Prayer requests

As you may have heard, tomorrow is Blogville Prayer-palooza. If you have prayer requests that we in blogville can pray for you, you can post it in my comments, or Allen's, or Donna's...

Here are mine...

- that I will be used at the retreat this weekend
- that I can be bold
- that I will recognize where God wants me
- that I will be a better wife, mom, and friend
- that I will be more thankful
- that my family will be safe
- finances
- deeper prayer life and more joy about studying the word

Monday

Well, Allen and the guys did a WONDERFUL job Saturday. I'm sure the other ladies in attendance felt as special as I did! Way to go, honey!

The Women's Ministry Group got together for our last meeting yesterday before the retreat. We went over KP duties, room and ride assignments, and finalized the shopping list. Well, we had a rookie in our midst - new to the WMG and the retreat - who was shocked at how much food we were talking about - and that's just the meal/snack food - it didn't include the chocolate! Come on - it's a ladies retreat - hot tubs and chocolate - WOOHOO! But it was amusing to see her reaction! Just wait till you get there, Bridget!

So, looks like things are coming together. Unfortunately, Satan has stepped up his attack. He's trying to lull me by whispering to me that he's not the one doing this stuff - it's just a big old coincidence - but I'm not buying it! Now, the attack is coming in a very weak and touchy area for Allen and me. I'm trying to stand strong, and encouraging him to do the same.

...can't wait for Wednesday...

Friday

I'm off work today!! Huzzah! A day of - well, cleaning and laundry and helping my husband get ready for tomorrow's banquet - but I'm off work!

So - everyone in for March 1st? I'm looking forward to joining with you all in prayer...

Wednesday

Last night I was able to relax somewhat. I hung out with my kids, I watched AI and the Olympics, I cross stitched, I read my Bible - pretty good night overall.

But something has been bothering me. I talked to Beaner yesterday afternoon because I hadn't seen her in Blogville and she hadn't answered my email. Everything is okay, but there's something whacko with their computer. She told me about another friend who is ill and has sick kids. And then there's HW, who has some struggles of her own. And on it goes... It struck me that it seems that Satan is trying to go after nearly everyone in our little circle of friends. I'm not trying to be egotistical - "oh, it's all about Chris and HER life and all the good things SHE's trying to do" - but I've become very aware of how far the enemy's claws are reaching. But like HW said, I'm not going to let myself sap the joy out of my day by focusing on what he's doing. Instead I will rejoice that I've been found worthy and enough of a threat.

Lord, thank You for everything You are doing in my life. Father, I pray for my friends and family member who are feeling Satan's evil touches. I pray Jesus' blood covering over all of us, and that Your angels would camp around us. Give us peace and joy. Amen.

Miss me?

(I'll just pretend you answered in the enthusiastic affirmative and move on...lol!)

Well, I think Allen and I came to a consensus last evening. We are under attack. The enemy has us in his sights and is trying his best to drive a big ol' wedge into our family. Between the health/physical issues, the whole job thing, the retreat, the kiddos {"loving"} each other - oh yeah - he's after us!

So, last night, we claimed our family. We prayed a covering over us, a hedge around us. We realize Satan is still out there, waiting, but I think that since we have recognized this as an all-out assault that we will make it through.

As a matter of fact, I've been feeling a sense of joy because what I'm doing has evidently gotten Satan's attention, so I must be doing something right! I'm feeling more confident about the retreat and more determined than ever to share what God's placed on my heart.

..of course, more prayer warriors joining the fray is ALWAYS welcome...:)

Sorry I said anything

Wednesday

Well, like I said yesterday and this morning - I'm not comfortable with the idea of this job at all. I'm in need of that divine 2x4 to hit me in the head and spin me around to the right path. I'm wondering if this wasn't a ploy by Satan to keep me from focusing on the retreat or something. I wouldn't put it past him. I do definitely want to leave my current position, but this particular job doesn't feel right. I don't know. Prayers would be appreciated...

...and I'll do my, um, best? like, not to do this, you know? at the retreat? okay? LOL!

PS - What the heck has happened to my profile and Spike that they're waaaaaay down at the bottom?!

EEP!!

Okay, yeah, uh, so, I, um, like, got this call today? about, um, interviewing for, like, a new job? and uh, yeah, and I'm like, totally freakin' out, um, 'cuz I don't, like, know, like, a good deal of like, the stuff she, uh, wants me to know?, 'cuz I'm behind, like, the times and all? you know, and um, so, like I have to like, crash course this stuff? like, before I call her back to like, set up, like, an interview? and like, all this is, um, happening? like, when I'm tryin' to focus, like, on the retreat?

...ack...

Tuesday

These are fun...I've been seeing them on quite a few blogs recently...

