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Monday, September 25, 2006

Because I Said So!

I've become my mother.

Olivia asked me to fix her some lunch. She told me what she wanted. I fixed it for her. She ate one bite and then asked for something else. I fixed it for her. She ate one bite and asked for something else. At which point, I told her that I wasn't going to keep making food for her only to take one bite and request something else.

She proceeded to cajole and beg and lament for something else to eat. I then told her that she better just go eat what she had originally requested because there are a lot of starving children all over this world who don't have anything to eat and we can't waste the food.

When she asked me why there were starving children all over the world, I launched into this long explanation about all the atrocities that occur on our planet which directly or indirectly cause children to starve. (All explained on a four-year-old level, of course.) After which, Olivia kept repeating, "But why, Mom?...why does that happen?...why?"

Finally, I became so exasperated that I said, "Because I said so, that's why!"

Sheesh! I told myself that I would never 'become my mother'...I think it's destiny.

I give up. I think I'll go order this mug...

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Rain


It's raining.

No. It's pouring.

I have to get ready for church and then get my daughter up and get her ready for church. I hate going to church in the rain --all dressed up in a dress and then getting all wet and windblown. ick.

Today would be a great day to just put on my "weight-challenged" pants (note: others may refer to this item as "fat pants") and laze around the house in front of the television or under a blanket with a good book.

But no. I HAVE to go to church. I'm on the Praise Team and we're already missing one person today because he has the nerve to be out of town. If I don't show up - that means it's just Dawna. She might miss me. Besides, I'm singing the special music for the offering. (yes, I sing too --whoever it was that asked...)

....What if Jesus had said, "oh, it feels like it's going to be a miserable day, they're going to falsely accuse me, beat me, humiliate me and crucify me. I think I'll just stay in bed with a papyrus scroll and read."

Okay...I'm going to get read for church!
Besides, you're not going to believe this --but out my window --this very moment --is a break in the clouds and I see a patch of blue sky with a tiny silver-lined white cloud trying to burst forth!

....behind every dark cloud...there is a silver lining...

Have a blessed day all!

Thursday, September 21, 2006

upward...at last


the spiral
downward
into the space
where we hope never to go

we see others there
we pray
we hold out our hands
and pull them out

we help them stay away from the edge
we don't go too close
for we may fall into the abyss

but when no one's looking
we stray
we slip
we slide
we spiral downward
into the space
where we hoped never to go


why?
because we've lost our focus
we don't see the helping hand
we see the abyss
and it calls to us
to fall
to spiral
downward
into the space
where we hoped never to go

at last we get the strength
to reach for help
to search for a way
upward
up out of the space
where we hoped never to go


we take the hand that's offered
we clamor
we struggle
we climb
we somehow allow ourselves
to be helped

upward

up out of the space

where we hoped never to go

Half Full?


My dear husband has been working on this one mortgage deal (he's a broker) for quite some time.

Today, he found out that there is only one remaining option to get the deal done.

I'm thinking of all the failed attempts...and moaning because there's only one last option and thinking that it's probably not going to work and then where are we getting the money for the bills...yada yada blah blah blah.

No deal = no commission = no money.

Randy, on the other hand is still full of enthusiasm --"That's okay --I can get it done this way --this will still work...etc."

This is one of the reasons I fell in love with him. He rarely gets discouraged and rarely gives up. He always sees the proverbial glass as half full and I always see it as half empty (when it pertains to me). Amazingly, I can counsel anyone under the sun and encourage them to see the glass as half full! I just can't seem to apply that principle to my life. Why am I so pessimistic?

How do you see the glass?

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Good Advice

I am notorious for forgetting things. Twice, in the past two weeks, I have missed appointments at my physician's office for my routine six-month blood draw to check important things like my cholesterol level and whether or not my liver is suffering damage because of the medications that I take. Somewhere, on some scrap of paper, I had recorded the appointment - but then quickly proceeded to misplace the scrap of paper –thus forgetting my appointment altogether.

Also, my schedule has just taken on some new responsibilities as my DH and I are enrolled in training courses in order for us to become foster parents. We have CPR/First Aid classes, Safety Management Training Classes, Information Meetings, etc. We also must get our well water tested and that can only occur on certain days because of when the laboratory is available. And then of course, there's all my church activities - worship practice, LifeGroup, Wednesday night Marriage Encounter, Sunday services...etc. Throw in the appointments to get my hair cut and Olivia's annual physician's visit, dentist and optometry visits and all the things on my husband’s schedule that he expects me to remember and I’m sunk!

Actually, compared to most people, my schedule is not very busy, however, I am finding it more and more difficult to keep track of all these appointments in my head - which is where I usually store my calendar of events. (Hence the missed blood draws!) I have admitted defeat and finally decided that my aging mind is no longer capable of storing all the appointments and things of which I need to be aware on a daily basis.

I remembered that somewhere in my desk I had stashed a lovely engagement calendar - spiral bound with a beautiful impressionistic painting of a vase of flowers -- compliments of The Old Farmer's Almanac. So, I rummaged around my desk until I found it. Ah –awesome! I proceeded to ‘copy’ all my appointments from my brain and all the little scraps of old envelopes and post-its scattered throughout the house upon which I had written down the appointments whenever I had scheduled them.

One of the nice things about this Farmer’s Almanac Engagement Calendar is that it has little facts, famous quotes, household and gardening tips, etc. splashed throughout the pages. Next to the space for today’s entry it reads:

“Never carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket.”

WOW! It’s a good thing that I’ve chosen to use this calendar because now the next time I try to put an ice cream cone in my back pocket I can refer to today’s calendar entry and REMEMBER not to do that!

Whew! What a relief!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Illustration Friday: Change



Chameleons Change C O L O R

This week’s theme is CHANGE. The possibilities are endless.
I chose to go with a reptile.

Sharpie Marker and Colored Pencil on Cardstock.

Opposites

Have any of you ever seen the television show, Wife Swap? It's a reality show where the wives in two families switch homes for two weeks. For the first week, they are required to live as the homeowning wife, following all the rules of the household. The second week, they are allowed to "mix things up" and ask the family to live by their rules. At times, it's total chaos and often makes for what the networks say is "good" television.

Usually, at the end of the swap period, both families have been able to glean some good from the experience. Taking with them new ideas to implement and improve their relationships with their families. Seeing that living life a little differently than they normally live may not be such a bad thing in the end.

I watched a recent episode where a SUPER organized, bin and label organizing Mom switched place with a Mom who lives her life as a pirate - literally --costume, attitude, etc. It was definitely a swap of women from two different worlds!

It was with horror and disbelief that I viewed the disarray of the home from whence the Pirate came. There were clothes on the bedroom floors - six inches thick - fleas all over the house - nothing in its place. The 'neat freak' super organized home had everything labeled and placed neatly in bins --even the FREEZER shelves were labeled as to where to put the vegetables as opposed to where to put the meat.

As you can imagine, both of these women were stepping WAY out of their comfort zone! The stress level between the "new" wives and their "new" families was at times, overwhelming!

