Goodbye 2006 - Hello 2007

Its a little over 6 hours until the beginning of the new year. I love December 31st because it is a milestone of the hope of a new year with new adventures awaiting. This year I love December 31st even more. I'm ready for 2006 to roll on by.

Don't get me wrong. I have a long grateful list of blessings of the wonderful things God has done. Good stuff. Happy stuff. Terrific stuff.

But at the same time, 2006 has had its challenges that I'd rather put behind me as I reach forward to the goal ahead.

What do I want for 2007?

Grace.

I want to learn more about the mercies of God and how His grace reached through time and space to an undeserving young woman, providing unconditional love, unconditional forgiveness.

I want to learn how I can extend that same grace (or a human version of it) to others in a more significant way. I was forgiven much, therefore I can forgive others. I was loved much so I can love others.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Col 3:12-14

A Special Visitor

Tonight I received a special visitor.

I sat and listened to him talk and marveled at the goodness of our God. I marveled in thankfulness at the notion of being able to know someone for so long and see what God has done through the years and to be a small part of that journey.

An 8th grade boy walked into my classroom many years ago. He had a sketchbook with wonderful, fun cartoons. He proclaimed he wanted to be a cartoonist, an animator. I nodded. At Christmas he brought me white chocolate covered pretzels. By the end of that year I knew if anyone could be an animator, he could.

A few years later when I moved upwards to teach at the high school, an 11th grader walked into my class. He had a new sketchbook with even better drawings and cartoons. His dream was still to be an animator. Christmas time brought more yummy pretzels. He graduated in the top 10 of a large senior class, proving himself as a scholastic brain along with his portfolio full of awesome art.

Four years later, he graduated from Ringling School of Art and Design. Sony ImageWorks hired him. He is an animator.

And today, he came by to bring me a Christmas gift. He brought white chocolate covered pretzels and memories of Christmases gone by when I was his teacher and he was the student bearing gifts. And he also brought me a copy of his first movie project: Monster House. I'm proud of this guy! Take a peek at Jarred Love and his work from his college years.

At times like this my heart sings. God is good!

December 26

We had an awesome Christmas, beginning on Christmas Eve with church service. The music was perfect with the Fellowship of the Strings, a 7 year old on a violin, the worship leader's daughter singing "Mary, Did You Know?" and lots of congregational singing.

I love to sing. I grew up in a musical family. We all took a part and harmonized throughout the years. I still love to grab a part when I sing. This year I have some allergy "ick" that is keeping my throat tickly so its hard to grab those notes but it was still a wonderful thing.

Our kids were home for Christmas. That was the best part. Having them home for the holiday. Hanging out in the kitchen. Talking. Eating. Drinking hot chocolate. Remembering other years. Other people. Laughing. Talking. Eating.

It was just great to be together. There is nothing like it this side of heaven.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

Today FIOS is being installed in the house for TV and internet. I've been told the installer will be here for most of the day. He seems to love the attic. I'm also hoping to hit a few stores to pick up some christmas paper wrap for next year.

Welcome to our World

I hope I never take for granted the birth of Jesus.

The knowledge that God put on a flesh suit as the man of Jesus is incredible. That in that manger, Mary delivered a perfect baby who would deliver the world of their sin. That Mary held God in her arms, nursed him. That he was born with tiny hands who would be pierced upon a cross. That he was born with a head prepared for a crown of thorns. That he was born with blood that would be the perfect lamb sacrifice for our sins once and for all.

That he was born to die purposefully. Not as an oops or a mistake or a plan B.

Our loving God prepared the perfect sacrifice in the man of Jesus.

Blows me away even now. And I hope I never grow tired of the amazing knowledge of His love.

Glory to God in the Highest. For unto us is born a Savior who is Christ the King.

Sneaky Stuff

In the midst of the busy-ness of the season, Dora remains on patrol. She never gives up her role as head of homeland security.

When any of her family is in the driveway, Dora must watch from the fence, making sure we are safe. Its double duty if its includes my daughter who was visiting on Saturday and taking photos for a special gift for a special man. Dora peeked and daughter snapped this photo.

I think I'm okay in writing this blog about the photo session on the driveway. No longer a secret, the gift should be in the hands of the owner by now.

If not, oops! I'm sorry. [grin]

The Nativity

We saw The Nativity movie this weekend. Another great way to spend an evening and help focus on the reason for the season.

I love Christmas with all the decorations and flavors, smells and goodies, packages and bows. I do not like the shopping and the crowds with accompanying traffic. And with all the things I love and hate about this time of year, its easy to be distracted.

Distracted by the packages and twinkling lights. Distracted by the frustation of the malls.

The movie of the story of Mary and Joseph and their journey to Bethleham was very good.

I appreciated the fear and faith of Mary who obeyed and submitted to the will of God. The shunning she endured as no one believed her account.

I appreciated the anguish Joseph faced and the faith he needed to obey the angel and take Mary as his wife anyway.

I appreciated the length of the journey of 90 miles without a car in terrain that was rugged and not easy.

I missed the brilliance of the light and the glory of a multitude of heavenly host praising God and singing Glory to God in the Highest. I missed the accurate timing of the magi's arrival and the accuracy of why they did not return to tell Herod of Christ's birth.

But the best part, was the birth of Jesus. The King of Kings laying in a animal food trough. And being held in Mary's arms...God himself. Emmanuel. God with us. The long-awaited Savior, redeemer of our souls, perfect sacrifice for our sin.

Clean UP

This fall's trees were a wonderfully unusual display of colors. Bright reds and yellows. But when it came time for the leaves to fall off, they still behaved like normal.

Seems they hang on until the last minute and then they all fall off. Brown and curled up. No longer looking pretty.

With a yard full of trees this means my lawn was buried in leaves.

But yesterday evening just as the sun was setting, the yard heroes arrived in their orange truck. Frenchy's crew to the rescue.

They spent the remaining daylight in the backyard, irritating the dogs with their leaf blowers and lawn mowers. This was about the same time as the arrival as the heating guy to replace a thermostat.

