Do You Remember?

Do you remember when you were baptized? I remember giving my heart to Christ during VBS when I was 12. Then at some point, before it was too cold, I was baptized in Lake Lanier. My parents and grandparents were there as we walked down an old boat ramp. I wore a t-shirt and an old sundress with a safety pin holding the skirt together so it wouldn't fly up when we went into the water. It was cloudy that day, but I don't remember the exact date.

Thirty years later I was sitting with my 7-year-old son during a summer kids night at church with a super strong group of guys who were evangelists. I don't remember the name of the team, but I recall my son saying to me during the altar call that he needed to go up there. He took off by himself and stood fearlessly at the front, ready for the next step. He was baptized the next Sunday in the church baptistery.

This year on 9/9, my daughter went up for an altar call during a special kid's service on Wednesday night. She was excited, but scared to be baptized. No, she wasn't scared of the water. She just didn't want people to look at her. After a couple of months of not forcing the idea, I told her they were baptizing on Christmas Eve. She said ok. Until late that morning I wasn't sure if she would actually do it. She was so nervous that she slept in my bed the night before. But she was determined and she did it!

I Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greek, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

Did you happen to notice the common thread in all three accounts? Regardless of the date or decade, the importance of a program specifically for kids was the key. It makes you want to sign up for the next kids event, doesn't it?

Driving Lessons

I've had my 15-year-old drive a few times on nice, easy, 45 mph four lane roads, but today he wanted to go 55. Was he ready? Was I ready? I nodded and we were off. I took him back to the easy road to warm up then we headed to town. What was I thinking? It was the last weekend before Christmas and I was in the passenger seat!

Psalm 29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. 

I think the hardest part of teaching someone to drive is knowing what to say. How do you correct someone verbally when it's instinct that you've been using for 30 years? I was using 'slow down' and 'stop'. 'Slow down' was working fine when I just wanted him to decrease his speed, however, 'stop' was confusing him because it was obvious that I didn't want him to stop but rather slow down - a lot.

After a half hour, he told me to stop saying 'stop'. We decided on 'brake' because that's what I wanted him to do. He agreed, but I never got to say it since he was already improving. :)

In the Genes

With this gorgeous 70 degree weather, yesterday found us outside soaking it up. I watched the kids toss a football and sat there chatting with their dad. It wasn't long before I brought up the fact that I had rooted a couple of trees but couldn't dig them up for transplanting. I thought I would need to cut down the saplings because they were too close to another tree. And let me make it perfectly clear that I never asked anyone to dig up the trees, however, it was taken as a challenge. One that no 15-year-old could resist in a desire to show-off his strength. A short time later the work that I couldn't handle was done. I was so happy, as well as impressed with the strength my son had developed taking weight training.

Later I realized that mentioning a job I couldn't do was something my grandma would have done. Growing up and visiting at my grandma's house, I recall my uncles lamenting the fact that each time they visited she mentioned a job that needed to be done. It could be minor or major, but definitely a job that she was not able to do herself - though she most likely tried.

She was strong and faithful. And because her name was Eunice, I often think of this verse.

I Timothy 1:5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

So if in fact I'm beginning to act like my grandma, that's more than okay with me. 

Worth the Risk

I spent hours yesterday decorating for Christmas. The tree was up, a few knick knacks were scattered about, and the outdoor banister and doorway were covered in garland and lights. This year I even pulled out a decoration that I found at an estate sale a few years ago - a small manger made out of metal. I placed it near the house, then realized it was not visible from the road. So, I moved it to the opening of my driveway.

It wasn't long until I got a message from my dad saying that I should move it away from the road because someone might steal it. Hmmm. I've thought about that a lot in the last 24 hours. Move it, don't move it. Should I risk it being stolen? Do I want it to be seen?

Matthew 6:19-20a Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

The worst that can happen is it's gone tomorrow. I will have lost about $5. I have no sentimental attachment to it, other than what it represents. The best that can happen is that one person sees it and is reminded why we really celebrate Christmas. It's settled. I'm going to leave it at the road. I think it's worth the risk. 

Aqua Wish

I've spent the last few months trying to repair and spruce up my house. It's a slow process, but I'm beginning to see a difference. The outside has been pressure washed, the trim has been painted, the windows have new screens, and the back porch has been repaired and rescreened. Inside, my dad and I have been finishing a new room which will be a laundry/utility room. But this past week was entirely devoted to updating my little girl's room into something that a tween will think is cool. She's past the pink stage and we are moving on to aqua.

Here's a play-by-play.

Saturday: pulled EVERYTHING out of the room; sanded and washed the walls, covered nail holes

Sunday: bought the paint, Aqua Wish and Frost, aka blue green and white

Monday: sanded and wiped down the walls again; started with white on 3 walls; enthusiastic child painted with brush and roller until it became a job...then wandered off

Tuesday: the no longer enthusiastic child called a friend and spent the day at her house while my son and I worked on the aqua wall and trim

Wednesday: finished the trim and cleaned the carpet

Thursday: after Thanksgiving lunch, dad and my nephew moved furniture back into room

Friday: ignored the room and went shopping, but did buy a new comforter set to match the aqua wall

Saturday: hung the curtains and helped put clothes back in room, gave up and went outside when the petulant child refused to cooperate; mom came, dealt with the child and finished putting the room in order while I stained a swing, cut grass and straightened the carport

Sunday: rest

I just walked into her room to take a photo and thought about the color aqua. It's a blue green that reminds me of the ocean and makes me wants to take a deep breath and relax. It's amazing how something as simple as the color of the sea can calm your mind, yet the sea can be turbulent and scary much like the stresses of life. 

Mark 4:39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

I should remember that He can also rebuke my stressors and say to my mind, "Peace, be still!" and the things that are stressful will cease and He will bring great calm to my mind. 

Encouragement

Last week at work was a struggle. My poor officemates had to listen to me whine all week. I'm pretty sure they are just as glad as I am that I'm off this week for Thanksgiving. I thought I could turn my depression around by doing some physical labor and give my mind a rest. I worked most of the afternoon, but I was still down in the dumps. Sunday morning arrived and I contemplated skipping church because we were having a visiting preacher, but I pushed on and I'm so glad I did.

Dr. Bob Pitman was there to give us Encouragement, and he did. He spoke from Colossians 2:13-15 these three truths: 1. Jesus met my greatest need; 2. Jesus paid my greatest debt; and 3. Jesus defeated my greatest enemy. 

1. (v. 13) And you, being dead in your trespasses..., He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, (I was once spiritually dead. How did Jesus make me alive? By speaking forgiveness into my life.)

2. (v. 14) Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us,...And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (It was like having your name at the top of a page and  all of your sins listed below it, then having Jesus write the Greek word tetelestai across the page. It meant the debt was paid in full, as well as 'It is finished'. He nailed what was against me to the cross.)

3. (v. 15) Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them. (Jesus disarmed, defeated, dishonored and de-fanged demonic spirits, including Satan, i.e., He knocked out their teeth and took a way their bite.)