I looked around at my home and decided that I'm somewhere in between (i.e. the clothes on the bedroom floor are only one or two inches thick and the freezer is organized, although not labeled, and we have no fleas...only an occasional housefly which sneaks in because someone leaves the door open too long while going in or out.

Then I started to think about our upcoming challenge of becoming foster parents. Undoubtedly, there will be kids coming into our home who will be way out of their comfort zone. I have no idea how we're going to "mix" together. Our attitudes, belief systems, habits and patterns of living will more than likely be very different. I'm thinking that there is potential for major stress on everyone's part. But I’m praying and trusting God that we will all benefit from the experience. Praying that I may learn not to be so ‘rigid’ and not to set my expectations too high and perhaps the children will learn some things that will help them to better their lives as well.

Lord, help me to "go with the flow"!

Monday, September 18, 2006

Turn on Your Speakers and Double Click the Arrow Below

Exhausted - OR Where's a Good Pizza Delivery Person When You Need Him?


Well - I decided to take advantage of this beautiful day - Sieze the Day, if you will and get some painting done which I started several weeks ago. Until today I haven't seemed to find the time (or else the weather was uncooperative). I've been working on painting the cinder block along the basement which is exposed. Originally it was "battleship gray". I've painted it green --to match the shutters. It looks SO much better! (click on photo for a larger view.)
The block wraps around the house, of course, and appears on three walls - all but the front which is at ground level. Most people would be able to accomplish this task in two days. One day per coat of paint. Not me. I have to do it in eight foot sections --take a break for a day and come back and do coat #2 on the first section and then paint another section.... It's this whacko disease that I have - MS. It totally zaps my energy. My goal is to have the block painting completed before the snow flies. I have one eight foot section which needs two coats and a 16 foot section on the other side of the house which needs a second coat.

The problem I'm facing now is that my husband will soon be home from a long and trying day at work and I don't have dinner prepared. I have no energy to stand in the kitchen and cook. It's just not happening. What was that you say? Order a pizza?! Ah - simple solution. Not. We live out in the "middle of nowhere" and there is no decent, respectable pizza place that will foot the gas bill to deliver a pizza way out here.


I think tonight's going to be a PB&J kinda night.

So...what good things are you eating for dinner? ....nevermind...I don't want to know!

Sunday, September 17, 2006

21 Things For Which I'm Grateful


  • Lazy Sunday afternoons
  • Peach flavored iced tea
  • My favorite pair of comfortable jeans which even I won't wear in public
  • A freezer full of fabulous Rich Plan food!
  • Vanilla scented candles
  • The smell of fresh cut grass
  • Crisp Autumn evenings - just before dusk.
  • 140 lb Cold Press Watercolor Paper (it's an artist thing)
  • My daughter's laughter
  • Black Raspberry Custard ice cream
  • Self-adhesive stamps
  • A husband who doesn't mind if the house isn't clean
  • A Harvest Moon
  • The smell of Crayola Crayons
  • A newly sharpened pencil
  • Shiny, new copper pennies
  • Antiques
  • The movie, The Sound of Music
  • The ability to sing
  • My memory foam bed and pillow
  • A handful of wildflowers picked just for me by our daughter

    For what are you grateful?
  • Saturday, September 16, 2006

    READING is FUNDAMENTAL!


    Open your Bible. Go ahead. Turn off the computer. Open God's Word. He has something AWESOME just for YOU today! Now go DO it! Then come back and tell me how awesome it was!!

    Friday, September 15, 2006

    My Response to Birmingham Girl

    After reading Birmingham Girl's post today, I immediately thought of a recent collage I created.

    My art speaks my feelings on the subject.

    By the way, that is NOT supposed to be me reclining on the sofa --I'm definitely not the let-me-don-my-chiffon-and-luxuriously-lounge-on-the-sofa type! Give me a pair of sweat pants, a baggy T-shirt and my New Balance walking shoes and I'm happy!

    Thursday, September 14, 2006

    My Disease



    I have a disease.

    I don’t know if it has a name. But I’ve chosen to name it “Biblio-Obsessivo-Purchioso Disease” or “BOPoD” for short.
    Definition: An uncontrolled OBSESSION and love of BUYING massive amounts of books.

    I’m sure that there must be a REAL word for the state of being completely obsessed with books – specifically OWNING books. Perhaps if Tina Fabulous were to look in the coveted Oxford Dictionary, she could find the word for me. But for now, Bopod will have to do.

    Here’s the deal. I own a lot of books. I own so many books that I don’t know how many books I own. They are everywhere –literally in every room of our home. Downstairs there are at least four bookshelves stacked –double stacked –with books. “Double stacking” is the art of stacking books in a deep book shelf with one row against the back and another row in the front – thereby covering the books in the back so they’re no longer visible –making it impossible to know where a book is at any given moment because you just can’t see them.

    Not only do I own too many books. I can’t stop buying books. Yesterday, our mailperson delivered a package from Ebay –a book I HAD to have because just two weeks ago Crossings Book Club (one of many book clubs of which I am a member) sent me two books (their member’s selections of the month) and one of them was a sequel. Oh no! I hadn’t read the first book in the series yet –better hurry and order the first book. After a thorough search online, I found the best deal on Ebay -only $1.00 (plus $4.07 s/h). A Bargain!! The book is in NEW condition. Had I purchased it elsewhere, I would have paid at least $12.00 for the book alone. Ha – I deserve a pat on the back for “smart” shopping!

    I used to live in Pittsburgh and worked in the neighborhood of Oakland which is where the original, HUGE, Carnegie Library is located. The Carnegie Library houses more than 3.3 million volumes. THREE POINT THREE MILLION!! Amazing. Our little small-town library has slightly over forty thousand. You may understand why I complain every time I go into our little small-town library, with it’s antiquated card catalog and check-out system which doesn’t include computers to track books in house or those borrowed. But, I digress.

    Also, in Pittsburgh, I lived in close proximity to several large bookstores –Borders, Barnes and Noble, Family Christian Stores, not to mention the dozens and dozens of independently owned bookstores and used bookstores. Where I live now, the closest Borders or Barnes and Noble is at least 50 miles away. (I’m not kidding.) I used to love to go into the bookstores and spend hours at a time just browzing. (This was before I was married and had a child – there is no time for such frivolity today!) To be around books more, I even worked at Barnes and Noble and Family Christian Stores –just for fun. My “real” job as a Medical Technologist at The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was grand –but didn’t get me anywhere near books – although I did often volunteer to go to the medical library when we needed to do research on an uncommon disease or disease process. But again, I digress.

    Today in the mail, I received two of many regular offers I receive on a daily basis inviting me to join another book club. I found myself perusing the pamphlets, drooling over the titles, planning which ones I can purchase with my “buy 6 books for only $2” deal. Then calculating how much money in shipping and handling fees I’d pay and figuring how much I’d have to spend to “fulfill” my commitment and deciding that if I withdraw my membership immediately upon fulfilling my membership commitment, I can save a WHOPPING $3. Or if I choose NOT to join the club –I can save even MORE because I will have never purchased anything in the first place. But then –I wouldn’t be feeding my addiction.

