Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
BNSF FAMILY FUN NIGHT
I am off work today having moved my friend's house that I would normally clean today, to yesterday. I'm going to pick up Jelly Bean from school today and she is going with Grampy & I to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Family Fun Night down at Corporate HQ's in Ft Worth. I am going to take my camera becasue there is a lot of fun stuff for kids going on. She should have a great time. She missed 3 days of school this week because she has been sick. Initially I thought I was dealing with alleries and sinus stuff but as this lingers on and the medicine isn't working, I am wondering if I caught something from her?
Yesterday, Jennifer my oldest daughter called me. She was alternating laughter with crying because our Aly-Cat and 2 other little girls from Day Care decided to give one another haircuts! She said it was pretty funny but then, when she'd look at her little girly-girl, she would tear up. Jennifer is all about lace, bows, ruffles and girly things and so are her 2 little girlies! She ended up running Aly to the beauty shop to see if they could do anything to salvage her hair. It's pretty short from what she told me and I'm eager to see a picture. It sounds like between the 3 girls, Aly was right in the middle. The one little girl's hair wasn't too bad but the other little girls was AWFUL!!! Despite the anxiety of a 3 year old playing with scissors (yikes) it is definitely a story for the scrapbook! I'll post something once I get it.
It's supposed to be in the 90's again today. Is it ever going to feel like Fall? I spoke with Meine Mutti last night and she sounds really good! She said she has been sleeping pretty good since she's gotten creative in how to lie down and not squeeze the pacemaker. I'm excited because I'm going home to St Louis next weekend to see her! Yippee! I'll have to take some pictures while I'm there and maybe I can even get a picture of Aly myself since I'll be seeing her and Jennifer for breakfast before going out to my folk's house.
Gotta run, I'm burnin' daylight!
Yesterday, Jennifer my oldest daughter called me. She was alternating laughter with crying because our Aly-Cat and 2 other little girls from Day Care decided to give one another haircuts! She said it was pretty funny but then, when she'd look at her little girly-girl, she would tear up. Jennifer is all about lace, bows, ruffles and girly things and so are her 2 little girlies! She ended up running Aly to the beauty shop to see if they could do anything to salvage her hair. It's pretty short from what she told me and I'm eager to see a picture. It sounds like between the 3 girls, Aly was right in the middle. The one little girl's hair wasn't too bad but the other little girls was AWFUL!!! Despite the anxiety of a 3 year old playing with scissors (yikes) it is definitely a story for the scrapbook! I'll post something once I get it.
It's supposed to be in the 90's again today. Is it ever going to feel like Fall? I spoke with Meine Mutti last night and she sounds really good! She said she has been sleeping pretty good since she's gotten creative in how to lie down and not squeeze the pacemaker. I'm excited because I'm going home to St Louis next weekend to see her! Yippee! I'll have to take some pictures while I'm there and maybe I can even get a picture of Aly myself since I'll be seeing her and Jennifer for breakfast before going out to my folk's house.
Gotta run, I'm burnin' daylight!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
LIKE A SPONGE
For someone who is a HUGE History buff like me, I am in heaven! I've been mesmerized this week, on PBS, we've been watching "The War" ,Ken Burns' wonderful documentary on World War 2. I would rather watch a documentary than a comedy or a romantic movie any time! I love Westerns and war movies and I realize that I'm not like most women out there. My husband doesn't mind, that's for sure!
Growing up, I was fascinated by the American Civil War and couldn't get enough information on it. In High School, I wrote my ACC (Advanced College Credit) American History paper on the "Fall of the Confederacy". I had a wonderful time researching and pouring over books. I even convinced half of my classmates to secede from the Union during an exercise! I think my interest stemmed from my Mother taking me to the old Ambassador Theatre in St Louis when I was just 8 years old to see "Gone With The Wind". I was glued to the big screen and those visual images stuck with me long after the popcorn had been devoured!
In 1990, when I was 8 months preganant with Charlie, Ken Burns' groundbreaking documentary on the Civil War was aired. I still to this day, think that's one of the finest pieces of film I have ever seen! Naturally, I was excited when I heard of his latest project, "The War." I have not been disappointed at all.
It's been graphic and some of the images are almost too painful to bear. And yet, I can't tear myself away! Last night we watched the 4th installment that took us up to August 1944. In more recent years, since starting the family Genealogy Book, I have become much more interested in World War 2. I grew up hearing my Mother, on a very rare occasion share what it was like growing up in Germany during the war. My grandmother lost a brother in the South Pacific and I always tried to imagine what he had been like. I would pour through her photos, which she left to me after she died, seeing him and his twin brother, (my Uncle AC) in their Navy uniforms, posing with youthful 19 year-old enthusiasm. I have the placard with the star that my Great Grandma Lizzy placed in their window as well as a copy of LIFE magazine that lists his name among the dead.
I am amazed at how the country pulled together for the war effort and turned out so many war materials! I was shocked to hear that at just one factory alone, they were cranking out airplanes on the assembly line every 63 minutes!!! Seeing the visual maps of how entrenched Hitler was in Western Europe and North Africa as well as how far-reaching the Japanese empire had stretched, was shocking! It was only by the grace of God alone that the Allies accomplished what they did.
I wish that High Schools would incorporate this series into their curriculum to help today's young people get a grasp on what freedom really means! My generation, the baby-boomers, are children of the "Greatest Generation" and have a closer connection than say, my children. As I've watched this series and heard stories of young men as young as 17 falsifying their age and going over to fight, it takes my breath away. My son will be 17 next month and I can't fathom that thought!
These men and women don't think they're anything special, they just did what needed to be done. I am in awe...
Growing up, I was fascinated by the American Civil War and couldn't get enough information on it. In High School, I wrote my ACC (Advanced College Credit) American History paper on the "Fall of the Confederacy". I had a wonderful time researching and pouring over books. I even convinced half of my classmates to secede from the Union during an exercise! I think my interest stemmed from my Mother taking me to the old Ambassador Theatre in St Louis when I was just 8 years old to see "Gone With The Wind". I was glued to the big screen and those visual images stuck with me long after the popcorn had been devoured!
In 1990, when I was 8 months preganant with Charlie, Ken Burns' groundbreaking documentary on the Civil War was aired. I still to this day, think that's one of the finest pieces of film I have ever seen! Naturally, I was excited when I heard of his latest project, "The War." I have not been disappointed at all.
It's been graphic and some of the images are almost too painful to bear. And yet, I can't tear myself away! Last night we watched the 4th installment that took us up to August 1944. In more recent years, since starting the family Genealogy Book, I have become much more interested in World War 2. I grew up hearing my Mother, on a very rare occasion share what it was like growing up in Germany during the war. My grandmother lost a brother in the South Pacific and I always tried to imagine what he had been like. I would pour through her photos, which she left to me after she died, seeing him and his twin brother, (my Uncle AC) in their Navy uniforms, posing with youthful 19 year-old enthusiasm. I have the placard with the star that my Great Grandma Lizzy placed in their window as well as a copy of LIFE magazine that lists his name among the dead.
I am amazed at how the country pulled together for the war effort and turned out so many war materials! I was shocked to hear that at just one factory alone, they were cranking out airplanes on the assembly line every 63 minutes!!! Seeing the visual maps of how entrenched Hitler was in Western Europe and North Africa as well as how far-reaching the Japanese empire had stretched, was shocking! It was only by the grace of God alone that the Allies accomplished what they did.
I wish that High Schools would incorporate this series into their curriculum to help today's young people get a grasp on what freedom really means! My generation, the baby-boomers, are children of the "Greatest Generation" and have a closer connection than say, my children. As I've watched this series and heard stories of young men as young as 17 falsifying their age and going over to fight, it takes my breath away. My son will be 17 next month and I can't fathom that thought!
