It's V.B.S. week!


What a wonderful, tiring, joyful, exhausting time we're having. All I can say is...

"God is amazing!"

He takes our selfish, goofy, imperfect hearts and offerings and turns them into an amazing tool to reach the souls of the children. I'm so grateful I have been here to see it. We've had 125+ kids each night and I only expect that number to grow.

It's humbling to see God work in such a powerful way. I will say what I say every day of my life...I'm so honored to be a tool. To be used by God...totally submissive to His will, is something that I've had to learn. It's not about me, it's about what God does through me.

I hope at some point, you all get to feel the reckless chaos of an over-the-top experience where joy just oozes out of every moment .

Last week, the pipes in the church backed up and we had a great flood from the sewer lines up through the vents of the older section of our building. There is detail I will spare you, however, the bottom line is...some rooms are closed due to biological hazardous material, some rooms were cleaned/disinfected, and some rooms were spared. We can't run the air conditioning because it's a "water-run" system and we can't run the water through the pipes until everything is cleaned out. And, according to the contractors/insurance adjuster/restoration people, that won't happen for a couple of weeks.

So...did I mention, this is V.B.S. "prep" week, and Vacation Bible School starts next Monday? The auditorium is being converted into a military camp. There is an aircraft carrier forming over about 20 pews...which will incorporate the sound booth area. (very large area) The stage area is a mountain range with rocks, tents, fox-holes, and look out towers. (The praise team will stand in the middle of it to lead worship this week.) The building is hopping with workers, builders, painters, and idea people.

The auditorium, after having no air, and many workers sweating and creating in there all afternoon and into the late night, smells like a locker room. (remember, no air conditioning).

Nothing has been easy...after things are built, they don't look quite like they had hoped, or, they actually fall apart and crumble causing the people to have to start from square one.

There have been personality conflicts, misunderstandings, and some health scares among a few of our congregation, including one of our precious pre-school children which we are, at this minute, waiting for a call from a Dr. to tell us things are or are not o.k.

Here is what I've decided...there must be something amazing that God has up his sleeve for this week...because Satan is trying with everything he has to distract us, discourage us, derail us.

The kids that come to this place next week will find a church full of adults wanting to act silly, play hard, tell stories, teach Jesus...all for them. What better thing do we have to do in the evening than that? For four evenings, we will work, sweat, laugh, sing, pray, & shepherd our children...because we love them... because He loves them.

I looked in on the workers a few minutes ago and the auditorium looks amazing. There are actual runway lights blinking down the aircraft carrier and water is being "built/added" to make it look just like it's in the middle of the ocean. Absolutely amazing. The stage is unrecognizable. The kids will be overwhelmed at the work that has gone into this. I know I am.

Pray for the children. Pray that their hearts will be touched in a positive, permanent way...

By the way...while writing that last line, the Daddy of our little health scare came in and said the Dr called...the mass they removed from his son's neck was benign. He is fine.

God...You are so good.

Grateful

My heart is particularly grateful this morning for a number of things...

It's such a wonderful feeling to be peaceful and content. I've not always experienced that feeling.

I struggled for many years feeling like I didn't have enough, hadn't achieved enough, wasn't smart or pretty or talented enough. Often afraid that if people really knew me, they would discover I was a fraud. What they saw on the outside was just a facade...an illusion. They would find I wasn't all I was trying to make them believe I was.

I think, unfortunately, the discovery of your own worth often comes with age...and I am sad to say, I'm beginning to experience the benefits of age. The good news is, there really is a benefit to growing older. The bad news is, I'm growing older.

So, this morning, here is what I'm grateful for.

I'm grateful for a husband that I've loved in a marriage that has lasted through very good and some bad times for 18 years...knowing we can say we love each other more today than yesterday...but not as much as tomorrow.

I'm grateful for a son who successfully celebrated his 16th birthday this weekend. When asked what he wanted to do for that milestone of a day his wish was to be at Grandma's house with family eating Bar-B-Que Hamburgers, Baked Beans, Hot Rod Fries (potato wedges baked with bacon and cheese melted on top!), Home Made Vanilla Ice Cream and a Triple Layer Chocolate Cake with Whip Cream Filling and Chocolate Fudge icing on top! It was a wonderful time as we all sat under a huge Mulberry Tree in my Mom's back yard eating and laughing and celebrating Avery's life.