A Lesson Learned

Friday evening, I shared what I'm going to teach at the ladies retreat with my husband. I'm sharing from the Eldridge's book Captivating. I asked for his honest input and opinion, and my husband is nothing if not honest. He told me he felt that the flow was good, and the information was great, but there was no heart behind what I was saying. There was no conviction. Ouch! Unfortunately, he was absolutely right. I fell in love with this book, and it has continued to be on my heart since I got it last year. The first time I read it, I was astounded - it was like the authors were inside my head! But. There's head knowledge and there's heart knowledge. Allen asked if I don't believe it, how can I teach it? And he's right.

So, I shared that with a friend at church yesterday. I asked for her prayers that I would believe and be convinced and passionate about what I felt God was leading me to teach - that I would truly hear God and the words He wanted me to say, and she assured me that she would. (And I know that others have said they are praying for me as well, which I greatly appreciate - and NEED!) During the sermon yesterday, I will admit I was irritated and distracted and I kind of tuned out. My friend stopped me after church with a note that said "Did you hear it? You got your "word." Deut 30:14 'But the word is very near you, Chris, in your mouth and in your heart, Chris...' You asked - HE answered quickly!!" I teared up when she read it to me, and I've kept the note close as a reminder ever since. I needed to hear that, but even more, I need to kick Satan out - my irritation gave him a foothold, and I missed what God was trying to tell me. I'm so grateful for my friend's attention!

I hope you have a friend like that!

Thoisday

So we were total slugs last night - sat around and watched American Idol (yeah, I know) and the Grammys (yeah, I know again) - nothing like a good old fashioned evening of mindless entertainment! No stitching, no working on retreat stuff (although in my defense, I'm nearly done...), no dishes, no laundry - NOTHING! However, of course, we'll be making up for it tonight...

Speaking of the Grammys - did anyone else watch? Did anyone see the tribute to Sly and the Family Stone? Um...was that supposed to go like that? And well, about the hair...oh, never mind...

Been thoroughly enjoying the TobyMac CD this week. One song in particular has really struck a chord with me (no pun intended). The lyrics:

I've got to go, I'm 'bout to do a show

Can't take this stress, wanna give You my best, Lord

I can't sing with this hangin' over me

But the show must go on, Lord, set me free

Yeah, that's kinda how I've been feeling - constantly running or doing or whatever. But I still sometimes feel like I'm faking it. Not really feeling like I can perform again, but the show must go on.

Lord, set me free.

Tuesday

Sorry I've been kinda quiet. I've been lurking more than commenting or writing. There was some bad news in the world of stitching blogs this week. A young woman (late 20's) died suddenly this past Friday. No one has said what has happened. I can't imagine what her husband and family are going through. I know her family would appreciate any prayers you could send their way. Thanks.

Monday

Well, I got DS1 to admit that I'm cool. Right before bed Friday night, he told me that it was pretty cool that I picked him up from school with TobyMac blaring (well, as much as my little car can blare anything - LOL)

Allen started replacing the tub surround this weekend - he's so handy! Hopefully only a few more days until we can use the "good" bathroom again! Yay, honey!

There are four people that are in my office most of the time, and in pretty close proximity to one another. Today, the three ladies (me, friend boss, and the new gal) were talking about churches and spiritual matters before the other guy came in. It was very encouraging! Not even so much what was discussed, but the fact that the conversation even occurred. I don't think it would have happened even a few months ago. Hooray!

...ummm...

Okay - maybe I'm NOT so high on the cool moms scale. Next time I'm striving for coolishiosityness, thumpin' a rockin' and happenin' band (when yer cool, you tend to leave the final 'g' off of words, BTW), perhaps I should plan my attire a bit better. It's hard to be a rockin' (see?) mom while wearing a glittery sweatshirt with penguins and snowflakes on it...note to self...

It's Official

Yep - got the final notification last night - I AM OLD. And where did this joyous news reach me, you ask? In the middle of a TobyMac set at WinterJam 2006. Yup. I was there. Feeling very fuddy-duddy-ish. Thinking that I would probably enjoy the music more if I could understand the words. *sigh* But, on the up side, the kids had a ball! I think the highlight for them both was the Sphere of Fear motorcycle demo and the Newboys spinning drum platform. I did happen to see some folks who at least LOOKED older than I am, but that was small consolation - I just didn't feel like jumping and moshing last night - headache and all, you understand. Otherwise...(or not)

It really was an awesome show, though, and if the jam is anywhere near you, I HIGHLY recommend you find the time to attend! Seven acts for $10 - can't beat it!

Bailed

Thanks for the well wishes - my back is feeling a bit better today.

