Proud Great Aunt

Thanks for all the prayers for my mom. Her colonoscopy went well, they found a few small pockets of diverticulitis, but nothing serious. We aren't sure why, but they did biopsy her stomach. We will not get those results back until the first of next week. He said they did not find anything signficant but her stomach was "aggravated".



Since I don't have children of my own, I have enjoyed watching my nieces and nephews grow up and now their children. I have three great nephews and three great neices. Back in April I introduced you to Talon Jon. His mother Danette is my namesake (Danette Lynn). I thought you might enjoy seeing how he has grown in such a short time. At his 4 month check up he was just a few ounces short of 16 pounds! Wonder how old he will be before I get to see him? I hate that all my family members (except my parents) live so far away and we just don't get together often enough.

Lunch Today

Well Andrea and I met at the Veranda Tea Room at Antiqueland on 75 and Plano Parkway. It was really good! I had a trio plate with spinach salad, chicken salad and a fruit cup. It was a nice environment with white table cloths and fresh flowers. It was nice and quiet (except for a lunch group of red hat ladies who kept ringing a cowbell to maintain order :) ) I want to go back when I can walk more because after eating there were so many neat things to look at in that store.

Then I got to play Bunco tonight. I tied for the most losses and in a roll off lost the roll off. Now something seems strange to me that the person that winds the roll off for biggest loser wins the "prize money", when they are not really the biggest loser? Because they won the roll off. I think I should anarchy and make them change the rules. Can't you tell what a gracious loser I am? It is always a night of fun.

Tomorrow my mom is having colonoscopy, I would appreciate prayers that there is nothing seriously wrong with her.

Chewing Gum

My mom gave me an idea to try to curb my nighttime munchies...chew gum. It seems to be working :) Don't know where this day went, it went by so quickly. Looking forward to having lunch with a friend tomorrow at a new place (I always love trying new places). I will have to tell you about it if it is any good. Yesterday we had a fun experience at Black Eyed Pea. We go there fairly often and don't usually see anyone we know. Yesterday, our table was right next to some old friends in Mesquite who now go to Saturn Road. While we were visiting with them in walked about 6-8 people from Richardson East who were all eating together. Then, right across from us they sat two couples who were really good friends of my parents so I went over and spoke to them. Then at the end of our meal the friends from Mesquite left and at their same table they sat a new group and I recognized a lady. It took me a few minutes to figure out where I knew her from, but I finally remembered she was one of my nurses in Rehab at Baylor. I went over and said hello to see if she remembered me and she did. She was thrilled to see me walking. So anyway...made lunch kind of interesting.

Sunday's Thought

Hope you all had a great Sunday! It has taken Blogger 30 minutes to let me post, so this will probably post after midnight :(



Steve is reading a book called "Gripped By The Greatness Of God" by James McDonald. He read me this story yesterday and I wanted to share it because it really spoke to my heart.

"God gets glory through the hopefully superior ways His children endure the suffering of this sinful world. So bad things do happen to good people. God is sovereign even over that. Helen Rosevere was a medical missionary in the Congo. Even though she had gone there to serve and share the gospel she was brutally attacked. This pure, gracious, innocent woman of God was humiliated and raped, but hung on with her life to a faith in God that refused to be shaken. While she was recovering from this horrible event, Helen leaned hard on the Lord. That's always the way it is isn't it? As you go through a painful experience, you either get closer to the Lord or further away. Trials will always push you. Either they wedge between you and God, pushing you from him, or the weight of those same burdens drives you closer to Him..."



"Recovering from her ordeal in the Congo, Helen wrote a comment we should all consider. She wrote a question as if written from God's own mouth: 'Can you thank me for trusting you with this experience even if I never tell you why?' Can you thank God for the hardest part of your life?"



I love how different authors can get me to reflect on my circumstances in a different light and challenge me to have a better attitude. I don't know if I can thank God yet for my circumstances but I look forward to the day I can.

Party In Heaven

Years ago I read a book by Tony Compolo called "The Kingdom of God is a Party". It had a great story in it about Agnes, who was a prostitute. Tony was at a diner late one night when Agnes and a friend came in and he heard a conversation between the two of them in which Agnes mentioned that the next day was her birthday. The other prostitute said in a harsh tone "So what? What do you want me to do, throw you a party or something?" Agnes replied "You don't have to be so mean; I was just saying it's my birthday. I don't expect a party, why would I? I have never had a birthday part my whole life". Tony waited till she left and then asked the cook, Harry, whether Agnes came to the diner every night to which Harry replied "yes" and at the same time. Tony talked to Harry about throwing Agnes a party, so Harry made the cake and Tony brought the decorations. When Agnes arrived the next night the place was full of other prostitutes, Agnes was so surprised she was speechless and after blowing out her candles she said that she did not want to eat the cake but wanted to take it home and savor the moment. When she left Tony stood up on a chair and said a prayer for Agnes after which Harry blurted out "Hey, you did not tell me you were a preacher, what kind of church do you belong to anyway?" Tony says it was just one of those God replies when he said "the kind of church that throws parties for prostitutes at 2:30 in the morning". To which Harry replied "No you don't. There ain't no church like that. If there was, I'd join it. Yep, I'd join a church like that."
I have always loved this story and today as I was listening to my stereo a song came on that I don't remember hearing before. First let me explain that my stereo holds 50 cd's at a time and I have it set where it scrambles them all up and plays this song and that, so I never know what is coming next. When I heard this song today I had to type in the lyrics to even find out who sang it. It is Michael English and the song is "Start A Party". The lyrics reminded me of Tony's story and then this phrase really caught my attention "When a lost one is found, all of heaven assembles. If we each do our part, this party could last for years"
It made me think about when was the last time I even cared about the party in heaven thrown for the redeemed sinner? And how guilty I am of not doing my part of sharing the Good News. So hopefully you will join me in making sure we help the party to continue. Here are the rest of the lyrics.

Start a Party
Starting my day, with big preparations
Going out strong, with great expectation
I want the world, to know that my Jesus lives
I have a clue, that my reputation
Could show that God's love, has an open invitation
I wont miss the chance, that someone might call His name
I wanna to start a party
Up in heaven
And get those angels dancin'
For a new heartbeat
It's a righteous celebration
Singin' hallelujah
I wanna start a party
Angels rejoice, and the demons all tremble
When a lost one is found, all of heaven assembles
If we each do our part, this party could last for years

Harry Potter's Newest

Today I joined a friend and her granddaughter at the movie theater to see the newest Harry Potter movie. When Harry Potter first came out I was very cautious and even presented a video at church on the possible dangers of children watching Harry Potter. I then decided I could not give it a fair assessment without seeing it. When I did see it, I was less concerned and saw it as a movie where good triumphs over evil and friendships are valued. However, it still concerns me that the whole series is about wizards and witches. Anyway...I would not recommend this newest movie especially to children younger than 12. While "good" still triumphs over evil (or evil over worse evil?) and friendship is still valued and important, there is so much more darkness in this movie. Lots of scary creatures. I guess I tend to justify these movies because there is no bad language or sex. I am amazed at Rawlings imagination. I would never be ever to concoct this world she has created. So I wonder if Harry's power came from prayer instead of a wand; would people still want to see the movies?

Nightime Munchies

So here I am on day four of my commitment to eat healthier. I have done pretty well with the Lord's help. Last night I ate out with some friends at On The Border and while I didn't do perfect (too many chips, but not as many as I would have before), but I ordered a salad knowing that I would eat chips. On side note, while we were sitting there two teenagers got into a brawl and were physically attacking each other. Fortunately, a man stepped in and broke it up. Anyway...back to my thoughts for this post. I do fairly well everyday up until about 8:00 p.m. and that is when I am the hungriest? Tonight I ate an apple at about 9:00, but it did not curb my hunger. Usually, I would have chips, popcorn, wheat thins, etc. So anyway...does anyone have any suggestions of low carb snacks I could try that would also curb my munchies and hunger at night? I would appreciate any suggestions. Too, perhaps you could pray and extra prayer around 8:00 at night for me that I have the strength to resist the urge.
Finally, you may already know about Godtube but Steve sent me another email today with a link to a Godtube clip. I did not know this site existed. This particular clip is about a young man who was born with no arms and no legs. It is about 15 minutes in length but really inspiring. I will keep it so that the next time I am having a pity party I can watch it and remind myself that I am indeed blessed. http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9bc6025b51155e26f6ce Hope everyone has a great Friday!

