sandra jean's blog

BLAST OFF!

2010-08-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Click here for

Hope you love it.

What I Did This Summer

2010-08-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is winding down...
School has started for some and will begin soon for all.

Some folks take long lovely Cruises, go RV-ing for a month across the United States,
visit their "summer home" at the beach or in another country...

Those things are wonderful, and I am sure I will do something like that some day.

However,
this summer,
the summer of 2010
I can say it wasn't as much where I traveled,
it was what I learned along the way that has great value to me.

I am grateful to look back and see that God
provided me with certain character strengths I didn't think I possessed.

I found Strength in deep weakness,
Courage in difficulty,
Love beyond explanation,
and Peace amidst great turmoil and uncertainty.

I've done things this summer I never thought I was strong enough, wise enough, or tough enough to handle.
I've felt God's hand in all things, even the ones that made me sad, or scared, or angry.

If I had to sum it up in one quick sentence I'd say:

I've learned that He will, without fail,
provide me with whatever I need for that moment.

What a blessing.

CHECK BACK MONDAY.
New blog will be launched!

Slow Going . . .

2010-06-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

I read this today while out running errands and it spoke deeply to me:

PEACE: It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. (unknown author)

The recovery from back surgery is taking a bit of a toll on our household, particularly the poor guy who actually had the surgery.

It's very. slow. going.

Lots of pain, small snippits of sleep, (nothing over a couple of hours at a time), and did I mention pain?

Bless him.

So, how do you keep calm and steady amidst such different chaos? I mean, there's normal chaos...like children growing, lives being lived, schedules overloaded with activity.

Then, there's the abnormal chaos...a loved one very ill, losing jobs or homes, or in our case, trying to recover from something that the doctors have told you will take a good year to get through. A year...

All day long, I've had a song playing in my head.

Now, I know lots of songs. I can't imagine just how many are rolling around in my little noodle. But this one, it stuck today.

There is a place of quiet rest,

Near to the heart of God.

A place where sin cannot molest,

Near to the heart of God.

Refrain
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,

Sent from the heart of God,

Hold us who wait before Thee

Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,

Near to the heart of God.

A place where we our Savior meet,

Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

There is a place of full release,

Near to the heart of God.

A place where all is joy and peace,

Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

Maybe everything is rolling along smoothly for you today.

Kids are out of school.

Summer is in full swing.

Life is good.

But maybe, just maybe, there will come a moment when you feel empty.

Your insides are exhausted, worried, void of depth or wisdom.

Each day seems a little worse than the previous day.

It's then you can think about the Savior who holds you close...near to the heart of God.

I love the comfort it brings knowing my Savior quietly, gently, safely holds me close.

“He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.”

Isaiah 40:11

Blessings. . .

Still in Process

2010-06-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

Still in process . . .

However, during this time of transition a few things have happened.

Husband has had successful back surgery. He's had plates and screws and such put in his back to (hopefully) alleviate the difficulty he's lived with for a year. We have no doubt that God's hand was directly guiding the surgeon. LONG recovery, but at least we're on this end of the journey and not the "waiting for surgery" end. That end was a bit anxious.

Daughter has successfully graduated from ACU and has come home for a bit of time until God directs her path in a clear way. She will be a FANTASTIC teacher. Any young student who has the joy of being in her classroom will be blessed indeed!

Son is working very hard, handling the "man-chores" around the house while his dad is down for the recovery period, successfully finished up another year of his college path (with honors!), and generally, continues to be a joy to us.

There are things in my head...a checklist if you will...that were weighing on me in a most burdensome way. For the most part, those things have come and gone and I'm still standing.

I know, without a doubt, my Father has been holding and sustaining me and my precious family.

SO...soon, friends. Very soon I will be able to show you my new blog digs!

You are loved!

2010-04-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

It may take a moment or two, or maybe a day, or a possibly a couple of weeks,
but I WILL return with a happy new site!
(well, some will think "WOW, this is great!" while others will let out a big YAWN!)

However, don't give up.

Check back soon!

Come Awake!

2010-04-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

This was the opening of the service yesterday at College . . .beautiful day.
I woke up this morning wanting to view it again.
I hope your Sunday was a blessed day.
Enjoy!

Waiting . . .

2010-03-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting
Waiting to have something important to say...
Waiting for some inspiration to knock me down...
Waiting to be able to report some great bit of news...
hmmm...
I'm still waiting.

In that past few weeks I've:
cooked lots of yummy things,
gained a couple more pounds,
sent my girl back to school to finish her Senior year,
ignored the need to exercise,
read a very good book and a few great excerpts from other books,
been very sick with a cold that won't go away,
enjoyed 70-ish degree weather,
worried about the next step for our family,
had coffee with a good friend,
contemplated my value,
seen a couple of good movies,
had an unexpected wonderful lunch with my big brother,
marveled at the beauty around me,
wondered how people make it without God.

There's more, but for now, I believe that's enough.

Blessings, sweet friends!

Ugh!

2010-03-04T13:59:00.000-08:00

My bathroom scale quit working properly (that's never a good sign...) a few weeks ago.

I kept thinking we would fix it, assuming it was just a battery issue.

Husband took it apart, called company, followed all manufacture instructions, and still no scale.

It sat on my piano bench for a couple more weeks until,

feeling my jeans getting a tiny bit tight, I declared...

"WE MUST GET ANOTHER SCALE!!"

And so he did.

I got on it.

Off

Back on

Off again

ugh

I'm so depressed.

Those of you living in skinny land,

the land where this isn't an issue,

the land where you can eat what you want and it doesn't add a pound...ever,

the land I have never had the pleasure of even visiting, much less living in,

those of you in this land, I know you don't understand.

But today, ugh.

So, I made some delicious butter lemon shortbread cookies.

Blessings. . .

Ephesians Instruction

2010-02-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger,
harsh words, and slander,
as well as all types of malicious behavior.

Instead, be kind to each other,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31,32

We say we believe the Bible to be from God, and we understand that the words were given to us to know Him deeper and be more like Him.

That being understood, these two verses alone would change the world if we truly let them become a road map for our life.

So much to learn. So far to go.
But what a journey!

Blessings

O Lord Our Lord

2010-02-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

Renew Conference.
Friday night through Sunday morning.
Register @ www.collegecofc.com
Come.
Join with us as we say together:
"O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!"

2010-02-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Some of you know, some may not, but this is "conference week" for us.
The College church is hosting a West Coast conference with wonderful speakers.
(Randy Harris & John York, as well as our own Jason Locke)
We also have some fabulous teachers coming to share their hearts and knowledge.

A very exciting and valuable time, we believe,
in the area of encouragement and teaching.
(Come see us! Friday night through Sunday morning...Feb 19-21)

Some of you also know that things like this make me very nervous.
I want it to be...well...perfect.
Not "O.K." Not "good enough". Not "fine...it was fine."
But...perfect. With no flaws. Couldn't have been better!

God is in control. He is in charge. It will be perfect because of Him.

But in the meantime, when my husband and son called to see if they needed to bring me lunch/dinner
(it's 2:45 and I haven't managed to get a meal in yet),
my response was what any other person with food issues and a worried heart would say:

"Please bring me a milk shake. OH, and maybe some fries."
Blessings!

The Heart of the Matter

2010-02-13T09:14:00.001-08:00

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply,

they met together to question him again.

One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question:

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
Jesus replied,

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’

This is the first and greatest commandment.

A second is equally important:

‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

(Matthew 22:34-40)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world,

but to save the world through him.

(John 3:16-17)

On this day of hearts and flowers and candy and cards,

remember the deepest love one has ever displayed for you...

Happy Valentines Day!

A Heart Full of Hope

2010-02-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

Now may the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that you will abound in hope by the

power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13)

A Humble Heart

2010-02-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

(Philippians 2:3)

Honor one another above yourselves.

(Romans 12:10)

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

(1 Peter 5:5)

A Heart of Courage

2010-02-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord.

(Psalm 31:24)

For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.

(Psalm 37:28)

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

(Isaiah 40:29)

A Heart of Forgiveness

2010-02-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.

(Proverbs 17:9)

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].

(Colossians 3:13)

A Heart of Delight

2010-02-09T10:23:00.001-08:00

"Praise the Lord!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.
How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
All who delight in him should ponder them.
Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
His righteousness never fails."
(Psalm 111:1-3)

A Heart of Worship

2010-02-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

"Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord."

(Psalm 89:15)

A Heart of Repentance

2010-02-04T10:00:00.001-08:00

Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn again in repentance to the Lord.

(Lamentations 3:40)

A Safe Heart

2010-02-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high.
I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain.
I lay down and slept.
I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.

(Psalm 3:3-5)

A Heart of Perseverance

2010-02-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.

Mark out a straight path for your feet.

Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.

(Hebrews 12:12,13)

A Grateful Heart

2010-02-01T15:52:00.000-08:00

I Chronicles 16:34
34 O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Always Be Sweet

2010-01-26T10:38:00.000-08:00

O.K. You're going to think I drive through my favorite coffee house every day, but that's not the case. It just seems to be a story worth telling every time I do go through...

Drive up, give my order to the speaker, pull to the window and the sweet girl takes my $ and proceeds to say...

"How's Avery?"

Not, "aren't you Avery's Mom?, or "I think I know your son", or any such introductory phrase...simply and confidently, "How's Avery?"

I was a little startled because my son, like my husband, is not a frequent visitor of the drive through coffee experience. And, if either son or husband are driving through, it's probably for me. So, the fact this girl, first, knows Avery, second, knows Avery belongs to me is just weird.

"He's good" I answer in a very non-committal way.

"Yeah..." she continues, "I remember his Dad used to come in our class and help with 'computer time'. Everybody wanted to have computer time with him because he was fun and nice."

"???"

"That was...ummmm...THIRD GRADE?!, right?" I asked thinking surely there was another time she was talking about...

"Yeah, it was fun. He was funny. And nice."

"He's still funny and nice." I answered, not really knowing how in the world this sweet little girl, now 20-21, remembers me, connected to Avery, through his Dad working in their classroom once a week in the third grade!

But, as I was driving away, it occurred to me that my advice to my family over and over, is very good advice. I constantly told my children to "make good choices and be sweet". In fact, they say it back to me now in a loving/mocking sort of way. But, really, you never know what an impact you might have. You never know who's watching you. Who needs you and the kindness you bring to the moment.

So, my blog friends...

Have a great day! Make good choices and be sweet!
Blessings

RENEW

2010-01-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

We (College Church) have a Conference coming right around the corner we've titled "Renew". (February 19-21...John York, Randy Harris, great teachers! You should come!)

I love the idea of a renewal of ideas, thoughts, vows, commitment. It's always good to have a fresh, clean outlook.

Psalm 51:10 says:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a right spirit within me."

In my Bible, there is a "Prayer of Confession" that goes with the Psalm 51...I love this prayer.

I confess, Lord, with thanksgiving, that you have made me in your image so that I can remember you, think of you, and love you. But that image is so worn and blotted out by faults, and darkened by the smoke of sin, that it cannot do that for which it was made unless you renew and refashion it.

Lord, I am not trying to make my way to your height, for my understanding is in no way equal to that, but I do desire to understand a little of your truth, which my heart already believes and loves.

