The Madness of Darkness

....Now don't go getting all worried on me.

I was just talking about daylight savings time.

Shew.

Y'all stress too much!

I could go deeper, though, and tell you it is very hard for me to be positive and affirmative of myself when it gets dark at 4 PM.

Is that terrible?

I know.

Sometimes it literally consumes me and I think "what in the name of Sam Hill is WRONG with me?!"

I've come to a realization that darkness is intended to be oppressive.  It's why God put light in our life.  It's why light is warm, and real, and bright.  It's why even on the darkest nights God still peeks light through the blanket of blackness.

It's human tendency to be attracted to light if they are a positive, uplifting person.

Sometimes though, there's just darkness.  And we must keep on walking through it.

Jesus is the lamp for my feet, and the light to my path.  And today I'm choosing joy, and positivism in the face of darkness, cold, rain, and winter.

<3

101 Da..........yyyyyssss.

I had this cute post in mind because I looked at my wedding countdown and realized Clay and I have been married for 101 DAYS!!!  Oh my heck.  Can't believe it.

But anyway, I got as far as 101 when Dalmations started to come out....sorta ruins the cute factor.  But whatever.

Now I get to get on my philisophical soap box for a few minutes....I was thinking about this rush of time after I got married (in a frustrated way).  How come everything we LOVE goes so quickly, and everything hard must last FOR AN ETERNITYYYYY?!  It. Is. So. Aggravating.  Unfortunately my current conclusion is that it's because we do not embrace every second of every season.  So the ones we don't like last for a blue moon, and the ones we love go by faster than we can handle.  I literally said the other day "GOD!!!!  I don't want to be old and realize that I didn't enjoy every second and wish I had it back!!!!  WHAT DO I DO?!"  I think he grinned at me.  I swear I felt him pat my over analytic shoulder and just grin.  So I took a deep breath and grinned back.....and enjoyed my day.

Ya'll....just enjoy your day, okay?

Lis Taylor

Dear Math......

......please grow up and start solving your own problems.  I'm tired of solving them for you.

I wasn't sure how to capture this post in a header....so I just kind of went for the part of the story that cracks me up the most.  

I got married.

To a handsome plumber.

I completed four math books in 6 months.

It's pretty amazing the things one can accomplish when they want the end result! GRIN!  

Anyway,  I couldn't say it all eloquently, so I just said it.  Basically, I had the awesome experience of being LOVED.  Not how it looks in the movies for sure....but nothing I'd trade for the world.  I now know that Clay Charles Taylor would crawl across cut glass around the world for me.  That realization never ceases to bring tears to my eyes.  (Disclaimer:  He would probably not spend a week in the north pole for me....but that's beside the point. lol!)

On a completely separate note....If you think patience is a virtue then try using the internet without high speed....or with a slow computer.  It flat stinks.  I'm definitely not made of patience.  Time for a MAC.

Hey everyone....smile at someone today.  Nothing surprises people more!  YESSSS!

Love, Lis

LOL | Lover of Life....or whatever.

Papa said after talking for a long time this morning at breakfast, "If there's anything you can take away from that, then great."
My five year old brother Michael perks up, "Papa, I KNEW you were going to say that!"
Papa, "How?  Did God tell you?"
Mick (eyes get big) "YEAH!"
Papa, "Really?  What am I going to say now?"
Mick (deepening his voice), "You may all be excused."

LOL!  Cute little fellow!

Oh, another one.

Liberty (seven): SISSYYYYYY!!! Timothy's (he's ten) turning the breaker off in the living room!!!
Me: Um. Okay. Why?
Liberty: Well, he doesn't want the light on, and I do, and so he was going to shut the breaker off because he doesn't want the light and I do and....
Me: One light, no more, and no touching breakers. I'll be right there.

I was wondering why I relate to Cheaper By the Dozen :)  And when did my ten year old brother learn to shut the living room breaker off in a 15,000 square foot school?!

If that wasn't funny enough...

I walked into the gym the other day and saw this madman on a bike flying straight at me. Of course, everything natural says of course he'll turn and move around me. I only discovered after the head on collision that my little siblings were practicing riding with their eyes closed. I mean, really?!?!?!