That's God

Thanks for the sweet comments about yesterday's post. I appreciate you reading.
Steve forwarded me this email yesterday and it was so sweet I thought I would share it with you.

NOW THAT'S GOD
It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The creeks and streams were long gone back into the earth. It was a dry season that would bankrupt several farmers before it was through. Every day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous process of trying to get water to the fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water. But severe rationing had cut everyone off. If we Didn’t see some rain soon...we would lose everything. It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my Six-year-old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort ... trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house. I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed. Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods. This activity went on for an hour: walking carefully to the woods, running back to the house. Finally I couldn't take it any longer and I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen...as he was obviously doing important work and didn't need his Mommy checking up on him). He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked, being very careful not to spill the water he held in them ... maybe two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked close as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face, but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much higher purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site. Several large deer loomed in front of him. Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. A huge buck with elaborate antlers was dangerously close. But the buck did not threaten him...he didn't even move as Billy knelt down. And I saw a tiny fawn lying on the ground; obviously suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand. When the water was gone, Billy jumped up to run back to the house and I hid behind a tree. I followed him back to the house to a spigot to which we had shut off the water. Billy opened it all the way up and a small trickle began to creep out. He knelt there, letting the drip, drip slowly fill up his makeshift "cup," as the sun beat down on his little back. And it came clear to me: The trouble he had gotten into for playing with the hose the week before. The lecture he had received about the importance of not wasting water. The reason he didn't ask me to help him. It took almost twenty minutes for the drops to fill his hands. When he stood up and began the trek back, I was there in front of him. His little eyes just filled with tears. "I'm not wasting," was all he said. As he began his walk, I joined him...with a small pot of water from the kitchen. I let him tend to the fawn. I stayed away. It was his job. I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save another life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, other drops...and more drops...and more suddenly joined them. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, himself, was weeping with pride. Some will probably say that this was all just a huge coincidence. Those miracles don't really exist. That it was bound to rain sometime. And I can't argue with that... I'm not going to try. All I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm...just like the actions of one little boy saved another. I don't know if anyone will read this...but I had to send it out. To honor the memory of my beautiful Billy, who was taken from me much too soon... But not before showing me the true face of God, in a little, sunburned body. *~THAT'S GOD ~*

Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for? THAT'S GOD!
He speaks to you through the Holy Spirit Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to Talk to? THAT'S GOD!
He wants you to speak to Him. Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them? THAT'S GOD!
There's no such thing as coincidence. Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you wanted, but couldn't afford. THAT'S GOD.
He knows the desires of your heart. . Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it is going to get better, but now you look back on it? THAT'S GOD!
He passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day. NOW THAT'S GOD!!!!!!!!

Don't tell GOD how Big your storm is. Tell the storm how Big your GOD is!

Misunderstood Post

I just want to make a clarification from my Sunday post. I was not saying it was a great day for a nap because Matt Cole preached at Richardson East. He had a great message, and I loved his sense of humor talking about his kids and Brooke. I was saying it was a great day for a nap that afternoon because of the rain. So "anonymous" whoever you are, I appreciate you letting me know that I was misunderstood. Reading back over the blog I can see where you might think that is what I was saying.

Accountability

Accountability is not a word I like very much. But it is the only way I usually do what I need to do. I decided this time I will make myself accountable to my fellow blog community. I am a carbohydrate addict. I lost 100 pounds while I was in the hospital because they limited my carbohydrate intake and I eliminated sweets. In the last 8 months I have put 30 of those pounds back on because I went back to my old eating habits. Starting today I am committing to once again limit my carbohydrate intake and remove sweets from my diet. I know that there will be so many benefits and blessings to eating healthier. I also know that every time I have deliberately made this decision I have come under major attack from Satan. So I am asking for you to pray that I will resist the temptations he will place in my path and find my strength in the Lord and motivation to make my temple one that He will delight in residing. If you have any good ways that you flavor meats I would love to hear about them. I bought a couple of rubs at the store today. It is hard to find marinades without high sugar content. Part of the challenge will be not getting tired of eating the same things, as Steve is rather picky in what vegetables he will eat and about the only salads he will eat is coleslaw and tossed salad. Anyway...he also wants to do this, so I am sure he will be his usual loving self and not complain at anything I fix. So I will claim the Philippians 4:13 promise that I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.

It Happened Again

Third Sunday in a row there was a visiting preacher??? I am getting a real complex. No one said today where John was at Richardson East, but I have to assume he was on vacation. What a great day for a nap!! Unfortunately because of the rain I had to miss the Espinosa's going away reception. Because of my tears in both knees I have to be exceptionally careful for the next several weeks, and my crutches tend to really slip on wet surfaces. So I took a nap, and loved waking to the roaring thunder. I have always loved thunder, I even have CD's I listen to at night sometimes of either thunderstorms or ocean waves. I have just always found the sounds of water calming. Rivers, beaches, rain...all my favorites. What sounds are calming to you or do you enjoy?

Miracle Grow

This is yesterday's post, but for some reason last night Internet Explorer went down and I could not get the pictures to load or this to post so at 12:30 a.m. I gave up and went to bed. Computers are great when they work, but oh so frustrating when they don't. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy the sunshine :)

My sister Caren fixed a great meal tonight. We had shrimp and steak kabobs with rice pilaf, broccoli, salad and mango. We had yummy key lime pie for dessert. She had brought tropical decorations from home. We ended the evening with a swim. It was a fun evening.

As promised here are some pictures of all my pretty flowers in my backyard. It is amazing what a little color can do. Finally, I am on my way to bed and I am excited because the last thing my sister and brother in law did for me is move my bed back to my room. So tonight Steve and I will once again be able to snuggle. Caren and Mel will leave in the morning to go back to Denver. I am sure they are exhausted! We are so grateful for everything they did for us while they were here. I will miss the house being full of activity and fun!

Rained Out Dinner

Well, we didn't get to have our tropical dinner because of the rain. We will try again tomorrow night and if it still rains, we will just move it inside. Instead my sister and I went to Garden Ridge this afternoon and found most of the flowers to be 75% off so we got a lot of flowers. Several years ago Steve and I had all the foliage removed from around the pool because it just made keeping the pool clean so difficult and with everything so close to the pool it was very difficult to do the trimming. I love having more deck around the pool, especially when we have kids over to swim, but I miss the pretty foliage. So I have purchased several flower pots and I keep them full of silk flowers. Yes I know it sounds tacky. I love flowers, I just don't enjoy all the work that goes into keeping them looking pretty and it just doesn't take long for them to die in my yard because there is not much shade in the backyard. The bad thing about silk flowers is they fade but it had been about 4-5 years since I bought the last ones. So I stocked up tonight. Unfortunately, the greenery was not on sale. So $95.40 later and my back yard is full of blooms! I will have to take pictures tomorrow and post them. Can't believe we are already at Friday again! Just seems time passes more quickly every day. Everyone have a great day!

Hard Days Work

My sister Caren and her husband Mel are here from Denver for the week. They came down specifically to help with some chores for my mom and dad and for me. We are all staying together at my house and having a great time! But, we have really been working hard! Monday we cleaned out my garage and took lots of stuff to Goodwill. We can once again get both cars in the garage. Today we worked hard out in the back yard cleaning my pool deck and trimming all the foilage. It looks so nice! My brother in law brought his power washer and it did such a great job cleaning the deck (that had not been cleaned the last two summers), but unfortunately we did not get to eat our grilled hamburgers outside because the rain today made the furniture all too wet to sit in and we had all taken our showers and got dressed. Anyway...I am so thankful for their servant hearts and all the hard work! Tomorrow, we head over to my mom's and will do some things around her house. But can't wait till tomorrow night because Caren is going to make us a Tropical Dinner Surprise. I'll have to tell you about it tomorrow. Happy Fourth!

