This is some of the thoughts that keep floating through my head. I thought if I wrote them down, maybe I could clear my mind.
This past week or so has been a little melancholy for me. Last week, after we returned from vacation, I had to go to Virginia for my Aunt Katherine's funeral. My nickname for Aunt Katherine is "Flossy." Only I am allowed to use it.
Anyway, after I came home from the funeral, I've felt kind of down and out. Yet, I still rejoice in knowing that Flossy is with Jesus and someday, so will I.
We go back to school next Monday, August 4th. Yes, the 4th!!! I'm looking forward to working again - I really miss my paychecks. But, August 4th is ridiculously early.
My seven year old son is obsessed with Jamie Lynn Spears - oh, woe is me!!! Why couldn't he be obsessed with one of those little starlets that has NOT been in the headlines for having a baby at age 16?? Of course, he is only seven and all he sees is the "Zoey 101" show on Nick.
Dear Lord, please don't let this be a glimpse into the future of my son. Amen.
A sweet little lady in our church died Sunday after a long battle with cancer. I wish I had known her better.
My parents are on vacation in Shipshewana, Indiana. It's an Amish community. I looked it up on the internet and it looks lovely. Wish I was with them.
My dream vacation would be a complete tour of all the Civil War sights in the state of Virginia.
I've always wanted to write and publish a book. I'm still praying for the talent to do so.
I spend too much money.
My cousin's son is getting married this weekend in San Antonio, Texas. I would love to go. It would be great to go to the wedding on Saturday, then visit John Hagee's church on Sunday.
But, since we have to go back to school on Monday, it's not possible for me to go.
I should take better care of myself.
OK - I have wallowed in my own muddy thoughts long enough. I feel better. Thanks for your support!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
We're Back
We're back from vacation. Had a wonderful time. Didn't want to come home! We started out in Charleston. It's such a beautiful place. I adore Southern history. I especially love to see places where "The War of Northern Agression" took place.
I would love to see Charleston during a time of the year when it's not 500 DEGREES IN THE SHADE. Maybe late fall.
Of course, as usual, I was in the middle of saying something.
Then we moved on to the beach. Love the beach. Don't care for the ocean. Love the beach. As a rule, I don't go into the water above my knees. Frank and Jacob, on the other hand have a crazy desire to stand NECK DEEP in the water. I do not, and never will, share that desire. Guess I've seen too many shark movies. The pool is another story - love the pool. We had a waterpark at our resort too. That was a lot of fun.
See what I mean?
Jacob really enjoyed digging in the sand. Don't even know what he was doing in this one.
It was a really fun week. Did not want to come home. Oh, said that already.
Well, there's a little glimpse into our vacation. It was a wonderful week. Actually, I don't remember being that relaxed in a long time. Did I mention that I really wasn't ready to come home?
Anyhoo - now that I am home - guess it's back to the same old stuff. I'll treasure the memories of that wonderfully relaxed week.(Sigh)
Blessings!!
I would love to see Charleston during a time of the year when it's not 500 DEGREES IN THE SHADE. Maybe late fall.
Of course, as usual, I was in the middle of saying something.Then we moved on to the beach. Love the beach. Don't care for the ocean. Love the beach. As a rule, I don't go into the water above my knees. Frank and Jacob, on the other hand have a crazy desire to stand NECK DEEP in the water. I do not, and never will, share that desire. Guess I've seen too many shark movies. The pool is another story - love the pool. We had a waterpark at our resort too. That was a lot of fun.
See what I mean?
Jacob really enjoyed digging in the sand. Don't even know what he was doing in this one.
It was a really fun week. Did not want to come home. Oh, said that already.
Well, there's a little glimpse into our vacation. It was a wonderful week. Actually, I don't remember being that relaxed in a long time. Did I mention that I really wasn't ready to come home?
Anyhoo - now that I am home - guess it's back to the same old stuff. I'll treasure the memories of that wonderfully relaxed week.(Sigh)
Blessings!!
