tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post4429281086370907592..comments2023-07-22T03:54:38.625-05:00Comments on Along the Road: Missing a little girl....along the roadHope Atchisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03518982403923254985noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-74935390440837507162008-10-03T12:24:00.000-05:002008-10-03T12:24:00.000-05:00Keeping you all in our daily prayers-The Smith Fam...Keeping you all in our daily prayers-<BR/><BR/>The Smith Family-t-https://www.blogger.com/profile/08779199421946206637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-64895582103317674852008-08-05T02:40:00.000-05:002008-08-05T02:40:00.000-05:00Recieved this from a friend and thought of you and...Recieved this from a friend and thought of you and how you have inspired us all.. This sounds like something you would have written.Praying for you and the family. <BR/>In God's hands, Stephanie<BR/><BR/>I'm A Little TeaCup.... <BR/> Love this story or not, you will not be able to have tea in a tea cup again without thinking of this.There was a couple who took a trip to England to shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially teacups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful." As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, "Don't do that." "I don't like it!" "Let me alone," but he only smiled, and gently said; "Not yet!" Then WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. "Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!", I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, quietly; 'Not yet.' He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat.. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. "Help! Get me out of here!" I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet'. When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on he shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please, Stop it, Stop, I cried. He only shook his head and said. 'Not yet!'. Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering "What's he going to do to me next?" An hour later he handed me a mirror and said 'Look at yourself' And I did. I said, That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!!! Quietly he spoke: "I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you. The moral of this story is this: God knows what He's doing for each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will. So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this. Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-91084661050193603272008-08-04T14:24:00.000-05:002008-08-04T14:24:00.000-05:00Love you, Hope. We still think and pray for you ev...Love you, Hope. We still think and pray for you every day, and we still think of Alaina each day. <BR/><BR/>I can't wait to share this one with Jonathan when he gets home tonight.Kristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732478686634208503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-38398408930326462252008-08-04T14:11:00.000-05:002008-08-04T14:11:00.000-05:00Oh friend,How I love you and miss you! I laughed o...Oh friend,<BR/>How I love you and miss you! I laughed out loud as I read the blog and I cried as I read the poem. I pray for you (and Billy) so often and I grieve with you. I have called Billy's cell hoping to check in but his box was full. As I listened to that message, I smiled and thanked God that a full box meant that many were loving on you and checking in on you.<BR/>Always,<BR/>KimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-66262086285514517592008-08-04T10:54:00.000-05:002008-08-04T10:54:00.000-05:00Hope, just checking in on you. I am amazed how you...Hope, just checking in on you. I am amazed how your blog is reaching people all over the country. By the way, you were the person I met at ESPC that I instantly wanted to be friends with when we moved here! I have no doubt you will find your place in Cullman with loving friends. Kelly<BR/>Kelly_Brechman@bellsouth.netAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-41589192290783652912008-08-03T23:45:00.000-05:002008-08-03T23:45:00.000-05:00Hope,Zan discipled me on my first SBP. She lost he...Hope,<BR/>Zan discipled me on my first SBP. She lost her daughter age 11 last October in a similiar manner. Martha Ann went to bed sick and was gone in the morning. I think they determined it was luekemia. Billy may or maynot remember Zan. Anyway, would you be interested in talking with her? So much of what you say is similiar to her famililes thougths. Her husband has blog. Love you thinking of you and Praying for you. Classic story so funny!!! LOve RayanneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-28964750318257182282008-08-02T20:49:00.000-05:002008-08-02T20:49:00.000-05:00Hope I am a good friend of Karen's. I know we met...Hope I am a good friend of Karen's. I know we met once or twice when you were visiting Indiana.bkznawt I just wanted to say that your faith and love and for the Lord is truly and inspiration. You are a woman of substance when it comes to your walk with the Lord. I actually got the privledge of having Alaina over for a play date when she was here visiting at Karen's. What a beautiful sweet fun loving little girl. My heart breaks for your loss but at the same time my heart rejoices over God's grace in your life and how amazing it is to read about how he is carrying you and your family through this diffcult time. I really do pray for you and your family that God will become more and more real each day and that He will continue to use you in a mighty way, I know your faith has impacted my life. Your hope in Jesus brings me great comfort and reminds me that He is faithful and I don't have to worry about whatever comes my way because He does fill in the gaps.