"

Matthew My Man

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:14:00 +0000

Birthdays are popular at my house in February. Matthew Ayers was born on February 6, 1990 on his Grandma Carnes birthday. Happy 23rd birthday! His birth was a play by play because his grandpa Lou was in California. What makes it more weird is that my doctor new Lou too, so Pat was the middle man in the conversation back and forth. Matt was induced early that morning and made his arrival around 2 pm, I think. He was also that baby whose baby book was only slightly started and unfinished today.

Not quite sure when he was called Bubba by his big sister, but his little bro still calls him that. Matt was a pretty baby and he had a temper. Wet wash rags usually tamed his scream. That doesn't work now.

I have never known a brotherly love as Matt and Garrett share. They are four and a half years a part which kept the older one young and made the younger one old. The two of them loved playing basketball and hunting with their dad. What great role model you have been for Garrett, Matt.

I would describe Matt as an ole soul even when he was very young. As long as I can remember he loved the Lord. He possesses a loyal and passionate heart and is an easy going gentleman who loves to encourage and pray with others. For his age, he has always had wonderful relationships with many adults in his life and truly has so many people who love him.

One of the biggest gifts Matt had was a father that truly left his impression and taught him life lessons. While Pat was sick Matt stepped up to the plate and made sure all was taken care of around the house and ranch. I truly do not know what I would have done without him this past year. He quit college to learn about the window company and then took on the role of our salesman. Matt has had many adventures, risks and trials and I have watched how these events have shaped and molded him into the Godly man he is today.

This mom is truly blessed and grateful for you, Matt!

Love,
Mom
xoxo

Her Name Is Elizabeth

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:22:00 +0000

On February 3, 1987 at 10:07 AM, Elizabeth changed her mom and dad's life forever weighing in at 8 lbs 6 oz. with the plumpest cheeks you have ever seen. She had a massive amount of dark hair with a slight curl. The minute that nurse laid that sweet baby upon my chest, I heard her daddy whisper, "Lookie there. She is beautiful." As I glanced at her daddy's face, I could see tears rolling down his face as I was wiping mine.

We named her Elizabeth Rae, but the name we were calling her when she was born was Jessica Rae. While I was in recovery, Pat popped back to check on me. He and his dad, Lou, were headed to down to the cafeteria to have some breakfast. Pat said, "Do you like the name Elizabeth? That was my grandmother's middle name." With out hesitation, my answer was, "Yes!" I loved it. The long, beautiful name, Elizabeth Rae Easterling, fit her perfectly, but I knew she would not be happy with our choice while trying to learn to write her name in first grade! Elizabeth received a second name when her brother, Matthew, came along as he called her sissy and now is shortened to Sis by both of her brothers today.

When I am describing daughter to someone who has not had the privilege of meeting her, I tell them that she is beautiful, funny, ditsy, loyal, passionate, kind, dedicated and sweet, and when she walks into a room you know that she has arrived.

Her warmth lights up the room when she arrives. She loves family and hanging out with her friends. She has the biggest heart and loves to take care of anyone who will let her.

Elizabeth is a daddy's girl and her life has been rocked without him this year. Her daddy liked to call her sis and sugar. He would be so very proud of you today, Elizabeth and how you have gone out into this great big world to see what it has to offer you, but most of all what you are offering the world.

I am blessed to call you daughter, and now that you are an amazing woman, I can call you friend. You are my biggest cheerleader and encourager and I love you dearly.

I hope that your 26th birthday was a sweet one! You are my Wiz-za-buff!

All my love,
Mom!

Naomi, Ruth or Orpah?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 04:58:00 +0000

In the time of tragedy are you Naomi, Ruth or Orpah? I went to a conference this summer and heard Kelly Minter who spoke on the book of Ruth. She asked us that question.

Naomi, Ruth and Orpah lost their husbands. Naomi went back to Bethlehem to seek God's blessing and favor. Orpah ran from God to her other Gods, and Ruth ran with abandonment to God himself. My answer to the question is I am Ruth. I am running, seeking and searching after Him.

Brokenness and pain was what I felt this time last year. Pat had been gone two months and the pain was so unbearable at times. I would find myself just laying in my closet floor rocking and crying with no sound. That closet was my retreat for two years as that was where I felt I could safely hide whether it be to cry or pray on my knees. My desire was to be strong for Pat and my kids. I certainly got a grip in that closet, but my strength, peace and hope came from spending time in God's word and in prayer.

