Kauai Day One

I think I will wait to reveal the identity of the picture I posted last night until some more guesses come in. In the meantime I will give you snippets of my time in Kauai so that you don't have an excess to read at one time.

First of all, if you are doing a long flight and have the chance to upgrade your seats for more leg room, it is definitely worth it! Going we were able to gain 5 inches and it made all the difference in being comfortable. Coming back no seats were available and even though I was dead tired when the person in front of me put their seat back, I found it very uncomfortable trying to find a position for my legs for 8 hours.

We arrived in Kauai at 7:30 on Saturday and I was so surprised to find it already dark. We got our convertible and went straight to the Lawaii Beach Resort. I was amazed at how pitch black the roads were (one lane both directions at that). There were not many street lights. First thing I had to do when we arrived was use the "little girls room" and imagine my surprise to find an orchid in the toilet! I had never had this surprise before.

Sunday we went to an orientation meeting where they described to us the island and all the activities that we could do (way too many for a week). The concierge would then make all the reservations so that was nice. On the way to the meeting the first thing I noticed was this cool tree outside our door. I have no idea what it is called, but I thought the bottom of it was so cool (and like the one in Jurrasic Park, only smaller). I would find that I wished I knew a lot more about plants and trees as there were so many very pretty ones on the island and I had no clue what they were (but was too cheap to pay $10.00 for a book that described them)

We headed to Walmart to get some food and needed items (I forgot sunglasses). And stopped and ate lunch at Pizza Hut (I know, it was just quick and easy). I did notice that at the Burger King they had a sign for SPAM for breakfast. One tour guide said that Hawaiians eat 17 times the national average of SPAM. But I didn't get a picture of the signage. Anyway, we headed home and then spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool.

Wait till you hear and see what we did on Monday, it was by far the most fun of the trip!!

Home Again

I am home again and back to blogging. I didn't take my computer to Kauai because the website said the resort had web T.V., but our unit did not. Tonight I am still suffering from jet lag so won't be writing much. Who would have thought that not sleeping much on the 10 p.m. till 9 a.m. flight and losing 5 hours because of the time change could be so debilitating? (not to mention my plane was 4 hours late leaving Denver!) I slept till 2:00 today, but have just been running on empty. Was it worth it? You betcha!! I look forward to telling you about it in the days to come.

I did spend significant time tonight reading everyone's blog and catching up. Sorry so many of you have been sick or had sick kids. I missed communicating with all my blog friends.

So I will start my return with a guessing game. This is a significant beach on Kauai, any guesses as to why?

I will tell you tomorrow and start posting some other pictures.

Arrived In Denver

So I got to Denver okay and am enjoying the cooler weather. Last night slept with the windows open at my sister Caren's house and just loved hearing the wind blow through the trees in her back yard. I woke up during the night and the moon was a crescent moon but it had an amazing display of light in the shape of a cross that was just beautiful.

My flight was okay although wouldn't you know I had to sit behind the 6 foot guy who just had to have his seat back so whatever little leg room I did have was gone. I honestly felt like his seat was just inches from my chin, although I know it was not really that close. But arrived safely and had a good evening.

My brother, his wife, and their girls and my sisters kids and their spouses are all coming for dinner tonight. I finally get to meet baby Talon this afternoon, so I am looking forward to that.

Then tomorrow we will take off at 12:05! So if I post again it will be from Kauai. Woo-hoo!

Kauai Here I Come

I leave tomorrow afternoon for Kauai. I wish I could say I was excited. I know I will be once I land there, but in the meantime I am just somewhat nervous about surviving the flight to get there. Spending eight hours on the plane without being able to elevate my leg and if I am to be totally honest: I have never used the restroom on a plane before. There I said it. But I am sure whatever the inconveniences are it will be all worthwhile once I get there. Here are some pictures from the Lawai Beach Resort where we will be staying.




This will be our view from the room.


The beach with snorkeling is just right across the street.


And this will be the sunset.

Here are a few things I am looking forward to:
1. Time with my sister
2. Listening to the waves (she says we can hear them in our room!)
3. Seeing the beauty God created
4. Eating fresh pineapple and coconut
5. Riding in a convertible
6. Tranquility
7. Going to a Luau
8. Seeing waterfalls (doubt my leg will let me get in one (: )
9. Being on the beach
10. Having cooler weather (High's low 80's, low's low 70's)

Haven't decided whether I want to hassle with taking the computer or not, so you will have to stay tuned to see if I post from Kauai, or wait till I get home.
Akua Ho'omaika'i oukou (God Bless You)

Another Mystery Solved

Thanks to my sister Cathy I also found out the origin of a Pet Blessing. I guess the official day is actually Thursday, October 4th. So now I know the purpose and guess it does not sound as unreasonable as I first thought.

Blessing of Animals by Kevin E. Mackin, O.F.M.
As autumn arrives, people in various places may notice something odd.
A procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, is led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of Pets.
This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.
Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey.
Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” And there was testimony in the cause for St. Clare of Assisi’s canonization that referred to her little cat!
That there are today over 62 million cats in the U.S. attests to the continuing affection we have for our furry, feathered or finned friends. We've even had a cat called Socks in the White House. Other popular presidential pets range from Abraham Lincoln’s Fido to Lyndon Johnson’s beagles, named Him and Her.
For single householders, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return. Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature.
The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love.
No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.
At Franciscan churches, a friar with brown robe and white cord often welcomes each animal with a special prayer. The Blessing of Pets usually goes like this:
“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

Mystery Solved

Well, the mystery has been solved as to who was the 1,000th visitor to my blog.
Drum roll please.......................................
It was my husband Steve! Tonight he sent me a resend of a message he sent me 2 nights ago. When he sent it that night I just thought he was telling me that someone hit the 1,000 mark because he just cut and pasted the page with the counter. Then tonight he sent it again and I am still not getting it and he said "It was me, I was number 1,000". My first response was "Oh Bummer" thinking how am I going to explain this to everyone and who is going to believe me? Not giving any thought to him thinking I did not want it to be him. So then I had to apologize. Anyway...I told him I was going to give a gift certificate to Amazon.com and he said I did not have to give it to him, but fair is fair right? (Sorry to disappoint Becky and Amberly it was not $1,000. Remember after all I am leaving for Hawaii in 2 days :) )

Today I received an email (indirectly) from a old college acquaintance who is the associate minister at the Garden Ridge church of Christ in Lewisville. They are looking for a children's minister. I emailed him to just say hi and see how things are going and I told him I noticed on their website that he was teaching Dynamic Marriage classes (also called His Needs, Her Needs). He and I had attended the same class years ago to be certified to lead this class. Anyway, he said in the past 10 years he has taught 15 classes and in that time 5 couples had already filed for or been divorced and they were all reunited. I just think that is a powerful testimony of what only God can do if we are willing to commit to Him and His ways with all of our hearts.

Who Were You?

So did anyone pay attention to the counter and notice that you were the 1000th person?
If so let me know who you were. I have a surprise for you. Thanks to all of you who read, I would love it if more of you would comment :)

God's Answers

Anita Barton sent this via email today and I thought it was so good that I would share it. I always need help in replacing Satan's lies with truth.

GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER

You Say: "It's impossible"

God Says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You Say: "I'm too tired"

God Says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You Say: "Nobody really loves me"

God Says: I love you (John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You Say: "I can't go on"

God Says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You Say: "I can't figure things out"

God Says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You Say: "I can't do it"

God Says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You Say: "I'm not able"

God Says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You Say: "It's not worth it"

God Says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )

You Say: "I can't forgive myself"

God Says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You Say: "I can't manage"

God Says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You Say: "I'm afraid"

God Says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You Say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"

God Says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You Say: "I'm not smart enough"

God Says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You Say: "I feel all alone"

God Says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

May we all remember that Jesus came not to just give us life, but ABUNDANT life.

(John 10:10)

Last Day of September

Can you believe it? It is the last day of September, tomorrow is October! And yet today I was in the pool. It was a beautiful afternoon. While I was swimming I had the radio on and was listening to contemporary Christian music. It was amazing how many songs I had not heard of before and how they spoke to my heart. I need to listen to music more and watch T.V. less. I can't remember the other songs, but here is one that spoke to me:

GOD IS GOOD
God is good all the time
He put a song of praise in this heart of mine
Through the darkest night, His love will shine
God is good, God is good all the time.

If you're walking through the valley
And there are shadows all around
Do not fear, He will guide you
He will keep you safe and sound.
Cause He's promised to never leave you
Nor forsake you and His word is true.

We were sinners, so unworthy
Still for us He chose to die,
Filled us with the Holy Spirit
Now we can stand and testify
That His love is everlasting
And His mercies will never end.

I allow Satan to blindside me and forget that God is indeed good ALL the time. He cannot be anything but. I don't have to agree with Him in order for Him to be good. I just have to trust.
Hope you all have a week filled with the knowledge that His love is everlasting and His mercies will never end.

Okay...so here is your chance to chime in. I am about 25 hits away from hitting my first 1,000 hits to my blog (since I started the counter) anyway...I was going to give a prize to the 1,000th person. What do you think it should be? I am assuming someone will hit it tomorrow and you will have to let me know who you are.

Animal Lovers Please Explain

Today I drove over to Mesquite to get a haircut and on the way I passed a church with this sign:
Come Fluffy, Come Fido
Animal Blessing
This Sunday 10:00a.m.

Animal blessing? So what do you think that looks like? And if you are the animal lover, how does your animal being blessed bless you?

This inquiring mind really wants to know.

Also if you are interested I didn't get the name of the church but it is North of 635 on the left side of Oates.

Windchimes

I love wind chimes!! Doesn't seem like there has been much chiming the past few days, guess there just hasn't been any wind? When I was growing up we would enter my grandmother's house through the side and there was a room with her washer, dryer and freezer and wind chimes! They were the kind made out of glass. I just loved opening the door and hearing the chimes. Mine are along the eaves of roof in the backyard but I can hear them really well from my bedroom and den. Steve's father built me a beautiful set by hand many years ago out of wood from their property in Omaha and steel pipes that he cut himself (the one on the right side of the first picture) For years I kept them inside as I didn't want them to weather but the problem was I never heard them chime. Their intended purpose was muted because they were not where the wind could move them. After Steve's father died I decided I would rather have them outside doing what they were made to do. Now when they chime I not only think of Steve's dad but my grandmother. I am thankful for the wind and the joyful sounds it makes in my backyard.

As I type this I realize there is a spiritual application, that neither can we do what we were created to do unless we let the breeze of the Holy Spirit freely blow through us.

For All You've Done

I didn't know how easy it was to email Oprah your comments. I am sure she doesn't actually read many of them herself but at least someone heard my concerns about her show yesterday.

This morning in Ladies Bible Class Sara played this song by Point of Grace.

For All You've Done
Clint Lagerberg

Oh cleanser of the mess I've made
Upon the hill our places trade
Stretched on a cross Your body crushed
By human hands You formed from dust

Chorus
How wonderful Your mercy is
How awesome are Your ways
I come, I come
To worship You
For all You've done

Oh cleanser of the mess I've made
Your boundless love for me portrayed
With patience for my learning curve
By holding back what I deserve

Chorus

Oh cleanser of the mess I've made
With everything at Your feet laid
I watch as all my cares erode
And from my soul these words explode

Chorus

The words that caught my heart "your boundless love for me portrayed, with patience for my learning curve by holding back what I deserve". I am so very thankful that I have a God who is patient with me because I am so slow in learning my lessons. Too many times I spend my time doing anything I can to keep myself distracted from what God really wants me to do. I pray that more and more I will make the time to pay attention and be that clay that the potter is trying to mold into more of his image.

How Much Longer?

Sometimes I wonder how much longer the Lord is going to tolerate the sin that just keeps growing and growing in our country. Today I turned on the T.V. about 4:20 and it was on Oprah and they were talking about women and sex and I listened and then kept listening. They had 2 female doctors who both talked about their sexual relationships (neither were married), the Oprah turned the conversation to women who are involved in porn. She called it "erotica" and stated that one in ever four dollars that is being spent in pornography is being spent by women. She then had three women tell of their experiences. The doctors said that this was a healthy practice as long as it is done in moderation??? Finally, she talked to a couple who had an "open marriage". The wife was having sexual relations with another man named Eli and her husband did not have any problems with her doing so and had even allowed the two of them to engage in sex together in their home in the guest bedroom.

I thought I was going to be sick. I cannot even imagine what God is feeling? How His heart must just break and yet as bad as that all was in His eye's my sin is no different. But...what makes it different is that the blood of His son veils my sin from Him and I am so grateful.

Once again I am so very thankful for a husband that honors our marriage vows and a God who fills our hearts with all that it takes to be satisfied in one another.

I am going to write the Oprah show. I am sure it will not do much good, but I feel like I need to do something.

Amazing Love

Friday night I was waiting in the truck as Steve went in to Garden Ridge to pick up the new chairs I had put on hold. There was a speaker on one of the Christian Radio stations and he was talking about a young girl in China who had been incarcerated for her faith. When she was finally released she heard that people all over the world had been praying for her. She then said she really appreciated that people were praying but to tell people not to pray for the victims of persecution but for the persecutors. She was thankful that she could be persecuted for the cause of Christ. She went on to say that it is through persecution that the church advances and the more they are persecuted the more the church grows. To her it was an honor to be able to serve God in this way. I sat there and thought "Wow". I wonder if I could truly rejoice in the same situation? Do I have that kind of passion for advancing the cause of my Lord? It is indeed amazing love for the Lord and His church.

Good news at the doctor today. No obvious problems with my foot. It could be a stress fracture, but if so nothing can be done for it anyway, it just takes time to heal. We did discover I have a really well formed heel spur and she was flabbergasted I wasn't having problems with it. The main tib/fib bones looked absolutely awesome and are doing great and that was such joyful news. She did give me another brace like the one I wear on my right ankle. I think I can finally quit worrying that something might go wrong. Please truly praise God together with me for that!!!

Peaceful Warrior

Thanks to Becky I got my first Netflix movie in the mail yesterday. It took me forever to find any movies I had not seen and wanted to watch. I found one called Peaceful Warrior that I had never heard of but it sounded good. The only person in it I had ever heard of was Nick Nolte (and he is old in this movie). Anyway...at first I wasn't getting the movie and not really enjoying but by the time it ended it had touched me. This is a movie about a gymnast named Dan Millman. I had never heard of him but I guess he is now a motivational speaker. Anyway...I just wanted to post a couple of quotes from Socrates (the Nick Nolte character) who was a mentor to Dan. There were some great reflective thoughts in this movie.

