This past weekend, I was privileged to spend time with a group of wonderful women at Mt. Gilead Church, in Slaughters, KY.
These dear sisters can cook and bake like non-other! And the sweet tea, AMAZING!
The warm smiles, the welcoming words and the "dog eared" bibles they carried, instantly told me that I was in the midst of some mighty FAITHFUL women of GOD.
Each of the attendees, as they introduced themselves, spoke of God's faithfulness to them, through trials and joys of life. I sat in awe, of the power ,of the living God we serve.
So, my new, dear friends, in Slaughters, I thank you, for allowing me the priviledge, to be with you. You ministered to my heart in a mighty way!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Things DO change!
This past weekend we drove to Missouri for our niece's wedding. The wedding was lovely and the bride beautiful.
Because of previous commitments, our son, Levi, 22,was the only one of our children to accompany my husband and I.
As we traveled along interstate 72, the dialogue between the 3 of us was sweet and rich. We discussed diverse topics from the mundane to complex. It was a relaxing and enjoyable ride.
I just laughed out loud, when I reminisced back, to a event that took place 6 years earlier. It involved a "road trip" to the same destination, for a different niece's wedding.
I wrote about it. And following is the adventure.
We had attended a family wedding in another state and were rolling along a remote highway, in our suburban, headed for home. Our 4 sons had finished telling stories about their day and had fallen asleep. My husband and I were seated in the front. The oldest and third child were in the captain chairs while the youngest and second born sat in the back.
I was enjoying the peace in the vehicle when I heard a faint voice say, “Water.” I recognized the voice as that of my 9 year-old youngest son. “We do not have anything to drink, son,” I told him. He said again, only this time more strained and desperate, “Water.” One of his brothers, frustrated for having been woken replied, “We don’t have any!”
With that it was as if Mount St. Helen itself had erupted. My 9 year-old heaved a partially digested wedding banquet all over the back of my oldest son and finished off in my second born’s brand new shoes, which he had slipped off for the ride home.
What happened next would have been a great study for a psychology class. Everyone in the vehicle responded in a way that was very characteristic of their personality. Our neat, tidy first born freaked out because he had vomit up his back. The third son, who hates conflict, was trying to get out of the suburban before it had even stopped. And “Mr. Style” with the brand-new shoes was yelling “My Shoes, My Shoes.” My husband did what many fathers would do. He pulled over while saying, “Why didn't you tell us you were going to be sick?” And I, the overprotective mother, made my way through the suburban yelling, “Everyone quit picking on him, he cannot help it.”
My first thought was how to clean up the mess. We were miles from the nearest exit, so I told my sons to take off their dress shirts. My analytical first born was still figuring out how all of this mess could come from such a little stomach, so I grabbed his shirt, pulled it off of him and smeared vomit up over his head in the process. He was not happy.
A short time later we were back on the road with 3 shirtless boys, 2 speechless parents and a 9 year-old that keep saying, “I will never look at barbecue weenie dogs at a reception the same again.” And neither will you!
So today, I am unwrapping the gift of change. They DO grow up, and it can be SWEET!
Because of previous commitments, our son, Levi, 22,was the only one of our children to accompany my husband and I.
As we traveled along interstate 72, the dialogue between the 3 of us was sweet and rich. We discussed diverse topics from the mundane to complex. It was a relaxing and enjoyable ride.
I just laughed out loud, when I reminisced back, to a event that took place 6 years earlier. It involved a "road trip" to the same destination, for a different niece's wedding.
I wrote about it. And following is the adventure.
We had attended a family wedding in another state and were rolling along a remote highway, in our suburban, headed for home. Our 4 sons had finished telling stories about their day and had fallen asleep. My husband and I were seated in the front. The oldest and third child were in the captain chairs while the youngest and second born sat in the back.
I was enjoying the peace in the vehicle when I heard a faint voice say, “Water.” I recognized the voice as that of my 9 year-old youngest son. “We do not have anything to drink, son,” I told him. He said again, only this time more strained and desperate, “Water.” One of his brothers, frustrated for having been woken replied, “We don’t have any!”
With that it was as if Mount St. Helen itself had erupted. My 9 year-old heaved a partially digested wedding banquet all over the back of my oldest son and finished off in my second born’s brand new shoes, which he had slipped off for the ride home.
What happened next would have been a great study for a psychology class. Everyone in the vehicle responded in a way that was very characteristic of their personality. Our neat, tidy first born freaked out because he had vomit up his back. The third son, who hates conflict, was trying to get out of the suburban before it had even stopped. And “Mr. Style” with the brand-new shoes was yelling “My Shoes, My Shoes.” My husband did what many fathers would do. He pulled over while saying, “Why didn't you tell us you were going to be sick?” And I, the overprotective mother, made my way through the suburban yelling, “Everyone quit picking on him, he cannot help it.”