AMEN.
(Saint Anselm of Canterbury)

Beautiful.
May you feel the renewal of his love, his grace, his sacrifice today...right now.

Up . . . All . . . Night

2010-01-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Sunday Night was another famous "Lock-In" for the Youth Group led, for the time being, by my sweet husband.

I've mentioned before that he is as much a kid as any of the kids you've ever known, just with a little experience and wisdom under his belt.

His love and dedication for the students of this church is remarkable. He absolutely wants them to know they are loved and valued not just by him, but by the church family that meets here and most important, by the God who created them. He leads them with great respect for who they are and what they might be experiencing or feeling in their "tween" or "teen" minds.

My job during these all night lock-ins is to just be there for them. I cook a couple of meals, one when they arrive around 6:00 and another one about midnight. They have warm cookies and an iced mocha around 3:00 a.m. to rev up their energy for the last few hours, and then a little breakfast about 6:00 a.m. Parents arrive around 7:00 to pick up their very tired students.

I learned that I am no longer a kid. I'm not able to bounce back after staying up all night. I am an old woman.

I must say, though, the times with those students is precious. They are good people with generous hearts. I know I don't see and hear everything that goes on, and goodness knows I'm totally o.k. with that! However, these kids are sweet, and polite, and genuinely concerned for each other and the world around them.

I'm proud of my husband for the work he does with these students, but beyond that, I'm very proud of these young people as they make good decisions and strive to walk a Godly path.

If this is the future, we're in good hands!

Blessings. . .

What? Huh! What?

2010-01-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

Let me see if I can tell this story in a clear and concise way...

(first, let me say, dear co-workers, feel free to exit my blog...you've already heard this story and even gave me the impression you were bored with it the first time through...so, please, feel free to exit NOW.)

I have a favorite drive through coffee spot. I love how friendly, helpful, generally chipper the workers are...in fact, I've actually e-mailed the manager just to tell them "good job".

Yesterday morning, I was driving through and placed my order as usual at the "speaker". Then pulled up to the window and this is the conversation that took place...

(Coffee Window Girl holding up a sample of their new Instant coffee): "Good Morning! It's like pushing drugs to school children."

(me) "Good morning...WHAT? HUH! WHAT?"

(Coffee Window Girl throwing herself down on counter and expressing in a sad tone): "I told them I wouldn't be good at this!"

(me, unclear of what she was saying): "No...it's not you...it's me, try again, I just didn't understand you...really, say your pitch again..."

(Coffee Window Girl straightening up to give it another try): "Like pushing drugs to school children."

(me, mouth open, squinting, shaking my head slowly...looking over at my husband in passenger seat feeling the car shake with his laughter as he says "DRIVE AWAY!" I look back to the girl and say): "I'm just not getting what you're trying to say. I'm sure it's me, not you. You're doing a good job, I'm just not understanding you."

(Coffee Window Girl): "I know. They told me that selling this new de-caf instant coffee would be as easy as pushing drugs to school children, but it's not. I'm just not good at this."

My head snaps to my husband who now has himself pressed so hard against the passenger seat back as to not let the little girl see the tears streaming down his face as he laughs uncontrollably...

So, some dummy of a manager or trainer or something of the sort told this sweet, fairly naive, maybe a little ditsy new coffee girl that selling this product to the public would be like "pushing drugs to school children". And she, in one of her less than intelligent moments, thought this was the "hook line" she needed to use to get us to purchase it?!

Really!?

(me): "uhhhmmmm...no. I don't want any. But thanks."

(Coffee Window Girl): O.K. Here's your coffee. You two have a beautiful Tuesday! It is Tuesday, isn't it?"

(me, driving away, still in shock over the whole exchange): "yes, it's Tuesday...all day."

Normal

2010-01-11T10:12:00.001-08:00

Not exactly sure what "normal" is, but I believe today is a "back to normal" day.

Daughter has returned to ACU and son is back to his school and work routine.

I love the idea of the holidays, but what I really love, is being with people. Getting to take goodies to someone, having people over, thinking about a special gift that would make a person you love happy or excited.

However, when it comes to the decorations, I'm 100% scrooge. The only thing I like less than hauling out all the decorations is the thought of putting them all back when it's over. Fortunately, I have lovely people in my life who handle the "putting back" part for me.

Now, we're safely in the new year. If you read my friend Julie's blog, you will see she and I feel the same about resolutions. Who doesn't have a mile long list of things they could do better? I certainly do, and at times get caught up in all the ways I DON'T measure up instead of see the good in my life. So, resolutions can be tricky. However, there's always time to ponder on a thing or two. Examine, refresh, commit deeper.

I often have the same resolution. Get healthy, lose weight, exercise more (o.k. exercise period!...there's no "more" if you don't do it at all!)

But this year, my resolution is to spend sweet time with people. Those I love deeply as well as those I would like to know better. Carving out time for a cup of coffee, a prayer with a friend, a movie, a chat...this seems to escape me and proves difficult at times.

This is my fresh focus. It can only bring good things, don't you think?

Blessings

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I always LOVE the turning of the December to January calendar page.

It's full of possibilities. Some things are good...so you keep doing them. However, it's a time when we tend to look at what's not so good and try to adjust our lives, hearts, habits to reflect something we can be a bit more proud of.

My little family started what we believe might become a tradition in our family...New Year's Eve and a few days following at the BEACH!

We love the beach. Son gets to ride his crazy truck all over the dunes. He has worked so hard on building this thing, it's fun to watch him enjoy the benefits of his hard work. Daughter loves reading, crocheting, exploring the beach...

We all had a restful, relaxing time. We learned BUNCO while there and played with some friends who were also at the coast. At one point, two tables of people were laughing so hard we had to stop playing and just watch each other laugh! So funny...and healthy!

The Monarch butterflies come to "rest" for a couple of months at the coast. Daughter and I walked the butterfly trail and took some pictures of the area of our adventure. It's amazing. The one pic above looks like leaves hanging on a tree but are actually clusters of thousands of butterflies. It's beautiful to see in person...

I don't know about you all, but 2009 seemed long and difficult.

God was present and faithful...as always. But, I feel weary from it all and look forward to a new page for 2010.

I have great hopes for some positive changes and discoveries, however, I know that whatever each new day holds, God will be holding me close.

Blessings, friends! May you feel His presence in a mighty way!

2009-12-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

I received some very thoughtful and nice gifts for Christmas, however, you are looking at my favorite...and to make it even nicer, it came from my favorite people...my children. Along with a very cool rubber spatula (and not your ordinary rubber spatula, but a metal-feel-so-balanced-and-cool spatula), along with a gorgeous table cloth, all from William Sonoma.

I love cookbooks. I read them like other people read novels. They relax me, motivate me, intrigue me, and make me better at something I already love doing.

I saw the movie Julie and Julia with my friend, Julie Locke. I found it sweet, kind of silly, definitely not a "deep thinking" movie, but overall, very enjoyable. What I loved most was the way the two couples in the movie really did love and respect each other. I also loved the passion by which Julia Child tackled the man dominated field of "fine chefs" with such humor and childlike excitement.

It inspired me.

I'm not a French cook. I'm certainly no chef. I'm "southern" in my cooking roots, for some reason with no obvious explanation. However, I'm determined to tackle this cook book with the seriousness it deserves.

I'm not silly enough to tell you, as "Julie" in the movie did, that I'm going to tackle the 500 + recipes in a one year period. I'm not even going to guarantee I'll cook EVERY recipe in the book. I will, however, post a picture when I conquer something from this beautiful volume.

So, my friends, on with new adventures in 2010.

New challenges, deeper relationships, longer times to sit and chat with a friend, greater passion for God, and genuine love for man.

Blessings and Bon Appetit!

Christmas Eve Eve

2009-12-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

Husband and I FINALLY had a spare minute and a spare dime to go do some Christmas shopping last night...

We left fairly early after work, grabbed a bite of dinner together while compiling the "list", and then took off to conquer the whole "kit n caboodle" in one night.

Turning into Fig Garden Village, a very nice shopping center with what you would probably consider fairly "high end" stores, we headed to our destination store within the Village...

Husband stopped the car to let me out while he went and parked and there was a CRAZY COMMOTION with strange noises and sounds that just didn't match the location. There was yelling, and a kind of scuffle of feet and banging of pans, more yelling and ladies screaming. We had pulled over in front of a William Sonoma store, and two men were robbing the store while I and several others were standing there.

No weapons, just the element of surprise and very fast tennis shoes!

I told Lex that "those two guys are robbing the store" and he put the car in park (in the middle of the parking lot) and took off after them hot on the heels of another customer who actually pushed one of them down. However, the store clerk told them to let the guys go...I'm sure they didn't want customers getting hurt on their account!

It was quite a sight to witness, and actually made me very sad. They were stealing big copper pots, which can be sold for quite a lot of $$. (the Copper is very valuable)

I wondered how desperate you have to be to steal from a store that is set within a large village with no easy escape. I wondered if he needed diapers, or formula, or food or rent money. Husband tried to convince me that he was just a smart thief, knew what to steal for a quick sale, and just wanted it for drugs. Somehow, that was supposed to make me feel better about him...

But it didn't.

Blessings.

Kitchen Restrictions

2009-12-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

Looking at the number of things I'm slated to cook and bake for in the next two weeks, I'm here to say that if I ever win the lottery, I'm going to gut my house except for bedrooms and bathrooms and make one HUGE kitchen.

I found this lovely little kitchen online with multiple stoves, ovens, and even refrigerators! I'm drooling at the amount of space this kitchen has to work in.

My kitchen is tiny. Itty Bitty. So small you have to step out to change your mind.

That's o.k. I'm managing in spite of my restrictions.

Hmmm...I wonder if you have to buy a ticket to win?

Blessings.

Already?!

2009-12-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

August, 2006, driving my girl to Abilene, Texas to attend ACU, I remember crying . . . often. I remember saying things like, "isn't this exciting?! what an adventure you are on. God is certainly leading you somewhere...isn't this exciting?"

It's all I knew to say, because the future felt more uncertain than ever before. It's in those times you either crack, or buckle down and acknowledge your dependence on God, the Creator, the Almighty all knowing Father.

Today, daughter finished her "final finals" for her undergraduate study. She will Student Teach next semester, but no more classes will be taken!

Now, this doesn't mean she won't decide to tackle the "graduate" work...in fact, we're trying to slip this information gently, in little bits and pieces, to her Daddy, who really just wants her home!

However, from the first moment in the first class of her Freshman year at ACU, she has worked, studied, laughed, played, prayed, and loved her experience on full octane. My daughter really doesn't do much of anything "half-way", and in keeping with her usual nature, she tackled ACU with the same "gusto".

I'm having trouble believing she is so close to graduation, but my heart is full and overflowing with gratitude for such a gracious God who has kept her safe, secure, and successful in this important adventure.

So, my sweet daughter...congratulations! I'm not at all surprised that you not only did it, but you did it with such grace and Godly character.

The children who will have you as their teacher are blessed, indeed!

Women Drivers

2009-12-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

I'm going to say something that will probably ignite some folks to defend, object, get angry...so, let me say right off the bat, I'm sorry if I upset, but here goes.