    I forced myself to write down the titles that I’m interested in from the pamphlets so that I can take the list to the library and borrow the books instead of buying them. Of course since our library is small –I will most likely have to wait several weeks before the library will be able to locate the book from another library and have it sent via inter-library loan. In the meantime, I could’ve bought the book – had it shipped to my home – and have it read three times! See – this is WHY I own so many books. Our hometown library is just too small.

    And did I mention that I haven’t read HALF of the books I own because I don’t have the time? Yet I just keep buying more! What’s up with that?!

    Okay…I’m going to end this post and go read one of the four books which I borrowed from my friend Dawna.

    I told you it was a disease.

    Wednesday, September 13, 2006

    Cheated



    I’m sitting here watching a taped episode of The Oprah Show.

    They are running a tape from 1989 when Oprah had the opportunity to be in the delivery room while two parents were anticipating the birth of their child.

    I watched the surgeon scrub the mother’s belly.

    I heard Oprah exclaim, “I see hair! I see hair!” as the baby was being removed from the womb.

    I heard Oprah scream, “It’s a boy! It’s a boy!”

    I saw the father cry as he bent down to kiss his wife.

    I saw the nurse swaddle the baby and present him to the mother to hold while the doctor finished stitching her incision.

    And I feel cheated.

    I too, am a Mom.

    I was looking forward to sharing all those moments when Olivia came into this world.

    Looking forward to hearing someone exclaim, “It’s a girl! It’s a girl!”

    Looking forward to crying tears of joy with my husband when she was born.

    Looking forward to holding my newborn baby on my chest.

    Olivia was born via emergency C-section 2 ½ months early. The last thing I remember after I kissed my husband and they wheeled me into the O.R and prepped me for surgery. was counting backwards from ten as they placed the anesthesia mask on my face.

    I woke up in recovery –asking if the baby was okay and was it a boy or girl.

    I was in such critical condition that I spent two days in the ICU and didn’t even get to see my daughter, who was fighting for her life, until she was three days old.

    And then, when I finally was wheeled into the NICU and saw Olivia for the very first time, an insensitive nurse told me that it was almost time for “change of shift” and she was going to have to “give report” and I had to leave –after only seeing Olivia for not even five minutes.

    It was over a week before I could hold her.

    The whole experience still brings tears to my eyes over four years later.

    Don’t think for one minute that I’m not eternally grateful for all the miracles that took place during Olivia’s first two months of life that she spent in the NICU before being released to come home. The Lord spared her life several times. He was faithful.

    The experts told us that it would be six years before Olivia would “catch up” to her peers and they wanted to follow her progress every three months. At age 18 months, they looked at us and said, “We never want to see you again. Not only has Olivia caught up to her peers, but she has surpassed “normal” children her age, especially in the area of her communication skills.” Needless to say, we did the “happy dance” and praised God for His goodness.

    Every time I know of a mother who has had the privilege of going through natural childbirth (though some may not consider it a privilege!), or hear of a mother who was able to be awake during her C-section—with her husband by her side…I am jealous.

    Some people may tell me to “get over it –there are much worse things in this life to be sorry about.” And they would be right.

    There are days when I wonder why God took us down that path.

    I wonder why we went through all the anguish we went through during Olivia’s very difficult first two months of life.

    Why He chose us to suffer in that way.

    And then wonder, why not?

    He has great plans for our daughter - this I know.

    But, I still feel cheated.

    Tuesday, September 12, 2006

    The Drain


    Here is a photo of my friends on a recent evangelistic mission trip to Africa.
    They saw the mighty hand of God work wonders! So exciting!

    There is something that is troubling me, however.

    Note: One is standing in the Northern Hemisphere and one is standing in the Southern Hemisphere.

    If each of them had a sink beside them and poured a glass of water down the drain, the sink in the Northern Hemisphere would drain counter-clockwise. The sink in the Southern Hemisphere would drain clockwise.

    If there was a sink sitting EXACTLY on the equator…what direction would the water drain?

    These are the things that I think about.

    Monday, September 11, 2006

    2,996; A Tribute to Glen J. Wall




    A Tribute to Glen J. Wall – age 38 – Senior Vice President for Cantor Fitzgerald, World Trade Center. Glen was from Rumson, New Jersey - victim September 11, 2001

    I didn’t know Glen.
    I did not know him, but I want to honor him.

    I look at the photo of Glen and try to imagine what kind of man he was. A husband and a father...one friend says, "Glenno" we miss you. Miss your sparkling eyes and smile. You had a great 38 years." Your pal Eagle. How many knew him? How many grieve his loss? How many remember?

    Today, I grieve the loss of Glen J. Wall.
    Although I didn’t know him, he represents the thousands of people who lost their lives on September 11th.
    I offer a prayer for his loved ones – that they may be comforted. That they may feel the arms of America around them today, holding them.
    May they feel a peace that surpasses all of their understanding. May they feel God's love today in a way they've never known before.
    And may God bless them today and every day.

    Glen, perhaps we’ll meet one day in Heaven. I would like that.

    Today, I honor you, Glen J. Wall - and promise that I will always remember.


    Meet Me In the Stairwell

    You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001? Neither will I.

    I was on the 110th floor in a smoke-filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Goodbye." I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is okay...I am ready to go."

    I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

    I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now."

    I was at the base of the building with the priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

    I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

    I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

    I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

    Some sought Me with their last breath.

    Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me...this way...take my hand." Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

    I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

    September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go."

    I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

    Love, God






    Click here for more tributes.

    Sunday, September 10, 2006

    huh?

    When a doctor himself needs doctoring so that another doctor doctors the doctor, does the doctor doing the doctoring doctor the doctor the way the doctor being doctored wants to be doctored or does the doctor doing the doctoring of the doctor being doctored doctor as he wants to doctor?

    Saturday, September 09, 2006

    the short list


    here's the short list of the things I don't like:

    gasoline is $2.69 a gallon in my town --while just 77 miles away, in my sister's town it is $2.24 - what is up with that?

    knowing that it's almost midnight and I have to get up early for church and I haven't yet taken a shower and shaved my legs

    irreversible brain damage

    boston creme donuts (I know, not cool)

    driving at night on the interstate while it's raining

    knowing that my daughter is growing up way too fast

    mustard on hot dogs

    too much whipped cream on pumpkin pie

    dirt under my fingernails

    when my 75 pound dog leans all over me after he's been in the pond

    Good n'Plenty candy

    ketchup that is NOT Heinz (if it's not Heinz --it's not TRUE ketchup)

    people who go around sniffing all the time refusing to blow their nose

    commercials

    mosquitoes!!!!!

    stepping in dog poo

    earwax

    Thursday, September 07, 2006

    The Right Thing




    Did you ever know that you were doing the right thing. REALLY KNOW it?

    I have a little story.....Several years ago, I had the honor of being part of an incredible worship team. Our worship pastor was gifted in playing the acoustic guitar and has written hundreds of songs and recorded several CDs. The Lord brought together all kinds of musicians ....a keyboardist, a flutist, a trumpet player, an awesome drummer and four incredible vocalists whose voices blended "just like the angels" (or so we were told). I loved being a part of that team.

