God's Revealing Party

Do not be afraid, Mary,  you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. Luke 1:30b-31 NIV

Opening something pink or blue in front of friends and family has become a new reason to celebrate. I believe they are called revealing parties. Excited expectant parents share the good news of whether they are having a boy or a girl.

As I approach Christmas, I remember 23 years ago when we were expecting our first child. My doctor didn't routinely do ultrasounds. In fact, believe it or not, he didn't even have an ultrasound machine in his office. So all through my pregnancy it was anybodies guess as to what I was having, but deep down I knew he was a boy.

Hundreds of years earlier when women didn't even go to the doctor for monthly examinations, God held his own revealing party. God sent his messenger down to let a young lady know she was going to have a son. Not just any son, but the son of God.

People had been waiting hundreds of years for this promised child to be born. They knew He was coming they just didn't know when. God had it timed out into His perfect plan.

Mary did indeed give birth to a son. Sure it wasn't in the cleanest of places and she didn't have a doctor around, but somehow she and Joseph managed to bring our Savior into the world. She didn't have the luxury of resting in a hospital, she didn't even get much time to recover. Soon shepherds were visiting her and this precious baby.

In a couple days we will get to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Some of us will spend time with family, some with friends, and a few of us may even celebrate in the hospital. No matter who we're with, I hope that we take the time to remember the real reason for the day.

Merry Christmas!

Out of the Fog

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2 NIV

Fog enveloped my house, the street was barely visible. In fact, my back yard even had fog in it which is a rarity. Our little dog was barely visible as she traipsed around the backyard. I was grateful I didn't have to be out on the roads driving early.

There are times when I've felt fogged in. I wonder why things aren't progressing they way I like. Or someone  in the family keeps getting sick and it seems like the illness just won't leave our house. Day care business drops to just barely enough money to pay the bills. Life is stuck.

Fog this time of year can even be harder to penetrate. There are things we'd like to be doing, but are unable to do. The traditions we once had have to be put aside. Someone we love won't be with us to celebrate.

How do we get out of this fog? "Remember allow extra time and use your low beams," the news-reporters remind us .

Sometimes the only way to get out of the fog is to allow the time to get through whatever is holding you back, and use the light of the one who can get us through all things. He can pull us out and give us a firm place to stand.

Does It Matter?

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:30 NIV

Have you ever wondered if what you do matters? This past month has been rather challenging and I've questioned myself: Am I making a difference? Do people care about what I share? Are the children in my ministry getting it?

Over Thanksgiving, I was presented with a challenge. I was told that what I do is not my calling but an obligation. Funny, but I don't see it that way at all. God has given me a gift of working with children and I believe He has also given me a gift of writing. Sure the children can drive me up the wall, and I write run-on sentences, but in my heart I know this is what God has called me to do.

Another challenged I have faced is people wanting to take away, something that I believe is important. I've prayed about it, and I don't see God wanting to take this ministry away. We may shake things up a bit, but I believe there is joy of serving God in this ministry even when the turn out is low.

After all the challenges life brought about, my heavenly Father sent me a message. Isn't it funny how He can send you the message you need just when you need it. Funny thing is I had this box with my order in it for two months, I had even opened the box to get the book out so I could get the lessons for next month. It wasn't until I finally removed every thing from this box when I received the message I needed.

God knew I needed to hear that "what you do matters". The nights serving at church. The time taken to write this blog. Writing books. Texting or talking to friends. So whether I only make a difference in one person's life or hundreds it's important that whatever I do it's all done for the glory of God.

Must Get Out There and Shop

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

The ads went out. The sales were on. The stores were ready to take my money, after all Christmas is coming.

I must confess something, some of you might think I went "Bah Humbug", but I didn't go shopping on Black Friday. I didn't go out on Thanksgiving either. I stayed in bed and then relaxed at the campground with my family.

Why is it the retailers really push us shopping? I know they need to make money. This time of year brings in the biggest profits for them. Which to my enlightenment, I discovered Black Friday became known as Black Friday because it's the time of the year the stores begin to show a profit. Instead of being in the red now they are in the black.

Do you feel like you need to get everybody you know a Christmas gift? Do you believe your children need the latest gizmo's and gadgets? Are you worried that you didn't get the right gift?

This verse struck me today. Paul was writing the Corinthians about their giving to God here, but today the message to me was different. It came as a comfort.

Last year money was really tight. In fact, we found a way to make most of our Christmas gifts. Sure we felt bad not giving more, but our hearts were in the right place. Once again money is tight, but I am comforted by the fact that I can decide what is right in my heart to give and then present the gift cheerfully.

I shouldn't feel like I have to compete with what everybody else is giving. I shouldn't feel reluctant to give a gift. Especially if I didn't pay a bill in order to get that gift. I should figure out what I can afford and be happy to give what I can.

Each present I give will have had some thought go into it, and in my heart I know it will be just the right gift. After all, God gave us just the right gift in a stable in Bethlehem.

Why, Oh Why?

Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong learn to do right. Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless plead the cause of the widow. Come now, let us reason together says the Lord. Isaiah 1:16b-18a NIV

Not sure why I anxiously awaited the news from the jury last night. I guess I was curious to find out what they determined after hearing and reading the evidence. That's how our judicial system works; a jury of peers hears what they need to and with their best judgement come up with an answer.

Maybe it's not the answer people want to hear, but the jury were the ones who had to make the call. They were picked for the job because they were determined to make the best non-biased decision. So why is it people have to cause a scene just because they didn't like the answer.

We all receive answers we don't like from time to time, but have to deal with it. We might be upset for awhile, but eventually we accept it and move on. Most of us don't set fires or steal things because we didn't get the answer we wanted.

There has to be a better way.

We need to do what's right not wrong. Stand up for what you believe in, but do it in a way that matters. Reason with each other. Seek God and find out how He want you to respond and then get ready for a mountain to move.

Laughter At Any Age

Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6 NIV

The day was supposed to be filled with laughter and joy, instead my heart was heavy. I taught about laughter even told a few jokes, I managed to laugh at few which wasn't easy when a four-year-old made them up. How ironic was it that I felt like crying instead?

For some reason for a couple days I felt really down. Maybe it was because I wasn't included in something even though I had hope to be. Maybe I realized something wasn't going to happen no matter how much I wanted it too. Maybe it's the cloudy, dreary day.