I'm grateful for a daughter who is strong and sweet and compassionate and beautiful. Who when given the opportunity to go to a popular Graduation Party Saturday night, chose to be with family to celebrate her brother's birthday.

I'm grateful that our days have been cool and beautiful.

I'm grateful I can pay my bills.

I'm grateful I have an abundance of friends/family who love me.

I'm grateful there are so many people who love and encourage and guide my children.

But most of all, I'm grateful today that God loves me...that He wants above all to have a relationship with me...Me...such a sinner. That Jesus trusted and obeyed God so much so that it took Him to a horrible, humiliating death...for me. That we are left with the beautiful gift of the Holy Spirit...who guides and directs and shapes and molds us.

I am so grateful...

If, sixteen years ago, I had been able to have a conversation with God I would have said this...

"O.K., God. You know I already have a 17 month old baby girl. You understand, of course, that she takes up an enormous amount of energy. You see, I'm sure, that Lex and I aren't wealthy and some months don't quite know how to make ends meet. So, if you still insist on blessing us with another baby, here's what I would like...

I want him to be a him. I already have a her. I want him to be good. Quiet. Easy. Sweet. Gentle. I want him to be smart...intelligent...an asset to the minds he will study and work with. Good looking never hurt in this crazy world. I want his handsome face to glow because of a sweet smile and a gentle heart, not because he's stuck on himself. I want him to have not only a physical strength, but an inner strength as well. Confident of who he is and who he belongs to.

And above all, I want him to serve you in all that he does. Whatever it is. Lead him...mold him...create a man who will honor you all of his days on earth."

And God gave us Avery. Happy Birthday, Avery. You are a blessing to all you come in contact with.

Live What I Believe!

I was lecturing Ashley about going to Summer School without something to eat first. It helps your brain, metabolism,...etc, etc. This is an ongoing conversation we have been having recently.

I picked her up yesterday and she exclaimed that she was starving! You have to understand that this is a girl who loves drama and the ability to express yourself in big ways. So her expressions of hunger rivaled any Tony or Academy Award winning actress.

She had left home, again, without eating and had endured a 5 hour Economics class. (Is that really necessary? 5 hours of Economics?)

I was tired of listening to her complain and said...

"You know, you're not the only hungry one here...you're just the only one complaining about it...I haven't had a chance to stop and eat at all today!"

"AAh Haa!" she exclaimed! "You don't eat either! Don't tell me to do things you don't do yourself!"

Stupid kids...the truth is, I started laughing. What a great lesson for me. Plain and simple.

I know this is simplistic, but we can't expect anyone, (especially our kids) to do what we say and not what we do...right?

Our kids, our friends, our co-workers,...the world is watching us to see if what we say is what we believe.

It has been such a long time since I've "blogged". I'm sorry.

One of my greatest weaknesses, I believe, is that when the going gets tough, (or busy) I retreat. I crawl in my cave and barely do what needs to be done to survive. Anybody relate to that or am I just a weird duck?

Yesterday, my husband looked at me with tears in his eyes and quietly said..."I don't know how to do this. I don't know what to do."

He had been working sound for worship, teaching children during class time, racing out to get to the shop to sell motorcycles, and then home for the evening. We were supposed to go to one of our friends house for a "hang-out" time. So, in the 30 minutes we had in between those things he looked so sad about something. What...I didn't have a clue.

"What are you talking about?" I asked. "Tomorrow. I haven't had a chance to do anything about tomorrow. I've had absolutely no time when things are open."

"I still don't know what you're talking about." I admitted.

"Tomorrow" he said patiently. "Yeah, tomorrow...what about it?" I said impatiently.

"Sandra, it's our anniversary."

"Oh."

He started laughing and said how we are opposite of most couples. I'm the one who forgets dates and times...he's the sensitive thoughtful one who remembers.

I assured him that he didn't need to worry about it. We had enough to think about this week.

Both kids went straight from regular school to summer school. By their own choice. They both wanted to get a class out of the way so they would have more room next year for things they want/need to take.

Our sweet Avery turns 16 on Thursday. Yikes. Only old people have a 16 and 17 year old!

And, of course, Father's Day is Sunday. I won't forget that.

I miss my Dad. I'm glad he doesn't have to deal with this world any longer, but I still miss him.

So...maybe my turtle head will crawl slowly out of it's shell this week and get back to the business of life.

