Sunday, August 19, 2007
13
For his thirteenth birthday, we gave him journey-themed gifts. His own Bible, to show him which way he should go on his journey. A cross necklace, to remind him that he's so special that Someone died just for him. A watch to remind him that it's never too late to change. And a video game, to remind him to have fun on the way.
...and I didn't even cry...
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Tuesday
Monday, August 06, 2007
On being like a teenager...
1. Where is your cellphone? Cellphone?
2. Relationship? Married
3. Your hair? Unruly
4. Work? Happy
5. Your sister? None
6. Your favorite thing? Singing
7. Your dream last night? Unremembered
8. Your favorite drink? Soda
9. Your dream car? Paid
10. The room you're in? Office
11. Your shoes? Indoors?!?
12. Your biggest fear? Failure
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Better
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? Friends
15. What are you not good at? Cooking
16. Muffin? Please
17. One of your wish list items? House
18. Where you grew up? Illinois
19. Last thing you did? Logon
20. What are you wearing? Pardon?
21. What aren't you wearing? Shoes
22. Your pet? Spoiled
23. Your computer? PC
24. Your life? Busy
25. Your mood? Okay
26. Missing? Hubby
27. What are you thinking about right now? Answers
28. Your car? Untidy
29. Your kitchen? Tidier
30. Your summer? HOT!
31. Your favorite color? Blue
32. Last time you laughed? Today
33. Last time you cried? Yesterday
34. School? Shopping
35. Love? Family
Your turn...
Thursday, August 02, 2007
It's Here!
And...I'm not REALLY hinting about a gift or anything, but my understanding is that leather is the traditional 3rd anniversary gift...
...What? It has leather...
I'm just sayin'...
Friday, July 27, 2007
Categories
Female.
Daughter.
Wife.
Mother.
Friend.
Sister in Christ.
Clerical.
Soprano.
Left-brained.
Right-handed.
All these categories and others that are supposed to define who I am and what I do and how I do them.
Yesterday, I found a link to an interesting website on another blog. The blogger has an interest in entomology and has a link to a site that will identify insects via pictures and descriptions. And every one of those identifications starts by categorizing the critter. It lists habits, and enemies, and just about anything else you'd like to know. Almost any animal website will do the same thing. Zoos worldwide are also on board that particular bandwagon.
But I've also been observing the local wildlife, as it were. And you know what? Herons don't care. Neither do lightning bugs. Or dogs. Or crabs. Or even flowers. They simply do not care what we, in our quest to pigeonhole our world, have decided that they do or do not do, or what their scientific name is, or what genus they are. They do what they were made to do. Every single one of them. They sing, or glow, or bark, or pinch, or bloom (or not) - whatever - just because it's what they are supposed to do. It's how the Creator made them. It's how they give Him their praise - by doing what He has told them to do.
He has told them to be themselves, and in doing that they honor Him.
Why can't I just do what I've been told to do by my Creator? Why can't I praise Him by being how He made me?
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Georgia on my mind
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
An update
So. Now they're going to do a "procedure" (not a "surgery") to her carotid artery, and hopefully take care of what might be happening in there. That means that she'll be in hospital for a couple more days at least.
She currently lives with and takes care of my grandfather. At this point, we don't really think he 'gets' what her condition will mean. Of course, that could be because no one wants to tell him the entire story.
Thank you for your prayers, and I ask that you continue.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
My Aunt
All of us went back to meet her yesterday afternoon/evening. THIS was what she had been working for during the past two years. Everything would finally come together this night - the room was beautiful, everyone was dressed to the nines! We went to her suite to see if she needed anything, and she told me that she was feeling fine, but that her speech was slurred, and she couldn't speak earlier that morning. When I looked at her, her mouth drooped to one side. She was trying really hard not to let my grandfather know anything might be wrong. I called Allen into her room to give her a quick check. He tested her grip, checked her pupils, and told her that as far as he could tell, she was okay. She ended up telling my grandfather, and assured him that if she didn't feel better Sunday that she would go to a doctor.
Allen pulled me aside and told me he thought something was wrong, but if it had happened early this morning, there wasn't much to be done at this moment. We went to her installation, and she just wasn't herself. She definitely raised the concern of more than one person in the room. As soon as the ceremony was over, she was convinced to go to the hospital immediately.