These men and women don't think they're anything special, they just did what needed to be done. I am in awe...
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
MEINE MUTTI
I spoke with my Mom last night. She was released from the hospital around 9:30 yesterday morning. I was surprised because I know that sometimes the discharge process can take a long time. They ran her down to x-ray to see how the pacemaker was doing and she was good to go, literally.
Her voice sounded so good! She admitted she had discomfort and would be taking a pain pill but hearing her voice did MY heart good! She still has recovery to go through but I'm confident that she'll rebound nicely. All of your prayers have been greatly appreciated! Thabk you so much!
I have been sick since Sunday afternoon. I'm thinking it's sinuses because the allergies are terrible right now. My head feels like it's going to explode from all of the pressure. I'm really hoping it's not a cold because in the past, I am usually struggling 6-8 weeks trying to get rid of it. I am draining like a sieve one minute and the next, like now, I'm all stuffed up. YUCKY!
We've been watching the series, "WAR" by Ken Burns on PBS this week. Seeing how I'm consumed with WW2 as an area of interest, I have been glued to the TV since Sunday evening. This History fanatic has learned some things that I never knew. It has a lot of graphic stuff in it but then it's war. The amazing thing is how much life film footage they have! He has accessed archival, military film as well as some personal home movies. It's been really interesting!
I'm off to take some medication so I can function.
Her voice sounded so good! She admitted she had discomfort and would be taking a pain pill but hearing her voice did MY heart good! She still has recovery to go through but I'm confident that she'll rebound nicely. All of your prayers have been greatly appreciated! Thabk you so much!
I have been sick since Sunday afternoon. I'm thinking it's sinuses because the allergies are terrible right now. My head feels like it's going to explode from all of the pressure. I'm really hoping it's not a cold because in the past, I am usually struggling 6-8 weeks trying to get rid of it. I am draining like a sieve one minute and the next, like now, I'm all stuffed up. YUCKY!
We've been watching the series, "WAR" by Ken Burns on PBS this week. Seeing how I'm consumed with WW2 as an area of interest, I have been glued to the TV since Sunday evening. This History fanatic has learned some things that I never knew. It has a lot of graphic stuff in it but then it's war. The amazing thing is how much life film footage they have! He has accessed archival, military film as well as some personal home movies. It's been really interesting!
I'm off to take some medication so I can function.
Monday, September 24, 2007
PRAYER FOR MY MOM TODAY
UPDATE BELOW
As I write this, Meine Mutti is at the hospital being prepped for her surgery. I spoke with her Friday evening as well as last night to reassure her that she is loved and being prayed for. Her spirits were sagging but I remember not feeling too enthusiastic right before my surgery a couple of years ago either! I have total peace in my heart regarding my beautiful mother. As much as I am loved by her I feel the long arms of love of my Heavenly Father wrapped tightly around my heart. I have the assurance that when God's children are hurting or frightened, God does not sit idly by and think,
"Why don't they have more faith?"
He rushes in and scoops them up and holds them tenderly. I truly believe that His heart breaks when ours is breaking and that He takes note of every tear we cry. He is good, faithful and merciful. Nothing can change His character or make Him go against His nature. He is God and He is in control.
UPDATE!!!
I spoke with Pop earlier and she came through the surgery well. They did indeed have to replace her pacemaker because the old one was working its way out of position in the heart wall, rubbinbg against the skin, which is what caused the infection. Please pray for her recovery physically as well as emotionally. She was really depressed about having to have this done. Thank you to all of you who have remembered her in your prayers!
As I write this, Meine Mutti is at the hospital being prepped for her surgery. I spoke with her Friday evening as well as last night to reassure her that she is loved and being prayed for. Her spirits were sagging but I remember not feeling too enthusiastic right before my surgery a couple of years ago either! I have total peace in my heart regarding my beautiful mother. As much as I am loved by her I feel the long arms of love of my Heavenly Father wrapped tightly around my heart. I have the assurance that when God's children are hurting or frightened, God does not sit idly by and think,
"Why don't they have more faith?"
He rushes in and scoops them up and holds them tenderly. I truly believe that His heart breaks when ours is breaking and that He takes note of every tear we cry. He is good, faithful and merciful. Nothing can change His character or make Him go against His nature. He is God and He is in control.
UPDATE!!!
I spoke with Pop earlier and she came through the surgery well. They did indeed have to replace her pacemaker because the old one was working its way out of position in the heart wall, rubbinbg against the skin, which is what caused the infection. Please pray for her recovery physically as well as emotionally. She was really depressed about having to have this done. Thank you to all of you who have remembered her in your prayers!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
I CRIED MYSELF TO SLEEP...
Last night was a bad night. I can't remember the last time I cried that hard. There really is something cleansing though in tears. I don't feel as weighed down this morning and my outlook is brighter.
I spoke with my folks on Tuesday for my birthday. It's been a rough year for them. My brother died unexpectedly last Dec and my Aunt Iris just died 3 weeks ago. (Of all things, on the one year anniversary of my MIL's death!) Pop and my Aunt Phyliss Ann are all that remain of the siblings, my dad has helped bury every one of them as well as his parents and 2 sons in his lifetime. Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of Pop's "2nd Chance Day" as I like to call it. In 2002 my folks missed connections with me on my birthday. So when Mom called the next day I was starting to tease her about it until I heard the sound of her voice. She had spent all day and most of that evening at the hospital with Pop, he had suffered a heart attack and had underwent a quintuple by-pass. She couldn't remember anyone's cell phone numbers and had sat at the hospital, alone, all day. My heart just broke. The Lord blessed me with an airline ticket from a lady at our church who was a flight attendant for Southwest, she had a ticket which was about to expire. I flew home, helped Mom bring Pop home and stayed with them for several days as he began the healing process. When grief hadn't worn more lines on his face this past year, you would never know the man had a brush with death! He got back his pilot's liscense, flies his little plane all over the place and is a man on the go! He is the youngest 77 year old man I've ever met!
My mom is such a special woman! She has lived through so much in her lifetime that it's amazing she keeps getting up every time life smacks her down! In December of 2004 she unexpectedly was hospitalized for heart problems and had to have a pacemaker installed. She has been on medication ever since and at times, she gets really down over the situation. In the midst of our conversation this week she told me she had had to go back into her doctor becasue she noticed there was a foul odor as well as oozing at the site of where her pacemaker was. He diagnosed that she has an infection, prescribed antibiotics and scheduled a follow up visit yesterday. As it turns out, she is going to have to have a new pacemaker. I was surprised that it's come to that! I had figured they would clean the area real well and acess her after she had went through the antibiotics.
She will go in for surgery on Monday morning. They will go up through the groin and disconnect the leads on her current pacemaker. They will hook those up to some machine that will keep her heart stable while they put the new one in on the OTHER side! She was shocked that she has to go through all of this all over again. She was pretty depressed about it last night when she called me. I prayed over her and tried to be upbeat. I told her that if this had gone unchecked that she might've gotten some type of irreplable damage to her heart. Also, she will be recovered in time to enjoy the holidays.
In both instances, Pop's heart attack and surgery as well as Mom's pacemaker, I found out after the fact. This is the first time I have it weighing on my mind before the surgery happens. The enemy did his level best last night to speak fear into my heart. My mom is only 69 years old and we have just begun planning a trip to the East Coast for next Fall to see all of the things she's always wanted to see! (Colonial Williamsburg, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, etc) She & I have a lot of years ahead of us in our relationship and I'm not ready to say goodbye to her. So, if you read this, please pray for my Mommy. Her name is Helga. While you're at it, a prayer against fear, sent up for me would be appreciated as well.
I am a daughter of the King as is my Mom.
