Sound Effects

Today I had the privilege of taking two young girls to see the play "It's a Wonderful Life." They weren't too sure about it since it wasn't specifically for kids, but they agreed to go. The classic movie was presented as a radio show. There were two microphones at center stage for the speaking parts, framed by a table on each side to handle the sound effects. The actors played multiple parts and created the sounds. There was an miniature door that was opened and closed, a bicycle bell for a telephone ring, a washboard being scrubbed with a soft brush for the sound of a train stopping, shoes tapping together for walking sounds, bottles in a box for glasses tinkling at a party, a wheel moving under a stretched sheet for outside wind, and much more. It was fascinating to watch the sounds that were created.

Proverbs 20:12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.

The girls understood the story, but were more interested in the experience of the sounds. My daughter mentioned that it was neat to see the sounds being created by something that wasn't electronic. The creativity, based on the days of radio, was astounding. I'm looking forward to just hearing the play, as it was recorded and is scheduled to air Christmas night at 7 on WDUN.

Stone Cold

Thursday I took on the role of chaperone for my 8-year-old's class field trip to Stone Mountain. I was given the task of keeping up with 3 little girls. It was easier than I thought since it was in the 30s and no one wanted to run off and play. We toured The Plantation, which consisted of multiple buildings from the late 1700s. The kids were attentive until the began to get hungry for lunch. We ate on picnic tables, in the shade, in 30 degree windy weather. My, but it was cold. I'm not sure what I ate, but it did not warm me up at all.

After lunch the whole class rode the lift to the top of the mountain. Whenever I've been on top of Stone Mountain, I've always been amazed at seeing downtown Atlanta from a distance and trying to pick out other landmarks. These kids, many of whom were there for the very first time, were more fascinated with the ice that had formed in the small pools of water on top. They started playing with the ice, even with the frigid winds that were trying to topple us over. I had to tell one of them to stop eating it!

Job 37:9b-10a And cold from the scattering winds of the north. By the breath of God ice is given.

Perhaps their fascination with something God made right in front of us was better than my attention to something man-made in the distance.

Overwhelmed

I had to go out of town for a day. (Big surprise, I'm sure.) There was a federal conference in Atlanta last week and I determined that Thursday had the best options for learning new things. It took 90 minutes to drive 48 miles, hence the reason I only wanted to go one day. The conference was located at the World Congress Center in Atlanta. I had never been inside that monstrosity before and I was completely amazed. First there was the 7 level parking deck, then the massive buildings that covered multiple city blocks. There were 6000 people attending the conference. In the individual session rooms, there were enough seats for as many as 500 people. It was unreal. I did manage to run into a few people I knew, but the whole experience was overwhelming.

Psalm 142:3a When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path. 

I got through the day and made it home safely, relieved to have my path complete and the day behind me.

Shopping

I took off Thanksgiving week, so on Monday my daughter and I decided to go shopping at a kid's consignment store about an hour from home. Although I had been there often looking for various items for her, it was her first trip to the store. I told her to look around and hand me anything that she wanted to try on. The pile of clothes in my arms grew so heavy that I had to find a table to hold the load. Once finished, she was ready to try on the vast array of clothing she had chosen. I do believe she tried on 20 pairs of jeans along with a dozen other items. It took quite a while, but eventually she settled on one pair of jeans, one sweater, one dress, a pair of boots and my purse strings thanked her.

It's easy to walk in a store and say I want this and this and this, but after trying them on they might be the wrong fit, the wrong look, the wrong price or just unnecessary. It's also easy to walk through life saying I want this and this and this. Our poor choices give us some of the same results with the wrong fit, the wrong look, the wrong price or something that is simply unnecessary.

Psalm 25:12-13 Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. 

God won't keep us from shopping for things we don't need, but thankfully if we fear the Lord, He will teach us what we do need.

A Sew-Sew Day

So it's been 18 months since I pronounced my Sewing Room finished and until yesterday I had not yet sewn a stitch. I stocked the room with cloth, thread, craft supplies and more, then I just didn't do anything. So what would make me actually begin? My child. She asked if I would finally teach her to sew.  She's been asking for a year and I couldn't find the energy to do it. We had laundry and cleaning to do, but we were also looking at a full week away from school and work. My thought was that she would whine all week if we didn't do something she thought was fun.

It took 30 minutes to set up the 'new to me' sewing machine with the help of an online manual. Thankfully it ran like a dream. I gave my child some scraps of material and she decided to make a patchwork quilt for her stuffed animals.  I helped her cut material and sew pieces together. While she was creating, I sewed a new ironing board cover and a book cover.

Ecclesiastes 3:7a A time to tear, and a time to sew;

After 6 hours we called it a day.  Time was not wasted, it was enjoyed.  It was a memorable Sew-Sew Day.

7 

Asheville

Cathy and I met last February at a regional financial aid conference where we were introduced as the incoming presidents for our state associations. As part of the regional board, we got to see each other almost monthly at our meetings. We soon became friends, so she and I agreed to host each other at our own state conferences. This past week I was able to attend the NC financial aid conference in Asheville.

It was a beautiful hotel and I had a nice room with a balcony, plus a basket of fruit in the room. I felt as if I were a princess. However, it was the gifts form Cathy that made me feel special. Back in June, I shared with her that I was teaching myself how to tat, a way to make lace. So she got me a new tatting book, some shuttles, a tatting needle and thread. Then in July, I spent an evening with Cathy and her husband in Memphis. So her husband printed a photo of Cathy and me beside an fancy car on Beale Street.  The photo just makes me smile and reminds me of how closely she listened to what was going on with me.

Proverbs 1:5b A wise man will hear and increase learning.

I arrived in Asheville knowing a handful of people at the event, but left on Wednesday with quite a few new friends and a deep appreciation of the welcome I was given by both Cathy and by those who attended the conference.