It was doggy bedlam as Dora went into her mode as "Head of Homeland Security" and Thelma displayed her circus act jumping from chair to chair.

This morning I'm anticipating the orange trucks arriving again to finish the front yard leaf cleanup. Frenchy's crew does an awesome job. The yard will look like a park when they are finished as they remove the last of autumn just in time for winter to arrive.

The dragging off of the leaves reminds me of the day to day, season to season things I need to do as a follower of Christ. Important self-checks. Stuff to drag to the curb. Trash to take out.

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4: 22-32

Random Questions from a busy weekend

Where do lost nuts and bolts go?

Why do thermostats go quirky in the middle of the night?

Why do city planners decide to tear up streets in front of the mall during December?

Why don't washing machines come with an easier system for attaching water hoses during a move?

Where do lost ceiling hooks go?

How often will our grown children move?

Why do the tastiest snacks have the highest fat gram count?

When will I get too old for Disneyworld?

Why do dogs sleep so much?

What happened to the Cowboys and who were those clowns wearing their uniforms?

Why exactly did the Cowboys pay so much for T.O.?

Why does ice cream taste better in the winter?

Greatness and Love

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 35-39

Father, my friend is ill and needs your healing hand upon her. Surround her with your comfort and strength and remind her of your greatness and love. There is none like You. In Jesus name which is above every name, Amen.

Inheritance

Lately I've been thinking about this notion of being a co-heir. It got my motor going during Thursday bible study as we were studying Romans and Ephesians. A sermon a week or so ago ignited it again as Mike taught on God as the Father.

The idea of being co-heir with Jesus excites me. Adopted daughter of the King of Kings. Not a step daughter. Not a half daughter. Not a foster daughter. Not a hired hand.

This inheritance is not something that I share with Jesus as a portion.

This inheritance is not something that I share with other believers as a portion.

About 12 years ago, I was contacted by an attorney I did not know informing me that my brother, sister and I had inherited our grandmother's portion of a piece of property. The distant relatives (I didn't know even existed!) had been trying to find us because they were selling the property.

Overnighted paperwork arrived for signatures. My sister and brother and I called each other on the phone, dreaming about how we might spend our windfall. We giggled. We fantasized. We had grand ideas of how we would spend our fortune.

A few days later another overnight envelope brought the closing papers and a check with my name on it.

$111.76 (or something like that. Now a distant memory but barely over 100 dollars and some change).

A big let down! I had such dreams!

Looking at the paperwork, it became obvious that this property was left to distant relatives who's children inherited. Many of them already gone, their children and children's children and in some cases (like ours!) their children's children's children inherited their portion.

I always think of this when I imagine sharing my inheritance with others. While it is how it works in our human economy, God's economy is very different!

We don't share by the portion, we share in the whole. All of it belongs to the believer.

We get ALL of the blessings of God.
ALL of the forgiveness.
All of the Holy Spirit.
All of His Grace.
All the redemption through His blood.
All of His holiness.
All of His Love.
All.

Not a portion.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1: 3-14

Enough

Once a year its lovely. But enough already. Time to put it away.

I woke up this morning to 21 degrees and the snow is still on the ground.

The dogs ran outside for the morning ritual only to run back inside and under a blanket. They are still there.

To make matters worse (to me!) the local news is all about the weather. An "Arctic Blast" logo shows on the corner of the TV screen with scrolling notes below it, with school, church, business closings. Yesterday the "news" pre-empted national tv shows.

How many times do I need to see the sand trucks loaded up? How many times to I need to see the jack-knived semi-truck stranged on I-35?

Its no longer snowing. The sun is out. The sky is gorgeous blue. But the snow and ice remain...for the moment. With the sun out I suspect that by noon we will be back to normal. Hopefully the TV stations will find something else more news worthy soon.

In the meantime, I snuck outside with my camera to take a photo of a bit of my garden. The flowers were surprised in the middle of the last blooming cycle.

Cold Weather Soup

Yesterday the temperature was in the 80's and my air conditioning kicked on automatically forcing me from my chair to turn it off. We sweated until the cold front blew an hour later.

Today, there is snow on the ground and the temperature is 27 degrees.

This adds up to equal Chicken Tortilla Soup. My favorite!

I got home from bible study and boiled the chicken, cutting up the veggies and getting the cilantro chopped up.

Its been cooking on the store, on low, all afternoon. In about 45 minutes I'll add some torn up corn tortillas to the soup and within another five minutes I'll have it dished up with Mexican cheese and jalapenos sprinkled on top.

The house smells yummy and we are warm. This is the perfect way to spend a cold snowy day.

A Sweet Fragrance

Today started out warm and balmy. At one point the A/C kicked on with temperatures in the 80's and I had to go shut it off, reminding myself that December was almost here.

By nightfall the temperature dropped fifteen degrees within ten minutes time and as I write this blog, the temps continue to drop and the rain has started. Its 39 degrees right now.

The weather guy has predicted an arctic blast is headed our way and we are on alert. School may be cancelled. Sleet is forecasted. Unusual for Texas especially since the A/C had run today.

The cold weather put me in the candle mood. I managed to find a candle I had put away last year unused and it was the perfect choice. I think I've found a new favorite scent.

Peppermint!

Its minty and sweet smelling and makes me want to unwrap the candy canes hanging on my Christmas tree but I will hold myself back, enjoying the fragrance instead. But maybe when I'm at the store next time I'll look for low calorie peppermint snacks. I'll also need to buy some more peppermint candles since its obvious that I'll be lighting these up regularly to enjoy.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Joy to the World!

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him." 2 Corinthians 2:14

That time of year

Its November 28th in Texas. There are still some leaves hanging on the trees although they are looking pretty desparate after a lovely color change this autumn. The sky was sunny today. The temps warm. In fact on some days I come close to thinking about turning on the A/C. Welcome to Texas.

But I know that the season is about to change. The one sure sign arrived today.

The doorbell rang. My favorite irrigation guy stood on my front porch. "Its time!" he announced. He had stopped by to shut off our system. I will put away all the sandals and sleeveless shirts. Winter is on its way.