I spoke with my folks on Tuesday for my birthday. It's been a rough year for them. My brother died unexpectedly last Dec and my Aunt Iris just died 3 weeks ago. (Of all things, on the one year anniversary of my MIL's death!) Pop and my Aunt Phyliss Ann are all that remain of the siblings, my dad has helped bury every one of them as well as his parents and 2 sons in his lifetime. Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of Pop's "2nd Chance Day" as I like to call it. In 2002 my folks missed connections with me on my birthday. So when Mom called the next day I was starting to tease her about it until I heard the sound of her voice. She had spent all day and most of that evening at the hospital with Pop, he had suffered a heart attack and had underwent a quintuple by-pass. She couldn't remember anyone's cell phone numbers and had sat at the hospital, alone, all day. My heart just broke. The Lord blessed me with an airline ticket from a lady at our church who was a flight attendant for Southwest, she had a ticket which was about to expire. I flew home, helped Mom bring Pop home and stayed with them for several days as he began the healing process. When grief hadn't worn more lines on his face this past year, you would never know the man had a brush with death! He got back his pilot's liscense, flies his little plane all over the place and is a man on the go! He is the youngest 77 year old man I've ever met!
My mom is such a special woman! She has lived through so much in her lifetime that it's amazing she keeps getting up every time life smacks her down! In December of 2004 she unexpectedly was hospitalized for heart problems and had to have a pacemaker installed. She has been on medication ever since and at times, she gets really down over the situation. In the midst of our conversation this week she told me she had had to go back into her doctor becasue she noticed there was a foul odor as well as oozing at the site of where her pacemaker was. He diagnosed that she has an infection, prescribed antibiotics and scheduled a follow up visit yesterday. As it turns out, she is going to have to have a new pacemaker. I was surprised that it's come to that! I had figured they would clean the area real well and acess her after she had went through the antibiotics.
She will go in for surgery on Monday morning. They will go up through the groin and disconnect the leads on her current pacemaker. They will hook those up to some machine that will keep her heart stable while they put the new one in on the OTHER side! She was shocked that she has to go through all of this all over again. She was pretty depressed about it last night when she called me. I prayed over her and tried to be upbeat. I told her that if this had gone unchecked that she might've gotten some type of irreplable damage to her heart. Also, she will be recovered in time to enjoy the holidays.
In both instances, Pop's heart attack and surgery as well as Mom's pacemaker, I found out after the fact. This is the first time I have it weighing on my mind before the surgery happens. The enemy did his level best last night to speak fear into my heart. My mom is only 69 years old and we have just begun planning a trip to the East Coast for next Fall to see all of the things she's always wanted to see! (Colonial Williamsburg, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, etc) She & I have a lot of years ahead of us in our relationship and I'm not ready to say goodbye to her. So, if you read this, please pray for my Mommy. Her name is Helga. While you're at it, a prayer against fear, sent up for me would be appreciated as well.
I am a daughter of the King as is my Mom.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
BIRTHDAY MESSAGE TO ME-GIGI!
A BIRTHDAY BLESSING!!
If you want to see just about the cutest thing ever, click here at my daughter Jennifer's blog and watch my birthday video message from my 2 youngest grand-girlies! What a couple of cutie-patooties! It sure blessed this GIGI heart of mine!
If you want to see just about the cutest thing ever, click here at my daughter Jennifer's blog and watch my birthday video message from my 2 youngest grand-girlies! What a couple of cutie-patooties! It sure blessed this GIGI heart of mine!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
UP TO NO GOOD
It's been a few days since I last posted. Early yesterday morning I took Dave to the airport for his trip to Arizona this week. He has his Southern team of guys coming together for a staff meeting that he has planned. They flew into Phoenix and then drove a rental van up to Williams. They're staying at the Grand Canyon Railway Lodge and after their big meeting today they will have a relaxation day tomorrow. He has them taking the train out to the Grand Canyon and then doing a tour of the area as well. He has put a lot of time and energy into this meeting and I know it'll be a job well done! I joke that he could be a travel agent if he ever needed a back-up career. With his organizational abilities and eye for details, he's an ideal travel companion, if I say so myself!
Last night I went to Open House at Charlie's high school. I met all of the teachers he has this year and everyone of them had such nice things to say about Charlie! That always does my heart good. I already knew he was a great kid, it's nice when others notice too! His AP Chemistry teacher taught his Pre-AP Biology class last year. She's the one who sent me a wonderful e-mail about him saying that you just see the love of Jesus shining through him! Once again, she told me that people are drawn to Charlie because there's something special about him! (sigh)
We ordered his class ring last night too. In all honesty, he'd rather have an X-Box, Halo 3 edition playsystem for video games but I told him, he might regret never having gotten his ring. He opted to go with a blue stone for his ring rather than his October (Rose Zircon) birthstone, which looks pretty pink! Under the stone is a swirling tornado (naturally!) and on one side he has the Dallas Stars (NHL Hockey emblem) and on the other is his name with a guitar. If they had any kind of weather-related side emblems, he would've went that way! My kids are "different". When we ordered Laura's ring, because she was into Civil War Re-enacting, she was wanting a cannon or guns on her ring but I guess those aren't options that Josten's makes available! Probably sounds too violent! I beleieve the rings come in right before Christmas.
On Saturday morning, Dave & I particiapated in the American Heart Walk. He ended up being team captain for his department with the BNSF RR kind of last minute when the guy who normally does it, got transferred to Washington State. We got down there early since it was going to be crowded. I saw where the Burlington Northern Santa Fe raised over $54,000 for the American Heart Association! Since our oldest daughter Jennifer works for them I'll bet that makes her happy! (Jenn, we were on the Trinity Trails which is right across from the Ft Worth Botanical Gardens where dad did Al's pictures this Spring!) Dave will in all liklihood be Captain again next year and now that we know what to expect, I think we'll probably be more enthusiastic about participating next year!
Since Dave was going to be out of town on my birthday (which is today) we went out Saturday for my birthday. We went to Papi's Tex-Mex Grill which is run by the Gonzalez family from our church. That's the first time we've eaten there and it was REALLY good! Afterwards, we went and saw "3:10 to Yuma" again. We had seen it the week before but enjoyed it so much we felt we had to go again. We caught some things we hadn't seen before or had realized were rich in meaning or symbolism the first time around.
Sunday was church, grilling steaks out on the grill, doing laundry, watching the Cowboys beat up Miami and watching Jelly Bean for a few hours for Jess and Steven. I still didn't get that Pumpkin Butter made like I had hoped. I'm working today but maybe later this afternoon, I can make my big mess in the kitchen!
UPDATE
Man, Blogger doesn't miss a thing! My profile already shows my new age!
Last night I went to Open House at Charlie's high school. I met all of the teachers he has this year and everyone of them had such nice things to say about Charlie! That always does my heart good. I already knew he was a great kid, it's nice when others notice too! His AP Chemistry teacher taught his Pre-AP Biology class last year. She's the one who sent me a wonderful e-mail about him saying that you just see the love of Jesus shining through him! Once again, she told me that people are drawn to Charlie because there's something special about him! (sigh)
We ordered his class ring last night too. In all honesty, he'd rather have an X-Box, Halo 3 edition playsystem for video games but I told him, he might regret never having gotten his ring. He opted to go with a blue stone for his ring rather than his October (Rose Zircon) birthstone, which looks pretty pink! Under the stone is a swirling tornado (naturally!) and on one side he has the Dallas Stars (NHL Hockey emblem) and on the other is his name with a guitar. If they had any kind of weather-related side emblems, he would've went that way! My kids are "different". When we ordered Laura's ring, because she was into Civil War Re-enacting, she was wanting a cannon or guns on her ring but I guess those aren't options that Josten's makes available! Probably sounds too violent! I beleieve the rings come in right before Christmas.