I reached out to God, "please lift me from feeling so sad."

It didn't help as quickly as I wanted.

I tried to sing the praise songs.

But my heart wasn't lighten.

I tried to think of, "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..."

Unfortunately, that didn't work either.

Finally, someone I barely know began to ask me questions. Not about anything that was bothering me, but about other things. I began to focus on other things and the gloom began to melt away.

Laughter is good medicine or at least that's what I've heard. Last night my daughter and I had a good laugh. It actually got cold and damp enough for me to pull out my jacket. I quickly put it on and got in the van to drive. I felt something strange on my jacket. After I backed up, I struggled to pull it off. It was attached like glue.

Somehow I managed and handed it to my daughter, thinking it was a soft head band. "Here, I don't know what this is."

She looked it over, "It's a sock." She laughs.

"A sock? How does a sock get stuck to my jacket?" I laughed until tears filled my eyes.

So this week I am going to try to laugh more than feel sad. I am going to try to find humor throughout my day. Much like Sarah did when at the age of 90 gave birth to her first born.

I Am a Follower

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

Tears have filled my eyes once again as I am finishing up "Not a Fan." This Bible study series as certainly made me think.

A fan cheers and encourages the team on. A fan shows up for the games, but at times stops following when the team isn't performing to his/her expectations. Sure being a fan is fun, but is it what Jesus wants from you?

A follower will follow when times are tough. A follower will follow when everyone wants to go the other way. A follower loves God no matter what.

For me to be a true follower of God, I have to live a life that is pleasing to Him. In order to please Him, I have at times had to make tough decisions. Decisions that have cost me friendships or have caused me not to participate in some activities. Sometimes the desire to serve God, has cost me things I once enjoyed.

I don't regret for one minute totally serving God. He is worth the cost. My faith in Him is strong-I know that through Him all things can be accomplished. I have a hope in Christ, a hope that doesn't fail. Even when everything seems to being going wrong and money is in short supply. Especially when things keep falling apart, my hope that God will work it all is strong.

Mostly though I love God with all my heart, soul, and mind. So I proud to say, I am a follower of God.

Finally, The Day has Arrived

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV

Relief-I am so glad this day has arrived! It"ll mean the end to all the negative ads, to all the extra phone calls, and an end to all the extra mail.

I understand the need to campaign and to try to get people to choose you. What I don't understand is why the need to bash the other opponent? All long I have said, "just tell me what you stand for and what plans you have."

This past weekend I heard several others who have felt the same. In fact, just last night someone shared how the negative ads are really just adult bullying. She made a great point.

Now not all of those who were running for election ran negative ads. There were a few who paid attention and told us what they stood for. Occasionally, even one who was smearing the other opponent; didn't. It was at these times when I actually paid attention to what was being said.

I wonder, when did we turn into a nation where bad mouthing others leads us to victory? What happened to encouraging others? What happened to showing us who you really are?

I used my right to vote today, and I hope the people I chose win. If not it won't be because I didn't try. This process of choosing is a privilege. Our leader's aren't put there because they were born into a certain family. They weren't put there because they killed someone and that gave them the right to be in charge.

No, the people who run our country are chosen. I hope they remember that every time they have to make a decision that affects us.

Next election, could we please just stick to the facts and not pull up people's past records? I believe a lot of us would appreciate that.

Not This Again

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46: 2-3 NIV

Several years ago, I met an interesting character. I didn't really feel comfortable around him, but was glad he was attending church. He had a RV which eventually ended up parked on the church grounds. This was not to be a permanent situation.

He had a drinking problem, another reason I was glad he was at church. At least he was trying, right?

Eventually though, one night he got a bit nutty. He ended flashing a gun at people. It was time for him to go. He ended up escorted off the property that night, and was asked not to return.

I was nervous though he would and do something crazy. Luckily, he never did.

A few years later came another fearful time. The church was trying to do something good for the community. Unfortunately, God was removed from this ministry. The ministry was closed, so that God could once again be glorified.

During this time we (my husband, me, and the kids) received threatening phone calls. It was a very fearful time. One of the messages was "I hope you all choke on your food and die."

Even though we were fearful, we still continued to serve God. We prayed and asked for safety.

This is why this week has been deja vu. Last Sunday another threatening phone called happened. Fear once again gripped me. I called out to God and felt His peace.

Until it started again this Sunday. This person was again called and left an upsetting message.  Terror consumed me.

Sometimes it's hard to find peace when there is a fear of the unknown. It's hard when one is never quite sure what someone else is really thinking.

Still though I know I must trust in God. I will try not to fear even when things seem unsettled.

This Is Not The Way The Story Goes

God had planned something better for us so only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:40 NIV

This past weekend I had the privilege of watching some talented youth perform in "Snow Off White." This play was a mixed up fairy tale with lots of twists and turns.

Snow White ends up meeting Prince Philip who's looking for Rosamond, aka Sleeping Beauty. Snow White must hurry back to the castle to stop a wedding, her father the king is going to marry Velinity the evil witch. Eventually, Snow White and Rosamond end up together and save the kingdom. It was a cute story that ends up with a happily ever after just not the way we would expect.

Funny, how our lives can get mixed up with all kinds of twists and turns. Twenty-four years ago I had my fairy tale wedding and I had a plan how our lives were gonna be. We'd have a few kids live in a nice house and everything would be great, right.

A few months end to our fairy tale we lost a baby. Not exactly how our story was supposed to go.

Years later we almost lost our house. Not the way the story goes.

Medical problems requiring surgery or physical therapy. Life wasn't supposed to be like this.

The thing is with all of these twists and turns my reliance on God grew deeper and deeper. As I look back over the past twenty-four years I can see how God's plans were better than my fairy tale plans.

We were blessed with three more children.

We still live in the same house.

We are all healthy, some of us may have a few less parts though.

It's through these twists and turns that God has made my life better. He's still working on the perfect part, but one day I will get to celebrate my happily ever after with Him.

They Were Once Broken

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV

Sitting in the room, I noticed the wall.

I was memorized by the pieces of rocks. There were small pieces, long pieces, crooked pieces, and straight pieces placed together to make one beautiful wall. Each one placed in just the right spot.

Each of us has been broken in some way. We've either broke ourselves or someone broke us.