Great News

Great news at the doctors today! Nothing majorily wrong with my leg. The doctor said he was thrilled with the healing of the leg and that everything looked totally realigned. I am so thankful! The pain in my knee is a meniscus tear. It was caused by me just turning the wrong way on my walker. It should heal in about 4 weeks and in the meantime, I am just back on crutches to help me walk with minimum pain. Thank all of you for your prayers. I went to Kaboom Town tonight to watch the fireworks. They are always so good. I just lucked out by a last minute decision to pay for parking and we had great seats. Hope everyone else has a wonderful Fourth!

Oh, No The Leamings Are Coming

Well, two weeks in the row we have visited a church only for the regular minister to be gone and someone else taking their place. I am starting to think they must know we are coming :)
The speaker this morning at Farmers Branch was awesome. I think his name was Michael Miller. He had a great sermon about us being Jesus to the world. But what touched me most of all is we sang "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus". Remember a few days ago I blogged about looking up to Jesus? Well, how many years have I been singing this song? And not until today did the lyrics "and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace" catch my attention, or make me realize what they mean. It for sure reinforced me to keep my eyes upon God and if I do, the things of this earth will not have my attention, only God will. Hope we all will look up more this week!

Prayer Request

The past few days it has become increasingly more difficult for me to walk due to some significant pain in my left knee. I am trying to wait till Monday to call the doctor and not go to the emergency room. Please pray that I can do that, and more specifically that whatever is going on is nothing serious. Thanks so much! I have to admit I get a little paranoid when things go different from what I consider as "normal".

Freedom

One of my favorite singers is Michael Card. I subscribe to his devotional thought, which comes once a week. This is what he said today "Several years before the cross became a popular Christian symbol, it was the sign of the anchor that the first century Christians scratched on the walls of the catacombs. From antiquity, it had come to be regarded almost universally as a sign of hope; that somewhere there was something that could be trusted in the middle of the storms that characterized their lives then and ours today.
We forget in America that more Christians are dying for their faith in the world today than at any time in the history of the Church. Martyrdom is still a reality. The writer of Hebrews would have us stand with those brothers and sisters, pray for them, weep their tears. Those nameless believers two centuries ago who huddled amidst the corpses in the catacombs, who carved the sign of the anchor into the soft stone walls by the flickering light of candles seemed to know what we must remember, there is only one anchor for our souls; our hope in Christ Jesus. "

I must admit that although I know about persecution in other countries, I do not think to pray for them as often as I should, usually just when I get an email update from Open Door. I did get one from them today as well and was touched at how God used a tragedy in Smyrna to advance His kingdom. You can read about it here: www.opendoorsusa.org/content/view/147/1

I can't even imagine what it must be like to live in that kind of danger! So I am hopeful that I can be more thankful for my religious freedoms and be faithful to pray for those who are not as blessed.

Customer Service

Seems like Steve and I have just had several instances lately of really poor customer service.
I guess that there is so much business out there they don't have to worry about giving you good customer service. Yesterday I called a company to come and trim my bushes and trees and he told me he would come by today. I should have made him pinpoint a time because I got up at 8:00 to make sure I was up when they came. They never showed! I know it rained off and on all day but you would think if that was going to keep them from coming they could have called. So now I am being tacky...I hope they show up tomorrow and waste their time when they discover I am not home. I would call them back but yesterday the Spanish accent was so thick I could barely understand him anyway. I will just contact a different company. If you have a recommendation I would appreciate hearing it.

Blogging Blues

I haven't blogged in two days and it bothers me that I haven't had anything to say. Don't know that I really have much to say tonight either. I am amazed at how quickly the time can go by when you aren't doing anything. I hate to admit that I have become a T.V. junkie; I am usually doing something else while I am watching (i.e. suduko, tetris, etc) but still basically time wasters. I am thankful that currently T.V. is doing something besides the traditional summer reruns. I do have to admit I like the new game shows and talent shows. Tonight I was flipping back and forth between "So You Think You Can Dance" and "The Next Best Thing". I do enjoy the dancing and am amazed at what they can learn in such a short amount of time. One of the contestants on "The Next Best Thing" was a clone of Lucy Ball and did a take off of her "Vita-vegamin" show and I thought she was amazing. The good thing is Monday and Tuesday I didn't watch T.V. during the day because I stayed busy doing things around the house. But last night while making dinner my left knee popped and I have been in pain when walking, so today I have just sat. I should have started the Francine Rivers "Mark of the Lion" series (which I have had for three years), but instead I watched "Dreamgirls". I read where Rachel is enjoying the Mitford series and I have had the first two books of that series for about 5 years and still have not read them. Once I get into a book I enjoy them and do finish them, but it seems if it doesn't grab me in the first 2-3 chapters I just don't keep trying. Both of these series others have told me I will enjoy if I can just stay with them. Eventually I am sure I will try. Right now if I am reading I need to read materials to help me prepare for my workshop at ACU. So as Scarlett O'Hare would say "tomorrow is another day".

Revolutionary Parenting

I have been asked to speak at the ACU Summer Workshop at the end of July. My topic is setting Goals and Objectives for Spiritual Formation. One of the books I am reading to prepare is George Barna's "Revolutionary Parenting". His book “Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions” was a very eye opening book for me and helped me understand the importance of teaching children in a new light. Let me tell you some of the statistics he quotes in “Revolutionary Parenting”.
-Only 1/3 (36%) of adolescents believe the Bible is accurate
-Only one in every five adolescents (19%) believe it is important to share their faith with their peers
-Only 1/4th believe Satan is real, the rest believe he is symbolic
-8 out of 10 believe that being good will get you to heaven and 7 out 10 believe no matter what your faith we will all have the same eternal outcome and they don’t believe you can know for sure what your eternal outcome will be.
-46% believe that Jesus did not live a sinless life
-Only 58% of teens believe that God is real and that He is all knowing, all powerful
-Only 6 out of 10 believe that God created the world
-Only 1/3 believe that Jesus resurrected from the dead
-A national survey of 13 year olds revealed that most of them think they already know everything of significance in the Bible (hence they are no longer open or actively studying the scriptures) Also most of them state they have no intention of attending church when they are out on their own.

All these statistics are extremely sad to me and are a cause for concern. I am interested in reading the rest of the book to see what Barna recommends. He states that he studied children who grew up as spiritual champions and the parents that raised them to see what the process is that facilitates the emergence of young people who know what it means to love God with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength.

If you are interested, I will share later what Barna says after I have finished reading. You can find more information about his research at www.barna.org

Looking Up

I hope you won't stop reading my blog since I am inundating it with song lyrics, but like I have mentioned before it seems like music is where I hear God speaking to me the most. I love the verse in Zephaniah 3:17-“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you,he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Anyway…today I was out in the pool listening to KLTY when I was swimming and this song by Bebo Norman came on:

God, my God, I cry out

Your beloved needs You now

God, be near, calm my fear

And take my doubt

Your kindness is what pulls me up

Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker

Of the mountains I can’t climb

I will lift my eyes to the Calmer

Of the oceans raging wild

I will lift my eyes to the Healer

Of the hurt I hold inside

I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing

Her melody over me

God, right here all I bring

Is all of me

‘Cause You are and You were and You will be forever

The Lover I need to save me

‘Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God

So hold me now

As I listened to this song, I began looking up into the sky, then I just turned on my back and floated, looking to the sky. I know David had said in the Psalms 121:1 “I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?” But it had not occurred to me until today that by lifting my eyes up it takes the focus off of me. It literally caused me to look to the heavens and worship God. Hopefully I will not forget that lesson and from this day forward will lift my eyes up more often.