Friday, July 4, 2008
True Freedom
A quick post for now - more later.
I'm sitting here watching the local 4th of July parade on television. We are not patriotic enough to actually go downtown and sit in the heat - especially since we can see it so much better here at home in air conditioned comfort.
But, as I sit here watching and listening to the comments from the news people, I again realize the sad state of our country.
Our nation has placed its faith in the human abilities of the military to maintain our freedom. But, the pursuit of True Freedom in Christ has been tossed to the wayside. For those of us who have True Freedom in Christ, we understand the importance of keeping Christ first. We know that accepting Christ as Savior and having a personal relationship with Him is the only TRUE Freedom we can ever have. Freddom in Christ can never be taken away. It doesn't have to continuiously be fought for - once it is received, it is forever.
My heart breaks for our nation. I grieve the fact that Christ is not welcome in so many places and in so many hearts.
So, my prayer, especially on this day is for our nation. I pray that across the US, people will come to realize that the only True Freedom is in Christ. I will continue to pray for our military and the freedom they fight for. But, without Freedom in Christ, there will never be complete freedom in these United States.
I'm sitting here watching the local 4th of July parade on television. We are not patriotic enough to actually go downtown and sit in the heat - especially since we can see it so much better here at home in air conditioned comfort.
But, as I sit here watching and listening to the comments from the news people, I again realize the sad state of our country.
Our nation has placed its faith in the human abilities of the military to maintain our freedom. But, the pursuit of True Freedom in Christ has been tossed to the wayside. For those of us who have True Freedom in Christ, we understand the importance of keeping Christ first. We know that accepting Christ as Savior and having a personal relationship with Him is the only TRUE Freedom we can ever have. Freddom in Christ can never be taken away. It doesn't have to continuiously be fought for - once it is received, it is forever.
My heart breaks for our nation. I grieve the fact that Christ is not welcome in so many places and in so many hearts.
So, my prayer, especially on this day is for our nation. I pray that across the US, people will come to realize that the only True Freedom is in Christ. I will continue to pray for our military and the freedom they fight for. But, without Freedom in Christ, there will never be complete freedom in these United States.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Whew! What a week . . . and it's only Wednesday!
I'm pooped!! This has been a very busy week and it's only Wednesday. I'm needing me a little Beth Moore about right now!
Here's the scoop.
VBS was a lot of fun. We had 20 children (good number for us) and the youth (well, six of them) were on had to help out. They are an amazing group of teens. They are loving the Lord with all thier hearts.
The kiddoes made some really awesome t-shirts in craft class. They memorized two memory verses and could repeat the stories almost verbatim.
The music was a hit, too. We used the VBS kit from LifeWay, Outrigger Island (incase anyone might recognize it). They loved the songs. We practiced as much as a one day VBS would allow. Then on Sunday, all the kids wanted to perform thier songs (complete with sign language) for the church. It was so wonderful. God was truly present in VBS.
Yeah, our church is small but we are big in the LORD!!
After VBS, we headed to a local swimming pool to celebrate my niece, Jane Ann's 3rd birthday. It was hot, but the kiddoes had a blast. And thankfully, pizza was served, so I didn't have to worry about dinner.
Sunday, after church, we took Aunt Sharon (aka, Nena) out to lunch for her birthday last week. We started at our favorite italian restaurant here in town. After waiting for one hour to be seated - yes to be seated - we moved to Chili's across the street.
We were seated upon entering and had our food within twenty minutes of pulling into the parking lot. Guess we should have started there.
Then it was home for a much needed Sunday afternoon nap while the guys went to the farm to check on the bull.
Monday, started out as a usual Monday - dishes, laundry, picking up stuff around the house - you know the drill. Then my Mom called from Virginia (about 35 miles away) to tell me that my Great Aunt Katherine is in the hospital and is not expected to live. So, I take Jacob to stay with Dad while Mom and I go to the hospital. Aunt Katherine is in really bad shape. She is full of fluid, her organs are giving out and she can hardly breathe.