Men are typically better drivers than women.

Now, before you get all upset at me, let me explain what I mean.

Men aren't typically good multi taskers...(boy, the generalizations are flying here, folks!) Men focus on one thing at a time. They concentrate on that and get it done. Am I not fairly correct about that?

Women, on the other hand, are second nature multi taskers. We really can do and think and converse all at the same time.

HOWEVER, when it comes to driving, that gets us in trouble.

I've been paying attention to this fact just lately, and I'll tell you why in a moment...but, when driving, women are talking, singing, texting, drinking coffee, comforting a child in the back seat, putting on lip gloss...and the list goes on. If we could figure out a way to iron while driving, I'm convinced we'd do that, too.

So, the other day, while sitting at a red light, I wasn't surprised that it was a woman who rear ended me. As I looked back, her head popped up like she was as shocked as I that she had just hit me.

We pulled over to a parking lot, she got out and started talking a hundred miles a minute, apologizing, explaining, justifying, telling me how late she was, and so on, and so on. She never stopped talking...or looking for her information (license and registration)...she just kept talking, and looking through her millions of papers floating in her car...talking and looking...

I was actually leaned against my car, arms folded, resting, breathing for her because she hadn't taken a breath in about 5 full minutes, saying, "it's o.k. Just relax. It's o.k." She was a mess.

My car is fine...tiny scratch. Fortunately, she was driving a very tiny convertible BMW that actually slid under my car. She was in much worse shape than I...in so many ways!

She finally said, "I can't find my information. Can I give you my card? It has all ways you can get hold of me."

She gave me her card. Worship leader, Inspirational speaker, Singer...

I thanked her and as she confessed she had been reaching for a tissue when she hit me she said..."I started praying as soon as I hit you. USUALLY, when this happens, people get out and start yelling at me."

I turned my head like a confused puppy and quietly said "USUALLY? How often does this happen?"

But she didn't hear me. She was still talking...

Blessings.

2009-11-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

There are people who make $150 per hour.

In fact, we could probably name many professions that make far above that.

However, I certainly don't earn that kind of money, nor does anyone in my immediate family.

So, when our pipes quit piping, and our shower, sinks, and unmentionables wouldn't drain Saturday, we called a local plumber. One of the "little guys". Trying to save a buck as well as support the smaller company. He worked, complained a lot, worked more, whined a little more, until he finally gave up and said he couldn't fix it. We paid a "come out and stare at the problem and complain" fee, and sent him on his way.

We moved on to the bigger company. The one we knew would have the equipment and knowledge to fix this very inconvenient problem.

They charge $75 for each 30 minutes they are there working. (Do they think that sounds better than $150 per hour?)

They discovered great problems stemming back to the original building of the house. Between that, and some tree roots, we had a very pricey problem on our hands.

The guy looked at my son and said he could dig the hole for $150 an hour, or we could and he would come back tomorrow. We opted for strong son to dig.

Sweet, Willing, Capable, Very Strong Son dug for about 3 hours and finally, hit pipe! Whoo - Hoo! We put reflectors, caution tape, dirt piles all around the massive hole and called it a night.

Sunday morning, plumber shows up, works with son (who stayed home from church to save us more money!) and fixes the problem. Plumber assures us he knows we're "good people" and he will give us a bill that reflects that. He will "do his best to take care of us".

Total? $1227.50

Wow! I'm still in shock...what if son hadn't worked so hard? What if we hadn't been "good folk"? Really wanted to look him straight in the eye and just sweetly say..."are you high? have you hit your head? you're kidding me, right?" But, I didn't.

Wrote out the check and felt sorry for myself.

Daughter called later that night and after whining to her she finally said..."momma, you're sounding pitiful. Quit feeling sorry for yourself. In two weeks, I'm coming home and we'll all be together. Isn't that what matters at Christmas? It's a stupid pipe. Get over it."

Hmmm...somebody raised her well.

So, thank you, Mr. Plumber, for not only satisfying the immediate problem, but actually fixing it properly.

Thank you, sweet son, for working very hard all weekend to help our family save hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

Thank you sweet daughter, for reminding me that it's just a stupid pipe.

The most valuable thing in my life isn't a "thing" at all. It's those deep, beautiful, eternal relationships that God has provided through His love...

Blessings.

Packages

2009-11-17T11:02:00.000-08:00

One of my very favorite things to do is send packages to my daughter.

As you all know (all to well, I would imagine at my constant conversation of this point), she is in Texas studying to become a teacher. I don't know if it's the actual sending, or the gathering that I so thoroughly enjoy. I love collecting things here and there. Cheap chick flicks, lip gloss, fun paper and pens, magnets, trail mix, silly cards, gift cards, etc.

I take as much care in the "packaging" of the package as I do the "gathering" of the package. I stuff coordinating tissue (the color will match whatever the 'theme' of the package is...i.e. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day, etc...) into the box and then, right before I close the top for taping, I blow kisses into it. A greeting card with a $20 bill is always sitting right on top of the mounds of tissue. I've never asked specifically, but my guess is that with all the pretty packing tissue and crinkle paper, things don't move a bit in the delivery!

Finally, it's time to tape. I write her name on the "To" section and in the "From" section, I draw a heart next to the word "Home", and then my address. I always use different color markers that coordinate with the tissue inside. (by now, if my Mom is reading this, she's shaking her head at me)

Then, I use enough tape to wrap around the earth a couple of times and finally, it's off to the post office to ask them the same question I ask every time.

"What's the fastest you can get this to my girl?"

They always tell me the "middle" fastest one first, then the longest time and then finally, the fastest. I never go with the fastest. It's usually more expensive than the contents of the package, so I go middle. Even though I want to go with the FASTEST.

I don't know what happens exactly to those packages between the time I leave it at the post office and she picks it up at school. I DO know, however, when she gets one she knows without a doubt that she's loved, thought of often, cared for deeply, and missed...really missed.

It's so good to know someone is thinking, praying, and caring for you even when you're not physically standing beside them. It's even better to get evidence of that!

There's a sermon in there somewhere...

Blessings.

Tennis 101

2009-11-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

My sweet daughter is taking a tennis class to complete the final Physical Ed requirement for her degree. This class is Tues/Thurs mornings and she has labored through it with great determination. She hates tennis. She is a softball / volleyball player, and really doesn't understand the concept of letting the ball bounce before you hit it gently across the court. No...her idea of "sport" is to see the ball coming, aggressively charge it, and either knock it out of the park with the bat, or spike it down the throat of the opposing player across the net with all your might.

The first week she was in this class, she texted me with this news...

"Dear Mama, I'll never make it to Wimbledon. Sorry to disappoint you. Love, Ashley."

This has been a source of comedy and laughter throughout the semester. The good news is, my girl has a tremendous sense of humor and can make any situation funny in spite of itself!

Today, though, after many weeks of plugging through, here came this news.

"Dear Mama,
I scored a point in tennis. The class clapped! It was so funny. It just happened and my sweet little team and I got so excited that we had to sit down cause we were laughing so hard. The TA just smiled. He tries to be serious, but that just doesn't work with me in your Tennis class!
Love,
Ashley"

I love that girl.
Blessings...

The Invasion

2009-10-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

It hit our house...
The invasion of the germs...

Son and I are literally tip toeing around (like that's going to help!) thinking if the germs can't hear us, we'll get away without catching anything. We're talking quieter, walking quieter. I've moved into daughter's bedroom for the time being and closed the door to the room filled with germs, with husband in it.

I take him his meals, put them as close inside the door as I can without really stepping in. I hold my breath while I'm in there! It feels like I haven't inhaled in a full day. Little tiny breaths...no deep breaths to tempt the germs to jump to my inhalations.

Husband has H1N1...Swine flu. Ick! He said his head feels like it's going to split open and even his hair hurts! Poor baby.

For a guy who hates being alone, this is awful. Not only does he feel horrible, but we're lovingly treating him like he has the plague.

Hope the germs give up and go away.

Blessings.

Good Song

2009-10-23T11:12:00.001-07:00

Some weeks are easier than others. Some moments are calmer, sweeter, more fun, less stressful...

We've had difficult times. Nothing earth shattering. You know, those "little hits" that just seem to keep coming and don't give you a minute to catch your breath from the last hit.

Financial issues, Health struggles, Decisions difficult to deal with, Heartbreak, Sadness, Disappointment, Worry...it goes on.

Driving out to a football game last night, a song came on the radio. My husband was driving, my son in the front seat and I in the back. I wasn't listening until my husband turned it up just a bit, and while driving reached his arm back and just patted my leg while it played. I'd never heard it before, or maybe I just hadn't paid attention, but the words were precious. He sang quietly, driving, singing, patting.

Nothing else mattered. He is so good at reminding me that very few things are worth worrying about, and always reminds me of the blessings we have. What a true partner and precious blessing he is to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRrSUwqnZj0

How Long?

2009-10-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted!

The bad news is, there isn't a reason. Nothing exciting. Nothing new. Nothing to keep me from it...I just haven't thought there was anything worthy to post.

Proverbs 17:28
Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Or, as I remember my Dad quoting Abraham Lincoln:
"Better to be quiet and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt!"

Blessings!

Outbursts

2009-09-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

*effusion: an unrestrained expression of emotion
*a sudden intense happening; "an outburst of heavy rain"; "a burst of lightning"
*a sudden violent disturbance

The word "outburst" is typically associated with the last definition listed above..."a sudden violent disturbance".

Sometimes, as parents, we've experienced our toddlers having "outbursts" at inappropriate moments.

At times, a parent may have an "outburst" if patience has run thin.

And, let's be honest here, ever been to some type of church Committee Meeting?

Well, anyway, as I was reading recently, I ran across a scripture that stuck with me and I've posted on my wall beside my desk...just to remind me that some outbursts can be good!

Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds! Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)

May your outbursts be many!
Blessings!

30

2009-09-14T11:28:00.001-07:00

What you are looking at is approximately 30 pounds of butter.

That's what I've lost...so far...

Well, I've not lost 30 lbs of butter, but whatever that is that you lose when you're trying to lose weight.

Fat, Water, Muscle, your mind...

Anyway, I've lost 30 lbs of it.

Blessings.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate

2009-09-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

If you are a fan of peanut butter and chocolate...together...at the same time...

Let me introduce you to my latest creation, of which I'm rather proud. Nothing complicated. Just delicious.

Home made brownies.
Peanut Butter Icing (home made, of course)
Peanut Butter Cups chopped and placed on top. (those, I'm ashamed to say, are store bought!)

Anyway, that's all I have to say about that.

I'm not stepping on the scale until Monday.

Blessings.

Hard Day

2009-09-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

Is there a chocolate diet? An "all carbs all the time" diet? How about a "fry everything" diet?

The trouble with mirrors, is that you can see yourself in them.

The problem with cameras is they take pictures of you that are posted then in the church foyer for all to see...(along with others, of course, but the others look good and unfat)

The problem with video taping your church worship time is that even though you weren't the object of the taping, you are all you can see when watching it with disgust!

Whew! Hard day today. I am posting this because I'm just sure there may be one or two others out there who relate. Even though I am equally sure there are those reading this who have no idea what I'm talking about and maybe even think I'm a little silly.