1. Jesus met my greatest need.

2. Jesus paid my greatest debt.

3. Jesus defeated my greatest enemy. 

I hope this gives you as much encouragement as it gave me. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A Torturous Weekend

Sitting here on Sunday afternoon I mentioned to my 9-year-old that I needed to write my blog. I asked her what I should write about. She said to write about how I tortured her this weekend by not allowing her to visit a friend or have a friend come over. I laughed then thought ok, I'll do that.

For the previous four weekends, my child has been a social butterfly. Between her and five of her friends, I've either had an extra child or been running to pick her up from someone's house. Earlier in the week, she asked again and I said NO. Period. I really don't think she believed me because she spent the next few days pestering me about how awful her weekend would be.

Guess what? She has survived. We had a lazy Saturday morning, cleaned up the playroom and stained a swing. We sat together in my recliner that night and watched silly videos on her iPad. Sunday was normal except for the fact that somehow I guilted her into cleaning her room.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,...,whatever things are just,...,whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.

Overall I'd say it was a very successful weekend and I hope to repeat it more often. 

Friends

My 9-year-old had a friend come home with her on Friday for a sleepover. First up was afterschool karate. I decided they needed some energy burned out af them, so I picked them up after a 2 hour workout. Supper was Dominoes pizza and Fanta Orange. I made them stop eating so I could pray over their meal. They were obviously starving after karate.

After an hour, I was beginning to settle down in my favorite chair when I heard them pulling out weird ingredients in the kitchen. They were planning on a smoothie challenge. What's that? Kids select a bunch of good and bad items to mix in a smoothie, challenging each other to drink it. I had to supervise that one because I didn't want a couple of sick girls. I pulled out the blender and kept the portions rather small, using only a teaspoon to taste the smoothie. In the end, it consisted of yogurt, strawberries, milk, sugar, ketchup, mustard, peanut butter, chocolate and cracked pepper. They survived.

The blind-folded makeover had one of them looking like they had on war paint. I told them if they were not going to shower, they should at least wash their dirty karate feet. They sat on the edge of the tub with soap, wash cloths and water running down the drain. That lasted long enough for each of them to have had full showers.  They wanted to stay up until 11 and I said ok. Thankfully, the were both asleep before 10:30.

They emerged the next morning around 8 and began to do art projects. It wasn't long before they asked for waffles and wanted to get ready to go swimming at the college. I popped the food in the toaster and set up their meals. I had already left the room when they were ready to eat. I smiled as I heard her friend pray over their food.

Proverbs 12:26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the ways of the wicked leads them astray.

I must say that I believe she has chosen a good friend.

Costume Time

When I was a kid, we created our Halloween costumes from old clothes and the occasional wig. Besides the candy, much of the fun was putting together a unique costume. This year both of my kids were in need of outfits and I really hated to just buy costumes. The older one was going to a Halloween party. I told him my only ideas were a pirate or a convict. He finally chose the convict (no frilly shirts for him). So armed with black clothes, white Duck Tape and an old pair of broken handcuffs, his was finished in no time.

The girl child was more difficult, as usual. She wanted to be a vampire. Why? I don't know. I thought, ok no problem, I'll make a cape. Oh no, no, no. She wanted a black dress with red material down the front and a red stand up collar. Five days later, I finally finished it. It was cute and more importantly warm. I offered her a black wig and vampire teeth. The teeth lasted about five minutes and the wig was a no go. So I ended up with a cute little blond in an outfit that could have been Little Red Riding Hood if I had made a hood instead of a collar.

I realize that some might fault me for allowing my kids to dress as an escaped convict and a vampire, but I see it as just plain fun to dress up and spend time with friends. 

Luke 12:23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

Although it took some time, I really enjoyed creating the costumes. It reminded me how much I like sewing and will hopefully keep me inspired. Perhaps my little one will dream up more designs and we can create a new wardrobe. Either way, I believe my kids will store this away in their memory of good times spent with mom.

Godly Girls

My pastor's sermon today was about girls. Here are the highlights.

To raise Godly Girls, you have to be crazy (unconventional, odd, different from the world).

A. You have to be specific so they won't be foolish. She will be known by her deeds (Preverbs 20:11) and all deeds start as seeds. 

• Drama (Proverbs 9:13 - 'clamorous' = drama) Instead of drama, value what is important.
• Deceit, exaggerations, embellishments - lies must be dealt with early. 
• Defensive, wanting to fight with you about anything. Don't let her grow up to be a contentious woman (Proverbs 21:9, 19; 27:15-16)

B. You don't want your girl to become provocative. 

• Don't allow her to dress in a way that would dishonor God. 
• You don't want her to be shallow.
• Tell her what true beauty is: Proverbs 31:30 

C. You want your girl to walk in wisdom.

• Affirm her worth, make it verbal; praise the good things you see in her.
• Encourage a servant'so heart; involve her in helping others.
• Develop her God-given talents.
• Teach her money management.
• Teach her to be gracious, not gossiping or jealous.
• Teach her good manners and to expect good manners from others.

So, this particular blog post is just for me to come back and review when I need extra encouragement when dealing with my daughter. 

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

He's 15

Yesterday was my son's 15th birthday. He and I were at the DDS at 7:30 a.m. so he could take the test for his learner's permit. There we were standing out in 45 degree weather and it struck me that we were doing the same thing a year before, standing out in the cold on his birthday while attending an all day archery class. At least this time we were only outside about 10 minutes before they allowed us inside. I must say that the employees at the DDS were cheerful, helpful and got us through in record time. He had his permit in hand as we walked out the door at 8 a.m. (Yes, he passed.)

Next, it was time for his present. He'd asked for tools and I said I would let him spend $50 on his choice of tools. I took him to Harbor Freight, aka Tool Heaven. He made me walk down every aisle as he scoured the shelves for items. (It was like shopping with my Dad. I had no clue how much alike they were.) As we reached the $50 mark I told him he would have to make some choices. He just smiled and assured me that he brought his own money to spend as well. 

After loading up a variety of tools, we headed to our church to practice driving in the empty parking lot for the next hour. He did a good job so I'm hopeful that he will become a good driver. 

The next stop was a visit with Grammy and Pop to show off his permit, new tools and collect the pound cake he asked her to make for him. Of course, Pop added to his pile of tools. 

Back home I gave him one more gift. It was an officially licensed Air Force t-shirt. You should have seen his face light up! He said it was the best shirt he'd ever gotten. You see, he's currently in the AF JROTC group at school and he has dreams of going into the Air Force. My, but he is growing up. However, he did let me hug him several times yesterday. :)

For my sweet boy-
Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and He shall direct your paths.

Grammy's Magic Touch

It's been one of those mornings. I was ready to go to church. The child was sloooowww about getting ready. The child stepped on a bottle of nail polish (why was that in the floor?). The child wailed about the pain and her inability to put any weight on her foot. The child had still not begun to get ready. What did I do? I called my mom, of course. Why? Because even with ice on her foot, the child was sure she couldn't walk and I was quickly losing patience.

Mom and Dad came over and looked at her injury. Within minutes my mom had her up and ready for church. She could walk again - it was a miracle! It was a 'Grammy Miracle' that apparently only grandmas can do. With just the right amount of petting and coaxing, Grammy turned that child into a compliant little angel.