My first thought was how to clean up the mess. We were miles from the nearest exit, so I told my sons to take off their dress shirts. My analytical first born was still figuring out how all of this mess could come from such a little stomach, so I grabbed his shirt, pulled it off of him and smeared vomit up over his head in the process. He was not happy.
A short time later we were back on the road with 3 shirtless boys, 2 speechless parents and a 9 year-old that keep saying, “I will never look at barbecue weenie dogs at a reception the same again.” And neither will you!
So today, I am unwrapping the gift of change. They DO grow up, and it can be SWEET!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
It's not my job!
I did it again.
I took a job that was not given to me.
I know better.
I have learned this lesson before.
Many times.
I take on the role of being someone's Holy Spirit.
And things get complicated, messy and ugly.
They have a Holy Spirit.
I need to back off and let it do it's job.
Without my "help".
So, I am off to apologize.
Ask their forgiveness.
Again.
Because I was convicted by MY Holy Spirit, that I am getting in the way!
So today...I am unwraping the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Do you ever struggle with this?
I took a job that was not given to me.
I know better.
I have learned this lesson before.
Many times.
I take on the role of being someone's Holy Spirit.
And things get complicated, messy and ugly.
They have a Holy Spirit.
I need to back off and let it do it's job.
Without my "help".
So, I am off to apologize.
Ask their forgiveness.
Again.
Because I was convicted by MY Holy Spirit, that I am getting in the way!
So today...I am unwraping the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Do you ever struggle with this?
Friday, February 19, 2010
ASK your man!
Last spring, when first approached with the invitation to join a European speaking tour, I had a wonderful thought! Looking at my husband, I said, "Honey, when I am done with my tour, why don't you join me overseas and we will spend a few days together traveling".
He responded that this idea sounded "nice".
As the months flew by, I would make reference to the extended part of the trip and the fun we would have.
Then in early January, after putting in many hours of research about hotels, airfare and excursions I started having a "check" in my spirit about the plans we were making. Would it be too much to meet up with Curt and go to Rome for 5 days after a very busy 10 days of tour? Would the "extended" part of the trip take away from the first 10 days of ministry? Would I be worried or anxious about all the details and not be focused on the conferences that I was speaking at?......you get the idea....I just did not have a peace about it.
So, I talked to Curt that night. Explaining my reservations, I asked what HE was feeling about the whole thing.
"Well", I just cannot seem to get to excited about it. I was going because I knew you would enjoy seeing Rome. And I know I will too when I get there."
"Why didn't you say something earlier?" I questioned.
"You never asked!"
So, today, I am challenging myself to ASK!!!! It is important not to assume!
He responded that this idea sounded "nice".
As the months flew by, I would make reference to the extended part of the trip and the fun we would have.
Then in early January, after putting in many hours of research about hotels, airfare and excursions I started having a "check" in my spirit about the plans we were making. Would it be too much to meet up with Curt and go to Rome for 5 days after a very busy 10 days of tour? Would the "extended" part of the trip take away from the first 10 days of ministry? Would I be worried or anxious about all the details and not be focused on the conferences that I was speaking at?......you get the idea....I just did not have a peace about it.
So, I talked to Curt that night. Explaining my reservations, I asked what HE was feeling about the whole thing.
"Well", I just cannot seem to get to excited about it. I was going because I knew you would enjoy seeing Rome. And I know I will too when I get there."
"Why didn't you say something earlier?" I questioned.
"You never asked!"
So, today, I am challenging myself to ASK!!!! It is important not to assume!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Making Peace with the "Need to know"
Saturday night, Valentines eve, was sweet. My husband presented me with fragrant perfume, I gave him new slippers. Not original gifts, but after 25 years of marriage, we know each other. It was perfect.
Then Sunday came.
Valentine's Day.
I was scheduled to work at the hospital. I have the privilege to be part of the Labor and Delivery Unit.
And on that brisk, sunny, Sunday, we lost a baby.
Somehow, the grieving couple's pain becomes yours, and the "they" turns into "WE".
It is so hard. I weep as I type these words.
The baby, a beautiful boy, was perfect.
Our staff wept openly. Then I stepped into a storage room and cried out to God.
"I need to know....WHY?"
So, today, Tuesday, I am making Peace with the "Need to know".
And clinging to what I do know!!
Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love with not be removed from you.
Then Sunday came.
Valentine's Day.
I was scheduled to work at the hospital. I have the privilege to be part of the Labor and Delivery Unit.
And on that brisk, sunny, Sunday, we lost a baby.
Somehow, the grieving couple's pain becomes yours, and the "they" turns into "WE".
It is so hard. I weep as I type these words.
The baby, a beautiful boy, was perfect.
Our staff wept openly. Then I stepped into a storage room and cried out to God.
"I need to know....WHY?"