In Sarah Young's devotional, Jesus Lives, she says it much better than me. Jesus: "Nothing is wasted when it is shared with me. I can bring beauty out of the ashes of lost dreams; I can glean Joy out of sorrow, Peace out of adversity. I take great delight in transforming My precious children. Give Me your broken dreams! Release them into My care and keeping. I will not only heal the brokenness, I will give you a new dream--one that is in harmony with My plans for you."

I am still waiting on the new dream, but that deep pain is gone. Sadness still appears, but my heart is being mended. It feels wonderful to say that my days are brighter and filled with hope. I am so thankful for His word that I crave and the ultimate gift of His presence and peace.

In His Grip,

The Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:20:00 +0000

As I transferred my photos from my phone to my laptop, I saw the picture of the tree. It was taken on the 26th of November of this past year when I made a trip to our former ranch in Hico. It was the anniversary of Pat's death, and I needed something to do to keep me busy on that day. I wanted to be by myself, but where should I go? Then I thought. Hico.

While driving around the ranch I came upon what we called the "Old Pond". It was the first pond that we fished when we bought the place and it was the boys' favorite place to camp. I stopped the car to walk down to the pond as the brush was so high on the road that I could barely see it. As I approached the pond I realized that I was walking in the area that the water usually covered. This was a sad sight. I had grabbed an old pink towel I had in my car and my journal thinking I might write. Writing wasn't what I wanted to do, so I just sat there. Before I got up to leave I got on my knees to pray.

As I walking back to my car I asked God, "What will my life be like one year from now?" I felt him answer me, "purpose". "The 'P' on your necklace now stands for purpose." I looked to the right and there was a tree. As I looked at it's leafless branches, I saw a branch at the top that was in a cursive "P" shape. I kept staring at it. I walked up close to check it out. Yes, it looked just like a "P". I stepped back and saw another one. It looked as if it was leaning into the tree, but it was a very plain "P". I took the picture because no one would believe me. I probably wouldn't believe it myself the next day. I felt His spirit say, "That plain P is you now, but the cursive P will be you in the future." Hmmm.... I start looking around at the other trees as I am sure to see more of the alphabet right? No. All of the branches are straight.

It is time to leave and I see a white rock lying a few feet from me. I pick it up. The rock seemed to have an imaginary line drawn through the middle. The left side is very smooth, but the right side is rough. I felt God say to me, "Paige, your life resembles the rough side, but I like it best." I picked up the rock, put it in my car and it now displayed in the flower bed of my new home.

The cursive P is up high in the center and the plain P is on the right which
looks to be leaning against the tree.

While driving off from my little retreat, this scripture comes to mind, "Seek me and you shall find me." The actual scripture, Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart."

Wow!

In His Grip,

Basketball Season

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:00:00 +0000

It is basketball season and it is not like me to not post some pictures.

My Favorite Spartan

Our family received such a huge honor when they renamed the Spartan Men's Basketball Team to the Pat Easterling Memorial Classic. What a tribute and we are so thankful!

Yes, that is a blown up picture of G's Head thanks to Paxton

Love This Team!

Rescue

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:59:00 +0000

One word keeps showing up in my life lately. God keeps showing me "rescue". He has done this In the past with other words such as trust, faith, and last year he showed me a lot about "abide". He has to continue showing me because I don't get it the first time. I just know He shakes His head at me.

The word "rescue" was in a prayer that my friend, Rick, kept praying over and over Sunday night in a group study. "Jesus, is my rescuer." Monday morning I open my Bible (365 day) to the selected Psalm for the day's reading. Psalm 18:16-19, "He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attached me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me."

On January 22nd, I read Psalm 18:47-18, "The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me and rescues me from my enemies. You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents."

Yesterday, I read "Psalm 20:6, "Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed King. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power."

Do I need rescued? Yes! Is it coincidence that I continue to read about the subject rescue. No! I am so thankful that His word is alive each and every day.