We were there until about 10:00 p.m.
On Tuesday, my Aunt Gloria and I drove 200 miles up into Virginia to pick up my Great Aunt Etta, Aunt Katherine's sister. She wanted to be with Aunt Katherine and can no longer drive. So, over 400 miles in a car was tiring but we really had a good time with Aunt Etta. She told us tales about my mom and her siblings when they were young. She also told me some things about my grandfather whom I never knew because he died when I was four months old. It was so nice.
Then, we went back to the hospital to find that Aunt Katherine has been moved from ICU to a private room so the family can be with her. And, much to our amazement, she was awake and breathing somewhat easier. She even perked up enough to recognize each one of us. Then, oh my goodness, then, she told everyone to close our eyes and she prayed a prayer of thanks over all of us there in the room. Talk about feeling the presence of God.
Today, again, it started out like any other day . . . until my husband called to tell me that my step-daughter, Amanda was on her way to the emergency room. She was scheduled to have her gall bladder removed in two weeks, but she is in so much pain they are going to take it out tomorrow morning. So, Jacob, Andy (Amanda's husband), Robin (Amanda's Mom) and I sat in the ER waiting room for six hours while they did some tests and tried to find a room for her.
Like I said - I'm pooped. But, I'll sleep a while tonight and start again tomorrow.
Next week - IF all goes well, I will be preparing for our vacation. I am READY. I can hardly wait to hit that beach and just chill out for a few days. Mmmmm, I can almost smell that ocean air. I might even visit the spa and get myself a massage. I have never had a massage. I have always wanted one but just haven't taken the time. I love to have my back rubbed but that doesn't happen much around here. Oh, Frank is willing - he's just no good at it. I don't get it either. How can such a big strong man have such a soft touch? I like a deep back rub. I want to feel it to the bone. But, when Frank rubs my back, I can barely feel it. It just doesn't make any sense.
Oh well, it gives me something to look forward to.
So, for now, I'm going to rest. See you later.
Blessings!
Here's the scoop.
VBS was a lot of fun. We had 20 children (good number for us) and the youth (well, six of them) were on had to help out. They are an amazing group of teens. They are loving the Lord with all thier hearts.
The kiddoes made some really awesome t-shirts in craft class. They memorized two memory verses and could repeat the stories almost verbatim.
The music was a hit, too. We used the VBS kit from LifeWay, Outrigger Island (incase anyone might recognize it). They loved the songs. We practiced as much as a one day VBS would allow. Then on Sunday, all the kids wanted to perform thier songs (complete with sign language) for the church. It was so wonderful. God was truly present in VBS.
Yeah, our church is small but we are big in the LORD!!
After VBS, we headed to a local swimming pool to celebrate my niece, Jane Ann's 3rd birthday. It was hot, but the kiddoes had a blast. And thankfully, pizza was served, so I didn't have to worry about dinner.
Sunday, after church, we took Aunt Sharon (aka, Nena) out to lunch for her birthday last week. We started at our favorite italian restaurant here in town. After waiting for one hour to be seated - yes to be seated - we moved to Chili's across the street.
We were seated upon entering and had our food within twenty minutes of pulling into the parking lot. Guess we should have started there.
Then it was home for a much needed Sunday afternoon nap while the guys went to the farm to check on the bull.
Monday, started out as a usual Monday - dishes, laundry, picking up stuff around the house - you know the drill. Then my Mom called from Virginia (about 35 miles away) to tell me that my Great Aunt Katherine is in the hospital and is not expected to live. So, I take Jacob to stay with Dad while Mom and I go to the hospital. Aunt Katherine is in really bad shape. She is full of fluid, her organs are giving out and she can hardly breathe.
We were there until about 10:00 p.m.
