DONE!

The last doughie has been dipped lovingly into the melted chocolate and put in the freezer to rest until the long journey tomorrow. Every thing I wanted to do, I did.

I'm even very close to finishing the laundry. The final load will go in tonight after Avery gets home because the jean shorts he's wearing for work today is the only pair that isn't ripped or splattered with model paint or engine grease and he needs them for church tomorrow. I don't know about the rest of you with children, but there really is no sense in buying nice clothes for summer when in just a couple of weeks we'll be needing to stock up on school clothes. So, the poor boy has had to deal with one "good" pair of shorts and a couple of ratty pairs to kick around in.

We went to the memorial service this morning for Art Walters and, as expected, it was a wonderful morning with lots of people who came to voice their love for Art. He was a kind, gentle, wise man whom, I believe, helped College Church take the hard road of "change". He stayed steadfast and quietly firm in his beliefs and wasn't ever too good to admit he'd changed his mind/heart about certain matters. I remember one time in particular when we were struggling to find the path God was putting before us, we had morning staff prayer and he asked me to wait just a minute after the prayer was over. When everyone had left, he quietly said,

"I'm on your side. Keep up the good work."

This was an amazing relief, one, because he was an Elder at the time, and two, because he came from a long line of very conservative people that I assumed didn't take too kindly to the direction College was headed. (it taught me not to assume somebody's position without clarification from them). So, as a young person trying to find God's voice in all the mess (and a woman, at that!) he was a quiet strength beside me.

I hope, with all my heart, that as I get older, I always listen to God. The direction may not always be exactly what makes me most comfortable, but I want to listen and hear without a doubt the call of God.

I want to be supportive and wise in those situations. Hopefully, as we've developed this network through ZOE, and blogging, and other various relationships, we'll be able to count on each other for a voice that holds us accountable to God's direction...not our own agenda.

I don't know how much computer time I'll get at the coast. I'll try, but I remember last year having difficulty connecting to the network. Fortunately, I'll have Avery and Lex with me and if it can be done, they'll figure out a way.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. My brother is speaking and I love listening to him. It's always a treat .

I'm always relieved when he gets through a sermon without any tidbits about our childhood! I have to admit, though, I'm a little on edge each time until he's finished! There's so much he could tell...and I'm helpless...can't even defend myself!

Blessings to each of you. May God fill you with an extra measure of His Spirit this week!

They say the air is back on in the church building and we will have air for a funeral Saturday, as well as services on Sunday. "They" (whoever they is) have been saying that for a few weeks. I sure hope "they" are correct.

Lex and/or I have been getting to the building about 4:30 am to open up all the doors to the auditorium and turn some fans on so we could air it out before people came at 9:00. It probably made a 10 degree difference in the building. Last week, though, we were assured there was air, in fact, it was supposed to be running all night to help circulate the air and have it fresh for the morning.

We walked in at our normal time on Sunday (7:00 am) and NO AIR! Ugh! It was gross. Not only was it hot, but also humid. Nasty. As some of you have probably read Steve's blog (www.intentionalwalk.blogspot.com), you know his thoughts, which I agree with. There's something about knowing it's going to be hot, preparing for it mentally, that allows you to deal with it better. But, when you think the air is going to be not only on, but run all night, then it's not, ICK!

We are so comfort oriented. We've struggled for about 6 weeks with this air thing and the church has been beautiful. It couldn't have picked a hotter time to go out. However, people have been faithful.

I've been home all week, with the exception of a worship committee meeting Tuesday morning and rehearsal Wednesday night, and I LOVE it. There is a memorial service tomorrow. We leave Sunday after church for the coast and we are all ready. (still hoping to get some doughies made today or tomorrow). Lex has worked himself silly recently and wasn't even going to take the week off, but the kids persuaded him to come away with them. I'm glad. He needs to disconnect for a couple of days. He probably doesn't even know how weary he is. (we know, though, because he's grumpy)

I have a special personal request. Please pray for my Aunt Evelyn. She's very sick and has been for a few weeks. She's been in the hospital but they can't seem to get her to turn the corner to wellness. In real time, she's a about 80+, but in my mind, she'll always be about 60-ish. She, and my Uncle Merle, are two of my very most favorite people in the world. (grammar check!) Uncle Merle is beside himself...they're scared and worried and frustrated. They are wonderful people who love the Lord and have served Him with all their hearts. Thanks...

Blessings to all of you today. Have a wonderful weekend.

Yesterday was homemade Macaroni & Cheese and Chicken Parmesan. Today was another batch of Mac & Cheese and Twice Baked Potatoes. They are all resting safely in the freezer waiting for the trip to the beach.

Tomorrow or Thursday it will be homemade chicken strips and finally, maybe, if I can muster up the strength, some "doughies". (Chocolate chip cookie dough rolled into little balls and dipped into chocolate and then frozen.) I already have peanut butter balls rolled in chocolate in the freezer. (Assuming my family hasn't found them, yet!)

