The Cross

Last night as I was leaving VBS, I heard about the lesson the kids were learning about the cross. They each held onto a nail & thought of a sin they commited & it was tied into Jesus being nailed on a cross for each one of us. When I walked out with Lindsay at the end of the night - she asked, "Is it wrong that that disturbs me in so many levels?" I asked her why & she said the whole idea of the cross scares her. She refused to watch "Passion of the Christ" knowing it was such a violent look at the cross. I have to admit - the movie put a whole new view to me what happened compared to just reading the Bible & picturing it in my mind.

Our conversation continued - she said she can't stand to look at a cross with Jesus hanging on it - like you would maybe find in a Catholic church. I told her, the good news is, Jesus is no longer on that cross - He is alive, living & ready to come back to us one day. I also reminded her she studies the Holocost, World Wars, & horrible events of the past. The cross to a Christian is a reminder of a past - even if its not a beautiful picture of the pain that our Christ endured. But really, in the end, it turns into the MOST beautiful picture there is - the picture of hope & grace.

I guess when everyone looks at the cross, so many things come to mind. I hope I took a little fear away from Lindsay at least. What do I see? I see forgiveness that I dont deserve - which turns into a reverance & a love for my Heavenly Father who loves me. I also am reminded of a song by Ray Boltz that says, "Do you still feel the nails, every time I fail?...I just cant stand the thought of hurting him" - the cross is also encouragement to live a better life. So many opinions, so many thoughts - what do you see?

Nurse Amber

I just want everyone to say a prayer for my friend Amber. Amber is Stephanie's oldest daughter & such a blessing to me. She has been going to school with the hopes of becoming a nurse. When Steph was nearing the end of her earthly life, Amber was waiting on a letter stating she made it into Nursing School. She so badly wanted to let her mom know she was going to make it. The letter never came. Amber's heart was broken. Tell me how awesome our God is - the day before yesterday, she received a letter letting her know that the spot was still open in the nursing program if she wanted it. She contacted the school to let them know of course she wants the spot - but she told me she knows her mom got to Heaven & said, "My daughter is going to Nursing School" - & a spot opened up! The school isn't sure of what happened & why she didnt receive a letter earlier. Heavenly help going on there? HHMMMM.....

So keep Amber in your prayers - she has such a compassionate heart & is going to make a fantastic nurse! I'll be in the front row cheering her on!

It has begun!!!!

VBS officially started last night to a rip-roaring good time! I am the leader of crafts & I'm not one to take a "leadership" role very often. I'm more a behind the scenes kind of gal! But nerves & worries were put behind me when I see so many people there willing to help & step up to do what needs to be done. The kids seemed to enjoy the first night - things ran smoothly - & I made it home by 9:45. All in all - a great accomplishment - first night done!

Tonight will be more exciting with paint flying everywhere! I'm expecting nothing less than a mess all over me by the end of the night! It wouldnt be fun otherwise!

Continue to pray these little ones see a little bit of Jesus in all of us as workers - & get to learn something of God's love through the process of fun at VBS!

What a weekend!

I have to say - this has been one of the busiest weekends I've had in a long time - & I enjoyed every minute of it.

Friday - it was a Jr. High Cookout night at out church "ranch". There is just nothing like getting to know these awesome kids in a sweaty, kick-ball, "in your face" game! Its great to see their personalities, laugh with them & just spending time with them. Ricky even made it & was involved in the Ultimate Frisbee game (which about wore me OUT!). Add Tug of War to the mix, & smores around the campfire - it couldnt have been a better night!

Saturday - another cookout at a great friend's home! Lynn invited us & Jack, along with other friends, Vicki & Steve. Its great to go to someone's home & just feel like you are so welcome & to comfortable talking & relaxing with each other. Mickey did an awesome job on the grill - & I for one am proud to say I cooked a dish & brought it! For those who know me - that is definately a feat in itself! Jack even took a picture of me for proof that I did actually cook once in my life! Games of corn-hole were brewing up challenges, being with Carly & Michael was wonderful & conversations that were thought-provoking were great mind stretchers. Once again - laughter is the best thing that filled that house! Just another time full of friendship, laughter, & a common bond of Christian fellowship - another AWESOME night! (Thanks Lynn for having us all over!)