On Saturday morning, Dave & I particiapated in the American Heart Walk. He ended up being team captain for his department with the BNSF RR kind of last minute when the guy who normally does it, got transferred to Washington State. We got down there early since it was going to be crowded. I saw where the Burlington Northern Santa Fe raised over $54,000 for the American Heart Association! Since our oldest daughter Jennifer works for them I'll bet that makes her happy! (Jenn, we were on the Trinity Trails which is right across from the Ft Worth Botanical Gardens where dad did Al's pictures this Spring!) Dave will in all liklihood be Captain again next year and now that we know what to expect, I think we'll probably be more enthusiastic about participating next year!
Since Dave was going to be out of town on my birthday (which is today) we went out Saturday for my birthday. We went to Papi's Tex-Mex Grill which is run by the Gonzalez family from our church. That's the first time we've eaten there and it was REALLY good! Afterwards, we went and saw "3:10 to Yuma" again. We had seen it the week before but enjoyed it so much we felt we had to go again. We caught some things we hadn't seen before or had realized were rich in meaning or symbolism the first time around.
Sunday was church, grilling steaks out on the grill, doing laundry, watching the Cowboys beat up Miami and watching Jelly Bean for a few hours for Jess and Steven. I still didn't get that Pumpkin Butter made like I had hoped. I'm working today but maybe later this afternoon, I can make my big mess in the kitchen!
UPDATE
Man, Blogger doesn't miss a thing! My profile already shows my new age!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
TODAY!
It's hard to believe it's Thursday already and yet, it is! I really should be going through my Day-Timer and getting my day organized but instead, I'm sitting here at the computer with my 3rd cup of hazelnut coffee and smelling the blueberry muffins I made when I first got up. Last night, Dave had to go into the hub for a safety audit. He left around 10:30 and told me he'd be back home around 2 AM. I'm not sure if that's what time he got home or if it was a little later than that. I remember waking up at 4 AM with him all snuggly beside me. Now that's a poll I should take,
"Are you a snuggler or do you need your space when sleeping"?
Us, we're definite snugglers! One of my favorite sensations, lying there with Dave right next to me, holding me while we sleep! Yup, I'm definitely a snuggler, but then phsical touch is my #1 "Love Language". I've always been one who loves giving and getting hugs!
Yesterday, I had a new client I cleaned for. I think it's going to work out really well. She'd like for me to clean her house weekly but right now, the only way I can do that is if I put her on Tues. afternoons. I'll clean for her a few more times and that will help me to determine if that's doable. I've been cleaning for 10 years now and never once, have I ever had to advertise my services! God has been so good to me in that, all of my clients have come to me by word of mouth and I have never been without work! Usually if someone has to stop using me, within a month, God has provided me with someone else to take their spot! I am indeed blessed! It's certainly not a glamourous job nor is it a "career path" but I am blessed nonetheless!
Today I have a lighter job in the morning and then I am going to do some yard work. Dave & I have a full weekend coming up and I want to get this done while I have the opportunity! He's leaving Monday, heading to Arizona for a staff meeting he's been preparing for. I'd love to go with him but none of the spouses are going. We are participating in the Heart Walk on Sat and then getting together with some friends later in the day. Sunday will be filled with church, doing Miss Marilyn's yard work (our elderly neighbor that we take to church) and then him taking me to dinner and a movie for my birthday. I am also hoping to do some canning today, putting up some Pumpkin Butter for the winter.
Well, I need to "git", as my Grandma would say. I need to check on a concert coming to town next month. Michael McDonald (of Doobie Brothers fame) is coming to the NOKIA and I want to see the details. His Motown CD's are some of my favorites! Man, that guy has a soulful voice! I just LOVE it!
"Are you a snuggler or do you need your space when sleeping"?
Us, we're definite snugglers! One of my favorite sensations, lying there with Dave right next to me, holding me while we sleep! Yup, I'm definitely a snuggler, but then phsical touch is my #1 "Love Language". I've always been one who loves giving and getting hugs!
Yesterday, I had a new client I cleaned for. I think it's going to work out really well. She'd like for me to clean her house weekly but right now, the only way I can do that is if I put her on Tues. afternoons. I'll clean for her a few more times and that will help me to determine if that's doable. I've been cleaning for 10 years now and never once, have I ever had to advertise my services! God has been so good to me in that, all of my clients have come to me by word of mouth and I have never been without work! Usually if someone has to stop using me, within a month, God has provided me with someone else to take their spot! I am indeed blessed! It's certainly not a glamourous job nor is it a "career path" but I am blessed nonetheless!
Today I have a lighter job in the morning and then I am going to do some yard work. Dave & I have a full weekend coming up and I want to get this done while I have the opportunity! He's leaving Monday, heading to Arizona for a staff meeting he's been preparing for. I'd love to go with him but none of the spouses are going. We are participating in the Heart Walk on Sat and then getting together with some friends later in the day. Sunday will be filled with church, doing Miss Marilyn's yard work (our elderly neighbor that we take to church) and then him taking me to dinner and a movie for my birthday. I am also hoping to do some canning today, putting up some Pumpkin Butter for the winter.
Well, I need to "git", as my Grandma would say. I need to check on a concert coming to town next month. Michael McDonald (of Doobie Brothers fame) is coming to the NOKIA and I want to see the details. His Motown CD's are some of my favorites! Man, that guy has a soulful voice! I just LOVE it!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
BIZZY!
Yup, it's been busy as usual around here! We were without internet and cable for a huge part of the weekend due to a really bad car accident near our house. At least we had electricity (A/C for me!), some neighborhoods were without for 13 hours!
Saturday morning, Dave & I brought home Charles' car from the Saturn dealership. I had taken my new Vue in on Friday for its 1st oil change and told our salesman Bob, that the time had come for him to be on the lookout for a used car for Charlie. He asked what I was looking for and I gave him the rundown. He told me that surprisingly, the day before, they had gotten something in that fit that description exactly. I called Dave, I took a test drive and we pretty much made our minds up right then. Bob told me to take it home, let Dave drive it, inspect it and I could come back on Sat, pick up my Vue and either leave the other car or we could do the paperwork. So, making a long story short, we have another Saturn parked at our house! It's a 2002 with very low miles on it. I am driving it until we feel it's the right time to hand it over to Charlie. This will keep the miles off of my Vue and frankly, it gets better gas mileage than my SUV! The look on Charles' face was great when he found out! I would've taken a picture of his face but he had "stolen" some batteries from my camera for his Nintendo Wii-mote! That rascal! I will post a picture of him and his car soon.
Saturday evening we had company over, Sunday morning was church and then Dave & I went to the matinee showing of "3:10 to YUMA". We both thought it was a great movie! Of course my philosophy has always been, "even an average Western is better than most of the other stuff that comes out!" We liked it so much we're going to go see it again this weekend when we celebrate my birthday.
Sunday afternoon Jessica brough Jelly Bean over for me to watch. She had gotten 4 free tickets to the Cowboys vs Giants game, from her work and Charlie went with them. They had a great time watching the game and scarfing down the game food! The Cowboys played a good game too! I used to like watching "the boys" when we first moved to Texas, that is until a lot of the players started behaving so badly. Maybe it's time to give them another try! Thanks for this picture Steven, I "borrowed" it from your gallery!
Saturday morning, Dave & I brought home Charles' car from the Saturn dealership. I had taken my new Vue in on Friday for its 1st oil change and told our salesman Bob, that the time had come for him to be on the lookout for a used car for Charlie. He asked what I was looking for and I gave him the rundown. He told me that surprisingly, the day before, they had gotten something in that fit that description exactly. I called Dave, I took a test drive and we pretty much made our minds up right then. Bob told me to take it home, let Dave drive it, inspect it and I could come back on Sat, pick up my Vue and either leave the other car or we could do the paperwork. So, making a long story short, we have another Saturn parked at our house! It's a 2002 with very low miles on it. I am driving it until we feel it's the right time to hand it over to Charlie. This will keep the miles off of my Vue and frankly, it gets better gas mileage than my SUV! The look on Charles' face was great when he found out! I would've taken a picture of his face but he had "stolen" some batteries from my camera for his Nintendo Wii-mote! That rascal! I will post a picture of him and his car soon.