We feel unworthy, dirty, crooked, and shamed. We get angry. We hold grudges. We don't need any one's help. We don't need anybody.

There comes a time when we realize though, that we can't do it on our own. We're broken.

Good news! There is a way for us to be fixed. GOD!

God is close to us when we're broken. He's just waiting for us to call out to Him, so He can put us back together. God can clean up the dirt, straighten us out, and turn us into something beautiful.

The thing is we have to ask. He's waiting to fix you, go ahead give Him the chance.

New Friends

Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form is both in our mothers? Job 31:15 NIV

Only one more day!

Tomorrow evening I begin an adventure, one I have praying and planning for. That wasn't the case fourteen years ago as I planned to go on this "Walk to Emmaus."

Fourteen years ago I was a bit scared. I was going someplace different, to be with people I hadn't ever met before. My husband had gone the week before and came back all happy and not sharing anything. This was not what I expected. Why couldn't he tell me anything? Why the big secret?

After I went I understood, it wasn't that it was a big secret. He just didn't want me to open my gift to soon. That's exactly what the "Walk to Emmaus" was to me, a gift. A gift of God's love exploding!

This weekend I am sure some of the women who are about to embark on this adventure are a bit nervous. Soon though their fears will be relieved.

The best part about this weekend is the ladies I'm going to get to meet. We each will have our own unique gifts and looks to bring with us. In fact, some may not even want to truly be there and may let us all know it.

But by the end of the weekend though, lives will be touched or changed.

God is so good, that He formed us each in our mother's womb. He's always been with us. I hope each will experience her own gift.

Broken Down

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a contrite heart, O God you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 NIV

There are weeks when I wonder, "How will I make it through?"

Thursday was the worst day. I felt broken, down and lost.

Parents decided to put their child in another day care program; income down.

A friend's son was really sick again, almost to the point of hospitalization. Wellness lost.

Licensing inspector comes and writes up for standing water in the yard. (It's only rained two to three inches for the past fourteen days). Frustration mounds.

People upset. Broken.

God works His message to me in strange ways.

I had a handle break off of a pan I use a lot. I saw the pan as not useful. The brokenness of the pan left me not wanting it anymore.

My daughter's turn to cook, she takes the pan and uses it.

"Why are you using that, it's broken?"

"It has another handle, I'll just use that one." A use for something broken.

My glorious father in heaven, saw me as broken this week. He didn't toss me aside like I did with the pan. He comforted me by refilling my soul with praise music and friends who listen.

He let me know He can still use me even though my handle may have fallen off, and I might have had a rough week. Still I am His daughter.

Rebelling Against the Light

There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know its ways or stay in its paths. Job 24:13 NIV

This past week, it seems we've seen more darkness than light. The clouds cover the sun, the rain pours from the sky. At times like these I can feel down, I long for the light.

At times I'm a bit of a rebel. This past week because of the rain, school pickups can become a bit stressful. The first school I picked up from went smoothly, so I drove on to the next school. The street I was on was filled with cars, some were so close that I didn't know if I could actually make it through. I crept along ever so slowly, inching my way through. I was relieved when I arrived at the other end.

I pulled into the school to pick up the child I needed too, and I was stuck behind a bus. I patiently waited and waited. Finally, the bus leaves and I pull where I normally do. Apparently, that didn't work because there was the principle waving me to move forward. I put the van in gear and move forward. She continually waves and I continually have to move. I was a bit annoyed. I mean the child I was to pick up was right there, she would have been in the van and we would have been long gone had she not insisted I keep moving forward.

She apparently didn't like my attitude and she let me know it. "I'm sorry I'm annoying you," she opened my van door, "but we have all these vans to get in here. You need to have a better attitude."

Wow! I apologized, then it hit me. I wasn't showing the light of Christ. I was seeking my own way, even if she was seeking her own way. I should have shown her the love of Christ.

This weekend I had the awesome privilege to be in a small chapel. By small, I mean when ten people are in there we have a crowd. Saturday night we probably had twenty-five in there, but it didn't seem crowded. Most of the crowd was young adults including my children.

The music started and we praised Jesus together! Our voices blended and the sound was glorious. The trouble of the past week was erased during our time of praise. We also prayed for thirteen special young men who were on a journey to grow in their faith. The light of Christ shown through each person there.

So I wonder why at times do we rebel against the light? Why do we think our way is better than His way? Why do we hide from the light?

Are we afraid? Is our ego to big? Do we know better than God?

I encourage us to stay in the light. God knows the right path we need to be on. Trust in His wisdom.

Do What?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

The cry out in the middle of the night.

The desperate call for help when everything else has been tried.

Is this when you pray? When there seems no hope and the only solution could be God.

The recited prayer..

Now I lay me down to sleep...

Our father who art in heaven...

Is this how you pray? When you don't know what to say.

The prayer in the car.

The quick prayer at work.

Is this where you pray? When you can do it quickly.

The thing is it really doesn't matter when, how or where you pray. The important thing is you're praying. Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. Yes, a conversation; which means you have to take the time to listen.

God is omnipresent which means He is always there. He can hear the desperate prayer. He can hear a child's prayer. He loves to hear from each of us. He loves it when we pray together or alone.

I manage most days to set aside time for prayer, but that's not the only time I pray. I have learned to pray anytime, anywhere. Sometimes my husband is wondering whom I'm talking to when I'm in the shower, since apparently my praying was being done out loud.

Prayer can make all the difference. Take the time to pray, it's so worth it.

On This Date

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV

Which Disney character are you most like?

What 1970's sitcom are you most like?

Do you really know ALL the Frozen songs?

I have seen these surveys as they pop up on Facebook, and yes on occasion I do participate in them. I find it kind of interesting, and sometimes even try to answer the questions a certain way because I want a certain desired outcome.

I rarely share my findings on Facebook, I just read them have a laugh and move on with my day. Even though I was proud to know I am a Southern Girl. I wouldn't of wanted it any other way y'all.

This past week though I was a bit disturbed to see a few people post a tombstone with a "predicted date" of when and how he/she would die. I am sure each one did it for fun, but it kind of made me sad.

Deep down I know nobody knows the day he/she will die, just like we really don't know the day someone is going to be born a due date is just a prediction. Yeah, I know sometimes a schedule cesarean or induction needs to take place but we still don't know exactly.