    However, there came a time during that period, when the Lord told me that I had to step down from my position because there were some things that He needed to "work" in me and I could not be in a position of leadership while He was doing the work. I resisted. But finally, after my pastor gave me a "gentle" nudge, I resigned from the team.

    Several weeks later, I attended a Women's Aglow meeting and the speaker there prophesied over me --told me that she saw rivers of worship flowing from my belly and that I was created to worship. She said that the Lord was going to use me mightily in the area of worship. I was thrilled, yet broken in spirit, knowing that at that time, I had been removed from my position on the worship team by the Lord. The woman who prophesied over me had no idea that I could even sing, and she couldn't have possibly known of my deep desire to be involved with worship.

    Several years went by. I married and moved to another town. When we began attending the church where we are now, I was sitting behind the pastor one Sunday morning and he turned around after worship and said to me. "You need to be up front." I looked at the "team" which was on the platform. The "team" consisted of one person, Jim. Jim did a great job at leading worship but you can imagine my disappointment when I knew that there would be a lot of "building" of our team --and that it was going to take a lot of time. Not to mention the fact that one of my biggest faults is always comparing things to other things. In my mind, this team could never measure up to the team that I had left behind at my other church.

    After a year, I began to really get discouraged. Our team consisted of three vocalists. Period. No musicians. We sang all of our songs using accompaniment tracks and I believed that method was limiting the "flow" of the Holy Spirit. But, we had no choice. We had no musicians. Eventually, I dropped off the team.

    Six months later, Dawna showed up. She has a beautiful voice. A few weeks later, her Aunt Janet approached me and said that Dawna would like for me to sing with the team but didn't feel she knew me well enough to talk to me about it. Janet and I spoke at length and by the end of the conversation, I was finally beginning to listen to the Holy Spirit as He was telling me that I needed to be on the team again. But still, made no move to volunteer. A few weeks later, my pastor actually said from the pulpit in a Wednesday service, "Deb, I'm going to say it...You need to be up here singing!" Okay Lord. I give.

    The next week I showed up at worship practice. We still have only three vocalists. And we still sing using accompaniment tapes. But, the Lord is using us. There is not a week that goes by when someone doesn't come up to me after a service telling me what a blessing it is to them that I am singing again. Each week at practice, we pray that the Lord will increase our number and bring in musicians. Each week we pray that the people of our congregation will worship --truly worship.

    We have developed a great friendship, the three of us - and our "sound guy", Dave, (Who just happens to be Dawna's husband.) I am grateful for the relationship we all have formed. Grateful for how the Lord has melded our hearts together. Grateful for what each of us brings to the team. We balance each other in our preferred styles of music and in our personalities. We go from “super organized – Pre-A” type (Dawna) to “way laid back ‘Z’ type” (Jim) to somewhere in between (me). And Dave, bless his heart, puts up with all of us!

    All day today, a hymn was running through my head –and I sang it over and over again “…all that thrills my soul is Jesus…” I said to my husband before I left for worship practice that I was going to mention to Jim that we should sing that hymn sometime soon. When I got to practice, I couldn’t for the life of me, remember the song, but I said that there was a song that I had been singing all day and as soon as I could remember it, I would tell them. Then, I looked down at the page in the hymnal –one of the songs that we will be singing on Sunday…..you guessed it….”…all that thrills my soul is Jesus…”
    Awesome. It’s incredible how the Lord had prepared my heart today and got me “on the same page” as our worship leader.

    Dawna said, “Isn’t it neat how the Lord confirmed that you’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing?!” Yes, it is. My prayer is that the Lord will grow our worship team –in His time –in His way. May we seek to lead the congregation in true worship –getting back to the heart of worship –worshipping in Spirit and in Truth. And may lives be changed for eternity through our ministry.

    One more thing....It is really because of Janet that I am singing on the team. Janet has since gone Home to be with the Lord. I am thankful for Janet's gentle nudge --and look forward to worshipping by her side when I join her one day in that Glorious Place that the Lord has prepared for those who love Him!

    Wednesday, September 06, 2006

    It's a post already!

    okay --no time because we have to leave for church in two minutes.

    a few things...Margie don't feel guilty because I DO think that Sara stole her post idea from me --but you'll never hear me SAY that!!

    second....Cheryl --email me about Ebay

    Dawna ---see you in a few! --I'll get posting soon-- promise

    and yes, to all who inquired --a mini getaway vacation at the inlaws in New York.
    Fun time.

    gotta run!
    more later!

    Thursday, August 31, 2006

    Random Things

    Some Random Things About Me:

    One of my favorite breakfasts is oatmeal with raisins, but I only eat it about once a month.

    I have at least fifty collapsed Priority Mail Boxes in my garage –just in case I need to send a Priority Mail Package. (Actually, it’s fallout from my Ebay powerseller days.)

    Oh…I was once an Ebay Powerseller.

    Stamps. I love them. I buy them by the dozens –and always a large variety.

    I talk to myself –all the time.

    I enjoy watching dust float around when the sun shines through a window. Then I think about how we breathe in all that dust and pretty much get grossed out.

    One thing I want to do before I die is ride in a hot air balloon.

    I hate weeding flower beds and prefer to let things grow wild. Every weed is a wildflower waiting to bloom.

    I am not a sports fan, however, if I must, I will RUSH through worship practice so that our sound guy can RUSH home in time for the Steelers’ kickoff. (Have I told you recently how much I appreciate you Dave?!)

    My favorite fruit is a nectarine.

    I am allergic to cats.

    Books. I own hundreds. Enough to start my own library, I think. But I still keep buying them and borrowing them from the library and from friends. It’s a disease.

    Wow Wow Wubbzy is Olivia’s new favorite show. Oh wait, that’s a random thought about her, not me. Strike that from the record.

    Art – my passion – followed closely by singing, my second passion.

    I once painted “Damas” and “Caballeros” on the bathroom doors of a small school in the Dominican Republic.

    I love all food –with the exception of liver and onions.

    I love to cut the grass –as long as I can use the zero-turn riding mower.

    The zero-turn riding mower is currently stuck in the mud –no grass cutting today.

    I don’t do diet pop or diet anything. If Im going to all the trouble of eating it –it’s going to be REAL.

    I enjoy blogging as a creative outlet.

    I trade Artist Trading Cards with artists from all over the world.

    I regret that I didn’t take piano lessons longer when I was a child and I plan on allowing my daughter to learn piano (if she wants to) so that I can “live vicariously” through her playing.

    My first piano recital piece was The Happy Sailor –I can still hum the tune.

    One of the meanest things I’ve ever done was once putting chocolate ex-lax in my college roommate’s chocolate jello dessert. I feel badly about it to this day.

    I use the term “loser” way too often, especially in reference to my pastor –who is NOT a loser (most of the time!) (Pastor Bill –luv ya man!)

    I don’t have a favorite color ---it all depends upon my mood at the time.

    I do have a favorite number. It is the number 4.

    My favorite punchline to my favorite joke is: “only when pancakes grow on doghouses in July.”

    I love my husband –with all my heart.
    Are You Ready?

    A friend sent me this video. I think it's one of the most powerful videos produced regarding the rapture of the church --the time when the Lord returns to take to Heaven all of those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior of their lives. If you're not sure you're ready for this event, if you think you may be one of the ones left behind, I encourage you to pray and ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. You may click here to read more.