Rainbows

One morning a few weeks ago, I was on my way to a meeting on our campus that is about an hour north of where I normally work.  The drive is usually uneventful and I tend to spend the time bouncing from one radio station to the next.  I was about 15 minutes from my destination when I noticed some dark clouds closing in. I was getting ready for rain when I saw the most beautiful rainbow arching across the sky.  With the sun to the east and the dark clouds to the west, it was absolutely brilliant in color.

Just the sight of the full rainbow made me smile and lifted my spirits.  I rejoiced in the few minutes I glimpsed it and when I reached my destination I asked others if they had seen it.  It was something that I so wanted others to have experienced with me.

Ezekiel 1:28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

If a rainbow can do that, can you imagine the joy we will feel when we see the glory of the Lord?

The Award

Last Friday I received a big surprise. At the school where I work, I was given the 2014 Eleanor Crawford Award. The award is named after the very first employee of the school and is given to a staff member with a longstanding dedication to excellence at the institution. My entire office came to celebrate, but best of all, my dad, mom and best friend were invited too.

As part of the presentation, a member of the selection committee talked about what I had done in my 24 years at my school. As he talked, it sparked memories of what I had worked on, and more importantly, who I worked with. I actually had a few tears in my eyes by the time he was done.  I got a standing ovation from those present, along with handshakes and hugs.  It was so special.

Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

My colleagues gave me a special gift by recognizing the work I have done.  But it's not time to 'rest on my laurels'.  I intend to work hard for I serve the Lord Christ.

Self Defense

Self Defense is not something I pondered when I was a kid, but in today's world it's a necessity. Over the past two weeks I have spent 4 evenings in 3-hour classes learning how to defend myself from an aggressor.  The classes helped me to recognize and be ready for bad situations.

My self defense class gave me a confidence in my ability to fight back. It was intense, exhausting and tough - and I have the bruises to prove it. Even after the training I know that ultimately my safety is in God's hands. Faced with a bad situation, I'd be praying for protection and for me to remember my training.

Psalm 20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;

God is still the best weapon against evil.

The Archery Lesson

On Friday, my son turned 14. I thought a great deal about a birthday gift because I wanted something he would really enjoy and remember. Following a friend's advice, I registered my son and me for a 6 hour archery course taught by a World Longbow Champion at a place called Medicine Bow.

My son wasn't sure he could learn anything since he had been shooting for a year, but he started researching the class and seemed to be looking forward to it. I was a little nervous because it had been 25 years since I had my last archery class, but all I could think about was getting to spend a whole day doing something with my son that he really liked.

We attended the class on Saturday along with 9 other people. From a primitive parking area, we hiked  about a 1/4 mile through the woods to a cleared field up in the mountains. He and I both listened carefully to the Archer as we practiced various lessons side by side. We encouraged each other, gave pointers and cheered when we had good shots. During one of the contests, my son's arrow was closest to the bullseye and we all took a knee, held up our bows and said, "Oh, great archer." You should have seen the joy on his face! I'm sure it was reflected in mine.

Psalm 96:12a Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. 

It was an awesome day!

Open Houses

Saturday was overflowing with activity for my 8-year-old and me.  She accompanied me to work at a morning Open House at the college, where we were set up in the ballroom with tables containing information about the academic divisions and the clubs on campus. While I spoke to prospective students and their parents, she gobbled down a biscuit, mini-muffins, fruit and cookies.  Then she began to visit the tables, collecting giveaways ranging from frisbees to pens to rubber duckies.

Next we headed to another Open House of a friend who had just moved into a beautiful new home and who was celebrating her 50th birthday.  It was a great party with friends and family and lots of wonderful food. My little one only knew two people when we arrived, but it wasn't long until she left my side to learn how to play pool with some new friends: another 8-year-old and a few of my coworkers.

She loved the freedom of being on her own, but I noticed that about every 30 minutes, she came back to verify that I hadn't moved from my seat. I stayed where I was while she played. Truly she never had to worry that I would leave her, just as we never have to worry that Jesus will leave us.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

We finally said our goodbyes and set out for the hour drive back home. About halfway there we decided to stop to see a friend that we hadn't visited in a couple months. Somehow our brief visit turned into two hours and a dog getting a bath. Now my dog-less child can say she learned to play pool and wash a dog in just one afternoon. It turned out to be a very full and eventful day.

Straight and Smooth

This week my parents were working around their yard with lots of trimming and mowing. Dad apparently had pity on my driveway and took the edger to it. I had not realized how much the grass had creeped into the driveway until I saw the lines along the edge. Everything was uneven and rough.

So on our first real Saturday of fall, with the bright sun, cool air and strong breeze, I cleared away the excess grass and dirt from my drive. I used a shovel and a bucket. Bit by bit I cleared away the uneven ground and after a couple hours, the edge along my driveway was straight and smooth.

Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth.

It took a couple of hours, but it was well worth it.  Now I just marvel at the remarkable change each time I come home.  It makes me think about my own rough places that God 'edges' until they are straight and smooth.

Hearts Made Better

With an office of 10 people, life's ups and downs are always evident.  This week was especially tough for us.  We said goodbye to one who is moving to a new job, tried to cheer one that had been sick for weeks, consoled one who lost her grandmother and, from a distance, consoled another who lost her father.   The losses were so great, I noticed a sadness permeate the office.  It was hard not to feel down with all that happened in just 5 days.

Ecclesiastes 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.

I'm ready for our hearts to be made better.  The one who left for a new job will reduce her daily commute by two hours, get to spend more time with her family and be able to focus on moving into a new home.  The one that has struggled with sickness has turned a corner and is on the way to a full recovery.  The one who lost her grandmother knows that she is now in heaven.  And the one who lost her dad sent a text message saying her father was now walking with the King!  What a blessing it is to be in an office of believers.

Washing It Away

I just returned from another 4 nights away from home.  I was at a conference and just didn't want to be there quite so long.  Most of the time I enjoy the breaks from work, getting to see old friends and learning new things.  But this time, not so much.  I didn't like the location, my room, the food or the number of days away.

I was so happy to get home Friday afternoon!  After eating a good meal, I did laundry.  I wanted all of the clothes I had worn that week to be clean.  Somehow I felt like I needed to make everything as if it had never been on the trip.  I wanted no reminder that I had been gone.

