Encouragement

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!

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

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...

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

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

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

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

Psalm 48:9

Valentine's Love ~ Tuesday

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

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

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!?

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!

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!

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...

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.

A Historical Moment

I had the privilege of voting today for propositions, local government officials, and of course, who will hold one of the most powerful and important offices in the world...President and Vice President of the United States of America.

I had voted "absentee" but still needed to go to the polling place and turn in my ballot. I like to do that because they give me the little "I voted" sticker. I like the sticker.

As nice as that all was, my favorite part of the morning was walking in there with my grown up son who was able this year, for the first time, to cast his vote. It seems like yesterday we were playing Lego's in the floor...

Blessings..........and don't forget to Vote!

TV Land

On Sunday morning, I wake up very early. I love to get a jump on the day. It is, after all, my very favorite day of the week.
I like the way we all seem to be headed the same direction in the day. We know what the day is going to hold, and we enjoy walking through it together each week.

Because I wake so early, there's not much except for an "Info-mercial" or two on the T.V.

I'm aware that I could sit and put my make up on in silence, but the silence plays tricks on my brain and I need something to occupy it so I won't worry, make up things that might go wrong, fret about what I'm not ready for...etc.

This morning, two of my favorites were on. Andy Griffith, followed by Little House on the Prairie. At one point, during Little House, when Charles Ingalls was making one of the big "lessons" from the show, I had to stop putting on the make up and dab the little tear forming as to not smudge the work already done on my face. I thought Lex was still asleep, but next to me in the bed, I hear the sound of someone losing their stomach...in a joking manner. He ruined it. The moment...the Little House moment.

That's o.k..there's always next week and as long as the line up includes I Love Lucy, Andy Griffith, Leave it to Beaver, or Little House, all will be right with the world.

Blessings~

If you were with me in the summer, you will remember me posting about the "garden" the young children of the church planted. This is the garden nearing the end of October. It's beautiful! It went from being an ignored part of our church plant to a beautiful focal point when people drive by.

God's creation continues to amaze me. Over and over, no matter how old I get, I am amazed at the earth and her function and formation. Many of these flowers will need to go to seed soon. It will be getting cold and the garden will take on a "winter" look. But, how exciting to think of what it will be again, in the Spring!

Blessings!

Random Thoughts

This is random...
BUT, it's my blog so I'm allowed to be random, right?

When I went to Texas to pick up my girl from school, she told me during an "outing" that we had to "make a stop". No problem...

I waited in the truck as instructed and out she came with this plate. It was mother's day weekend, and during Finals Prep, and Finals Week, she had found time to go paint this plate for me.

If you're a Mom, you know the sweetness of this gift. I couldn't let just anything go on this plate, so, I waited until I had made what I thought were beautiful cookies to go on the beautiful plate. The best thing about it is that when the cookies are gone, instead of being sad, it's a joy to see that sweet "LOVE" painted in the corner.

The cookies were good, but there's nothing sweeter than that plate.

Blessings.

Relationships

One of the things I'm most grateful for in this life are relationships.

Relationships that have developed over time, some beautiful, some difficult, many eternal, all a blessing.

I've already posted about my sweet daughter being so far from home and very ill...but I haven't told you "THE THING" that pulled me personally through that time.

I was in Nashville working the ZOE Conference and as always, found it to be wonderful, as well as exhausting. Imagine being thrown in a situation that requires your total attention from early morning until late at night. Non-stop...and at the same time, listening to your baby girl on the phone sound like someone you've never met before because she is so sick.

I slept very little because once I finally got to the hotel, I just laid there thinking about my sick girl. Wondering what in the world I should do. Should I change my flight and go to her?

If I were a millionaire, there would have been no question. But I'm not...so every dollar counts...

The pharmacy wouldn't give her the meds she needed because she had lost her insurance card when her purse was stolen. They wouldn't let me give her my "numbers" over the phone to pay for the meds because they have to swipe the card personally.

I finally asked to please speak to the pharmacist...

"Look", I said. "I don't know if you have children, but my baby is standing in front of you and is very sick. She desperately needs this medicine. I am a very long way from her and would like to pay for this medicine if you will please take this card number over the phone."

She put me on hold and as I sat quietly on the other end praying, I realized how much is out of my control...again.

She came back and agreed to break "policy" and allow me to pay the almost $500 bill with a card over the phone. Thank you!

That night, Lex and I talked about me changing my flight home so I could head to Abilene when we stopped in Dallas, instead of Fresno. I had one last idea. I believe I had help thinking of this because quite frankly, I wasn't thinking clearly at all.

I called a lady I've met maybe twice. "Ms Sharpie" is the name the girls from the Ko-Jo-Kai club call her. She is a precious older lady...a past Kojie herself. She attends the church with Ashley, and one of her main tasks is to take care of those girls.

I found her number and through a shaky voice told her about my girl and how sick she was...and did she think she might be able to go look in on her and let me know if I needed to come.

She reprimanded me for not calling sooner, told me how much she thought of my girl, and said she'd get right on it. And she did. She checked...and then she called me back... Here's what she said:

"Now Mama!?" (imagine in a beautiful seasoned Texan tone), "I've checked on our girl. She's sick alright...but she's gonna be fine. I don't want you to come. I don't want you to worry. I'm on it and I will continue to take care of her until she's well. I will take her to my house if I need to! I will call you often and let you know how she is. But don't come. I've got her now."

As I listened to this precious lady tell me what's what...I thought of how stupid I was for not calling sooner. Didn't even think about it. Just tried to handle it myself. Through tears I thanked her and she again assured me everything was going to be fine.

Isn't it amazing? This community we have throughout the world...all because of Jesus Christ.

I am so grateful...

Restless

There are times when I struggle for a full night of sleep.

I'm not one who has trouble going to sleep initially, but STAYING asleep is another story.

I wake up about every 1.5 to 2 hours. Every night. Stay awake for a while and then finally drift off again until I wake again a couple hours later. I rarely go a night without seeing midnight, 2:30-ish, 4:40 ish...

I'm a person who struggles with worry. My brain won't shut off. My heart won't stop pounding over things I can't control but worry about any way.

Some may say my faith isn't strong enough. Some may think I'm not trusting God. I don't know...maybe "they" are right...

I have decided, though, that if I'm going to be awake, I might as well relax and enjoy it. So, I've basically started having conversations with God that last all night long. They start when I first go to sleep, and just continue throughout the night in 2 hour intervals.

I never run out of things to say. Just to praise Him for all He has done would take a lifetime.

I still worry, I wonder, I question, I fret over things I can't control or change. But, God is there...every time I wake in a panic. He's there. I'm so grateful.

Psalm 5:11-12
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever.
Protect them, so all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O Lord, surrounding them with your shield of love.