Fabulous Fifty

I've Moved

2007-01-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

Please update your bookmarks and change your links if you have linked to my blog. I've moved:

Fabulous Fifty

Blogger has been nudging me to update my blogger version but my browser is not usable with the new version. Its a catch-all problem. They need me to upgrade to the newest version so they can dump the old one. My newest browser isn't supported in the dashboard.

So, I'm jumping off blogger and using my own domain. :D

Join me!

And please update your bookmarks and your links to me.

http://www.fabulousfifty.com

Thanks!

Crash the Superbowl - Doritos

2007-01-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

The superbowl holds a bit of fun for everyone. If my team isn't playing in the game, my next best thing to watch are the commercials. Premium spots costing big bucks to the sponsors. Funny ideas, great notions.

Since my daughter works for the largest salty snack company in the world and because a superbowl commercial contest by the big salty snack company has been all the buzz around here, take a peek at this one. They started with hundreds of entries. They had online voting to narrow the field. Now there are five entries left in the finals. The one above is my favorite, not only in concept but in the "rest of their story". It cost all of $12.00 to produce (the cost of the bags of chips).

Just another few days to vote! Click here to see all the videos. The finalists are available on the main page.

Watch the superbowl to see who wins!

Trip Down Memory Lane

2007-01-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

Today I had a fun adventure. I was contacted by a familiar name from classmates.com. Now under normal circumstances a person would have an easy time remembering. But I'm not normal.

I attended three different high schools. With a dad in the Air Force, I attended the high school for "base" kids during my freshman year, the off base school during my sophomore year when dad was in Vietnam, and then we moved to Texas where I spent my last two years. I graduated and my parents moved again. Remind me of a name and I can remember faces and events but I have trouble figuring out which high school was the connector.

I pulled out my sophomore yearbook to browse the pages. I read through the autographs and photos, allowing them to provide clues to a dim memory of good stuff. I found this guy's autograph and his message to me. Apparently he thought I was a cute gal. [grin]

And while I vaguely remember this young man (well, he's no longer young as I'm no longer young), he has memories that I don't recall. People's names I don't remember. Even looking up their faces in the yearbook, my memory is still not jogged to recollection.

And although its a bit alarming as I wonder if it's a case of mistaken identity, I've enjoyed my trip down memory lane. The people I do recall. The faces. The activities. The friends who shaped me all contained within the weird yearbook littered with odd art that was considered atrocious even in the 70's.

What a decade: the 70's!

My Choices for Being Typical

2007-01-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

Recently I was accused of being a "typical conservative" because I drive a Honda Pilot SUV.

The accusation was suggesting that if I cared about the environment, I would not drive what this person called a "gas guzzler".

Since when is a person under attack because of their choice of transportation?

I am very amused by the notion.

Can you tell what kind of political/world views a person holds by the car they drive? The house they live in? The kind of dogs they have?

I don't think so.... which is why this amuses me so much.

My neighbor is an attorney who votes the exact opposite of me in all elections according to the signs in their yard around election time. They have a Honda Pilot SUV, too. My dad, who is a retired Air Force officer, votes in every election in support of our nation's military and defense (read: ultra conservative). He drives a Toyota Prius Hybrid.

Behind it all is an even much deeper, more profound thought. I guess the idea of choices for folks like this is only allowable when it is in regards to babies in the womb and doesn't apply to car choices.

When this person argued: "What would Jesus do?" I grinned.

The answer is simple.

The pharisees had added new rules to the laws of Israel. Twisting what is allowed and not allowed. One day, trying to trick Jesus, one pharisee asked Jesus:

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40

There it is.

Jesus would say: It matters not what a person drives. What is the most important thing? Love God. Love people.

And this is what I pray I can do and is my choice. Because I'm learning that if I do nothing else in this life except to do both of these things, my life will be an awesome journey.

Awesome Women

2007-01-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

I had lunch today with eight brilliant, lovely, women. We sat in a Chinese restaurant and ate from a yummy buffet and enjoyed each other's company. We laughed and swapped stories.

We heard about one trip to Las Vegas with lavish shows, awesome malls, and family love. We listened to the plans of an upcoming wedding from a groom's mom. We heard about a house on the market and an impending move. We heard about a child in need of a new start for a school.

We heard about the testing and treatments options for a terrible illness for one of our group. We listened to her praise our God for his goodness in her life, the peace He has provided in the midst of much medical uncertainty. And yet with God, there is no uncertainty. His truth is real. His peace is real. His love is real.

We plotted and planned future get-togethers and activities to share together.

I love these women. And I love the God who binds us together.

Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Summer Gal in Winter

2007-01-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

I'm a misplaced seasonal gal.

I love the end of spring, the entire summer and the beginning of autumn.

I love the warmth of the sun and the bright sunny skies that accompany the heat.

And when the cold winds blow through north Texas, I learn to cope.

I wear fuzzy slippers and socks around the house. I wear layers of shirts, sweaters with an tank under it all. I have been known to get dressed and then put my robe on top. I gravitate towards hot soup for meals. I move chairs to sit in sun puddles if they stream through a window. I keep my leather heated seats in my car on "high". I surround myself with warm, spring colors.

I must force myself out the door to walk in the cooler temps but when its 94 degrees at 9 pm at night, I don't mind so much.

And even now, in Texas where the temperatures have been mild, I'm longing for spring. Blooming flowers. Green leaves. Sunny skies. Warmth.

May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
All nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed.

Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds. Psalm 72:17-18

The Old is New!

2007-01-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

Today I traded in the rental Corolla (whew!) for my three year old leather heated seats on wheels.(yay!)

