Smokey Joe Gautreaux

Who would have thought a dog could have infiltrated my heart in such a deep way. You were the best dog anyone could have asked for. Even when you stole my bible chair and blanket pretty much daily! Even when you hound howled because you were scared of the dark! You were the most precious gift to this Gautreaux Family! We were honored to be your family! May you rest in peace, we will love you forever, Smokey Joe Gautreaux!

13 Gifts

Happy 13th birthday to the girl who has given me the 13 white hairs in my head, the 13 stubborn headaches I get when I shop with her and the 13 panic attacks when she isn't within my sight.

Yet, all those 13s, don't come near the 13 beautiful heartfelt giftings she has brought into my life. It was so fitting she was born before Christmas, because she has given the world so much already. She has gifted us with love, boldness, courage, confidence, testimony, prayer, healing, laughter, appreciation, trustworthiness, integrity, honesty, and dependability. Don't ever lose sight of your giftings!

I love you baby girl forever and always! Happy Birthday Claire Gautreaux!!

#the13giftsofclaire

Overcomer

What an incredible 16 years! Happy birthday to the door holding, well mannered, one of a kind, compassionate to a fault, empathetic to all, counselor to many, handsome inside and out son of mine! You don't get credited enough Hunter for the God fearing, Jesus loving servant you are! You really are an incredible person! You will always be one of God's adored children. You have touched the lives of many with your kindness, love, understanding, grace and mercy. Many people could not have walked through what you have to overcome with such love! I Love You!

Follow the Leader

My daughter reminded me of something today worth mentioning! We should lead in love, in grace, in mercy and in humbleness. We should not be led by unforgiveness, hatred and pride. Sometimes we have to put aside all of that and truly focus on where God wants us. Then our path and purpose become so much clearer.

United

It is a shame we still function in this world with cliques so strong that we target and shame others. It is time to move forward United not Divided.

Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. Matthew 12:25

If we continue to fight each other instead of the true enemy we don't stand a chance. Let's face things with integrity, truth, grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. Then we will have done the work for our Lord and for His kingdom.

Amazine Grace

No doubt one of the hardest things for a mother to do is to let go. Letting go of the reigns on your child is difficult. Letting go of the million thoughts that consume your mind as your child ventures off into the world alone. Letting go of what you thought you had control of. Letting go of what you guided for so many years. My oldest son, Seth is turning 20 today, his first day out of his teens and today has already been difficult for me. Traditionally, I am that mom that throws it down on birthdays, going all out. He isn't here and I can't help, but be bummed and cry. I want to personally tell him happy birthday and give him a great big sucking the life out of him hug and I can't. So instead, I'm going to do my best describing the love we have for him! Hopefully, our words reach over the hundreds of miles and are worth just as much as our hugs.

Seth, you have made this life as a mother one with challenges, but also one with many adventures. You came into my life at a time I was lost, turned my life upside down and put my ambitions on hold. You gave my life a breath of fresh air and because of you I was saved and so was this family. Not many people could have ever faced the struggles you did with such grace, mercy and most importantly humbleness. You have far exceeded what I planned for you. YOU MAKE US PROUD! YOU ARE AMAZING! YOU ARE ENOUGH! I do believe though God has so much more in store for you. You might only believe the things you have done is small potatoes, but planting those seeds has given hope, love, courage and blessings to many. So keep planting those seeds and don't forget you were never meant for just small potatoes, you were meant for a harvest of potatoes. Keep Him close to your heart always remembering the "Amazing Grace" He has had in your life!

#happy20thbirthday #weloveyouweadoreyouwemissyou #proudmomandpops

Grace & Mercy

You know what would be great in this world? If people could stand on their own 2 legs with integrity and dignity, be capable of rising above and not bash others so they can climb on their backs to reach the top. Why, must we tear each other down to win, succeed or prosper? Instead, shouldn't we be praying for each other. Shouldn't we if not satisfied with a current issue or situation, an opinion or outcome speak to each other with grace & mercy? Bashing and hurting each other is not how we should handle disagreements. There should be prayer for a change of heart, prayer for peace and prayer for grace. There are more important things than success ya'll. You don't take that with you to heaven.