Ha!  Now I'm on a roll.  Listen to this...

Michael (while stuffing chips and fresh salsa into his four year old mouth he got this perplexed look on his face): Sissy, I don't want to ever have a baby boy in my tummy.
Me: Uh, Mick, don't worry, you're never going to have any baby in your tummy.
Mick: Well, then can I have a doggy in my tummy?

Y'all work hard, chill....whatever you do... and have a fantastic day. 

A Little Bit of Life

 I'm really fond of these two.  Really.  I just wish they wouldn't grow up so fast.  AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!  Every blasted person I talk to says that.  I'm not saying it anymore.  I'm just going to enjoy life RIGHT NOW.  It's going to move, it's going to change....Facts.  So I'm not going to regret that it moves so fast anymore.  DONE.  Badabing.

 Peace.  Right.  Ummm....

I'm not entirely sure that's respectful....But he didn't know and he said "Sissy can you take a picture of this!??!"  I'm sure the sweet couple is okay with the child laying on their grave.  Okkkayyy.  That's getting weirder by the minute.  It's a good picture of Michael regardless of his backdrop.... lol!

 Sometimes you just have to bend over backwards and pretend you're NOT standing in a graveyard.  I guess I didn't even notice where they were standing.  Oh well!

 Ben said "well, I thought this would be a great promotional picture for SKI until I saw the graveyard in the background..." :D

 Our famous driver.  Seriously, he's probably spend more time driving the bus than....I have.  Haha!

 Musiholic.  He loves his music.  And he's pretty much awesome.  We love Caleb!

 So laugh already.  It's just too awesome that I live...today...with all these amazing people.  So laugh!

 Cutie. 

We might be best buddies.  Just don't kiss me. ;)

And the baby birds?  They are so ugly.  Seriously.  But there's just something about them....I'm not sure what it is.  Um....help?  The kids adored them.  Thought it was the best thing since sliced meat.

The week is upon us again.  I think it'll be a good one.  Mostly because Mama gave the go ahead to get rid of th eboxes of clothing that we've saved over the years for hand me downs.  My twenty year old dresses need to go.  PRAISE THE LORD!  Little things in life you know... :)

Y'all have a great day. 

When Life Gives You Lemons...

TURN AROUND AND SQUIRT SOMEONE IN THE EYES WITH THEM!!!!  Hahahaha!

Sometimes my grandfather's wisdom must be weighed....once in a very great while it's found wanting.  Such with the lemons (editors note: but I think it's probably crossed all of our minds...did I just say that?  I probably did.)

It's been an interesting few weeks.  We got back from a WONDERFUL vacation with our friends the Hingles in Florida and Jared and I left two days later for a long, WONDERFUL weekend in NY for our dear friend Caitlin's wedding.  We got back from that to find that Papa was in Maryland on business.  And the week plowed on.  I think we're all mixed up because it should NOT be June yet.  Nuh uh.  It was just New Year's yesterday!!  I'm beginning to understand that frustrating sentence adult's always used when I was younger; "life goes so quickly!"  I swear when I was nine life did NOT move this quickly.  I dreamed of being nineteen.  And then I barely had time to enjoy it!

But see, that's the thing about life.  A lot of it's ... lemony. :)  So the question is "what do I do about all these lemons?"  Ah!  But in the infinite and often stttrrraaaannnngggeee wisdom of Dr. Suess, “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”  Very...profound.  Invoking a happy thought: I LOVE LEMONS!  So it's all good.  Lemonade is deeeelicious.

Oh, and since we're on Dr. Suess, this one made me burst out laughing.   

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”

 Dr. Seuss quote

Plus I've discovered that the future is in great hands.  Olivia is changing the world with her smile and hug for everyone.  And she's only two.  Michael is changing the world by learning.  And he's only five.  Goodness!  I think we expect too much of ourselves.  Simple things are so valuable. 

Like the kittens that moved into my office.  I'm trying to enjoy it.  NOT a fan of cats.  But they are kinda cute.

Olivia and her host of babies.  She even trains them right. :)  Haha!  I hear her telling them things that Mama tells her.  For instance, Olivia hears all day long "Pixie, you need to behave."  So she brings her baby to Mama the other day and said "Mama!  She's not being-have!" :)

On more family news notes...here are ways to mix up life and make it interesting...Ahem.