    Please --don't put this off. It is the most important decision you will EVER make in your life!

    Another of Olivia's Antics

    Literally 40 minutes before we had to be out the door to go to church, Olivia came running up the stairs after playing in Daddy's office...Laughing...."MOMMY! MOMMY! LOOK! This is WAY funny, isn't it?! I turned my arm blue!!"

    Yes, Olivia...waayyyyy funny....

    By the way...there is no soap on this planet that will remove Sharpie Permanent Marker from the arm of a four-year old!

    Wednesday, August 30, 2006

    School Days




    I thought it might be fun during this "back to school" season, to enjoy some school humor. Following are actual sentences from essays written by our nation's high school students. Geniuses --every one??

    Enjoy!

    1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.

    2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

    3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse, without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.

    4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli, and he was room temperature Canadian beef.

    5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.

    6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.

    7. He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.

    8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.

    9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.

    10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.

    11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.

    12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.

    13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.

    14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.

    15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.

    16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.

    17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was the East River.

    18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.

    19. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.

    20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work .

    21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.

    22. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.

    23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.

    24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.

    25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.

    Tuesday, August 29, 2006

    One Word



    It’s interesting how one word can make all the difference in the world. I read a testimony today about someone’s weight loss journey. It was worded this way: “She has released over thirty pounds and has a goal of releasing an additional twenty to thirty pounds.”

    Most of us, when we want to shed pounds, talk in terms of “losing” weight. I began to think about the term “release” in relation to weight. Here are my thoughts: The dictionary definition of “lose” is “to come to be without (something in one's possession or care).” If we think about something that we’ve lost –an object or some money or a favorite item –we usually spend a considerable amount of time and energy searching to find it again.

    The dictionary definition of “release” is “to free from confinement, bondage, obligation, pain, etc.; let go. Liberation from anything that restrains or fastens.” Aha! I think I’m going to choose to RELEASE weight rather than lose it! Releasing it means that I’m FREE from the bondage and pain which I carry with me when I carry the extra weight! There’s a whole new set of emotions that go with “releasing” weight!

    Something to think about huh?

    Monday, August 28, 2006

    His Plans


    Jeremiah 29:11 is a popular verse from the Bible. It is emblazoned on refrigerator magnets and wallhangings. It's often printed on the front of church bulletins. I have it sewn into a throw which sits on the back of our sofa. Because of that, I read it several times a day. This morning, in my Bible study, this verse came up. My study said to read the verse and replace "you" with my name and then pray for a new revelation as to what God may be saying to me. So I did.

    The Amplified Bible says this: (I've inserted my name where appropriate)

    For I know the thoughts and plans
    that I have for you, Deb, says the Lord,
    thoughts and plans for welfare and peace
    and not for evil to give you, Deb,
    hope in your final outcome.
    - Jeremiah 29:11


    As I prayed, the Lord so clearly spoke to me... As a parent, I have so many thoughts and plans for Olivia. Obviously, I want what is best for her. I have a lot of grandiose ideas of what she may grow up to be and how she will be successful as she grows. However, I'm not the one who is going to be making the choices for my daughter. Olivia will make her own choices about her life. Certainly, I pray that she looks to the Lord and to her father and I for guidance - but she will make the ultimate decisions when she is old enough to do so. My desire is for her to make the BEST choices so that she will prosper in all areas of her life.

    That is no different than my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Just as my Heavenly Father has thoughts and plans for me, I will not prosper, and in fact, may do harm to myself physically, emotionally, or spiritually based on the choices that I make each day. I need to make the right choices. The right choices in my thinking, my speaking and my actions.

    The right choices in my eating. As I struggle with my weight, I will never win this battle if I don't choose carefully. Choosing to eat only when I'm physically hungry - and then choosing healthy foods.

    Father, I thank You for this new revelation regarding Your Word today and ask for Your help in making right choices. May every morsel of food that I ingest today be to sustain my life and not to feed my fleshly desire to eat for the sake of eating because the food is good - or it's my favorite snack - or I'm bored - or sad - or happy - or celebrating - or whatever other excuse I come up with for eating when I'm not physically hungry. I trust You for Your help as today I choose to die to self in the area of food. Thank You for trusting me to make right choices -- and providing the guidance I need to do so. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

    Sunday, August 27, 2006

    New BLOG Alert!


    Everyone! Please welcome my friend Dawna to Blogland! Go visit her
    blog and tell her that I sent you! She more than likely has read your blog --she's been "lurking" for months!!

    Friday, August 25, 2006

    For Janet



    In Loving Memory of my friend, Janet
    who went Home to be with Jesus earlier today,
    August 25, 2006

    She suffers no longer
    She's dancing with Jesus

    Janet, we will miss you
    But look forward to the day
    When we meet again
    In that Glorious Place
    Worshipping our Savior together
    For all of eternity!

    A Song for Janet

    Chocolate --the New Health Food


    Okay –here’s what I know.
    I love chocolate.
    Since I love chocolate, I’m assuming that God created me to love chocolate.
    Therefore, chocolate must be good for me.
    Sounds reasonable to me...

    A study at the University of California has found eating chocolate increases levels of several classes of flavanoid which are thought to protect blood vessels. Matched molecule for molecule, chocolate flavanoids are more powerful than vitamins such as ascorbic acid in limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol (that's the BAD cholesterol). Arteriosclerosis studies have suggested that oxidation of these lipoproteins is an essential step in the creation of artery-clogging plaque and therefore (here's the best part) chocolate can prevent arteries clogging up!

    Cocoa also contains a wealth of phytochemicals and polyphenols which have significant antioxidant properties and may help to reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart disease.

    In fact, tests have shown that cocoa powder has equivalent or greater antioxidant activities than many fruit and vegetables and even red wine. A 40-gram serving of dark chocolate typically contains around 800 milligrams of antioxidants, about twice the quantity in a glass of red wine.

    If you love me and want to help me maintain a healthy heart....send me bags of Hershey's Dark Chocolate Kisses!

    Bring on the Chocolate!!!

    Thursday, August 24, 2006

    Today's Theme: WORDS

    There is a recurring theme on the blogs today --WORDS.

    I just read a friend’s blog where she took some time to state that she is going to be a "motivational speaker" --and speak positive things.

    I say BRAVO!

    This morning, I received a telephone call from our church prayer chain asking me to pray for a woman who was said to be "going downhill fast". I prayed --and I called others on the chain to pray. I listened to others pray "whatever happens, let God's will be done"....now, there's nothing wrong with praying in alignment with God's will. In fact, that's exactly how God instructs us to pray. The problem came about when everyone sort of had this attitude of 'oh well, she's doing badly so we might as well give up and give in'. I say HOGWASH! This woman had expressed to me several weeks ago that she wants to get better so that she can be busy doing God's work. Well, guess what? Satan doesn't want her doing God's work. He is going to do all he can to prevent that from happening --including causing her to "go downhill fast".