So I dedicate these two verses to my Mom in hopes that one day I'll also have that magic touch.

Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
Proverbs 31:29 Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.

Ready for a Rainbow

If you live in the southeast, you are tired of rain. I believe this is day 10 of the wet stuff. Many events were canceled this weekend, but overall we've not been bombarded with torrential downpours. I'm thankful that we are not experiencing intensity of the historic flooding taking place in South Carolina. I read that areas around Charleston have seen up to two feet of rain in the last three days. I'm am hopeful that residents there are heeding warnings to travel cautiously.

Although the rain can wash away dirt, provide us water and make things grow, it doesn't invigorate and motivate us like the sun can. It makes me sleepy and a little lazy.  However, when the sun shines again, my energy will increase because God promised us relief from the storms.

Genesis 9:14-15 It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember my covenant which is the between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.

The rainbow is on its way.

Modern Conveniences

For the last two days my phone line has been out. Not a big deal since I could use my cell phone. Then the repairman came and took down the system to troubleshoot the problem. I lost my Internet. Oh, no! I couldn't write my blog, check my email or anything. It's not like I'm online all day, but it seems inconvenient when you can't at any moment grab your iPad to check on the weather, the news, store hours or _________(fill in the blank). It's kind of like when the power goes out and you reach for the light switch anyway.

So how did it change my day? Well, my 9-year-old and I spent the entire afternoon planning a book report. We sat together in my lounge chair, read the directions and brainstormed ideas. We spent hours talking about the book, what to report and what kind of props would help in her oral presentation.

As I looked back on the day, I thought about Mary and Martha. Martha's distractions were preparing a meal, and if not for a lack of modern conveniences, my distractions could have been this blog or whatever else I wanted to check on. Instead, I got to emulate Mary and be completely focused and absorbed in helping a little girl with her first big project at school.

Luke 10:41-42 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

Home Sweet Home

Proverbs 14:1a Every wise woman buildeth her house.

I read this verse in 1992 and decided to build my house. I'm not sure how many people choose to take such direct instructions from the Bible, but it was one of the best things I ever did. I moved in on April 2, 1993. Over the years I've changed some colors, worked on new rooms and tried to maintain it, but I've found myself at a point where I'm having to hire others to do much of the work.

Next week I have a general handyman coming to repaint the window trim, re-screen windows and redo my screen porch. After that, I'll be searching for a plumber to set up the utility room. Then there's the flooring, the ceiling and a dozen other jobs I want to complete. It never comes to an end, but that's a good thing.

Part of the fun of owning a home is dreaming up what I want to do next. Do I want to add a room, change a color or figure out a new storage system? I want the kids to be involved too, so I recently told them they could pick a new color for an accent wall in their own room. The girl who chose pink three years ago now wants a blue-green and the boy who just started high school chose lime green. (I am still wondering if the lime green is just a dare to see if I'll do it.)

With so much time and money needed to keep up a house, it feels like I'm walking a tightrope between being exasperated about what's not done and excited about all I could do. Then I think about how this home is temporary.

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.

So while I wait for a mansion, I'm going to choose to be excited about laundry rooms, newly screened porches and lime green paint.

What's New?

I took a week of vacation just to rest, travel a bit and work on a new room. After a short trip to the mountains, most of the week centered on prepping and painting my new utility/laundry room and reading several novels I had saved. I must be such a creature of habit since I've written about all of these things in the past. I always save a Dee Henderson novel to read uninterrupted. (This one was called "Taken".) I seem to always be working on an unfinished room in the basement. (You might remember the sewing room from last year.) So what's new?

Well, on Wednesday evening we headed to church for Awana and Backpack Love. I left my 9-year-old at Awana's football-themed Spirit Night and I walked over to pack food in backpacks for needy families. After about an hour I headed back to check on the Awana groups. I found my child who looked pretty happy, chomping on a hotdog and heading to the gym. Her teacher came up to me and handed me an envelope - which I couldn't read without my glasses. I just asked what it was. She smiled and said that my child had answered the altar call. Wow! I was so excited that I gave my daughter a couple of hugs until she told me to stop because it was embarrassing. 

II Corinthians 5:17 Therfore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

What a perfect week!

Khakis

We've joined the Girl Scouts. Well, technically my child joined the group but I'm positive this will involve me. So far, I've purchased supplies, put together a uniform, sewn on patches and she has attended a one hour meeting. See what I mean?

I did get a laugh out of her reaction to the uniform of a white shirt and khaki bottoms. She's never liked polo shirts and that's just what I bought. Fortunately she recalled that the other girls wore similar shirts, so she acquiesced. Then I pulled out the khaki pants. It was a resounding NO! She said, "I'm not wearing those! They're like your pants!" I laughed and said, "What do you think khakis are?" 

What ever happened to the little girl who wanted to wear mommy's clothes? When did khakis become so hideous? I really shouldn't be surprised by the child who insists on wearing hot pink tennis shoes with fluorescent yellow laces. Regardless, I know that clothes don't make the person and some day soon she will realize that also.

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.

I did go back and buy some khaki shorts, which she agreed to wear. However, the khaki pants will stay whether she likes them or not because in a few months I have a feeling the shorts just aren't going to cut it. 

Balance

In my profession, August is the busiest month of the year. We help students find ways to pay for college, but many don't seek our help until the bill is due. The students and their parents get anxious, so our staff takes on more than an average load to help each one navigate through the applications and forms. This happens every August across the country in every college.

I've been observing my friends on Facebook who are working weekends along with exceptionally long days to serve all of these students, but at what cost? They are losing time to be with their family, the chance to rest, and to have a life outside of work. They are fighting exhaustion and ailments caused by the stress of overworking.

I feel very fortunate that I'm too busy outside of work to put in overtime. I can't get to work more than 15 minutes early because I have a child to drop off at school. I have to leave work on time to avoid late charges for after-school and to get to Awana on Wednesday evening. I get to eat supper with her, make her do her homework, read to her, say prayers with her and tuck her in every night. I just don't have time to work longer hours, so I give work my all while I am there.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-24 For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This is also vanity. Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. 

My balancing act: Work to live, don't live to work.

Forgiving Yourself

I was reading a book this week entitled "More Than This" by Staci Stallings. It's a work of fiction, but had a wonderful analogy about how to forgive yourself after God has forgiven you. Here are some excerpts of the discussion between the main character Liz and her pastor.