On Tuesday, my Aunt Gloria and I drove 200 miles up into Virginia to pick up my Great Aunt Etta, Aunt Katherine's sister. She wanted to be with Aunt Katherine and can no longer drive. So, over 400 miles in a car was tiring but we really had a good time with Aunt Etta. She told us tales about my mom and her siblings when they were young. She also told me some things about my grandfather whom I never knew because he died when I was four months old. It was so nice.
Then, we went back to the hospital to find that Aunt Katherine has been moved from ICU to a private room so the family can be with her. And, much to our amazement, she was awake and breathing somewhat easier. She even perked up enough to recognize each one of us. Then, oh my goodness, then, she told everyone to close our eyes and she prayed a prayer of thanks over all of us there in the room. Talk about feeling the presence of God.
Today, again, it started out like any other day . . . until my husband called to tell me that my step-daughter, Amanda was on her way to the emergency room. She was scheduled to have her gall bladder removed in two weeks, but she is in so much pain they are going to take it out tomorrow morning. So, Jacob, Andy (Amanda's husband), Robin (Amanda's Mom) and I sat in the ER waiting room for six hours while they did some tests and tried to find a room for her.
Like I said - I'm pooped. But, I'll sleep a while tonight and start again tomorrow.
Next week - IF all goes well, I will be preparing for our vacation. I am READY. I can hardly wait to hit that beach and just chill out for a few days. Mmmmm, I can almost smell that ocean air. I might even visit the spa and get myself a massage. I have never had a massage. I have always wanted one but just haven't taken the time. I love to have my back rubbed but that doesn't happen much around here. Oh, Frank is willing - he's just no good at it. I don't get it either. How can such a big strong man have such a soft touch? I like a deep back rub. I want to feel it to the bone. But, when Frank rubs my back, I can barely feel it. It just doesn't make any sense.
Oh well, it gives me something to look forward to.
So, for now, I'm going to rest. See you later.
Blessings!
Friday, June 27, 2008
A big weekend
Tomorrow is going to be a very big day. Our little country church is having a one day Vacation Bible School. We begin at 10:00 and will end somewhere around 3:00. Afterwards we will have a picnic to celebrate. Since our church is so small - we will be lucky to have about 20 kids attending. I know it sounds very small in comparison to other churches - but even with our small numbers - our love for God is BIG!!
My job will be to direct the music. Which is completely hilarious to those who know me. I can't sing!!!! Oh, I love to try - but even my son tells me that he would rather listen to the radio.
So, tonight, my darling Frank brought a projector from his office for me to use with my laptop to project the words to the songs onto a large screen. Isn't he brilliant?
So, (and the kiddoes will thank us) all I have to do is put in the CD and point to the verses. Oh, the joys of technology!!
One of the songs that we will be learning tomorrow is called "Jesus Is"
Not the one you hear on the radio all the time. This one is part of the VBS material that the VBS director purchased.
Anyway - I just fell in love with this song. I pray that the kids will like it too.
The chorus is as follows:
Jesus is Messiah
Jesus is my Savior
Jesus is the promise of our God
Jesus is amazing
Jesus is worth praising
Jesus is the only perfect love
And I'm so glad I know who He is
And I want the whole world to know
Who Jesus is.
Isn't that beautiful?
I'd love to sing a little bit of it for you - but, well, you can thank me later.
Blessings.
My job will be to direct the music. Which is completely hilarious to those who know me. I can't sing!!!! Oh, I love to try - but even my son tells me that he would rather listen to the radio.
So, tonight, my darling Frank brought a projector from his office for me to use with my laptop to project the words to the songs onto a large screen. Isn't he brilliant?
So, (and the kiddoes will thank us) all I have to do is put in the CD and point to the verses. Oh, the joys of technology!!
One of the songs that we will be learning tomorrow is called "Jesus Is"
Not the one you hear on the radio all the time. This one is part of the VBS material that the VBS director purchased.