    I believe as Christians that we have the RIGHT to pray with AUTHORITY! To speak LIFE - to speak POSITIVELY. To command the enemy to leave!! To bind up any negative thoughts and speech --to take them captive. God's Word tells us that Jesus paid the price for our healing. Okay! Let's grab ahold of that and pray accordingly!

    Now, I also realize that there are times when we have all the faith in the world and we pray and the outcome is different from what we expect. I don't have the answers. I don't know why young people die from injuries in ATV accidents. I don't know why children suffer with cancer. But I do know that as a Christian, it is my duty and responsibility to speak positively and continue to trust that God knows best because He sees the big picture.

    Hebrews, chapter 11 speaks of faith --in faith, by faith, through faith - Abraham, Moses, Enoch...in faith, by faith, through faith...and then at the end of the chapter it says, what more can I say? In other words, are you 'getting it'?! By Faith. The Bible says: The just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4) The Lord has given us all a measure of faith --His Word says that He has done that. Pray that your faith will increase!

    My friend says that she has a lot of power --power to SPEAK life - to speak words of encouragement --to speak positively. We have the power of life and death in our tongues. (Proverbs 18:21). Let's SPEAK LIFE!!

    And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. --James 5:15

    And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. --Exodus 23:25

    Wednesday, August 23, 2006

    Beyond the Veil - The Holy of Holies

    Many of you have requested to see more of my art. Recently, I read someone's blog post regarding The Holy of Holies. It prompted me to take a photograph of this painting which I did as the cover art for a worship CD entitled, Beyond the Veil.

    We are so privileged as Christians. God's Word tells us that the moment Jesus died at Calvary, the veil of the temple was torn in two. The temple veil was a large, very thick (8 inches thick, I believe) fabric which separated the place where the common people were allowed to be and the place where only once a year the priest went into the Holy of Holies to offer a sacrifice to God for the atonement of the peoples' sin.

    When Jesus died, the torn veil was a sign from the Lord that now anyone could approach His throne --not just the priest. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. No other sacrifice is necessary. Because of the great price He paid with His life, we all, as Christians, have the privilege, honor and authority to come to the Lord with our offerings of praise and thanksgiving and our petitions and requests. God hears us all --no matter our social or economic status --no matter our position in the church --no matter our age or our race. He looks beyond our background and our 'baggage'. He hears us. When we come to Him with a humble heart of repentence and offer Him our hearts, He hears us. When we ask Him to be the Lord of our life, he saves us from a life of devastation and lifts us to a place of honor. In His eyes we are considered a "royal priesthood". We are washed clean before Him. He doesn't see our sin. He doesn't see our mistakes. He doesn't see our failure. He sees us with pure hearts --white as snow --clean. Just as if we had never sinned.

    God is awesome, isn't He?

    Why not spend a few moments today in His presence--In the Holy of Holies? Thank Him for all He has done. Give Him praise for all the countless blessings He gives. Honor Him with your presence. He desires more than anything that you spend time with Him. Don't miss out on something that will be life-changing...because every time we spend time in His presence, we are changed for eternity!

    Monday, August 21, 2006

    Prayers for Rebekah


    Attention all Christians!

    Rebekah needs our prayer!

    You may read all the details on her blog

    As Christians, we are called to be overcomers. We don't need to allow Satan, or the circumstances of life to keep us from God's amazing promises. In His Word, God says that Jesus paid the price for our healing. Won't you stand in agreement with me today, on behalf of Rebekah - believing for a miracle --praying with authority --knowing that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think?!!! Several weeks ago, Rebekah's scans were "clear". I believe that it is the Lord's intention that they remain CLEAR! Pray Warriors Pray!!

    Sunday, August 20, 2006

    Random Thoughts --and Art


    Since my blog is titled: "Deb's Random Thoughts...and ART!", I thought I'd blog some of my random thoughts (and Art!). (whacko blogger problems won't allow me to post more than one photo---so check back for edits later!)

    Random thought #1: This morning in church a gentleman sang a song about eternity - and how he was going to be sitting at the feet of Jesus....the lyrics said not to look for him by the walls of jasper or on the streets of gold, but to look for him at Jesus' feet. Here's what I'm thinking... Jesus must have some pretty big feet! I mean, think about it, every Christian that I know wants to sit at Jesus' feet when they get to heaven. How is that going to happen? What if everyone wants a turn at the same time? There are going to be MILLIONS of Christians in heaven. Will we have to take a number like we do at the Stuff-Mart Deli? I hope not, because today, after church, we stopped at Stuff-Mart and went to the deli, and took a number. Guess what?! The deli worker lady skipped my number?! What is up with that? We had to wait until the next deli worker lady called the next number and tell her that we had a number that should have been called two numbers ago.... When I get to heaven, I don't want to wait to sit at Jesus' feet. And I'm thinking that since His Word says that He will give us the desires of our heart...He must be gonna have some big feet --enough for LOTS and LOTS of people to sit around!

    Random Thought #2: Today at Stuff-Mart, I bought some ORANGE Cauliflower. On the plastic surrounding this odd-looking vegetable, are the words, "Contains 25% more Vitamin A than regular Cauliflower - same great taste!". So, how do they make it orange? Is Vitamin A orange...and they just water the plants with vast amounts of liquid vitamin A? You remember how when you were a kid and you put food coloring in some water and then stuck a stalk of celery in the water and it turned red or blue or whatever color you had put in the water? White Carnations will do the same thing. So...is that how they get Orange Cauliflower?

    Random Thought #3: If I capture bugs and take them outside my house and release them (instead of killing them), does that make me a monk? Someone asked me this morning if I was a monk because I trap bugs and take them outside and release them. I said, "no, I just don't want squished bug guts all over my walls."

    Random Thought #4: On a more serious note... I am grateful for Christian friends. Those who will pray with you and lift you before the throne of grace --when you don't have the energy or the will to pray for yourself. God is good. And I am blessed --with friends who love and care about me.

    Random Thought (and Art) #5: Do you think this woman SHOULD be wearing a two-piece bathing suit to the beach? And what is up with that bathing cap?!!

    Saturday, August 19, 2006

    God's Word


    The Bible.

    God's Word.

    His love letter to us.

    Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

    Have you opened it today?

    "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." --2 Tim. 2:15

    Friday, August 18, 2006

    Feeling the Pressure


    I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.

    Tonight is Life Group.

    I have no Bible Study prepared. I have been praying as to what direction the Lord wants us to go this evening and I'm hearing - nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.
    I am not typically a spontaneous person - especially when it comes to leading a Bible study. I expect to have everything planned and rehearsed, with three pages of accompanying notes and revelations. When it doesn't happen. I panic.

    And besides the pressure of not knowing what will happen at Life Group, I have several blog buddies who have indicated that they expect something creative on my blog on a daily basis. No drivel. Talk about pressure! Others are writing creative posts about their relationships (with the pizza guy). Another is tackling crime (I think donut stealing might be a felony). Another is lecturing about the privilege and blessing we have in this country to work and collect a paycheck (she's just way too serious today). There have been comments made that it's just not good blog etiquette to post that I went to Krogers and purchased carrots. Good thing we don't have a Krogers in my home town - or BOY would I be in trouble! I did however send my husband out to pick up a couple of two liter bottles of Pepsi for tonight's Life Group. (never Coke!)