Oh yes, and hopefully you will find my post to be cleaner of spelling errors. Since Blogger doesn't have a spell check, Steve suggested I write in Word and then copy it here as evidently I have quite a few typing or spelling errors. Thanks Steve for taking the time to read and let me know.

Silent Day

Wow! I only recieved one email today and it was a group email and no comments to my blog. Amazing how dependent I have become on my computer for communication? I did have a feeling of accomplishment as I got my closet organized today. I found clothes I forgot I had! That is a sad statement, means I have way too many things in my closet. But at least now they are once again organized. I was reading today in my devotional book by Don Piper and he was quoting from Philippians 4:4-5 "Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! ". He went on to ask if we really believe that Jesus could show up any minute how would that change the way we are living right now? Gave me a new twist on the old "What Would Jesus Do?" While I live in hope that Jesus is returning at any time, why did Paul think His return was so imminent? It is not the only time that He said the Lord's return is soon, and here we are 2000 years later. Guess compared to eternity 2000 years is not that long? Anyway, if I am honest with myself I am sure I would live differently if I believed the Lord's return was imminent. I want to think about it more before I share with you what I would change. In the meantime....How about you? What would you do differently?

Continued Confession

One thing I find difficult about blogging is being transparent. I would much rather try to be uplifting or trivial than being confessional. I think part of the reason is I don't want anyone's pity or readers thinking they have to say something to cheer me up. But in an effort to keep this blog honest about the journey I am on, I will continue to have days like today where I need to post honest feelings. Today I went to the doctor for a check up because I was having some sharp pains in my right knee. The good news is nothing is majorily wrong, evidently I have pulled my HCL (most likely a couple of weeks ago when I stepped up into the church van). It should heal in a few weeks. But on the way home I heard a song that just made me start crying. I think it is because the lyrics were speaking my heart right now. I came home and looked it up so I could post it. It is by Nicole Sponberg and is called "Ressurection"

I'’m at a loss for words,

there’’s nothing to say

I sit in silence wondering

what led me to this place

How did my heart become

so lifeless and cold

Where did the passion go?

When all my efforts seem like chasing wind

I'’ve used up all my strength

and there’’s nothing left to give

I'’ve lost the feeling

and I'’m down to the core

Can'’t fake it anymore

Here I am at the end

I'’m in need of resurrection

Only you can take this empty shell

and raise it from the dead

What I'’ve lost to the world

what seems far beyond redemption

You can take the pieces in your hand

and make me whole again

However, while I was looking for that song, I found this one by Avalon that I don't remember hearing before and I felt like it was a prayer given to me by God to continue on this journey of healing. Thank you God.

Band: Avalon Album: Avalon Track: Renew Me ::

Why am I such a dusty window

For your light to shine through?

Why am I just a tiny star

In a sky already blue?

Why do I offer everything

With my heart closed like a fist?

I want to love You better than this

Why do I live like I'm in chains

When You have set me free?

And why do I have to break Your heart

Before I fall to my knees?

I know it's time to pray for change

Give all I have to give

I want to love You better than this

So renew me, Remake me

Undo me, Unbreak me

Come into the empty spaces

Of my broken places

And consume me, Complete me

Pursue me, Redeem me

Let Your Holy Spirit living through me

Renew me I need Your power to renew me,

Lord, yeahI need to know You're moving through me,

LordI need You as my refuge

My first and last resort

Be the river always running

Through my deepest thoughts

Keep me in Your arms'

Cause even when I drift

I want to love You better than this

So renew me, Remake me

Undo me, Unbreak me

Come into the empty spaces

Of my broken places

And consume me, Complete me

Pursue me, Redeem me

Let Your Holy Spirit living through me

Renew me

My life bending to Your will

Seeking You until I'm more and more like You

Wednesdays In The Park

Something I hate to admit about myself is that I can tend to be a pessimist. I really try to work on this but I don't have high expectations so as not to be disappointed. That being said I was not real optimistic that there would be a good turn out for Wednesdays in the Park. I am so glad that I was wrong. That is because God will always exceed my expectations if I just get myself out of the way. There was a great turnout tonight at Crowley Park. It looked to me like everyone was having a great time. There were lots and lots of visitors. I am anxious to see what God is going to do with this adventure this summer. I pray that our seeds will generate great fruit in His Kingdom in Richardson. If you missed it...at least you have 7 more weeks to come and join in the blessing of fellowship and outreach.

Poor Bunny

My brother Brad is a supervisor for Olympia Power and Light. He and his crew came across an owl the other day that had been electrocuted as it was flying with a rabbit in his claws. It fried both of them at 12,000 volts. I had no idea owls could be so large! Poor bunny.

Home

Seems like no matter how nice of a trip you have it is just always good to be home! We get so used to our own bed, own pillows that no matter what motel we stay in seems like it is never comfortable. Both beds on this trip were okay, but the pillows were aweful! We left Friday and stopped at the IHOP in Mesquite to eat breakfast. They have such good omeletes, unfortnately this particular IHOP is just dirty. I would have loved to eat at Cracker Barrell, but it is not Steve's favorite place. We had fun trying out the new GPS that STeve had bought me for a retirement present. We arrived at Copperas Cove about 4:00 and had a chance to take a short nap before meeting Chuck and Kelly for dinner. We went to Casa Ole and had a really good mexican dinner. They had a green sauce salsa that was very different but really good.

Steve and Chuck look alot alike. Steve is 8 years older. We weren't facing the sun so don't know why they are both squinting. I do know Chuck doesn't smile, because of all those years in army pictures.

Unfortunately, Kelly's glasses must turn dark in the sunlight.

Saturday morning Steve got up very early and went to a prayer breakfast with his brother. He said he really enjoyed it. Then we went to lunch and left about 2:00 for Austin. We checked into the Double Tree about 4:00 and they gave us a delicious warm chocolate chip cookie. The motel ended up being only about a block from the church. The wedding was beautiful and the ceremony was really sweet. It was fun watching Jordan radiate at his new bride. It was also fun watching Carolyn McBryde live one of her life long dreams of serving communion :)

The reception was lovely, the food delicious. They had a buffet and had some delicious coconut shrimp and some of the best salmon I have ever eaten. I really enjoyed getting to sit by Jennifer Kilgore because I had never really visited with her. We had a nice conversation. The band playing made it difficult to talk to anyone other than the person sitting right next to you. By the end of the evening I was exhausted and was almost not able to walk back to the car, but thanks to using the walker (instead of the cane) I made it. We decided to sleep in Sunday morning since two nights in a row we had not slept very well. We ate at Denny's on our way out of town. What a mistake. We decided to splurge and get t-bone steak and eggs and the steak was probably the worst I have ever eaten. I ordered it medium and there was not one bit of pink in it and it was so tough! Really dissappointing. We then headed home and I put the book on tape in for us to listen to and about 30 minutes later I was asleep!! I felt so bad. I was determined on this trip I would stay awake. Just couldn't do it.
After arriving home we went over to my parents to give my dad his father's day gift and to spend some time with him and then came home. I did manage to stay up till 11:00 p.m. but did not wake up until 11:30 a.m.!! Then my mom, dad and I went to Red Lobster as that is where he wanted to eat for Father's Day. I was so excited that he felt like eating out at all!! He had never had lobster in his life and wanted to have it, so he really enjoyed his meal and he ate every bit of it!


All in all it was really a good few days.

Weekend Away

I am really excited because Steve and I are getting away for the weekend. It will be the first time we have traveled since my accident. We are going to Austin for Jordan Swim's wedding. We will stop in Copperas Cove tomorrow to visit Steve's brother Chuck and his girlfriend Kelly. I was really excited because I went on Priceline and got us a $169.00 a night room at the Doubletree downtown for $75.00. The reception is at the Four Seasons downtown so I thought maybe we should stay there and save ourselves some steps. Right? The rooms began at $375.00!! I could not believe it! Needless to say, we are not staying there.

