We are headed to Pismo this afternoon. It is a combination New Year's celebration but, more important, we are celebrating Lex turning 40 this month.

Hard to believe! The fact that 2006 is drawing to a close, AND, the fact that my sweet man is turning 40.

We plan on relaxing, eating, laughing, playing games, lighting off some almost legal fireworks on New Year's Eve, and generally, just refreshing ourselves and enjoying time together.

I wish you all could be with us. That would make it even better...but, for now, let me just say Happy New Year to you all!

May God's hand continue to be on you and your family.
May you find new and beautiful ways to serve in the Kingdom in 2007, and may you be inspired to seek out every missional opportunity in the coming year.

Blessings!

The Morning After

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day with family.

It is so good to be together.

I am amazed each year by the generosity and thoughtfulness of people.

I woke up this morning feeling very blessed and fortunate.

God is good. God is amazing.
I am so thankful to be his child.
What a wonderful thing.

What a wonderful night!

Singers were fantastic.

Children were priceless.

Narrators were perfect.

Tech team was flawless.

Seniors holding candles were precious.

Interpreters (sign language) were exquisite.

Amongst the practiced and rehearsed, God came.
He filled up the room.
He filled up the hearts.

He did for us last night what He does for us every day...
He covered us with grace and mercy and made us better than we really are!
Thank you, Jesus...Thank you!

This is what I want to feel like...
This is how I want to be seen...
This is my goal...










This is how I feel inside!







But don't tell...I don't want it to get out that I'm losing my mind and wondering how in the world I'm going to pull this all off. I mean, everything. The Musical, Christmas, Presents, Worship this Sunday, Pictures for the directory...(do you know how stressful that is? C'mon...admit it, directory pics are horrible!)

God is in charge, God is in charge, God is in charge...

O.K. I feel better.
Now, does anyone out there have a 3 day diet that will allow me to continue to eat but lose about 50 lbs before Sunday? Anybody?
I sure hope my dress zips up Sunday night!

Have a good Wednesday!

Rehearsal went well...there are some little gliches we need to work out, however, I believe we are on target for a wonderful night this coming Sunday. YIKES!!

I've even managed to get some Christmas shopping done with presents wrapped and under the tree. I keep wondering what I've forgotten because things seem to be running rather smoothly.

I had one "key" alto tell me yesterday they had a family conflict with our Saturday morning rehearsal...that's the rehearsal where every single person is in place. It all comes together on that morning, except this year...this year we will be depending on the airlines, the weather, and general holiday travel to get that alto back and in her place on Sunday. No problem...

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Working on a very cool band we've named the "House Band" for a worship time at the ZOE conference in January. If you're able, come check out the conference the last weekend in January. (26th - 28th) It's wonderful to see people able to use their gifts and passion for their instrument in a worship element. I feel sorry, sometimes, for the folks who have such a love for their instrument but have a commitment to the Church of Christ. This isn't a debate for or against instrumental music...just simply an observation.

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Had a wonderful chat with one of the sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She's a rock here at College...somebody who has been here since the beginning. She encourages constantly, sees the best in people, continues to study and learn about Jesus Christ. She is over 70, and yet, continues to learn like a 5 year old. With passion and hunger for more. She's one who will say to me, "I don't tell you enough what a wonderful job you do." What a blessing to have people like that in your life. I was looking at her this morning as we were chatting and thinking I hope I can be as gracious and beautiful and Godly as she when I'm an older woman. Beautiful example.

Have a wonderful week, Bloggers. Try to catch the goodness of it all as this season becomes more hectic with each passing day.

December 7 is a date that many remember as Pearl Harbor Day.

December 7 holds additional meaning for me.

I remember my Dad as gentle. He never raised his voice or yelled.

I remember my Dad as a Bible scholar...always reading and studying.

I remember that my Dad broke C of C lines as he had Saturday prayer meetings with Catholics, Pentecostal, and even "one-cuppers".

I remember he struggled...really struggled with depression.

I remember listening to him talk about heaven, and being with God, and how much he was looking forward to that.

I remember my Dad coming in every night to tuck me into bed and telling me the story that always began..."once upon a time, there was a beautiful little girl..." I never tired of the story of my adoption according to Dad.

I remember my Dad could tell a joke.

And boy, oh boy, could he sneeze! That man scared us to death with his sneezes!

I remember my Dad bought my Mom really pretty clothes. For the most part, church clothes. Nice clothes. Things she would never have bought for herself.

I remember my Dad thanking my Mom for the good dinner...every single night.

I remember my Dad telling me there was something special about Lex.

I remember putting Ashley on his lap in this cute little stiff church outfit, and he said, "hasn't she worn this long enough? Can we take this off her so she can relax?"

I've often wished he had stuck around a little longer. There has been much to rejoice about in our family. Many good times and great blessings that I know, had he still been here, he would have enjoyed.

But, I also know he longed to be where he is...with God...for eternity.

Happy Birthday, Dad.

God took care of Sunday. Of course, again. As always.

I explained to the Praise Team my "sail boat" feeling and they understood. We managed to joke for the rest of the morning using sailing metaphors. It was a good distractor, as well as reminder, that we aren't in charge.

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My girl called me Sunday afternoon sounding awful. She's sick...first time away from home feeling really lousy. She went to the on campus medical thingy and they said she has a severe allergy to mold and dust. Abilene happens to be full of both! She never suffered here in the valley, like many do, but they said it isn't uncommon for out of towners to suffer quite a bit the first year they're there. (Hey, Wendy...how 'bout that...proper use of "they're" and "there".) So, we're praying and hoping she feels better in quick time.

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Sunday night rehearsal was amazing. I couldn't believe I was standing there with mics and narrators and soloists and the music. Time has flown. I mean, just absolutely raced by. Everything was beautiful. We aren't perfect...yet, but we'll be pretty close by the time the 17th rolls around.

One of my favorite things about doing a musical is what happens on the sidelines. Sure, it's a thrill to present...to perform. But the real stuff happens internally on people.

One person told me she felt like she really "belonged" by singing. She hadn't found her place yet, and through this time of practice, she's found friends and a "spot" she feels she fits in.

We have a young soloist who is the very picture of a beautiful, innocent, Godly young woman...growing and changing in the love of Christ. I tear up every time she sings her part because of the sweetness of it.

There are children singing with all their heart!

There are the "not-so-young" singing for the first time and learning new things.

We have close to professional people doing their thing on a solo...knocking our socks off every time.

We have fellowship, and laughter, and tears. Hard work, frustration, and "oops...let's try that again."

But my very favorite part is when I look around and realize, nobody is watching me any longer...now understand, I am the director...or at least I play one every Sunday, and most director's get a little cranky when you don't watch their lead...but when they aren't watching me, they are worshipping. Full-on-lost-in-the-moment worship.

That's the best part...the very best part.