My car is sitting in the driveway, looking rather spiffy. She is all cleaned up with shiny wheels, brand new pin striping (a freebie, tossed in by the body shop since my original pin striping had shrunken in some minute places. Go figure!) and sans dings.

I can't even tell where the original dings were.

They did such an awesome job that there is no evidence of my past inability to park in my garage. The trick will be keeping my car in tip top shape to reflect the brand new beginning of my 3 year old car.

God is like the body shop technician.

He takes our lives. Removes the dings. Renews the tired stuff. And the shininess and reflection that results is that of the person who did the body work. And now our job is to show off the shiny, new stuff and point to the person who did the awesome work.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21

A few Dings

2007-01-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

I drive just fine.

I just can't park.

Today my car is headed to the body shop for a bit of TLC. Two dings, neither of which were anyone else's fault nor a product of a busy parking lot. I seem to have a problem parking in my garage.

Both dings are worthy of some attention. One was a very deep scratch which took the paint off down to the metal. Rust was beginning to set in. The other was a dent that couldn't be classified as little.

So for a few days, I'll be driving a much smaller car and trying to get used to sitting in a sedan instead of my SUV. And I'll be considering the eventual purchase of something I can park without incident.

Goodbye 2006 - Hello 2007

2006-12-31T15:21:00.001-08:00

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

2006-12-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-18T05:56:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-11T05:44:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

"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

2006-12-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-29T17:02:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-25T05:51:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

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.

CrAzY dAy

2006-11-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

My crazy Monday started on Saturday. I was eating and realized I had broken a tooth or a filling. There was a funky gap between two teeth that wasn't there before and it hurt to munch on that side.

I treated that side carefully the rest of the weekend and called my favorite dentist this morning. He got me right in.

My only requirement of him: Fix me quickly. I had my annual eye checkup in one hour and ten minutes.

He is a super dentist and handled the problem swiftly. I had broken a filling and the broken piece managed to get jammed between my tooth and my gum. He numbed me up. And numbed me again. Fixed the tooth and retrieved the broken piece. Warned me I would look bruised and swollen and that my gum was bleeding pretty badly from the injury.

Out the dentist's door I headed to the eye doctor just down the street and around the corner. Every year my eye appointment includes having dilation to check on my retinas who manage to do something funky on occasion. (I have CSR - Central Serous Retinopathy which flares up from time to time but has been nice and quiet lately. Yay for healthy retinas!)

I left the eye doc's office with sunglasses required for my dilated eyes and a crooked face from the dentist's handiwork.

Its after noon now and I was hungry. I couldn't chew yet because my face was still very numb. I drove through my favorite, Braums, and ordered a mint chocolate chip milk shake. It helped take the edge off my hunger but now I was freezing.

I headed home to find the dogs stretched out in the middle of the floor in a sunshine puddle. I joined them.

So if you are looking for a numbed face, dilated eyes, fabulous fifty woman wearing sunglasses while she lays in the sunshine in her living room, here I am.

P.S. Comments have been turned to moderation again. The ugly comments have started again in response to an old blog. These folks just can't handle the fact that I am allowed to have an opinion about marriage being one man and one woman. Amazing how they accuse me of intolerance when their comments are excellent examples of the ultimate in intolerance.....towards a christian! Funny how it works out that way.

1 Corinthians 1:19-21 says: For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."

Rocking Sock Time

2006-11-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-11-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-11-11T06:18:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-11-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-31T13:33:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-29T06:12:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-10-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-10-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-09-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-09-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-09-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-09-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

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

Tumbleweed?

2006-09-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

This morning I was privileged to sit with a few hundred women listening to Jill Briscoe. I came away with many nuggets and gems for my personal jewelry box. Here is one tidbit. I'm sure I'll have more over the coming days to share here.

Have you taken a good look at a tumbleweed? They are dried up, shriveled up bushes. Yet at one point the tumbleweed was a green shrub, a plant with roots and branches with leaves, just as a plant should.

But at some point, this shrub was no longer rooted in the ground as it was intended.... to its source of life.

The leaves fall off. The branches die back. The roots shrivel up and the bush is no longer anchored to the ground.

And as a wind comes up, the dried up bush can't stand its ground against the weather. Where ever the wind blows, the tumbleweed follows the path of least resistance. And after days of tumbling from hither and yon, it may land again, caught up in something with more weight and strength, until the wind blows again from a new direction. And off it goes in another direction.

If you find you have become a tumbleweed, tossed here and there without roots, without purpose, perhaps its time to make some changes.

""But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Just as a bush needs to be rooted in the source to grow and be nourished, how much more is it for us who are human "beans" who wear a flesh suit? Go grow some roots by digging deep and being nourished by the only source who keeps us anchored when the world blows hot wind at us.

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:6-8

Chocolate

2006-09-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter if chocolate is in the form of a candy bar, a pie, a cake or a pretzel dipped in it. I just love it.

I plan special meals out in restaurants which serve chocolate cake. I manage to drive through Braums at just the right time for a frozen chocolate yogurt. I save calories each day for a Tootsie Roll or two (no fat, ya know?) Okay, truth time: I dream about it.

Just suffice it to say: I love my chocolate.

And I think the marketing geniuses of hormone replacement therapy have missed the boat.

Why doesn't estrogen come chocolate covered or chocolate flavored?

You read it here first. I should patent this notion. I'm sure hot flashes would be a thing of the past for all women if our HRT was chocolate covered. Who could resist their daily dose of the milky brown yummy stuff?

365 Sun Block

2006-09-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

I was not a sun worshipper growing up. Although I can think of one summer where I spent more than a few days at the neighborhood pool, I didn't spend a lot of money on sunscreen simply because I didn't need it. I rarely laid out in the sun for one simple reason.