1. A warrior does not give up what he loves but finds what he loves in what he does.
2. You can choose to be a victim, victor or anything else you choose to be.
3. The journey is what brings us happiness, not the destination.
4. Take out the trash. The trash would be anything that is keeping you from what matters in this moment.
5. What happens to you is what should of happened because it did. Wishing it to be different won't change it.
6. Life is God's novel....let Him write it.
7. We need to navigate through life without the what if's, shoulds, coulds and dwell on what is. There is no living in the past or the future only the present, if your next breath does not come you cease to be.

Hope you don't mind me asking you to pray another time. There is a new pain in my left foot so I am having it x-rayed in the morning and just hoping it is nothing serious. It is just hurting when I walk and I thought it best to have it checked out before I leave for Hawaii.

And The Winner Is...

I Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Well, our sweet sister Doris James has received her prize. For those that read this blog that do not know her, Doris was a sweet, sweet senior saint at our church. I don't know exactly how old she was (early 80's?) and don't know how long she had been at R.E. (but a long time). She has been a widow ever since I have known her. She had carotid artery and heart bypass surgery early this week and apparently was doing well and then got a blood clot that went to her lungs and she passed last night.

I loved Doris. I know this sounds frivolous but one thing that impressed me about her is she was always dressed to the nines. She was so very stylish for her age and I was always complimenting her on how pretty she looked or admiring a piece of her jewelry. But...what I admired about her most was her faithfulness to the Lord she loved. If the doors of the church were open, she was there. She was at Ladies Bible class every week. She encouraged us all to bring soup labels to class because she had a heart for the children at Sunny Glen Children's Home and by sending the Home labels, they could trade them in for school equipment. Doris was a volunteer in CAREcorp (our outreach to the poor). You did not have to guess what Doris thought, she let you know. She was always honest. She loved the Lord's church and she loved people. She will be missed. But I am so very thankful that the Lord allowed us to be family together for her life has shaped my faith and I will be looking so forward to our heavenly reunion.

My Aching Feet

Another blog confession. I am a shopaholic. The only shopping I don't enjoy is grocery shopping. So all Garden Ridge has to advertise is a Shop-a-thon and I am there. Now the only thing I hate about Garden Ridge is for a store it's size to not have electric carts is really absurd! They do have one, but for months every time I have inquired about it, it has been broken. But that was not going to stop me today. I walked with my walker and made it through the entire store!! (Barely) My mom went with me and this is what I got (of course all on sale) a plant, some new hot pads, a flower pot, a picture for my bathroom (the one that was remodeled), a new box to hold all my stationary, another chair cushion for the pool and a blow up manger scene (the kind you put in your yard at Christmas). This was the one item I really, really did not need, but it was just way too cute to pass up. It has Mary, Joseph, Jesus, a lamb and a donkey underneath the beams of a stable. I just hope no one tears it up. One year I bought a really cute penguin on top of an igloo and someone sliced it with a knife and let it melt on the lamp inside of it. It wasn't an accident because they broke several other things in the yard too. Anyway...can't wait till the day after Thanksgiving when I traditionally decorate my yard.

I also got 4 new kitchen chairs (Steve and I had to go back and get them with his truck). We had been looking for chairs for about 6 months so I was so proud to find some. I really like my kitchen table and didn't want to get another, but had trouble matching the wood and at the natural store they wanted $125.00 a chair and then we would have to stain them). So these were great (and not there the last time we checked Garden Ridge) and made very sturdy. And of course I thought I was doing good getting them 20% off. I don't know why it is when something is on sale you feel like you accomplished something good. The truth of the matter is I am suspect that they actually raise the prices say they are on sale and I am always the sucker.

Then I also went to Costco for the first time. Several people have told me they like it better than Sams and my sister thought we might want to shop there in Hawaii. After being there, I'm not sure why we would want to shop there for just the two of us. Everything is in way too big of portions. That is why I don't shop Sam's for just me and Steve. Usually I only go there when I am hosting a party. Anyway...we did have fun eating all the samples! They did have a Christmas tree that I thought was cool as the lighted bulbs danced to the beat of the Christmas music. However, it was $50.00 cheaper at Garden Ridge.

Everyone have a great weekend!

This Journey Is Not Just Mine

I have another confession to make. More times than I like to admit I am too self focused. It is so easy for me to get caught up in my own struggles of this journey that I have been on the last couple of years, that I forget that Steve has been on this journey with me (not to mention my mother, father. siblings, friends, church, etc.) Anyway... Steve and I were asked to respond to this question for a friend who will be teaching a marriage class at our church.

What is the most important lesson God has taught you regarding loving your spouse?

Steve's answer touched me and I wanted to share it with you.

Another thing I have learned through marriage is empathy. Last Saturday I was at a Christian gathering and saw a man in a wheelchair. His leg was elevated and his foot, although it was wrapped, could easily be seen as twisted inward. His wife was pushing him. In the past, it would not have merited a second glance. However, my heart tugged at me, and tears welled up. I knew something of the challenges they faced in something as "simple" as getting in and out of a car. I knew that she had truly become his legs as there were many things that she would have to do for him. She would, even though tired and with things she wanted to do, gladly do whatever needed to be done for him. In society, we look on handholding or kissing as signs of love, and they are. But to see one giving themselves to care for their mate is a far greater and deeper sign of love - it is commitment and devotion. Later at that same event, I saw a young mom with three children. Two of the three were walking but the third was in a stroller. Then I saw that the baby in the stroller was hooked to a medical device. The baby was so pale, she looked like a doll. One of the siblings grabbed its hands to clap for the speaker, and the baby's eyes hardly opened, and that was for just a moment. I have such appreciation for that mom to deal with three children, all the ramifications of a medical issue and yet spend a Saturday afternoon learning about evangelism. I wanted to walk up to her and tell her how much I admired her. There is so much pain and hurt in the world. It is so easy to have a callused heart and obscured vision. However, the Great Physician knows how to tenderize a heart and remove the blinders to notice those who are persevering through suffering.

I am so blessed to be on this journey with this sweet man. I am so very thankful for the heart and eyes of God that he has. I hope that I will never forget that he is on this journey with me and he has his own hurts and sacrifices that are associated with it. Seems like I remember Jesus saying "greater love have no one than this that they lay down their life for a friend" in this case for your wife (or spouse). We all said the words "I will love you in sickness and in health, for better or for worse" I am the blessed and thankful wife of a Promise Keeper to me and to His God.

Talon Update

My great nephew Talon is 6 months old and in my unbiased opinion he just gets cuter and cuter. I am so excited that in 3 weeks I will finally get to meet him and better yet hold him!

Have I told you I am going to Kauai in 3 weeks for a week? My sister has a time share and she and I are going together. I will fly to Denver a day early (that is where she lives) so that we can travel together and that is when I will get to meet Talon (his mom and dad live there too). Anyway... I am really looking forward to this time only 17 days and counting.

Shoe Fashion

This morning I wore a navy blue pair of loafers with my navy blue and red dress. You say why is that a big deal? Well for months all I have worn is athletic shoes, a black pair or a white pair. But this morning I wanted to look more stylish. This was really silly because I could barely walk in the shoes! They do not support my ankles or feet like I need right now. I used to have a closet full of shoes...a pair to match every outfit. But then I had to start wearing flats most of the time because of how much I was on my feet in my job. So I just had several colors of loafers and dress flats (navy, brown, black and red). Now I am reduced to 4 pair of shoes. I have two pair of Keds, that I wear on Sundays, and 2 pair of New Balance shoes. In actuality even the Keds do not support like I need them to either, I just think they look better.