Anyway - I just fell in love with this song. I pray that the kids will like it too.
The chorus is as follows:
Jesus is Messiah
Jesus is my Savior
Jesus is the promise of our God
Jesus is amazing
Jesus is worth praising
Jesus is the only perfect love
And I'm so glad I know who He is
And I want the whole world to know
Who Jesus is.
Isn't that beautiful?
I'd love to sing a little bit of it for you - but, well, you can thank me later.
Blessings.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A Little on the Lonely Side
My little sweetie has gone to spend a few days with Granny and Papaw. Needless to say, it is a little quiet around here. Oh, I'm glad he loves to visit his grandparents. That is a very special time for them and I wouldn't take it away from them for anything. So, he can spend the next few days getting spoiled - having his way in everything - eating anything or nothing and having complete control of the remote. What more could a little boy want???
So, today after a visit to my doctor (blood pressure is still elevated), I spent the day window shopping. Well, I actually bought a few things - but mostly I just browsed. It was different - but nice.
I ran into a girlfriend from high school. I dearly love her and it was wonderful to see her and two of her four children.
A funny thing happened to me after I ran into my friend. Karrie has four children (the youngest is three) and is still a size six. I realized just how much I have neglected my health and the condition of my body. Now, I don't want to be a size six, I am much too tall for that (5'9") a size 10 is just fine with me. The problem is that I'm out of shape. Now, Karrie and her twin sister Kellie have always been very conscience of thier health. They have been very active and have always eaten a healthy diet. I have not!
So, I am on the road to a better body and a healthier lifestyle. It'll take a while but so far I'm enjoying it. I'm also hoping that it will help lower my blood pressure.
I guess it's just taken me a little longer to understand the consequences of what I do to my body. Oh, well, better late than never.
So, today after a visit to my doctor (blood pressure is still elevated), I spent the day window shopping. Well, I actually bought a few things - but mostly I just browsed. It was different - but nice.
I ran into a girlfriend from high school. I dearly love her and it was wonderful to see her and two of her four children.
A funny thing happened to me after I ran into my friend. Karrie has four children (the youngest is three) and is still a size six. I realized just how much I have neglected my health and the condition of my body. Now, I don't want to be a size six, I am much too tall for that (5'9") a size 10 is just fine with me. The problem is that I'm out of shape. Now, Karrie and her twin sister Kellie have always been very conscience of thier health. They have been very active and have always eaten a healthy diet. I have not!
So, I am on the road to a better body and a healthier lifestyle. It'll take a while but so far I'm enjoying it. I'm also hoping that it will help lower my blood pressure.
I guess it's just taken me a little longer to understand the consequences of what I do to my body. Oh, well, better late than never.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
There's No "I" in Steward
This morning in church, Preacher really hit some nails right on the head. What an awesome service. Sometimes I just come out of there with my mouth hanging open. All the sermons are wonderful and truly God-inspired, but sometimes they hit a little closer to home.
The message today was taken fom Luke 10:25-37, The Parable of the Good Samaritan. The difference is that Preacher adapted this much taught parable to The Parable of the Good Steward.
After reading the scripture, Preacher asked us "What makes a good steward?" He explained that Stewardship is: Using God given abilities for taking care of God given resources for God ordained results. Powerful stuff!!
He then went on to explain that good stewardship really boils down to two things - our heart and our attitude.
At this point in the message, I was beginning to feel it pretty deep. I kept thinking and asking myself "What is my attitude?" Am I a good steward or do I just do things because I know I'm supposed to?" I think I was beginning to squirm a little bit in my seat.
Some of the things that kept going through my mind were, my house is a mess, there are dishes in the sink, laundry that needs to be done, etc. Then, it really began to sink in - Am I the best parent that I can be? Do I truly lead Jacob in the way of Christ? Do I pray over him constantly? Wow - that really began to hurt.