Sunday - the last day of the weekend - another BUSY day! We had a wonderful sermon & then it was time to get ready for VBS!!! I've never seen so many people walking around with things in their hands on a mission. People decorating, moving things, putting up barb wire on the walls - you could see it all! After a few hours, our church is ready for a full on revival for kids! Can't wait for tonight to start. But off from the church, I got to visit with my parents for a little bit (had to pick up a cowboy hat from my cowboy father for the VBS week) & then we went to celebrate Ricky's mom's birthday. We've got to spend alot of time with Ricky's family lately. Its been a nice change. And on the way home, I couldnt let the weekend go without hugs from my twin nieces - no better way to close the weekend up!

I couldnt have been blessed more with the company that I have shared over this past weekend. God is so good!

I get by...

with a little help from my friends!!!!.......VBS is next week & I am running the crafts for the elementary school kids. I had 168 cowboy hats to put together - (which may sound easy - but its not) 168 vests to cut out of paper bags (which may sound easy...) & with the problems I've been having with my hand & arm - it was getting scary on how this would all get done. What would I do without friends? Jack opened up his home - him & Ryan & Rollie made a wonderful Mexican dinner (along with cheesecake for dessert - YUM) - & a craft night was to be had! Cara & Brent, Meech & Macy, me & Ricky, along with Ryan & Jack went at it! Cutting away, tape being pulled, paper flying through the air - we were hard at it! I didnt think it was going to be possible to finish them all! We started around 6:30 - and when the clock struck 11:30 & we were on the tail end - I almost wanted to cry because we actually did it - we finished!!!! I never could have done it all on my own! I know by the end of the night, everyone's fingers were blistered, tired & just plain wore out - but no one gave in. A second wind even blew through & the hat making contest was on!! I cant even express my gratitude for the time & work everyone put out to help me! I am just thankful! I truly would have been lost with everyone's help - so once again - THANK YOU guys!

Now - onto the big VBS week where we get to see the kids turn our labor into beautiful works of art - that's the best part! That's the payment of all the hard work - seeing those kids have a good time enjoying church & learning about our God! All worth it!

Evan Almighty

What a fun night! We have a contest for the person who has the most attendance on Wednesday Night in our Jr. High Youth group. The prize - a movie & dinner of their choice with a friend. Jordan won & chose to bring along Kayla - & the night was set for fun! We went to Panara Bread, gobbled up & then headed to the movie to see Evan Almighty! We had a few minutes to spare before & saw the photo booth - who could resist? Fitting 5 of us in that little booth - it was definately a hilarious event to watch. The giggles were on after that. We got into the theater - and the five us of (the two girls, me, Cara & Meech) started talking & the giggling ensued. During the previews before the movies, the 5 of us were gut laughing while everyone else seemed very subdued. We were in the mood for fun!

If you havent seen "Evan Almighty" - I LOVED IT! I know it got bad reviews, but it had so many good lessons about Love, how God works in our lives, patience, Biblical references - I thought it was fantastic! Anything that can remind us that acts of random kindness are what changes the world a little at a time - how can that be bad? Add Steve Carrell & tons of animals - it was wonderful!

Add the company of my friends & two great girls that have so much personality - it was just a great night - one I needed! I am so blessed to know these jr high girls because I see so much in them that is the makings of great Christian women that will change the world & bless others with their love for the Lord - all the while - keeping that sense of humor that is needed to reach people personally.

Thanks girls for a wonderful night! Next stop - "Hairspray?"

Bring the rain

I was just thinking today how hot its been but the rains come through - leaving behind beautiful days to follow. This song came to mind - how often does the tribulations in our lives lead to us glorifying our God - leaving behind a beautiful lesson of love.

Sunflowers

My dad has planted sunflower seeds in my front yard the past two years. If you've never seen a real sunflower grow - its amazing. First of all, they grow extremely fast! Even in this heat, they sprout & every day when I come home, I can see the growth in them! I do not have a green thumb in any sense so they are great because they are maintenance free! The leaves on them get HUGE!! Both of my hands can fit inside of one leaf with plenty of room. I would love to get my nieces to stand by the sunflowers that are growing this year - they would look like Jack & the beanstalk! It has to be almost 7-8 feet tall right now - and no flower has yet to bud - so it could get even taller! Then, once they open up, its just cool to watch the flowers pull back & to see that gigantic center - the bees love to get in there too. THEN, the coolest part, I cut it down, dried it out, then had roasted sunflower seeds for the fall! I left another center out for the birds who demolished the seeds themselves. Isn't nature great?