The evening TV news is abuzz with the information that the county trucks are ready to sand the overpasses. The freeze warnings for pets and plants have started. The water bill is about to drop dramatically since the winter rain will take over watering our lawn.

Best of all: The Christmas tree is up! The stockings are hung by the fireplace with care. The coffee table has a seasonal candle. And my favorite nativity that looks all quilty made by Jim Shore is set out on my couch table complete with the flying angel proclaiming His coming!

I'm all ready. And my sprinklers are turned off.

Soldier Dog

Yesterday afternoon we had a frightening thing happen.

My husband opened up the door to walk up our sidewalk to get our mail.

He left the door cracked open a bit as the dogs were sitting with me, here in my chair. Dora Mae next to me. Thelma Lou in the ottoman.

WIthin seconds Dora sat up and started a growl. Within another split second she and Thelma Lou tore through the door and I heard horrible noises in the yard.

My husband was yelling. Dogs were fighting. And I ran out into the yard to see a large dog with Dora Mae. My husband was yelling over the large dog, trying to get him off without being attacked at the same time.

It seems that while my husband was walking up our sidewalk, our neighbor had his dog off its leash and it charged my husband. In our yard. My dogs in defensive mode, ran to protect him but forgot they are each 15 pounds of short hound.

The maddening thing is that the neighbor stood by doing nothing to get his dog off mine.

As I started yelling too, flailing my arms and screaming along with my husband's screams, the other dog let go of Dora. I ran to the door to let her in while I went back for Thelma who was crouched behind a tree. She had followed Dora for moral support but managed stay safe. Husband picked her up carefully and carried her towards the house.

"Is your dog on a leash?" I asked the neighbor.

"Is yours?" he asked.

"Our dogs came out to protect their human who was charged by your dog on our property."

The neighbor merely laughed. He thought it was funny, I guess. I would have thought an attorney would have been more serious about the situation.

Heading into the house the dogs were shaking. The humans were shaking. I spent the rest of the evening with my soldier dog on my lap, checking her out, making sure she was okay, and loving on her.

Dogs are loyal critters and this long wiener dog is no exception. I adore my Dora Mae.

....but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

In many ways, she reminds me of my Savior: Jesus. So many qualities of His love are demonstrated in this simple critter of a dog. Sticks with me through thick and thin. Always there. Loving. Companion. Protector. Steadfast. Trustworthy. Gentle. Faithful.

Black Friday

I hate crowds but I have this figured out.

I didn't have to stand in line last night in a camping chair in front of Best Buy.

I didn't have to get up early to be at the doors when they opened at 5 a.m.

Instead of battling the crowds and heading to the malls, I opted to "do" Black Friday from my chair and laptop. I logged on.

I found great deals on a flat screen TV that we have been talking about and purchased one from BestBuy.com with free shipping.

Think about the stores you would check for the best deals from your car and in person and head to their online store and check for Black Friday specials. You'll be very surprised at the deals you can find online with delivery either free or very reasonable.

Rocking Sock Time

Its officially sock weather in north Texas.

This means that I don't need to panic over the condition of my toenails. It means that I can dig out my sweaters and locate my coat that is worn a few days between now and March. It means I should try to find my gloves as I might need them too. Not often, but nice and comfy when needed.

It means I sometimes will swap hot tea for my iced and might indeed use the fireplace this year.

Celebrations!

Weddings are such a sweet thing and I'm such a sap that I love the romance. This last Saturday we attended the wedding of our daughter's best friend. They have been friends since sixth grade when we moved into the area and they went to middle school together. Through high school they remained friends and even shared an apartment together after college.

It was a lovely wedding. My gorgeous daughter was a bridesmaid and sang. Her boyfriend tagged along graciously (as we all know guys love weddings like a long-tailed cat loves rocking chairs).

Reminds me of that grand day when our groom will return for us, His bride, to take us to the wedding feast.

"I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10

Jane Phillips

November 13, 2006

She would have been 79 today. She would have known the hundreds of first grade students who walked through her classroom were better people because of the things she taught them.

She would have enjoyed being at high school graduations and weddings, Christmas weekends with funny family gift exchanges with s'mores over the bonfire and fireworks.

She would have gotten to know her eight grandchildren obsessively.

She would have been proud watching her oldest grandson join the Air Force and been jealous of his tour in Germany. She would have been thrilled when he ended up at N.A.S.A. while pursuing his degree, plugged into a church he loves. She would have enjoyed hearing his plots and plans, ideas and goals and meeting his wonderful girlfriend.

She would have loved watching her oldest granddaughter look more and more like her own image year after year. She would have been entertained by her ability to wear clothes with a flare and would have been enchanted by her singing. She would have adored hearing stories of salty snacks and love with an awesome man who fancies ottersssss.

She would have loved HysterSisters. She would have been proud it was created to honor her life.

She would have still had her joy for life, her joy for family, her joy for Jesus.

And still, 24 years later, I still miss Momma.

"My lucky doll, you're in heaven before me
You were my taste of heaven here
Remember we loved to talk about it, we couldn't wait to get there
So you go on and find your way around now
But remember I'm here missing you
Do me a favor and say hey to Jesus
And tell him I'm missing him too
Tell him I'm missing him too." - Breakfast Table - Chris Rice

Thank you Veterans!

Army.
Navy.
Marines.
Air Force.
Coast Guard.
Air National Guard.

Thank you to all the men and women who have proudly served by putting on a uniform and pledging to defend and protect this great nation of the United States.

We owe our freedom to your sacrifice.

We owe our future to your dedication.

Thank you with fifty stars to applaud your bravery.

Stinks and Fragrances

Baking cookies.
Fresh Bread.
Melting chocolate.
Baking apples and cinnamon.
Turkey and Dressing.
Baby powder.
Roses.
Real Christmas trees.
Redken's Bodyful Shampoo
Vanilla candles.
Armani Code.

Fragrances have power. They can cause me to remember. They can cause me to simply stop and enjoy the moment. They can lift my mood (especially if chocolate is involved). They can send me a different direction if the odor is foul.