I burnt every time.

And after the skin peeled, I was still an ivory white shade. I just do not tan.

I'm blue-eyed, freckled-face, blonde (naturally as a child, courtesy of the hair salon as an adult) and my skin is simply called "fair and sensitive".

And now, as a fifty year old woman, I could be a successful marketing representative for sun block, hats, sunglasses and sun protection of any kind. I cringe when I hear of anyone going to a tanning salon. (Get a fake bake instead!)

I wear sun block daily, all year long. I use the kind of sun block that is not only a chemical block but a physical block as well. Zinc Oxide is my friend and Skinceuticals makes a great sun block that meets this requirement.

I've had spots frozen, cut, sliced and peeled off of my face. I've had MOHS surgery and a successful reconstruction on my nose from a rather sizeable basal cell carcinoma. I can't imagine how much worse this could be if I had been a sun worshipper in my youth. I would guess I'd have to multiply my skin cancer woes by 5 times if I had damaged my skin repeatedly back then.

Today, I had my regular checkup with the derm doc. A few places were treated with nitrate. A blonde mole was removed that has been bothersome to me. And a spot that has concerned me in the last month or two was biopsied. Ouch. I have a few bandaids on my face and I do not look fabulous!

I'll hear next week the results of that biopsy. Hopefully, it will be pre-cancer in need of nitrate treatement. If not, another MOHS surgery awaits me with plastic surgery repair. This is my way of life for my skin.

Do you wear sun block? If not, why not?

Responsibilities

2006-09-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

We have a responsibility to remember our nation as it was five years ago.

We can not forget our nation was attacked on our own soil, with our own planes, targeting civilians.

We can not forget our purposes, our virtue, our goal.

We can not allow nay-sayers who use words like "quagmire" to shape the people we are or to erase our memory or our resolve.

We can not forget our nation's heros called Firemen, Policemen, Air Force, Marines, Army, Navy, commercial pilots.

We must choose to stand for freedom or we will sit down in shame.

Its our responsibility.

Follow the crowd?

2006-09-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

If you've ever been in a group that mindlessly followed the herd only to discover later that the leader had no idea where they were going or (worse) there was no leader, you would obviously understand how disillusionment sets in.

Most folks follow blindly along the path of least resistance without consideration of the goal.

Other folks follow multiple leaders, choosing them based on today's fad of fame, switching paths and herds as the years go roll by. In fact, often these followers choose the herd they like today regardless if there is a leader or not.

These are blind followers. Can you imagine where they end up at the end of the road?

But, I think there is a better way to be a follower.

Purposeful following.

1. A purposeful follower knows the leader and trusts him.

2. A purposeful follower joins with other purposeful followers who are following the same leader.

3. A purposeful follower makes an intelligent decision to follow based on facts.

4. A purposeful follower understands there is purpose and value in the following in the long run.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matt 4:19

Backend and No Control

2006-09-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

I normally love driving the backroad home. The drive is winding and curvy, past fields and farms, sprawling ranches with horses and yellow wildflowers dotting the landscape. Arching trees that create a canopy across much of the road, bathing the path in shadows. I look forward to my drive as a relaxing journey.

But not yesterday.

I turned from the fast paced, hectic street, onto my backroad and discovered within 100 yards an obstruction. A minivan was right in front of me traveling less than 20 miles per hour and braking at every little curve and every little bump in the road.

Now normally this would be acceptable for a few miles. But this country road is usually a 15 minute drive going the speed limit (35 miles an hour for much of it, then 55 for the rest).

It took me over 40 minutes to get home instead of 15.

My relaxing drive turned into a nightmare as I spent all of the drive upset and frustrated, trying to find a way to maneuver around her. To top off the steam pouring from my ears, this backroad has "No Passing" signs throughout the entire journey.

Who was in the car? A group of women, talking. I guess they had no clue that all of Denton County was lined up behind them, trying to get home.

It dawned on me when I got home that this is my new assignment from God. When I get into my car, I think I'm on a mission to get to my destination. I think the drive is in *my* hands. I think I am supposed to be in control.

Control? Seems that God is telling me, once again, I am not in control.

And I need to trust HIM alone.

"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.

"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" - Chris Tomlin

September Adjustments

2006-09-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Even though I have stayed home again this fall and haven't gone back to the classroom, I find the excitement of September and the changes in my daily schedule a great change.

1. Adjust the sprinklers

Over the heat of the summer we adjusted the sprinklers to save the lawn and bushes.

In May we were watering every few days. Then we were watering every day. Then we were watering twice a day as we saw the lawn scorching in spite of the daily schedule. I altered the watering for a complete cycle every morning and then a partial schedule again as the sun went down.

I think it would have been cheaper to purchase new sod every month instead.

The water bill was enormous.

Now that the heat has backed off for the time being, I can adjust the sprinklers yet again. I can go back to every other day. Or at least until the temps reach sky high again.

2. Adjust my walking schedule

Now that the days are definitely getting shorter, I will be able to get my 2 miles into my schedule earlier in the day. I'm even hoping for afternoons as the temperatures keep dropping. During July and August, I had to wait for the very last 30 minutes of the day as the sun was setting. It was still hotter than a furnace at that time. But I can't seem to walk in the morning. My brain has too many things on its agenda to get through the entire 2 miles without taking my laptop with me.

Its hard to walk briskly with a laptop open, searching for wifi in the neighborhood.

So I wait and walk at the end of my day when I can spend time thinking, praying and reflecting on my day. And I leave the laptop at home.