<BR/>Your Dr Awesome story was hysterical!! I had to tell my husband and he about fell over laughing. Thanks for the laugh!<BR/>In HIs Awesome Power, <BR/>Keri CombsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-3591429367426625352008-08-02T11:03:00.000-05:002008-08-02T11:03:00.000-05:00Still thinking of you and praying. LOVED the guns ...Still thinking of you and praying. LOVED the guns story! So funny.<BR/>JackieJackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12645399010405536299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-37752901554759564082008-08-02T07:15:00.000-05:002008-08-02T07:15:00.000-05:00Billy and Hope,We just wanted you to know that we'...Billy and Hope,<BR/>We just wanted you to know that we're thinking of you, especially today, and praying for you. You have alot of friends who haven't forgotten and will continue to lift up your family. <BR/>Thanks for the great guns story...that was a classic Atchison moment. :)<BR/>We love you guys,<BR/>Ken and JennyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-41217530619771760862008-08-01T22:39:00.000-05:002008-08-01T22:39:00.000-05:00Hope, I continue to weep for you. Know that we ar...Hope, I continue to weep for you. Know that we are still thinking of you and praying for you and Billy. I know that tomorrow is a month, know that we remember.<BR/>Love, Kim and DuaneDuane and Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15522524730524890146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-39731876650613491592008-08-01T21:26:00.000-05:002008-08-01T21:26:00.000-05:00Hope, that was a good laugh...well, I guess Billy ...Hope, that was a good laugh...well, I guess Billy liked the guns comment!! ha...<BR/>oh, I am still praying for a heart friend there in Cullman for you....<BR/>I think of of you and your pain often.Jill Williamsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02994639592277825420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-77993560596561820422008-08-01T15:16:00.000-05:002008-08-01T15:16:00.000-05:00Sweet friend,I know you miss little Alaina, what a...Sweet friend,<BR/>I know you miss little Alaina, what an ache. Getting used to the new "normal" will be a process. I love you girl and I am so glad you shared Awesome Dr.'s story. As I was reading I thought "guns" were the same thing that you did! Thanks for the laugh. I can hear your laughter now. I pray you will have more times to laugh.<BR/>Love you,<BR/>SarahSarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02137451567688320051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-67800090716742098742008-08-01T11:42:00.000-05:002008-08-01T11:42:00.000-05:00Thanks for sharing. You are so funny! Scott and ...Thanks for sharing. You are so funny! Scott and I really miss your stories. We are glad to hear that you are starting to feel settled in your new home. You'll continue to be in our prayers as this month will be busy with school starting and the routine of Fall. We think of you daily. Take care and forward your new address when you get the chance. I would love to give you a call soon. <BR/>- The PattonsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-30786099601831887252008-08-01T11:27:00.000-05:002008-08-01T11:27:00.000-05:00Hope - Thanks for continuing to keep us posted via...Hope - Thanks for continuing to keep us posted via your blog. It is always a joy to read. I had a good chuckle when reading your story - sounds so typical of you and the events that surround the Atchison's. <BR/>Miss you guys. Hugs and kisses to Billy and the kids.<BR/>Karen and Rob, Yorkville, ILAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-36331670766329452972008-08-01T10:52:00.000-05:002008-08-01T10:52:00.000-05:00Oh, Hope! You're back! I'm Rachel Hester. I te...Oh, Hope! You're back! I'm Rachel Hester. I teach 2nd grade in Georgia (5 mi. south of Chattanooga), and I don't know how I know you. My sister, Amanda Sanford, went to Samford with someone who knows you, andwhen you guys lost Sweet Lew, she directed me to your blog to read and then start praying. I did exactly that, and I've prayed so hard and heavily for you and your family, that I feel like I KNOW you now. You are my FRIEND, like it or not. I've worried because it's been a few weeks since your last post, but I reminded myself that you have been moving, grieving, and still being wife and mom, so I've tried so hard to be patient. This is our first day of school. It's FINALLY my planning time...WHEW! WHAT A DAY!...and here I am at my desk checking your blog. You're on my mind so often. I'm delighted to hear that moving went smoothly and that you already have such a precious "family" in Cullman (?) I think that's right. Anyway, I have to go pick up my class from computer lab, but I will comtinue to pray faithfully for God to continue to encourage, support, and carry you and your family; for your good and well-earned sleep, and for a happy, healthy, family every morning. I love you! That's weird, I know....and I'm not a total weirdo....just a fellow Christian who is grieving with you from miles away. Take good care of yourself and your family! God bless and keep all of you!mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00708954233517501721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-45736452345185364572008-08-01T09:48:00.000-05:002008-08-01T09:48:00.000-05:00Hope,At the beginning of your message I had tears ...Hope,<BR/><BR/>At the beginning of your message I had tears streaming down my face as I hurt for you, BUT by the end I was laughing out loud. The Lord is so precious to allow us to laugh! Thank you for sharing your heart it not only allows me to know what to pray, but also I am constantly encouraged by how God is caring for you all. Please I still think of you all daily and send my thoughts straight to the Lord because He cares for you!