I've gone to Target and bought enough sun-screen to last all of us the whole week, along with some aloe vera gel...just in case.

I've done laundry, particularly the swimsuits and beach towels and put them aside.

The preparation for the trip is almost as fun as the trip itself. The anticipation, the excitement, the longing for it. It's a wonderful week the "week before".

I don't know about you, but I don't think I put this much effort into my trip into eternity. My time here on earth should be a constant "week before" feeling. Anticipating, Hoping, Longing for Heaven. Sometimes, though, I get caught up in just the daily junk and I forget really what I'm doing here.

I can't wait to be at Pismo with my family. To laugh, play games, (maybe even win a time or two), read, listen to the ocean, watch the magnificent sunsets, and share meals together. I can't think of a time I love more than those moments.

We've been doing them for so long, and yet every year is a little different.

We're all a little older, the kids continue to grow, and the experiences, although similar, are always special and a little unique.

I want to expect and long for my eternal journey with the same excitement.

vacation

I think I might just see a vacation in my future.

I typically take the whole month of July off, but for one reason or another, I've been here all month. Actually, working harder and studying and praying for the direction maybe more than usual. I didn't have a happy heart about it at first. A little grumbling was going on...(I hate to admit it but it's true). But now that we're about to finish up July, I can look back and see what God has done in us and through us and for us. I would not have experienced the blessings that have been given here if I had been gone. So, for that I'm grateful.

I'm even happy I was there to experience the sweat rolling down my back and the backs of my knees last Sunday with everybody else. It's a family thing...

I guess it's kind of like camping. I'm not a big camper, in fact, I've never been camping (that I remember, anyway)...but don't people who camp like the idea that they're having to "rough it" for a while? And if you're with family or friends, doesn't that give you memories together that you wouldn't trade? That's what I've been told. You campers out there feel free to correct me if you would like. But I know I wouldn't trade the last month for anything. Even a vacation.

HOWEVER, I won't be in the office next week except for a meeting on Tuesday morning. I will be home cooking and baking and getting ready for our week at the beach. Then, the next week, I'll be enjoying some 60-75 degree weather instead of 100+ day after day!

One quick story...my family rents a condo at the beach...I mean on the beach. We walk out onto a deck and we are on the sand looking at the ocean. Beautiful, delicious, inspiring, awesome...

We've been doing this since I was young. So, my kids have grown up going each year and have slept on the floor (sleeping bags or air mattresses) in the room that Lex and I have. This year, however, it looked like there would be two empty beds that they could occupy. We told them, very excited for them that they were going to "graduate" to real beds. They both looked at each other and then at the same time said..."we kind of like being in with you and Dad. We like being on the floor all together. We like sleeping by the sliding glass door with the sound and smell and coolness of the ocean night. We will go in those beds if we have to, but we'd rather be in with you guys."

O.K. Maybe I'm crazy, but I really thought when my kids were teenagers, I might actually have to worry about them sneaking out. Maybe not even wanting to go with us to Pismo at all.

I was wrong. I really feel blessed often beyond what I deserve. I'm so grateful.

Let me leave you with something I've been studying on today. Have a great weekend, bloggers!

Psalm 19:13-14
Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then, will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

So is today really the 19th? Where is July going?

We are on our 10th day or so of 100+ weather. It really is hot, but truthfully, once it gets beyond 100 degrees, there's not much difference.

Tell me, really, does it matter if it's 110 or 104? Not really. It's just stinking hot! I got in my car the other day after it had been in the sun for about 5 hours and could have sworn I heard my flesh sizzle as I sat down on my seats. (dark blue leather seats...YIKES they were hot!)

The forecast said we should have a cooling down to 103 in a few days.

Can you believe those words? "A cooling down to 103!"

So I'm typing on my new computer which is still giving me fits. I would love to tell you what is wrong, but I don't know.

However, after complaining, I'll now say our summer has been a time of growth and excitement for the church. We are seeing good attendance, engaged folks, and a building renovation project right around the corner. So good to see anytime, but especially in the summer!

Our summer series has married a Psalm with an "Encounter with Christ" in the Gospels. Our speakers have been well prepared and, in spite of difficult circumstances, (no air conditioning still in the auditorium), shared their hearts with the church in a way that we haven't been able to ignore. It's amazing to see God work. And...such a good reminder that it's really out of our hands anyway. We feel so "in charge" sometimes...planning, timing, rehearsing, preparing...and really, I imagine God sits back and enjoys the effort we put into it, but knows ultimately what He's going to do in spite of us.

What a pleasure it is to be able to serve.

Blessings Bloggers!

Ashley is discovering that people are very serious about their coffee! They want it exactly the way they order it and when there is a new person working in their coffee house, they are very suspicious! She's had to prove her ability to serve them on numerous occasions.