Numbers 8:21-22a And the Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes; then Aaron presented them like a wave offering before the Lord, and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them. After that the Levites went in to do their work in the tabernacle of meeting before Aaron and his sons;

Once I unpacked and washed my clothes, I let the memories fade and enjoyed just being home.

The Big Sleepover

So my 8-year-old was invited to a friend's birthday sleepover.  Begging doesn't begin to describe what   I heard until I relented and said she could go.  It was a big deal because it was the first non-family sleepover.  I dropped her off at 6 p.m. along with my house and cell numbers.  Fortunately the friend's mom knew this was a big deal, so she sent me a couple text messages to let me know how she was doing. At 9 p.m. my child gave me a call to let me know all was well.

I heard from her again at 9 a.m. She said she got about 5 or 6 hours of sleep because they had stayed up until midnight.  I got the rest of the story later.  It seems that the  other two girls snore, so she went into the living room to visit with the mom.  They talked for awhile and eventually fell asleep on the couches.

Isaiah 66:13a As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you;

That is one awesome mom who would sleep on a couch all night to help a little one make it through her first sleepover.

A Good Name - Part 2

So I took a week off after another relentlessly busy summer at work.  After a few days sitting by a campfire in Pigeon Forge, I came home to a house that could only be described as a disaster.  Cleaning and reorganizing was the name of the game this week.  After weeding out my clothes that no longer fit, I decided to take on the two rooms downstairs where many of my Estate Sale finds get tossed until I can find a new home for them.  After three days, I think I've got it back into some sort of order.

Last year I purchased the contents of half of a room.  I know that sounds bizarre, but at an auction some unusual things can happen.  The room was sort of a catch-all for videos, CDs, albums, photos frames, etc.  It was the last room of the auction, so the big buyers were no longer in the game.  My daughter wanted the Disney videos, so I was going to try for them.  I set my limit at $5 for the box of videos.  Apparently the auctioneer was ready to be done for the day, so after selling the audio equipment he looked around and said we would bid on the rest of the room as one.  What?  There were boxes of stuff, but I decided to go for it.  I had the highest bid at $12.  My dad just shook his head because now we had to clear the contents of the room.  I stuffed my car and his truck.

I went through a lot of the boxes during the next few weeks.  Much of it was tossed or taken to Goodwill.  I did keep the videos, CDs and the photo frames, but what struck me was the number of personal family photos still in the frames.  Then I made another discovery.  In a small box, tucked in with the frames, I uncovered a stash of snapshots of a young family.  A newborn, his youth, his graduation from the Naval Academy, his wedding and his young family.  I didn't know these people.  I didn't know how to find them.  I set it all aside for another day.  That day came this week.  I went through the photos again trying to piece together who they were.  I found his name and his wife's name.  I got on the internet and used the White Pages to search for his name.  There were too many.  I searched for her name and because it was an unusual spelling, there was only one in the whole U.S.

On Friday I placed a call to Virginia Beach, VA and left a message about the photos along with my phone number. I got a call back late that afternoon. I told him the story. It was him. That was his Mom's house. He asked how I found him. I told him it was his wife's name.

Ecclesiastes 7:1a  A good name is better than precious ointment.

I'm shipping the box of photos to him this week. He will soon get to go through the photos that were so precious to his mom.  It makes my heart smile.

A Good Name

A couple weeks ago my son got a new pet.  He chose a ball python.  Yes, he got a snake.  I'm not so sure about it but for now it's small and will not escape his cage. My son takes it out and plays with it quite a bit, but I tend to stay a few feet away any time I happen to be in the room.

As with any pet, one challenge is finding a suitable name.  My son is taking Spanish this year and wanted to name it El Diablo.  No, no, no.  I do not want to call a pet The Devil.

Proverbs 22:1a  A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

Late one night I was busy in the kitchen and was asking myself what would be a good name for a pet snake, when a line from an old movie came to me.  "That's just my pet snake Reggie."  Since it was from 'Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark', it was deemed cool enough for the snake.  Now Reggie is living happily in my son's room and with a fairly friendly name, I might touch him one day.  Might. 

CrossSums Turns Two

Another year has flown by and it has been an adventure. The most significant changes have been physical, with my weight loss and energy level.  Last August, I was 30 lbs heavier and had little energy.  This August I've enjoyed wearing some new clothes and doing some water park visits with the kids.

That in itself is the mark of a great year for me, but there was more.  I enrolled in an online Bible Study Group with my church and with their prayers and our leader's encouragement, I overcame some issues that kept me grounded for 15 years.  I began to travel again, making flights to D.C., California and Florida.  I had so missed the joy of seeing new places and meeting new people.

This was not a perfect year.  There have been quite a few struggles, but I'd rather look back at the things that have changed me for the better.  So from that view, it's been a glorious year and I feel like Jesus has helped me conquer several things that were holding me back from experiencing true joy.

Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

We are 'more than conquerors', so it's not over.  I still have another year of travel on my plate and I'm positive that He has even more good changes in store for me.   

Back to School

Thursday night we readied ourselves for my child's first day of third grade. We chose an outfit and painted nails. That may seem standard, but not for me. At least not the nail painting part since my nails might get painted once in a blue moon.

I was just trying to get her focused on something besides school, so I told her to pick a color and we could paint our nails. Purple. The color of purple Easter grass. Don't get me wrong, I love purple so that could be why she chose it.  I told her that every time I looked at my nails I would think of her on her first day in third grade. She just smiled. Even on Saturday, she continued to show my family our matching nails. What a reward knowing that such an simple act brought her joy and the security of knowing that I was thinking of her.

Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

The first day back was very successful, nails included. She loved her new teachers and is ready to get back in the groove.  For that I'm very thankful. 

Watermelon

I love to eat watermelon.  I know summer has truly arrived when I see them arrive at the grocery stores.  But watermelons are one of those foods that you just don't know if it will be good until you take a bite.  They can be beautiful, red and juicy, but the flavor could be lacking.  This summer has been so-so in flavor.  Every other week I try another store or another grower, hoping to hit the mark.  I've tossed more than I care to recall, but yesterday I think I struck gold.