3. Adjust my weekly schedule

Women's Bible Study starts up this week (woohoo!) which means that extra study time is added to my days and one day of the week is mapped out for my favorite activity of all. Studying the Word of God with other women.

I love September.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps" Proverbs 16:9

Rainy Lazy Day

2006-09-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

Starting last night the rain began in north Texas and for the entire day today the skies stayed gray and leaked. It was wonderful!

I am a sunshine gal. Normally the sun excites me and when I spend my winter days without sun, I long for it.

But this summer I've been on sun overload only because I've needed some rain to break up the heat.

The break came today:

1. Rainy and gray skies
2. Cooler temperatures
3. Closed office (Post office closing means we can't ship!)

It was a lazy day with the hound dogs and a quick trip over the lake to meet my favorite daughter for a quick lunch. (She is icing on the cake. I adore her. She makes me laugh.)

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

Traffic Jam

2006-08-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

When I travel down the highways in the Dallas area, I expect to find a traffic jam or two. If not a full-fledged, jam of cars at least a major slow down is expected. I schedule the added time into my drive. I plan for it.

Besides my city driving and my highway driving, I frequently drive a lovely backroad in and out of town. Only on one occasion have I experienced a real clog-up of traffic there. In fact, the morning of that traffic jam, my 20 minute backroad drive took an hour and a half because the main highway had been closed and my backroad was the detour.

But that was only the one time.

Until today.

Today I was tootling along on my wonderful country road. Gorgeous big trees lining each side, casting shadows on the ground making an archway over the road. Lime green fields. Horses and their babies. And stretched out in front of me, nothing except an oncoming car going the opposite direction. I noticed the driver slowing down and as I approached the car I saw something in the middle of my lane, heading for her lane at a very slow rate.

I had to stop since I didn't know why she was stopping nor what was moving across my lane.

It was a tortoise (or is that a turtle) that was quite large. It moved slowly and didn't seem at all intimidated by my machinery on four wheels.

Now I'm stopped in the middle of this road and in the other lane, the car is stopped as well. We sit, watching this turtle creep onward, to cross the road. Soon, another car pulled up behind me while a few more cars pulled up on the other lane. We sat and waited while the turtle moved out of my lane. I drove on. Looking in my rear view mirror was a long, long pile of cars. And in the other lane, still at a stand still, were dozens of cars piled up, waiting on the turtle.

Why did the turtle cross the road? I have no clue.

I only know that it was amusing and entertaining to me as the wheels of activity paused momentarily for the honor of a turtle.

Air Conditioning

2006-08-30T05:33:00.000-07:00

Today's weather finally gave us a break from the double digit days. Relief was here. I could walk from house to car without melting. The notion of eating lunch outside with a few of my friends crossed my mind as the weather was absolutely gorgeous.

Which is a good thing.

My electric bill arrived and I fell out of my chair with a brain spasm. If we had washed and dried one more load of clothes the bill would have been an even 600 dollars. Thankfully, it was only 598.42.

Can you believe it? I might need to put one of the dogs on ebay to pay for it.

The heat has suffocated me for weeks, causing me to mutter unkind things towards the warmth. Generally, I'm a southern gal who loves the toasty daily waves of sunshine. But enough is enough.

Add to the heat, the air conditioning is killing me. How is that for irony? I suspect I'm on freon overload. And yet to turn off the A/C would mean that I'm too hot. I'm menopausal, remember?

I need cooler fresh air.

I'm readying my jeans, socks and shirts with sleeves for the cooler weather. Its an exercise in faith although I am a native Texan and know that summer is still here for quite a while.

HGTV!

2006-08-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'm an HGTV addict. I love to watch the home decorating shows to be inspired for room makeovers. I love the colors on the walls, the fabrics on the windows, the pillow covers, the lamps and accessories. I love to see the excitement on the homeowners' faces when their room is revealed.

And then reality sinks in.

The shows are inspiring, but quite frustrating if you end up believing what you saw in a one hour show can be accomplished in one hour. Ha!

Its not a matter of time to paint four walls but the time to prepare those walls. Its not a matter of changing out the fabric on those chairs but time to find the perfect fabric, find an upholsterer (if more than a few staples are needed), deliver the chairs, pick them up. Its not a matter of hanging the drapes, but finding the fabric, hanging the hardware, measuring the fabric and making the drapes.

I've learned this with my latest HGTV project. I'm trying to get my kitchen chairs reupholstered. I found the fabric. I have the chairs. Now I need to find someone to sew up the piped edged cushions and reattach them. And then get them back in my kitchen before supper.

Its the illusion of TV makeovers.

I'm glad that God's plan is for my life is a makeover where he manages the details and drags off all the old stuff. I show up to renew my mind and rely on Him to make the needed changes. While its not easy, its certainly the best makeover this side of eternity.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Rain like Manna

2006-08-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

Its raining!

Its absolutely, water falling from the sky in bigger portions than a moment of spritz, water getting the grass wet, water getting streets wet, water coming down rain gutters.....R A I N I N G.

It started Saturday night. There was evidence when I woke up that it had really rained during the night. Then, later in the day, it rained again, thoroughly wetting our grass and giving our sprinklers (and city water bill) a break. This morning, I woke up to completely gray sky and now here I sit, watching water pour from the sky.

Today's daily provision in the form of rain. Whew!

"Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.

He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.

He provides food for the cattle and
for the young ravens when they call." Psalm 147:7-9

And now a confession. I took this photo from a fellow blogger because it was perfect for today. (Thanks Mike!)

Oh Baby!

2006-08-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent the afternoon with a houseful of ladies, showering gifts on a lovely young woman who's belly pronounced her condition. A baby is on its way into a great family!