I bought us Francine Rivers audio book "Prophet" to listen to. Steve isn't a big talker when he is driving as he feels the need to concentrate. He will listen to me babel so I am hoping he will enjoy the book too. Although I probably won't put it in till we are coming home on Sunday to keep us both awake.

So anyway...just thought I would let Kristi and Stormy know that I won't be blogging till Monday (so they won't think I am a slacker :) ). Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Happy Weblogger's Day

Scrolled everyone elses blogs to see if anyone missed me to the punch. Today is Weblogger's Day. So here is to all my blog friends! This article came from Tech Republic's site.

"Blogito, ergo sum
Here's another entry for the "I Had No Idea There Was a Holiday For That" file: June 14 is International Weblogger's Day, set aside to commemorate and celebrate the democratization of Web publishing to allow any and every average schmoe to disseminate his most banal interests and accomplishments to the entire online world.
For the sake of first principle, let's take a look at Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary definition of the term blog: "A Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer."
So, contrary to what Blogger, LiveJournal, Xanga, WordPress, and a dozen or so other software programs would have you believe, the definition of a blog comes from its content, not its platform. And people have been posting personal journals, reflections, and comments to their Web sites since there have been Web sites -- and maybe even before then.
This is where we admit that almost nobody knows -- or at least can agree on -- when and where the first blog appeared. One candidate is Brian E Redman's personal Usenet newsgroup, mod.ber, which operated for a few months in 1983 and 1984. While its content and format were remarkably similar to a blog, it predated the World Wide Web. Call it an ancestor, if not an originator, of blogging.
When the Web finally showed up in all its hyperlinked glory, manually updated Web pages sporting personalized content started to appear as well. If you were willing to put forth the effort, you could publish an online diary to a Web page, though you'd be coding the page by hand. (And, for those of us who remember those days of the Web, often it showed.)
The birth of the term blog, however, came much later. Most folks were content to call online diaries just that, though some described themselves as escribitionists. Even Web sites that weren't exclusively journals often contained a What's New section that offered at least marginally blog-like content.
The beginnings of the term blog, however, come from the slightly older term weblog, which itself was a contraction of the phrase Web log. The word weblog, at least, has a generally accepted etymology, birth date, and credited originator."

By the way Blogito Ergo Sum means "I Blog Therefore I Am". So there you go.
I am thankful for all my blog friends. Hope you have had a great day!

Steve sent me this article on the presidential candidate Fred Thompson the other day and asked me what I thought. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56112 So now I am asking all of you what do you think? Personally, it grieves my heart that the churches of Christ are not known to the world. Seems like everytime something happens (i.e. Mary Winkler) we get painted in such a bad light. Since Jesus said that people will know us by our love, how come that is not what we are known by? The other thing that bothers me is that someone representing the churches of Christ is making negative comments about Mr. Thompson without any concrete information. Seems like the scriptures also tell us if we have something against our brother we are to talk with him. So if Mr. Elrod actually has concerns about Mr. Thompson's attendance at a church I wonder if he tried contacting him before talking to the press. I just found the entire article misrepresenting the church that I know, and yet I know that it probably does acurately represent some churches. What the world doesn't realize is unlike denominations each church of christ is autonomous. But perhaps because so many of us try to label each other (i.e. conservative, liberal, acapella, instrumental, etc.) they just assume we are all the same. Nevertheless, the bigger issue to me is that I have not been able to find anything where Fred Thompson's life speaks volumes about his life in Christ. Once again, I say what should he be known by; where he goes to church or how he represents Christ in the world? Don't get me wrong, this is more a comment about me than anyone, after all do people know Lynn Leaming by where she goes to church and what she did in ministry or do they know her by the life she lives in the world? I confess I am guilty of not being active enough in the Lord's work outside the church walls. I hope that I can change that. And I hope that the world will begin to know Christ church by their love.

Good Tuesday

Well, today we cleaned another area of my house. The sun room had become my walk in the door and drop things room (since it is the door I come in off the garage) But I wanted to get it where I can begin my days in the sunroom for my quiet time as it has a fountain that I love to listen to. So here is a picture of it afterwards.

Then it was on out to the pool. We put the new pool cushions on the chairs. Then we worked very hard to replace the umbrella. The old one had one bugar bear rusted bolt that we could not get to budge. We finally were able to get the pole out without taking out the bolt and the new one fit in okay, we just had to anchor it with wood around it instead of the bolt, but it is standing. Here you can see.

Thought I would also post a picture of the clock the Children's Ministry Team Gave Me and the Figurine "Here's the church, Here's the Steeple" that the staff gave me. The only thing that could of made this day go better is if I had won something at Bunco tonight. But...it is always a good time anyway.

This was a frustrating blog! After spending 45 minutes or so posting the pictures. I lost internet connection all together?? The cable on the TV went out too, so maybe Comcast was just having a problem. So fortunately it saved the draft and I could post it this morning. Not sure it was worth all that trouble, but nevertheless here it is.

Continuing Awe

Yeah! I actually got in the pool today for the first time this season. I was amazed at how warm the water was. It was good. Spent some time cleaning house and then transferred all my old addresses into a new address book someone gave me for Christmas. It was sad at how many people I have lost touch with from my past. Figured if I had not heard from them in three years or more that I would not enter their address in my new book. My mom came over and helped clean house and hung my new clock up today. It is lovely! It plays 12 different tunes (and 3 Christmas tunes). It has a light sensor where it will not play when it is dark. It is very nice and will be a great memory for many years to come.

I got this email from Mona today "I just thought the two of you would like to know, all the food for our celebration yesterday was furnished by the women at RE. I sent out a Sister to Sister (Lynn you were temporarily removed but are back on already) and all the places, 24 dozen of each of the 5 catagories plus 17 gallons of OJ, were taken well in advance of a week before the event. Approximately 69 women participated in the food alone..." So I say another "Wow"!!! It was a lovely spread, I only wish I had been able to taste some of the "goodies", but was just too busy consuming love instead of food. Hey! Maybe if I did that more everyday I would lose all that weight I am needing to lose? If you were one of the 69 women and are reading this...thank you from the bottom of my heart.

WOW!

I am so overwhelmed! Today the Richardson East church threw me a retirement reception. Tresia Eason and crew did such a nice job with the brunch. They had it decorated so nice.In a jungle theme with tiger and leopard balloons. Lots of delicious food. People were so gracious and complimentary. Then the celebration continued into the worship service where they showed a video filled with pictures from our time at RE. Then the children's ministry team presented me with a beautiful wall clock that plays 15 different tunes. It was engraved with "Our Timeless Treasure, Children's Ministry Team, 6/10/07". The church then gave us a certificate for a trip of our choice and instituted a scholarship in my name for kids going to camp. Then to top it all off numerous families put together pages for a memory book. So many were so creative. I have to admit I have not really gotten into the scrapbooking scene, but these pages were all very special. I had even recieved a call from the worship leader and he had asked for me to tell him some of my favorite hymns and they sang them today. There are no words to describe how very touched I was by this outpouring of love. It was amazing and so undeserving. It has been such a blessing to be in ministry with this amazing church, that has been reward enough. The children are so precious. I stand amazed at how so many of them have grown up and yet how many are still young. I am so thankful that I do not have to be concerned for them, that Richardson East will continue to be a church who values the spiritual transformation of children and will ensure that they get the best of the best in teaching and support for their parents in their teaching. As Bob Hope would say "Thanks for the Memories". Sorry, I am still learning how to post pictures.

Mike, Kate & Grant Schiller.................Courtney, Kyle and Ella

Brianna, Paige and Logan...........Hannah, Tatum and Jackie

Donna, Brenda and Andrea. For eight years of my ministry they were the hands that held mine. I am so thankful for the ministry God gave us together and their friendship.