I am struggling like crazy to not just lose weight, but to really like myself in the process...(whether I lose weight or not!)

So, excuse me while I search some scripture and listen to some music. Feeling fat and empty.
Blessings.

Lock In

2009-09-07T01:44:00.000-07:00

"Lock In"

close with or as if with a tight seal; "This vacuum pack locks in the flavor!"
place in a place where something cannot be removed or someone cannot escape

Husband is the interim Youth Minister until arrangements can be made for another person to take over this spectacular group of kids. He loves the job, he loves the study, he loves the questions, he loves the games, he particularly loves the kids. He is really not more than about "12" himself, maybe "15" on a good day, so this is a dream job for him!

Monday is a holiday, so what must be done on a holiday weekend? Take your wife to the beach? Clean out a closet or two? Do some creative landscaping?

Oh no, silly...on a long weekend you plan things for the youth group. Things like a "lock in". (see definition #2 above)

These kids show up at 5:30 Sunday night. Enjoy some dinner together...many games...prayer...devotional with question and answer time...movies...snacks...etc. The alarm is set on the building so there can be no entering by strangers or exiting by students.

It is now 4:45 a.m. and husband is still irritatingly chipper and happy and full of energy. Me? I feel old and sore and very tired! In about an hour and a half, I will put some breakfast out for them and then they will head home...to sleep...except for one precious young man who has football practice at 7:00 a.m. Can you imagine? Staying up all night and then heading to football practice?

Let me think about that for a minute...I can't even imagine having football practice on a full night sleep, much less no sleep at all!

Well, bless them all. They are wonderful young people with sweet hearts and happy spirits. I do feel blessed to be around them...even if it means I miss a night of my beauty sleep. I can sleep any time, right? How often do you get to hang out with such cool young people!?

Blessings!

Heart of Praise

2009-09-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

If you check out our minister's blog @ http://jlockeblog.blogspot.com/ , you will read about a "Retreat" the ministers of this church experienced last week.

For many reasons, which I will save for another post, it was a very funny experience. Lots of things to be learned about each other. You can't drive for hours and spend a complete day together without learning something new, and laughing a time or two.

However, one of my favorite things was the opportunity to sit on a bench overlooking the ocean. As I listened to the waves crash against the cliff, and watched the water come in and then gently retreat back to the sea, I couldn't help but have a heart of praise and wonder.

It doesn't matter what I'm going through personally, I thought as I sat there. Good or bad, it is tiny compared to the glory of God and the splendor He possesses.

^{Psalm 57:7}
My heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.

I couldn't help but sing...quietly...calmly...most assuredly in the arms of the great and mighty God.

Blessings as you feel His arms of love around you today.

My Diet, My Faith

2009-08-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

I have probably tried almost any diet that has come down the hatch.

Cabbage Soup, Grapefruit, High Protein Low Carb, High Carb Low Protein, Vegetarian, Banana, Weight Watcher...and the list goes on.

I hesitate to write this because as I write, it puts spotlight to my struggle...and who wants that?! If you know me at all, you know the last thing I want to do is acknowledge or focus on my faults, my weaknesses. Ick...feeling a little shiver rise in me as I even say this!

However, today, I came to a conclusion I felt needed to be shared.

There are diets. Every diet is a successful diet as long as you stay on it. If you only eat certain things for a period of time, whatever they may be, you will lose weight. However, in walks real life and you find yourself "straying" from the "diet". Birthday parties with yummy cake, Christmas time with lots of parties and social "eating" times, difficulties that cause you to reach for something delicious to "comfort" your soul...(we all know that doesn't work, but feels good at the time). So, you leave whatever that "diet" says to do and you find yourself gaining not only what you've lost, but a few more on top of it...(can I get an "amen" somewhere, please!?) Your body is starving for something more...balance.

The only successful "diet plan", is a life change plan. Something that changes you from the inside out. Something that allows you to be sturdy when the things come along to trip you up.

Similar to those "fad diets", there are "fad religions". We can "do" all that looks good on the outside. Follow all the "rules" of the day. Go to church. Clean up our language (in front of people). Watch "appropriate shows". Support the right things. "Do" all that is required of us to "look" like genuine strong religious people. We can live this way all our lives and never be shaken from it.

But what happens when life throws you a curve? What happens when you are heartbroken? What happens when you or your spouse are out of work? What happens when your children disappoint you? What happens when your family lets you down? What happens when you become very ill? What happens when you find yourself deep in the dark moments of depression, or guilt, or anger, or sadness?

Where is your faith? What sustains you?

Have you been rooted in "doing"? Or rooted in Christ?

Is your faith a faith of what looks good to others? Or a genuine deep heart that follows Christ?

I struggle with my weight. I always will. Forever, until He takes me and gives me a new body. (Praise God!)
I'm losing a tiny bit at a time as I learn to change the way I look at food. I have days that I feel very successful in this journey, as I have days that I feel like a failure.

I struggle with being the best Christ follower I can be. I always will. Forever, until He calls me to Him for eternity. (again, Praise God!)
My walk is an ever changing journey as I seek and discover His will for my life. I have days that I feel very successful in this journey, as I have days that I feel like a failure.

Colossians 2:6-10 Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Colossians 3:1-3 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, 3 for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

I pray for God to change me from the inside out!

Blessings on your journey.

I Was Going How Fast?!

2009-08-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Let me set the stage...

Driving to Abilene.

Already gone over 1300 miles with just a bit to go.

The G.P.S., (whom we've named "Sheila") tells us to turn onto a particular road that we've not traveled before any of the last 6 times making this trip. But, we've trusted her this far and will trust her until we know better. At this point, we don't know better.

Very long road with NOT ONE OTHER CAR ANYWHERE to be seen, but here we go...
Late afternoon, rolling into evening, still driving this two lane deserted road. Nothing is familiar to daughter or I, but Sheila still stands her ground as to the direction we should be going.

Sun will be setting soon, and if you've not been out in New Mexico or Texas when the sun sets, it's the darkest dark I've ever seen!

I start going faster because I see Sheila says only 27 miles until I change roads and I'm hoping in 27 miles, something will look familiar to me. So I'm going a tad bit fast. Finally, see approaching headlights coming toward us in the opposite lane. Very glad to see other signs of life...until said vehicle just barely passes me and whips a U-turn and turns on his little red and blue lights.

Mama lets out a bit of an exclamation and daughter says..."What are we going to do?"
"Well, sweet girl, we're gonna stop. And don't say a word. Just sit there. Everything will be fine."

Sweet older gentleman sheriff comes walking, (more like moseying) toward our truck...

"Hi" I say.
"Good evening, ma'am." (looking into the window to check out all the "stuff" piled in the back seat for daughter's move)...
"Hi" I say again
"Where are we headed?" he asks
"I'm taking my daughter to Abilene."
"Goin a little fast." he says
"Oh really? I didn't realize that. We've been driving so long I must have lost track. I'm so sorry." I reply
"I clocked you goin about 89" he tells me.
*GASP* (I put my hand over my mouth in disbelief!) "I never drive that fast. I'm so sorry" I say again.
"You can't trust those things" he says pointing to 'Sheila the G.P.S.' in the window. "They aren't accurate when calculating your speed."
"Oh, I didn't know that..." I reply thinking that satellites linking up all over the world are probably fairly accurate, but who am I to argue..

As he pats me on the arm, he says, "well, I'm just gonna give you a warning. Maybe you just needed a 5 minute break. Lemme see your drivers license and I'll be right back. You just sit here for a minute and rest."

So, I hand him my license feeling like I may get through this without a ticket. As he walks away, my daughter says in a quiet panic voice..."What are we gonna do? He's running your license. What's he checking?"

"Oh, honey, don't worry...he's running my license...not my credit history! Everything's fine. Just stay quiet."

He comes back returning my license to me smiling and still patting my arm. "You girls be careful. Slow it down a bit. You're almost there. And if she were mine...I'd have put her on a bus and said 'so long'!"

I laugh politely and reach over to pat my girl who I know wants badly to comment on his "bus" statement. But she, too, is smiling politely...

We roll up the windows, put the thing in Drive and head out.

"Wow" daughter says. "That was something, Mom."

"Yeah, I'm just glad he wasn't any younger. We wouldn't have slipped by with just a warning..."

Guitar Great

2009-08-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Guitar Great Les Paul passed away at 94.
Check out this little clip.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=15034187&ch=130510

Nap Time

2009-08-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Soooooo many things to blog about, however, after a call from my girl, I decided this was priceless...

My daughter is close to finishing her degree at ACU. This is her Senior year, with this semester being the last one of actual class instruction, and next (spring) semester will be devoted strictly to her Student Teaching. She was assigned a local First Grade classroom and was required to "shadow" the teacher the week before school started helping with all things "preparatory" for welcoming in your little charges on the first day of school. She did this, and then today was the first day of school

She just called and said that it was funny, exciting, and exhausting. But this story, I believe, took the blue ribbon as far as I'm concerned.

Little Hannah, a new first grader looked at my daughter and asked, (imagine with a little girl Texas "drawl")

"Do we get naps in first grade, Miss Ashley?"
"No, Hannah," my daughter replied, "you're a big kid now. There are no naps in First Grade."
"Well, who thought of that?!" exclaimed Hannah irritated.
"I don't know", replied Miss Ashley, "but I think whoever it was should be put in 'time out'!"
"Yes ma'am" replied little Hannah.

I'm with Hannah. Who thought to take naps away?

I could go for one right this minute!
Blessings.

Time to Go

2009-08-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

Sweet Daughter and I will soon take off for the drive we have become all too familiar with...

Fresno to Abilene, Abilene to Fresno

This is the week, beginning with Saturday, that I say things like, "this is the last Sunday you'll be here for a while, where do you want to go for lunch?" Or, "make sure you give me all those clothes so I can get them washed before we leave.." But the thing she can count on me saying over and over is this...

"Don't Go"

I say it with a twinkle in my eye and a tiny smile, because she knows I don't really mean "Don't Go".

Those two little words really mean a few different things.

"I can't believe my sweet little girl is in college."
"Goodness I miss you when you're gone."
"Of course you have to go...you let God lead your life and this is His direction."
"I am so. . .very. . . proud of you."

Just as she can count on me to say "Don't Go", her response is always the same.

"I love you, too, mama. And I have to go so I can come back."

I sure love that girl.

Blessings.

Bible Depot

2009-08-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my little family and I escaped for a couple of days to the beach for a quick mini vacation before Ashley returns to Texas and Avery gets back in school here. This summer has absolutely flown by.

So, while driving down the main street in Grover Beach, (on our way to a wonderful Frozen Yogurt shop we found) Ashley and I spotted this sign. We went by quickly the first time, turned to each other and asked if we had really seen what we thought we had seen. So, on the way back, we attempted to look again, but weren't quite sure where it was and missed it. We managed throughout the weekend to pass it multiple times, each time exclaiming at the awkwardness of the sign. Not sure why it made us so uncomfortable, and amused, but it did.

Was it the picture of Jesus? Is that a Bible he's holding? I'm fairly certain there weren't any leather bound scriptures while he walked and taught here on earth... Or, is it because the grammar is correct? Really? The apostrophe is in the correct spot and it says "Your" instead of the casual "Yo" typically used in that phrase?