The thing I noticed over the past few days though - the top of the stem where the flower will bud, it moves daily. When I leave in the morning, it faces away from the house - where the sun will come up. When I come home, its pointing straight up like its reaching higher to get the sun light. Last night, I got home after a meeting & it was around 8:00 - the stem looked like it was curved, facing towards the house, like it was trying to stretch over the roof, where the sun was setting behind the house........Got me thinking! Shouldnt we all be like that? Stretching & moving to follow God's "Son" - taking in the energy & the life He offers? Brining beauty to everyone who sees? Giving something to offer while you're here (the bees eating from it) - and leaving something behind that is lasting (the seeds that are roasted or left behind for birds).

Funny how just a simple flower growing in my front yard can teach me a lesson about my Lord!

Revenge?

Its wild how a conversation during the day can come back later & knock you in the head.

Ricky & I were out at lunch & we got on the topic of revenge. Ricky is very much the Old Testatment (OT) belief of "an eye for an eye". When I mention the NT of Jesus "turn the other cheek" - I get the debate of "Do we still believe in the Ten Commandments? That's OT?" - Oh, we can go round & round & have some serious debated conversations. Such was one we had over O'Charley's (YUM! - must try they're new pretzel covered chicken)

Any-hoo....we go to Thrive last night. The skit performed by everyone was very moving & hit right to the point of how we carry "luggage" around when we need to pray to God to let it go & let Him handle it. Who are we to carry it around & harbor all the resentment & let it eat away at us? Would God want us to live that sort of life? No way. Next came a video that had amazing points about what?.... you guessed it - Revenge! I loved this comment - "Do we think we can give the punishment someone deserves? Do we think we are better than God & know how to handle the situation?". I also loved how they brought up the verse regarding a dog will return to his own vomit - but you dont have to be there when they do - you can remove yourself from someone & actually forgive them for the wrong doings that they did to you. The point was made too that you shouldnt put it off - you may not have tomorrow to give up that "luggage" - why wait? Thrive was wonderful!

But if you know me & Ricky - you know there were more "debates" (code for arguments) about this. Ricky's point was, as Christians - why do we believe in the legal system. Isn't it based on revenge? Isn't justice the same as revenge? We take people who have done wrong & give them a punishment - in some form or another. Shouldnt we as Christian's forgive them & let them go to see if they learned their lesson. He drives me nuts - because I do see his point (that's the worst part!) So what do you think? Is justice the same as "revenge" in a sense? How does it fit into a Biblical/Christian lifestyle?

The bottom line for me - I'm just glad that Christ came so I dont get what I deserve! Could you imagine what life would be like for us if we all got our deserved punishment? I get chills thinking about it - but Praise the Lord - we have our Merciful & Gracious Lord who forgives us!

New Mission?

I am so excited about a new opportunity for missions that is going to start up in our church. A friend of mine came up and told me she was informed of 2 teenage girls that found themselves pregnant. She took the time & went & found these girls (one, literally had to be hunted down) & talked to them, prayed for them & the babies, & let them know that they weren't alone. There would always be someone there for them - & most importantly, reassured them that God loves them & the baby they were carrying.

I was invited to help in this mission. This is something that touches my heart like nothing else. My heart goes out to teenage pregnancy situations & the fear & the confusion these girls feel. We will go each month to check on these girls, give them a little bit of hope & just let them know they are cared for. I'm thrilled about this opportunity & anxious to try to make a difference to someone. Ultimately, it will all be in God's hands - but I pray He can use me & the others from our church who become involved in this mission. So many young girls need the reassurance of hope at a time like this. I just want to reflect that hope - reflect God's Love.

Pray for this new mission. It holds so much possibility! Always - just to Glorify Him!!!

Spending time with Family

We had the best time celebrating the 4th yesterday. We were invited to go to Ricky's sister's house & I'm so glad we went. Ricky has 3 sisters & 1 brother & we just dont really get to spend alot of time with them. Going over to vist, we got to sit in the pool, enjoy a cook out, play some vicious games of corn-hole, sit & talk to catch up, & I got to play with my niece & nephew which is always fun to play like a kid! I'm thankful we had the day to spend together. As we were leaving, we got an invite to come back & do it all over again this weekend - I'm looking forward to it & hope it becomes more of a habit.

Happy Independence Day

Happy 4th of July! Its such a day to think about the freedom we have in this country when on the news, the terriost threats in the UK are still looming & putting everyone's alerts up. What a crazy time we live in - but how blessed we are to be in this country where we have so many freedoms that others dream of. So many of us take this for granted. I am one - I'll admit it. I was born in the USA so I never thought of how blessed I was. Growing up, when you start paying attention to the news - a dose of how lucky we are starts to hit you. And in a time of war, when you start to hear stories of people you know loosing family members - then you truly appreciate the country you live in and the people who give up their life so you can live in this abundantancy. So I thank anyone who has served in the military. God Bless You all & God Bless America!