Today's Revelation

Today I was listening to a Twila Paris CD that has been in my car for several months. I am not sure why I had not heard this before but there is a point where she just talks and she is talking about going through hard times. She says there comes a point where you have to decide whether you are going to lean upon your own understanding or that you will lean into Jesus. I thought about the truth of this statement. I thought it interesting that she did not say lean on Jesus, but lean into. It reminded me of one of my favorite pictures by Thomas Blackshear.

To me there is a difference in leaning on Jesus and leaning into Jesus. Leaning into implies there is nothing of my own power and He is holding me up. There is so much hope in Jesus statement "Come unto me all you who are weary laden and I will give you rest". I am so very thankful that I can count on that promise! I hope you find comfort in it too.

Eagle Lessons

My friend Andrea sent me an email with this link today. You may remember that my favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:30. This article has some very interesting facts about eagles and spiritual applications. Here is just a small quote, if you want the entire article you can go to: http://plantinghisseeds.com/articles/eagles.htm

May we all learn to soar!!

Eagles do not fly like other birds, they don't flap their wings but rather soar. Flapping their wings would use incredible amounts of their own strength and endurance and they would require so much more food as fuel if they didn't soar. Instead they sit on a high ledge and wait for the right wind currents to come. When the time is right, they take off and soar upward. Effortlessly, because they have waited for the right time. There is a special 'up going' wind, that they ride as it circles higher and higher toward the sky.
What a lesson for God's children to learn. How often do we waste strength by jumping out too soon and 'flapping our wings', instead of waiting for God's timing. Waiting is not a popular concept in these days of instant everything! But when we wait on the Lord - wait for His timing - wait for His answers - wait for His direction, then we can soar to new heights and fly to new places."Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."

No Tears Here

Is anyone depressed or shedding tears today knowing that Paris Hilton is in prison? I am sorry, but other than feeling compassion for her soul, I am not the least bit interested in hearing how difficult she is going to have it in prison. That she will not get a good night's sleep or that she will have to eat terrible food? Yet...she does get special treatment in that she doesn't have to sleep with the general population. Why is it that some think they are above the same law everyone else has to follow? Then when they do get caught, they think they deserve special treatment. In the first place what is she famous for? Have I missed something or is it simply because she has money? And where has that got her? The best thing that could happen to Paris while she is in prison is perhaps there is a good prison ministry there and she will come to know the Lord and let Him redeem her life. Then my other soapbox is why the media beats these stories to death (Lindsay Lohan, Brittany Spears, David Hasselhoff, etc) What would it take for the media to start covering positive stories? They say they do it for ratings and money, are we really that hungry for that kind of news? I know I'm not. That is why I try to keep it off as much as possible, but unfortunately ran across it today and now you got to hear about it on my blog. Lucky you?

My First Retired Sunday

Well today was our first Sunday away from ministry at RE. Steve and I attended 2 worship services in Mesquite. The first was with our old congregation (where we went before RE). It was good to see alot of familiar faces, kids that had grown up, and old friends. The sad part was the church is obviously flailing. Why is it when a church has a front section and back section everyone wants to sit in the back section? From a visitor standpoint it is hard to find a seat, and it makes it even more obvious how few people there are. Anyway, this church finally hired a children's minister 2 weeks ago in hopes of once again reaching out to young families. I did notice while there were not very many elementary kids, there were lots of preschoolers. We met some friends there and had lunch but not before going to another worship service. This was a church plant that is being very missional about reaching out to a specific neighborhood in Mesquite. I found their passion refreshing and I really enjoyed being in a group of about 50. It was intimate and spontaneous. Several men spoke from their hearts (one specifically to children) and I thought to myself "there needs to be more of this, where people just share what is on their hearts and what the Lord means to them". The preacher actually is intentional about reaching out and moved into an apartment complex to evangelize that complex. He was able to find a restuarant owner that has a banquet hall and is willing to let him use it on Sunday afternoons free. Anyway...I pray that their efforts will be blessed and make a difference in the kingdom of God. Steve and I drove by our old house in Mesquite and it is for sale (the owners put in a pool). We stopped and picked up an information sheet and were surprised to find they house was selling for 50% more than we sold it for (of course that was 9 years ago). Overall it was a good day and I am confident that God will continue to show us how life will go on and hopefully will even have some surprises for us along the way. Hope you had a good day of worship as well.

Another Song Story

Today I was sitting in my shower chair doing my hair and had digital music on the TV with Contemporary Christian music. Guess what song came on 2nd? You got it Casting Crowns, "Praising God In The Storm", I had just told Steve this morning at breakfast about my post the other day and yelled "Steve, come here this is the song I was telling you about". I then said "Do you think this is just a coincidence that this same song is even on the T.V." Steve said "I will tell you something else, when you called me I was online with Amazon.com trying to order that CD for you for our June anniversary (remember Steve gives me something the 12th of every month-our anniversary is August 12th). Amazing?
Then the next song that came on was Pam Thum's "Life is Hard (God is Good)". Once again I felt like God was speaking to me through these lyrics. Hope you all don't get tired of me posting lyrics. Right now they are what is ministering to me.

But there's darkness deep inside
And you can't take it anymore'
Cause sometimes living takes the life out of you
And sometimes living is all you can do
Life is hard, the world is cold
We're barely young and then we're old
But every falling tear is always understood
Yes, life is hard, but God is good
You start to cry'
Cause you've been strong for so long
And that's not how you feel
You try to pray
But there's nothing left to say
So you just quietly kneel
In the silence of all that you face
God will give you His mercy and grace
Jesus never said
It was an easy road to travel
He only said that you would never be alone
So when your last thread of hope
Begins to come unraveled
Don't give up, He walks beside you
On this journey home and He knows
Life is hard, the world is cold
We're barely young and then we're old
But every falling tear is always understood
Yes, life is hard, but God is good

I am humbled

Well, today I finished cleaning out my office. At lunch the staff threw me a surprise luncheon. I thought that I was just going to lunch with Marcie and Stephanie, but the entire office took me to McAlister's Deli. I chose there because I have never been before. I ordered one of their baked potatoes (the chicken fajita) and it was delicious. Several of the staff had written a card sith such sweet words. They gave me a really sweet figurine of a little boy and girl doing the rhyme "here is the church, here is the steeple, open the door and see all the people" and a clock that says "to everthing there is a season,and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Perfect gifts for perfect memories. Needless to say I shed some tears. I have been so blessed to work with this staff. I can honestly say that in 9 years we have never had any times of dissension or strife. We support, encourage and pray for one another. We have a common goal and that is to glorify God and help lead His church in a way that reaches our community with the love of Jesus. I have all confidences that they will keep on keeping on and continue to be a blessing to the rest of us at RE. I feel so unworthy of such attention, but I have to admit it is good to know that everyone isn't glad to see me going.

Today's God Message

So all three times I started my car today this song from Casting Crowns was on. Do you think that was a coincidence? I know God was sending me a message. I did hear it.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen and it's still raining as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands for You are who You are
no matter where I am and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand You never left my side
and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone
how can I carry on if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls I barely hear
You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Thanks for the Advice

Thanks for the advice on cleaning out my office! I made a huge dent in it today! The biggest dilemma remains with what to do with hundreds of pictures! Looking at some of them brought back such sweet memories. As I looked at Janet Strother holding Logan at their baby blessing, I said to myself "I forgot he was once a baby". It is hard for me to realize that I have actually watched so many kids grow up. One of my favorite memories was when Brady McMillan was a two year old (he is now a 6th grader) and I got notice 30 minutes before class that the teacher was not going to be able to teach. I was new and not familiar with the curriculum, so I just threw numerous puppets I had in my office in a big bag. I would then pull one out and sing a song, and so on and so on. That was on a Wednesday night and when Brady saw me on Sunday he said "Ms. Lynn where is all your stuff?" and then for several weeks after that he would ask me that same question. It was too cute. One of my favorite current memories that I will take with me is sneaky Kyle Thomas who likes to play with my electric chair. He thinks it is funny to turn it on and make it go. A few times it has been a little surprising and not real safe. I will tell him "Kyle, please don't play with Ms. Lynn's chair, someone might get hurt". He says "okay, sorry", but has this glint in his eye that lets me know he will quit for now, but I will be surprised again in the near future. He is so precious. Tonight we took the God's Girls to Braums for our last class. I got to sit with India Jones. She told me she and her mom had a "girls" weekend at a motel to have "the talk". She told me they talked about the "p" word. I thought she was talking about puberty. She later whispered in my ear it was about her "period". I could go on and on about the memories I have of these sweet children. No wonder Jesus wanted to entertain them and told His disciples to "let the children come".