Well, if the purpose of the sign is to catch your attention, it's successful...awkward, but successful.

Blessings!

July 30

2009-07-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

There are lots of things I like about my big brother.

He is gentle and kind.

He LOVES books and reading.

He is current, up to date, well informed.

He really is hard to beat at most games. . . my goal is to find games I can win and play those over and over with him. So far, haven't found one.

He can tell and appreciate a good joke.

He loves my children and has always spoken with them intelligently and respectfully...even though he is the grown up and they are the kids.

He BBQ's a great hamburger!

He is extremely intelligent.

The list is endless as far as I'm concerned...however, my very favorite thing about my brother is this:

He is ALWAYS glad to see me. Whenever he sees me, whether for a specific purpose or no reason at all, my brother makes me feel extremely loved and welcome by the way he treats me.

I love my brother.
Happy Birthday, Rich!

Chili Cheese Fries and 3D!

2009-07-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite people in the world is Salma Sue.

She's beautiful inside and out.

We became friends because the church decided to pair up a student with an adult. This adult had the task of getting to know, pray for, and generally love this student throughout the school year. Salma was not "assigned" to me, I chose her. I had been watching her grow and was impressed with her poise and gentle spirit and wanted to get to know her better.

At the end of last year, we decided we weren't sure what the "official" rules of student/adult pairing were, but we were sticking together. And so, we have.

The pictures above are from a phone camera, so they aren't the typical quality, but you can see us at the movies with our fancy 3-D glasses on, and then as we headed to eat a bite, we all (Ashley was with us) decided that sharing a plate of chili cheese fries sounded perfect! With cheese and onion, of course!

Such a fun day!
Such a special girl!

Blessings~

Particular about Pencils

2009-07-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

I am going to reveal an idiosyncrasy of mine...

noun, plural -sies.

1.	a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual.

I want my pencils sharp!!

Not "usable" sharp, not "it's o.k." sharp, not "good enough" sharp. SHARP!

I have a cup, as you see in the picture above, that is filled with my freshly sharpened pencils.
I use them once, for a limited amount of time, and then place them down on my "to be sharpened" pile, which you see on my desk.
This never changes.

Oh, and I don't like those slick yellow (or fancy schmancy cutsie) pencils. I need the unfinished-like ones that I can grip in the "just right" fashion.

O.K. Now you know. I feel we've bonded.

Blessings.

My Bible

2009-07-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

I love my Bible. I love the size, the feel, the weight. I am partial to the version most every time I compare to other versions.

It's just a paper covered Bible with underlines, and post it notes, and pages coming loose. In fact, now that I look at it, it's not pretty. This Bible didn't sit on an end table or in a book shelf and look pretty. There is no smell of leather or visions of gold embossing/engraving on the cover. However, it is beautiful to me.

I've used this Bible for lots of years. I've studied with it, prayed through it, wept as I read sections, and found great joy along the journey. It has sustained me, fed me, encouraged me, taught me.

Have you ever looked at some folks...older folks, who may have lost their youthful luster? Maybe they need help walking, or thinking, or hearing. Maybe at a quick glance, they aren't "pretty" any longer. And yet, as you hear them speak, as you see them encourage, as you feel them drift from earthly satisfaction to heavenly longing, you see great beauty. Great wisdom. Great comfort in their presence.

I hope I am sufficiently tattered as my life continues here on earth. Keep the plastic perfection...the gold engravings. I desire a dog-eared, page loose, underlined and post-it note life.

Blessings.

Where to Start...

2009-07-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

V.B.S. is always a production at the College Church. It is big, and loud, and exciting, and over the top. The auditorium is decorated in massive fashion, the "character actors" are crazy silly, the music is loud. There is flying candy, good guys and bad guys, crafts, snacks, singing, praying, laughing...and lots and lots of loving. Adults loving children, children learning to love the Lord and each other. If you were to visit this place the week before or the week of Vacation Bible School, there are two conclusions you would come to very quickly.

These people love the Lord, and kids are a priority in this place. It is a great week that I'm always amazed and thankful for. Enjoy some pictures...these are just a few of hundreds! We discovered our new preacher is quite the cornball actor...and a very good sport. (he is at the end of these pics as the sheriff!)

Blessings!

2009-06-24T12:14:00.001-07:00

Sunday, July 5, our church will host a "Great American Bake Sale".

If you've not heard of this effort, check it out at
http://gabs.strength.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GABS_homepage

If you're in the neighborhood, come see us. Buy a brownie, or cookie, or whatever...

We will look forward to seeing you!
Blessings

Hospitality and Love

2009-06-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Almost every Sunday night, the Youth Group gets together for a meal and some study and, of course, fun.

This is a great time for a couple of reasons...

First, these students genuinely love getting together and enjoying each other. They are a loving and social group, rarely walking the "clique" or "exclusion" path. Typically, they are beautiful at enfolding new comers and visitors.

Second, it's a more relaxed atmosphere where they seem to have their guards down, as well as do those who are teaching or leading them.

And, finally, it's a great time because it allows the students to see hospitality and love for them in action. We have somebody from the church provide the dinner for them. They come, drop it off, and leave the students happy and well-fed. And, it's rarely one of their parents, rather somebody who doesn't even have a child in the group. Somebody with no obligation, other than caring deeply for that particular group of the church.

A couple of Sunday nights ago, a sweet family offered not only the meal, but their home...their property...their time to the students. We all met at the church and carpooled to Madera where the students were greeted with the smells of amazing BBQ cooking just for them. The horse shoes were waiting to be played along with a couple of bikes and a volleyball court. They enjoyed playing and laughing together while the meal was being laid out for them. BBQ chicken, garlic bread, beans, salad, lemonade. Amazing meal, amazing love for the students.

Lex brought them together and talked about being the aroma of Christ. Just as the BBQ smells filled our hearts as we got out of the cars, so should we be to a world so hungry for a Savior.

And finally, a big campfire with songs and prayers.

The kids were definitely filled with goodness from that night. They were covered with the aroma of Christ from adults who let them know how important they are to the Kingdom.

The Big 2 - 0 !

2009-06-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

20 years ago today, I was holding a beautiful, quiet, precious baby boy for the very first time.

20 years later, he is still beautiful and quiet...
He is also extremely intelligent, very strong, and full of amazing talents and gifts that have been developing steadily over his journey. And he's not really a little boy any longer.

Today, we celebrate our son turning 20!

There are so many things about him that I am proud of. And although I could go on for days about all the things that make him special, I will spare him the embarrassment and just simply say he is a tremendous blessing in our lives, as well as any one else who is blessed enough to know him.

Happy Birthday, sweet son.
You are precious to me...

Ministry & Marriage

2009-06-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, husband and I celebrated 22 years of marriage.

Some people go out to a nice cozy dinner. Some actually go out of town for a romantic get-away. I'm just sure that some even spend the day gazing in the eyes of their beloved whispering sweet nothings all day long...

We threw a party for the High School graduating seniors.

It's very hard to find a date that all, or most of the folks involved can agree on. There are the folks you want there to honor, there are the folks you want there to support the folks you're honoring, and then the folks whose house you're using, and, of course, you and your family need to have a free moment to help throw this little gathering. So, the date that popped up was Saturday, June 13. Our anniversary.

I whined and griped for a quick minute, then got over it and moved on.

Here's the interesting thing. As we enjoyed our church family, loved on these beautiful seniors who have graduated, listened to the sounds of happy families and children, and laughed with friends at a delicious BBQ with gorgeous 80-ish degree weather...I realized that if I were honest, there's really no place better to spend your anniversary.

For 22 years Lex and I have grown in love for each other and the Lord. Our service to each other is also our service to God. I could look around Saturday and see the fruits of a marriage rooted in service...bound by love for each other and Jesus Christ. I could sit confidently watching my precious husband lead and love those young people and know, without question, we will be celebrating many, many more anniversaries...(as long as we both shall live!)

I guess the best part of growing old together is just that...growing old together.

There are sad days. There are rough roads to travel. There is a darkness that would love nothing better than to obliterate our marriage...but, our love will continue to withstand anything as long as we continue to put God, and service to Him first.

I'm proud of you, Lex. I'm a blessed woman!

Something Good Turns Bad

2009-06-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

I'm quite irritated this morning. A virus has infected my computer because of a Facebook worm or virus that went out to a large number of people...I was one of those people, and being a big dummy in the "Facebook" world, didn't recognize a virus when I saw it and...well, ...OPENED THE DARN THING!!

My computer is overrun with some stupid virus now which, I just found out, doesn't have a virus scan/protection program on it. So, I'm struggling to get emails out and normal functions are quite difficult at the moment.

Now, about this Facebook thing...I don't get it. I'm on it because my sweet daughter helped me sign up and so forth...but I don't manage it very well, and truthfully, really don't understand the whole concept of "poking" or telling every little move you make. So, along with sounding very old right now, I probably also sound grumpy and ignorant.

Daughter said I can completely drop out of Facebook, which I might do, but for now my main concern is that there is now a virus running rampant all over my computer...AND, (here's the best part), messages keep going from my facebook account to gazillions of others on my "friends list" that say something like "found sexy video of me" or "sexy video of you" or something like that.

Obviously, if you know me, I keep my sexy videos to myself! ;) My advice to you all, until I get this silly thing under control would be don't open anything with the words "sexy" or "video" or "me" in them until further notice! And be careful out there! It's a crazy world...

Blessings!

Below Average

2009-06-03T10:50:00.001-07:00

There is a term that really hits me the wrong way...

"Below Average"

I don't like "Average", most of the time, much less "BELOW Average".

If you're talking finances, education, appearances, talent, intelligence, etc..."below average" is an ugly term.

HOWEVER, I was listening to the news while getting ready for bed the other day and heard this term in a whole new light.

The weather man told me we were going to have temperatures for this next week that would be "below average".

Now that, I loved hearing. Instead 98 degree temps, we will be having low 80's. Beautiful!

Enough of this nonsense...back to work!

Blessings!

Hanging On...

2009-06-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

There are days when you, personally, are just barely hanging on.

And then there are times you're solid, feel confident of your direction, have harmony in most or all areas of your life, BUT ...

Others you love, care for, minister to, whatever the case may be are "just barely hanging on".

Sometimes it's because life can deal dirty hands. Other times, you can directly point out the moment your loved one or friend took the road that led to this difficult time. However, whatever the path, the fact that they are struggling gives you sadness and breaks your heart.

So, if you are there, or know someone who is...

Spend some time in Philippians...particularly the beginning...Paul says in v. 6: I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again..."

and at the end in chapter 4 he reminds us to stay focused on what is healthy and valuable as a Christ follower...v.8 says: And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

There are times that life on this earth is hurtful, difficult, frustrating. It creates anxiety that is unnecessary because we forget that God is sovereign over all things. We get caught up in today and our (usually selfish) struggles.

I hope today you will recognize that the God of peace, the sovereign God, is walking beside you and has never left you...and never will.

Blessings.

Hmmm...When Did That Happen?

2009-05-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Maybe you recognize the "process" of "becoming", and maybe you don't.