I appreciate those of you who read my writings. And, I appreciate any comments you make. It's nice to know you're being heard, isn't it?

If you get a chance, check out Brady Smith's blog.

www.evendays.blogspot.com

He's our missionary to Switzerland. He's a man of great character and integrity. I'm proud to claim him. He, like me, is a product of the College Church. There are so many who invested much in my generation to make us men and women of God.

Don't forget that when the sign up list comes around needing teachers for V.B.S. or Sunday morning children's classes! You can make such a difference in the mind, the character, the heart of a child.

Blessings.

I knew this day would come...

As silly as this sounds, I've actually thought about this day off and on since both kids started school. I knew it would bother me. I avoided thinking too deeply about it. But...here it is. The day I say...

I have a Junior and Senior in High School. UUGGGHHH!!

I was at the grocery store yesterday...it was the last day of school for Avery. The grocery clerk was talking about her kids. 5 and 7. "Do you have any kids?" she asked. "Yes...2 kids...they will be a Junior and Senior in High School."

"Yikes..."she said, "you don't look that old." "Thanks". (I think)

Why does this year bother me? Probably some who read this will understand, others will think I'm nuts, but this is my last year of normal parenthood with both my kids at home.

I know, I know...God just loans you these precious souls so you can raise them to honor and serve Him and their fellow man...they're really His to begin and end with. I know all that...

But you see, I adore them. I mean, I absolutely adore them. And deep in my heart is the beginning of an ache I don't know how I will survive. The ache of absence.

Say what you will. I'm silly...God will prepare me...blah, blah, blah. I know all that.

I also know I couldn't be more proud of those two people.
I'm honored to be their mother.

I'm going to ask/plead with God to slow down time...just for this one year.

A TRUE DAY OFF!!

Lex has not had a day off since March...working 7 days a week, either at his regular job, or at the motorcycle shop. He does it with a smile and a happy heart. Really...he does. He works at his regular job from 5 in the morning until 1:30, then goes to "the shop" from 3:00 - 6:00 and then all day Saturday and Sunday. (they let him come in after church on Sunday)

It always amazes me that he can work non-stop and not complain or appear tired or ragged because of his schedule. He has truly mastered the art of having a joyful spirit and a happy heart in all things.

Lex is such a blessing to so many people. He is a wonderful husband, a precious father, and an amazing, animated, Godly teacher to the Kindergarten - 5th grade every Sunday morning. Not to mention one of the best sound technicians in the world! (He is also "salesman of the month" for the second month in a row!! Go baby, Go!)

So, yesterday, he dressed and left to sell motorcycles. I was sorry to see him go because the kids and I were home, but off he went. He came back about 30 minutes later because they had neglected to tell him the shop was closed! So, without actually taking a day off (which would make him feel guilty), God provided a rest for him. Finally!!

I know some of you are school teachers, or ministers or missionaries or mothers working in a job that squeezes every ounce from your spirit without giving much back...and I just want to encourage you to hang in there. God is using you and your rest will come.

And when it does...oooh it's delicious!

Psalm 91...
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Oh my goodness they were wonderful!

Absolutely, perfectly, gloriously, tear-jerking WONDERFUL!!

I was so proud of each child. They came in their best clothes wearing their prettiest smiles and twinkling eyes singing with their very best voices.

NOBODY in the pre-school group cried or left the stage for their parent. Do you understand how great that is? They marched in, stood as still as possible, worked the hand motions, sang with all their hearts, and melted the auditorium with their adorableness.

Even my nephew, who at the Christmas program cried...no I mean really SOBBED...stood there all grown up at the Spring Program doing a hand motion or two...singing a word or two. I was very proud.

He did so well, Aunt Sandra and cousins Ashley and Avery (Uncle Lex had to work selling motorcycles) took him to Carl's Jr after church on Sunday for some chicken stars (have you ever really seen a chicken shaped like a star?...it scares me) Then we headed back to our house for a cartoon marathon. He loves Uncle Lex's 4 DVD set of Warner Bros Cartoons. (Bugs Bunny etc...)

Back to the program. I was right about the Pre-school possibly stealing the show with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". The second time through, we had the audience join us with a very cool powerpoint that my Avery put together. The words were there, but also images of various ball parks, Babe Ruth, and finally a little boy sliding on his side, glove/hand extended as far as he could reach, as a ball lands perfectly in the palm of his glove. It was a wonderful minute and a half!