I mean what would I do knowing the day I'm going to die. Would I make that bucket list? Would I sit around just thinking about that day? Would I try to get everything done I could possibly get done?

I sort of experienced this. For some reason as a teen some friends of mine had these cards, at least I think it was cards. We played some silly game and during it someone "predicted" that my boyfriend at the time would die in a car crash in his twenties.

This really disturbed me. I had big plans for our future together and his early death would not fit well with those plans. Eventually we got married, and it took a lot of faith and praying that they were wrong. I tried to put it at the back of my mind, which I would manage until he'd be late and then that prediction would creep back into my thought process.

I praise God that their prediction was just a silly one, and that it never came true. I mean he's twice as old as that now. Shh! Don't let him know that I said he was old.

Anyway it's my belief that we are to live each day to the fullest, trying to do God's will. Everyday I get up pretty much knowing what my day is going to be like, but sometimes God throws in surprises. Just yesterday He sent a full rainbow that many of us got to enjoy. It's not very often when we get to see the beauty of a full rainbow. If one rainbow wasn't enough God managed to put a double full rainbow in the sky.

Life is full of uncertainties, the one thing we can know for sure is that God loves us and he has great plans for each of our lives. We just need to seek his wisdom.

God's Not Dead

God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I am has sent me to you. Exodus 3:14

God is God, He has always been and will always be. He is with us in the good times and He is with us in the bad. He is with us even when we don't acknowledge him.

Last night I watched "God's Not Dead," I was surprised by how easily a class could write on a piece of paper God is dead and then sign their name to it. It seemed as though most of them didn't even hesitate. Is it that easy to deny God? Is it that easy to go with the crowd?

It made me think, how easy am I influenced by what the crowd is doing? Last weekend I found myself digging in to lunch without a thought to thanking God for my food. The day before I paused to thank God before I ate when a blessing wasn't offered.

A messily 24 hours later and I simply just started feeding my face. Luckily, I realized it before my meal was finished and thank God. It didn't stop me from feeling guilty about it.

So I guess I can understand how everyone except one in the class simply signed a paper just so they wouldn't upset the professor. It was exciting to see how Josh did his research and followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit(God). He presented his case and because of him a life was changed.

I know God's Not Dead because He lives in me. I can see Him in the sunrise, I can see him in the way the waves hit the beach, and I can see Him in my friends around me.

God was here before He created the world and will be here long after we're gone. He loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. Don't be afraid to stand up for Him. He will guide the way.

Failure Is Not an Option

David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished." 1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV

Last week was just one of those weeks.

A time to have a pity party and feel sorry for myself.

Failure is how I felt.

Discouragement can creep up on us at any time. The roller coaster of life brings us down sometimes.

This time I felt like a failure because my day care numbers are low again. I knew it was going to be this way, and I am prepared for it. Still when the phone doesn't ring(minus the hundreds of political calls) and no one asking me about my day care; it can bring a person down.

I also feel like a failure because I thought by now, at least the people I know, would have bought "After the Storm". I know, I know more than 7 people and yet that is all the books I sold. I really thought this was the path God wanted me to take. He may still, just waiting to see what His plans are.

On vacation we heard about failure. Orville and Wilbur Wright had a great idea. They had found the ideal location, but they had failed to fly. In 1902, they went home ready to throw in the towel. They had numerous problems, they studied and tried and yet it didn't work out the way they planned.

They went home discouraged. They even thought "it would be a hundred years before men would fly". Upon arriving home they shared that they were ready to give up when their younger sister Katharine, encouraged them to keep trying. So they kept trying and in 1903 they succeeded.

Sometimes we need to fail in order to accomplish great things. Maybe our names won't end up in an encyclopedia, but we can succeed with God on our side.

He will never leave us, He will never forsake us. Through Him we can accomplish what He desires for us.

So even though I felt like a failure I know I'm not. I know I'm doing what God asks of me and all things will work out.

Homes, Homes, and Even More Homes

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 NIV

Riding through different towns, landscapes, farming land one thing was common-homes. Everywhere I went there were homes. Homes of different shapes. Homes of different sizes. Homes that sat upon the ground, and homes that were built on stilts. Homes that had sat vacant for years.

Another thing most of these homes had in common was someone living in them. I only got to see the outside, but the outside could tell you things about the families who lived there.

Some had play forts or swing-sets or a play car. Some had a basketball hoop. More than likely children lived in these homes.

Some had immaculate yards, someone in those homes either enjoyed gardens or enjoyed paying someone to take care of their yard.

Some homes had old cars sitting off to the side of the yard. My son said, "I guess when it stops working you just set it off to the side and get another one."

The most interesting homes we found were the ones that could only be accessed by Hwy 12. The part where you need a 4 X 4 to get to it. We discussed how one must really know what they need when he/she goes out, it was not a quick journey to town.

One thing we found interesting among these homes in the country side were grave yards. It seemed one could just pick a place and bury your loved ones. My daughter thought it was strange to see tombstones fenced off, but then just a few feet away were several more not included in the fenced in part.

I thought one graveyard's placement was interesting. There it sat in the middle of the property line, which house did they belong too.

Focusing on these homes, I wondered "do these families worship the Lord?"

What do our homes say about us? Do they show whom we serve?

When someone drives by my house, I'm sure he/she thinks we must own a car lot. They might think I need to work in my yard a little more, but it's a lovely home.

I like it when I can have someone over for a visit. A few times we hosted a dinner party and invited a family over to spend the evening with us. We shared dinner together and either sat and visited or we played games. It was a time to get to know each other better.

We've also been invited to other people's homes and seen a glimpse of them inside their homes. These have been times of laughter and joy. Especially the one time when we played a game in the dark because the power went out.

It's at these times with the people in the homes when we get to know whom they serve or they get to know whom we serve. It's important.

It's So Dark In Here

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 NIV

Patiently they waited their turn, they were excited for the chance to enter the darken tunnel. Finally, it was their time to go. The path wasn't long, they had to feel their way through. Funny thing kept happening though, they kept entering the same room. 

I was able to keep track of them on a video monitor as they made their voyage. I watched as they left the room again only to return there a short time later. One of them made it back to the entrance, and he decided it would be better to go with my daughter, "At least I'll get through then."

Finally the rest of them made it to the exit. 

"I kept bumping my head."