I'm reminded of the smell of death which is unmistakable. If you've ever had a dead mouse trapped in the walls of your house like I have, it is an odor that can not be missed or covered up. It is an odor that permeates its stench into your nostrils and there is no escape. Since the smell is so horrible, the only choice is to run the other way.

But what about the good fragrances? The odors we are attracted to, enjoy and want to be near?

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?" 2 Corinthians 2: 14-16

The world needs the sweet smell of Christ because the stench of the wages of sin is unbearable. Grab your perfume bottle. Put on Christ. Spread His fragrance.

No one likes stinky people.

No Flukes

If you click this photo of the House of Representatives Chamber you will see right above the U.S. flag these words: In God We Trust.

What do I think when an election turns out like it did last night? I have an easy answer. Its not easy to always swallow but its easy because its plain as daylight to me because I believe God is sovereign.

He establishes thrones and kingdoms and while I do not all ways understand, I trust Him. In God I trust.

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:15-17

And I can easily spend the rest of my life trusting Him because folks were not put into office because He fell asleep or went on vacation.

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1

I won't love watching the new Speaker of the House with her views. But I can trust God since He is in control.

Feeling Important

Lately I've been getting phone calls from important people. A politician who lives in the white house in Austin called me. Congressmen and Senators too.

I kinda feel important getting all this attention from such important people. I haven't had the heart to tell them I voted already and they wasted their dime.

Amazing to think that I could get all revved up for a canned, taped message from the governor who wouldn't know me from Adam (or Eve) if I walked up to his door and knocked. I couldn't get through the doors of the White House in Washington D.C. even though I have stood at the gates to peek.

Its a pseudo-importance with those guys.

But even better......I have access to someone bigger. More powerful. And not only do I have access, he knows me. He knows how many hairs are on my head and knows my thoughts before I think them. He knows me inside out and bids me to sit with him and spend my time. The reality of importance. Real value.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16

Thankful and back on track!

Too many desserts and carbs this weekend means I'm back on track with eating better and extra steps with walking on Monday!

I was able to enjoy extended family this weekend. Cousins, aunts and uncles, second cousins twice removed (what does that really mean?) brother, sister in law, nieces, nephews, sister, brother in law and the joy of the announcement that my dad will be a great grandfather. He is thrilled and overjoyed. I am excited to be a great aunt. My sister will be an awesome grandmother. I know this because she is an awesome sister and the best mom to her girls.

Before our meal we did what we do for all our meals only this time the circle of hands was much larger. We bowed and thanked God for the blessings of family and the abundance of love we have from our Savior.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4

Insert Foot

I'm the daughter of a career Air Force officer. I'm the mother of an Air Force vet. I'm the daughter in law of a career Army Chief Master Sgt.

I could go on with my list, adding people in my life from family and friends who have spent their career or part of their career serving our nation in the military.

I'm also from a family with college educations, many with graduate degrees, including those military men in my life.

Intelligent men who chose to serve our nation in addition to the gaining of their educational degrees.

And so you can imagine the horror and disgust I have once again for John Kerry and his comments about the men serving in Iraq and his immediate refusal to apologize.

Insert his foot into his mouth and insert the end of his chance to run for president in 2008. His party would do well to distance themselves from this man.

And so, I took the time to head to the polls and I voted early. I was extra motivated.

It reminded me again that this is a cultural war that we fight in our nation and a spiritual war we must fight on our knees. And in the ballot boxes.

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2: 20-21

Yuck. Its not for me

I do not like Halloween. To me its not a holiday that provides a healthy, encouraging entertainment nor an inspiring heart for living tomorrow.

Its full of witches and goblins, monsters and blood. Ghosts and vampires. The underworld of witchcraft and paganism.

It adds humor and silliness to a demonic, wicked spiritual world to neutralize its emphasis on evil and death.

I find it incongruent to my life as a christian, a follower of Christ.

But yes, we open the door to little ones with masks and costumes and pass out candy and "trick or treats" which share the gospel of Jesus along with a few puzzles for fun.

Its the attempt to light a candle in a dark and windy world on Halloween.

For a number of years I would dress up like an elf, put christmas lights on my door, have christmas music playing in the doorway and I would hand out Candy Canes. "Merry Christmas!" I would say to those sweet little faces when they held out their hollow plastic pumpkins full of candy. It confused them, I'm sure. But it was my way of providing entertainment and treats with a reminder of a different holiday that makes total sense and embraces life and the worship of the Giver of Life instead of the entertainment of death and fear.

Emmanuel. God with us. Jesus.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Food Food Food

Although I've lost only about 13 pounds, I'm frequently asked by friends about my weight loss method.

I explain that I've been walking and working out.

And then they ask about diets and food consumption.

Numbers don't make sense to me when it comes to food. Oh, I know that food is assessed based on calories, fat grams, sodium, etc. But while I know I should eat 1200-1500 calories a day, keeping track is a hassle.

Weight watchers points is another good system but again, more numbers to track. A hassle for my brain.

I like to do what I call portion control. For me its anti-gluttonist. Self-control.

I like eating 5 times a day. And I like eating smaller portions.

I saw a plate portion picture once that made sense to me. It was a visual for eating portions that connected with my visual brain instead of the numbers of calories. It was called 3 Hour Diet. A smaller plate was used instead of a dinner plate. On the plate was a rubrik's cube, a deck of cards, 3 DVD cases and a water cap.

Deck of cards= protein. Usually for me, a meat portion. A chicken breast. A lean hamburger patty. A steak.
DVD cases = veggies or fruit. Salad. Broccolli. Green beans.
Rubrik's cube = carbs. Pasta. Bread. A hamburger bun. Rice.
A water cap = fat. Salad dressing. Butter.

A plate of food. Three hours later a snack which for me is usually a fruit portion or a handful of almonds. Another plate and another snack. According to this article 3 plates and 3 snacks a day would fill you up for the day of calories without overdoing it.