Sooooo....today I vowed to just get over the shoe fashion statement and go for what helps me walk the best. And I guess now that it is Fall I will only have one choice on Sundays and that will be the black New Balance shoes. I guess the good news is there will be more room in the floor of my closet.

P.S. Okay, I just went out on the internet and typed in Brown New Balance and found a pair on sale from $90.00 to $19.99 and I could not resist so I will now have two choices for the winter! Woohoo!

Human Trafficking

This afternoon Steve was gone to a seminar at Prestonwood Baptist with a friend and as I channel surfed I came across a movie called Human Trafficking. I had no idea it would be 4 hours long, but wound it to be interesting and terrifying all at the same time. I am so very naive!! I knew that this went on to some degree but had no idea the extent of it. I went out to several websites and found out the United States actually has a bill in place since 1994, so it has been going on a long time. And yet they say that 800,000 are still transported between borders and that does not take in account what is done within different countries. There is even a conference in Las Vegas in October of this year. While trafficking for labor is one issue and concerning, it hits my heart more about the trafficking for prostitution. Such young girls and boys. And while the people that do this to children are reprehensible, they could not do what they do if there were not a demand for it, and so the people that pay to abuse the children or women are even worse in my opinion.

I know this is not a pleasant topic to be blogging about, but perhaps you are like me and don't know much about this subject. Or again you are like me and cocoon yourself in our safe little world and just don't give much thought to this problem. I hope that you will join me in at least praying against the forces of evil and for the victims. So many of them fall into this trap because they think the offer of a better life is around the corner or their own parents sell them for money not knowing what will really happen to them. Not only can we pray for the victims and their families, but we can give thanks and praise that we are blessed to have lives that are not that desperate.If you want more information you can go to : http://www.humantrafficking.org

Free Refill

Yesterday was our 217th month anniversary. Steve gives me a card, book or something small on the 12th of every month. Yesterday it was a book by Mark Atteberry called "Free Refill". I found these quotes to be enlightening for me.

"I've come to understand that when God doesn't calm our storms as quickly as we would like, it's because He's trying to teach us something. Specifically, He is trying to teach us the very thing He's always trying to teach us: who He really is."

"The Bible tells us who He is...It's one thing to be told something is true. It is another to be shown. God has established His Word to tell us who He is, but He still uses circumstances to show us. That's why you shouldn't despair when you find yourself in a storm that doesn't seem to be letting up. It doesn't mean that you have been abandoned. It doesn't mean that God has suffered a power failure or that He enjoys watching you suffer. It simply means that there is some aspect of his character that He wants you to discover--or at least appreciate more than you have in the past."

"If Jesus had immediately calmed the storm that had the disciples pressed to the limit of their endurance, they would have been grateful, and they would know that Jesus could calm a storm. But by allowing the storm to rage a little longer and enabling Peter to take a stroll on the waves, Jesus was demonstrating more than what He could do to a storm. He was demonstrating what He could do in a storm."

I pray that my eyes will be opened and I will see more clearly what God wants me to see of Him.

UGH!

Sunday morning I sat next to someone who told me they had had a cold for the past two days, but they were feeling better. I thought to myself, oh, I bet I catch it. For some reason I am so very susceptible to colds. Sure enough tonight I go to Bunco and about 30 minutes into it my head starts feeling stuffy and my nose starts running. I hate colds! They just always zap my energy. I am hoping as I head off to bed that maybe I was just allergic to something in the house we were in and I will be okay in the morning. As I really look forward to fall, I know it is also the season where I am usually fighting colds. Yes, I do double up on Vitamin C and Echinacea but nothing seems to help. So....keeping my fingers crossed.

Spiritual Warfare

As I mentioned in my last post Rick Atchley had a great sermon on spiritual warfare this past weekend. You can actually listen to it on the Richland Hills website at: http://www.rhchurch.org/index.cfm?pg=doc&id=99

It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day doings of our days that we forget that we are actually in a battle. This is true for me anyway. Sometimes I am better at putting on my armor than others. There were two points that Rick made that particularly hit me.

First off while Satan has more power than I do, I have more authority than he has because I have the authority of Jesus and am able to speak in His name. So Satan can do nothing to me that I do not allow him to do.

Secondly, he mentioned Ephesians 1:3 (which was also mentioned this week in Ladies Bible class) "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ". As I was listening to Rick it hit me that I have allowed Satan to knock my breath out of me, kind of like a boxing match and he hit me in the stomach and left me breathless. But, I don't have to stay that way, I can take a deep breath and come back punching and reclaim the joy that I have knowing that I have been blessed with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. I have that assurance. The past year or so I have let Satan take my joy and fill my heart with questions and doubts. I still don't have the answers that I want, but I do know that Satan cannot take away my spiritual blessings that I have in Christ Jesus and those are so much more important than any physical ability I might wish that I had. So Saturday night, I picked up my armor and put it back on.

Rick gave a great illustration about walking through castles that have the suits of armor. No one is scared of a suit of armor that is just standing empty. We all realize that it isn't till someone puts it on that it can serve it's purpose. Each of us must equip ourselves for the daily battle that we are in because after all I Peter 5:8 says "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Thank you to all of you that are on this journey with me and I pray that not only can we laugh with each other, share life stories, recipes, opinions, etc. but that we will continue to encourage each other to press on as in Philippians 4:13 "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

A Funny For Today

Last night Steve and I drove over to Richland Hills to attend the 5:00 service of Richland Hills church of Christ and have dinner with my dear friend Patty and her husband Wade. The service was great. Rick Atchley is a wonderful communicator and had an awesome lesson on spiritual warfare that I will share about later. But as we were waiting for Patty to be able to leave, her husband Wade showed us the new children's ministry t-shirt. It said "We are wild about children at RHCC" and done in a safari motif. It had the scripture Matthew 18:5 on it.
Wade went on to tell us that after they passed the t-shirts out to all the teachers one of the teachers came and asked Patty what the verse had to do with children's ministry. Although Patty thought it was obvious, she said nicely to the lady "well, you know it's the verse where Jesus says to let the children come to me for such is the kingdom of heaven" The lady, said I don't think so I looked it up and it says "Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt." They had accidentally put Matthew 18:25 on the shirt, instead of Matthew 18:5!! Needless to say she had to recall all 500 shirts and pass out new ones. Of all the verses that could have been used! They had signed off on the proofreading, but had just missed the error. Steve and I laughed so hard.

Extravagance

On the news they say that Shaquille Oneill is divorcing his wife and selling his house for 32 million dollars. Does anyone else find this amazing? How can anyone justify living in a house like that? Is a 5 million dollar house just not enough? Imagine how much good could be done if he settled for a 2 million dollar house and donated the 30 million to help the poor. How many $100,000 dollar homes could be bought for 30 million? If my math serves me right isn't it 300??


Yesterday I got a Tourneau catalog in the mail. I guess this store is at the Galleria. I quickly gave Steve a note and told him to add this watch to my Christmas Wish List.
After all it only cost $47,350.00. It consists of 551 diamonds and an alligator strap. Then I repented and told him I would settle for the least expensive watch in the catalog as it was only $895.00. Can you believe it? People actually spend these kind of prices for a watch? My luck I would forget I had it on and the next thing you know it would be in the shower or even worse the pool, since I am used to wearing my $35.00 waterproof watch.

How is it that some people will pay more for a car than we paid for our house? There are just so many other things that people with money could be doing with their money besides being extravagant. Like Becky, I enjoy reading Larry James blog to keep me in touch with the reality of how many people have to live in our country, much less the world as a whole.