The big kids, though, weren't outshined by the little ones. Their solos were precious. The great thing about a Christian School is the ability to sing songs to God. My little shining star, Casey, became very nervous. He would do beautifully in the small music room, but in the auditorium, with teachers and the rest of the school watching, he would choke. I called him in to ask what we could do about that and he said..."I only like to show my emotions to God in private...I get embarrassed in front of other people."

"No problem...close your eyes." (I know this is not the normal "stage advice"...but in this case it was necessary.) "I will come over to you...you keep your eyes locked on me...don't worry about anybody else...I'll help you start your solo and then you close your eyes and just you and God can be together."

That's exactly what he did...he was precious. Just a boy singing to his God.

There are so many really sweet things...beautiful examples...but I've already kept you long enough.

I hope those kids never forget what it felt like to raise the roof with praise to God. I hope the parents watching realized (either for the first time...or just reminded) what a treasure children are to us.

And, I hope I never forget the energy, the passion, the inocence of just singing with all your heart...with no worries of timing, pitch, or perfect harmony.

I know God was honored.

Tomorrow is the program...

We've practiced, rehearsed, laughed, felt scared, and then practiced again. There's actually a point where you can rehearse them too much! I'm close to that. You have to rehearse them so that their very best moment is the one in front of people.

This is one of those times when I don't want to be noticed. (That rarely happens ;)

Those kids have worked very hard. We have 31 children with solo speaking or singing parts. That's a recipe for great success or absolute disaster! We'll see.

The truth is, it doesn't matter how many times we rehearse, that night will be different. The building is full of excited, proud parents. The kids are nervous...the teachers are feeling bittersweet because it's almost time to let go of the charges they've had all year and send them on to the next grade.

I can tell you that of all the performances I have, or worship times I'm involved in, this is the most nerve shattering thing I do all year. When you look at those kids, you know they are tender, sweet, a little unsettled, and sometimes very self-conscious.

What I want for those kids is success.

Absolute, unbelievable, best you've ever done...SUCCESS!

So, if you have time, pray for tomorrow night. Their hearts are so good...I want them to be filled with pride in the job they do.

One of my favorite parts of the program is the song "He Reigns"...you may have heard it on Christian radio...but when they sing, "All God's children singing Glory, Glory...Hallelujah, He reigns! He Reigns!" it brings chills and tears. It's beautiful...they're beautiful.

I'm afraid the hit of the night will be the Pre-School...how can you top "Take Me Out to the Ballgame?"

I really don't like going to the Dr. Any Dr.

Eye, Teeth, bones, internal, whatever...I don't like it. I think it may be my feeling of helplessness or out of control-ness that bothers me.

However, I've had this appt. for some time. So, there I sit yesterday in the waiting room. I thought about picking up a magazine and looking through it, but do you realize how many very sick people have been in this room looking, touching, coughing on those magazines? So, I decide against touching any more than I ablsolutely had to.

They called me in quickly...which always gives me false hope. Once they get me in that tiny-no-windows-no-air room, it takes an eternity for the Dr. to finally show up. By the time she does, I usually need so desperately to get out of there, I forget why I came in the first place.

Yesterday was different. The Dr. came in within about 5 minutes...a record! I usually wait almost an hour in that tiny-little-no-windows-no-air room.

I tell her about the cough that won't go away, the shoulders that hurt more than what I think is normal, the need for a stronger "water" pill, my refusal to take my potassium pills because since taking them I've gained 8 lbs, and finally, my desire to remove a couple of moles that are bugging me. (This is way more than you bargained for, isn't it? Sorry.)

And, before she can talk, I say, "How is your daughter?" I happen to know her daughter is going to the middle school that feeds into the same High School my son is at. It's for gifted, bright kids who happen to love and have apptitude for all things math/science/computer related.

She stops, pulls up a chair very close to mine, and sits down in a bit of a slump. With tears and some giggling (that's how Mom's handle stress sometimes) she tells me of an incident that happened this week. We talk...she asks me questions about how to handle certain attitudes and changes in her daughter...(like I really have any answers)...I feel my emotions get the best of me while I watch this Dr. turn Mom before my eyes. I try to assure her that most of what they are experiencing is normal and will get better. (actually, it will get worse, then it will get better but she didn't need to know that ).

Then, I decide I need to just give her my best advice...