Of course the hard part is eating out. Last night we met friends for dinner at a Mexican food restaurant. I ate too many chips and thought of my pudge dogs at home. (Read previous blog post). When I'm on the run and away from my house my favorite choice is Arby's. I choose a combo #1 which is a Roast beef sandwich (no sauces) with fruit cup instead of fries and a diet coke.

Nopers, I'm not a nutritionist. But for me, it works because I can wrap my brain around this kind of sensible eating. I can also indulge in my favorite foods in smaller portions and tastes without guilt. I can save my "calories" for an ice cream treat on occassion. Diet coke with lite vanilla ice cream (100 calories in a half cup) makes for a coke float that is an awesome treat for my taste buds.

That's it. Nothing secretive about it. Just my own system that works for me in a long run, lifestyle of eating. Less food.

"When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony." Proverbs 23:1-2

I'm not so sure putting a knife to your neck is needed. Just get up and walk away.

Random Thoughts

Random thoughts today.
About Time: Every year I grumble twice because of the time change. I figure whatever it was that drove us to alter the clocks, messing up our sleeping schedule must be antique by now. I simply do not like it.

But I do understand it in part. My body is sleeping later and later in the morning as the sun is taking long and longer to get up and shine.

But on the other end of the day, the night is arriving much too early. And with the "fall back" it will be darker even earlier. This, I don't like.

But if I had to pick one time adjustment over the other, I'd pick "fall back".

Its easier to get more sleep. I just hate having to give it back in the spring.

About Deceit: Yesterday I got home about 10 minutes beyond the dog's normal eating time. I arrived to find my husband had beat me home but wasn't in the living room or kitchen when I walked in the door.

Both dogs jumped and barked with their hunger dance. I recognize this dance since they begin it about 15 minutes before their scheduled meal time and keep bugging me until I relent and head to the kitchen.

I asked them if they were hungry. Bark bark. Jump jump. Generally, if they aren't hungry, there is no excitement.

So I fed them.

They gobbled up their food like they were starving prisoners.

Husband walks in the door chuckling. "They fooled ya. I fed them minutes ago."

If you come for a visit, please don't say anything about my pudgy dogs. It will remind me that I was duped by a couple of wieners.

About Friends: I love my friends. I love scheduling time to spend with them. Tonight my husband and I are going to abandon the pudgy dogs for dinner with friends. Mexican food. Yum!

Spending time with people I enjoy is the highlight of my week. Its encouraging. Its healthy. Its inspiring. Its as it should be.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:15-17

Autumn is in the Air

I first noticed it in the mornings. Normally I wake up without an alarm clock because the sun is shining in my room and the birds are singing.

But now, if I wait for the sun to wake me up, the morning is about gone! Its staying darker and darker in the morning which is an important clue that the season is changing in Texas.

The garden is doing an encore. The azaleas are blooming one more time and the mums are blooming brillant yellows.

The leaves are sorta changing. A few choice trees have leaves that are turning yellow, some a reddish color. This photo was sent to me by my friend in Rhode Island who pulled off to the side of the road to take this picture to send to me. I can only imagine the gorgeous site of the northeast in the autumn! Here in Texas we will wake up one day in November and find all the leaves on the ground. This is another sign that autumn has arrived.

I actually put on a long sleeved shirt today even though the temps got into the 80's.

Thanksgiving is around the corner and I'm thinking of sweet tater casserole, turkey and dressing, pecan pies, mashed taters and homemade rolls.

I love the change of seasons. While we don't have a huge swing of seasons in Texas, I love the changes in temperatures, apples and pumpkins and the promise of spring flowers when God renews the earth.

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:20-21

Busy Running

This was a busy day.

Early this morning I had a physical therapy session. I have turned a corner in my pain and can tell I'm making progress. Hooray! My back is less achey. My bottom isn't hurting. This is progress.

Later this morning I packaged up my two dogs, Dora Mae the dachshund and Thelma Lou the wannabe, for their annual checkup and vaccinations. They received a pedicure and manicure, various shots, blood check for heartworm, new Rx for heartworm meds, ears checked, and a handful of treats for being "good girls". Their vet is aptly named: Dr. Barker. (Don't you love that? Its like having a dentist called Dr. Molar or a dermatologist named Dr. Fleishli (pronounced: Fleshly. I collect professionals in my life with appropriate names.)

After a quick lunch I took my car over to the dealership for its oil change. I thought it was for a regularly scheduled oil change but discovered it was a major checkup at 30,000. They provided me a complimentary car and told me to return tomorrow to pick it up. Of cour$e they provided a loaner car. It wa$ in their be$t intere$t for thi$ $cheduled maintenance. A 10% off di$count coupon will be a help to me.

Back home again, the dogs had their afternoon meal and I sat down to check email and catch up with projects.

Tomorrow is another busy one with a workout for the morning, picking up the car, back to a meeting at 11:00 and a lunch date with a friend. I'm glad I can work at odd hours to catch up. I am so blessed to have the type of job that is flexible with a laptop propped next to me while my feet are propped on the ottoman and a wienerdog laying next to me.

God is good. His love endures forever. Even when I am busy.

Fools or Wise Guys?

I've been reading through the book of Proverbs (One chapter a day to match today's date. Works out perfectly as most months have 31 days and there are 31 chapters of Proverbs).

I love the contrast of the fool with the wise person.

I love the practical, no-holds-barred advice: Do this. Don't do that.

Its made me all the more heart-broken when I read the choices of the fool. The fool believes their choices affect no one but themselves.

The choice is obvious: Be wise. Do not be a fool.

"Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces."

"The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track; the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch."

"Moral dropouts won't listen to their elders; welcoming correction is a mark of good sense."

"The road to right living bypasses evil; watch your step and save your life."

Owie!

So while I was celebrating the big milestone (see previous blog) and celebrating the weight loss and enjoying overall better health from decisions earlier in the year to walk and workout regularly (see previous, previous blog), I had a slow sinking realization.

My flesh suit was aching in my lower back and bottom.

Yes, my body is injured. Concurred by my doctor. Concurred by a physical therapist who put my poor little body through a wringer. Well, not actually. But after two sessions with physical therapy on my back and bottom, I'm in more pain. More sessions to go.