May we all be better stewards of the blessings God has given us and share what we can with those that are in need, after all "the Lord loves a cheerful giver".

Time Expired

Well if you have read Tobin's blog she has posted about what kind of funeral she wants (and for those of you that don't know her, she says she wants to be put on a raft and put out to sea and then someone shoot an arrow of fire and torch her???). Today I got this email and thought it was humorous. I guess a lot of people think of their burial plans ahead of time. I will have to really start thinking more creatively!!

This woman died, but had a great sense of humor and always used to say that when she died she wanted a parking meter on her grave that says "Expired". Her nephew bought her one on ebay! She said that her grave is right by the road so everyone will be able to see it. Many people have stopped to get a chuckle.

I Love Lucy

I was looking through a ministry catalogue tonight and saw that there is an I Love Lucy Bible study. Now I don't know about you but this really appeals to me!! I knew there was a Mayberry Bible Study and a Beverly Hillbillies study. Now there is also a Gilligan's Island too. But for me it would have to be I Love Lucy. I might just order the series to see how they make spiritual applications of Vita-meata-vegamin, or the episode with her eating spaghetti in the booth next to William Holden, or smashing the grapes in Italy or climbing over Richard Widmark's fence to get a grapefruit or getting caught in the freezer. If I was creative maybe I could think of the points here, maybe if Carolyn is reading she can do it for us because she is so much more creative in her writing than I am. Anyway...I do love to laugh at Lucy.

Hope you are all planning on joining in with a Life Group this Sunday. Whatever you study you will be blessed by the relationships that you will make.

It Is Finished

Well I finished the jigsaw puzzle tonight at 8:23. There is just a feeling of accomplishment after completing a puzzle. It is almost anti-climatic. And just like I feared, it was missing 2 pieces!! I am sure they are in Ruidoso somewhere (where Andrea and I first started assembling this puzzle). Anyway...Here it is:

The two missing pieces.

You can't tell real good but it had little vinettes in it of the prodigal son, the good samaritan, the good shepherd and the sower. The sheep were the hardest as they were all so similar. It was a good distraction while it lasted :)

Holiday Traditions

There are certain things I like to do on certain holidays. On Thanksgiving I watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. On New Years I watch the Rose Bowl Parade. On Labor Day I watch the Jerry Lewis Telethon. So I was really disappointed today when the telethon got preempted for a golf game!!! I guess that Time Warner televised it on another channel, but I missed that announcement and it was on channel 15 labeled as Leased Access?? But it did come back on for the last hour and I got to cry once again as I listened to Jerry sing "You'll Never Walk Alone". There are so many stories of so many families living with such horrible diseases but they live day to day hoping for a cure. So I passed the day channel surfing while I worked on a 750 piece jigsaw puzzle. I will have to post a picture of it when it is finished. I always have this nightmare that I will do all this work and get down to the end and a piece is missing! Hope you all had a great day!!

I Am An Addict

Yes, I am here to admit that I need to join a support group. I am an addict. I have tried to beat this addiction on my own and I just can't do it. I thought I had it beaten for a few months, but it has got the best of me again. Since I have confessed this to you all, I will go ahead and tell you what I am addicted to. I hope you will not think any less of me. The truth of the matter is I am addicted to children! I just love them. They bring such joy to my heart! I don't know how I thought I could not be in ministry with them? So a few weeks ago I heard the Lord whisper to me that just because I am not a children's minister right now, it doesn't mean I can't still minister to children. So Steve and I have volunteered to help in the 5th and 6th grade Sunday Morning class. This is a great group of kids and we will enjoy being able to learn from them. Then tonight I got to practice with the CAREkids! They were so very sweet! How in the world can MacKenzie Stevens and Katie Siburt be old enough to be a CAREkid? Granted they opened CAREkids up to Kindgergartners this year, but still. I will be blessed to sing some Christmas carols with them for their Christmas program this year.

So just when I think I have this addiction whipped, one of those little ones gives me a hug and I am a goner. I am glad the Lord has given me that passion and I really do hope that I never get tired of the fix or cured of this addiction!

Repetitive Movie Watching

Last night the movie "Everafter" came on and even though I had seen it four times, I could not resist staying up (past my Saturday night bedtime) and watching it again. I just love this movie! It is for sure my favorite Drew Barrymore movie. I don't exactly know what the appeal is? Just a nice clean romance movie I guess. There are very few movies that I like to watch a second time, much less 4-5 times. These are some of my other favorite movies to repeat:
Gone With The Wind
Sound of Music
All the Shirley Temple Movies
Sleepless In Seattle
You Got Mail
Green Berets
Pollyanna

What are some of yours?

Treasured Hymns

Today my sweet husband surprised me with a gift--a new Ipod. He thought I would enjoy it on the plane ride to Kauai in October. I spent the day finding music to download and then will add some of my favorite songs from albums. While I was searching I found a Casting Crowns version of "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus". I just started crying. I wish we would sing the old hymns more often for they continue to speak to my heart. It is indeed sweet to trust in my Jesus.

Hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!


’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me’
Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Inconsiderate Shopper

Today I thought I would try a different venue for my grocery shopping and went to the Walmart Neighborhood grocery. I used one of the electric scooters because it was the once a month big day shopping. Not once, not twice, but three times I just had to sit and wait for another person to let me by. I would be going one direction they would pull their basket up in front of me going the opposite direction and then just stand there and peruse the shelves. I could not get around them and just had to wait patiently until they were finished. I did finally say "excuse me" and one person moved. I just found this to be very annoying. It would of only taken a moment of their time to move and let me by. I don't know why they were so inconsiderate. I think people just get too intent on their "own" business and forget there are others around and then again maybe I just need to be more patient. The other day Steve and I were at a restaurant and I walked in on my crutches and not one person offered to let me sit. Not even the parents who were standing and their two children ages 8 and 6 (just a guess) were sitting. Once again perhaps I shouldn't think I should have special consideration, but I just pray when I am totally well that I will remember to be much more considerate to the handicapped.

IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

Merry Trujillo sent me this through an email and I thought I would share it with all of you. After you read it, I will give my thoughts on it.

DEAR GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am! going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better. I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

There are verses in the Bible that cause me to think "Will I ever obtain that?" I Thessalonians 5:16-18 is one of those verses "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." God's will for me is that I am joyful, prayerful and thankful. I struggle with all three. Unfortunately, my flesh nature is more pessimistic than optimistic, more critical than praiseworthy, more complaining than thankful. But I am thankful for days like today when an email reminds me of the goal and returns my thinking to where it needs to be. I pray that I can be continually giving thanks for all circumstances. Thanks Merry for the reminder!

My Ma'ma'

So as promised her is a post about my mother (I tenderly call her ma'ma'). As I mentioned yesterday my mother had me when she was 17 years old. She turned 18 a month after I was born, so needless to say she was very young when I was born. But fortunately she had great support from grandparents on both sides of the family. When I was three my mother recommitted her life to the Lord and from that point on was faithful to involve me and my brothers in the life of the church. Her father was an elder in the church. My birth father did not go to church with us although he never kept us from going. My mother always made sure we had the best she could provide. We had a lot of fun times with aunts, uncles and cousins. One of my favorite Christmas memories was a year when I could not decide between a Betsy Wetsy doll and a Bride doll, so I told Santa to bring me either one and to my surprise I got both of them!! My mom always made all the holidays very special.