Wow! A lot of items have changed since I was a young mom. New gadgets for a new generation. Video baby monitors. Portable mobiles. Electric breast pumps. Pampers diapers that are so thin, 88 of them fit in a small package.

Most, are still the same. Precious outfits with baseballs and cars embroidered on the front. Little socks with Winnie the Pooh. Towels and blankets. Stuffed animals and special teddy bears. A Baby book. Baby Powder.

I realized once again that another generation is on its way. I've moved from young mom to mom of grown children to a Fabulous Fifty with a promise of grandchildren someday. (No pressure, kids! ;) )

What a joy to know that God's blessings extend from generation to generation as the truth of Jesus is passed from heart to heart.

"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11

"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done." Psalm 78:4

"Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise." Psalm 79:13

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

Forming Habits

2006-08-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

My dogs have been great tools to help me form good habits.

The experts say that it takes thirty days of repeat behavior to have a habit formed. I'm here to tell you that sometimes it only takes one day (and one incident).

They have taught me not to leave the house without the pantry door completely closed.

Their dog food is purchased in 20 pound bags which I empty into large tupperware containers. The containers are stored in the bottom of the food pantry with smaller tupperware containers and a measured scoop, in the kitchen for easy access for dinner time. If I leave the house without the pantry door closed, they manage to find a way into the tupperware containers. I return home to find two dogs that are literally stuffed to capacity.

They have taught me to move any bread products away from the edge of the countertops in the kitchen.

Dora and Thelma may be short dogs, but their love for bread provides enough incentive to bounce their way upward to grab a loaf of bread or a sack of rolls off the edge of the counters. I have found half eaten loaves of breads in the dirt in the backyard where Dora had attempted to hide the evidence for a "stash to eat later".

They have taught me to close bathroom doors.

They have taught me to put any snack trash in the garbage right away.

They have taught me to pick up dirty socks.

They have taught me to push the chairs under the table when we have finished eating.

I wish all habits were as easily formed.

Pooped

2006-08-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

This week my days have been fuller than normal. As the fall season gets back into full swing, the women's bible study I'm a part of is gearing up for a wonderful year. I've been meeting with a team of awesome women who have planned, planned and planned some more while seasoning it all with prayer.

In the midst of coffee making, lunch planning, volunteer gathering, book binding, tablecloth hunts and registration, the activity and organization takes over for a full spotlight. Appointments are planned around the needs of this upcoming study. Its a dizzy schedule.

This fabulous fifty's body has a hard time keeping up. In fact I spent some of my time last night, when I should have been sleeping, fretting about the volunteer list for clean-up, greeters, coffee-making and so on. Sometimes I get in such a planning mode the details replay over in my mind.

And even in my human exhaustion to try to make sure I've done all I need to do, God is soooo full of mercy.

He surrounds me with the most precious women who remind me of His purposes. There is a bigger picture!

When I remember the utlimate purpose of our activity is to point women to Jesus who can answer all their questions and meet their most inner needs, I get excited!

What a wonderful thing that I get to be involved in what God is doing and be a part of women's lives, even as my human flesh suit gets pooped.

"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

Time out

2006-08-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

I need a day off but won't get it for a while. I need to plan a day without opening up my laptop, without checking my email, without the need to answer the phone. Yes, I need the personal downtime to relax. But more importantly, I need to get my house de-cluttered and cleaned.

Its not a matter of cleaning the bathtub or doing the laundry.

Its a matter of some piles that keep getting deeper that if I don't get to them, I fear we will lose the dogs under them.

My clues:

I have a pile near my sitting spot that is taller than my iced tea glass.

I have a pile near the phone and backdoor that is tall enough to lose a grocery sack.

If you don't see me for a while, you will know I am either de-cluttering the piles of my life or have been lost beneath them.

Running Under Duress

2006-08-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

I never intentionally run. I will walk. I will walk fast. But to run, is a painful ordeal.

Today I ran.

My office is on the same mail route as my house which can make things very helpful. If its Saturday and there is a package for the office, my mail carrier drops it by my house. This is usually a good thing but can be a "not so great thing" if the package is big. This means I must lug the gigantic package from my house back to the office. Usually though, its a good thing. But I digress.

A customer notified me of an ordering error on a package that was picked up this morning at the office along with other out-going packages by the USPS carrier. It was a slim-shot but I watched for the mail carrier late this afternoon near my house. I usually miss her.

I heard her drive by, heading the wrong direction down our street. I had missed hearing her when she drove down my side of the street. And now I saw her puttering along, about 3 houses past our house. She was driving away!

I had on my strapless, cork-heeled sandles.

Forgetting my footwear, I took off down the street, waving my arms and hollering her name. I'm sure the neighbors thought I was nuts.

I'm also sure it was a sight to behold. I would get within 20 feet of the back of the mail truck and off she would go to the next mailbox. I'd start to holler and run again, trying to reach her before she had deposited more mail in the next box. Rats! This wasn't working.

I ran past ten houses and almost gave up. But rather than giving up, I tried it again.

I reached her truck this time and appreciated her kindness in opening up her truck to hand me the package I needed. I was able to email the customer that all was well, her corrected order would be in tomorrow's mail. Whew!

I think I could call this afternoon's run: perserverance. Its not always easy to keep going in the face of discouragement, difficult circumstances, Texas heat and heeled sandals. Reminds me of the daily choices to walk on:

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1: 5-8

Relieved

2006-08-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

A follow-up appointment with oncologist today included results back from MD Anderson and the best of news. My sister's breast cancer was misdiagnosed. She does not have breast cancer. No further treatment is needed. We are all doing the happy dance of relief. This was a scary 6 days.