"Listen", I said, "at the risk of offending you and your intelligence, I'm going to tell you that my very best advice to you is to hand this girl over to Jesus. Every day, pray for her, love her unconditionally, and pray for her again. I have decided that I don't know what I'm doing, except for the grace and mercy and direction of God. So, my advice is...prayer."

I didn't know exactly how she would take it. She looked at me and said, can you pray for me right now? We did.

I had X-rays, blood taken, medication given, advice about my different ailments from a very intelligent Dr.

When I left, she was standing at a counter writing in my chart. I patted her on the shoulder and said "Thank you." She turned around, gently took my wrist and hugged me and said..."No, Thank You."

And to think, I almost cancelled that appointment.

So...it's Tuesday and you know what that means, right? Worship Planning? yes. Finding people to serve in the assembly Sunday morning? yes. Music choices and prep? yes. But there's one more thing. Something that only takes 15 - 20 minutes, and yet has a great impact on my day.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC!! Aahhh, yes. The room fills with what feels like thousands of little people as excited to see me as I am to see them. The energy is almost deafening. The rumble of little feet and voices still trying to figure out how to whisper is amusing. Finally, I ask them if they can all see my eyes...this gets them at least looking at me. Then...we sing.

We sing every song we know. A couple of them twice just because they sound so good. We're ready to sing for our parents. Only 9 more days and we'll stand on the stage and share what we've been working on for weeks.

I look over at my nephew, James, while we're singing. Sometimes he has his hands over his ears. (the kids can be rather explosive during a part of a song that says "my voice can be loud!") Sometimes his arms are crossed and he doesn't feel like participating.

Today, though, he's watching me. Not taking his eyes off me. A teacher pulls him close to her and says, "James, you need to sing." James puts his little pointer finger in the air and says, "It's not time."

Finally, we sing our favorite. Take Me Out to the Ballgame! They are loud and strong and animated. I wish you all could see it. It's one of the sweetest most pure displays of excitement I've ever seen.

Now...my brother is an Angel fan. Not just sort of a fan, but a life-long-loyal-whether-they-win-or-lose fan. So he's trying to brainwash his son to say "well it's root, root, root for the Angels"
but James continues to tease his Daddy by saying "root, root, root for the Red Sox!" I personally think it's hysterical to see his sense of humor at such a young age.

So I look over at James during music class to see what his little lips were going to say during this part of the song. (Yes, now it was time for him to sing...)

He says it just like he's supposed to. "Well, it's root, root, root for the Home Team!"

I smile and wink at him as we finish the song. He smiles the cutest, naughtiest smile I've ever seen him display and gives me a big thumbs up.

I have no clue what he'll do in 9 days.

Or, for that matter, what any of them will do.

But I do know they are priceless, beautiful, funny, talented, amazing creatures.

I may have shown them ways to see and hear music during our time together, but they have shown me the sweet face of God every Tuesday at 11:30.

Mother's Day...

It was such a nice relaxing day.

Brady Smith was visiting us from his mission work in Switzerland and spoke. It seems wrong to call him a visitor because he grew up here and some of his family still serve at College. However, visitor or not, he did a wonderful job. It seems funny to hear him talk like a French man when I know he has Arkansas roots deep down.

Lex had to work right after church, so the kids and I took our usual path to Carl's Jr.

Now, you might be feeling sorry for me right about now...after all, it was Mother's Day...you may think I would want something other than, more special than, better than, Carl's Jr.

But, you would be wrong.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret of mine. I am usually exhausted after church...as I'm sure many of you who serve to bring the worship time together would understand. So, I listen very carefully to where everybody is going to eat after church, and then I go the opposite direction. My family knows this about me, so they help me out. (Unless they are feeling particularly social and then they beg me to go where everybody else is.)

Carl's Jr., Chili Cheese Fries, (light on the chili and extra cheese), and a real soda. (No diet drinks on Sunday) This is not the only time I allow myself to eat this junk, I'm sorry to say, however, it is the only time I do it without feeling guilty or irresponsible. (Sunday is, however, the only day I don't drink diet.)

So, there I sit. Me, my chili cheese fries, a full strength soda...and my two sweet children. We talked, laughed, sat quietly, teased. We did everything a normal family would do. It was wonderful.

It didn't last very long. They both had homework and I had laundry to do. So, after a precious 30 minutes or so, we headed home.

Passing by an elderly couple as we were leaving Carl's Jr., the woman smiled at me and said, "beautiful children."