    AND THEN...to top it all off ---the photo that I've chosen for this post (because it is the PERFECT photo) has that goofy copyright watermark thingy running right through the center.) I'm sure I'm breaking some kind of law by using it in this blog. ...that would be a case for the donut police.

    Sorry. That's all I got.

    Blog on!

    Today


    Today I will:

    spend time with my Lord

    hug my daughter

    laugh when she laughs

    paint

    eat one chocolate chip cookie (who am I kidding? no one can stop at one... well, I can't.)

    ...eat at LEAST one chocolate chip cookie

    talk with Mom on the telephone

    visit with some friends

    kiss my husband

    pet my dog

    email my friends

    what are you doing today?

    Thursday, August 17, 2006

    Illustration Friday: Play


    Raggedy Ann, originally uploaded by beyondhope.

    ....getting back into the art thing for a moment....this has been posted before, but I thought it was appropriate for this week's Illustration Friday theme: Play

    Pencil Drawing - size 2.5"x3.5" Artist Trading Card

    Wednesday, August 16, 2006

    To Do List


    I was making a mental "to do" list in my head this morning. The very concept is funny, because I make a mental list and literally two minutes later I've forgotten what is on the list. "Why don't you write it down?", you ask. Ha. Been There. Done That. Lost the list. -every time. So, I've pretty much given up on lists. My day is spent by wandering around my house and seeing what needs done and then doing it. (some of the time.) Or perhaps I wander around and think about doing something and then am distracted by something or someone else (usually my daughter) and I never do get back to doing what it was I set out to do.

    At one point this morning, I set out to clean off the surface of my coffee table. It is ALWAYS cluttered with stuff. As quickly as I clean it off, I quickly set more things down. My laptop was on the coffee table - so of course, I had to check my email and read a few of my favorite blogs. As bloggers know...one blog typically leads to another and another and it can be very easy to use up a lot of time reading blogs. Blogging can be a great thing --especially when you come across great posts!


    I found this entry this morning and I've hereby dubbed it my favorite post of the day! Forget about your "to do" list --and spend some time at the Lord's feet. Put it at the TOP of your list. You'll be glad you did!

    Tuesday, August 15, 2006

    Soapbox of the Day


    Why are we Christians (and I include myself in this) so eager to "brush aside" premarital sex? God says no. Yet we (and I include myself in this too) are so eager to point fingers at who may be going on vacation in Vegas or who may be smoking, or who may be chewing gum in the sanctuary?! What is up with us that we so easily dismiss premarital sex but will judge someone who is wearing jeans to church?

    Is that "piece of paper" - the Marriage License important? --or is it just important that we have "made vows before God"? ---what about the legal system? As Christians, are we supposed to excuse that? We are supposed to obey the laws of the land, no? ---I'm just trying to understand why we so easily dismiss this whole issue. Is is because in our society we are so inundated with the message of sex --it's everywhere we look --television, radio, movies. Premarital sex is the "norm" rather than the "exception". We have become "numb" and don't hardly notice or think twice when we hear that people are living together outside of marriage, or having babies out of wedlock.

    So, see ---I am a prude ---by the world's standards for sure -by the Lord's?...I'm not so sure. But admitedly, I don't often share this opinion because there are so many Christians who would accuse me of being "holier than thou". aargh.

    All of us have sin in our lives. And I am in NO way judging those who make the choice to engage in premarital sex --because the Lord knows that I have PLENTY of areas in my life which need to change. The bottom line is that we are such imperfect people ---trudging through ---trying to do the right thing---and screwing up royally ---and God keeps on loving us --UNCONDITIONALLY. He is amazing. We take Him for granted.

    Thoughts anyone?

    Friday, August 11, 2006

    65


    SIXTY-FIVE --the magic number.

    The total amount of weight that I need to lose to be considered "normal" weight for my height - determined by using a body mass calculator.

    I have lost over 100 pounds....now still 65 to go and some days it seems like 6500 lbs and is way out of reach.

    Like just now --it's 1am and my husband offered me a dish of Breyer's Snicker's Ice Cream. Was I hungry? no. Did I need to eat the ice cream? no. So much for losing a pound this week....especially considering 30 minutes before the ice cream I ate the last three Chips Ahoy cookies that I found while cleaning the pantry today. Did I blow it? yep. Big time.

    I am of the "school" that I can eat whatever I want to eat --as long as I'm PHYSICALLY hungry. That method worked for me to help me lose 135 pounds....Then I got married and had a baby and promptly gained back 35 of those pounds because I was eating all the time --when I WASN'T hungry.

    Now I'm finding that I'm "stuffing" again --don't know why --but for the past four days I can't eat enough to satisfy me. ugh.

    I need help --from the only One who can help me get through and beyond this --Jesus.
    So ---my prayer today is that I'll be able to stop eating when I'm satisfied and not overeat. May I turn to the Lord for my comfort --instead of the FOOD!

    All you Bible-believing, prayin' Christians reading this --I covet your prayers!

    Tuesday, August 08, 2006

    Urgent Prayer for Rebekah


    Attention all Prayer Warriors!

    Rebekah needs our prayers!

    You may read Scott and Frances' post here: Rebekah's Page

    For those of you who are new to my blog --we have been praying for this precious child for over a year. We have seen the Lord do some marvelous things during this time and we're trusting that "He who has begun a good work will be faithful to complete it!" We rejoiced at the news several months ago that all Rebekah's scans came back negative and she was cancer-free! Ewing's Sarcoma - the type of cancer she had has a high incidence of recurrance and in the past few days they have seen "something" on her scan. They have scheduled more definitive testing and we are going to stand our ground and lift Rebekah up in prayer! We choose to not believe the report of the doctors --but believe the report of our Savior who says that by His stripes we are healed!!

    Please continue to pray for Rebekah and her family and check her blog often for updates. You may also leave encouraging comments for the family.

    Thanks for your prayers and God bless you all!

    Just for Fun

    Today tastes like boot polish and linty socks. The weather is a cool damp sheet hanging on the line. When you can’t think of anything to say, but know you should say something --surf the web for inspiration.

    So you’ll just have to imagine the posts I was gonna write about... the walk around the pond where I talk about the hordes of colorful dragonflies flitting and fluttering and buzzing about...or the green agae which is taking over one section of the pond (we've got to do something about that!) or the brightly colored fields of wildflowers --Russian Thistle blooming mellow pallid violet among the grey-green leaves or the fireworks of blue Asters, red Poppies and yellow Black-eyed Susans popping color from the green in the bright sunshine! But --since I don't feel inspired today --I'm going to do a meme theme here. (but you have to admit that "Russian Thistle blooming mellow pallid violet among the grey-green leaves" is good writing! --too bad I plagiarized!)) Here's the Meme Theme. (Meme? Look it up on www.dictionary.com)


    1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name)
    Scottie Riley (and no, I'm not Scottish)

    2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on mother's side first name, favorite sweet)
    Amelia Chocolate

    3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your last name)
    Ders (hmm, I guess that's better than Duhs!)

    4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, name of high school mascot)
    Elephant Hurricane (ah yes ---very stable in high winds!)