I thought physical therapy would help me feel better. I guess its a long term fix while the short term hurts.

Apparently I have a sports injury caused by those squats (and other assorted exercises involving the use of my bottom and back muscles). It hurts to sit. It hurts to reach over or down.

Standing is okay. Ha. Its hard to stand all day when your job requires a desk.

Okie, no more whining. Please pray for my back and bottom. (An odd prayer request, indeed.)

I will praise God's name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

A BIG, HUGE Milestone!

I am celebrating today!

Its not a big, huge thing to many people. But to me, it is the celebration of over eight years of consistent care, love and support. Its the celebration of over 100,000 members registering at HysterSisters Hysterectomy Support Website.

It happened because our members are awesome. They understand the "women to women" support theme HysterSisters offers as they reply to support and encourage each member. They understand if they need help and support, they can receive as well.

It happened because we have an awesome staff of moderators who lovingly log-in to read, reply and organize our website to keep things on track with a tone of kindness. They understand the long-term committment of pouring love into the lives of complete strangers.

It happened because my God is a big God. Every step along the way has been with His hand in mine guiding me because I am not the ultimate planner. I just tried to follow Him and keep the members and their needs as the most important measure of daily success.

And so, from member 1 to member 100,000....its time to celebrate! Woohoo!

God's closet

Daily I make choices from my closet. I stand in front of my shirts and slacks, shoes and sweaters, dresses and skirts and make decisions on what to put on.

In Texas, the weather changes from day to day so checking the weather first helps me plan between a sleeveless shirt and a sweater. My plans for the day determine if I wear my new jeans and a t-shirt or slacks and a jacket. The choices are endless as I stand in front of the hanging items.

Decisions, decisions! What do I wear?

Seems that these same kind of choices are mine to make in God's closet for my personal attitudes.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Col 3:12-14

Because I belong to Him, my closet is fully stocked with all the resources I need for my day ahead. My task? To put them on.

Mike, your toolbox inspired me. Of course I'd rather have the closet than a toolbox....

Shoes and Socks

I purchased a pair of jeans and then went in search of an updated pair of shoes to wear with my jeans. My "jean shoes" were about 8 years old and in need or replacement.

I ended up buying two pairs. Actually the same pair in brown and black. Seems silly but the price was good and the fit was great and they are the perfect "hip" shoes for jeans.

That lead to the realization that my brown and black socks were older than my new shoes and in terrible shape. Literally.

I purchased a pile of black and brown trouser socks and headed home for a toss out, spending the afternoon cleaning out the sock drawer.

After I filled up a trash sack with holey socks (Set apart for a new reason. They are not wearable!) and then I headed to the closet to weed through my shoes.

I'm not a shoe gal. I buy a pair of shoes maybe once or twice a year. I still have a pair of brown boots I bought in the 80's that I love and only 3 years ago purchased a pair of black. But I had to admit, some of the shoes in my closet had been there long enough to grow roots and turn "non-hip" in the process. Old, fumpy shoes that did not convey "hip" any longer.

I added those to my pile of old socks.

The shoe section of my closet looks awesome. The sock drawer is ready.

Now we need a bit cooler weather to pull out the socks for a test drive.

Blue Jean Crisis

I'm a blue jean gal in a world full of pantyhose.

Yes, I have the nice black slacks for those dress up events. I have some in chocolate brown for my blazers. Assorted slacks and capris in various colors hang in my closet.

But give me my jeans and I'm happy.

The crisis?

I've been cinching up my jeans with belts as I've spent the last six months walking and working out. Losing some weight, a pound here and there. Nothing extraordinary. Just a steady progress of weight loss and toning body that causes my clothes to no longer fit the same.

Its an odd thing really. The weight loss appears on my scale but my clothes do not seem to fit much different. And then one morning I wake up and the pants seem huge. I add a belt and run on my way. Eventually I have to buy a new size.

Now I'm down two full sizes since I started my "get-back-in-shape-so-I-don't-ache-when-I-stand-up-from-my-chair" program.

Its not even 15 pounds so don't get too excited. I wasn't a big gal to start with (just an achey one!). I feel so much better. Most of the aches are gone and my body moves much more nimbly once again. I'm stronger which will help me fight in the middle-age-50-year-old-war.

I just need new jeans again.

Tomorrow - Some ice cream

I've been wanting some chocolate ice cream. If not ice cream then at the very least a chocolate frozen yogurt mix from Braums.

It will be my reward for a week of eating well, not over-indulging and maintaining my goal of fitness, health and weight management

But geeeeeeee it is hard!

Its especially hard when the caffeine in that chocolate would make me feel energized.

Its especially hard when I just want what I want.

I know that chocolate ice cream is not good for me. I know it is full of calories and ingredients that fight against my health.

Don't tell my trainer. Its our little secret. Tomorrow is weigh-in. Tomorrow night is ice cream!

Slurp!

Indescribable

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Artist: Chris Tomlin

Lazy Days and Day Dreams

I'm needing a vacation. The summer came and went again without a break in my work schedule. Its been a few years since I put my laptop aside, didn't answer emails and just relaxed. Of course, I won't get a vacation but its nice to dream about.

I've even gone to vacation websites to add to my illusion. Disneyworld, New York, Hawaii. It wouldn't matter.

Just put me on a plane and send me to someplace where I can put my feet up, read a pile of books and have some down time from the brain energy I must put out regularly.

Until then, I'll browse the websites...and day dream.

Where in the World?

Citizenship. Its in the news daily. Illegal aliens. Immigrants. People who want to change their citizenship from one country to the U.S.

If you've ever visited another country you learn really quickly the differences from your home and this other country.

If you've visited that country long enough, the new culture tends to penetrate our brains. We adopt to the ways of the country. We acquire a taste for the food and learn to understand and speak the language. Comfort over time allows us to fit in. We adapt.

Today at church I was reminded of my citizenship.

I was born in the U.S., Texas to be exact. I've lived in Europe and in various places in the U.S. My passport says I am a citizen of the U.S. (And yes, Texas to be exact!) But I'm really a citizen of heaven. God's Kingdom. I'm an alien here.