"Yes", I replied, "they are. Thank you."

Of all the blessings in my life, being a mother is at the very top.

Off to Pepperdine!

My Mom, Ashley and I in one car, and Avery and Lex in another. We'll be leaving in about an hour.

I won't have a computer for a couple of days, so check in with me after Wednesday.

Lex, Avery and Mom will stay the whole week, but Ashley and I are coming home Wednesday afternoon. Ashley is going because she's a very sweet daughter who is supporting her Mom. I've been told I need to be at a specific devotional time on Wednesday morning. I don't like not knowing what is going on, but nobody will clue me in to why I need to be there. For a control freak like me, this is agony.

Ashley has a Zoology class and AP testing this week that she will need to get back for. Short trip, but worth it to see some of my favorite folks in the world. I love seeing my College roommate, Kellie (Prout) Morgan, all the ZOE people, friends from Redding...the list is endless.

I'm convinced that one of the best gifts God has given us (kind of like color and music) is relationship with each other.

I'm a blessed woman.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm exhausted!

My family ran at full speed all weekend. Many different events, everything enjoyable, but all very tiring. Didn't get one minute with the four of us together. That I don't like.

I was reading in Matthew this morning, trying to "rev up" my spiritual and physical engine, as it said in the 11th chapter, verse 28...

"Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives."

Then, I saw on the margin a commentary on the passage which said:

"The purpose of Sabbath rest is physical and emotional renewal. A delightful space on the calendar reserved for becoming better acquainted with ourselves, others, and God; it is time for good talk, holy laughter, serious ideas, and shared intimacies between Creator and creature. Our souls are replenished, quieted, nurtured, caressed. Rest without spiritual rest is incomplete."

I don't know how you all spent your weekend...what you had to do...what you wanted to do, but mine didn't include any of the above.

Just because you're at church doesn't mean you're gaining spiritual renewal. Working on church projects doesn't make you holy. On the contrary, for those who participate in worship and ministries, whether on staff or volunteering, it's often the opposite. I don't know how to fix that, exactly, but I think I'm on to something that will provide me and those around me in my home more rest for their spirit and body.

I would like to think I'm so spiritual that I would "automatically" have quiet/fun/serious time with my family and particularly with my Creator, but I'm not that good. I think it's going to come down to scheduling time that is more important than any other time...time to renew, refresh, re-focus.

You all may be in much better shape than me in this matter. I hope so. But if not, let's remind each other what the Sabbath is supposed to be. A time of physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal.

This is what is known as "concert week" at Ashley's school. Since this is a school which focuses on music and academics, you can imagine this is a very long week. Lots of performances, lots of groups, and most kids are in two or three different groups.

Ashley had performances Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and then a special fund-raising dinner performance Saturday night. In the middle of this tiring week, they were at a location at 6:am this morning for a local news cast showing off the talents of these kids. They performed off and on for 2 hours and then went back to school for State testing. Very fun...very tiring.

These kids are talented and confident and happy. I sit back and wonder, "what more could you ask for?"

At the same time, this weekend is the "Tattoo Expo". Tattoo artists from all over the world will be here. Did you know there was such a thing? Lex, who sells custom motorcycles, will be involved in this and it will take him away for most of Friday night and Saturday/Saturday night.

Avery is working all day Saturday...

It looks like everybody has something to do except me.

I'm hoping to keep it that way!

HE'S HOME!!!

Avery arrived safely back home late last night. I haven't had much time to talk with him because he was exhausted and so was I. But wanted you to know he was safe and happy.

The trip was an amazing experience. One he will never forget.

Thank you for your prayers.

Finished choosing the soloists for our Elementary School Spring Program. Agonizing. That's the only word I can use. My shoulders feel like cement blocks, my neck is stiff, and my heart is throbbing for the ones who didn't make it.

I keep telling myself it's a life lesson for them all. You don't always get what you try for, but it's good you had the courage to try and keep trying.

Yesterday was a wonderful service. The music was God-led, the message was clear and applicable. Steve Thurman did a usual good job. We're so blessed in this place to have a variety of gifted speakers.

After class, Lex had the honor of baptizing one of the kids in his class. I watched as my husband stood in the baptistry and gently guided her through the process. I know he had studied with her and talked a few times, but the actual moment was beautiful.

You expect it...you've seen it hundreds of times, and yet, each time it's precious and beautiful and new.