I stopped by a local produce place to grab another watermelon.  I suppose we are reaching the end of the growing season as these were rather large.  I picked one and hefted it to the register.  I couldn't believe how heavy it was.  I took it home and weighed it.  How much?  28 pounds!

James 5:7  Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.

Well I think my rather large and tasty watermelon received the early and latter rain.  I'm so glad the farmer waited patiently.

A Song in the Night

It's been unseasonably cool for the last few days with a record low for mid-July. I don't recall ever sleeping with the air off and the windows open at this time of the year, with the exception of camping in the mountains as a kid. For the last two nights I've done just that and been serenaded by the music of the night. Whether you refer to them as cicadas or katydids, you know I'm talking about the very loud nighttime chirping that reminds you we are still in deep summer.

There is nothing quite like going to sleep with those chirps. It's as soothing as rainfall and lasts all night. Here we have some of God's smallest creatures that wait until the night to perform one of His songs.

Psalm 42:8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life.

Just thinking about it now is making me feel relaxed.

The Swing

It was an extraordinarily stressful week as I presided over my first board meeting. I had never used a gavel before or been in charge of meetings for chartered organizations, but I quickly learned. Needless to say I was very relieved when the multi-day meeting was adjourned. I bid farewell to the board members and packed everything in my car, but I didn't leave.  Instead I returned to the resort where we stayed and took a walk. It was on a lake and I wanted to enjoy it before returning to the real world.

As I walked I tried to shed the stresses I had been holding in. I found the trails along the lake and wandered aimlessly until I spotted the ultimate destination. There at a place called Oliver Point was a swing. It was solitary and vacant. I wanted to rush to it yelling, "Mine, mine, mine!"  But instead I calmly walked down the trail and took a seat. I slid into the curve of the swing and let it cradle me.  Ahead was the lake, visible even peripherally. It was quiet, serene, peaceful. I let it wash over me and released the stresses of the previous days.

Luke 1:78-79 Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from in high has visited us; To give light to those who ait in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

My mind cleared and peace enveloped me. It was the best seat I could have possibly found.

Nashville and my Roomies

I spent 4 days in Nashville at a conference.  I took my 8-year-old and a good friend to watch her while I was in meetings.  (I will henceforth refer to them as my roomies.). The night before the conference began, we drove into town around 4 p.m. and checked in at the Hilton.  On a whim I called for any tickets to the 7 p.m. Grand Old Opry.  Apparently you can be so fortunate as to call at just the right time, for I was able to snag tickets on the 7th row of the center section.  Sweet!  It was so fun and even the youngster enjoyed the show.

On Sunday morning I was sitting in a meeting instead of church. That felt weird. Then I got a text message from my roomies informing me that on the hotel elevator they forgot to press the button for the Lobby and ended up on the 9th floor.  The doors opened and there sat Little Richard in a wheelchair, all decked out in a blue suit and blue boots.  According to the locals, he lives in the Nashville Hilton and my roomies accidentally discovered him!  They said he was very nice and wished them well on their stay in town.

As I continued learning about all things financial aid over the next few days, my roomies hit the town.  The toured museums, took carriage rides, visited markets and parks (one with a replica of the Parthenon), ate ice cream every afternoon and generally behaved like tourists.  I was only slightly envious since I did get to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum with them.

On the last night we met up with an old friend of mine from high school.  It had been 25 years since I had seen him and I had never met his family.  He and his wife have 4 girls ages 7 to 12. We met up at a place called the Old Spaghetti Factory and commandeered a table for nine.  After the initial awkwardness of meeting so many new people, we all relaxed and enjoyed a great visit.

This trip got me thinking about heaven.  I imagine we will get a great view of center stage, meet famous people from the Bible, take a tour of the beauty that surrounds us, eat the most wonderful foods, and visit with friends and family we haven't seen in a quarter century or longer. We'll be just like tourist who never have to leave.  Won't that be fabulous?

Isaiah 65:17a, 18b For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.  For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

Road Trips

This is the summer of working road trips.  Yesterday we drove almost 5 hours to reach my latest conference at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN.  About an hour south of Nashville, the partly cloudy blue skies began to turn dark.  In the distance we could see those smoky sheets of rain at the edge of the blue skies.  We were driving straight into the storm.  The rains came, the cars slowed to 45 mph., lights came on, and wipers swept furiously.  But in less than five minutes, we broke through the other side.  The skies began to clear and we arrived safely.

Isaiah 43:2a  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

Isn't it nice to know that we can take God's a Word literally?  As we passed through the waters of the storm, He was with us and quickly brought us to safety.

What Concerns Me

Each summer there are inevitably a few times when I must work my job 6 days instead of 5.  Special events take place on Saturdays and we do our best to cover the hours and provide info to new college students and their families.  It's tough when you've already worked a full week, but you still try to do your best.

Yesterday I set up shop at another person's desk and did my best to get ready for the day.  After talking with parents all day about how to apply for aid and pay for college, a coworker pointed out that the forms I was giving to some were from the wrong year.  Aaarrrggghhh!!!  I gave the wrong form to at least 3 people.  That may not seem like many, but it will be an additional correction they will have to make.  I hate causing more work for others, especially when they came to me as an 'expert'.

In general, I just despise making errors, even when I know that nobody is perfect. There are plenty of things I could blame it on: like an unfamiliar workspace or too many hours on the job, but I tend to blame myself for being careless.  

Psalm 138:8  The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

I make mistakes, but God will help me accept them, learn from them, then release them.  (Next time I'll be sure to find the correct forms.)

A Walk in the Sand

I had the pleasure of taking a business trip to St. Pete, FL last week.  Before our meetings began each morning, I took an early walk on the beach.  I noticed several runners getting their exercise.  Many wore earbuds, probably listening to their favorite music or podcast.  They seemed oblivious to the gorgeous sounds of the wind and waves.  What a shame, I thought.

