I bought a DVD that is supposed to have some exercise "routines" I might be able to handle.

You see, I can't just go pick up any exercise routine, or take off running miles and miles. In fact, a dear friend has offered to walk with me, but her walk would be useless because I'll be very slow and very short. She'll have to exercise after we exercise just to get her work out in!

I found this DVD that has gospel music on it and I was thinking it might encourage me to hear the music as I do what I despise! I've known for two months that not only do I need to lose weight by eating healthier, but the exercise factor is a huge deal here. I would love to ignore it...in fact I have!

I bought this DVD days ago. (maybe a week or so ago) And finally, last night, I decided to put it in the player and see what it's all about. There was a very amateur production of a couple of 10 minute line dances, a 20 minute walking/step routine, and a 30 minute cardio workout. I loved it, it was entertaining. A little goofy, and quite low budget. But, the key here is that I could actually do what they were asking me to do.

At least I think I can. Last night, I just sat on the couch and watched it.

Maybe tonight I'll get up and join them!

Blessings!

Distractions...

Monday night, well, Tuesday morning if we're gonna get technical, there was a fire in our church building.

Some "angry-not-enough-to-do" person decided to set a trash can up against the back of the church and set it on fire. According to the fire investigator and police and a hundred other "specialists" who have been on campus for two days straight, they had to use some kind of accelerant to make it get as hot as it did and climb the stucco wall, thus burning through to the inside of the building.

The actual "fire" damage was limited to one wall, albeit a strong beam load bearing wall...(YIKES). But the other damage is still being uncovered.

Fortunately, we have a good alarm system which includes sprinklers that go on at the first sign of fire, so the water damage is another story. One whole wing is incapacitated because of smoke and water damage.

However, we're working through it. At least we're trying.

I am currently sitting at my desk, which at least now has power...until late yesterday, we had no electricity. There are a gazillion fans and dehumidifiers running all down the hall, into every office and school room. It is a maze to get from point "A" to point "B". The noise is deafening. I rarely get headaches. I woke up in the night with a doosie! And sitting here now, it's only getting worse. So, with the smoke smell, the darkness in the hallways, (that circuit hasn't been restored, yet.), the absolute ridiculous noise from the fans, not to mention the "mess" the whole wing is in because of ripped up baseboards and moved furniture, it's a little hard to concentrate.

And yet, we still need a worship order for Sunday. Hmmm...

This isn't about me. Not by any stretch. This is about the amazing crews of people who have jumped to come help. Not only church members, but city workers, and others. This is about those who will have to spend countless hours working on this project...because this is a long haul kind of project. This is about how to continue to lead a church in the midst of mess. And, this is about how to reconcile some body's anger and disregard in our own heads and actually pray for the person who created this distraction.

But, most of all, this is about how we can't let the distraction distract us. Period.

Pray for our church. Pray for our front ladies having to deal with city inspectors, contractors, adjusters. And pray that this is just another moment when we see God's goodness come shining through.

Blessings!

Some of you out there know my sister-in-law is a "Creative Memories" rep and is quite passionate and successful at her business. She's been trying to encourage me to just start with the picture thing. I take millions of pics. I have millions of pics in boxes in the closets. But the task of putting them in albums has, up to this point, been overwhelming. There's just too much! I truly expect that next year, after my Avery leaves for ACU, I'll need something to distract me from my empty nest. What better than pictures of your babies who are no longer babies? I'll start next year...maybe...

There's a point to the above paragraph. Have you, in blogland, ever had SO MUCH that you couldn't even blog about it because it was just too much? Like the boxes of pictures, it's just overwhelming! Life has been whirling and spinning and progressing at such a fast pace I can't even keep up!

So, for now, I just wanted to check in and say...life is good. Life is blessed. Life is very hard. Life is swelling with fullness beyond description.

More later when it can all be sorted.
Blessings!

There is something about the word "accepted" that makes us happy...comfortable...at rest.

We all want to feel like we're accepted. Accepted in normal society, accepted with our friends, even our family. There is a wonderful feeling that you have when you have friends and family that love you unconditionally and accept you in all circumstances.

My son received his "acceptance letter" from ACU last week. It was packaged beautifully, as if you might want to keep it and treasure it forever. To have your name on the top of the letter..."Dear Avery"...and to continue reading that it is their pleasure to inform you that you've been "accepted" to Abilene Christian University is quite a good feeling.

It just seems like yesterday I was feeling all these feelings because my sweet daughter was receiving the same letter and preparing to graduate and go to Texas. I wondered if I would feel the same sadness...surely, I'd be used to it. More practiced. An old pro at this "child leaving home" thing. Nope.

Avery is one of the sweetest, kindest, smartest young men I know. Not because of anything I've done...but because he's been showered with God's goodness and mercy through a huge community of people who love him unconditionally, and accept him all the time.

So, congratulations Avery. I had no doubts they would want you.

And really, Congratulations Abilene Christian University! You're getting a magnificent young man!

Blessings.