"It was dark in there."

The next group entered, I half expected them to get turned around as well. They managed a lot better. They were through a lot quicker.

"Wow! You guys did well."

"It was the lights on their shoes, it helped."

Light, it can make a big difference even when it's just a tiny bit of light. 

I am often reminded of our trip into Mammoth Cave. We made our way down into the cave to a cathedral type room with benches. Each of us were asked to sit on a bench while our guide turn off the lights in the cave. It was so dark, I couldn't even see my hand in front of my face. Then our guide lit a lighter, that little bit of light made all the difference. The room glowed and we could see again.

Our walk in Christ can be the same. When we take the time to share, pray for someone, teach about his love we can be the little bit of light in the darken world. Christ's love can shine through us and let others know of His love.

Shine on.

Life is Gooder

Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. Proverbs 16:8 NIV

"This is gooder, I love this." One of the kids in the day care said while eating his macaroni and cheese. Instead of elbow macaroni I had Penne noodles.

Funny how a little change could make his day gooder.

Sometimes I forget to look for the gooder things. I can get so easily entangled in what I don't have or what I'm not able to do instead of looking at the big picture.

I can get hung up on the new furniture that someone was able to purchase or the lunch dates that people get to have. I especially can get stuck on when someone is able to do something that I so desperately wanted to do. Life at these times certainly doesn't feel gooder. In fact, it feels unfair.

Then somehow I get reminded that my life is gooder. I have a home with furniture or occasionally, I go on lunch dates sure it's to McDonald's and with day care kids but I'm eating out. Soon I realize that one day I will be able to accomplish what I would like to do as long as it's in God's plans.

Or I get reminded that life is gooder because the store was out of elbow macaroni and we can have special mac and cheese with Penne noodles.

Life is indeed gooder because Jesus is my Lord and Savior and with him I can accomplish so much more even if I only have a little.

Tough Decisions

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 NIV

The email I had waited for finally arrived; attached was the new dance schedule.

A year ago I decided to take a clogging class and at first I just wanted to take it; no recital just a chance to clog again. I clogged in my teens and my daughter had taken clogging for several years, and I wanted to try it again. Finally, it was my turn! The class was on a night I could attend. Eventually, I decided to take the plunge and be in the recital. I enjoyed myself.

I had hoped that this year the dance class would be at a time when I could go. I opened the attachment and quickly found Adult Clog. My heart broke...

The class had now been moved to Wednesday nights. A choice had to be made-do I give up on the Kids Mid-Week Barefoot Club or do I give up on dance? It felt like I had to choose between God and the world (not that the dance class is worldly). The decision was clear to me. I would no longer be attending dance class.

This choice between God and the world is not a new one. Daniel had to face this choice many years ago. A decree had been issued to worship and pray to the king. Daniel knew this was wrong. He knew his God was bigger and better. He knew the consequence of his choice-to be thrown into the lions den. He chose to serve His God no matter what. Daniel was thrown into the lions den, but he was not torn to pieces. God, the one and only God, sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. He was saved and because he was saved a new decree was issued to worship God.

One man had the courage to stand up. My choice to serve God won't get me thrown into the lions den. In fact, I won't be punished at all. I just know for me I have to serve God where He wants me to serve. I also know that God gives us the desires of our hearts. If my desire is to clog somehow He will work it out, whether its by YouTube or some other way.

This last week I served as an Adult Volunteer at Warren Willis Camp. The theme for this year is Chosen to Love and Serve. God has chosen each of us. He loves you and He has chosen you. He loves me and He has chosen me. It was good to be reminded. I will love Him and I will serve Him wherever He calls me to go after all I am Chosen.

I'm Proud

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15b

"The beach, let's go to the beach for Fourth of July," I suggested to my family.

The look of shock on their faces let me know that indeed I did surprised them.

"You don't like the beach," came the reply.

It's true this Florida girl does not like the beach. There's all that sand to deal with, not to mention all that salty-water that ends up in your mouth every time a wave comes by.

Years ago my aunt suggested that I not go in the water just sit on the beach. That has helped at least the sand doesn't stick to me. But it gets awful hot sitting on the beach.

The decision to go was not easy for me, but I thought it would be a nice way to spend the day together as a family. I'm very grateful for extra days off to spend together. I know the cost was great.

As we celebrated the Fourth, I hummed my favorite patriotic song "I'm Proud to be An American". It has such a great message and sums up how I feel. I'm very grateful to be living here where I'm free to serve God.

I'm even more proud though of something else. Something that's even greater than be an American.

I'm Proud to be a Christian!

I was inspired a few years ago with words to go along with Lee Greenwood's music to "I'm Proud to be An American". I have still yet to hear it song, maybe one day. Anyway here it is:

"I'm Proud to be a Christian"

If tomorrow all my sins were known

That I've hidden all my life

And I have to face the Lord without

The blood of Christ

I'd be ashamed to face him

And would turn to run away

But there's a chance to have them cleansed

And taken far away

I'm proud to be a Christian

Where at least I know I'm saved

And I won't forget the man who died

Who shed his blood for me

And I'll gladly stand up next to you

And proclaim Him still today

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love the Lord

God saves our lives today

From the star in Bethlehem

To the hills of Calvary

To a cross He died on 

For you and even me

From the little tiny baby

To one who lost his way

Well there's a chance for every heart

To accept Him here today

And I'm proud to be a Christian

Where at least I know I'm saved

And I won't forget the man who died

Who shed his blood for me

And I'll gladly stand up next to you

And proclaim Him still today

'Cause there ain't no doubt 

I love the Lord

God saves our lives today

And I'm proud to be a Christian 

Where at least I know I'm saved

And I won't forget the man who died

Who shed his blood for me

And I'll gladly stand up next to you

And proclaim Him still today

'Cause there ain't no doubt 

I love the Lord

God saved me life today

Crazy Clock

Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. Ecclesiastes 8:5 NIV

It never ceases to amaze me how many times I look at something and not realize how much I rely on it, until it stops working.

Last week was another crazy week in our home. The A/C unit decided to freeze up and trust me when I say this is not the time of year for the air conditioner to be on the fritz. Around the same time our toilet decides not to flush right. Then dry wall decided to fall from the ceiling where my husbands foot went through six months ago.  