 Look at your big brother like he sprung a growth.

 "Wash" the bus.  But have way more fun while you're at it.

 AND make sure that the older kids have PLENTY of bus to wash still when you're done.

 Dress in stripes and plaid.  I'm telling you, nothing makes a day more interesting.

Study standing by the trampoline...on a burning hot day...with coffee.  Yeah.  I'm having trouble making that one work.

Make a flying leap on to your sister's shoulders for a fun camera pose. :P

Finally, sneak up on each other.  It's really pretty scary.  If you're sisters, you'll leap out at EXACTLY the same time.  And then be creeped out.

Well, Papa and Mama are having an anniversary getaway, and I hear and feel like the house needs big sister.  Wow, a whole ten minutes went by....

Gee whiz.

And They Inspire Me....

Titus 2

 ³ Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴ Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
 ⁶ Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. ⁷ In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.


I just wanted to take a minute to THINK about the older people in my life who have influenced me in the wisest of ways.  There are so many that have at one time or another touched my life in a way that was so perfect for that moment (good reminder to ALWAYS be listening to the older people).  But there are a few in my life right now that just inspire me daily. :) For a variety of reasons.  Some inspire me NEVER to be like them :O :)

 Oh my word.  If you have never had the greatest neighbors in the world, let me tell you, GET THEM.  :)  We moved to 9850 Crowell Rd in 1998 in New York state.  Mr. and Mrs. Crowell had lived on that road for something on the order of 60 years.  I mean they could TELL THE STORIES.  Thing I love about them most?  They love each other like you wouldn't believe.  I mean, Mr. Crowell helps Miss Annabelle down the steps into the car...he's always there holding her hand...she's always laughing at him....he's always winking at her... AND THEY DON'T EVEN PROFESS TO KNOW THE LORD!!!  Not that I'm condoning that, but omigosh!  They just UNDERSTAND THE HEART OF GOD.  And they don't even know it.  Holy cow.  They tell stories for hours.  And tell you what they could've done different...things they did when they raised their kids....things their parents did to them.  It's like a torrential downpour of wisdom.  Amazing.

 That's my grandpa.  Ohhhhh yeah.  He's my bestest, bestest guy friend besides my dad and brothers.  And I mean it.  He has a lot of regrets, that man, but he still tears up when he talks about how God reached down and he took his hand.  Everything about life is simple to my grandaddy, and he doesn't mind telling you that.  He has however complicated his life with technology, and it's really comical.  :)  He laughs ALL THE TIME and always has a joke to tell and a hug to hand out.  Really, I feel sorry for everyone who didn't get my grandfather.

 This is Juanie.  I only met her once.  In Haiti.  AAAAHHHH!!!!  Can you believe one person can influence so much in so little time?  But it's true.  She has the brightest countenance and biggest servant's heart of anyone I've ever known.  Not even kidding. Get this, SHE DOESN'T SPEAK ENGLISH.  We communicated solely by gestures and facial expressions (yes, there are other people in the world that make crazy faces!!!)  One thing I noticed about Juanie?  She's always looking for ways to make her husband more comfortable.  Cooking a delicious meal, cleaning the bedding, washing laundry, rubbing his shoulders or feet after a day's work, looking pretty for him...it's all a big dance for Juanie.  And I l.o.v.e. it.

 Oh, Pierre and Yvrose.  Who have dedicated their lives to serving their Jesus by loving his lost little children...orphans.  Yvrose, who left her comfortable job and home in the USA to serve in her country of birth.  Wow.  Would that I had a smile as bright as Yvrose.  "Those who look to him are radiant" as my blog scripture says... (Psalm 34:5).  Yvrose is radiant.  Pierre just LOVES.  It's amazing.  Yvrose calls it "debilitating love". :)  Meaning they are constantly "debilitated" (pulled on, hugged, kissed, and held) by children who love to love and love to be loved.  It's really incredible.  She's touched me deeply.