A Visit in a Dream

Here we go with the topic of a dream again. This past weekend, I had my first dream of Steph. It's crazy because in my dream, she was there - I could feel her, I could see her, I could hear that laugh - it was amazing. I kept trying to tell her she had died but she just laughed at me & would ignore what I was saying. Finally I just got to the point where I stopped trying to tell her & I was just taking in every minute I had with her. Isn't it crazy how real dreams can be? Something stirred the 4 dogs sleeping in the bed & they all started a barking-fest at 4:00 am & woke me up. I was right in the middle of a conversation with Steph too & the barking shot me right out of it - OHHH man, I was so sad! I wanted to keep having conversations with Steph - & hear that laugh! Oh, how I miss that laugh! Ever have that feeling once you wake up where the dream felt so real? I guess I just wait until I get another visit in my dream from my friend.

Disney Desperate Housewives

Being a Disney fan - I had to post this for a good laugh. It is Monday so who cant use a laugh today?

Do you notice, my Beast is pictured in the background?

Dont take offense guys - its all in good humor!

Sanctus Real

For a Friday - a little bit of Great Christian Music!

How Wierd is this!

I got one of those email that asks questions, you are to fill out, send it back to the person & to others to learn more about each other. I always find something interesting on them about people.
Do you remember your bus number from school (I actually did! - 526)
What's your favorite food?
Where were you when the twin towers collapsed?
Your first childhood memory?
.......stuff like that........one of the questions was "Name a dream that you can remember". I have the same sort of recurring dream. I am back in high school with all the faces I can remember & I am freaking out because I can't remember my locker combination for ANYTHING! I get so frustrated! Then, I'm also in a panic because I can't find my schedule & I dont know what class to go to next. In my dream, I'm always going to the office to get a copy of my schedule and/or locker combo - and then I loose it and it happens all over again. WHAT THE HECK DOES THAT MEAN?

The wierd part of this story - I put my dream down on the questionaire. I get an email from a friend from church who says she has the SAME DREAM!!!! Do I hear the Twilight Zone music playing somewhere in the background? How wierd is that? What are the odds? Now I'm ALL curious as to what this dream means. At least if it tells me I'm crazy - I know I'm not alone! We'll be crazy together Amy!!!

Storms

I love storms! I think they are fascinating & beautiful to watch. I guess it goes back to when I was young - my dad would take me outside in a storm & we would sit under a covered back porch & get a clear tarp and cover up with it, but still able to see all the action. The more forceful the wind, the better time we had. If a tornado watch or warning would come across, my mom would scream for us to get in the basement, but me & dad would be so excited to see if we could catch a glimpse of a funnel cloud. Maybe not too smart - but it instilled in me the amazing thing that is "nature".

I was at a friends last night & the lightening kicked in & the thunder rolled. On the drive home, there are such clear views of the sky - I almost had to pull over to watch. The sky was like a big curtain & you could see the sheets of raining falling. It was beautiful. I sure do enjoy watching, listening & even smelling storms (nothing like the smell of fresh rain) - but they do cause damages & that's the down side of them. The force behind a storm is something we can't compete with - a storm is going to do what its going to do - no matter what we want. I guess its the same thing when we have our own personal storms. They come in our lives, do some damage & nothing we can do can stop them sometimes. I guess the trick in that is we need to find beauty in even these storms. Learned lessons - relationship builders - a closeness with God we never knew before. Beauty comes in all forms.

On a quick note about Buffy - the vet asperated (is that the word?) her knot & she said she didn't seem too worried. It was full of oils & fat cells - but we are to keep an eye on it & see if it grows. If it does, we are to get her in to take have it removed immediately. So let's pray it is nothing. The test for me will be not to check it every minute of the day. The vet said to just check it weekly. This is going to be a test of resistence for me. If I could, I would walk around with my hand on it to see if it grows every minute. A little obsessive compulsive - maybe - but its my big baby.

Having a Freak-out Day!

I've started my morning at the doctor for my hand. The past few weeks, the pain has been almost unbearable. Needless to say, after being poked, thumped & x-rayed - they really have no answers. They have "ideas" but nothing stands out. I'm supposed to start physical therapy July 12th to see if that helps. Pray it does!