  “I think God probably has forgiven me. I mean I’ve asked Him to and all, but I just... I can’t forgive myself. I can’t. What I did...”
  “... was too bad to ever forgive,” he finished for her, and she nodded, wondering how he knew the end of that sentence.
  Standing, he came around the desk and sat on top of it. “Let me ask you this, are you holding onto this thing because you think if you let it go, that will somehow mean you think it was okay?”  
  She could almost hear the ripping of the tears up from the surface of her heart. “Yeah.”
  “God is not about condemning you, so if you’re feeling condemned, that’s Satan, not God. Our God, our Father, loves you more than you can know, and it has nothing to do with anything you’ve ever done— good or bad. He has put inside of each of us a conscience that helps us know right from wrong, and when we do wrong, our conscience lets us know it.
  “Let me ask you this: have you ever been around a hot stove or a pan?”
  She liked this, it felt like getting away from the center of her story, like maybe she wouldn’t have to confess what she had done. Lifting her gaze, she nodded. “Yes.”
  “And why don’t you touch that hot surface?”
  “Because you’ll get burned.”
  “Exactly. Now some of us had parents who warned us about the hot stove, and we took them at their word and didn’t touch the thing. Others of us didn’t have those kinds of parents and had to learn about the hot stove the hard way. We touched it, got burned, felt the pain, and decided, ‘That was not a good idea.’”
  Liz almost laughed through her tears.
  “Right?” He smiled at her. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
  She smiled again and nodded.
  “And then there are some of us who had the good kind of parent, who told us not to touch the stove, but we had to see for ourselves. So we waltzed right up to the stove and smack!” He slapped his hand on the desk, causing her to jump. Then his eyes got wide, and he yanked his hand back and shook it. “OW! That’s hot!”
  This time, she really did laugh at his theatrics.
  “Right? You’ve been there then? Testing the stove, and you found out— that it’s hot. It hurts when I do that.”
  Now she was beginning to see just a bit clearer. “So why did God spell out all of those commandments? So He could punish us when we did something wrong, or was it Him telling us, ‘Don’t touch the hot stove. It will hurt you’?”
  Her spirit felt as if it had been scalded repeatedly by that stove.
  “The thing is, when we feel the pain, it’s a signal that something is not right. Something is hurting and we need to take our hand off the stove.” He sat back down on the desk. “You get it now, don’t you? You get it that when God said, ‘Liz, that stove is hot. Don’t touch it,’ He wasn’t fooling around. He wasn’t trying to take away your fun. The stove really was hot, and it really did hurt.”
  She nodded. Yes, it really did hurt. Physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.
  “Good. Then the first thing you’ve got to do is take your hand off the stove.” A question went through her mind and her eyes. “See, you’re holding your hand on that stove, bound and determined to keep yourself in that pain because you disobeyed and did what God told you not to do. And God’s right here saying, ‘Liz, take your hand off the stove, Child. You’ve been keeping yourself in this pain for too long.’”
  She shook her head. “But how do you do that? How do you let it go?”
  His eyes grew even kinder and gentler. “Sometimes it’s really hard. Sometimes it’s so hard that you can’t even do it.”
  Oh, that’s comforting. The words shot through her being, but she yanked them back before they came from her mouth.
  “But there’s something I’ve learned. When things are the hardest, when what God is asking us to do is so hard that you know you can’t do it, that’s when you’ve got to ask for His help. Not to fix the situation if it can’t be fixed, but to help us to forgive ourselves. We have to ask Him to help us to be willing to give the same forgiveness to ourselves that He’s already given us— to be willing to take our hand off the stove.”
...
  “So when you take your hand off the stove, you don’t forget that it hurt, you don’t forget what the pain felt like, but you let those scars remind you that God was right all along,” she said now beginning to understand. “That the stove was hot, and you touched it anyway, but He’s forgiven you for insisting that you learn the hard way.”
  He nodded. “And then you use that knowledge to help others avoid the stove.”

II Corinthians 12:9-10 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Back to School

It happened again. The kids are back in school. Even though it's still 90 degrees, the summer is over. Gone are the days I can get the youngest up and drop her at my parents' house in her pjs. Gone are the days that I can sleep an extra 30 minutes because I don't have to make breakfast and lunches before heading to work. Gone are the days that the traffic is smoother and finding a parking spot at the college is a piece of cake. Ah, I'll miss you summer.

I now have a fourth grader and a freshman in high school. The younger will learn how to change classes and continue afterschool karate, while the older is attending a brand new school and joining their Air Force JROTC program. So, my time shuttling kids around will probably be on the increase.

It's also the busiest month of the year at work since we are gearing up for our fall start and church activities also get a reboot. I'm tiring just listing everything here. But I know that within a week or two, the impending chaos will once again feel normal and all is as it should be.

I'll just remember this...

Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

My Weekend with Reggie

This weekend my 14-year-old son had the opportunity to go to Florida, his last chance before school started. There was only one problem.

"Mom, will you take care of Reggie?" he asked.
"Don't you have a friend who will do that?" I replied.
"All you have to do is put water in his bowl. You don't have to touch him."

Anyone who knows me understands that I'm not an animal person. The kids always claim they will take care of a pet, but I don't believe them. It happened years ago with the goldfish my son won at a carnival. After a month, I was the one who remembered to feed it and had to clean the bowl. I finally told them to set it free in Lake Lanier because 18 months was long enough for me to clean the bowl of an inch long, 49 cent goldfish.

Reggie is another story. He's a 1-year-old ball python who eats one mouse a week and must have his bowl kept full of water. He eats on Wednesdays, so there was no problem with that. Finally I relented and my son headed to FL. Reggie doesn't move around much in his 3ft x 1ft x 1.5ft cage, so I was a little surprised when I checked on him the second day and found him slithering to the other side, away from his usual resting place. Then I saw why and the text messages with my son began.

"So Reggie pooped a LOT next to the glass under his log."
"Can u remove it"
"Eeww"
"Grab some toilet paper and just pick it up"

Eeww! I headed down to the garage and found some industrial strength plastic gloves and did what had to be done. Then, I got to thinking about what a mom will do for their child.

Proverbs 31:27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 

My son soon called to check on Reggie (and probably me as well). He told me that event happens only once every 3 weeks. (Lucky me!) I assured him that the cage was clean again, but he would be cutting my grass this week - free of charge. He agreed.

Quotes from the Bible

As I read through the Bible, I always smile when I stumble across phrases that I recognize from other sources, whether it be music, books or movies. The easiest are the ones used in the popular choruses sung at church. Next would be learning the words from Handel's Messiah. Then there are popular movie titles like "Inherit the Wind" or "The Quick and the Dead," which I wonder if people even realize came from the Bible. 

I found another quote this week. Let me give you a backstory here. My best friend is a retired English teacher who is an avid reader. She called me about 6 months ago when she found out that a new book by Harper Lee was to be released. She wrote "To Kill a Mockingbird" which was published in 1960, and if you graduated from high school in the last 40 years you probably read it. Ms. Lee is 89 years old and has now published her 2nd novel entitled "Go Set a Watchman," also written during the 1950s. 

I ordered the book for my friend and it came this week. The very morning of the day I was delivering the book, I was reading a chapter in Isaiah and there was the title of this new book.

Isaiah 21:6 For thus hath the Lord said to me: "Go, set a watchman, Let him declare what he sees."

So, as I delivered the book and revealed my discovery, my friend got super excited. I'll be interested to see what kind of connections she makes between Isaiah and this new book. 

Swimming Lessons

This summer I decided that my 9 yr old should learn to swim. I looked at the local summer swim programs, but I didn't think she would really participate. My son was once on a swim team, but I didn't think she would listen to him either. Finally, I found an individual who was perfect for the job. She lives nearby, is a Red Cross certified swim instructor and, here's the best part, she was my daughter's Pre-K teacher. 