And so my life should reflect my real citizenship.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:9-11

Good, Better or BEST

Yesterday in bible study I had one of those moments. I had prepared the lesson I was leading and had all the answers.*grin*. I had read and re-read Genesis 3. We were studying hard stuff: the origin of our sin nature, the icky truth that all sin is ugly, that all sin is equal as there is not one sin that is worst than others to God (although we tend to rate them from white lies (1) to murder (10).)

Heavy stuff to illuminate as we begin to understand the joyous good news of Jesus because unless we understand our need, we can not understand God's payment in the death and life of Jesus.

And in the middle of this study about Adam and Eve came extra encouragement that caused me to pause. (Thanks Brenda!)

We were looking at Adam and Eve, having eaten from the tree of good and evil which they had been instructed by God not to eat. They had been given freedom to enjoy everything in their garden with this one exception. The serpent entered, deceived Eve who gave the fruit to Adam who ate. Immediately they realized they were naked and ashamed. Immediately Eve got out the sewing machine, grabbed some fig leaves and made an outfit to cover themselves. (First evidence that crafts and fashion design are in the bible!) When they heard God, they hid. God, then, cursed the serpent and gave an oracle to Adam and Eve about their struggle on earth and an explanation of their death both spiritual and physical.

And with this verse came extra wonderful Aha's!

"The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." (Gen 3:21)

1. Yes! This is the first sacrifice which was made by God to cover the sin of Adam and Eve. (A temporary fix as Jesus would be the permanent fix, the perfect, sinless sacrifice to not only cover the sin of mankind but to cleanse it)

2. Yes! Eve had already made some clothes for their closet and they did the job. But, those fig leaves would dry up, fall apart, need to be replaced and would not be adequate when the two were driven out of the garden. I can't imagine having fig leaves for underwear or to keep my body protected. But given there was no Wal-mart or a mall nearby, the fig leaves were good.

But GOD made garments out of skin for Adam and Eve. How much better is that than itchy fig leaves?

I declare it not only better...but BEST!

It made us all take a few moments to think through all the ways we do things for ourselves that we think are good and adequate. And then times when God has stepped up, in His mercy and grace, to provide something better that turned out to be the BEST for our lives.

God's character from the beginning was one of mercy and grace. Making a way for us through His Best!

Faithfulness of God

God's faithfulness endures.

Over and over.

Never tiring.

Never fudging.

Never partial.

Never vaguely.

Never half-hearted.

Never veiled in half-truths.

Never lacking.

Never on vacation.

Never dependent on me.

Richard Strauss said it like this: "When God’s promises are unconditional, neither our faithlessness nor our unbelief will affect His faithfulness. They will rob us of our peace, our joy, and our testimony, but He will just keep right on doing what He promised to do, keep right on being faithful to His Word. What a wonderfully faithful God! Believe Him. Experience the peace, the joy, and the power which faith in His Word will bring. Then you too will exclaim enthusiastically, “Great is Thy faithfulness!”."

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.....

and unto the body in which I belong.

Rebuilding

Last night's movie had a lesson about teamwork and individual responsibility as it pertained to a football team. The team's coach used Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall as his example.

I had to go to Nehemiah today to re-read. I knew it had something for me to hear.

The walls of Jerusalem were in ruins. Those walls needed to be rebuilt and rebuilt quickly. The impossible task overwhelmed Jerusalem but Nehemiah planned with God's help. First Nehemiah surveyed the ruins carefully. Then, God gave wisdom to Nehemiah to assign everyone the wall nearest their own homes, connecting the work with 10 gates. In a record 52 days, the walls were rebuilt, surrounding Jerusalem, protecting the city from the enemy. And in dedication, the word of God was read and the people worshipped the living God.

The enemy intended destruction. Our Lord lifts his people out of the ruins, renewed with His Word, the Truth, proclaimed for all to hear.

I'm re-building the wall nearest my home. How about you?

Facing the Giants

We enjoyed an awesome movie tonight called Facing the Giants.

While the story is about a private christian school's football coach and his team, the real story is about fear. Facing it. Learning that when we have our eyes on our giants, we will stumble.

But when we have our eyes on God, the giants stumble.

No matter the circumstances. Do what's right. Do our best. Honor God.

Then no matter the outcome, God gets the glory.

"But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth" - Casting Crowns

Go to this movie.

This weekend.

Go.

You will be encouraged.

Feed the Right Dog

Fact: If two dogs are in a fight, the bigger one will win. The one that has been fed more abundantly has the advantage. The one that is starved won't have a chance.

I've spent the past five days on an emotional rollercoaster. Emotions of anger. Sadness. Pain. Going up and down, from moment to moment, grieving.

I know there is still grief work to do. I know there will be more days of sadness and anger and pain but a wise man once taught me that our emotions are responders.

I intend to feed the right dog. I intend to engage my brain cells to think rightly.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally brethren...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Phil 4:6-8

Be Alert! Be Prepared!

Some things for our "to do list" with a great reward!

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." I Peter 5: 8-11

Clay Jars and Cracked Pots

This new friend nudged my brain into a memory about clay.

Clay?

Yes. I love the stuff. Brown, moist dirt from the ground.

If you haven't had the opportunity to work with clay, put it on your "to do list".

Clay is an amazing substance. You can work with it. Make something of it. Let it dry out. If you don't like what you made, you can resoak it in water to rehydrate it and start again. It is completely alterable in the clay stage. In fact, if you make a vessel of clay and let it dry and then attempt to keep water in it, you will be disappointed. The water will turn your dried out vessel into mushy clay.

But, once the clay has been allowed to dry, heating the clay to temperatures over 1800 degrees, changes its properties from clay to stoneware.

Simply put: The fire changes the dirt to a useful object which can withstand the elements of water, wind and even more fire.

2 Corinthians 4: 7-10 says: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

I still can not fathom why God would choose to use humans, made of dirt/clay, to carry His treasure. I think of the value of the message of Jesus. The importance. The grandeur. The prize of glory. Shouldn't this message be in the best media campaign?