I imagine we are all guilty of drowning out those moments when we could be enjoying our surroundings, contemplating or simply resting our busy minds.  However, isn't it wonderful that we serve a God who thinks of us without distraction?

Psalm 139:17-18 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

The Palm Tree

I was on vacation last week, a stay-cation at home.  We did various things, but I decided that I had to do something about the big, ugly pole in my basement.  You see, I've been trying to finish one of the basement rooms for at least 5 years.  One wall is complete with my kid's handprints as flowers and the stenciling of a favorite verse:

II Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

But the most aggravating thing has been deciding what to do about the support pole that stands about 3 inches from the wall.  A few weeks ago I found some rope at an estate sale.  My mind began to whirl and I spent a full day last week wrapping the rope around that pole and securing it with hot glue.  It was complete, but it looked like a giant scratching post for a cat I do not have.  So, I thought some more and decided to turn it into a palm tree.  A few wire hangers, more hot glue and green fabric had me in business.

Psalm 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

You know, it goes right along with II Peter 3:18.  I may need to add a few coconuts so that my palm tree will be flourishing.  :)

Shopping for Clothes

I'm one of those people who rarely takes time to go shopping. When I do I usually go alone, but I decided to ask my mom to go with me since I was headed to one of those multi-level malls.  I guess some might not want to take their mom with them shopping, but my Mom and I have the same shopping habits so it works out perfectly.  You see, we head to the clearance racks, look for our sizes, pull out goofy stuff so we can roll our eyes, and generally treat shopping like a mission. After a couple hours, her feet hurt, my back hurts, and we are ready to call it quits.

During our search, we both commented on how pricey some of the items were. Especially dresses that we had both seen as fashionable 40 years ago.  Mom would pick up an outfit and say it was similar to something she once wore to work. Back then, my mom and her mom made most of those dresses.  More than once I said or thought, 'I have got to start sewing again.'  Even yesterday, my daughter asked when I was going to start sewing.  I think I'm getting the message.

Proverbs 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

I believe I need to start sewing again - soon. 

My Favorite Week of Work

Each year I follow my least favorite work week with my most favorite work week. I spent 4 days of the GASFAA Conference.  The what?  The annual conference of the Georgia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.  It's a group with friends and colleagues I've been getting to know for the last 10 years.  We gather to teach, learn, exchange ideas, find out what's new, and enjoy each other's company.  I come back with new ideas and wishes that I had more time to incorporate them into the daily madness I call work.

This year I'm holding an elected position, so I had a little more work to do. However, there was a perk.  My hotel room was upgraded to a suite.  Sweet!  So here I was in a suite that had a bathroom that was bigger than my bedroom at home.  The upgrade also included a concierge lounge down the hall where you could walk in and grab a drink or breakfast at no additional cost.  It was all rather surreal and ended as soon as I checked out and drove back to real life.

But someday in the future, Jesus will take us to a 'suite' life that is more spectacular than we could ever imagine.  It's a place so grand, He calls it a mansion.

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Sometimes on earth we are treated with some very special TLC, but it is nothing compared to what will one day be our reality.  

The 'Too Short' Long Week

It was a tough week at work.  My job was to run end of term processes. Each year I think it will be better, but each year I'm proven wrong.  I was in a terrible mood on Monday because I had to wait on others before I could get started.  Tuesday came with a better disposition, but frustration with lots of coding issues, meaning the processes wouldn't run. Wednesday I was able to really sink my teeth into the work, but with the realization that my time was dwindling.  Thursday was a day of frantic focus, working late and working at home.  Friday was the last ditch effort to get as much done as possible before the computers went down at 1 p.m.

The work week ended.  I didn't finish.  I was so frustrated!  It made me feel inadequate, even though I wasn't.  It made me feel like I didn't do enough, even though I could do no more.

Matthew 10:25a It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.

I had to pull away and look at the big picture.  I am not my job, though I'm there for a reason.  My true purpose is to learn to be more Christ-like.  How to proceed?

II Peter 3:18b ...but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I have this verse stenciled on the wall in the playroom.  It's there for my kids and as a reminder for me, when I've had a 'too short' long week.

A Mama's Wisdom

As I sit here thinking about what to write, my mom is teaching my 8 year old how to play Solitaire on the iPad.  You see, my mom likes to play games.  She has taught all of us how to play various games so that she has a partner anytime she wants to play.  Even now, I can call her only to find she's in the midst of a domino, skip-bo or canasta game with a friend or grandchild.

Fifteen minutes later, she's got a map out trying to help me find the best route from here to Nashville for a trip this summer.  Now she's teaching the last grandchild how to read a map (apparently she has done so with all of them). 

Proverbs 24:3-4 Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

A mom spends her whole life looking out for her kids, giving them advice, sharing her knowledge, and obviously mine is no exception.  Our rooms are filled and overflowing with precious and pleasant riches. Happy Mother's Day, Mama! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

What could I do now?

On Thursday I attended a retirement reception for a handful of people at work.  Their plans for the future included travel, caring for parents or grandchildren, working part-time, and house remodeling. I started thinking: What will I do when I retire?  Is there anything that I'm planning to do when I retire that I could do now?

Friday I worked late and I was tired, but I attended the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, as I do almost every year.  It was a beautiful night and walking around in the fresh air gave me a lift.  Saturday was a gorgeous day, but I had little energy left to do anything constructive.  That's the kind of day that brings me down because I can fill page upon page of things I want to do.  Again the question returned.  What could I do now?  

Today my pastor's message was entitled 'A New Thing'.  He spoke about a new vision for our church, allowing for growth in the next decade.  That vision came with praying and planning.

Isaiah 19:43 Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?  I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Remember last year when I worked on the sewing room?  That was a vision. It was a project that took on a life of its own.  It served as an alarm clock and caffeine to wake me up and keep me moving forward.  That's what I need again.  I want a vision that makes me want to work on it each day.  I want a new thing that will spring forth.  I'll be searching...