My wonderful clock also decided now would be the time to stop working. Honestly I do not understand what is going on with this clock. A few weeks ago it decided to stop working. 

"Not to big a deal," so I thought. "Just need to change the battery." This of course took a few days. I am unable to do it since it's high on a wall, so have to wait for the tall people in my family to fix it. After a week of looking at it a hundred times and it telling me the same time; I took the fixing of the clock into my own hands. 

Stretching, barely reaching, almost falling...I manage to take the clock down. As I pull it down the nail and hook that holds it on the wall comes with it and plummets to the pile below. "Great!"

I set the clock on the table, hoping now that I've changed the battery someone else would put it back. It worked, of course the person who did it had to find the nail and hook. Yippee, my clock worked again until later that day.

We decided the only way to fix it was to get new batteries, the rechargeable's just weren't working.  After a trip to the store we had success, the clock worked again. Until this week.

Saturday the clock stopped again. Then the crazy thing got reset and is working once again, ten minutes fast mind you. The ten minutes fast have sure thrown me off too.

This has made me wonder, when do I know the proper time to do anything? I know, I know simply look at another clock.

But it goes deeper than that, when is the proper time to publish my book? When is the proper time to move ahead with the plan? When is the proper time stand up for what's right?

The only way to know for sure is to trust in God to lead us. When we obey Him and trust Him as our guide, the proper time will arrive whether clock works or not.

You Can Do It

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 NIV

Eleven months ago, I did something daring, a little crazy even. When I went to register my daughter for dance class, I found out that adult clog was right after so I signed up. I didn't plan on being in the recital. If I messed up in the recital I figured I would never hear the end of it.

The first night wasn't to bad, I remembered quite a few of the steps. I was rusty, but it came back. I actually enjoyed going and trying.

A few months into it my "extra" daughter encouraged me. She told me I needed to be in the recital and not worry about messing up. The deal was if I did it she would be there. So because of her I took the plunge and agreed to be in it.

Friday was our dress rehearsal, and I admit for me it was a mess up rehearsal. I couldn't believed I messed up as much as I did, I mean I've been practicing this dance three times a day since we starting learning it. Trust me when I say, I needed to. Some of those steps were hard, but I was determined and eventually got them (sort of). At one point during the dance I completely went blank.

"It's OK, that's what today is about. Tomorrow you'll do fine," my dance teacher encouraged me.

I realized something though, I completely forgot to do something-PRAY. God is such an important part of my life and for some reason I didn't pray before I started. I might have mentioned it to him earlier in the day, but not the way I normally would have.

How could I forget to include Him in one of the most important events of my weekend?

That night I covered my entire dance in prayer. I didn't ask to be perfect just to not let me forget any steps and to do my best.

I was a bit more nervous, my family was now in the audience and my "extra" daughter. But I also had a peace.

Standing on stage left watching the dance before me, I relaxed a little. "God be with me." The lights went out and we "quietly" walked out and took our places. The lights came up and the music started. I danced my way through, talking to myself the entire time.Apparently my face looked serious as I danced; I had to say the steps and how many or I wouldn't have made it.

Triple, shuffle, shuffle, almost done, shuffle...I made it through! A couple little mess ups, but nothing major. "Thank you God."

Lights went down and we were off, the next dance was right behind us.

I'm so glad my extra daughter encouraged me. It was a lot of fun and great exercise. Who knows I may be back!

Learning, It Takes Time

I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. 1 Corinthians 3:2

The tiny little grey creature looked so helpless, so we brought him in and somehow he etched his way into our hearts. Unfortunately, he was very sick and died. His little life made us realize something though, that we could love a cat.

A month later we had the chance to be a cat family again. A orange bundle of fur who also cuddle his way into our hearts, and this time he was healthy.

I've got news for you a cat is not like a dog. They jump every where unlike a dog who will jump up on you, but usually gets down when told. Claws,another big difference, those claws that seemed to pop out of no where. Dogs don't hold on for dear life or scratch up chairs, sofas, tablecloths...

Another big difference-petting, when petting a cat I need to be ready because as soon as he's done he attacks. The dog will sit there for hours letting me pet her never once attacking me. Their tongues are quite different as well. A dog's tongue is smooth and wet, a cat's tongue feels like sand paper was applied.

Lastly, the way I'm greeted upon arriving home. The dog is there waiting and wagging her tail like crazy, ready to lick and jump up on me as if to say, "So glad you're home, I've missed you." The cat may or may not be waiting there. He sits there just looking at me, or not as if to say, "Oh, you're home. Feed me."

Learning to live with a cat has been a slow process. Just when I think I got it, he does something completely different. We are new at learning how to care for him, when to pet, and not to keep anything out. There is no safe place to hide anything.

Learning to live as a Christian is a slow process. Change takes place, but learning to live a life devoted to God is slow process. We are given what we need when were ready for it. We learn and grow closer to God and soon we completely trust Him. One day we look back and realize how much better life is with Him as our guide.

At Times I Wonder

Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Psalm 17:7

Complaining is not my thing, not usually. The past six weeks though have not exactly been fun.

Back in 2010 I fell, I didn't think much of it at the time after all I had fallen before. A month later I began to fell pain in my hip and sometimes I would get a tingly feeling down my leg. Worry filled me as I wondered what was going on, would I lose the ability to walk? Finally, the pain got intense enough for me to visit the doctor.

Turns out it was sciatica and after a month of physical therapy I was as good as new. Well most of the time. When the pain got bad again I began to do some of the moves the therapist had me do and the pain would subside.

2012 comes and I fell again, this time a trip to ER was needed since I saw stars. I thought when they drew stars in cartoons it was just to show they were in pain, I didn't realize that when you hit your head hard enough the stars appeared, so pretty.

This time I slipped three disk in my neck and three in my lower back. I went to physical therapy again, and once again I was as good as new. The pain would appear again from time to time, but usually a day or two of doing what they taught the pain would go away.

Now I have pain without having fallen and I can't seem to get it to go away. Sure it's not constant, but there is a dull ache. Daily I am following the exercise routines, applying heat and ice several times a day. The heat/ice patch has become my friend.

Saturday when seeing some friends whose children just graduated, I found out the mom is a lot worse off than me. She is in a wheelchair because her back pain is so severe she can't stand or walk for long. Also found out she's having surgery on Friday.