    5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
    Louise Indiana (no relation to Indiana Jones...and yes, Indiana is a town in PA --not just a state!)

    6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name)
    Ersl'lacha (ok, I just had to put a glottal stop in the middle of that mess. Wow.)

    7. JEDI NAME: (middle name spelled backwards, your mom's maiden name spelled backwards)
    Esiuol Allevrac (yes...I'm a Jedi Warrior!)

    8. TELEVISION STAR NAME: (middle name, street you lived on)
    Louise Riley

    9. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, last product advertised that you remember on TV (or favorite)
    The Burgundy Cleveland Clinic (oh, yeah. that's a superhero name if I ever heard one!) (??)

    10. AUTHOR PEN NAME: (First name will be the last three letters of your last name with the first three letters of your first born child's name - if you don't have a child --use the first three letters of your city. The last name is your father's middle name.)
    Ineoli Alan (watch for my new book!)

    So...what are your new names??
    That's all --Have a FUN day!!

    Worship


    I have the wonderful privilege to be a part of our church worship team. Each Sunday, I am able to stand and sing and lead our congregation in worship. There's only one problem....we're leading....the people aren't following. Our team as been frustrated with the sea of stone faces we see each week. People looking out the window, chatting with their friends, kids standing on the backs of the pews while adults encourage them to do so, expressionless, emotionless, heartless.... It's all so very sad and all so very frustrating.

    God has SO MUCH for us! If only we would realize that --the power that we could tap into! Another team member said so eloquently earlier this evening...we're so quick to be in the first row at the circus or the ball game --yet take a back seat in church ---not at all eager to worship or hear what the Lord has laid on the Pastor's heart. Why is this? Why are we so apathetic to worship? Where's the zeal? Where's the excitement? If Jesus were there (and He is) ..but you know what I mean...if we were PHYSICALLY ABLE to SEE Him in the flesh --standing in the aisle of the church --or sitting amongst us....how would our worship change?!

    I challenge every Christian who is reading this post ---worship the Lord with your WHOLE heart. He requires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth. Let's do it.

    We Will Worship the Lamb of Glory --by Dennis Jernigan

    We will worship the Lamb of glory
    We will worship the King of kings
    We will worship the Lamb of glory
    We will worship the King

    And with our hands lifted high,
    We come before You and sing
    With our hands lifted high,
    We come before You rejoicing.
    With our hands lifted high
    To the sky
    And the world wonders why

    We'll just tell them we're loving the King...Oh
    We'll just tell them we're loving the King

    Friday, August 04, 2006

    my shadow



    the shadow on the wall
    looks so small
    in the dim light

    the darkness that surrounds
    my soul this night
    cannot be lit

    or can it?

    the Love breaks through
    through all the dark
    through all the pain
    through all the heartache
    through all that remains

    His love
    can change all
    can make the shadow tall
    can make the shadow not a shadow
    but a reflection
    of the Love
    that shines
    from the Light

    so when people see
    they don't see me
    they don't see my shadow
    they instead see Him
    as my shadow becomes His

    Ready for Battle

    Here's what I know: Satan loves to mess with our thoughts. He has no problem placing a thought in our brains and enjoying watching us take that thought and blow it all out of proportion and twist it and turn it and turn it from a molehill to a mountain. At that point --it becomes a stronghold. He has an "in". And we've allowed him to do it.

    Here's what else I know: God is more powerful than Satan. When we are Christians, we can be victorious over the enemy. Victory is ours for the taking. It's a choice. We have all we need to fight and win the battle. We're told to "put on" and "take up" the whole armor of God:

    "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

    "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

    "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18


    We can choose to not put on God's armor. That would mean we are ill-prepared to fight the battles that we encounter each day. If we're not prepared for battle --all we can do is run....and if you read the above passage again, you will see that the Lord affords no protection for our backs....running away isn't an option if we want to be victorious Christians.

    Today --I choose to fight. I choose to stand. Every thought which the enemy plants in my brain, I will take captive. He loses. I choose to win!

    Wednesday, August 02, 2006

    Using my gifts

    Several years ago, I had the awesome opportunity to go on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic. The purpose of the trip was to rebuild churches which had been lost to a hurricane.

    At the time, weighing over 100 pounds more than I do today - and living with Multiple Sclerosis....my team thought it best to put me on the "paint crew". So, instead of pouring cement and framing walls, I was put to work painting roof trusses (before they were hoisted skyward!).

    The paint crew consisted of six members -- all there for a reason. Either we were overweight, old, frail or uncoordinated. Either way ---we were deemed unable to swing a hammer. Initially, I was a little bit disappointed. After all, I went there to WORK --I wanted to BUILD churches. I failed to see how slopping a coat of weatherproofing paint on a roof truss was doing much for the Kingdom.

    We were stationed in a yard outside a small Christian school which was run by one of the Assemblia de Dios churches (translation: Assembly of God) Every day, I had the pleasure of watching all the little children come to school. Dressed in their navy blue polyester uniforms....in that consistently over 100 degree heat...they ran joyfully each morning to the school yard --eager to learn.

    Over time, we got to know the children and when we ran out of trusses to paint, the school director asked us if we would mind painting the walls of the school rooms. They desperately needed painting. Of course, we agreed. And we spent the remaining days painting walls. After discovering that I was an artist, one of the teachers asked if I could paint "Damas" and "Caballeros" on the bathroom doors. (Translation: "Girls" and "Boys"). Of course --I'd be happy to do so. The only problem was that I had only one brush to work with ---three inches wide with bristles all sticking out every which way. Not exactly the tool of an artist who tends to be a perfectionist. But --I was determined to paint the names on the doors. I looked at the doors --spaced out the letters in my head and began to paint. The teachers "oohed" and "awed" at my ability to paint such straight, uniform letters - centered and not a splotch of paint out of place. I shrugged my shoulders and said that I had God's help.

    Then I thought back to a time when I was sixteen. For Christmas one year, I wrapped up a gift for the Lord. Inside was a piece of paper on which I had written "My Art Ability". For Christmas, I gave back to Him what He had given me --my ability to be creative and draw and paint. I promised to always use my art to glorify Him. Now, all these years later --who would have thought that glorifying God with my art would mean painting "Boys" and "Girls" on the bathroom doors of a tiny Christian school in the heart of The Dominican Republic.

    Of all the tasks completed on that trip --that is my most memorable. And really, the reason that I believe I was sent there -- so the Lord could remind me of my calling --to use my artistic ability for His glory. There is no task too small or too humble when you're doing it for the Lord.

    God spoke to Moses: "See what I've done; I've personally chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. I've filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him skill and know-how and expertise in every kind of craft to create designs and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to cut and set gemstones; to carve wood—he's an all-around craftsman. --Exodus 31:1


    This post is inspired by the team of young people who are currently in Thailand on a missions trip. May the Lord go before you and open hearts to receive you. May He keep you safe and may He comfort the family members who remain at home....just a little anxious that their children are so far away. I pray a hedge of protection around the team and a "housecoat" of peace around the Moms and the Misters who remain at home. In Jesus' precious name! Amen!