It is possible you see it all happening before your eyes, but I'm guessing, you probably miss it...just like I do.

Some things are big, some are little. All are surprising, though, when you realize it was coming and you just didn't see it happening.

At some point, my little girl became a young woman. Sounds silly, I know, because she's been a responsible, capable, beautiful young lady for quite some time. But, there's a maturity that happens quietly, discreetly, gently...and quite honestly, if you're not paying attention, you miss it.

It's been wonderful having her home for a time until she returns for her last year at ACU. We have been so proud of her all along her journey.

But to all you mother's out there (and maybe I'm not giving father's enough credit...so I apologize), here's what happened yesterday.

After a long day at work, I walked in to the house to find dinner waiting, the table set, the house picked up, and...wait for it...THE KITCHEN CLEAN!

Oh...she's cooked before...but the mess that is left is hysterical. But not last night. She worked all day making a delicious dinner and making sure things were picked up and cleaned as she cooked...

We all sat down and had a wonderful family meal. Delicious, enjoyable, relaxing.

I had to giggle, though, when we were putting the leftovers away, she said..."whew! my feet hurt and I'm tired!"

"I'm sorry, honey. Thank you for all your hard work", is what I said...

BUT, what I wanted to say was, "Get used to it, baby!"

Blessings!

Well, Whatdaya Know!?

2009-05-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

It was quite a show...many "big names" came to share the stage...(some kind of old but none-the-less, still music royalty). Kris and Adam continuing to show great solid friendship and small egos. I have to say I'm impressed with the top 10, for the most part, this year. These folks had great support of each other and didn't seem to be a self-absorbed group.

It did go on. and on. and on. Fortunately we had it recorded and there were a couple of acts we watched for a minute and then, hit the fast forward button!

I honestly could argue either one winning for different reasons. Then the moment of reveal...almost 100,000,000 votes. (can you believe that?!) I would like to know how close the contest really was. When I checked yesterday online, the polls said Kris would take it with 49% of the votes versus Adam's 48%. 1%? I wouldn't be surprised.

Good job, Kris. Good job, Adam. I liked both of you for different reasons...and if it's any consolation Adam, you should be VERY happy you don't have to sing that LAME song that Kara and co. wrote for the finale!

Calling All Guitar Fans

2009-05-18T08:47:00.001-07:00

IF you are a fan of a well played guitar, let me suggest this CD to add to your collection, or download, or whatever!

This kid can play!

Of course, IF you are a guitar fan and listen to Christian music from time to time, you probably already have discovered this young man. But just in case this is news to you, give it a little listen.

Blessings.

Almost the End...

2009-05-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry Danny Gokey.

You've been a top favorite of mine all along the AI trail, however, I was fairly certain this would be your week to go.

The bad news is you won't be this season's American Idol. The good news is you're free to pick up any deal that will be offered to you without the restraints of AI owning you!

(And we know Danny Gokey will be offered multiple deals!)

The most awkward moment of the show? Katy Perry coming out with "Adam Lambert" across the back of her cape...well, and the weird Elvis-y get-up. It was uncomfortable to watch.

At any rate, whether you're a Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, or Kris Allen fan, SOMEBODY had to go home. I really think America got it right this season...either of the three could have easily been crowned American Idol and done a great job...

So, what do you think? Will it be what all expect? (Adam) Or will Kris pull it out?

Blessings.

And Do What With It?

2009-05-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

So, my sweet daughter and I took her truck... (Daddy continues to say it's his truck but it has some girly smells inside and a pretty black steering wheel cover that proudly displays pink and purple hearts!)...anyway, we took THE truck to get the oil changed and a basic "check all the fluids and make sure we'll make it home to California" check.

There was a very precious young man working extremely hard in the ridiculous Abilene 97 degree with 80% humidity day. He came in to see us as he was about half way done with the complete check and said we were completely low and almost out of "coolant" or "anti-freeze" or something like that. He said that he was sorry but that they didn't have any on hand, but that he had ordered it and it should arrive within about 30 minutes.

We were fine with that...however, he continued to say this..."but if it don't get here by the time I'm finished with your truck, you can just go to something-something-Auto down the road and get you some..."

At this, my very funny, very tired (still had one more HUGE project to complete) daughter cocked her head like a puppy, looked him straight in the eye and said:

"And do what with it?"

Bless his heart...

They stared at each other, each not understanding the other, for a very uncomfortable length of time...her not understanding what to do with the stuff once she gets it and him not believing she didn't know what to do with it.

He politely said, "well, c'mere...let me show you where it goes once you get it."

She followed him into the garage area and watched as he very patiently told her exactly what to do with that jug of stuff we were needing to get.

I found myself giggling for a couple of hours after that just thinking about the uncomfortable moment of silent staring...

He finished the truck and as we were paying I asked if maybe, just maybe the "stuff" had shown up in time? As I asked we heard a "DING" signaling a delivery in the garage and his eyes lit up as he said "that might be it!"

Sure enough, the jug-o-stuff arrived and he was able to put it in for us!

There are silly things I'm eternally grateful for...

Daughter and Mom not having to go to an Auto Store in Texas and ask for something they didn't understand and figuring out where to put it is one of those things!

Blessings!

Dorothy Was Right

2009-05-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

I left Fresno last Monday for Abilene.

I had the pleasure of spending the last week with my sweet daughter while she finished up finals and final projects and so on and so on!

It was fun to be in her little house just watching her function on her own turf and her own terms. I must say, she is quite a girl and I'm very proud of her.

We then took off early Saturday morning for the long drive back to Fresno. After 1400 miles, we arrived last night (Sunday). God showered many traveling mercies and protection over us as we had absolutely NO issues of concern.

There are a few silly and funny stories I will share in a later blog, but for now, I just must agree with Dorothy and her magic ruby slippers...

"There's No Place Like Home!"

Watching...

2009-04-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Last night, while watching American Idol, I was wishing I'd posted my prediction...again. Because you would see that I was right...again.

Now that I tell you I knew Matt would be the one going home, you may not believe me!

I would have been incorrect, however, if I had posted who the bottom three would be. It really surprised me to see both Kris and Adam in the bottom with Matt...can you imagine, though, how Matt had been feeling seeing he was in the bottom with those two? He must have known at that point his time was up.

The interesting thing for me is that I would enjoy seeing any of these kids (maybe minus Matt) in concert. I have loved seeing the genuine talent oozing through my T.V. each week. And, although we don't know for certain, they seem like very nice folks who care more about surrounding things than their own stuff. Good to see.

The good news for all of them is that I would guess they will do just fine from here...whether or not they are the final guy/girl, they will be picked up in contract somehow.

It will be sad when it ends...I've enjoyed this season above any other!

Blessings!

Psalm

2009-04-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

I had time today to look through a Psalm or two. I love so many...I really don't have a favorite.

However, today I love:

Psalm 118:19-29
Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
and I will go in and thank the Lord.

Those gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there.
I thank you for answering my prayer and saving me!

The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous to see.
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Please, Lord, please save us.
Please, Lord, please give us succss.

Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God, shining upon us.

Bring forward the sacrifice and put it on the altar.

You are my God, and I will praise you!
You are my God, and I will exalt you!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

(aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamen!)

Sweet Sunday

2009-04-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday is my favorite day. I've said this before but it's worth repeating.

There are things about Sunday that are precious to me...some are obvious (worship, study, communion, fellowship, laugh, cry together), and others are just my own personal quiet "favorite" things that I don't necessarily need to say out loud.

In the middle of the week, I decided it was time to ask some "extra" singers to join us on the last song...the "blessing". So I sent out a quick email wondering if I would get much response.

The result was a stage full of wonderful singers with amazing hearts singing the "hymnbook version" of the Hallelujah Chorus! We also had our resident "signer" singing along with us using her hands instead of her voice. These folks arrived at church an hour and a half early (7:30) to rehearse. It all went so smoothly, I kept wondering if I had forgotten anything. What a blessing it was for all involved, as well as the church!

So, sitting at lunch with my husband yesterday, I mention how unusual it is that it is just he and I at lunch. Son had something to do right after church, and we didn't go with, or ask, anybody else to join us. I was saying how nice it was...he mentioned that it would be that same way tonight. ??? I was confused. He has "Dinner and Devo" with the Youth Group every Sunday night rain or shine! He loves their time together on Sunday nights and I thought he was losing it as he said we had the night to ourselves!

But, to my surprise, he had tickets to the Revive, Brandon Heath, Third Day concert and had found a substitute to take care of the Youth Group! Wow! What a great concert! What a great day! Full of fun surprises!

..............................................

On a side note, congratulations to our friend Bear Pascoe. Our sweet football players across the street are growing up and leaving the nest! Bear was drafted in the 6th round to play for the San Francisco 49ers as a blocking tight end. He's a sweet boy and I'm happy for him...he wanted to stay close to home and I think that's about as close as you can get and still play in the NFL. We will continue to pray for him as he adjusts to a new life.

Blessings!

Idol Mania

2009-04-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

We usually begin the American Idol season watching the auditions in various cities. I love it when some unexpected something comes out of the mouth of one of the 100,000 or so trying to get on the show. I love the good, others in my family love the bad and the ugly. That part of it just makes me very uncomfortable. It's hard to see someone's dreams shattered with a word. (usually from Simon)

Typically, we fall out and end up watching again when they are down to the final 10 or 12. But this season, we've stayed with it and really enjoyed the amazing talent being displayed.

However, I need to know...Am I the only one wondering what happened to Lil? She was the one to beat. She was the "way ahead of the pack" front runner that I really thought just couldn't be touched. I was positive she would be the next American Idol, or at least the top three. Something has disconnected her from the music. She's a performer...and her vocals are good...but something is disconnected and I can't figure out what happened. Maybe she misses her family. Maybe it all became too much for her. Maybe she just wasn't as deeply good as we all thought. Shallow good gets you in the door, but deeply good is necessary for the long haul. Bless her. My heart aches for her every time she sings, thinks she's knocked 'em dead, and all four judges just shake their heads.

Kris, coming on strong. Danny, just sweet and solid. Adam, well, you either love him or hate him. I, personally love him. It's definitely a "guy idol" year again.

So, my prediction, because they must send two home tonight is Lil and Anoop.

But, either way, this has been an amazing year for talent, in my humble opinion!

Blessings!

Pleasing all of the people...

2009-04-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

My goal is to please all of the people...all of the time.

However, according to a well-known gentleman, (Mr. Lincoln), "You can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time."

So, yesterday, when some people told me how much the service, specifically the music, blessed them, I was pleased. They (the pleased ones) spoke of how specific songs had blessed them...even quoted some words from songs which gave me great encouragement to think that the Spirit had worked through, (or maybe in spite of) me.

And then, within a few steps, there was a "joking comment" about how the songs just didn't hit the mark for them. They felt disconnected and wondered what I was thinking when I put the service together...

And, wouldn't you know, within a few more steps toward my office, another person said what a beautiful "flavor" a specific song had for her. How it blessed her and how encouraged she was with the service this morning.

And finally, (really too much back and forth for my sensitive heart), at lunch with some friends, one of them said..."what was up with the songs this morning? what happened? what was wrong?"

So there you have it. A morning of "to please or not to please".