Instead, he gave this super-duper, amazing, extraordinary task to the most ordinary vessels. We leak. We turn mushy and lose our form. We are cracked pots.

In spite of my cracks, my inabilities, the treasured message will be revealed. The All-surpassing power of God. Not from us.

In the fire? God has his plan for His clay jars.

Under His Wings

Sometimes disappointment and pain overtake my heart.

Sometimes there is no comfort.

When that happens, the best place I know....is under His wings.

Psalm 91

1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Rut or Tradition?

Its confession time. Every friday night my husband and I get in the car to go out to dinner. We do not get in the car and ask "Where do you want to go?" No need for that.

We head to Chipotle.

I discovered quite a while ago that I love the Burrito bowl with rice and chicken. We buy our meals with chips and medium salsa along with two drinks. With the temperatures heading downward, we usually head to the patio for our meal outside.

I especially love eating outside!

Recently my husband wondered out loud if I was in a rut.

Is it a rut? Am I in a rut?

It's something I look forward to each week. It's something that is comforting and satisfying. It's something that underlines the fact that I'm a creature of habit.

Burrito bowl anyone?

I'd rather call it a friday tradition.

What's all the stir?

In the past 24 hours my blog has been under assault. I've set my comments section to "moderate" to help combat the filthy profanity I have received on my blog comments about a certain talk-show host. I deleted those posts, allowed those that contained no profanity and once I woke up this morning, changed the settings to "moderate" and have retained a pile of them (both appropriate and non-appropriate) in moderation.

Odd, I think, that a group of people from a liberal-leaning website would publish a link to my blog and then discuss me and my beliefs. I'm not Rush nor Jerry nor O'Reilly. I'm a 50 year old woman who has been married for 30 years with 2 grown children. What's all the stir? Am I a threat to their way of thinking?

Some basic thoughts in reply to some of those comments:

No, Christians do not believe they are above sinning. I know I'm a sinner. I know that no amount of being "good" will provide forgiveness or provide eternal life. How can you measure good? But because God loves us, wants us to be with him forever, He himself made the way so that our sins are paid.

Like a judge who pronounces us guilty, he takes off his robe, comes around from behind the judge's bench to pay my fine. He paid for it with the death and resurrection of Jesus.

We are all in need of forgiveness. God provided it. Will you accept it?

You can't buy it, work for it, trade for it, bid on it.

Its freely given.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Signs

The signs are everywhere.

Yes, I know its only September 20th. Yes, I know we haven't had Halloween or Thanksgiving. I know the football season just got started.

And yet filling the store aisles comes the tinsel and ornaments.

I love Christmas. I love the trees and lights. I love the stockings and candles. I love the season celebrating the birth of our Savior.

I look forward to this time of our year.

And yet I dread parts of it.

I love to find gifts for my family and friends, sharing the reminder of their importance in my life. But when did the gift-buying become a sport? When did Christmas become a three month commercial on TV with the newest in electronic gadgets? When did it become a season of acquiring (one for you, two for me!)?

I'm praying for a better focus this year!

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting

Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence

Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy

Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world
-Chris Rice

All Clear!

I had prepared myself for the news from the derm doc office, expecting to have MOHS surgery scheduled along with a plastic surgeon. Instead of the news I was expecting, I received a great surprise!

All clear!

This was enough for the thoughts of a happy dance. Inside I was very very excited and pleased. But my body didn't respond the same way.

I simply haven't been feeling well.

Despite my malaise and slight nausea, I did manage to get my walk into my late afternoon. With my new Sony headphones delivering Chris Rice at a perfect decibel, I trudged on...in praise.

"The moon is high and the sunset fades
The lullabies have all been sung
We’re tuckin’ in another day
And stars appear now one by one
But the stillness moves and the silence yields
And not a single beat is lost
You can hear the chorus in the fields
Taking up where we left off

And Your praise goes on, rising to Your throne
Where You guard us while we dream
Past the stars they fly, Your praises fill the sky
‘Til You wake us with the dawn
And Your praise goes on

Now bring your warmth, O morning sun
Chase the stars and the moon away
And wake us with your brightest song
And add our voice to your refrain
Now rise up everything that lives!
Flap your wings and leap for joy!
Oh forest lift your arms and sway!
Clap your hands you ocean waves!

And Your praise goes on, rising to Your throne
Where You bless our toil and play
Through the clouds they rise, Your praises fill the skies
‘Til the setting of the sun
And Your praise goes on

And when my final breath You lend
I’ll thank You for the life You gave
But that won’t mean the praises end
‘Cause I won’t be silenced by the grave!

And Your praise goes on
I’ll be runnin’ to Your throne
With every nation, tribe and tongue
To Your arms I’ll fly
I’ll gaze into Your eyes
Then I’ll know as I am known
And Your praise goes on
And Your praise goes on
And Your praise goes on" - Chris Rice

Dangerous

Rosie thinks I'm dangerous. Yes, she proclaimed, while sitting in her new moderator chair on ABC's "The View": "Radical Christians are as dangerous as radical islamists."

I'm not completely shocked by her comments. In the past few years I've heard Rosie's anti-christian sentiments weaving their way through her so-called-comedy schticks.

I do have a few questions for ABC's head honchos:

If Rosie had said: "Radical homosexuals are as dangerous as radical islamists" or "Radical African-Americans are as dangerous as radical islamists", would an apology have been offered by ABC and the co-host of The View fired? Probably.

There is quite a double standard in our news media. Its not okay to be a bigot unless your bigotry extends to christians. Then its quite okay.

On the other hand, I think Rosie is onto something.

Christians are dangerous to Rosie. Christians don't agree with her on many levels. And on the most basic of issues, we differ. Christians represent the very things that Rosie hates. And while she spews her hatred and bitterness against christians (and ABC allows it), I'm quite okay with my choice not to watch Rosie or The View.

But I'll continue to pray for her as she rages.

"Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.

By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.

They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone
are righteousness and strength.' "
All who have raged against him
will come to him and be put to shame." Isaiah 45:22-24