Saturday evening we had company over, Sunday morning was church and then Dave & I went to the matinee showing of "3:10 to YUMA". We both thought it was a great movie! Of course my philosophy has always been, "even an average Western is better than most of the other stuff that comes out!" We liked it so much we're going to go see it again this weekend when we celebrate my birthday.
Sunday afternoon Jessica brough Jelly Bean over for me to watch. She had gotten 4 free tickets to the Cowboys vs Giants game, from her work and Charlie went with them. They had a great time watching the game and scarfing down the game food! The Cowboys played a good game too! I used to like watching "the boys" when we first moved to Texas, that is until a lot of the players started behaving so badly. Maybe it's time to give them another try! Thanks for this picture Steven, I "borrowed" it from your gallery!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
AMERICA'S OTHER DAY OF INFAMY
"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
The greatest is love
The greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
I remember watching this video tribute not long afterwards.
Monday, September 10, 2007
LIVELY DISCUSSION
I enjoy getting people's feedback and I like the fact that it causes me to use my poor, tired, little brain and remind myself why I believe what I believe. It's like the time a lady I used to clean for started a conversation with me about angels. She gave them deity which did not rightfully belong to them. It made me dig more deeply into my bible and explain to her my beliefs and where I got them from.
In my last post I hope I didn't give the impression that God is out there with his Gospel gun indiscriminately zapping people. I agree that we can remove ourselves from God's protection by stepping out of His will or deliberately dabbling in sin. That said, I still believe that God allows things to come into our lives, sometimes it's the consequences of our own sinful nature, sometimes it's the fallout from other people's sinful actions and sometimes it's because we have to live in a fallen world, tainted by sin. God is all powerful and reigns supreme over all. He has the absolute power to change destinies in a nanosecond and yet, not everytime does He step in and alter the course of events.
As I pondered on why I believe this, the Lord brought numerous examples to me from the Bible.
Abraham was put to the test of sacrificing his son, the son that God promised to him and Sarah in their old age. I wonder if he thought to himself, "Why is God having me go through this? Haven't I left everything behind like He has asked me to and have trusted in Him in a new land?" We have the luxury of knowing how the story ends, he didn't as he made the long journey with Issac up the mountainside with a heavy heart.
Jacob (later called Israel, after wrestling with the Angel) having fled to his Uncle Laban's, worked 7 long years to have the woman he loved and longed for. Did he think to himself, "Why has Laban tricked me and given me Leah instead of the woman I loved? I worked hard for him and was dedicated to working hard for him so that he would prosper. Why has God allowed my heart to be broken like this?"
Jacob's son Joseph thrown into a pit by his own brothers. Granted, he was a showboat with that colorful coat of his and all of his lofty dreams but to be sold into slavery? Surely no one can deserve that! He served Potiphar with integrity only to be falsely accused and thrown into jail! Not only thrown into jail but forgotten in jail. (There would have been an opportunity for his release, after interpreting the dreams of the baker and the cup bearer.) Did he wonder, "Why has God allowed me to be forgotten? Is this what comes from being a man of integrity?" We know that God needed him to prepare the way for God's people in the years of famine ahead. Joseph could only wait and most likely wonder.
Daniel, the son of royalty, a young man on the edge of manhood. He is taken away to Babylon and made into a eunuch. We know that he was a man of integrity, daring to not be contaminated by the Babylonian ways. All his life he served the Lord, even when it wasn't politically correct. What did that get him but being thrown into the lion's pit. I have to believe that at some point he would've wondered, did he ask "why has God allowed this to happen to me? Never to know the full earthly pleasures of manhood in a physical way." To become lion fodder as a result of being faithful. He never waivered in his convictions and trust in the Lord though!
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, peers of Daniel, nobility and eunuchs as well, thrown into the fiery furnace. They stood firm, prepared to die if God allowed that to come to pass, rather than betray their God!
David was ordained to be King of Israel, a man after God's own heart and yet King Saul's paranoid jealousy of him made him live like an animal in the caves on the hillside. Twice he had the opportunity to take King Saul's life and yet his respect for Saul's authority, prevented him from following through with it.
Mary the mother of our Lord, withstood public ridicule and scrutiny because of presumptions that she & Joseph had had sex before marriage. She questioned why God would allow her to bear the Savior of the world. He allowed her heart to be broken wide open at the public spectacle of seeing her beloved son beaten, stripped and tortured to death.
Stephen the first martyr of the New Testament, 10 of the original 12 Apostles all martyred for the sake of the Gospel. Paul, afflicted with his thorn in the flesh, beaten, shipwrecked, jailed and beheaded. The list goes on for contemporary times as well...
Jim Elliott, Dietrich Bonhoffer, Betsie ten Boom (sister of Corrie ten Boom)in a concentration camp, persecuted Chinese Christians, Nate Saint...all Godly, devoted Christians.
To say that I believe that God allows suffering is a true statement for me at my core beliefs. That is not to say that He gives people AIDS or cancer, that He smiles when atrocities are committed against the very creation that He died to save. There is a huge difference between allowing suffering in our lives, for reasons to large for my comprehension and causing bad things to happen to people. My peace comes from believing that God is omniscient. Even the prophet Isaiah said,
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (55: 8-9)
I take comfort in knowing that God actually allows things to come into my life even when it makes no sense to me whatsoever! To think there was no purpose, that random or even specific acts of pain and betrayal just come into my life and that God is an idle spectator who finally comes in at the end of the day and cleans up the mess, just doesn't do it for me. I don't believe that His peace and our contentment are an afterthought, I choose to believe that there is purpose.
I think of Brian and Jamie at our church. When their son Corban was 9 months old he was diagnosed with a fatal heart defect. Intercessory prayers went up throughout the church and out of that revival, our church Cross Timbers, was started with 12 families. Corban lived, against the odds until he was 2 years old. His funeral was the largest that that funeral home had ever held. It was filled, not only with family and friends but nurses and doctors as well. Many people heard the Gospel for the first time and gave their life to Christ because of this family and their faith. Today our church has grown to over 10,000 people over 3 campuses. All because this family was willing to be used by God throughout their suffering. I'm sure if you ask them, they have chosen to believe that Corban's short life had purpose. There was no shortage of prayers or faith, God in His omniscience though, called Corban home.
I would love to avoid pain and suffering. I can't imagine anyone in their right mind, wanting to go through that! My peace comes in looking at a bigger picture. We are assured by Jesus Himself in the Gospel of John that we will go through trial and tribulation. He also assures that we have His peace and that He has overcome the world. What is this world but a teardrop in the ocean of eternity. When we are told to ask and have the faith of a mustard seed and it will be given to us, what are we asking for? Our own self-centered, self-focused, best of intentions desires? Human nature at its base is always looking for a means of escape. We live in a fallen world but God has liberated us from this existence. We can only see and operate in the realm of what we know. God is ready, willing and able to change circumstances in a divine instant. I have to wonder though, if we could have a God who operates and performs as we desire, giving us what we want, detering us from painful trials, would we ever know the Suffering Servant's heart?
Even satan has been limited in his power over this earth. Truly he is our adversary "like a lion, seeking whom he would devour" and yet, even in Job's sufferings, he had to ask God's permission to test him. God placed upon satan the limitation of sparing his life. God has not given satan total power over this earth even though at times, it would seem like it when we look around us. We live and operate in a fallen world but God is still on the throne! When God has decided that the time has come, he will bring His judgment and wrath upon satan and his demons. Until that time, we wait, we follow, we trust, we cling to Him...