Advice Needed

Okay, so today I am needing some advice. I have two days to clean out my office. This is the question... how do I decide what to save and what not to save? Nine years of pictures, notes, etc. I feel like I need one of those professional organizers who come in and organize your house, except I need it for the office. This afternoon as I tried to get started I just got paralyzed because there is so much to do and I didn't know how to start. So please give me your best adviced and rescue me from this dilemma. The amazing thing (for those of you that have seen my office) is that nine years ago when I walked into the office there were 3 books on the shelves and a very scarce teacher's workroom upstairs. I thought to myself what have they been spending their money on? Now...no one can ask that question...instead they will say "why did she spend so much money on stuff?" Honestly, I am asking myself that question. :)

Memorial Day

So it will seem that I have two posts on Monday but actually yesterday's post was done after midnight so it just got dated today. And here I am actually posting early in the afternoon instead of late at night. :)
Steve did not want to go anywhere today because he thinks if we do we are supporting that businesses not be closed for holidays. He thinks if we have the day off then everyone should. So I have been watching old war movies. I am thankful that the movies help me to realize the sacrifices that have been made by so many to secure the freedoms that I enjoy. I get so comfortable in my world that I tend to forget. The one thing I don't like about war though is the inhumanity that prevails. By it's very nature I know what war is, but I don't know why enemies are treated so inhumanely? How do hearts get that calloused? Killing someone that could kill you if you didn't strike first is one thing, but once a person is defenseless and then they are tortured, I don't understand that. Unfortunately, we have done it to others the same as they have done it to us. I am so idealistic. If everyone would just love their neighbor the way they love themselves what kind of world would we be living in? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. I just wonder why more people don't want that kind of world to live in? Nevertheless, hope you all had time to stop and thank the Lord for our blessings and freedom today. Pray for the families of those who have died to ensure it for us.

Ramblings

Just a couple of ramblings before I turn in for bed. I don't know where Friday, Saturday or today went? They just sped by. Friday night Steve and I ate Chinese out and were going to the hospital to visit someone but it started raining pretty hard and Steve is very concerned I will slip on wet pavement, so we came home. Saturday I made waffles for breakfast and then we spent 7 hours getting new toys unwrapped for the church nursery, buying toy carts to put them in, a chair, and setting up new tables. We were so tired when we got home, but then I had to write 50 thank you notes to all the people who have helped me in the preschool ministry this past year. My mom suggested I just type something, but it is just not as personal, so 5 hours later, I had finished them. Today we got to eat at Red, Hot and Blue and then visited Sharon Chrisman at the hospital. I thought Sunday would be a good day to visit her because I did not have very many visits on Sundays when I was in the hospital. Well, forget that theory for Sharon because when we got there there were 4 adults and 2 children already there and before they left another 6 people arrived!! So she definitely had enough visitors. Hopefully we did not tire her out too bad. It was good to see her sitting up in a chair and to see how God had answered our prayers. Then when I got home I worked a couple of Suduko puzzles and then logged on to the computer and accessed my office files where I have spent the last five hours deleting files and folders since Wednesday will be my last day. Boy did I save a bunch of junk!
Then I compacted picture files and made them manageable. I will have to copy them on discs.
So spent alot of time reminiscing. I am glad I have so many pictures. It is amazing how much the kids have grown up. Sweet, sweet memories.

10 Things You Don't Know About Me

Becky Campbell threw down the gauntlet and asked us to post 10 Things That You Don't Know About Me, so here are mine.

1. I love to tole paint (but haven't had time in a long time!)
2. I used to be a gymnist and before my accident could still do the splits.
3. I have played the clarinet and piano (but can't do much on either now)
4. Steve and I were pen pals for 10 years before we got married.
5. Before studying to be a Social Worker, I was working on my Masters in Criminology to
be a probation officer.
6. My favorite author is Frank Peretti.
7. In 1985 I actually broke my left femur on a water park ride and was on crutches 18 months
(now you know why I was so efficient on them this time)
8. I love to river or stream fish and will even bait my own hook!
9. I have had 6 foster daughters (4 at one time!)
10. If I could live anywhere in the world (as I know it right now) it would be Big Sur, California.

So there you go. All this exercise did for me is make me realize that I have not had a very exciting life and now you all know it!!

A Child Will Lead Them

First let me start out today's post saying that in the past week for some reason I cannot log into blogger with my old user name. After getting technical advice I found I have to now use my email address as my user name? I had a couple of people tell me they were not able to post comments to my blog anymore and when I told them about this change, they also were able to log back in using their email addresses as their user name. So just in case this is happening to anyone else that is reading, I thought I would just mention it.
Tonight I had a young girl in my class who comes with Shelby Hastings. Her name is Morgan. She is the sweetest thing. We were talking about the 2nd coming of Christ and who would be a part of the calling and who wouldn't when she asked me if you had to be good all of the time to go to heaven or just most of the time? I told her goodness had nothing to do with it as none of us could ever be good enough, but it is whether we had been baptized into Christ and He was our Lord and Savior. She began to get tears in her eyes and said she would probably never be able to be baptized because her parentswould not want her to because they do not go to church. I went on to explain to her that even though it is very hard that this is the most important decision of her life and God is the most important person she must please. However, He also knows her heart and He knows whether she is ready to make that comittment yet or not. I encouraged her to read the book of Acts and see how many people in that book decided to be baptized. Anyway...my heart just hurt for her as you could visibly see the Word pricking her heart, but knowing she would not be getting any teaching or support from home. Then after class Morgan came up and told me that she and Shelby had made a pact with each other that they would stay pure until they got married and if one of them died before the other, they would wait for each other at Heaven's gate. So why Morgan may not be getting the teaching at home, obviously her relationship with Shelby is making a difference. May we all make a difference in the lives of the children of this world but not just children but all those that need to know the saving grace of our loving God.

Lessons Learned

Most of you R.E. people have probably already heard, some of my other friends have not. Last night our sweet sister Sharon Chrisman and her 11 year old son Jared were in a terrible car crash right in front of our church building. They just happened to be coming home from a boy scout meeting and as they were passing the building a car came flying over the median at an estimated 70 mph (in a 40 mph zone). Two teenage boys, one is now dead. Jared, the 11 year old was released from the hospital with a sprained ankle. Sharon is still in ICU at Parkland with a broken ankle, occiptal break (around her eye) and a severe head gash. Fortunately she does not seem to have any brain damage and she is breathing on her own. When Steve and I heard about the accident we headed to the hospital in hopes that we could somehow be a blessing. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 became so real that we are able to comfort others because of the way we have recieved God's comfort. I have to admit as I was driving down there I told Steve I was going to take the Tollway instead of I75. I am still haunted that I did not try that route the night of my accident as my life would be so different. Nevertheless, as we were there Steve and I could not help but relive some of our own journey. I thought I would just share a few random thoughts of the lessons we have learned.
1. The importance of our faith community. Within 30 minutes of hearing the news we were at the hospital and yet when we arrived there were already 10 more people from our church there. It was a blessing to be part of a prayer coverage for the Chrismans.
2. Our presence at the hospital touches more than "our" own. Last night Larry Rehn brought a large vat of Starbuck's coffee and some banana bread. He ended up having an opportunity to share it with a homeless lady that was in the waiting room. We had lots of opportunities to pray for others while we were there as well.
3. We are a compassionate people. Our thoughts and prayers are also on the other families or individuals involved in the accident.
4. Sometimes you just have to bite your tongue as you hear people talk, because in a sincere effort to try to console, people sometimes just say the wrong things. It is not a good time to tell "war" stories of others who you know who have recovered, or offer your advice on how the person should handle things. It is really best to just listen.
5. Everyone's experiences are their own. Even if you have been in their shoes the way you experienced something may not be the same, so instead of offering comparisons wait for the injured party to ask you questions if they want to know your experiences.
6. Life can change in a blink of an eye, so make sure you don't have any regrets.
I asked Larry tonight if he needed anything, he said "just your prayers", I can assure him that we will all honor that request. I am a blessed and grateful reciever of the power of those prayers.