Reminder: If you haven't had a mammogram this year, schedule it now!

Stay cool

2006-08-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

The temperatures are still over 100 degrees in the Dallas/Ft Worth area of Texas. The news continues to tell us that we have had over 32 days over the 100 mark and will continue to add to that total. Hot is okay. Broiling is not. Of course this is okay if your oven happens to malfunction. Baking on the sidewalk is an option.

Wherever you are, stay cool. Drink lots of water. And think about the cooler temperatures that will come. And pray for rain!

"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." Isaiah 44:3

Have you had a mammogram lately?

2006-08-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer and ovarian cancer run in our family and so my sister and I have been on alert and patrol for breast invasions for years.

If you haven't scheduled your mammogram this year, now is the time. Do not delay. Yes, monthly self-exams are good but the mammogram catches spots that you simply can't find yourself.

I usually schedule my mammogram during my birthday month but got sidetracked a few years ago so my schedule got out of whack. I think this year I'm going to get back on schedule by adjusting things. Its easier to remember that way.

We received the hard news this week that my sister has breast cancer. Yes, she had regular mammograms. And yes, self-exams too. The mammogram picked up a spot that couldn't be felt either by her doctor or her own fingers. We are grateful for those wonderful imaging machines that squish and squeeze the "girls" into pancakes.

And out of the distress, heartache and pain of receiving such frightening news, we will rejoice in God for the technology marvels of the mammogram.

And I ask for you to add "Kathy's sister" to your prayer list as surgery is scheduled and treatments are explored.

"I am in pain and distress;
may your salvation, O God, protect me.

I will praise God's name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:29-30

Monster House

2006-08-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about being a teacher, is to hopefully live long enough to see how some of your students turned out. I had the privilege of having an outstanding young man in my classroom when he was in middle school. And then again, when I moved to the high school to teach advanced drawing and AP, he was there, shining amongst the best.

He graduated in the top group (top 12) from our large high school, went to Ringling School of Art and Design, graduated 4 years later and was snatched up for employment at Sony Imageworks in their animation studio. But most importantly is the character of this young man. Talented. Industrious. Trustworthy. A follower of Christ.

I just got home from the movie theatre where we watched Monster House, his the first project. We enjoyed the movie even though it was a bit creepier than my normal choices in movies. And when the movie was over, we stayed in our seats to watch the credits roll.

What a treat for me! To see his name as the credits rolled by....and remember that 7th grade boy with a sketchbook full of drawings that he kept with him at all times and who fussed when I assigned a color project but managed with glowing success....... I couldn't have been much prouder unless I had been his parent.

Applause, Jarred! I'm so proud of you.

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Eph 3: 14-21

Book Meme

2006-08-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by a fellow blogger with this book meme. This is a challenge to me since my eyesight has kept me from reading like I used to read. In the past I would gulp down entire books in a weekend. Now, because of a weird retina disorder, up close reading is hard as I have to really concentrate to see the fine print on the left side of the page. But I'll take a stab at this...remembering books as one of my favorite pleasures. It goes without saying that the Bible would be the first I'd choose for many of these answers, but if not the Bible:

1. One book that changed your life:
Mere Christianity. I received this book when I graduated from high school but didn't appreciate its content until I was in college. Awesome truth.

2. One book that you've read more than once:
The Hiding Place. The story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family's decision to hide jews during the reign of Hitler. She and her family were caught and sent to concentration camps where she and her sister, Betsy, taught bible studies from flea infested barracks. "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still..."

3. One book you'd want on a desert island:
Like Joye, I'd enjoy having the entire Chronicles of Narnia with me to be forever entertained by Lucy, Edmund, Susan and King Peter.

4. One book that made you laugh:
The Eleventh Hour - a puzzle book with awesome illustrations and a mystery surrounding a birthday party. A great gift for my son when he was younger but I think I enjoyed it more.

5. One book that made you cry [or feel really sad]:
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. Really creepy yet riveting book set on an English estate: Mandelay. Very Victorian and mysterious. Not sure if it made me cry or feel sad but it was an alarmingly intriguing book of odd characters.

6. One book that you wish had been written:
Formula and Easy Lessons for Being a Perfect Parent - This has got to be the hardest job in the world and harder still making sure the launch is successful. Thankfully, God provides grace...

7. One book that you wish had never been written:
I'll be brave and say: DaVinci Code. Yes, I know its only fiction. Yes, I know the book inside says it is non-fiction. The controversary has been more than I've enjoyed participating in. Add to that I know of many christians who have glazed over it with the shallow notion that "maybe its possible after all.....". Come on people. Use your noggins. 1500 years later a conspiracy is discovered that was kept quiet all those years? I don't think so. History doesn't support it. And quite frankly I don't know anyone (men or women) that are good at keeping a secret for 1 day much less 1500 years....Its fiction and bad fiction at that (ducking for the thrown tomatoes). If you know art history, you will easily spot the major flaws...

8. One book you're currently reading:
Love is a Wild Assault. Sounds like a silly romance novel but it isn't. Its historical fiction about Harriet Potter, set in east Texas during the early years of Texas as a country and her life throughout the war of the Alamo, the trail of tears, the victory of the Texicans at San Jacinto and her strength along the way. I love historial fiction the very very best of all. One of my other favorites: Follow the River.

9. One book you've been meaning to read:
End of the Spear. I've read "Through Gates of Splendor" years ago and would like to re-read the true story of those brave missionaries who headed to Ecudor to share the good news of Jesus.

Rain!