Our Wax Museum

Have you ever been to a wax museum where you walk up to an exhibit, press a button and listen to a brief history of the person?  Well my 8-year-old just finished a class project in which she was a 'figure' in a wax museum.  On Wednesday I went to our elementary school cafeteria, found my daughter's exhibit, pressed the airplane 'button' and she, as Jackie Cochran, came to life.  'Jackie' recounted her life experiences: learning to fly, founding a cosmetics company, friendships with Amelia Earhart, Chuck Yeager and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and an extraordinary career in aviation.  If you are like me, Jackie Cochran was not someone I was familiar with.  The easiest description is that she was the female Chuck Yeager, as she was the first woman to break the sound barrier and she set more altitude and speed records than any pilot, male or female.  (I obviously learned a lot while helping her with this project.)

A wax museum is filled with extraordinary people.  Maybe that's not quite right.  A wax museum is filled with ordinary people who have become famous (or infamous) for what they did in life.  What if we knew that we would one day be featured in a wax museum?  Would we do things the same or differently? Would we sit back and say, "No one would ever press the button to hear my story" or would we stretch ourselves to see what we could accomplish?  Well, it's not a wax museum, but each of us will be featured in a similar way at the judgment seat of Christ.

II Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Thankfully, as a follower of Christ, we will be seen through the lens of Jesus.

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

I John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 

A Vision of Easter

What a beautiful Easter Sunday!  It's warm, sunny and I am stuffed after a wonderful lunch at my parents' home.  In a few months I might have a vague memory of that, but I feel sure that I will remember our church service today.   Pastor Jeff began his sermon with, "You'll never meet a person that doesn't have a past, littered with mistakes and failures, wishing for a do-over."  Yes, he was speaking to every person in the room.  Then instead of the resurrection story, he read the story of the woman who was caught in adultery and brought by the Pharisees to Jesus, asking if she should be stoned (John 8:2-11).  Did your thoughts, like mine, skip to He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone?  Wait, our Pastor wanted us to think some more...

John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

What would I write?  Nothing of consequence I'm sure.  I'd be avoiding answering their question and I'd probably be drawing something in the sand like I do at the beach.  But, what did Jesus write?  It was important enough that He stooped down twice to write with his finger.  Our Pastor had an interesting suggestion.  Was Jesus writing down the sins of the accusers?  (Psalm 44:21b For He knows the secrets of the heart.)  Hmmm.

Remember He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone?  Well, Jesus was the only one without sin.  He chose not to cast the stone - at any of us because Jesus Sees What We Can Become and Tells Us What We Need to Do.  He said, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.  Finally, Our Response Tells Jesus Something:  He is the boss of your life, you do what He says in His Word and you are not ashamed of Him.  How?  Admit you are a sinner, Believe that Jesus is Lord, raised from death, and Confess Him as Lord.  

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

The altar call was given and at least a dozen people came forward to be baptized immediately.  After one song, we were witnesses to each one being baptized on Easter morning, a repeated vision of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ!  There were four services this weekend and Pastor Jeff sent an awesome tweet just after 1 p.m.
@JcrookJwc: 54 trusted Jesus and were Baptized on Easter Weekend @bpbc Praise The Risen Lord Jesus!!

The Happiest Place on Earth

I spent 5 days this week at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.  I was traveling for work, and took the kids since it was Spring Break.  (It's not like I could actually leave them home with an opportunity like that!)  Going to a Disney park is like being immersed in color, noise, excitement and thrills.  It's really a bit overwhelming, but you go, go, go because you spent so much, much, much!  I rode tea cups, cars, boats, carousels, Ferris wheels, log flumes, and roller coasters.  I saw Disney cartoons, The Muppets in 3D and an Aladdin musical.  But, the most unique thing about the visit was that we were there for the 50th Anniversary re-opening of the "It's a Small World" ride on Thursday, April 10th.  The park spent 3 months refurbishing the ride and with the brilliant colors, it was a magnificent 9 minute cruise.

You know the song and I found it to be true many times as I would talk to others while waiting for rides.  I would often ask where they lived and would tell them I was from GA (as if the southern drawl didn't come shining through!).  Many had connections to GA.  "Oh, we were in Savannah on St. Patrick's Day visiting family." or "My brother lives in Alpharetta.  He married a girl from Newnan." Even one of the Disney film crew members at the ride told us his brother lived in Woodstock.  We were 2,000 miles away and still found connections to home.

Disneyland is referred to as The Happiest Place on Earth, and for a few days it can be just that.  However, like all things on earth, the 'happy' fades, the boredom sets in and the thrill vanishes.  And after 5 days, we were ready for home.  So, where is the happiest place on earth?

Proverbs 16:20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

Ah, it's wherever you are - as long as you put your trust in God.

A Loss or a Gain

On Friday, one of my good friends was released from her job.  It was heartbreaking for me because I've worked closely with her for 10 years.  I mourn what it means for me - a loss of the camaraderie, the wisdom, and more. (I believe I'm having a pity party here.)  However, I'm am hanging on to her outlook that God has a plan and she's ready for it.  Her attitude is phenomenal and I have no doubt that great things are coming her way.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

At this moment, all I can see is the loss for her, for me and for those who worked with her.  But God can see the future, the hope, the peace and the gain that we both believe He will bring her way.

Allergies and Colds

It's that time of year when everything starts to bloom and breathing fresh air takes on a whole new meaning.  It's pollen season, but with the boomerang temperatures, it's also cold season - at least for me.  I finally accepted the fact that I had a cold and I was not happy.  Rest and fluids were the prescription for the weekend.

I did do the laundry, but otherwise I camped out in my recliner.  I tried to catch up on some reading but couldn't concentrate for long periods of time because the sneezing kept interrupting me.  Even now as I'm writing this blog, I find myself covered in a blanket and surrounded by tissues, even though it's a sunny 60 degrees outside.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I could sit here and feel sorry for myself, but I'm not going to do that.  God has blessed me with very good health this year.  I'm thankful that I had no plans this weekend, that I could take the time to rest and that I have medicine to help alleviate the symptoms.  I'm thankful that my church does a live stream so I could watch my pastor's sermon this morning.  I'm thankful that my family checks on the progress of my recovery.  I'm thankful that I had defrosted a turkey to cook this weekend, because that meant I had really good food to help restore my strength.  And I'm thankful that I will begin a very busy week with plenty of rest and a body that's on the mend.