So I know there are people worse off than me. Some are constantly fighting illness or chronic pain. One thing I know though is that God is always there loving me. No matter how my body feels or any craziness going on. His love is constant.

His love will help me get through this no matter how long it lasts.

A Change of Pace

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Genesis 2:2 NIV

Another school year is winding down, soon all to soon the kids will be out for the summer. The excitement of another grade level completed or of graduating from elementary, middle, high school, or college is felt. On the last day of school kids will scream, "School's out for the summer!"

My schedule drastically changes for the next ten weeks. Now instead of just two kids all day, my house will be full with at least five kids all day. They will do everything to push my nerves to the limit, but somehow we will muddle through.

Our summer break won't be all bad. We will go on field trips, play, swim, try our hand at crafts or wacky experiments. Most importantly though we get a rest from our ten month routine.

No longer will I have to watch the clock to make sure I leave at just the right time to get my spot at the school. No longer will I need to grade any school work or help with homework.

Sometimes with our hectic lives we can find it difficult to take a rest once a week. It's hard for us to rest on Sundays because by the time we get home the afternoon is half over. Sometimes we are able to sneak in a nap, but most of the time we have to play catch up from what we didn't accomplish during the week.

Maybe this is why I, in a way, look forward to summer. Everyday I get a longer rest period-the joy of day care-nap time. Instead of barely two hours of rest we usually get two and a half hours of rest. The extra half hour can make a difference. I've been known to snore a little during this rest time--Shh! That's a secret. Sometimes though I just get more time to write or read.

Vacations are another thing I look forward to during the summer. The chance to relax away from home is very refreshing. Even with rain everyday. At least it's a chance to rest from my work.

Whatever your plans are this summer (maybe your schedule doesn't change at all) take the time to relax and rest from your work. You will find your life a little less stressful and easier to manage.

The Stomach Dance

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 NIV

As Saturday approaches my stomach is doing a little dance. Over it turns and then tightens up; does a little Fox Trot and soon an all out clog routine.

This has happened before. Several years ago, God called me into Children's Ministries. I graciously accepted and soon realized that I would be planning Vacation Bible School (VBS). This is a huge under taking, especially following a talented lady who had been very successful at it.

I read everything, I asked her a million questions, and thought I was ready. The big day arrived and the stomach dance began. Not only did my stomach dance, but my heart and breathing wanted to join in too. All the what ifs began...What if no kids come? What if my leaders and guides don't show up? What if I fail?

I am happy to report everything went well! I have directed many VBS's since, so many I'm not sure I could even count. Funny, how after I went to another church I was the one who was called upon several times as the new VBS director took over.

The beginning of the year an idea sprang into my mind. Let's have a barbecue cook off. I prayed to make sure this idea came from God, and then shared it with the other parents as an idea for a camp fund raiser. They were excited too.

So the planning began. I read what I could online. We figured out rules for our contestants. We decided for fun to add game booths and make it an all out block party. Advertisements have gone out, tickets were printed, and the excitement has been building.

This Saturday is the big day. I am, need I say, just a little worried. The what ifs are once again rolling through my head and my stomach has begun to dance again. I know we are told not to worry God's got this. Sometimes though it's just so hard when a lot is riding on my shoulders.

Already two contestants have backed out, so now I wonder will we have enough food? Not everyone has volunteered to bring side dishes. People are slow to commit to a booth. Unexpected illnesses have popped up.

So continually I pray. I pray that God has this day, and it will be a great one. I pray for enough food and enough volunteers to help out. I pray for enough people to come and have a great time with us.

I will trust in His promise that when I commit this to Him, our plans will succeed.

Spiritual Tank Run Dry

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. Psalm 42:1 NIV

Working outside in the heat, cleaning house, waking up, dancing & exercising...all of these things bring on thirst. A thirst that needs to be quenched. When I don't take care of it the dryness in my mouth gets worse. When I finally get to the source, I can't get enough. I drink and drink until I get my fill.

Funny thing though the thirst will quickly return as soon as I return to the activities. It'd be nice just to have my thirst be satisfied.  Alas, I must drink again.

Funny, how my soul does the same. I can go on a spiritual retreat and come home filled with knowledge and the unconditional love of God. I fell like I could conquer the world and no one can bring me down. Then I get home and life has a way of starting just where I left it. Dirty laundry awaits, dirty dishes have piled in the sink, family has the same attitude...soon my spiritual tank runs empty.

I begin to thirst and hunger for God. I must drink again.

My day begins with prayer and several devotions. Children arrive, they begin to bicker. My own children won't get out of bed. I unload the dishwasher, dishes didn't get clean. Somehow managed to get breakfast on the table. A bowl of cereal and a drink gets spilled. Children start fighting. Paint spills, cat knocks over four drinks at once, and I lose all my computer work I was working on.

I must drink. Drink in the love of God.

Sundays, a day to be with my church family and hear the word of God. Why is it then it's the hardest day to get anyone up and moving? We are lucky to leave fifteen minutes late. Why is there fighting and chaos before we even leave the house? After preparing for Sunday School and Children's church, I end up with hardly anyone in class. I love to worship, but now I'm discouraged.

I hunger for God's closeness, but now bitterness is creeping in.

The one night I can study God's word with other women, it's encouraging to share and learn together. I go with hope that someone will come. A half hour later, no one's showed. Why aren't you growing this Lord? I miss out when no one comes.

Soon my spiritual tanks is empty. I'm sinking...

Much like this preschool song taught us:

Read your Bible, pray every day

pray every day, pray every day

Read your Bible, pray every day

and you'll grow, grow, grow

and you'll grow, grow, grow

Read your Bible, pray every day

and you'll grow, grow, grow

Neglect your Bible, forget to pray

forget to pray, forget to pray

neglect your Bible, forget to pray

and you'll shrink, shrink, shrink

and you'll shrink, shrink, shrink

and you'll shrink, shrink, shrink

neglect your Bible, forget to pray

and you"ll shrink, shrink, shrink

When I don't get the time to spend time with God, life seems to get out of control. The thirst grows deeper, my glass begins to empty. I need to remember even when things try to bring me down that my relationship with God is what keeps me strong. Taking the time to pray, read my Bible, and worship Him are all important. I need to keep my soul longing after Him.