As of right now, they've brought her blood pressure down enough that it doesn't seem to be a huge concern, but they still have her on a stroke protocol. They haven't definitively decided that that is what has happened, but today hasn't been much better - she's still slurring, and now forgetting words.
Please keep her in your prayers. Her name is Joy, and she is very dear to me. Thanks, Blogville...
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Today's the *gulp* day...
Actually, it was a nice day! I don't really FEEL any older, and the fact that this is THE BIG ONE isn't coming into play too much. I'm looking forward to everyone being home soon, and just enjoying the long weekend. (Older people need more rest, you know...lol!)
Thanks to my great friends who turned something I was planning for someone else into a surprise celebration for me last night! I was so honored! Wait till next year, JL - your turn!!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Hospitality
It's even more nervewracking for me because the guests are not from our church family. I can let some things slide for some people, because they have to love me anyway. Lol! But not so with this crowd, so I'm a little edgy on how things will come together.
At the same time, I'm trying to wrap my head around a hospitality ministry at church. We're trying to determine what that exactly should be, and where it should fit in terms of a pigeonhole - should it fall under the women's ministry? Should it be a ministry all its own?
The more research I'm doing on the topic shows me that there are some very divergent ideas on what hospitality means to some churches. All of them characterize serving others. But that service seems to range from helping with parking places to finding somewhere for someone to live. Quite a range.
I try to pride myself on being hospitable to guests in our home. And I'm becoming convicted that this pride is displaced. I read this:
The Bible suggests several attributes found in a ministry of hospitality. A focus on the needs of others rather than on one’s own is exemplified in the stories of Abraham and the three visitors (Genesis 18), the Shunammite woman (II Kings 4:8-37), and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). A willingness to share whatever one has, even if it is meager, is demonstrated in the widow of Zarephath (I Kings 17), the little boy with a lunch (John 6:9), and the disciples from Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32).
A loving heart seeking relationship is exemplified by Mary (Luke 10:38) and in Simon’s home (Luke 7:36-50). Courage to risk developing relationships is seen in Abigail (I Samuel 25) and in Rahab (Joshua 2).
Strikingly little is said about skills of cooking, the possession of a beautiful home, or ability in conversation. In fact, the only reference to this is Christ’s gentle remonstrance with Martha not to “fret and fuss” about the details of preparing a meal for Him. He pointed her instead to the priority of being with Him. Thus, simplicity and service characterize the type of hospitality found in the scriptures.
A counterfeit form of hospitality is often confused with true Christian hospitality. This “entertaining” is ego-centered and based on materialistic concepts sold in advertisements and the media which suggest that being a “good” host or hostess demands gourmet cooking ability, a spotless and sparkling home, witty and charming conversations, etc. This form of entertaining can result in bondage, excessive labor, preoccupation with one’s own needs, and reluctance to be spontaneously generous.
(Sorry - I can only find that the quote comes from PlusLine.)
Talk about convicting! Especially that last paragraph - bondage, excessive labor, preoccupation with one's own needs - yep - got 'em all!
Now, I'm not talking about letting the house just kinda be what it is currently - there are things that need to be done to help our guests be comfortable, etc. But I have been convicted that my brand of 'hospitality' is 'show off-tality', you know? Any tips on overcoming this?
Monday, May 14, 2007
Monday
To the two people who are still looking for posts from me - sorry! I've really been wrapped up in stuff with family and home (ask me about my wall!) and the women's ministry. I'm just not feeling the whole blog thing right now. I don't know. I'm also not feeling the whole praise team thing right now again either. (?)
We've got plans every weekend through the end of June, so I know I need to get my ducks in a row and get busy getting ready. It's mostly things I'm looking forward to, so that's good.
Any-hoo, life goes on, and I'm continually blessed by God. Blugs!!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Question #2
**Sorry - wasn't thinking right - I meant to ask what QUALITY you'd like to have...
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Miscellania
__________________________________
Got the boy's progress reports recently. DS2 will be on A-B honor roll again! And - drum roll please! - DS1 is not only passing, he's passing pretty darn well, thankyouverymuch! Has the corner finally been turned?! Wahoo!