A Recipe for Every Day

Since I've been on this dairy-free, wheat-free, and gluten-free diet, my biggest complaint was the lack of a satisfying dessert.  My friend Sandra came up with the solution when she gave me a recipe for old-fashioned chocolate oatmeal drop cookies.  The only substitution I had to make was almond milk for milk and they are wonderful!

In the past, I might have made these cookies only on special occasions, like Christmas or Easter. Now I have them on hand every day.  When the last one is gone, I find myself craving those goodies and making another batch within a day or two.  (Obviously losing weight has nothing to do with losing my sweet tooth.)

Psalm 119:103  How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Some might read the Bible only on special occasions, like Christmas or Easter. How much more satisfying would life be if we craved the Word every day?

Taking Time to Listen

I ended my trip to D. C. by taking a bus tour of our nation's most famous memorials.  My favorite was the one marking the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, but the most emotional was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  This is a photo of the Wall with the Washington Monument in the distance.  The Wall is not illuminated night, but has only dim lights along the sidewalk.  You'll occasionally see flashes of light on the wall as people take photos of a precious name that is inscribed.

I stood watching as a Park Ranger helped one man from our very own group find his cousin's name.  After the Ranger walked away, this man just stood alone staring at the dark wall.  I had to turn away, but after a few minutes I walked over to him and quietly asked if he got the picture.  "Not yet," he said.  Then I asked if he wanted me to help him find the name again.  He agreed and together we spent the next few minutes located his cousin's name and getting a good photo with his phone.  We slowly walked back to the bus together and he told me about his cousin, his own enlistment and his service as a medic during the war.  His recollections gave real meaning to the experience of seeing the memorial.

Luke 2:46  Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

Sometimes listening and asking questions are the very things you need to do to turn something special into something unforgettable.

On the Road Again

You might recall that I was recently away for a business trip to Jacksonville.  Today I'm writing you from Washington, D.C.  I actually got on a plane for the first time in 15 years!  This was a quite a big deal for me because I have a panic disorder and I've been dealing with it since 1996.  It's very much like a chemical imbalance that is triggered when I am in stressful situations or just unaccustomed to my surroundings.  I've spent time mentally preparing for the trip, discussing it with my doctor, asking friends to pray for me and working on an online Bible Study using a book called "Unglued".  "Unglued" is a study on how to deal with raw emotions, so I think this qualifies.  The leader for my study group (Danielle) has been phenomenal over the last few weeks, checking on me and sending me Bible verses.  This is one of my favorites.

Psalm 91:14-16  “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble.  I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

This trip was a big deal, but He is a big God and took care of me.  He gave us good weather and a smooth flight.  I was very thankful for all the prayers that went up for me this weekend.  It is good to be loved by God and by your family and friends.

Digging a Hole

On Saturday my 13-year-old son wanted to dig a hole in the yard.  Why?  He was bored and wanted to do something.  Hey I had yardwork, which I gladly offered up.  When I told him I would not pay him to do the yardwork, he said, "No thanks, I'll just dig a hole."   So he found a spot in the yard where no harm could be done and commenced digging.  It wasn't long until my 8-year-old daughter joined him and began digging a hole of her own.

I stared at them out my kitchen window knowing I had never ventured out to dig a hole 'just because' and wondering if I had ever wanted to do so when I was growing up.  Again, I was asking, "Why?"

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:  (v.6a) A time to gain, And a time to lose; 

What was the purpose of this?  Well, they gained time spent together and lost their boredom, which for me was worth the red clay marring my yard.

As dusk arrived, I marched out to tell them it was time to fill in the holes.  I was actually impressed with their efforts.  She had dug down about 18 inches, while he had made it at least 4 feet.  I took pictures, bragged on their feats, then they happily filled up the holes.  You know, this could be one of those days they will always remember.

Desires of the Heart

I had to travel last week for work and it really got me out of sync.  Instead of church and a time to rest on Sunday, I was in meetings from 10 a.m. until 5:45 p.m.  Each day was filled with meetings and by Tuesday night I was ready to be home.  I received an email from my online Bible study leader asking how I was doing.  I told her how out of sorts I was and she asked how she could pray for me.  My reply was for safe travels and rest.

After another meeting on Wednesday morning, we left Jacksonville, FL at 10:45 a.m. That would put us in Atlanta after 4:00 p.m. on a weekday.   Atlanta's rush hour runs from about 4 - 7 each weeknight and there is no rushing involved.  It's mostly creeping.  We were estimating an arrival home between 6 and 7 that evening.  Guess what time we arrived?  5:30 p.m.!!!  Our prayers were answered and we never had to slow down in Atlanta.  Safe travels - check!

I arrived home to find that my 8 year old had not slept well the night before.  We were in bed at 8:30 p.m., sleeping about 10 hours.  Rest - check!

Psalm 37:4-5  Delight yourself also in The Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to The Lord, a Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. 

Snow from Heaven

This was a week for unusual weather in the South.  Last Sunday afternoon was sunny and comfortable in the 50s. Monday brought cold, Tuesday brought snow, Wednesday brought snow/sleet, and Thursday brought even more snow.  On Thursday morning we had over 5 inches of snow.  For something that happens only once or twice a decade, we had to get busy.  There were snowmen to build, sleds to ride and snow cream to make.

Isaiah 55:10-11  For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

So glad God sent us 'snow from heaven' to water the earth to help our plants grow.  I believe spring is just around the corner!

A Long Day

Last Wednesday was a long day.  I knew it would be since I was to be on the road a total of at least 5 hours with a 6 hour board meeting thrown in the mix.  Because the drive went through Atlanta, I had to cushion the travel time by a couple hours.  I left the house at 5:45 a.m. and arrived home at 6:45 p.m. The drive was uneventful, the meeting was successful, but the day was not yet done with me.