A Most Pleasant Day

Her children arise and call her blessed... Proverbs 31:28a

From one emotion to the next...I wonder sometimes did I do a good job? Are my children going to make it? Why do they get that attitude?

There have been many times when I wondered, "where did I go wrong?", "how can they be so uncaring?", "I mean I'm not like that am I?"

When my mechanical son was younger, it was report card day. It had never been a good day for him. He struggled in school, and certain subjects were harder for him. I knew that it was report card day, and when he arrived home. I asked to see it.

"Well, I didn't get it," he replied.

"Not get it, oh come on. I know you did, now let me see it." I held out my hand, but he insisted again that he had not received it. "Let me look in your backpack then."

He held tight to his backpack and would not let me look through it. I knew he was lying and hiding something from me. I tried to get it from him, but this turned into a battle that did not end well.

When I finally got the backpack, I found his report card. He had changed his F into a B, and then told me his teacher said he could. He lied, he deceived, and he knew he had done wrong.

I felt like a complete failure.

My daughter the last few weeks has been grumpier with people. She complains and hasn't been that pleasant to be around. I wondered again, where does she get that from? I admit my attitude isn't always wonderful either. Is she this way because of me?

A couple of weeks ago, my athletic son was working on his truck and asked his brother for help. My mechanical son would go out for a couple of minutes tell him what to do, and then head right back in to do what he wanted. Not a really helpful attitude, again I wonder how can he be not so helpful?

This past Sunday though, I was treated special. My daughter made me breakfast. My sons showered me with gifts and even stopped me from loading the dishwasher. Then my daughter though she brought me to tears. Not only did she get me a gift and a card, but she wrote me a beautiful note.

She told me she loved me and thanked me for helping her figure things out with God. The clincher though was, "I thank you for homeschooling me! I would've been a totally different person if I would've gone to middle school." Then of course she made me laugh by apologizing for her making me gain 40 pounds while I was pregnant.

So I guess even if my children are moody, sometimes deceitful, and not always the best helpers, they are walking in the Lord and trying to live God's purpose for their lives.

Thank you Lord for each my children they are each a special gift from you.

"Not Exactly What I Expected"

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2 NIV

The thought came to my head over a year ago. Maybe it was time to fill my husband's desire for a new truck. The summer had been good, the bills were paid ahead of time, and it seemed as if there would be enough money to make a truck payment.

So I prayed, to see if this was God's desire for us. Then it all kind of fell apart. One mom was now going to stay home with her child, another child was going to stay with grandma, another one was beginning VPK, and two more were headed back to schools I don't pick up from. In less than a month my salary dropped in half. It was not a good time to get a loan.

I continued to pray and asked God to let me know when it was the right time. As usual I asked for teddy bears in strange places, and I like to see them three times. Within a week God showed me those bears, so I knew He approved. The question was how, how were we to go about purchasing a truck?

The answer came through my daughter, "Just buy it."

Such a smart girl, with what exactly was I going to buy it with? Our income now just kept the bills paid. I even had to cut corners every which way I could.

Gradually, our income began to improve so I started putting money away. I figured we'd just save it and when we got to a certain about then we'd go buy one. A nice tax refund and an overage payment made the amount a little better.

Surely, we could find one in the price range we were looking. A truck we would not have to worry about breaking down. Unfortunately, to get one in our price range it would mean a very high mileage vehicle. Even higher than the one's we have now. This did not seem like a wise decision.

So back to the Lord, I went. "So Lord, I mean if you want us to get this high mileage vehicle than so be it. It's just we were hoping to be able to travel and such with this truck. So if you think we could get a loan and buy one with less miles and a little newer than let me know."

I traveled about my day not thinking about what I prayed earlier until I pulled in the bank. Before my eyes the first parking spot boom, a truck just like my husband wanted.

"Lord, that's not a teddy bear but if this is the sign you're sending then let me know."

I continued around the bank to the drive thru, I didn't think about what I just saw. I got sidetracked with kids in the van and making my deposit. I looked up and see another truck.

"OK, Lord so that's two is this the sign? You know I like three and teddy bears, but trucks OK." Not even a minute later God sent truck number three. Just to make sure I got it, He sent another one.

So with God's blessings we applied and received a loan. Not for as big as we thought, but good enough. So this past Sunday (I know, we usually try not to shop on Sunday, but every once in awhile we feel it's OK) we went and found the truck my husband had been wanting.

We tried Saturday, but the truck had been sold just before we got there. Found out the reason the next day, we wouldn't have been able to pay all the fees and taxes.

So our Praises go up to God, knowing He will continue to provide and He has great plans!

Lines, Lines, and Even More Lines

Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path. Proverbs 2:9 NIV

Road construction, it's every where or so it seems. The last few months I've watched as crews worked to improve a very busy intersection by my home. Lanes were brought down to one and sometimes the entire intersection was closed at night. A lot of fun, not.

I admit having three left turn lanes is nice, not having to wait through two or three light cycles is an improvement. A new road is fun to drive on; a smoother surface is a grand improvement.

The crazy thing they did at the end though is beyond wacky. There are dotted lines every which way across the intersection, I guess it's there as a guide. Instead it's more of a distraction. There are dots for those turning left each direction, and there are dots for those going straight each direction. I wish I could get a picture from the sky, but my van will have to do. This picture really doesn't even capture what it really looks like.

It has gotten me thinking though. I've thought about how crazy life can get at times. Sometimes it seems I'm going in a million different directions. I barely have time to think, and it's a good thing my body automatically breathes for me otherwise I could forget.

Is everything I do a good thing? I might think "it's for the church and therefore for God, right?" Or I felt God calling me to do this, so it's OK? Or sometimes I just end up doing it because no one else will and I don't want to let anyone down.

This past Thursday my schedule got behind. If you know me, you know I like schedules and everything to work out in a timely manner. I ended up home a half hour later then expected. The day care kids were going nuts. I needed to get dinner going. I asked my daughter for help and she was no where to be found. Everything ended up meshing together until I had no choice, but to let the stress of the moment come out.

Luckily, it was just tears. Like usual just as soon as I let the tears start someone tells me I don't need to cry. "Yes, I do," was my reply. I felt better after.

So what is one to do? What I've been doing, pray and keep my priorities in line with God's priorities meaning something might have to go. I will continue to follow His path for me like following the right dotted lines through this now crazy mixed up intersection.