My mother has always been a very private person so I will not post what happened in our family that resulted in a divorce when I was 12. Through no fault of my mother she was left with three children to care for and only a high school diploma. She received a whopping $150.00 per month child support. but she got a job as a Head Start aide and provided for us the best she could. I don't remember the time frame but she eventually became the secretary for our church. Then when I was 15 the Lord brought a wonderful Christian man into her life and ours and they were married. As I said yesterday we became a family of 6.

From the get go we were family, not a step family. We never referred to each other as "step".
My parents made sure that we had open communication and we had family "pow-wows" where everyone would go around the table and say what was on their mind. If you were the object of someone else's concern you were not allowed to argue or defend. You just made a commitment to try and do better in the future. And they let us bring up things about them as well. It worked for us.

My mother has always been my greatest supporter and cheerleader. Since I didn't get married until I was 36, she was my travel partner. We had some great trips together and have some very special memories. My favorite was a fall tour we took that included Bush Gardens. I got her on a water ride promising her that we would not get wet (because I didn't at Six Flags) but we got absolutely swamped! And if you ever meet her you will have to ask her about the man that offered to take our bags at the New Jersey airport ("my car is just out back" he said, and guess who was going to follow?)

There is so much more I could tell you about my mother, but I will close by just saying I really don't know how I would have made it through these past 28 months without her. She has taken such good care of me. Not just physically (although she has worked endlessly at my house) but emotionally and spiritually all the while also taking care of my dad whose health has taken a drastic turn for the worse in the past year. She has an inner strength that I have always admired. Her own life has been riddled with tragedy (her father died when I was 5, her mother died of leukemia when I was 19, she lost a sister to tuberculosis when she was 16, she lost a brother, niece, nephew, and brother-in-law all in one car accident, she lost a sister to an alcoholic driver, she lost a sister to cancer) and yet her faith in the Lord has remained strong.
God has always been at the center of her heart. I am thankful that she showed us what a surrendered life looked like. She did not just "talk the talk" but she walks it in unconditional love for all of us to see. She has sacrificed so much for me, but always makes me think it is her pleasure to do so. Never guilts me about anything. I am so very blessed!

I love you ma'ma'. Happy Belated Birthday Post!

Belated Birthdays Blog

Today was Steve's 55th birthday. Late last night as I was lying awake, waiting to fall asleep it dawned on me that while I have told you a lot about Steve this month, I did not Blog about my sister Caren on her birthday, nor my mom on hers, nor either of my brothers on theirs. See we have a lot of August birthdays!! So let me just tell you a little about each of them and what they mean to me.

Brad's birthday was on the 4th and he was 45. Brad is the baby of our family. I remember when my mother was pregnant I so much wanted her to be having a girl, so I had fun dressing toddler Brad up in my walking doll clothes (tights, hat and all!!). When I was 15 we became a blended family and we went from three kids to six. Brad was still the youngest (Five teenagers and Brad was 6). Therefore he never could get a word in edge wise and grew up being more quiet than the rest of us. By the time he was 10, all of us had left home. So then he became an only child and was blessed to have all my parents attention focused on him. He was really good at sports and they were able to support him in all that he did. He is now a great father to two girls Alyssa and Aly and he has been their coach and has supported them in all of their activities . They all live in Olympia Washington so I don't get to see them very often. My favorite story about Brad is that when I moved back home to go to graduate school he was a teenager and one day asked me if I would iron something for him. I told him I would be glad to teach him how to iron to which he replied "why? I am going to get married some day". Well, thankfully he did not keep that chauvinistic attitude and is quite a great cook! I have admired Brad's strength in the midst of his own tragedy and his love and support during mine.

Brent's birthday was on the 10th and he turned 52. Brent is the middle child (2 years younger than I). Our relationship was a little bit more combative as kids because we were so close in age. The memory I goad him with is I had been left to babysit he and Brad and we were having soup for lunch. Brent wanted a cracker (or two) and I told him he could not have any until the soup was ready and I promptly took them away from him to which he punched me so hard in the stomach it knocked the wind out of me (and he ate the crackers). I also bear a scar on my hand from when I was in high school and was knocking on his window for him to let me in the house (I didn't have my key) and he was sleeping so soundly he could not hear me and I knocked so hard the window broke and my arm went through it. Today Brent lives in Denver and has three children. The light of his life is his 6 year old granddaughter Alyvia. Brent is also a good father, but the thing I admire the most about him is that he never settles. He is always trying to better himself and goes into job interviews convincing people the mistake they would be making if they did not hire him. He has a good sense of his value.

My sister Caren's birthday was the 24th and she was 53. When our parents married she was 14 and I was 15 (another sister Cathy was 15, and brother Steve was 16). The amazing thing is when I think about Caren I can't really remember when she wasn't my sister. We have always been blessed with a good relationship. She even named her daughter after me (Danette Lynn).
She has two children Daniel and Danette and they all live in Denver. Caren got married right out of high school and her husband was in the service so we have never been blessed to live close to one another and yet we have this great relationship because we share a strong love for the Lord. I love her even more today because she is taking me with her to Hawaii in October (just kidding). Anyway, the thing I admire the most about Caren is her constant optimistic attitude. She always looks on the positive side of things. She has had to live the life of a parent with a prodigal child and has done so with the love of Jesus.

And finally there is my mother who turned ?? on the 18th. She would probably not like me to tell you how old she is so let's just say she had me when she was 17 and I turned 54 on the 26th of July. So this post isn't an hour read I will post more about my mom tomorrow. Because I have a lot I want to share with you about her.

I am thankful for the family God has blessed me with. I just wish we all lived in the same city so we could be with each other more often. Unfortunately, none of us are very good emailers, or callers with each other. Everyone communicates well with my mom and she keeps us all up to date on each other. So check back tomorrow to learn more about her.

Moutain Top of God

Several years ago I heard Joe Beam give the testimony of his life and I remember that he said something like this "if God told me that I could go back and live my life over I would ask Him, 'but would I be as close to you as I am now?' God would say 'No, but you would have the chance to make new choices'. I would say 'no thank you, I would rather have the relationship that we have now.' I am not there yet...I think I was closer to God prior to my accident 28 months ago. However, there are things I have learned that I would not have known then. This thought came to me as I heard this song from Third Day today. The lines that caught my attention were "That I must go through the valley To stand upon the mountain of God" I look forward to being on the mountain top one day!

MOUNTAIN TOP OF GOD
Third Day

Thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me
And I didn't even know
That I had lost my way
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me
'Til You opened up my eyes
I never knew
That I couldn't ever make it
Without You
Even though the journey's long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who's gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I've been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God
As I travel on the road
That You have lead me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again
Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from
And the things I've left behind
But of all I've had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what's in front of me
With what's in front of me
(After final Chorus)
I thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But, You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me.

Happiness Scale

Briefly watched a portion on Oprah today and she was discussing happiness with a doctor. She said you could go online at Oprah.com and take a test, so I did. My score was in the medium range (not real high, but not low) then there was this quote:
"Dr. Holden says the key to being happy is overcoming "destination addiction," which he defines as "living in the not-now." "It's always about tomorrow, so you're chasing 'more,' 'next' and 'there,'" he says. "You promise yourself that when you get there, you'll be happy. And I promise you, you won't, because you'll always set another destination to go for." Instead, Dr. Holden says if you are unhappy with your life or looking to improve your score, there are two things you can do. "We have to learn to let go of our past, we have to give up all hopes for a perfect past. Let the past go, it's gone." After that, he says, "Take a vow of kindness. Be kinder to yourself and to others."
So the key? Don't live in the future or the past, live today. Too bad Dr. Holden doesn't know that Jesus already told us that in Matthew 6:34. Too bad I don't remember that in my own life as I am guilty of that "destination addiction", thinking that "if only" it would be better. Again if I embraced Philippines 4:11 and Hebrews 13:5 I would be content with today. I am thankful we have a Father who is full of grace and mercy, because I am way too human!!!!