2006-08-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to a complete overcast sky. I've rarely seen it in the past 3 months and when I did, it meant nothing by the end of the day. We've been in a very long drought so we are paying premium prices for the privilege of watering our lawn. I think it would be cheaper to purchase new sod each month than to try to keep the current grass green.

But this morning, the overcast sky has turned into a miracle of actual water that is dribbling from the sky. Its not a gully-washing, frog-strangler down pour. But it is a consistent dribble that has now been watering the earth around my house for the last hour.

I feel like doing a happy dance.

Reminds me of God's blessings. When we are in a drought and unable to recognize what He is doing, the days are long, dry, dusty and miserable. When we see Him pouring out those blessings on our lives, the praises easily come. Reminds me further I need to learn to be thankful, even in the drought.

And for today, whether the rain continues or dries up in a few minutes, I'll rejoice!

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. Psalm 147:7-8

HRT - Still a balancing act

2006-08-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

Its been eight years since my hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo and oopherectomy and it hasn't always been easy. I spent a good part of my first year of recovery trying to find a hormone therapy that worked. It wasn't just a matter of hot flash management. It was a matter of many other things. Stamina. Sleeping. Feeling "normal" - whatever that is.

After a year of trial and error, I found a hormone therapy that worked for me and I've used. And then this spring, seven and a half years later, another adjustment was needed. I started to struggle with insomnia and adrenaline rushes. My doctor is awesome. She checked my cortisol levels and found that my hormone therapy was probably contributing to the symptoms. And so, we started adjusting and tweaking again.

Its a journey requiring persistence. And so I trudge on.

We have adjusted them once again in an attempt to find my new levels and I'm still hanging on, hoping my balance can be measured accurately once again.

Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, magnesium, vitamin D, omega3....

Amazing what a gal goes through without ovaries to manage these things! I'd like to sleep "like a log" once again.

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." Psalm 3:5

Red Faced Monkeys

2006-08-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

It seems that my mind is full of concerns this week. In my world, they are called red-faced monkeys.

My pastor provided this great illustration of the wonder of our brains. Think about a red-faced monkey, what it sounds like, what it might throw, what it is doing. The monkey takes up your thoughts even when you dont' want to think about red-faced monkeys. Now think about the Statue of Liberty. Her color, what she is wearing on her head, what she has in her hand. Immediately you realize that the Statue of Liberty is front and center in your brain as there is no room for the red-faced monkey to take up your thoughts.

Several concerns this week have me distracted. A health concern for two family members. This mom's concern for her child. Red-faced monkeys that can keep me worried and fretful when there is nothing in my realm of control I can do about them...

And so I pray.

It doesn't have to be complicated or formulated. I've learned (and am always relearning!) that I can replace the red-monkeys in my thoughts with other things that are worthy. And in my simple requests without big words and even when I don't know how to word things right, He hears me and answers.

Don't you love that about God?

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart..." Hebrews 10: 19-22

Bad Hair Day

2006-08-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gotten a haircut (one that you requested) and then got home to stare at the mirror and hate it?

It happened today.

Bad hair day? I fear this will be a bad hair month.

Thankfully, hair grows! Until then, I'll find a hat.

The Lord, the LORD Almighty, called you on that day to weep and to wail, to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth. Isaiah 22:12

Yes, I know. Not in context but somehow it fits me anyway.

50!

2006-08-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and didn't feel any different today than I did yesterday. Makes me wonder if 50 is creeping up on me and will surprise me one day when I'm not noticing?

I had a great party on Saturday night. Both my kids were home. The house was filled with friends and family making noise and eating barbeque from Rudy's. They wore red since red is my eye candy color. My husband put a balloon on the mailbox and a sign in the yard that said: Nifty nifty, Kathy is 100/2. (He is a math teacher. [insert eyeroll here]) The birthday cake was chocolate with chocolate icing and had the same fractional sentiment on it.

By the end of the evening my face was tired from all the laughing. The gifts were a hoot. It took me hours to chill out enough to sleep since I was so hyped up from all the fun.

If I had known turning 50 would be so much fun, I would have done it years ago.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Ps 90: 1-2

Treasured Paths

2006-08-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

I try to walk everyday. This isn't a noble act but one of need. I lead more of a sedatary life now that I'm not teaching school. Most days I walk in the evenings. Its still hot when I head out of the house but I try to time it so that I'm walking as the sun goes down and won't be beating right on top of my head. I take water, a cell phone and my talking pedometer.

Sometimes, if I know the evening will be busy with other activities, I walk in the morning.I'm not a morning person.

No matter when I walk, I have choices on my journey. My intent is to walk over 1.5 miles. If I stick to my planned course I end up at 1.9 miles in about 35 minutes. On this particular course are several hills that wear me out. Literally.

My neighborhood is a wonderful walking neighborhood with winding streets in one direction and there is a spiral street dissecting all the streets. At any corner, I have a variety of choices to make. Each taking me down a different street. All bring me home.

Sometimes, I'm in a hurry or I'm too tired and I take the easy options.

I realized this morning as I was trudging along that when I take the easier streets, I miss the prettiest yards. There are some yards and streets that are absolutely beautiful. Their landscaping is laid out to perfection. The crepe myrtles are blooming. The periwinkles perky. I love a particular street as it has several pretty houses all laid out next to each other. But I realize when I take the easy way home, I miss this street.

Then I thought of God's ways with us. In our choices along our life's journey, sometimes taking the easy way robs us of the treasures we find in the hard stuff. Or, if God takes us down the hard path, through no fault of our own, the blessings in the midst might be a wonderful surprise.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?" Romans 11:32-34

Holey Moley!

2006-08-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

Last summer we fought the battle of the mole.