"...the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
None of us are worthy to stand in God's righteous presence and yet because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we are clothed with His righteousness and declared clean in His eyes. There is nothing we can do that can make God love us any more or any less. I can pray, praise & worship God and live a life pleasing to Him. I am not guaranteed tomorrow no matter what I say or confess today. God is omnipotent and my eternal future is secured. God's grace is sufficient and there is nothing I can do to earn more grace or favor. If I could, I would only contaminate God's marvelous grace with my own works. I've tried to earn favor and it just doesn't work. Only when I empty myself of self can I truly experience the far-reaching depths of God's amazing grace!
In my last post I hope I didn't give the impression that God is out there with his Gospel gun indiscriminately zapping people. I agree that we can remove ourselves from God's protection by stepping out of His will or deliberately dabbling in sin. That said, I still believe that God allows things to come into our lives, sometimes it's the consequences of our own sinful nature, sometimes it's the fallout from other people's sinful actions and sometimes it's because we have to live in a fallen world, tainted by sin. God is all powerful and reigns supreme over all. He has the absolute power to change destinies in a nanosecond and yet, not everytime does He step in and alter the course of events.
As I pondered on why I believe this, the Lord brought numerous examples to me from the Bible.
Abraham was put to the test of sacrificing his son, the son that God promised to him and Sarah in their old age. I wonder if he thought to himself, "Why is God having me go through this? Haven't I left everything behind like He has asked me to and have trusted in Him in a new land?" We have the luxury of knowing how the story ends, he didn't as he made the long journey with Issac up the mountainside with a heavy heart.
Jacob (later called Israel, after wrestling with the Angel) having fled to his Uncle Laban's, worked 7 long years to have the woman he loved and longed for. Did he think to himself, "Why has Laban tricked me and given me Leah instead of the woman I loved? I worked hard for him and was dedicated to working hard for him so that he would prosper. Why has God allowed my heart to be broken like this?"
Jacob's son Joseph thrown into a pit by his own brothers. Granted, he was a showboat with that colorful coat of his and all of his lofty dreams but to be sold into slavery? Surely no one can deserve that! He served Potiphar with integrity only to be falsely accused and thrown into jail! Not only thrown into jail but forgotten in jail. (There would have been an opportunity for his release, after interpreting the dreams of the baker and the cup bearer.) Did he wonder, "Why has God allowed me to be forgotten? Is this what comes from being a man of integrity?" We know that God needed him to prepare the way for God's people in the years of famine ahead. Joseph could only wait and most likely wonder.
Daniel, the son of royalty, a young man on the edge of manhood. He is taken away to Babylon and made into a eunuch. We know that he was a man of integrity, daring to not be contaminated by the Babylonian ways. All his life he served the Lord, even when it wasn't politically correct. What did that get him but being thrown into the lion's pit. I have to believe that at some point he would've wondered, did he ask "why has God allowed this to happen to me? Never to know the full earthly pleasures of manhood in a physical way." To become lion fodder as a result of being faithful. He never waivered in his convictions and trust in the Lord though!
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, peers of Daniel, nobility and eunuchs as well, thrown into the fiery furnace. They stood firm, prepared to die if God allowed that to come to pass, rather than betray their God!
David was ordained to be King of Israel, a man after God's own heart and yet King Saul's paranoid jealousy of him made him live like an animal in the caves on the hillside. Twice he had the opportunity to take King Saul's life and yet his respect for Saul's authority, prevented him from following through with it.
Mary the mother of our Lord, withstood public ridicule and scrutiny because of presumptions that she & Joseph had had sex before marriage. She questioned why God would allow her to bear the Savior of the world. He allowed her heart to be broken wide open at the public spectacle of seeing her beloved son beaten, stripped and tortured to death.
Stephen the first martyr of the New Testament, 10 of the original 12 Apostles all martyred for the sake of the Gospel. Paul, afflicted with his thorn in the flesh, beaten, shipwrecked, jailed and beheaded. The list goes on for contemporary times as well...
Jim Elliott, Dietrich Bonhoffer, Betsie ten Boom (sister of Corrie ten Boom)in a concentration camp, persecuted Chinese Christians, Nate Saint...all Godly, devoted Christians.
To say that I believe that God allows suffering is a true statement for me at my core beliefs. That is not to say that He gives people AIDS or cancer, that He smiles when atrocities are committed against the very creation that He died to save. There is a huge difference between allowing suffering in our lives, for reasons to large for my comprehension and causing bad things to happen to people. My peace comes from believing that God is omniscient. Even the prophet Isaiah said,
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (55: 8-9)
I take comfort in knowing that God actually allows things to come into my life even when it makes no sense to me whatsoever! To think there was no purpose, that random or even specific acts of pain and betrayal just come into my life and that God is an idle spectator who finally comes in at the end of the day and cleans up the mess, just doesn't do it for me. I don't believe that His peace and our contentment are an afterthought, I choose to believe that there is purpose.
I think of Brian and Jamie at our church. When their son Corban was 9 months old he was diagnosed with a fatal heart defect. Intercessory prayers went up throughout the church and out of that revival, our church Cross Timbers, was started with 12 families. Corban lived, against the odds until he was 2 years old. His funeral was the largest that that funeral home had ever held. It was filled, not only with family and friends but nurses and doctors as well. Many people heard the Gospel for the first time and gave their life to Christ because of this family and their faith. Today our church has grown to over 10,000 people over 3 campuses. All because this family was willing to be used by God throughout their suffering. I'm sure if you ask them, they have chosen to believe that Corban's short life had purpose. There was no shortage of prayers or faith, God in His omniscience though, called Corban home.
I would love to avoid pain and suffering. I can't imagine anyone in their right mind, wanting to go through that! My peace comes in looking at a bigger picture. We are assured by Jesus Himself in the Gospel of John that we will go through trial and tribulation. He also assures that we have His peace and that He has overcome the world. What is this world but a teardrop in the ocean of eternity. When we are told to ask and have the faith of a mustard seed and it will be given to us, what are we asking for? Our own self-centered, self-focused, best of intentions desires? Human nature at its base is always looking for a means of escape. We live in a fallen world but God has liberated us from this existence. We can only see and operate in the realm of what we know. God is ready, willing and able to change circumstances in a divine instant. I have to wonder though, if we could have a God who operates and performs as we desire, giving us what we want, detering us from painful trials, would we ever know the Suffering Servant's heart?
Even satan has been limited in his power over this earth. Truly he is our adversary "like a lion, seeking whom he would devour" and yet, even in Job's sufferings, he had to ask God's permission to test him. God placed upon satan the limitation of sparing his life. God has not given satan total power over this earth even though at times, it would seem like it when we look around us. We live and operate in a fallen world but God is still on the throne! When God has decided that the time has come, he will bring His judgment and wrath upon satan and his demons. Until that time, we wait, we follow, we trust, we cling to Him...
"...the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
None of us are worthy to stand in God's righteous presence and yet because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we are clothed with His righteousness and declared clean in His eyes. There is nothing we can do that can make God love us any more or any less. I can pray, praise & worship God and live a life pleasing to Him. I am not guaranteed tomorrow no matter what I say or confess today. God is omnipotent and my eternal future is secured. God's grace is sufficient and there is nothing I can do to earn more grace or favor. If I could, I would only contaminate God's marvelous grace with my own works. I've tried to earn favor and it just doesn't work. Only when I empty myself of self can I truly experience the far-reaching depths of God's amazing grace!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
SPIRITUAL HERITAGE
I was reluctant to post so soon because I didn't want anyone to miss the GodTube video from yesterday. However, if you missed it, make sure you scroll down and watch it. I can't say enough about it!