Now, we can all sit in a holy position and say "your job isn't to please the people...but God."

Well, duh...I know that...BUT, if the folks can't get engaged, if we can't draw them in, if we "miss the mark", then it's difficult for them to hear and see God in what happens...it's harder to encourage, and virtually impossible to speak a word of discipline or challenge...right?

So, I completely understand Abe...I know I can't please everybody, and I know my goal is to follow the lead of the Spirit each week.

I just find it so very interesting that God made us all after His image...but so completely different!

And finally...here you go! Enjoy this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXXm696UbKY

Special Moments

2009-04-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

As a Mom, you want to be present for all the special moments in the life of your children.

If you're like me, you don't want to miss a second of it. Whatever "it" is.

This has proven to be a problem with a daughter attending University 1411 miles (but who's counting) away from you. She's so good to me. She calls, texts, emails, sends pictures...constantly! She keeps me informed as much as she can.

This weekend is "Formal" for her club. She is Social Director, therefore, she has planned the Formal and worked for a very long time making sure every "t" is crossed and "i" dotted. She's dealt with current club members, older sponsors, the legal department at ACU, and the Ft. Worth Zoo. Yes, they are having the Formal at the Zoo. They will all be dressed up enjoying a catered dinner in a beautiful area of the Zoo...and when the time is right...they will come up close and personal with certain animals brought in by the Zoo's employees. She is excited at the prospect of seeing and petting a penguin...among other "manageable" animals.

This is also the evening they "hand off" their duties as officers to the officers for next year. She has one semester of "study" and then one semester of student teaching and she's finished. Time has flown...she's wrapping up some things and I know, as happy as she will be to be relieved of her duties, she will have a little ache in her heart, also.

The legal dept is always consulted when there is an "off campus event", but they were particularly interested in the aspect of this event being 3 hours away from campus which would include close encounters with zoo animals.

I'm proud of her. Never ordinary, always thinking beyond "safe", and passionate at every turn.

I know, in the scheme of things, this isn't a big deal.

College life, a formal, dates, good fun. It's not the cure for cancer or a way to feed all hungry children in the world, however, I wish I could be there to see her get ready.

Curl the hair, paint the toes, spray on the "smell good", see the sweet happy smiles...

It's o.k. She's promised to send pictures!

Blessings!

Broken Hearts

2009-04-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful things about ministry is you get to share with people at some of their most intimate moments...moments when God is absolutely present and working and in the midst of creating and recreating their hearts.

Sometimes, though, as we take the good with the bad, you are also present as you watch their hearts break. Sadness, pain, illness, death, financial loss, loss of a child, loss of a friend, loss of direction...the list goes on and on.

It seems that my heart can't help but break along with theirs...and I don't think there's a cure for that. I told my husband recently..."I think I"m just gonna go get a job somewhere else so I won't care as much and it won't hurt as much." He laughed at me and reminded me I'm the person who engages anyone in conversation regarding how they are doing that day...the guy behind the Starbucks window, the grocery clerk, etc. So, it won't do me any good to leave ministry, because as it should be, ministry is who we are...not what we do.

Whether you get a paycheck from the church or somewhere else, God expects us to care like he cares. See people like he sees them and hear things from His perspective.

So, I guess our hearts are going to hurt every once in a while...but ohhhhhhh....what a day that will be when all the tears are wiped away and our sorrows are gone forever.

I'll look forward to seeing you there...

Blessings, friend.

A Boy and His Dog

2009-04-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

I want to tell you a story about a boy and his dog...

Once upon a time, a boy went to work. Within his work day, he was asked to go to the "metal yard" to deliver scraps (or pick up new...could have been either). He and his truck waited in line for his turn to be helped by the metal yard workers.

As he was waiting, he noticed a very black, quiet, still puppy/dog laying on the cement off to the side. When he got up to the workers, he asked, "who's dog is that?" "Yours" the yard workers replied. "Get her out of here. We don't know where she came from. She's abandoned and we're afraid she's gonna get hurt around here."

The boy opened the door to his truck, called her, and she came. She was weak, skinny, frail, in need of water, food, and love. The boy rescued her.

We don't know where she came from. We don't know what the first few months of her life were like. We aren't sure what the connection was to the boy. But it is evident there is a connection. She loves us all. But there's nobody who comes close to the boy who rescued her. She loves him best of all!

Easter

2009-04-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so grateful for God's Son, my Savior.

I'm thankful He was willing to come to this earth, live as a man, die as a man.

I often feel awestruck at the obedience He showed His Father. Knowing full well the plan, He came anyway.

I'm most amazed at the Risen Savior...

I'm saved.

Happy Easter!

What Would I Do Without Him?

2009-04-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

I was singing at a funeral this morning.

Funeral's are typically at the church building, sometimes a grave visit is required, but usually, just a Memorial at the building.

But today, we were going to a Funeral Chapel downtown...

Let me stop here and just tell you that downtown and I don't get along at all. I'm horrible, directionally speaking.

So, I did what anybody with a directional challenge does, I checked with Google Map, printed directions, asked the new preacher if he knew where he was going, (he assured me he did, which was such a relief because I didn't know what to tell him), and took off...in plenty of time...just in case.

I am the person who goes the wrong way on One Way streets downtown. I'm the woman who ends up in some alley by some strange turn of driving errors. I'm the girl who has been known to get out of my car and ask the homeless person how to get back to the Freeway going North, please! (I gave him a couple of bucks for his time, of course!)

So, armed with Google Map...I had a tiny bit of confidence this time. And you know what? Google Map did me wrong! Really! The directions were wrong! I'm sure it wasn't me...seriously...I'll post them so you can see for yourself~!

As I'm driving in a part of the city I had no clue about, I did what I always do when I've exhausted all my resources of handling it myself...I called my husband.

He answered on the second ring...fortunately. "I'm lost," I said.

I told him the street I was on and the one I had just crossed. "Oh," he said. "Look to your left, there will be a big red building with columns. And now, you should be going under the overpass and turn right on 'R' street. That will take you to Tulare and then you'll turn right and the Funeral Home will be on your left."

What a showoff! The funny part is that when he told me to turn right on Tulare, my response was..."Are you sure? It feels like I should turn left!"

Seriously, will I ever learn?

I love that man.
Blessings!

New Phone...

2009-04-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Lex's phone died...finally.

You literally couldn't even see the screen any longer. He needs a phone for a few reasons.

First, he checks in with work, or work checks in with him, often when out on rural routes. He needs a way to contact someone in case some crazy mountain animal, (or person) goes bonkers on him.

Second, he is working with the Youth at church, as I've mentioned before and we all know kids communicate through texting and IM and email lots more than eye to eye conversation.

And finally, what if I need him? (I think that's really the most important question here!)

So, we go to the Verizon place and he looks at these Blackberry-need-to-have-an-Engineering-Degree-to-be-able-to-understand-Phone. Wow, look at this thing. You can literally stay in touch with the world through this thing. Your calendar, your email, your phone calls, your bills, your alarm, your...well, the list goes on and on.

He was working it all out with the "guy" when the guy says to me, "You know your contract is up, too, and it's 'buy one get one free' right now".

Oh no...no no no...I say emphatically. I love my little chocolate phone (it's not really chocolate, it's just what they named it, silly!) and I don't need a new phone.

"You can actually SAVE money if you get one, too", he continues.

It seems that since my plan/contract was up also, and I'm the "main line" for our family plan (anybody surprised by that?), I also get not only a $70 mail in rebate, but a $50 off immediately. Good grief! All that can be applied to Lex's purchase since mine is "free" (except for tax) with the purchase of his.

O.K.

So I am in the Dr office this morning and realize that I have this silly phone with me that beeps and rings constantly because I'm always getting a call, a text, or an email and it lets me know when it happens. I don't know how to silence this thing. I barely know which button to push to just answer a call.

I look around and there at my rescue is a young man also waiting who looks about 20-ish and what is he doing? Well he's texting on his Blackberry, of course!

"Excuse me", I say politely. "Is there any way you could show me how to silence this or put it on vibrate? I just got it and don't know how to use it."

He sweetly laughs a little and says, "Yeah...I had to help my mom with hers, too. She still can't work it!"

YIKES. O.k. I could have saved you a lot of time and simply said one thing, which is the point of this blog today...

I'M SO OLD!!!

Blessings!

Just My Opinion...

2009-04-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

O.K. I realize this may seem shallow after writing about the Holiness of our God in recent post, however, must say I really enjoyed Motown Night much more than Top 40 night in AI.

AND, really, Adam is in a league of his own. AND, I really thought Lil would be the one to beat, but something's got a hold on her and she's not up to "Lil Par". Even her average, though, is better than some at their very best!

I usually despise it when the judges critique the clothing, but I thought they were as kind as could be when trying to help Allison with her clothing chioces..."You already ARE that person, you don't have to play 'dress-up' to look like that rocker person..." Good advice. Her little outfit distracted and confused me.

O.K. I thought I was ready for Scott to go home, but he really blew me away last night. I was worried when they said he had chosen Billy Joel, but WOW!, he made it fresh without butchering it! He won't go all the way, but he definitely will have a "niche" for his sound. Sweet young man.

Matt blew it. I had just heard that song by the Fray this week and really don't think that was a good choice for him...

I kept hoping Megan would do something amazing, because she's just so "good grief beautiful", but alas...it aint happening!

Kris is getting better each week...

And Anoop...well, I think his parents are adorable, and very supportive, and what a nice young man...but, well, I think his days are numbered.

And, I have to end by saying...who takes on Rascal Flatts? Danny does! Can't help it...LOVES me some Danny!

What do you think? Who's getting the boot tonight?

O.K. Back to putting together a worship order...maybe a time of prayer & meditation is in order, since I'm obviously not in that mind frame!

Blessings!

In My Head

2009-03-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

We sang Revelation Song from the most recent ZOE CD, "Fearless", yesterday.

You may have the CD, or possibly have heard it in another setting.

The words kept running through my head...all this week. Over and over.

I found a grounding, a peace this week that I'm going to attribute simply to having the following in my head:

Holy, Holy, Holy...
Is the Lord God Almighty.
Who was and is and is to come.

With all creation I sing
praise to the King of kings.
You are my everything
and I will adore You.

Blessings!

First Time for Everything!

2009-03-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday night, the worship team gets together and sings through what will be happening on Sunday morning. It helps us, when Sunday rolls around, to have a good handle on what will take place, and actually know what we're doing enough to relax and worship as we lead.

So, I have the T.V. programmed to record AI. (American Idol, of course!)

After class/rehearsal last night, there was a little "meeting" I was required to be at, so it was late when I finally got home. As a little side note, my Dr. has decided she will no longer prescribe my diuretic (water pill), and so I'm ballooning up like a bull frog and feel horrible, physically. Needless to say, long day, tired body, swollen feet!

I put on my favorite wonder woman p.j.'s (what!? I love my wonder woman p.j.'s!) and settled in with my boys to see who would rock "Motown night" and who would make me cringe.

I have to say, I was quite impressed with the night over all, and think this is a really strong group of young singers...who actually seem like really nice people as well!

But, oh my goodness...Adam...heavens...did you hear him? I love Danny, and hope he keeps going...but Adam, Adam, Adam... I had chills. Goosebumps, shivers...he was amazing!