For the first few lessons, I heard about how I was ruining her summer and she did NOT want to take swimming lessons. I looked at her and said, "Sorry, you're taking lessons." She cried, she complained, and my Mom took her to the pool for each lesson. (Thanks Mama!)

After having a lesson once or twice a week since the summer began, my child was so excited on Thursday because she swam in the deep end of the pool. She was thrilled and so was I. It's been hard insisting that she take lessons, but I knew she would be happier and I would be more comfortable when she visits friends to go swimming.

Ezekiel 47:5 Again he measured one thousand cubits, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed. 

We all face 'deep water' in which we must swim, even though we are not born knowing how to make it through. But then God uses our life lessons to prepare us for the crossing. We look back and say, "We made it!"

The Door

I was home two extra days this week in an effort to make a dent in the seemingly unending projects at my house. I'm now attempting to finish the last downstairs room by creating a laundry/utility room. My Dad helps me with all of these major projects, so Thursday he arrived with the various tools needed to put in a new door. Not just put up a door, but cut a hole in the wall and insert a door.

As always, Daddy did a great job and I was the assistant. It's kind of like assisting in surgery when the nurse hands the next instrument to the doctor before being asked. That's the way we've operated for years because I couldn't possibly do these projects on my own. Hours later, being very careful to be sure everything was as square and balanced as possible, we had a new door where one had never been before. 

Ezekiel 41:21a The doorposts of the temple were square.

I often skim over the detailed descriptions of the building of the temple, construction of the ark, etc. I mostly can't relate because I don't understand the references to cubits and other measurements. When I think about the levels, squares and other tools that we used to make a single door hang correctly, it amazes me that thousands of years ago these expert builders were able to take God's blueprint and create a temple that today could probably not be duplicated. 

The Turtle

Yesterday I observed an unusual sight while stopped at a traffic light. The driver in the car next to me was on her smart phone, which isn't rare. However, in her other hand she held a turtle. That's right, a live turtle, about 6 inches in diameter, was being held by its shell, with its belly up, head moving and feet grasping for anything solid. My reaction was laughter, then many questions. Why did she have a turtle? Why was she holding the turtle while driving? How was she going to drive with her hands full? Was the turtle uncomfortable? Why couldn't she put the turtle in a box? Was it a pet or a turtle she found along the road? Would she have an accident while holding the turtle? Would the turtle survive a car accident? Why wasn't she putting aside the turtle and the phone to concentrate on driving?

I wonder how the Lord looks at us sometimes, with our hands full of random things, distracted by irrelevant stuff, and unable to focus on the job at hand.

Colossians 3:2 Set your mind in things above, not on things on the earth.

Passing the Gavel

This week I presided over my last board meeting. I've served as the president for my state association for the past year and I've written much about the travel it required. Will I miss it? Yes and no. I will miss the travel. I can say that it helped remove a barrier that I had erected years ago and I am thankful that I feel free to venture out again. 

However, even as a volunteer, it's tough being in charge of such a large group. We had over 700 members this year and many changes were made. I feel like it was a good year, a good experience, and I did the absolute best job I could do. 

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. 

It felt good last Tuesday when I banged the gavel for the last time and passed it to our new association president. I'll never regret taking the role because it was a great experience, but I find that I'm am relieved to be known as simply a past-president.

My Cloud

Yesterday was the first Saturday since early May that I had a free day to devote to yard work. There was an overgrown flower garden, with more grass than flowers, a yard to mow and weed-eating that was a month past due. After the hot, humid week we had, I was not looking forward to working outside. So, I got up early (for a Saturday) and was outside working by 7:30 a.m.

The temperature was pleasant and I got to work. For 5 and a half hours I worked pulling weeds. It got much warmer, but there were nice breezes all morning. Each time I noticed a strong breeze I said aloud, "Thank you for the breeze." Those breezes really kept me going.  

I took a lunch break and had a short visit with my parents. It was time to tackle mowing and weed-eating. It was 4 p.m. and usually one of the hottest times of the day. The breezes were dying out a bit, but as soon as I got on the mower a rather large cloud drifted over. It was unusual because I could see blue skies to the west and my yard was completely shaded. I kept watching the cloud thinking it would float away. After 30 minutes, it was still above me. At that time I started calling it 'My Cloud' and chose to believe it was placed there just for me.

Psalm 105:39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night.

After an hour and a half, my job was done. My Cloud covered me the entire time. When I put away the mower, the sun began to break through. I was so thankful that God kept me cool all day.

Winter

I combined a working trip with vacation last week and spent a few days in Florida at St. Pete Beach. The family and I had a wonderful time enjoying the beach, the food and the sights. One of our best days was spent in Clearwater at the Marine Aquarium, which is the home of a rather famous dolphin. Winter, the subject of a movie "Dolphin Tale", lost her tail at three months old after becoming entangled in a crab trap line. She now wears a prosthetic tail a few hours each day to assist with swimming. Here is her story: http://www.seewinter.com/winter.

Matthew 15:31 So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

It was quite amazing to see Winter swimming with her prosthetic tail. It was as if she was whole again. I imagine that we will be even more amazed when we arrive in heaven and see how an infinite God can make all things new and all things whole.

Retirement

It happened this week. My right hand, the other side of my brain, my all-knowing sidekick at work retired. Although I'm thrilled for her, I just haven't yet figured out how to function without her sitting across the hall. She's the one I can talk to about anything. She helps me understand all kinds of crazy regulations so that I can program our system correctly. She's my back-up when there is too much to do. Frankly, she just takes good care of me.

This week we had a retirement party and many friends stopped by the office. Some of them were retired themselves. They looked healthy and happy. There was no job stress etched on their faces. They were relaxed and excited that she had "made it and escaped."

So now I'm completely jealous. It will be quite a few years before I have this opportunity since my youngest is a 4th grader. Fortunately I do enjoy my job, so I'll move the retirement idea to the back of my head (at least until the next person decides it's time to retire).

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor - it is the gift of God.

Honestly, I'm very thankful that I had the honor of working with such a wonderful person. I'll miss her a lot, but I don't think she'll be surprised to get the occasional text, email or call from me when I start to freak out because she isn't there. I'll try to control myself DG. :)

Sweet Exhaustion

We made it! We got through the conference with only a few hiccups. I worked late each night to prepare for the next day. My prayer every morning was to stay calm and enjoy the day. Thankfully, I didn't get nervous. I had fun and I tried to make sure that everyone else had fun, too. I had a video greeting from the governor that everyone could hear, but not see. I chalked it up to technical difficulties and played it the next day.

During the first evening, we had a President's Reception. I wanted to talk to everyone, but that's not always easy. So I decided to take my camera and be the photographer. I could walk up to those I didn't know, ask if I could take their photo, then spend a few minutes talking with them before moving to the next group. We took the photos and added them to slideshows in our next general session when we were all together again. It was a lot of fun.