Another Tuesday Post

Yeah! My guy Will Bigham won "On The Lot".

AND

My guy Terry Fator also won "America's Got Talent". Interesting that he was from Mesquite and the other finalist Cas Haley was from Arlington.

But...the worst thing about the evening was having to listen to David Hasselhoff sing "This Is The Moment". Why does this guy think he can sing? Too bad they couldn't have pushed the "X" box on him!!!

Walmart Observations

Sure hope I don't offend anyone with this post. Today I waited in the car at Walmart while my mom picked up a prescription. My car was on the end facing the front door so I began observing all the people coming in and out. I could not help but notice there are a lot of Walmart shoppers who do not have much fashion or common sense. Here some things I said to myself as I was sitting there.
If you are wearing aqua capris, don't put a grey mans t-shirt with them.
-Why were you carrying a package of boxes (the kind you put together) where you could not see where you were walking instead of pushing them in a cart?
-Do you really think that tugging and twisting the back of your husbands pants is going to keep him from falling? (he was elderly, he would have been better off with a walker or cane)
-If you have to keep pulling up your top over your breast as you walk, perhaps you would do better with something with straps?
-Do you not have white underwear to wear under your white shorts?
-Lady, have you not heard about the damage that 2nd hand smoke does to children?
-If cell phones are not bad enough, now every other person has an earphone? (I am sure it is so their significant other can call them if they forgot something)
-A white bra with straps with a black tube top makes what kind of sense?
-Should women over 60 really wear biker shorts?
-Should people 50 pounds overweight wear shorts in public (yes I know this applies to me and I don't)
-And don't get me started on all the women's choices of dress shoes with casual shorts (why does anyone want to walk in Walmart with high heeled shoes on?)

I may be really wrong, but something tells me if I had been sitting in the parking lot of Dillards or Macy's today I would not have seen the same thing.

On another note my mom and I ate lunch at Cheddar's and it was fun seeing all the school teachers in their different school t-shirts all dressed alike. Could not help but wonder why there are so many more female teachers than males? Guess the same reason there are more female Bible class teachers than males.

A Voice In the Wind

Tonight I finished a book entitled "A Voice in the Wind" by Francine Rivers. Sarah Snyder had told me about this book (which is the first in the Mark of the Lion series) several years ago and I had gone out bought all three books. I had tried reading this first book two other times and just could not get into it. This time I started it in Ruidoso and have anxiously awaited each moment to continue to read it. So I immediately picked up the 2nd book "An Echo in the Darkness" and began it hoping to find out what happened to Haddassah. I know some of you have already read this series, and for those of you that haven't you will want to. I found it convicting of my own faith and how much do I really trust in the Lord even when I do not understand the whys? Haddassah was a Christian slave when they were persecuting Chrisitians simply for Roman entertainment. I think all of us have contemplated if we would be bold in the midst of persecution. I would like to think so, but what if you were a mother watching your children die? I remember years ago hearing a story from the Book of Maccabees of a mother with seven sons who appeared before King Antiochus of Syria. He wanted each to deny God and began with the oldest. As each refused the torture became worse and worse (including scalping, cutting out tongues, etc) until he came to the youngest and he told the mother to convince him to deny God or he would die the worst of all. She said to her son "look at the sky and earth my son and remember who made them from nothing. Do not fear. Be worthy of your martyred brothers." After killing the last son, then the mother was killed as well. I cannot fathom the strength that it would take to endure such, but I am thankful for those that have laid down their lives in a way that allows the rest of us to take hope that we would be able to be strong for the Lord as well if He ever asked that of us.

Too Friendly?

In the last week I have had two men be "friendly" and left me wondering were they "too friendly?" The first was at the airport when I landed in El Paso. The steward pushing my wheelchair was very verbal, but then he kept patting me on the shoulder. Then after he put the luggage in the trunk he came and closed the door for me and again patted me on the shoulder. I knew he was just being nice but it did make me feel rather uncomfortable. Then yesterday at the grocery store the little Asian man taking my groceries out for me asked me how I hurt my leg. He then stopped the cart and patted me on the shoulder. Then I got in the car as he finished putting the groceries in the trunk of my car. I rolled down the window to tell him thank you and he came and took my hand and kissed it. Once again I knew this was a sweet gesture, but it made me feel uncomfortable. I don't know why the compassionate touch of both of these men made me feel uncomfortable, perhaps it should not have. I guess I am just not used to such gestures of compassion from total strangers. I am sure if I had not had crutches or a cane they would not shown the same concern. What do you think?

Happy Birthday Steve!

Today is Steve's 31st spiritual birthday. I wish I knew the date of my baptism (all I know is the year). Anyway...Steve likes celebrating today more than his physical birthday. He wouldn't give me any gift ideas and I was at a loss, so I just tried to make him a special dinner. I put a tablecloth on the kitchen table with cloth napkins, candles and our china. I made his favorite meal which is meatloaf (but tried a new recipe) and a sugar free chocolate pie. Fortunately to Steve this was a really big deal and he was so appreciative.

Thanks to all of you who commented on the last post about our anniversary, let me continue our story in telling you about why I am so thankful for this sweet man God has given me to call husband. Steve became a Christian while he was in the Air Force. His little brother went to VBS with a friend and that church contacted Steve's parents and studied with them (they had been Methodist) They watched the Jewel Miller filmstrips and then they shared them with Steve (he was in North Dakota at the time). Steve made the decision to get out of the Air Force to go to Preston Road School of Preaching. After graduating he was not able to find a pulpit position because of being single, so he fell back on his accounting skills and degree. Preston Road is where he met Mark and Kay Henderson who ended up coming to San Benito and introducing the two of us. Now skip to our story in California...

When Steve came out to California on Memorial Day Weekend, I had planned a week full of activities (Chino Air Museum, Spruce Goose, Queen Mary, Universal Studios, etc.) I mentioned I had been praying for a sign. The first thing I asked is for God to show me that Steve was a spiritual leader. At 36 I had struggled to find a man who was a spiritual leader and being raised in a family where my birthfather was not a Christian, this was really important to me. Well, when I told Steve of the week's agenda he said "this sounds fun, but I would like us to start each day having a devotional time together". That first morning we began in 1 Peter and talked for 4 hours!!!!

When Steve proposed to me he promised that he would do his best to follow Ephesians 5:25 and love me the way Christ loved the church. I can honestly say that he has kept that promise.

The thing I love most about Steve is His love for the Lord and for His word. He is so much more disciplined than I am and for the 18 years we have been married he has read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation every year but one (one year he decided to try a different method of study)

If he already didn't have my deepest respect add on the past two years where he has absolutely sacrificed everything to take care of me and make sure that I have the best care possible. He has been amazing at holding down his own job and taking care of so many more responsibilities at home and making sure that I did not want for anything.

So I am very thankful for this day when my husband was reborn and became a servant of the Lord. I am indeed the grateful recipient of the unconditional love he pours on me because of the unconditional love that has been poured out on him.

I love you Steve! Happy Birthday! I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me with such a wonderful husband!