God is so good.

Let me tell you about the favorite part of my day...

About 10:00 this morning, my cell phone rings. My Avery on the other end says in a very excited voice..."we just launched, Mom!"

The rocket did what it was supposed to do. The wind was whipping...I could hear it in his cell phone. It was about 45 degrees which made it cold for those California kids. As we were talking, he said..."Oh, Mom...hang on. They're about to launch another one. Listen, Mom...they're counting down!"

I could hear the countdown in the phone...8, 7, 6,

When they got to 6, Avery started counting with them. "5, 4, 3, Mom this is so cool," he said The rocket launched and it sounded like you think it should sound. A little explosion and then the sound of it soaring into the sky. Avery giggled...

"It's through the cloud cover, Mom," he explained. "Cloud cover is at about 2000 and when it comes back through on it's way down, everybody cheers. This is so cool, Mom!"

"I love you...I'm proud of you...Have fun" I said. "O.K. I love you, too, Mom. I'll try to call you tonight" he said.

It's really a little thing...but I'm so thrilled I got to experience that moment with him.

They have more tours and experiences tomorrow and then will arrive home late tomorrow night. Thank you for your prayers.

Avery called this afternoon and they are doing well. There is a little tension between a couple of team members, so you can pray for that when you get a chance.

They had a very busy day. They had to be "badged",(which Avery tells me entitles them to the coolest cafeteria without costing them any $.) They had a Space Shuttle Launch Experience, a Rocket Fair , Guest Speakers, tours of the Payload Operations Center, Propulsion Research, and tonight a US Space and Rocket Center Banquet (with another guest speaker).

The Rocket Fair was a time when all the teams set up presentations and displays involving the building of their rocket. Avery had a very cool PowerPoint presentation for this. (I got to see it the night before he left.) This was the time they got to see their competition. Avery said there are a couple of teams that are phenomenal. Very experienced...very well prepared.

Tomorrow, they load up and travel to Manchester, TN where they will begin the actual Rocket Launch. Then, tomorrow night, an Aerojet Reception/Dinner at Sci-Quest.

He's doing well. For a kid who doesn't like to be away from home, he's managing beautifully. His father, on the other hand, said there is an empty hole in his chest with Avery gone. Hhhmmm...and you all thought I'd be the wimpy one here, didn't you?

Continue your prayers for him and the entire team. These kids have come from all around the nation for this experience. It's such a wonderful opportunity.

This truly is a land of opportunity...

It is very dark...a little chilly...and a bit overwhelming as I stand at the front screen door and tell my son how much I love him, how I'm going to miss him, AND how very proud I am of who he is and what he is accomplishing.

It's 4:30 am and his Dad is taking him to the airport. I'm so good at the getting ready part, but not so good at the actual departure moment. I think I have separation anxiety from my children.

If you remember, not too long ago I had to let Ashley go to New York without me. I didn't handle that very well, either.

He went in and told his sleeping sister good bye, which, I think was more for the privilege of waking her up than the actual thought that he might miss her. Her parting words to him were "don't blow up the plane". Aahhh...how sweet they are to each other.

Avery called from the airport after they had made it through all the security checks. NASA had cleared the kids, but the carry-on boxes they were taking on the plane had black powder residue on them...explosive...and although the rocket is in sections and each of the 5 students had a section as their responsibility, it still un-nerves the airlines when black explosive powder residue is detected. I can understand that.

So, my son calls and says that the carry-on made it through the check with no problem. He, however, did not have it so easy.

He set off the buzzer. He took off his shoes. They scanned him. He set off the buzzer. He emptied his pockets, again. They scanned him. He set off the buzzer. He took off his sweatshirt. They scanned him. He set off the buzzer. He took off his socks and shirt. They scanned him. He set off the buzzer. (Remember this is his first time flying...he's a little nervous at this point...and amused.)

Finally, when there was really nothing more to strip off (at least in full view of those watching), he found in the bottom of his pocket a gum wrapper...a foil lined gum wrapper.

They scanned him...he cleared.

All of you who fly frequently, I want you to feel extra safe. The black powder made it through without a hitch, but fortunately, they caught that dangerous boy with the gum wrapper weapon.

I solicit your prayers on his behalf as well as the team of students and the teacher accompanying them. We want them to be successful, be safe, have fun, learn a few things, but most of all, I want Avery's love for God to shine through.

I'll keep you posted...