Our keynote speaker was Clyde Anderson, a financial analyst and contributor on CNN. Sounds like a dull subject, but he stole the show. He was one of our most popular guests. Our awards banquet was  well received, along with a charicature artist who was also very popular.

After the final session on Friday morning, we closed out the conference and left the hotel. I was tired and hungry, so I stopped at a Cracker Barrel about 10 miles away. I sat, ate, and decompressed. I spent some time in the gift shop talking with one of the workers. She had relocated from Virginia and we talked for quite a while. I climbed back in my car feeling lighter and freer than I had in months. My conference was over and, thanks to God, it had been good. 

Psalm 107:8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Prep Time

I've spent almost a year looking forward to and also dreading this week.  It's our state association's yearly financial aid conference and I am presiding over it. My poor office mates and family have been watching my tensions rise over the last few weeks. I'm still not quite ready, working on finishing the speeches I'm tasked to do and writing around 50 thank notes.

There will be about 200 colleagues attending and I do so enjoy being with this group. Perhaps I won't get too nervous this week. I'm going to try to think that they are not there to judge me, but to support me.

Psalm 31:19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!

I'm taking tomorrow off to get my ducks in a row and drive to the conference site. I'll keep in mind that ultimately God is in control and I trust that He will prepare me and lead me on this journey.

I Lost My Cool

I usually have a fairly even temperament, but one day this week I lost my cool. It was a long and very frustrating day. Every task seemed to take more time than it should and every question sounded like fingernails on a chalkboard. There was a deadline to deal with and a flurry of questions that I had no time to answer.

Then it happened. Someone sent some incorrect information to a student. It sent me over the edge and I said something I shouldn't have. The person who heard me doubled over in a fit of laughter. It took less than a minute for the entire office to gather around to be filled in on all of the details. I was slightly embarrassed, but still angry about the situation. However, the laughter from my office mates did more to relieve my tension than anything else.

I Johm 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Yes, I really am human and I can lose my cool. Thankfully, He is faithful.  Always.

A Day Off

I rarely take a day off.  After working in the same place for 25 years, I've accumulated about 6 months of sick leave and 45 days of vacation time. I feel blessed to have had good health and I do take off about 4 weeks each year, but to just take a random day off is unusual because I begin to think of all of the things I need to do at work. However, after a couple of 6 day work weeks, I was really tired and needed a break. I took a day off on Friday.

It was a great day! I had fun running around, doing errands, picking up supplies, shopping and shopping some more. I even bought a new dress for Mother's Day. And I ate a burger and fries just because I could. :)

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor - it is the gift of God.  

I was busy and on the go, but it was just what I needed and exactly what I wanted to do. Friday was definitely a gift from above.

Jesus Knows

I was weary this morning after working 6 days. I had deadlines at work that merited a Saturday and thankfully I finished. But I woke up early this morning and my mind began to fill with all of the things I still need to do at work and the list of duties I need to complete for my conference in mid-May, not to mention the laundry I didn't get done yesterday. Still I decided to spend my Sunday morning as usual, sitting in my favorite chair drinking some coffee and getting ready for church.

I love my church and I really enjoy the messages our pastor presents. Today the sermon was entitled "Jesus Knows" and he talked about Paul's stressful visit to Jerusalem in Acts 23. Paul was brought by a Roman commander to appear before the Jewish Council on why he was accused by the Jews. Paul told them he was innocent and the priest had someone punch him in the face. Things were spiraling out of control, so the Roman commander took Paul to their barracks.

Acts 23:11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

My pastor pulled 3 truths from this verse. 1) Jesus Knows Where You Are: the Lord stood by him; 2) Jesus Knows What You Need: Be of good cheer [courage]; and 3) Jesus Knows What To Do: you must also bear witness at Rome. When 40 had vowed to kill Paul in Jerusalem, Jesus knew what to do and saved Paul's life.

It was the perfect sermon for me today. Even with all of the demands and stresses, Jesus knows where I am, what I need, and what to do to get me there.

Gratitude and Attitude

I got frustrated this week. After receiving an urgent request at lunchtime to compile some data, I stopped my normal job and spent 3 hours tracking down the requested information. I got it together and sent the report at 5 pm that day. I felt pretty good about completing the job so quickly, until I got a response an hour later. There was no salutation. There was no thanks for what I had been able to compile. But there was a list of new questions. My anger flared and I complained about it to my colleagues the next day.

The lack of acknowledgement for what I had done was what stung. But perhaps I'm asking more than I should.

Luke 17:9-10 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, "We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do."

It's a sobering thought that I might be expecting someone to show gratitude because I was doing a job slightly outside my normal tasks. I think my attitude might have something to do with how I was raised to say Thank You for any kindness done to me. I suppose I expect everyone else to function the same way. Although this put a damper on my day, it gave me good insight on how quickly a person's attitude can change when there is no gratitude for their efforts.

A Sudden Goodbye

Last Wednesday, the mom of my college roommate went to heaven. I got a call from a mutual friend a few hours after the car accident. It didn't seem real and I hoped the news was wrong, but it was true. My mind wandered back to the mid-80s when I first met Ms. Syble. She was quiet and she smiled with ease.

Fast-forward to 2001 when I needed help watching my older child. He was a toddler and I was teaching in the evenings. I needed someone to watch him Monday through Thursday from 4 - 9 pm, I called my roommate who had a son almost the same age. She agreed to two nights and suggested that I talk to her mom about the other two nights. I went straight to Ms. Syble and asked. She wasn't too sure about it because she had never keep anyone other than her own grandkids. Thankfully she agreed and for the next four months she kept my child twice a week. He followed her around like a puppy and never hesitated to go to her when I headed off to work.

Matthew 18:5 Whosoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. 

I talked with her a few years ago and she told me that after keeping my son she began to keep other children. She seemed to really enjoy taking care of little ones. I even saw a Facebook tribute yesterday, thanking her for caring for another child. It made me smile knowing that my son and I got to share just a little bit of her life.

I Got To...

One morning I was listening to a radio discussion about how to improve your outlook on parenting. Instead of saying "I have to take my child to ______(practice, school, the doctor, etc.)", you can change your attitude by saying "I get to take my child to ______(practice, school, the doctor, etc.). I decided to give it a try, not only with my child but with chores around the house.

I really focused on it Friday afternoon while cutting the grass. I have a rather large yard and this was the first lawn maintenance of the year. Let me say that I got to cut my grass on a most perfect day. It was in the 80s with a nice breeze. I got to ride a mower instead of pushing one. I got to see a nice clean cut because my Dad put new blades on the mower. I got to enjoy being outside with no sneezing because I had mask to keep out the pollen. I got to see how my trees have grown since last fall. And I got to relax for almost two hours because, well you can't do much else while sitting on a mower.

Then, I got to leave my house on Sunday morning and enjoy the sight of a newly mowed yard. But best of all I got to go to church to hear

Mark 16:6 But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.

Happy Easter!

Legacy Bible Reading

My church turned 60 this week and to celebrate they decided to have volunteers read the Bible aloud. The whole Bible. Our pastor read the first chapter of Genesis last Sunday, then various members began early Monday morning reading in 15 minute sessions. Sign ups were from 7 am until 9:45 pm for the next 6 days. I chose 3:30 pm on Friday afternoon and I was excited. I found these instructions when I arrived.