___________________________________
My goober of a husband is floating through the house this week. He's finally getting to leave on at least part of his long awaited Blues & BBQ tour. This weekend, he and another brother from church are heading to KCMO for lots of fellowship, lots of music, and lots of RIBS! As I am typing, he started playing Fats Domino's "Going to Kansas City." Albone is SOOO jazzed (no pun intended!) about going! And I'm very excited for him - he needs this trip! He deserves this trip! He's finally going on this trip!
___________________________________
And my plans for the weekend? Hint: two words - a season and an unpleasant activity...guesses? Yep - spring cleaning! I'm sure my boys would appreciate prayers for rescue.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Tingly-feeling
Hope it lasts...!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Creamed corn, anyone?
List five weird things about yourself. Ready? Go.
To be honest, I had a hard time coming up with things that aren't simply pet peeves. But, here goes...
1. Milk MUST be ICE. COLD. No leaving it out on the table for the length of a meal for me! The less time it's out of the fridge, the happier I am. I have a real problem with spoiled milk - blech!
2. I pop my joints - fingers, wrists, elbows, etc. But I can't do just one side. I have to do both.
3. I hate it when people say EYE-talian. Enough said.
4. I can't lay on my back without bending my right leg. It reminds me of someone laying in a coffin, and ever since I was a child, that right leg has managed to bend. As a result, I had really good turnout on the right side for the ballet section of dance class. (Left side, not so much...)
5. I dislike the number four. Don't ask me why - I simply don't know.
So there ya have it. Me in a NUTshell - lol! What's weird about you?
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
A new creation
Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings sorrows and pains because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY. He will never let you down.
I received this in an email message today. The sender's name isn't important, because the true sender was God. His hand has been on me all day today.
Allen and I have been trying to deal with 'stuff' from my past. It's not been easy, but he's been incredibly patient. But he's also been incredibly frustrated. Understandably so. Last night, he asked me if I truly believed I was a new creation in Christ or if it was just something I was paying lip service to. This question has been uppermost in my mind all day.
During some downtime today, I did a topical search on new creation. I was directed to the predictable verses about being a new creation, but I dug a little deeper, and was directed to different verses dealing with regeneration. Like this one I blogged about a while ago:
GOD, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your
children's hearts, freeing you to love GOD, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live.
And this one:
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the
next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ jesus. Saving is all
his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do
it.
And a quote from a christian novel I'm reading (modified):
I know I don't have the power within myself to initiate or complete lastingSee what I mean? It's been like this ALL DAY. He's been challenging me: "Do you really accept that I will complete the good work I began in you? Do you believe I am committed to you?"
changes in my life. Only God can do that.
I'm starting to. I don't want this promise especially to be a minor part of some christian litany of promises. I want it to be real! I want so much to get rid of what has been causing me pain and fear and holding me back from what I really want. I WILL NOT let my past keep me in bondage any longer.
Elhoy Mikarov - God who is near, be near me now as I put my past behind me. Help me put it as far from me as you have put my sins from you. Be with Allen and me.
El Emet - God of truth, make your promises TRUTH to me. I want to hold unswervingly to your words.
Jehovah Shalom - Lord of peace, give me your peace and comfort. Give me courage and don't let me miss the love that my fear is hiding.
Jehovah Ropheka - Lord our healer, heal me. Heal my spirit, heal my mind. Free me.
Jehovah Shammah - Lord who is present, be real to me.
Amen
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Sound the retreat!
I was thrilled to have some rookies join us this year. And no, we didn't haze them too badly - lol!
I thought the entire weekend was very encouraging, and I can't wait to see the changes that will come from it!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Wait - I thought it was Tuesday - not Monday
Anyway...I'm home with the sick ones (child and car) and I've got too much to do to be here. Our retreat is this weekend, and I've got shopping and packing and preparing to do. We leave Friday for a weekend of study, and prayer (and chocolate.) I'm really excited because we've got some rookies coming this year!
Tyler is feeling better. Temp's down and he's eating. Haven't checked the car. Gorgeous, forgiving, patient, handsome husband still loves me (whew)! Hopefully this evening will go better than this morning did...! LOL!