Not only has God been telling me about rescue, I keep hearing and reading about Joseph. Yes, the Joseph with the coat of many colors. Just since Sunday, I have heard it in Sundays' sermons, read about it in my daily Bible reading, and on a podcast that I listen to regularly (another sermon). Oh, and I am reading about Joseph in the book, "From Dream to Destiny: The Ten Tests You Must Go Through to Fulfill God's Purpose for Your Life." by Robert Morris. The book is centered on the story of Joseph. It is clear He is teaching me something and I praying to hear Him clearly. I read about a few of the tests...I flunked!

Keep teaching me, Jesus! Don't leave me where I am.

In His Grip!

He Has Never Failed Me

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:51:00 +0000

Be assured, if you walk with Him, look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you. George Mueller, "God has never failed me. Even in my greatest difficulties, heaviest trials, and deepest poverty and need, He has never failed me. because I was enabled by God's grace to trust Him. He has always come to my aid. I delight in speaking well of His name."

A great word this morning from Streams in the Desert. I am now reading this great devotional for the third year now. This book is becoming a little worn and has many different colors highlighted on its pages, but what a perfect reminder of God's faithfulness. I can look back at what I noted in the margins and see where I have been and how far I have come...only by His grace and love.

I know when I turn to the first page of 2014 I will see that 2013 has come and gone with its prayers noted in the margins. That easily written, I still have 2013 in front of me. My window company is my major challenge right now. We have come a long way with Brian's help and we will work hard in the months to become profitable. While Brian is running the company, my job is to network and market, which is a new experience for me. I am being stretched out of my comfort zone again. Those days when I am anxious or fearful, I turn to the list of promises jotted in the front of my Bible that God gave me this past year and claim them over and over.

As for now I will continue to thank him. My life is sweet and my blessings are long.

In His Grip!

I Remember

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:49:00 +0000

I feel anxious this morning. Old feelings feel my heart which brings tears to my eyes. I have a friend who is facing the unknown. She waits while her husband is in surgery. She does not know what the outcome will be. That takes me back to 2008 when Pat had surgery with his esophageal cancer and 2011 when we found out we were dealing with pancreatic cancer. Your world can be rocked in one moment...one sentence...one phone call. My prayer is that she will feel the peace that surpasses all understanding. A feeling that is so foreign that you do not feel normal.

What I read this morning in my devotional, Streams in the Desert said, "Now God is out in front. He is in our tomorrows, and it is tomorrow that fills people with fear. Yet God is already there. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass through Him before they can get to us."~~F. B. Meyer

So, He knows the trials we will face. They have filtered through His hands; therefore, I will trust Him to equip me day by day, moment by moment, or minute by minute.

Praying that His peace covers you like a blanket.

In His Grip!

Rigorous Training

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 00:31:00 +0000

"Trust me here and now. You are in rigorous training---on an adventurous trail designed for you alone. This path is not of your choosing but it is My way for you. I am doing things you can't understand. That is why I say, "Trust Me!" The jungle is thick and you cannot clearly see what is before you, behind you, or beside you. Cling to My hand as you follow this trail in shadowy darkness."~~Jesus Today

That was a word I needed this morning. I have read it over again several times. My verse God gave me in 2008 was John 13:7, "Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will." I guess I will keep claiming that verse as my life verse as it has held some prophecy ever since. In order for me to not understand my life, I am going to have to trust Him.

I received additional encouragement this morning after reading from the book, "Lord, I Need Answers" by Kay & David Arthur.

1 Peter 1:6-7, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

"Every trial has a beginning and an end. To gain the full benefit from the trial--all that God in His grace and goodness intends for me--endure! It will have an end. God thinks that particular trial is necessary for me to be all I should be or to be more effective in my service and ministry to others. I can rest assured, then, that no trial, no matter what it is, is without purpose. It's been filtered through God's sovereign fingers of love, and it is the very thing I need in order to become what He wants me to become."

I know that my life will not be full of mountain top days, but that is okay as long as I have peace. I crave His peace the most right now as I try to trust him in every phase of my life whether it be big or small and I have many of both.

As I reflect on 2012 which was full of pain, change and challenges, I know that God carried me the whole year. I also know of His provision, faithfulness and goodness. 2013 has now arrived and my prayer is to surrender to the desires of His heart. I feel God wants me to know Him in a different way now and He has shown me that He has some new plans for me that I will not understand either.