Blessing of Prayer

Today I went to Ava Campbell's lemonade stand to buy a cup of lemonade and while there another couple showed up to buy a cup as well. As it turned out I had met Suzanne before as she was doing children's ministry at Preston Road as a volunteer and had been to some network meetings. She introduced me to her husband and he said "oh you were the one that was in that terrible accident". As it turns out about a week after my accident Suzanne flew over to Italy to join her husband who was there on business. They went to St. Peter's Cathedral. She told me while she was there she lit a candle for me. Said she had never done that before, but thought if ever one needed to be lit it was there. I was so very touched! It is amazing all the people that have been praying for me that I have had no idea. To find out she was thinking of me across the world on vacation was just so humbling. I hope I can be that blessing of prayer for others in the future as well. Speaking of prayer...
As I was driving today, two different times I heard this song by Martina McBryde on KLTY. I loved the lyrics. Here they are:
You can spend your whole life buildin'
Something from nothin
One storm could come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You could chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like i think it should
But I do it anywayI do it anyway

This worlds gone crazy
And it's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all you heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
love em anyway

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like i think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah I do it anyway

You can pour your soul out singin'
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway, Yeah sing it anyway

Why Am I Surprised?

Sometimes the Lord puts a continuous theme on my heart. Guess I don't get it the first time.
Karla Gerdes gave me a book quite a while ago called "Come Away My Beloved". She explained to me that she does not read the book cover to cover but flips through it till it falls on a page and then reads to see what the Lord has to say to her. So that is the way I have used the book as well. I looked tonight and the last time I picked up the book was 11-07-05, but I picked it up tonight and here are a few of the quotes from today's reading.

"My children, there is no good thing that I would withhold from you. I have not left you to fend for yourselves...I am the Lord your God. I am your provider and defender....Anticipate my help. I will not fail you...It is a joy to my heart when my children rely on me. I delight in working things out for you, but I delight even more in you yourself than anything I do to help you. Even so, I want you to delight in me just for myself, rather than in anything you do for me...Service is the salvage of love. It is like the twelve baskets of bread that were left over...I do not expect you to give to others until you have first eaten. I will provide you with plentiful supply to give if you first come to recieve for your own needs...Service will be futile and burdensome unless it springs from an overflowing heart...the love of God. This you do not have of yourself, nor can you give, however much you might desire to do so. You will possess this love only as you wait upon me and take time to absorb it from Me...There will never be any left overs for others unless you first eat from your own personal love feast with the Savior."

I took this as an amazing confirmation of my decision to resign and need to spend time renewing my relationship with the Lord. I am thankful I listened to the voice telling me to pick that book up today!

Wait Upon The Lord

I don't know when I first chose Isaiah 40:30 as my favorite verse? But it has been a long time. I have several eagles and different things with that verse on it around my house. Just so happens it is a favorite of my parents as well, and they too have eagle things around their house. Last week I heard a song I had not heard before and immediately it lifted my spirits. I heard it again today as I drove to Baylor for a check up and again it touched my spirit. So I looked up the lyrics tonight and they were written by Lincoln Brewster, but I think the song is actually sung by Chris Tomlin. I hope the lyrics will bless you as well.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
Wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
Wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God You reign forever
Our Hope our strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
The everlasting God
The everlasting

My Favorite Color

Today they announced to the church that I will be resigning June 1st. I was in children's worship and did not hear the announcement. Afterwards Rick Bingham came and found me and told me this story. Rick is a therapist and one day was walking down the hallway of his office and noticed a woman crying. He described her as weeping unconsoleably. He considered asking her if she needed help but continued on. A while later he returned and she was still crying, this time he asked her if she was okay? She tried to say yes, but then admitted she was not and needed someone to talk to. Rick listened to her story, during which time she cried so hard he offered her a bandana that he had in his pocket to blow her nose on. It was a purple bandana. He said it was one of those God moments when he told her that purple was the color of royalty and that she was the daughter of a king. Purple was also the color of bruises. While we do get bruised in this life, as the king's daughter we know that he will always love us and care for us. A few months later Rick ran into this woman again and asked if she remembered him. She told him yes, but that he could not have his bandana back. He told her he didnt' want it back. She told him that she has it displayed by her door and she sees it everyday when she leaves and she remembers that she is the daughter of a king and even if she is bruised that day she will be the reciever of His love. Rick went on to say since that time he ordered a gross of purple bandanas to hand out to people in need and he only has two or three left. Then he pulled it out from his pocket and I am now the grateful recipient of a purple bandana. Rick used to be a youth minister and he told me that he realizes now that you don't have to recieve a paycheck to still be a minister and that he knew that God was going to still use me. Of course I was crying at these sweet words. But what was really cool about this encounter? My favorite color has always been.....PURPLE! I am the grateful daugther of the King. Thanks Rick for the sweet reminder.

Our Ultimate Refuge

For 17 3/4 years on the 12th of every month (because we married 8/12) Steve has given me a card or small gift. Today he gave me a book entitled "Our Ultimate Refuge" by Oswald Chambers it is on the book of Job. I have only read 3 chapters, but already it has given me something to think about.
I thought I would share this quote with you:
Job 2:11-13
"Job's friends were hit deperately by the calamaties that had overtaken Job because their creed was the same as his had been; and now if Job was a good man, as their own hearts told them he was, where was their creed? They were dumbfounded with agony and Job was left without a consoling friend. The friends came slowly to the conclusion that their view of God was right, therefore Job must be wrong. They had the ban of finality about their views, which is always the result of theology being put before God. The friends suffered as well as Job, and the suffering which comes from having outgrown one's theological suit is of an acute order. Job's attitude is "I cannot understand why God has allowed these things to happen; what He is doing hurts desperately, but I believe that He is honorable, a God of integrity, and I will stick to it that in the end it will be absolutely clear that He is a God of love and justice and truth.'"
I think this paragraph hit me because it is so much where I am at right now. My own personal theology of who God is has crumbled but I am left with the simple but significant truth that He is God and I am not and nowhere does He say that I have to understand His working in my life. Just trust that "He will cause all things to work together for my good" (Romans 8:28)

When Your Hut's On Fire

Steve sent me this email today. The email did not give the original source. Anyway, it spoke to where I am right now and I thought I would share it with all of you.
"The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?"Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives....even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God." May we all see with clear eyes how God is working in our lives today and everyday.

Give It Up

I am sorry but there are some artists that just need to Give It Up! Barry Gibb is one of them! Did anyone else see him on American Idol tonight? Oh my! I loved the Bee Gees, but tonight by himself I thought was pretty sad. There have been some other artist that I thought the same thing about, Kris Kristofferson would be one of them! I am sure it is really hard to be famous for so many years and then to know that your aging diminishes your talent. Tonight one of my God's Girls asked how old I was. When I said "53", she exclaimed "really? I didn't think you were that old!" I didn't know I was that old either :) Oh yes I do, everytime I see that new cell phone commercial where the mother is chastising the daughter for her text messaging and they are using letters for words (i.e. mbf=my best friend), I think boy am I out of touch! Anyway...who have you seen lately that you think should give it up?