Then Preacher moved over to the Book of Malachi in the third chapter. This passage teaches on tithing. He asked us "Are you robbing God?" Oh, right in the gut!!!
Here is how it ties in to the passage in Luke.
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan we see three types of people.
1. The Robber - This attitude is: What is yours is mine and I'm going to take it.
2. The Levite/Pharisee - What's mine is mine and I'm going to keep it.
3. The Samaritan - What's mine is yours and I will gladly share it.
These three represent each of us as stewards to what God has graciously blessed us with. How do we handle it? Do we give with the right heart and attitude? Not just money but our time, our prayers, ourselves?
This one really gave me alot to think about. I have so much to consider. Am I robbing God by being a poor steward over the many blessings He has given me?
First thing in the morning - we start cleaning. Not just because I know it's the right thing to do but because I really feel in my heart that I want to be a good steward. Now, don't get the wrong idea - my flesh is screaming "no, don't make me, the mess really isn't that bad - this is summer vacation, chill out." But, my heart is saying, "oh, how nice the house will feel and look - not to mention how pleasing it will be to God that you obey Him." So, which one do you think I should follow - my flesh or my heart? I choose to follow my heart because that is where God is.
As for being a good steward over Jacob - well that will take more than a few days to ensure. I can get the house cleaned in a few days - but Jacob will require the rest of my life - and I gladly give it. After all, he is the greatest resource God has entrusted me with. Oh, it's an awesome responsibility but I'm up for the job. It should be a grand adventure.
The message today was taken fom Luke 10:25-37, The Parable of the Good Samaritan. The difference is that Preacher adapted this much taught parable to The Parable of the Good Steward.
After reading the scripture, Preacher asked us "What makes a good steward?" He explained that Stewardship is: Using God given abilities for taking care of God given resources for God ordained results. Powerful stuff!!
He then went on to explain that good stewardship really boils down to two things - our heart and our attitude.
At this point in the message, I was beginning to feel it pretty deep. I kept thinking and asking myself "What is my attitude?" Am I a good steward or do I just do things because I know I'm supposed to?" I think I was beginning to squirm a little bit in my seat.
Some of the things that kept going through my mind were, my house is a mess, there are dishes in the sink, laundry that needs to be done, etc. Then, it really began to sink in - Am I the best parent that I can be? Do I truly lead Jacob in the way of Christ? Do I pray over him constantly? Wow - that really began to hurt.
Then Preacher moved over to the Book of Malachi in the third chapter. This passage teaches on tithing. He asked us "Are you robbing God?" Oh, right in the gut!!!
Here is how it ties in to the passage in Luke.
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan we see three types of people.
1. The Robber - This attitude is: What is yours is mine and I'm going to take it.
2. The Levite/Pharisee - What's mine is mine and I'm going to keep it.
3. The Samaritan - What's mine is yours and I will gladly share it.
These three represent each of us as stewards to what God has graciously blessed us with. How do we handle it? Do we give with the right heart and attitude? Not just money but our time, our prayers, ourselves?
This one really gave me alot to think about. I have so much to consider. Am I robbing God by being a poor steward over the many blessings He has given me?
First thing in the morning - we start cleaning. Not just because I know it's the right thing to do but because I really feel in my heart that I want to be a good steward. Now, don't get the wrong idea - my flesh is screaming "no, don't make me, the mess really isn't that bad - this is summer vacation, chill out." But, my heart is saying, "oh, how nice the house will feel and look - not to mention how pleasing it will be to God that you obey Him." So, which one do you think I should follow - my flesh or my heart? I choose to follow my heart because that is where God is.
As for being a good steward over Jacob - well that will take more than a few days to ensure. I can get the house cleaned in a few days - but Jacob will require the rest of my life - and I gladly give it. After all, he is the greatest resource God has entrusted me with. Oh, it's an awesome responsibility but I'm up for the job. It should be a grand adventure.
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