But during the visit, the doctor literally dropped my hands & started rubbing my skin on my arms. He asked me questions about any medications I may be on (none) & then he asked me if anyone has seen my skin before. He pointed out these little red "freckles" all over my arms. I never really thought much of it before - but he seemed very concerned. He told me to go to my Primary Physician right away to have it checked out. I told him he had to tell me something because now, I'm freaked out. He said they are caused by bleeding under the skin. Looking - I have HUNDREDS on my arms - & now I see them all over my legs & chest. Isn't it funny I never noticed them before? Needless to say, I'm awaiting a call back from my dermatologist to see when she can get me in...........and all this has to happen quickly - I'm loosing my health insurance in 2 months. After being at my job for 15 years, yes, they are taking away our health insurance. WOW! I'm starting to feel a little panic right now.

To top the morning off - my yellow lab, Buffy - Ricky found a knot on her back hip. Its pretty big, a tad smaller than a golf ball - & she doesnt like for you to touch it - but its not making her limp or stopping her from running. I'm a nervous wreck over this. My doggies are big babies to me. If this is something serious - we're talking a complete freak-out - full force!! So, I'm waiting for more doctor's appointments for me, & planning a vet trip tonight for my fur-baby.

I'm feeling very anxious & nervous today. I dont like feeling like this - completely out of control! I guess I just need to once again hand the reigns over & put my faith in the One who is in Control. But darn it, that still doesnt take the butterflies away from my gut right now!

Slip and Slide!!

What a fun day Sunday! First, we had our new Senior Pastor give his first "offical" sermon - & it was wonderful! Great to see our new leader stand up there & give such a message that is to prepare us for the road that is ahead - its going to be fantastic! You could feel the energy in our church - words cant even explain it!

Onto the "ranch" for our church cookout to celebrate our new Minister & his family. It was rainy but it didn't keep people away. There is a barn on the property that was perfect - it held everyone nicely, plenty of room, plenty of food - it was very nice. The rain came (no one was too upset - we needed it) & everyone stayed dry & enjoyed their afternoon.

I say everyone stayed dry - but I guess that isn't true. There was a 30 foot slip and slide that was provided. Kids were lined up, standing in the rain getting wet already. A few of us went up to watch with our umbrellas up so we wouldnt get wet. Yeah - that didn't last long. One of the girls from my Junior High Youth group conned me in getting a little too close. Next thing I know - my arms & legs are being picked up & the water hose is being sprayed all over me. So much for staying dry! Why not - I'm already soaked - I'm heading down the slip and slide. First time, not too good - had to try again! Second time - I dont know what the heck happened - I think I did a triple axle off my head & flew off the side. All was well & I had to try it again! By the 3rd time, I was a slipping expert! Next thing I see is more adults jumping in - even got Lindsay to join (& she just had on a tank top and MINI SKIRT! - where this is a will, there is a way!) Yes, all the adults had to wait patiently in line with the kids - but I dont know who was more excited between the two of us! It's always good to throw all caution to the wind & act & play like a child - you seem to forget all the cares of the world when you're in that moment. This morning - HMM, a different story, I'M SORE!!!! (I guess you can't ever really shake your creeping age! - DARN!)

On a side note - all us wet ones just had to induct our new pastor down the slide - but he was a great sport about going down the slipperly slope. He was like all of us - once you were wet and did it once, why not do it again and again? Life's short - enjoy it!

On one more side note - we were NOT planning on doing this - so the ride home was not very pleasant for me and Lindsay! I think my car seats are STILL drying out today!

I hope everyone always keeps the attitude of a child - it just makes life so much more fun!

Time to go Backwards

Yesterday was the longest day of the year. I always look so forward to the days where there is still light out at 9:00 (or later). I just enjoy the light of the day so much. The sun will start setting one minute earlier each day starting today & man, I notice. In the next few weeks, it'll be 8:00, then before you know it 7:00 when it starts to get dark. I get so down in the dumps when that happens. Forget about it when the clocks fall back and its dark by 5:30 - I'm ready to move to Alaska (or wherever it is that has the 24 hrs of daylight!) I sat by a window last night knitting on Amber's blanket (1 more skein left!) & just enjoyed the longest day & the light that was outside my window. The sky still had color to it at 9:57 - Oh Happy Day!

I guess you can put so many comparisons with light & dark & the meaning of Christ being our light in the darkness. Can't you feel the difference?- the warmth and the life the sun (Son) gives us. Praise the Lord for the Light!