When the 3:15 person finished, he left and I stepped up into the pulpit. It was very relaxed. There was no one in the auditorium to hear me. I got to read Luke 18 & 19 to Jesus alone before the next person arrived. When I finished the chapter, I did as instructed by drawing a line under the last verse and writing my name in the margin. I had no idea that I would get to put my name in that big, new Bible.

This Sunday morning it was announced that the entire Bible was completed just after noon on Saturday. Those who were signed up after that started again in Matthew and read almost half of the New Testament.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

So a church turned 60 and every word in the Bible was uttered in the auditorium that week. It was so cool that I was a part of this Legacy!

Friends

I was getting stressed about a deadline at work and my office was like sitting in the Arctic, so I sent out an S.O.S. email to a colleague at another school.  I simply stated that I needed her help and I could come that day or on Monday.  Within the hour she responded and told me to come on Monday. She didn't ask why, when or how long I needed her.  It was just, 'come'.

I showed up in her office Monday at 9 a.m. and sat with her and another person for 3 hours.  I asked questions, listened to responses, got examples, offered my views and talked through the work issues I needed solved.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

I was so grateful for their guidance, but I was even more thankful that I have friends who are willing to give good counsel when I feel like I am at the end of my rope.  I am also thankful to have friendships so strong that I feel comfortable in admitting my troubles and asking for help. And I am sure she knows that I would do the same for her.

Grumpy Me

I walked into my office on Friday morning to a rather cold 63 degrees. I had put in a work order the day before when the temp dropped to 66 degrees, so I decided to call Plant Operations and find out why I felt like I was sitting in a cooler. "Problems with the boiler," he said. So I whined and complained until my office mates surely recognized me in this verse.

Psalm 55:2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,

I borrowed heaters, put on gloves with the fingertips cut off and threw a blanket around my shoulders. I was able to work, but stayed uncomfortable until it was time to go home. (I was very thankful for our 3 o'clock closing that day.) I drove home with the heater blasting and the seat warmer on. At home, I cuddled in my chair with a book, a blanket and several pieces of fudge for comfort food. Within 2 hours I was fast asleep. The cold was gone and surrounded by warmth, my body and mind relaxed.

It's amazing how my physical surroundings can affect my mood, but with a change of location I am at peace. It seems petty and immature. And, I have a sneaking suspicion that this could be applied to anything that makes me uncomfortable, whether from people or circumstances. I am certainly glad God is patient because I am sure that I have modeled this verse on many occasions. And yet, in each circumstance, God leads me to comfort and peace.

Ants

After a week of bad weather and travel disruptions, I had a full agenda lined up at work. It was Monday and I was ready to jump in. I sat at my computer and noticed a couple of ants crawl across the desk. Smack! Then a few more. Smack, smack! Where were they coming from? I lifted up my phone and out ran at least 30 ants. I yelled for help. We used bug spray and I began to clear off the desk. I killed ants, cleaned and tried to answer emails for the next couple of hours. I placed everything back on my desk and watered my plants.

Within 30 minutes the ants began showing up again. I stood up and started searching for the source. I found literally hundreds of ants crawling out of one planter. Once it was taken outside, I had to spray again. Then I cleaned a second time, even having to empty a filing drawer they had invaded to escape the water. Outside I pulled the plants out of the container and found their home in the styrofoam peanuts under the plastic insert that held the plants. Aside from an anthill, I have never seen so many ants!

Proverbs 30:24-25 There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer;

Yes, I might be able to end an ant with a smack of my hand, but what they lack in individual strength is more than compensated for by the sheer force of numbers. I spent the entire day fighting with them. Still, good came from it. My desk got the cleaning it needed and I was able to reorganize my workspace to hopefully make me as efficient as the ants.

Adventures in Flying

Based on my current schedules, last week was my final time for air travel this year. The airlines and the winter storm warnings ensured that I would always remember it. Beginning innocently enough last Friday, I had a 10:50 am flight from Atlanta to Memphis. All was well until the descent when the captain told us the Memphis Airport was closed because of freezing rain. He said we would be in a holding pattern for 20 minutes hoping to land, then we would return to Atlanta to refuel. Yes, we flew back to Atlanta.  Ok, so our trip time would more than triple. We could handle that, no problem. But just before landing, the pilot told us the flight was cancelled. What?!? You can imagine that a flight with 150+ passengers all trying to rebook for Memphis ASAP was not fun. My new flight was rescheduled for 5:40 pm.

I arrived at the hotel around 7:30 pm Central Time, having missed my meeting and the group dinner. I did get to eat a nice meal at The Peabody, which was delicious but very expensive to me with an $8 baked potato and a $32 piece of grilled Mahi Mahi. I settled in and had a good night before my day long board meeting on Saturday.

The conference was very good and I learned a lot, but on Tuesday I started hearing about the winter storm warning for the south beginning the next day. My flight home was not until 3:30 pm Wednesday, so around lunchtime I called the airline and moved to a late morning flight. Then the storm warning was moved to an earlier time. By Wednesday evening I had rescheduled again for the first flight out of Memphis. It was at 6 am the next morning. That doesn't seem too bad until you realize you need to be at the airport by 4:30 am, which is at least 20 minutes from the hotel, where you must check out and get a cab to the airport. So, I was up before 3 am, checked out by 3:30 am, and waiting in the lobby of The Peabody for three other GA friends who were taking the same flight.

I was back in town by 10:30 and went straight to the grocery store. I had been gone almost a week and needed everything. I retrieved my child and went home, waiting for the storm. My child ended up at a friend's house while I took a much needed nap.  I woke to sleet and quickly took a short drive to pick up my girl. We saw some huge snowflakes for about 20 minutes, then the sleet returned and that was it. No great storm, no snow to play in, and no snow cream...but I was safely home with an extra day off from work.

Well, this verse is not talking about flying on an airplane, but rather a description of fleeing during the end times. However, it succinctly stated my thoughts regarding my latest adventures in flying!

Mark 13:18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter.

Weird Birthdays

Last Monday was my birthday and it was one of those that end in 9. Those birthdays always seem weird to me because I'm still in the same decade, but time is rushing me to the next one. I did have a wonderful lunch at my parents' house on Sunday and my coworkers brought a breakfast feast to the office on Monday morning. I ate lunch with my best friend, but had to cancel a supper out with my kids that evening when the weather got icy. Our school closed at 2 p.m. and I joked that they decided to close because it was my birthday.

I was home by 2:30, but I had to work a little longer.  You see, as the president of our state's financial aid association, I had a phone interview scheduled for 3 p.m. At the appointed time, I placed the call to the education reporter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  Yes, that's right, a phone interview with the AJC. I was prepped; I was ready; I was nervous. Thankfully it went well and in 20 minutes it was over. Whew!

The rest of the evening was rather sedate, watching the weather reports and tatting. Then I got a call around 7:30 from a friend who wanted to bring her daughter over to spend the night since their power had been off several hours. No problem. I just made popcorn for the impromptu sleepover.