I went to pick up my 8 year old and found her in the bed with a fever.  Uh oh!  I wasn't expecting that.   Back home, she put on pjs and went back to bed.  The thermometer across her forehead read 103 and she was complaining of her legs hurting.  My first thought was the flu.  No, no, no!

She woke up a few times and I gave her some Tylenol during the night.  Overall she slept well, but I didn't.  I sent up lots of prayers for healing and protection.

Like 4:38b-39a  But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her.

The next morning her fever was not so bad.  We visited the doctor and received the best news - it was not the flu.  She did have a sinus infection.  That night I slept very well after a really, really long day.

Snow Days

What a bizarre week.  Tuesday's sudden snow/ice brought Atlanta to a standstill.  Thankfully I was already at home curled up in a chair.  The next 2 days were some of the most productive I've had in a while.  I did laundry, cleaned the house then started sorting stuff from the cedar chest and linen closet.  It was relaxing, unrushed and gave me a feeling of accomplishment.  The 'I'm bored' child didn't even dampen my desire to work.  Those kinds of days seem so rare to me.

I was also coming from a very successful visit to my general practitioner.  Because of my recent gluten and milk free diet, my cholesterol dropped from 192 to 138.  I was amazed and pleased that my doctor was happy with the changes.  He told me to keep up the good work.

Going back to work on Friday was tough, especially when I discovered I had caused a programming problem a couple weeks before.  I've thought about it a lot and I have an idea on how I can solve it when I return on Monday.  So I'm at least a little hopeful.

Saturday turned out to be a great day because I got to spend it alone with my 13 year old.  I sorted through stuff in his room while he took apart a nerf gun and an old DVD player - just to see what was there.  It's times like that when kids will actual talk to you, always a good thing.

As this week is coming to an end, I am very thankful for my unexpected time at home and the way things worked out for a very special week.

II Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Asking for Help

It was uncharacteristically cold again this week with lows in the single digits or teens.  Thankfully my water didn't freeze, but my office at work was very cold.  I have a small space heater that I use, but I noticed more and more people commenting on how much colder it was in my office than in the hallway.  I figured it was because there are two windows in my office and with the frigid temps the heat unit just couldn't handle it.  My solution?  Lots and lots of clothing layers.

By Thursday the thermometer on my desk was reporting 59 degrees.  I decided to seek professional help and put in a work order to get more heat in the room.  On Friday morning, our maintenance guys came in and started investigating.  Turns out that although the heating system was showing all was well on the computer monitors, the fan was not working.  So, no heat was being pushed into my office. No wonder it was cold!

I notice that sometimes I wait until things are close to unbearable before I seek help.  Life would be a bit easier if I could better gauge the time to wait versus the time to ask.

James 5:13a Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.  

Matthew 7:8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Asking for help is not always easy, but that is exactly what God wants us to ask of Him.  I am glad I asked for help from the cold and I'm looking forward to more comfortable surroundings this week.

A Himalayan Week

Have you ever ridden the Himalaya at an amusement park?  It has a bunch of cars connected in a circle with up and down slopes.  It can travel forward or backward and go really fast.  That's a good description of this past week.

Monday -  rushing through at breakneck speed for a noon deadline at work
Tuesday - a friend from the past suddenly died at age 55
Wednesday - a bank robbery across the street from work put us on lockdown
Thursday - my son's best friend lost his home in a fire
Friday - too many meetings, call to the Red Cross, visit to the funeral home, call to the family who lost the house
Saturday - my baby's birthday, a family reunion, a painting birthday party with 8 little girls

I feel like my mind and emotions have been riding the Himalaya and I'm wondering when it will stop.    The only thing that gets me through these kinds of weeks is knowing that I have an anchor that can calm the chaos.

Hebrews 6:19-20  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

C-C-Cold!

This week we hesitantly welcomed a Polar Vortex - polar air streaming into the Deep South.  I thought I was prepared.  I had my warmest clothes ready, my youngest sleeping at my parents' house and my car was tucked safely in the garage.  But on Tuesday morning I awoke to a temperature of 4.8 degrees and no water.  Yikes!  My memories of camping flooded back as I got ready for work, using the water I had stored under the sink.  I assumed that the water was frozen somewhere in the pipes.  I had no clue if there would be damage but knew the temperature would stay below freezing all day, so I headed off to work.

That evening I still had no water.  After a brief trip to my parents' house, we settled in for the night.  I knew the temperatures would begin to thaw the water the next day and I'd need to watch for breaks.  In my prayers I asked God to restore my water and keep the pipes intact.  In less than thirty minutes I was drifting off to sleep, then I heard the sound of water running.  It was the tank in my bathroom refilling.  I smiled as I realized the water was flowing and it was in the teens (not warm enough to thaw).  I heard the water stop and considered getting up to check for leaks but decided if God could thaw the water below freezing, He could make sure my pipes were ok too.  I went to sleep.

Luke 8:25  But He said to them, "Where is your faith?"  And they were afraid and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be?  For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him."

The next day we had water and no leaks.  He answered my prayer and the water obeyed Him.

Agitation

It's been a strange week.  My sleep got messed up with an out of town trip and then New Year's Eve.  I was completely exhausted after working only two days, having been off for a week and a half. I had some allergic reactions to food on Friday that left me feeling odd.  By Saturday I was completely agitated and antsy.

I don't like feeling that way and it takes a lot to get myself back into a somewhat relaxed state.  It seemed that nothing I did or avoided doing gave me any relief.  Late in the day, I looked at my wall calendar and noticed the verse for January:

Psalm 116:7 Let my SOUL be at rest again, for The Lord has been good to me. (NLT)

Hmmm.  I contemplated that for a few minutes.  I guess it was my soul that was agitated and not just my body.  I felt myself begin to relax.  I sat down with a cross stitch project and stopped thinking about not feeling right.  By the end of the day, my agitation was gone.  Sometimes a simple verse is all you need.