She is, however, having a blast. She and her co-workers are discovering that when Ashley wears her name tag that proudly states "New Girl", the tips are higher. So, they are hoping to ride that gravy train as long as possible.

Do you tip a person who is obviously new more than usual? I do. As I thought about it...I've tipped waitresses/waiters more when I realize they are just learning. Kind of a silent "come on, hang in there, you'll get it, you'll be great" encouragement.

Her first day on the register a guy came in and told her he was a friend of the owners and he gets 50% off his drinks. She smiled sweetly and said, "Riiiight!" Because there are so many "regulars", many people knew she was new, so people had been trying to pull stuff on her all day. He kept insisting that really, they knew him, he was Jack's friend, Steve...nice to meet you new girl now give me my drink for 1/2. As she gave him his change from his full price drink, one of the managers walked up and said, "Oh hey Steve, meet Ashley, she's working with us now. And, by the way Ashley, Steve gets his drinks at 50%." Ashley's response was, "Not today he didn't!" Fortunately, everybody thought it was humerous.

Another guy tried to pay with a gift card and she politely handed it back to him and said, "New girl doesn't know how to take gift cards yet...can you find some cash?" He handed it back to her and said, "New girl's gonna learn!"

Ashley adds spice to any situation. They are loving her as much as she's loving the independence, the experience, and of course, the tips!

So, today, my son is attending his last day of summer school. He will finally get a "summer vacation" after today. But, this morning, on the last day he says, "Hey Mom, can you make an extra turkey sandwich with no mayo, please? And an extra bag of chips, too."

"Of course" I answered assuming this was for the friend we give a ride home every day after school. So I asked, "Is this for Vitale?"

Avery hesitated, and finally said, "No...it's a long story."

Isn't that code for 'I really don't want to talk about it'?

That has "girl" written all over it.

Have a great day, bloggers!

I'm blogging from home, on my son's computer, which, by the way...he takes very good care of. Keeps it "cleaned out" and dumps any unnecessary things allowing it to run better and faster than most computers of its age. He's in the process of researching the parts he will buy one by one to build his own. That's all I know about that. It's another one of those conversations with him where I listen, nod, smile, and say, "that's neat, honey." or "very cool". In other words, Mom doesn't have a clue what you just said but goodness! you're smart.

My Ashley started a job last week. And yes, I cried her first day of work. We have some very cool folks who have recently come to College (church) that own a coffee hang out. It's one of the neatest coffee places I've ever seen. Funky but not scary...Hip but not too young for the retired to stroll in for a cup...and, Christian! Yippee! Ashley really couldn't have asked for a better place to "get her feet wet" in the job world. I'm thrilled for her. Further independence...hhmmm...hard to take as a parent, and yet, very exciting and the way it should be.

Services this morning were good. We still don't have air conditioning, but this should be the last Sunday we deal with that. We hope so, because the temps are supposed to hit 100+ a few days next week which will make for a nasty, stinky, hot, auditorium by Sunday. We'll pray the folks can get it fixed this week.

We had a taped video interview with one of our older, very wise members. Talked about Psalm 147, specifically the first three verses focusing on God healing the brokenhearted and binding up their wounds. Wes Schmidt has had some big things in his life that may have knocked the average man around, however, he's come out of them faithful and stronger. It was a blessing to listen to him...kind of like 2 Timothy where Paul has some "fatherly advice". Some people have just earned the right to be heard...

My new computer should be here next Friday. But until then, I'll use Avery's.

Blessings...

I'm sorry for the delay in writing...I'm having computer problems. If this gets posted, it will be a miracle!

I actually have a brand new out of the box computer that is freezing up. When we ran a scan on it, it showed over 150 errors that came from the factory.

So, at the risk of sounding ungrateful for this new piece of junk taking up room on my desk, I think this thing is going back in the box and back to the losers that sent it to me. (I didn't order it, I have no computer brains...it was ordered for me).

As soon as I get a computer that works, (and a happy heart) I'll be back! Don't go too far away...I promise it won't be long.

V.B.S. is over! I'm so happy about that I could cry! It was wonderful, but especially taxing this year. Maybe I'm just getting too old for all this nonsense! (no comments, please)

The truth is, it was an amazing week. So many little lives were touched and I think some grown ups learned a thing or two also. My Mom came by to see the silliness of it all and she said,

"These children are so fortunate to have all these adults willing to act goofy for them! This is wonderful! I'm jealous...next year I want to help!"

Thanks, Mom. Isn't that a neat comment? Wouldn't it be great if the world looked in on us and saw unity, love, and vulnerability, so enticing that they would say, "Hey, I want to be part of that!"

By the way, above are a couple of sweet faces from the week. (Yes, that is Steve with a red mowhawk!) Have a great weekend bloggers!