So, today, Tuesday, I am making Peace with the "Need to know".
And clinging to what I do know!!
Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love with not be removed from you.
Monday, February 8, 2010
When YOU need a shelter, a hiding place.
The past 2 blogs have focused on the need for our homes to be a shelter, a hiding place and refuge from the storm for our husbands and children.
But what about you? Where do your go when YOU need a hiding place?
I know I need to go to a hiding place when I feel I just can't "take it" anymore. I am burnt out and need a place of respite!
So what a some of my "hiding" places? It depends or how much "hiding" I am needing.
If just a little shelter in the shade of a little rock is needed, time alone with a book, a hot bath or a cup of great coffee while I wander through a book store is enough for refreshment.
But there are times, sweet sisters, when I need LOTS of shade behind a BIG ROCK. We are talking a boulder, serious shelter!!! You know what I am talking about!?!
Those are times when I truly need to get away!
Several years ago, I was at that place of needing some concentrated hiding! Not just a nap would suffice. So I made reservations at a nearby hotel on a Friday night. On my way to the hotel I swung by Panera'sand bought my favorite meal. Then upon checking in, I put my P.J.'s on, climbed into the king size bed, spread the food all around me, rented a chick flick movie and "hid" in my shelter, my hiding place, ALONE!
It was GLORIOUS!!!
The next day, I checked out a noon, and went home to my family, ready to be the wife and mother God has called me to be.
A shelter, a hiding place, a place of refuge, just for YOU.
Do you have a hiding place? I would love to hear about it!
But what about you? Where do your go when YOU need a hiding place?
I know I need to go to a hiding place when I feel I just can't "take it" anymore. I am burnt out and need a place of respite!
So what a some of my "hiding" places? It depends or how much "hiding" I am needing.
If just a little shelter in the shade of a little rock is needed, time alone with a book, a hot bath or a cup of great coffee while I wander through a book store is enough for refreshment.
But there are times, sweet sisters, when I need LOTS of shade behind a BIG ROCK. We are talking a boulder, serious shelter!!! You know what I am talking about!?!
Those are times when I truly need to get away!
Several years ago, I was at that place of needing some concentrated hiding! Not just a nap would suffice. So I made reservations at a nearby hotel on a Friday night. On my way to the hotel I swung by Panera'sand bought my favorite meal. Then upon checking in, I put my P.J.'s on, climbed into the king size bed, spread the food all around me, rented a chick flick movie and "hid" in my shelter, my hiding place, ALONE!
It was GLORIOUS!!!
The next day, I checked out a noon, and went home to my family, ready to be the wife and mother God has called me to be.
A shelter, a hiding place, a place of refuge, just for YOU.
Do you have a hiding place? I would love to hear about it!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Your Home, a shelter from the storm. Part 2
On Monday, we talked about your home being a shelter and a hiding place. We looked at practical ways to provide this place of respite for your children. As promised, here is a list of ideas to create a hiding place, a place of shelter, for your man.
1. Welcome home kiss.....a shelter
2. Candles lit.......a shelter
3. Soft music....a shelter
4. No TV on, off the cell phone and computer when he gets home....a shelter
5. Attractive clothes and neat appearance.....a shelter
6. Love note taped to his steering wheel.....a shelter
7. Telling him you appreciate him and respect him.....a shelter
8. Telling him he still turns you on.......a shelter
9. Listening to his dreams......a shelter
10. Giving him time ALONE.....a shelter
11. A back rub.....a shelter
12. Forgiving him......a shelter
13. Not saying, "I told you so".....a shelter
14. Reminding him that he is a wonderful provider and father.....a shelter
Your man, everyday, is out in the world, providing for his family. Daily, facing temptations and a mountian of stress. Yet, he comes home to YOU and the children. Make your home his shelter, his hiding place, the place he wants to be!
Next, in part 3, we will talk about YOU mom and when you need a shelter!
1. Welcome home kiss.....a shelter
2. Candles lit.......a shelter
3. Soft music....a shelter
4. No TV on, off the cell phone and computer when he gets home....a shelter
5. Attractive clothes and neat appearance.....a shelter
6. Love note taped to his steering wheel.....a shelter
7. Telling him you appreciate him and respect him.....a shelter
8. Telling him he still turns you on.......a shelter
9. Listening to his dreams......a shelter
10. Giving him time ALONE.....a shelter
11. A back rub.....a shelter
12. Forgiving him......a shelter
13. Not saying, "I told you so".....a shelter
14. Reminding him that he is a wonderful provider and father.....a shelter
Your man, everyday, is out in the world, providing for his family. Daily, facing temptations and a mountian of stress. Yet, he comes home to YOU and the children. Make your home his shelter, his hiding place, the place he wants to be!
Next, in part 3, we will talk about YOU mom and when you need a shelter!
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