It’s been said, “out of the mouths of babes” comes the most profound truth.  Last month while Allen and I were in the Orlando, FL area leading The Right Blend Marriage Conference at Southpointe Baptist Fellowship we had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with our daughter Erin,  s0n-in-law Reece and our two grandchildren, Gavin (3 1/2 yrs) and Kate (14 months).  Gavin is our only grandson (we have six granddaughters).  Since we always seem to do a lot of “girlie” type things I wanted to do something Allen and his grandson could enjoy together while Kate and I tagged along to take pictures.  After much thought we came up with a day at GATORLAND.

I’m not one who likes reptiles much, but since they would be in a cage I felt I could handle it……just don’t get me close to any snakes!!!   I hate snakes (yep, I really do feel that strongly about them!)  I can’t even watch the Discovery Chanel when they flash on the screen.  Last spring Allen found out just how much I don’t like snakes when we were doing some yard work and I spotted a HUGH one (Allen tried to tell me it was only six inches….but I know what I saw).  I started screaming and hyperventilating as he “slayed” the monster.  I literally had to go inside and rest for a while following the whole experience.  Allen kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to go to Gatorland, I assured him I did after all it wasn’t “Snakeland” and Gavin was thrilled we were going and I didn’t want to miss out on the experience.

The morning passed quickly with no “sightings” that made my skin crawl.  I handled the alligator feeding show, the parakeet habitat and actually enjoyed the alligator wrestling show since Gavin and Allen got to wrestle a gator (they loved it!)  But I should have know by the name “The Close Encounter Show” that I would be in for something different.  Yep, a twelve foot python!  Of course Allen and Gavin had to have their picture taken with it.  Allen even had the picture made into a T-Shirt so he could wear it to play racquetball.

I made it through the experience without passing out, but as we left the show they had a booth were you and your family could sit together and have your picture taken with a baby gator on your lap and a SNAKE around your neck!  Being such a smart, sensitive little man, Gavin realized his nanny & sister Kate had not been in any of the pictures and wanted all of us to have our picture taken with the gator & the SNAKE!!  I can still his words of comfort, “Nanny, don’t be afraid, I’ll be right here!”     My heart racing, Allen about to crack up in laughter and Gavin taking my hand I walked toward the seat knowing in moments the paramedics would have to be called!

I’m reminded of the scripture that tells us to “be still and know that I am God” when we are facing the unknown or a trial that is far to great for us to handle.  God reminds us that we are not alone and He is with us.  Many times we are not alone physically either, we are surrounded by family and friends who take our hand and lead us to sit down and be “still” as we encounter that which seems so frighting.  Often when I’ve been afraid and want to scream or panic I’ve looked around and saw that I had five little pairs of eyes watching me and I’d find the strength to “be still” in an effort to show my little ones God can be trusted.  He has never let me down.

So I sat down, my family surrounded me, I closed my eyes and opened them just for a moment to take a picture, a picture I can’t even look at without getting the creeps!  No one can believe I did it, they are amazed, but if it were not for that cute little boy who held my hand and told me not to be afraid, oh, the things we’ll do for our grandchildren!  I’m so glad tomorrow my four granddaughters are coming for a visit and I can go back to having spa night……pedicures, manicures and facials…..now that’s my kind of experience!!!

Tweet This Post Facebook MySpace

Hey everybody!!

As many of you know, Sandi’s birthday is today!  To celebrate with her, we want to GIVE one of YOU a present: Sandi’s book, Ashley Welborn’s CD and a $25 giftcard to Darden restaurants (choose between Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Longhorn, and Bahama Breeze). Think Date Night!

What do you have to do to win? Just leave a comment on this post with some birthday wishes for  Sandi, that simple!

You can also gain more entries by:

1. Watching Allen and Sandi’s story video and leave an additional comment saying you did.
2. Becoming a follower of TheRightBlend on Twitter and leave an additional comment saying you did.
3. Sharing on YOUR Twitter about this giveaway and leave an additional comment for every time you do so.
4. Sharing on YOUR Facebook about this giveaway and leave an additional comment for every time you do so.

You have until next Monday March 15^th to enter. We’ll be announcing a winner on Tuesday March 16^th at noon so don’t forget to come back and check!

* Each comment counts as one entry
* There will be 1 winner chosen via Random.org
* Winner must reply within 5 days or a new winner will be chosen

Tweet This Post Facebook MySpace

If you did that means you are our family or friend OR you have signed up for The Right Blend newsletter at one of our marriage conferences.   We are getting a new look for our web page & moving from a newsletter to – adding this blog, twitter & face book, which means lots of new features to encourage you.  Please don’t unsubscribe – we are excited to have your support and be a part of your weekly lives.  Have a great week and check out our web page in the coming days to see all the changes that were designed to encourage your heart!  2010 is going to be a FABULOUS new year!

Allen & Sandi Welborn

Tweet This Post Facebook MySpace

On Friday, Febuary 13, 2009 Allen’s beloved mother, Texie Mae went home to glory with her family gathered around her bedside.  She would have celebrated her 90th birthday later this month.  Texie had struggled with Alzhimer’s for the past 10 years and had been living in a rest home in her hometown of Trinity, NC for the past 8 years.  Even as she delined, her sweet spirit and gentle, loving ways were a testimony to everyone who was blessed to know her.  Following a stroke last week, Allen and his sister Reva spent the six days leading up to her passing at her bedside, not wanting her to pass while alone.  Each took turns, Reva during the day and Allen spent each night with her.  It was a testimony to the love and respect they had for their mother, something that their children and the staff of rest home will not soon forget.  Allen spoke about his mother at her funeral, John, our son read scriptue and talked briefly about his found memories of his grandmother.  Ashley our oldest daughter sang as well.  Texie was laid to rest in the Welborn family plot, next to her beloved husband, Johnny Welborn in the Hopewell United Methodist Church cemetary.  She will be greatly missed by all of us.  We find peace in knowing that her suffereing is over and she is in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ.  We know at this very moment she is singing with the saints and standing side by side with loved ones who have been waiting for her arrival!

Tweet This Post Facebook MySpace

Title: Happy Birthday KATE!!
Location: Clairmont, FL
Description: Our middle daughter Erin & her fine husband Reece welcomed their second child, Kate Elliott Mashaw, into the world today!! She has a big brother Gavin. Kate is our 6th granddaughter!! Congradulations!!!
Date: 2009-02-05

Tweet This Post Facebook MySpace

Title: Happy 26th Anniversary!!!
Description: Allen & Sandi celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary today!!
Date: 2009-03-04

Tweet This Post Facebook MySpace

The Welborn Family keeps growing! Erin & Reece Mashaw will be welcoming Kate Elliot to their family in mid-February 2009! Gavin will be a big brother! What a blessing to all of us. This will make seven grand babies for Allen and I to love on. Allen is very happy, this will make six granddaughter to “adore” their papa! Poor Gavin may find himself playing with dolls on family vacations and get-togethers……he’s all boy and can handle it!

We love you Erin, Reece & Gavin….congratulations on little Kate, we know you’ll be great parents!

Tweet This Post Facebook MySpace