Psalms 144:15b Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!

So on my weird end-of-the-decade birthday, I got eat with all of my friends, leave work early for 'free', watch freezing rain fall and ice buildup on everything, spoke with a reporter, and welcomed a chilly child into my warm house. And you know, it all made me happy and I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Applying for an Award

I'm the president of a state association this year, which has been a lot of fun. One way that I'm trying to help the group is by applying for a national award for an innovative training project we did this year. We believe that our project is worthwhile and could be used by other associations. Now I realize that applying for an award must sound odd, but that's how things work with non-profit organizations. The process involves submitting a narrative of the project, a formal evaluation of it and an online application. It's quite thorough and I spent most of Saturday compiling the narrative and evaluation. It was a lot of work that will only benefit our association if we are recognized nationally. Still, we need to try.

II Chronicles 15:7 But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!

I've got a small group of people who are going to review our application next week, then we will submit it and hope for the best. In a few months I'll let you know if our project is recognized.

Happy Medicine

I had my annual physical this week with ok results. I'm maintaining my weight and have good cholesterol levels, but my endocrine glands seem to do what they want. More specifically, my thyroid gland and probably my adrenal glands just don't want to join the team. They're on an extended vacation and didn't invite the rest of me along. Well, they did invite my iron which apparently visits them occasionally. 

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. 

Making fun of my lack of hormones and iron does make me smile, but in this case I think I'll also follow my doctor's advice. He wants me to try to take an iron supplement and see an endocrinologist. I don't like adding more medicines to my day, but if it will keep me awake at 4 in the afternoon I should probably follow his advice. 

I wish a you merry heart this week.

A Comfortable Week

After two weeks of ramped-up excitement, I've finally returned to what I consider a normal week. Shuttle to school, work, return home, try to figure out what to eat for supper, help with homework, and get ready for bed. Repeat. It's normal. It's comfortable. It's life.

In the past, any events that occurred outside this comfortable day-by-day routine lead me to a panicked state. I was agitated and didn't enjoy things that should have been fun. My doctor called it a panic disorder caused by a chemical imbalance. I called it a way of life for more than 15 years.

I can't claim that I'm past it all, but I am so much better. I started traveling again about a year ago. I've attended several events where I've had to speak in front of sometimes large groups. And thankfully, I'm doing it without extraordinary stress. I'm no longer existing with a constant fear of having an unexpected panic attack, but rather I relax and understand that I know how to handle it if I do.

Psalm 94:19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul. 

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A Capitol Adventure

On Friday I was invited to speak to over 200 high school students at "College, Yes You Can" Day, sponsored by GSFC - the organization that manages the HOPE Scolarships. Speaking to groups like that has been part of my job for the past 11 years, but the unusual thing was that it was in the South Wing of the Georgia State Capitol. I only had about 5 minutes to speak, but because of the location my mom, my best friend and my son accompanied me. The students were attentive and my little spiel went well. My son told me I was the best speaker, which is quite a complement coming from a 14 year old.

After the students dispersed to The Depot for the rest of the program, my family stayed back and began to explore the Capitol. We had never visited it before, so we walked into the House and Senate chambers, as well as the Governor's Office. Everyone who worked there was so polite. One of the administrative assistants even took a group photo of us in the Governor's Office. The chambers were magnificent and the history was everywhere, but I did not envy the job that each elected official has been appointed to do - by their constituents and mostly by God.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  

The trip on that cold, rainy day was better than I expected. I was so honored to be able to speak at the Capitol, even for just 5 minutes. Of course, the best part was sharing it with my family.

A Week of Celebrations

By no effort of my own, I was born into a rather large extended family. My mom is one of seven and the first cousin to a bunch of kids who grew up within 500 feet of each other. Needless to say they are more like siblings than cousins. And one of these cousins just happens to be the First Lady of Georgia, which means that the Governor's Inaugural week becomes a family affair.

It began last Sunday with a friends and family reception at the Governor's Mansion. We each had our photo made with the First Family - Governor Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal, then we went to a reception in the ballroom downstairs. As the two hours passed, more of the cousins came and by the time we left it was decided that we made up about a fourth of the crowd. (I did mention this was a rather large extended family, right?)

On Thursday evening we attended the Governor's Inaugural Gala. We wore long fancy dresses, had more photos made, hung out with the cousins, watched a tribute video of our Governor's life and enjoyed four musical concerts by Georgia artists.

That should have been it for the week, but the Inauguration coincided with our family reunion. So, on Saturday we headed to a reunion with the same cousins we had celebrated with all week. It was a great party and even better food.

And still, the week was incomplete until we celebrated my baby girl's 9th birthday. There is just nothing much better than having your child wake you up before 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning so she can see the minute she turns nine. She even opened her birthday presents while sitting in my bed.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor - it is the gift of God. 

It was a week of celebrations, a true gift of God.

Tatting

Have you ever heard of tatting? It is a series of knots and loops used to create durable lace and decorative items. You may have seen it long ago on the edges of pillowcases or collars. Tatting was developed in the early 1800s, possibly influenced by netting and decorative ropework done by sailors and fishermen.

Over the past 9 months I've been trying to teach myself to tat with a tatting shuttle. The shuttle allowed the knots to be placed on a string. I could do it, but could never seem to increase my speed. Then last weekend I tried a tatting needle. The difference was amazing! This time the knots were placed on a needle, then the string was pulled through later. For me, this new way was so much better. it reminds me of another new way that made life so much better.

Hebrews 10:19-21 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God.  

Here is an example of a tatted fish. (If you got this blog post as an email, you may need to go to the website to see the photo.)

I will make you fishers of men, fishers of men, fishers of men...

Welcoming the New Year

We have a TV, but no cable. There is a small indoor antenna that picks up a few local stations and that works for us. In the past three years of no cable, I've found that the house is calmer. Don't misunderstand - we have DVDs and occasionally watch free shows on the Internet, but our life doesn't revolve around the TV. We did turn on the TV for about 30 minutes to watch the ball drop to welcome 2015, but that won't be remembered years down the road.

The memories were made earlier in the evening as we played games to pass the time. First it was Hedbanz (a guessing game that caused contagious giggles), then Candyland, War, and a crazy made-up game called TicTacTalmo. By 11 p.m. we were wallowing on the floor trying to stay awake for just one more hour.  Even that gave us the giggles.

Psalm 126:2-3 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.

Yes, the Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.  Happy 2015!

A Sweet Christmas

I've been away from my regular schedule for the past two weeks, so I'm a little behind on my post. Sorry Rita. ;-)  Let me tell you about Christmas. We always have Christmas Eve at my parents' house. Thankfully everyone was healthy and, as always, the meal was fabulous. The gifts were appreciated and much laughter was had by all. The kids even allowed us to take family photos without too much arm-twisting.

The sweet spirit was repeated on Christmas morning with my kids. After each gift was unwrapped I received a hug, a kiss or a thank you - whether it was for clothing, a cd or a toy. Their attitudes and words filled me with peace and joy, making it one of the sweetest Christmases ever.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.