I have been thinking about spiritual heritage over the last couple of days. I was talking to my biological father who is an ordained Minister and he shared that this is the topic of his message for this Sunday. This conversation came about because I asked how my youngest sister Sara and her new baby were doing. Grace was born 2 weeks ago by C-section and has been in and out of the hospital twice already! Apparently she was scratched either by instruments or someone's fingernail when she was born. She started running a high fever and it was discovered that she had a staph infection! She was admitted to a different hospital specializing in pediatrics for treatment. Upon release a couple of days later, she began running a high fever again and was taken back. If you can believe this, she got a 2nd Staph Infection, this one of the blood, from a different hospital! My poor sister and her husband were dealing with all of that plus a sick 2 year old, my niece Olivia.
I'm guessing Sara was in need of a pep talk from my father. He is quite the Prayer Warrior and there was prayers going up all over for Gracie. The Lord healed her of both staph infections immediately after she was readmitted the second time. Sara had had another child, a little boy a few years ago who was born prematurely. Tyler didn't live very long because he was too small and underdeveloped. It was discovered that Sara's cervix begins to open when the baby grows to a certain weight and size. Now, whenever she gets pregnant, the doctor has to do a procedure where he stitches her cervix to hold the growing baby.
During their talk and her questions about her past trials and heartaches, my father shared that it's not enough to hear about Grandma and Grandpa's faith or that of their forefathers, our children need to see it lived out in front of them. That happens when we as their parents allow God to work in our lives so that we can bring glory to Him.
I've known that God allows things to come into our lives for many reasons. Sometimes we are being disciplined and sometimes it's through no fault of our own or it's because of another person's actions. I remember reading in Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" a poem where it speaks of how every negative, hurtful thing that God has allowed to come into our lives has purpose. The purpose in everything we encounter or endure in this life is to grow us more in the image of His Beloved Son. These events or hurts are opportunities to do just that! That made a LOT of sense to me. It helps me knowing that my painful childhood has had a purpose.
When we go through these times, we have been given the opportunity to glorify God certainly but we are also called to be an example of faith to our children.
"All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all of the families of the nations will bow down before Him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations. All of the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will bow before Him-those who can not keep themselves alive. Posterity will serve Him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn-for He has done it."
Psalm 22: 27-31
Who better to examplify God's greatness, goodness, loving-kindness and mercy to our children than us? We have to leave them something to sink their teeth into. Who will train THEIR children, if not them? I have been chewing on that for the last couple of days.
Am I being the kind of example that will help my children as they grow in their faith? Without sounding presumptious but a generation (or more) could be hanging in the balance if I don't do my job right. I have had my own struggles because of my childhood and the influence I let those issues have over me, I have struggled with my health issues, I have been angry with God, questioned Him and even the purpose of prayer. I'm hoping that my realness with struggles, encourages their hearts down the road. For them to realize that it's okay to not have all the answers. Have the lessons I've learned about faith & trust, display itself in my life? After I am long gone, what will continue to live on? Am I giving my children the tools they'll need when they raise their own? The older I get the more I realize just what an awesome and all encompassing job, parenting really is. It's not enough to give them material ease and comfort. The nitty gritty is the spiritual foundation that holds fast when the strong winds blow and life comes rudely crashing in!
I have been thinking about spiritual heritage over the last couple of days. I was talking to my biological father who is an ordained Minister and he shared that this is the topic of his message for this Sunday. This conversation came about because I asked how my youngest sister Sara and her new baby were doing. Grace was born 2 weeks ago by C-section and has been in and out of the hospital twice already! Apparently she was scratched either by instruments or someone's fingernail when she was born. She started running a high fever and it was discovered that she had a staph infection! She was admitted to a different hospital specializing in pediatrics for treatment. Upon release a couple of days later, she began running a high fever again and was taken back. If you can believe this, she got a 2nd Staph Infection, this one of the blood, from a different hospital! My poor sister and her husband were dealing with all of that plus a sick 2 year old, my niece Olivia.
I'm guessing Sara was in need of a pep talk from my father. He is quite the Prayer Warrior and there was prayers going up all over for Gracie. The Lord healed her of both staph infections immediately after she was readmitted the second time. Sara had had another child, a little boy a few years ago who was born prematurely. Tyler didn't live very long because he was too small and underdeveloped. It was discovered that Sara's cervix begins to open when the baby grows to a certain weight and size. Now, whenever she gets pregnant, the doctor has to do a procedure where he stitches her cervix to hold the growing baby.
During their talk and her questions about her past trials and heartaches, my father shared that it's not enough to hear about Grandma and Grandpa's faith or that of their forefathers, our children need to see it lived out in front of them. That happens when we as their parents allow God to work in our lives so that we can bring glory to Him.
I've known that God allows things to come into our lives for many reasons. Sometimes we are being disciplined and sometimes it's through no fault of our own or it's because of another person's actions. I remember reading in Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" a poem where it speaks of how every negative, hurtful thing that God has allowed to come into our lives has purpose. The purpose in everything we encounter or endure in this life is to grow us more in the image of His Beloved Son. These events or hurts are opportunities to do just that! That made a LOT of sense to me. It helps me knowing that my painful childhood has had a purpose.
When we go through these times, we have been given the opportunity to glorify God certainly but we are also called to be an example of faith to our children.
"All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all of the families of the nations will bow down before Him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations. All of the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will bow before Him-those who can not keep themselves alive. Posterity will serve Him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn-for He has done it."
Psalm 22: 27-31
Who better to examplify God's greatness, goodness, loving-kindness and mercy to our children than us? We have to leave them something to sink their teeth into. Who will train THEIR children, if not them? I have been chewing on that for the last couple of days.
Am I being the kind of example that will help my children as they grow in their faith? Without sounding presumptious but a generation (or more) could be hanging in the balance if I don't do my job right. I have had my own struggles because of my childhood and the influence I let those issues have over me, I have struggled with my health issues, I have been angry with God, questioned Him and even the purpose of prayer. I'm hoping that my realness with struggles, encourages their hearts down the road. For them to realize that it's okay to not have all the answers. Have the lessons I've learned about faith & trust, display itself in my life? After I am long gone, what will continue to live on? Am I giving my children the tools they'll need when they raise their own? The older I get the more I realize just what an awesome and all encompassing job, parenting really is. It's not enough to give them material ease and comfort. The nitty gritty is the spiritual foundation that holds fast when the strong winds blow and life comes rudely crashing in!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
THIS SPEAKS VOLUMES!!!
Please watch this, this is about 5 minutes long and will be time well spent!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF MY SWEETEST FRIENDS!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOIS!!!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!
I used to tell anyone who would listen,
Parenting isn't for sissies!"
I still hold that to be true. To that, I would like to add,
"Caffeine and grandkids are a good mix!"
The caffeine is for me, not them!
On Sunday, Jessica brought Jelly Bean over to our house to spend the night since she and Steven were photographing the Texas Tech/SMU game the next day (Labor Day). I don't really know what Jelly Bean's normal bedtime is but at Gigi & Grampy's house, it's when I finally remember that, "Oh yeah, I guess it's kind of late and she needs to go to bed!" I let her stay up with us and watch a movie and then finally at 10:30, I remembered it probably was bedtime. When staying here it's a given that she sleeps in Charlie's pup tent (from his Boy Scout days) on an air matress in Grampy's den. The only problem with that is the fact that our bedroom, the den, the computer room and the kitchen are all right next to each other, our bedroom is the only room with a door, the rest is very open. As soon as you get out of bed, her little radar starts going off. If you walk, ever so quietly into the kitchen to turn on the coffe pot, she begins to stir. You move over into the computer room sit down in the chair and move the mouse, a little body runs in, stands on your left side and announces,
"Gigi, I'm HUNGRY!"
Of course she is! This kid LOVES to see what Gigi has in her kitchen to eat! I have a sign that hangs in my kitchen that says,
"Gigi's Kitchen
Kids eat free"
She knows this to be true!