18 Years and Counting

Today Steve and I celebrated 18 years of marriage. We worshipped together at Highland Oaks and then went to Ralph and Kocos in McKinney for lunch. We had never been there. Typical of our eating experiences I really enjoyed mine, but Steve not so much. I had a shrimp medley plate and he had a seafood platter. I think if he would have asked for tartar sauce he might have enjoyed it better. We then went to see Bourne Ultimatum. Not a romantic movie, but nevertheless we both enjoyed it. Also a testimony of how a movie can have no offensive language and no sex and still be a blockbuster.

Thought I would reflect back on our 18 years. Steve and I actually met 28 years ago when some mutual friends introduced us. I was living in San Benito (where his friends Mark and Kay also lived) and Steve was living in Dallas. He came down for Easter one year and we met and went to lunch. After that we were pen pals for 10 years. Steve would write me short letters and I would write back, but never thought much about a relationship. 10 years later the same Mark and Kay were living in San Diego and I was living in Chino, CA. Steve was coming out to celebrate their son Josh's 13 birthday at Disneyland. Mark and Kay invited me to join them. They came back to my house and we had a bar-b-que with my foster daughters and as Steve and I were grilling the chicken, we kind of had a conversation that went something like "too bad we don't live closer together". Well, I was a brazen hussy and when he returned home I actually wrote a letter and suggested that perhaps we could do more than just write letters. Perhaps we could call (long time before email) and actually even fly and visit? Well that was in April and Steve made the first trip to California Memorial Day Weekend. We spent the week touring different L.A. sites. I had prayed for some very specific signs for God to show me if Steve was "the one". He answered them all. We were engaged in June and married in August. (long story made really short)

We have been blessed with a great marriage. We testify to God's sense of humor in that we are complete opposites. But the one thing we do have in common is our love for the Lord and our commitment to love one another with His love. We know that He put us together to serve one another. We have withstood several major disappointments, but have grown stronger.
I am so blessed to have a partner that is commited to making sure that we share heaven together one day. He helps me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. I look forward to continuing this journey called life with this gift that God has given me. I can only pray that I will be as good of a wife to him as he is a husband to me.

Steve gave me this really cool prism candle and a cross necklace.

I've Been Tagged

When I returned home I had been tagged by Liz with these rules...1) I have to post eight random facts about myself, 2) I have to list these rules and 3) I have to tag eight other people.

So here we go:
1)I was born and raised in El Paso (except for the 4 years I lived in Mobile Alabama)
2) I began teaching Bible class at the age of 16 with a sweet lady named Kathryn Hicks and have taught most years since then
3)On the first day of graduate school I thought I was "hot stuff" and was walking and noticed two nice looking guys, when I tripped, fell to the ground, dropped my books and tore holes in the knees of my hose. Both the guys just sat there and did not even offer a hand, so they weren't even worth my fall.
4)I was a social worker at three different church of Christ supported Children's Homes for a period of 15 years, one in San Benito, TX, one in Springhill, TN and the last in Chino, CA.
5)I worked as a reference librarian at the Superconducting Supercollider. I was the only employee in the library that did not have an MLS. It was an interesting time working with the top scientist of the world.
6)I love to swim. I swam competitively when we lived in Alabama and have a shoe box full of the ribbons I won. Backstroke was always my favorite stroke.
7)My favorite vacation was when Steve and I rented a cabin in Breckenridge, Colorado. It was a solar house and just really pretty. A creek ran behind it and the roof to the hot tub upstairs opened up to the stars! Would love to go back.
8)My favorite dessert is cheesecake. My favorite is "chocolate fudge brownie" at Cheesecake Factory. Yummmm!

So now instead of tagging eight people as the rules said, if you are reading this and want to be tagged and let us all know some new things about you, then consider yourself tagged.

Home Again

Back from Ruidoso. Andrea and I had a really nice time, just not near long enough! First of all the weather was perfect!! Gorgeous days and cool nights. The last night sleeping with the windows open we both needed a blanket. We were both amazed at how beautiful the cloud formations were. I guess because we never see the sky that blue here, they just looked different. Because they have had a good summer of rain, everything was really green. It is always special to be at the family cabin. There are just so many memories there.

Unfortunately, the town is really changing and becoming much more commercial. They are building a lot of new structures out of stucco. It is taking a lot of the character away in my opinion. There seemed to be two types of stores, the old trade post stores that just sell a lot of junk and then expensive stores with apparel and stuff that you could buy at the Galleria. It didn't use to be that way. There used to be more unique stores. Nevertheless, I did manage to buy some things including a very unusual cross made of various kinds of turquoise and stones. I could not resist.

The cabin was as I remembered it. We enjoyed sitting out on the deck, and while I did not enjoy the increase in traffic noise, it was fun to watch the hummingbirds and deer. I guess there has been an increase in deer and the Ruidosians find them to be problematic, but for us it was a novelty. We just saw a few where we were staying but the day we visited my aunt at her cabin we saw at least a half dozen at a time. She also had a really blue bird I had never seen, she said it was called a Stellar Jay. We also saw Woodpeckers. I forgot to take a camera, so did not get any pictures.


One thing I did learn is that 3 evenings is not long enough to work a 750 piece jigsaw puzzle! We worked so hard and at 2:00 a.m. the last evening I could see no end in sight so had to put it all back in the box! (Andrea had given up at midnight) So know I guess I will have to try and recreate it here at home.


I don't know that I am ever ready for a vacation to be over! But back home and will try to find some routine. I'll close today by posting a picture of the "Leaning Loo of Ruidoso". It is the outhouse that my grandfather frequented while I was growing up. It is still there, although as you can see it has sunk into the ground and no longer usable, none the less another memory that makes this place special to me.

How Could I Forget?

I forgot to mention (before I leave in a few minutes) to ask you all to send a prayer of praise up to God for the good news I got at the doctor yesterday. Everything looks so good that I don't have to go back for three months!!! This is huge for in 29 months I have never been able to go more than a month. It still remains unclear as to whether I will be able to walk on my own without a cane or crutches, but I am certain if I work hard enough, that will come too. So today I will be traveling all by myself and will see how I navigate the airport. Fortunately, they do offer wheel chair assistance! Thanks for those prayers!

Ruidoso Here I Come

I have shown this picture before. It is the Schuller family cabin in Ruidoso. My aunt Gee Gee maintains it (even though she lives in Massachusetts) because we all have such great memories of the summers we got to spend there growing up. The cabin was built in 1933, so it is very rustic. It isn't in a very wooded area and I guess they had to cut some of the few trees down because of disease. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to just being there and chilling. Taking some books to read and a jigsaw puzzle I have been wanting to work. I leave tomorrow and will visit my aunt (I call her Nanny) in El Paso tomorrow night and then will pick Andrea Landry up at the airport on Saturday and we will drive up to Ruidoso and stay until Wednesday. Andrea's son DJ is stationed in Alamogordo so we will stop and have lunch with him on the way up. I am not taking my computer with me, so will not be blogging, but will give you an update when I return. Please pray that this will be a great time for God and I to reconnect. I will miss Steve. Traveling just isn't his thing and the one time he went to Ruidoso with me he just thought it was too commercialized. He doesn't have the same connection as I do with my childhood. It was always a very special time with my grandmother. This will be my first time to go without her there, I will miss her. But I am sure we will play some Scrabble in her honor. I'll be back on the 8th and will look forward to catching up on all of your blogs and seeing how the Lord blessed you while I was gone.