 My daddy. :)  There's just something about a girl that can't help but love her daddy.  Honestly.  He's a voice of wisdom that I take for granted a bit too often.  His passion is truth and his mission is to see his children succeed in godliness.  Whoa.  For a guy who spent twelve years in college and has a Ph.D in electrical engineering, has traveled the world, has dealt with research's elite...I'm feeling a little bit unworthy.  His favorite thing to ask me is "Do you believe in God?  If you do, do you trust him?"  That sums up my world.  Badabing.

 Miss Janet....Omiword.  She's just bubbling over with godly counsel....mostly learned the hard way.  She and Mr. Bill (below) have raised a passel of children and have since dedicated their lives to serving Jesus.  They are the hands and feet of ministry.  I'm amazed at the capacity Mr. Bill has to love.  He just pours out and pours out and pours out and never does seem to run dry.  He's like a second daddy to me, and Miss Janet is my Titus 2 older woman.  I'm literally blessed to know them.

There's my sweet neighbors from New York again!  Miss Annabelle and Mr. John.  They spell a.m.a.z.i.n.g. and that's that ;)

 That's my Uncle Rob.  He takes his job as my dad's long time best friend pretty seriously and tells it to me straight.  I can always count on Uncle Rob to call a spade a spade.  And agree with my dad for the most part.  He's just as cut and dry as they come!  And no one ever had a better adopted Uncle ;)

 Aunt Becky.  Oooohhhh.  She's like Uncle Rob.  Totally cut and dry.  Tells you like it is.  And she loves the Lord.  Loves to see people inspired to serve Him.  She's someone I could ALWAYS go to for ANYTHING and she would speak truth to me in a completely unbiased way.

 My brother Jared....you're asking "how the heck did he end up here?"  He's just that good.  ;)  Jared went through a spiritual detox (oooh, I'm stepping on toes) a couple of years ago and emerged a new man.  A very inspired, motivated and biblically driven one.  I mean, he doesn't say much unless he can point out scripture to solidly back up his points.  And it's just great to have a best friend as a wise one and a brother.

 My grandma Taylor....she's the prayingest woman I ever did meet.  No joke.  I call her and say "Grandma, this happened, and I need prayer..."  She drops EVERYTHING RIGHT THEN AND THERE and starts praying.  Lawdamercy.  The devil is barely a match for that woman.  They say there's power in  a praying woman.  I don't doubt it.  When grandma prays, things happen.

 And my sweet Mama.  She just always has an encouraging word, an inspiring way to make me feel like I can face the world again.  It's the best ever.  I want to develop that characteristic.

 Carol is my neighbor.  She is as radical as they come.  Growing up in southern Kentucky there are a lot of things that are sort of "obligatory" for her (and most of the folks here) that not much thought is given to.  But Carol has a passion for righteousness and it's inspiring to watch her grow more passionate daily.  I hope I'm as avid a learner as she is when I'm her age.

 Miss Ellen....wow, there's so much to say.  She's very similar to my momma.  She had twelve children, one of whom drowned in 2008 followed by the death of her husband to cancer six months later.  WOW.  The woman has maintained a joyful countenance raising the rest of her children and facing life without her love, who was vvvveeerrrrry similar to my dad!  Even in her sorrow she has continued to be a wise counselor and dedicated to raising godly children.  She's ALWAYS listening to the Lord.  And I love her.

Miss Katrina trusts God.  It's beautiful.  She has a vibrant spirit, and is full of good ideas and wisdom, and she mostly chooses to be silent and smile and let God do all the moving and shaking.  It blesses me.  I hope that I have that courage and overcoming spirit when I'm faced with those challenges.  She's one long testimony of God reaching down and doing all of the work she stepped away from in submission.

Oh, and all these grannies I have around here.  They keep me laughing so hard!!  Particularly Granny Henderson (Carol's husband's grandma).  She is HYSTERICAL!  She laughs at EVERYTHING!  And NEVER misses a beat!  She's as witty and determined as they come and she speaks her mind VERY clearly!  LOL!  I love spending time with her letting her boss me around and do some household stuff that's gotten a bit too much for her.  Or just listen to her tell stories and try to make her laugh.  Oh gracious the blessings we miss when we don't pay attention to the older folk!  :)

Moral of the story?  Choose your friends carefully.  Wisely.  You don't have time for everyone.  And the ones you take time for better be good influences.  :)

I LOVE all of you.

LiSSSS