I've never done it before, but last night, I voted. By the time I finished watching, I had 30 minutes to vote. So, I voted for Adam, twice...but then, I also voted for two more singers. One I love, and would have felt poorly if I didn't vote for him, also, (Danny), and the other was just amazing and deserved the vote! (Allison)

I'm kind of sorry I deleted the show...I wouldn't mind listening to him again!

Blessings.

Long Day, Perfect Timing

2009-03-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day.

I love Sunday's. I love coming together and singing and praying and listening...

I had the opportunity to pray on two different occasions with folks who were needing it for one reason or another.

I watched God work in an exciting way all morning.

I had a task to do in the afternoon/evening, and when I finally got home, I was exhausted. A little puny, a little sensitive, a lot tired. My feelings were right out there and it wouldn't have taken much to just push me off the edge I felt I was clinging to.

Right at the exact perfect moment, I got a phone call.

Someone who loves me deeply, cares for me, understands me, and laughs at me when I'm being sensitive, which makes me laugh at myself!

When you feel the prodding of the Holy Spirit to do something, even if it's small or seems silly, follow that lead.

You just might make the day of someone who needed you!

Blessings!

What I Like Best...

2009-03-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

Sweet Daughter has been home all week from Texas enjoying her Spring Break.

It's been delightful. Absolutely and positively delightful.

We've had dinner with family, gone to favorite "girlie" stores and eateries. Worked on a church project or two. She helped a friend make a veil for her wedding next week. We've laughed, fussed, and overall enjoyed every single second of her being home.

We were supposed to go to friends house for dinner and visiting tonight, but because of circumstances beyond our control, friends had to cancel and we ended up staying home. Just the 4 of us, eating homemade macaroni and cheese and Kielbasa with homemade BBQ sauce.

We are about to sit down and watch a movie together and enjoy some "Cherry Surprise" with vanilla ice cream. (if you know what that is, you know it's GOOD!)

I think tonight has been my favorite. Sweet moments. . . together.

There will come a time tonight when my eyes water heavily. She leaves tomorrow, and it never fails that the night before she leaves, I become sad for a moment...then I'm over it.

But, I wouldn't trade it... None of it... The visit, the dinner, even the fact that she's leaving again. It's all part of life and from where I'm sitting these days, life is absolutely beautiful.

Blessings to you all.

Interim-Part-Time Youth Minister

2009-03-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

Many of you know my husband works for our church as the "Interim-Part-Time-Youth-Minister". I am not sure that phrase is even a valid phrase. It's like you decided to be an "Interim-Part-Time-Parent". Not happening.

So, he works constantly, not because it's required of him, but simply because he loves the children like his own. He doesn't want them to miss a moment of fun, or study, or experience through God because of him, so, he works his regular 40-50 hour work week, and also loves these kids on a full-time basis.

Last weekend, he took them all, along with some very dedicated helpers, to Pismo Beach for a weekend of great fun as well as connection with the Creator of the Universe, and Pismo Beach!

There were adults that went to chaperon, some went to take the kids in their trucks for "joy-rides" in the Dunes, others went just to be there in support of the kids and Lex. Kenny and Tami Cowger went and cooked for the kids the whole weekend!

We have a precious and amazing group of young people, students, who make up the "Youth Group" of this church.

We have dedicated, Godly adults loving and leading these kids on a weekly, and sometimes daily basis.

When you marry someone, you think you know all their good (and bad) points.

I have to say that of all the things Lex has done, (and done well), this is the thing that I'm so amazed and proud of. I watch God work through him on a regular basis as he leads these students with the heart of a shepherd.

How great is our God!

Encouragement

2009-02-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking lots about the idea of encouragement.

It's such a vital part of our health, don't you think?

Some folks just go and do and do some more with nobody ever thanking or recognizing out loud how much they appreciate them.

Take a minute and write, email, text, call...whatever your favorite form of communication is. Tell someone how much you appreciate them and why.

You will make their day!

Blessings.

What a Man!

2009-02-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Just in case you've never heard of Sephora, it is a make up "warehouse" that sells many different brands of department store beauty supplies under one roof. They don't sell what Target or Walmart may sell. (although many of my beauty supplies come from there.) And the prices reflect such.

My daughter and I love, love, love Sephora. We can't always spend what we would like, but we love to go browse and smell and try on just the same. My boys despise the "Sephora experience", and we try never to have them with us when we go.

There are a couple things I get there that I can't get anywhere else, (that I know of). Saturday, I was desperate for one of these things before church the next morning, but I had a full-blown headache that barely allowed me to move, much less get completely ready to go out and look half way decent. (We can't go into Sephora looking icky!)

So, after a couple of errands, my sweet husband said, "I'll go get 'it' for you". Wow. Seriously...this is a sacrifice. He had to walk in with empty product in hand, ask where it is located, stand in the "Sephora check out line", and then, here's the biggie...walk through the mall/parking area holding a dainty little black bag with red tissue peeking out.

I love this man!

Happy Monday!

Gotta Say It

2009-02-19T18:13:00.000-08:00

I don't typically talk about the "workings" of the church in my blog.

I tend to lean my blog toward the mother and wife side of my life, although the worship minister side of me tends to take up the bulk of my time.

If I were to express all that has happened in recent years, particularly this last year (08), these would have been long, juicy posts...

Sometimes hilarious, often sad, but, consistently "man" trying to do what is best and follow God's lead

However, I chose not to reveal much. If you know us, you know our journey. If not, it felt like airing dirty laundry out for the world...

But today, I'm just going to say it.

I am so very grateful for our new minister.

He is an absolute gift from God.

Very strong. Extremely capable. Proving to be exceedingly wise. . . and, most important . . . a man of God.

To have someone of his caliber to work along side is amazing. God has blessed us in a mighty way.

College Church...hold on. We're in for some exciting times!

A Day Off...

2009-02-16T15:21:00.000-08:00

What do you do on a day off?
Do you find "day's off" hard to manage?
I like the routine.
A day off makes me feel "behind".
The only time I really like the "day off", is the night before...
Am I the only one who feels this way?

Valentine Love ~ Friday

2009-02-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

We know how much God loves us,
and we have put our trust in His love.

God is love, and all who live in love,
live in God, and God lives in them.

I John 4:16

Valentine Love ~ Thursday

2009-02-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children
and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave
himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1,2

Valentine Love ~ Wednesday

2009-02-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

"Within your temple, O God,
we meditate on your unfailing love."

Psalm 48:9

Valentine's Love ~ Tuesday

2009-02-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

In that book, which is
my memory. . .
On the first page
that is the chapter
when I first met you
appear the words. . .
Here begins a new life.

~Dante Alighieri

Valentine's Love...Monday

2009-02-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth, and breadth, and height
my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
for the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's
most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love with a passion put to use
in my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
with my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
smiles, tears of all my life!

And, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Friday

2009-02-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Friday happens to be my day off...I love Friday's.

There are different feels to a day off. My boys (Husband and son) work regular M-F weeks, so Saturday we are usually together working on home/cars/yard together. We usually manage to fit in something fun at some point. Sunday, of course, isn't really a day off for anyone in my house. Although it's a wonderful day and we enjoy it together.

But Friday's...oh how I love me some Friday!

It's just me. (and the dog...who at present is curled up asleep beside me)

It's quiet. It's calm. I can do whatever I want. I can read, do laundry, mop a floor, spend quiet time with God, scrub a bathroom, watch a movie, take a nap, cook something yummy...the list goes on.

I believe everyone has their own definition of luxury. For me, Friday is a beautiful luxury.
..........................................................................................

O.k. Completely different subject...anyone following American Idol this season? Did you see when they made Paula's eyes turn red? It really scared me! I pulled the blanket up over my eyes like a 5 year old! It was truly creepy.

I would put something in my contract, if I were her, that kept them from making me look satanic to the American public! You have to draw the line somewhere!

LOVED the group with the teacher who's wife had died recently. Very well directed and a real feeling of unison and harmony...as opposed to most of the other groups.

Definitely no lack of drama so far this season!

Blessings

February!?

2009-02-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been driving, and realize you've come quite a distance but don't remember the journey at all? Or walked from one room to the next and, obviously, you walked there...but don't remember doing it?

For me, that's how I see the month of January. Clearly, January occurred, because the calendar now says "February", but for the life of me, I couldn't tell you much about it.

I've been in a deep fog, kind of a dark hole for a couple of months. I'm grateful that today, I've opened the blinds and feel like I can breathe again. It will be a slow "coming out" for me, but at least there is the possibility of surviving today.

Here's the news that you already know...I can look back and see God's hand carrying me through every step of the way. I saw a Christmas Musical happen with great beauty...I watched every Sunday happen whether I was "engaged" or not...ZOE was extraordinary. Through it all, God was here. Working through me when I couldn't do it for myself.

There seems to be lots to tell you, but for now, I'll just say I'm looking forward to walking among the "healthy" again. God is so good to me. His faithfulness is new every morning.

Whew! What a relief!

Still Kicking!

2008-12-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

As we've said before, there is no guilt in blogland...
I will say it's been almost 6 weeks since I last blogged and I really don't know where the time has gone!

Sweet daughter is home and we are enjoying her for this Christmas break from Abilene.

The Christmas Musical was last night, and absolutely beautiful! I was so very proud of every person involved.
We had children singing with all their hearts, soloists moving people to tears, narrators with the perfect speaking voices, and a tech crew that I would hold up to any other tech crew in the country! The building was full and that is always a wonderful feeling. There was energy and excitement, and God was present! It was perfect...

There is a very warm and satisfied feeling in my soul.
All is calm...

Blessings as you finish preparing for this week of Christmas!

2008-11-12T14:39:00.001-08:00

JOY! JOY! JOY!
Join us for a beautiful evening of song and celebration
as the College Church presents:
JOY! JOY! JOY!
Dress in your Christmas best and come enjoy the music.
We can't wait to see you!
Admission is FREE
1284 E. Bullard, Fresno
(between First and Millbrook)
www.collegecofc.com

This is the text that is printed on about 700 postcards that will be handed out very soon inviting people to the musical...

They are on cute "Christmas-y" postcards and look beautiful.

Can you tell me, though, what is wrong with this post card? The thing that after 3 people proofread (aside from a grammatical slide, Wendy) should have been caught?

I'll let you simmer on that for a moment...

Blessings!

It seems like I'm forgetting...

2008-11-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

I was heading out the door for work feeling like I'd forgotten something.

Have you had those times? You can't put your finger on it, but there was a strange feeling that I hadn't done something I was supposed to do.

Walked back through the house...checked the dog, the front door was locked, all appliances were off and unplugged. Looked in the mirror...all jewelry and lip gloss intact, clothes were on, buttoned, zipped.

Looked here and there making sure there was nothing else I hadn't done.

Such a strange feeling. Just this nagging, won't let go thought that there's a problem. Texted my daughter, she was fine. Prayed that whatever it was, God would shower grace on me and help me either remember, or take it away.

Driving to work, about half way there (which is about a quarter mile), I finally saw what I'd forgotten.

I turned around and went back to the house to slip some shoes on!

Blessings.