So, I am making chocolate chip Mickey Mouse pancakes through half sleepy, coffee-deprived eyes. After polishing off more chocolate milk, she looks at me with those big brown eyes and says,
"Let's Play!"
Dave's not even out of the shower yet and I'm building choo choo train tracks! This is generally recycled throughout the whole stay. Hunger, eating, playing, "watch me", hunger, etc.
After helping me wash dishes, (this kid loves to play in the sink!), cook on the grill, "bowling" with Grampy and so on, I got really tired. No sleeping here I tell you! If you lie down, that's an invitation to play horsie or "rolling off the couch onto pillows", scaring Gigi with plastic spiders or the infamous "Bubba Teeth".
I decided that I would give her a bath and wash her hair so that when Jess picked her up, she was already clean and if she fell asleep on the way home, she could go right to bed. Our bathtub is the kids favorite place in our house! The tub is big and round and when you fill it with bubble bath it's nice and slick for sliding around! One good push sends her one full revolution around the tub. Repeated pushes while hunched over wears you out. Not to mention trying to wash hair and little squirmy bodies and you see why you need to reboot with more caffeine!
Bathtime done, dressed and hair combed, she decided to check out what was going on with Uncle Chaz. I got a bit of a break while the 2 of them "played" video games in his room. By the time Jess left with her, I was exhaused! Holy smokes! That was only about 30 hours! I am convinced that there's a reason why you have kids when you're young! I have the patience but not the endurance! I'm less tired cleaning a huge house, going grocery shopping and doing errands than trying to keep up with a 5 year old.
I'm enjoying my morning coffee, it's quiet and no one is asking anything of me. Hmmm....it's kind of a boring morning!
Parenting isn't for sissies!"
I still hold that to be true. To that, I would like to add,
"Caffeine and grandkids are a good mix!"
The caffeine is for me, not them!
On Sunday, Jessica brought Jelly Bean over to our house to spend the night since she and Steven were photographing the Texas Tech/SMU game the next day (Labor Day). I don't really know what Jelly Bean's normal bedtime is but at Gigi & Grampy's house, it's when I finally remember that, "Oh yeah, I guess it's kind of late and she needs to go to bed!" I let her stay up with us and watch a movie and then finally at 10:30, I remembered it probably was bedtime. When staying here it's a given that she sleeps in Charlie's pup tent (from his Boy Scout days) on an air matress in Grampy's den. The only problem with that is the fact that our bedroom, the den, the computer room and the kitchen are all right next to each other, our bedroom is the only room with a door, the rest is very open. As soon as you get out of bed, her little radar starts going off. If you walk, ever so quietly into the kitchen to turn on the coffe pot, she begins to stir. You move over into the computer room sit down in the chair and move the mouse, a little body runs in, stands on your left side and announces,
"Gigi, I'm HUNGRY!"
Of course she is! This kid LOVES to see what Gigi has in her kitchen to eat! I have a sign that hangs in my kitchen that says,
"Gigi's Kitchen
Kids eat free"
She knows this to be true!
So, I am making chocolate chip Mickey Mouse pancakes through half sleepy, coffee-deprived eyes. After polishing off more chocolate milk, she looks at me with those big brown eyes and says,
"Let's Play!"
Dave's not even out of the shower yet and I'm building choo choo train tracks! This is generally recycled throughout the whole stay. Hunger, eating, playing, "watch me", hunger, etc.
After helping me wash dishes, (this kid loves to play in the sink!), cook on the grill, "bowling" with Grampy and so on, I got really tired. No sleeping here I tell you! If you lie down, that's an invitation to play horsie or "rolling off the couch onto pillows", scaring Gigi with plastic spiders or the infamous "Bubba Teeth".
I decided that I would give her a bath and wash her hair so that when Jess picked her up, she was already clean and if she fell asleep on the way home, she could go right to bed. Our bathtub is the kids favorite place in our house! The tub is big and round and when you fill it with bubble bath it's nice and slick for sliding around! One good push sends her one full revolution around the tub. Repeated pushes while hunched over wears you out. Not to mention trying to wash hair and little squirmy bodies and you see why you need to reboot with more caffeine!
Bathtime done, dressed and hair combed, she decided to check out what was going on with Uncle Chaz. I got a bit of a break while the 2 of them "played" video games in his room. By the time Jess left with her, I was exhaused! Holy smokes! That was only about 30 hours! I am convinced that there's a reason why you have kids when you're young! I have the patience but not the endurance! I'm less tired cleaning a huge house, going grocery shopping and doing errands than trying to keep up with a 5 year old.
I'm enjoying my morning coffee, it's quiet and no one is asking anything of me. Hmmm....it's kind of a boring morning!
Sunday, September 02, 2007
I SHOULD BE AT CHURCH, BUT...
It's Sunday morning and I am supposed to be at church. Instead I am sitting at the computer, waiting for my new front-loading washing machine to be delivered from SEARS. Dave & I went Friday evening after the Labor Day Sale at SEARS began and purchased my new machine. There was a larger capacity one on sale for the price of the smaller one we had looked at just the day before! The salesman said that delivery and haul away was going to be free because of our circumstance and would I like it delivered Sunday? I said,
"We have church Sunday morning".
To which he said,
"Oh, they won't deliver until the aftrenoon."
I thought to myself that that would work out fine AND I could get the house put back together by Sunday night. I told him that would be great to which he replied,
"They'll call and tell you your delivery time."
Fast forward to yesterday evening. Dave & I went to Red Lobster for a wonderful meal and then to the dollar show to see "Live Free/Die Hard". Jennifer gave us the idea a couple of years ago about going out to eat in the afternoons so we could order off the (cheaper and much better portion sizes) lunch menu. From there you catch the rush hour show, in our case we were going to the dollar show, where the ticket prices are a little cheaper as well. Dave had gotten a gift card for his birthday to Red Lobster so we had a real nice date for $20! What a deal! When we got home, I checked the answering machine and the delivery message was on there!
"Hello, this is SEARS delivery calling and we will be delivering your new front-loading washing machine Sunday between 9:30 and 11:30 in the morning. If you would like to reschedule,please call..blah, blah, blah"
What a fibber that salesman was, afternoon delivery my foot! Of course, my desire to get my life (and my house) back in some sort of order dictates I stay here and wait. Good thing I can go on line and listen to the message in a couple of days. So.. once they're gone, I will be busy getting this stuff BACK into the laundry room and out of the living room and hallway! ARRGGHH! The blinders over my eyes are squeezing my brain all that much tighter....
"We have church Sunday morning".
To which he said,
"Oh, they won't deliver until the aftrenoon."
I thought to myself that that would work out fine AND I could get the house put back together by Sunday night. I told him that would be great to which he replied,
"They'll call and tell you your delivery time."
Fast forward to yesterday evening. Dave & I went to Red Lobster for a wonderful meal and then to the dollar show to see "Live Free/Die Hard". Jennifer gave us the idea a couple of years ago about going out to eat in the afternoons so we could order off the (cheaper and much better portion sizes) lunch menu. From there you catch the rush hour show, in our case we were going to the dollar show, where the ticket prices are a little cheaper as well. Dave had gotten a gift card for his birthday to Red Lobster so we had a real nice date for $20! What a deal! When we got home, I checked the answering machine and the delivery message was on there!
"Hello, this is SEARS delivery calling and we will be delivering your new front-loading washing machine Sunday between 9:30 and 11:30 in the morning. If you would like to reschedule,please call..blah, blah, blah"
What a fibber that salesman was, afternoon delivery my foot! Of course, my desire to get my life (and my house) back in some sort of order dictates I stay here and wait. Good thing I can go on line and listen to the message in a couple of days. So.. once they're gone, I will be busy getting this stuff BACK into the laundry room and out of the living room and hallway! ARRGGHH! The blinders over my eyes are squeezing my brain all that much tighter....
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