I had every intention of working on retreat stuff last night, but instead we faced the damage, and had our taxes done. So tonight, after PT practice, it's back at it! I guess my biggest problem is going to be condensing the book into a single class and a short blurb before small group/individual studies. There's A LOT in this book that I really am feeling led to cover, while at the same time, I'm going through the process for myself again. I still have time, but I'm fighting the imp named Overwhelmed and his companion Time Crunch.

I think a big part of my problem last night was wanting to work on the small group sheets before I was finished with the class - cart before horse time. Maybe that's why I was almost eager to get the taxes done! LOL!

I really appreciate all the encouragement I've received from sisters about doing this class, and the prayer covering, not to mention the practical support. Thanks, gals!

Monday, Monday

I took nearly the entire weekend off from crafting, from working on the class, from thinking! It was great! But it's Monday again, and I need to get started on everything again. Saturday, Allen worked, and DS1 was working hard painting in the youth room at church. DS2 and I just hung out. DS2 got free tickets to our local university's basketball game Saturday, so after we picked up DS1, we headed to the game. I am not proud to admit that although I have a degree from the school, I had never attended a basketball game. (Or knew all the words to the school song, but that's another story!) We had a good time, even though we were in the nosebleed section next to the opposing team's fans. (Encouraged the kiddos not to gripe because the tickets were free after all!) It rained all day Saturday, too, which was nice. Just kinda sprinkled off and on. Until the game was over. And we were parked a couple of blocks away. So, we just counted our blessings and had a good time walking to the car. Went home to showers and hot chocolate to warm up! Hopefully, we'll be able to go to another game and Allen will be able to attend with us!

Sunday was pretty uneventful. My back started hurting at church, so all I wanted to do was lay down with a heating pad! Allen had a bad headache, so it wasn't such a great afternoon. Can't win 'em all, huh?

Just be glad you're not THIS guy... (Thanks CNN & AP)

CAMBRIDGE, England (AP) -- A museum visitor shattered three Qing dynasty Chinese vases when he tripped on his shoelace, stumbled down a stairway and brought the vases crashing to the floor, officials said Monday.

The three vases, dating from the late 17th or early 18th century, had been donated to The Fitzwilliam Museum in the university city of Cambridge in 1948, and were among its best-known artifacts. They had been sitting proudly on the window sill beside the staircase for 40 years.

"It was a most unfortunate and regrettable accident, but we are glad that the visitor involved was able to leave the museum unharmed," said Duncan Robinson, the Fitzwilliam's director.
The museum declined to identify the man who had tripped on a loose shoelace Wednesday.
Asked about the porcelain vases, Margaret Greeves, the museum's assistant director, said: "They are in very, very small pieces, but we are determined to put them back together."

The museum declined to say what the vases were worth.

Shameless plagiarism - again

Okay - this could be fun! If you read this, if your eyes are passing over this right now, even if we don't speak often (or ever, for that matter), please post a comment with a COMPLETELY MADE UP AND FICTIONAL MEMORY OF YOU AND ME. It can be anything you want--good or bad--BUT IT HAS TO BE FAKE.

Ahhh...Wednesday

Well, I've gotten the official okie-dokie from my aunt on the colors I chose for the pin guards, so I'm back to stitching. She and my grandfather came over last night for a quick visit.

I'm still plugging away at the women's retreat lesson. I haven't had as much time to work on it over the last couple of days, but I'm planning on working on it pretty hard the rest of this week. I'm really getting excited about it!

Busy at work, busy at home, nothing new or exciting, nothing deep and meaningful. (Oddly enought - happy that the things I dream at night WON'T come true - trust me!) Just, well, here, thank God.

Lord, please shine through me today.

_____________________________________________


Okay - confession time - I'm NOT happy today; I'm NOT feeling well; I'm NOT sleeping well; I'm NOT in a good mood as much as I may try to play it off; I'm NOT wanting to be here - or anywhere for that matter. There. *sigh* Things are starting to weigh on me, and today is not a good coping day. Sorry. Hopefully, my funk will dissipate and I'll be better tomorrow...

Happy Monday

...in spite of the fact that researchers have determined that this is supposed to be one of the worst days for people...and how exactly would one go about coming to THAT conclusion?

My cold seems to be loosening it's infernal hold on me - hooray! Enough so that I was even able to sing with the PT yesterday. But, I have to admit, I went home after our women's ministry group meeting and put on my flannel jammies - I WAS DONE. Completely worn out. But I have had no pity-Coke today - only water, thankyouverymuch! Just working my widdle finger to da bone.

Our aforementioned meeting went well, I thought. We had lots of input and some really good ideas for the next couple of months, and beyond. We even started planning for the women's retreat in March. Hopefully, it will be good...