Almost the End...

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?

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

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...

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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?

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...

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...

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

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!

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

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...

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

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!