<BR/><BR/>Love you,<BR/><BR/>Ashley Hood GunnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-36870943609615429442008-08-01T09:17:00.000-05:002008-08-01T09:17:00.000-05:00We continue to keep you in our prayers. Love you....We continue to keep you in our prayers. Love you. The Jacksons.Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15463562531124855414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-53904215073362575042008-08-01T02:02:00.000-05:002008-08-01T02:02:00.000-05:00Sometimes when I'm up in the middle of the night (...Sometimes when I'm up in the middle of the night (like right now), I wonder if it's because I'm supposed to pray for you guys. So, here I am. Just wanted you to know. :)<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comic relief tonight, too...I had to laugh quietly so as not to wake everyone up! Can't wait to tell Patric about the guns in the morning!!Jennifer Knaakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04405279329531688758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-30830543675442272762008-08-01T00:39:00.000-05:002008-08-01T00:39:00.000-05:00That IS comic relief! Sounds like you found an aw...That IS comic relief! Sounds like you found an awesome doctor and that God is proving his faithfulness by using you. We are continuing to pray for you in the night.<BR/><BR/>Amy Coleman from NPC~ The Coleman 5https://www.blogger.com/profile/04360684620858778085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-47650950694925509902008-07-31T22:06:00.000-05:002008-07-31T22:06:00.000-05:00Hey Hope.So glad you are getting settled. we will ...Hey Hope.So glad you are getting settled. we will continue to pray. thanks for sharing the story!Danny and Jennifer Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973592356897032967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-76042526993011661142008-07-31T21:34:00.001-05:002008-07-31T21:34:00.001-05:00hope,so sorry for the ache you feel as you miss al...hope,<BR/>so sorry for the ache you feel as you miss alaina. i love your new house so much but so wish she were there too. how could you not physically ache? isnt laughter such a gift though? even though i still cry for yall as i pray, your bright spirits make me laugh too. i so love your dr. awesome! make sure you call him instead of worrying! by the way, we so need to lock up michael's guns! talk about russian roulette! im gonna get in trouble if we dont! i also love that you are still trusting the "Weaver" of your life though the threads are dark. you have made my view of God bigger, fuller, realer... love you<BR/>jenJennifer Wernethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17066427334792606423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-81567480325639389742008-07-31T21:34:00.000-05:002008-07-31T21:34:00.000-05:00That was an "awesome" story from "Awesome Dr.!" L...That was an "awesome" story from "Awesome Dr.!" Loved it...."Does Billy have his guns locked up...." *chuckling, chuckling*<BR/><BR/>Still praying for your family.<BR/><BR/>Joy Goode HutzlerJoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03815207876867172404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-51540795855744516522008-07-31T21:27:00.000-05:002008-07-31T21:27:00.000-05:00Hope-Friend of Brandi Barnes Parten. I have poste...Hope-<BR/>Friend of Brandi Barnes Parten. I have posted a comment on here before, but it has been a while. You touch me each time you post, by being so real about your grief, but being able to still enjoy the days God has for you! Thank you for being willing to be genuine. As a mom, I am learning from God through your forever-changed testimony and I am blessed by your trials and triumphs!<BR/>Thank you for sharing,<BR/>AmandaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-72458817685626420242008-07-31T21:08:00.000-05:002008-07-31T21:08:00.000-05:00Hope, I am so glad your back! I know you said it m...Hope, I am so glad your back! I know you said it may be a while due to the move, but I have continued to check almost daily. One of our friends from seminary is about to move to Cullman for a youth minister position. I think you would really like his wife Marianne. Email me or call me when you have a chance. Love you guys,<BR/>Jaime<BR/>love2jaime@gmail.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00284534189394849987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433742238337400411.post-85667584780429146442008-07-31T20:51:00.000-05:002008-07-31T20:51:00.000-05:00So Hope I've not met you yet,but my heart hurts fo...So Hope I've not met you yet,but my heart hurts for you..My husband Scott was the phone man that helped you and billy this week and he shared the blog site with me and explained how he spent his time with you..You have blessed us more than you know, you are an amazing woman with a amazing God.. You and your family our in my thoughts and prayers and I love the new blog..You'll have to share the secret doctor with us because were going to be moving soon to Cullman...I'm new on the blog site and unsure of how everything works so hope to talk to you soon. Maybe we can get the kids together...Meaganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01845736602874773551noreply@blogger.com