Early in the summer Dora Mae, (head of homeland security for our property) set up camp and patrolled the backyard on extra duty. She had detected covert operations and was determined to rid the yard of their presence. While we had no idea in the first few days what was going on, Dora had unearthed tunnels and sat, ready to grab, with her head stuck into one end of a hole.

She would wake up on the morning, ignore her bowl of breakfast, and head outside. She would camp for a long time, watching for activities and would only come inside for water and food when she could no longer handle starvation.

I would watch her from my breakfast table as she dug and dug and dug her way across the yard, chasing the varmits. Chasing univited guests is her job.

/sidenote
Dora is extraordinary at her position as head of homeland security. She has caught and killed snakes, birds, a field rat, lizards, bugs of all shapes and sizes. She takes her job very seriously as she protects the family she loves. We know we are safe and secured when Dora is on the job.
/end sidenote

When we finally realized that the object of her interest was a mole or two, I called the pest guys who take care of our yard and home. They sent a mole specialist who happened to be a grown-up ex-student of mine. He surveyed the damaged caused by the mole with Dora Mae in hot pursuit and admitted he couldn't do anything to help. It seems that Dora had uprooted the backyard to such an extent that there was no way to find a tunnel to set a trap. I had to agree. Dora had dug up the entire backyard. He did think that the moles wouldn't be able to stay and would probably be gone soon since they would have no way to stay inside their tunnels. Dora had done her job, he said.

And so, last summer, we fought the battle of the mole. Dora had won.

And in August of last year, we treated for grub worms, which he said were the cause of all the mole activity. Get rid of next year's grubs and you get rid of next year's moles.

And this year (although very late for their arrival), they are back in spite of our treatment for grub worms. The only good thing about it, is that they have stayed in the front yard this year and have not attempted to tunnel into the backyard. Its a good thing, too. The grass has finally grown in back there.

I actually saw a mole a day ago, coming out of one of the holes in our neighbors yard. He is an odd looking critter with huge feet/claws. How odd of God!

God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25

Frozen Chocolate Mix

2006-08-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

I'm still on target for my weight loss, gradually losing 1 pound or so per week. Although my trainer keeps pushing me to a 2 pound loss, I'm happy losing 1 pound per week. I haven't felt deprived. I haven't felt hungry. I haven't given up any meals. I simply have been careful with my portion sizes, increased the amount of protein I'm eating, tried to cut the sugary carbs and most importantly, increased my level of physical activity.

This has worked for me because its not extreme. I can live this way. I'm not white-knuckling a diet. I'm changing my lifestyle.

And along the way, one of the things I've continued to enjoy has been a Braum's treat.

Chocolate Mix with Heath from Braums.

I have no idea how many calories are in a small chocolate frozen yogurt. But I can guess at it. I save my calories on occasion and head over there for my treat.

Today was one of those days. I slurped it down while my brain did a happy dance. And now I'm putting on my shoes and heading out the door for my walk.

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

Countdown - A week

2006-08-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Its been years since I counted down the days to my birthday but this year, I'm counting down. No longer will I be forty-something. I will join the ranks of the generation of folks who are 50 and proud of it.

We are having a party at my house on Saturday evening. (You are invited but must RSVP by Wednesday. ha!) Barbeque from Rudy's. Cornbread Salad, Potato Salad, Fruit. A cake from Candy Haven. A house packed full of friends and family and I will usher in this new decade of my life in style.

I'm spending this week decluttering and plotting the serving dilemma (off the kitchen counter or use up one of the tables?) and counting the napkins and plates.

I think I'm ready but still have a few more piles to move in the effort to make sure the counters have room for the food.

I'm soooo excited! 50!

Magic Mirrors

2006-07-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

In early May after being influenced by the Cingular commercials for a pink fancy cell phone, I decided it was time to trade in my dinosaur cell phone that I had been dragging around. Pink is good. Flip top is cool looking. I even received a mail-in rebate for an extra 50.00. Although the paperwork was verrrrrry sneaky I managed to get all the information onto their forms and sent off.

Last week I got the Visa rebate in the mail, activated it, and knew just want I wanted to do with this windfall.

I dug through my mail and found the Bed Bath and Beyond coupon for 20% off and headed out the door. Twenty minutes later I was the proud owner of a fancy, wall-hung-magnifying-lit, mirror for my bathroom.

Old age has done a number on my eyes. Wearing glasses since 3rd grade, my eyes have changed more in the last 10 years than I care to explain. With trifocals in my frames, I still stuggle to find the right way to read a book or pluck my eyebrows. Its simply a frustrating matter for me.

Now, with the use of this fancy, schmancy mirror, I will have some extra tools to manage the additional wrinkles on my face.

I read the instructions, pulled out my power drill/screwdriver, and got it hung. Its a tiny bit crooked but still works well in its perfect place next to my bathroom sink. One side is normal, one side is 5X magnified. Oh my! The imperfections I couldn't see before are right there before me. Yikes! But on the positive side, I can finally see my eyebrows!

"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." James 1:23-24

Fireworks

2006-07-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to a baseball game in Frisco Texas with a group of new friends from church. The stadium was awesome. The sections small enough so a brain foggy woman doesn't get lost on her way to the bathroom. (An essential element to enjoyment of any activity.)

Although very hot, we sat in the shade as the sun went down over Texas and watched America's game.

It has been years since I have been to a baseball game where the players were over 4 feet tall. The last time I was in a ballpark was in the late 60's when I was stuck on the Oakland A's. Back then it was Vida Blue and Catfish Hunter on the field. And between innings and to hype up the crowd, an organ would play. Charge! and Take me out to the ballgame!

Last night I was mezmerized by the gadgets and entertainment. Instead of placarts across the back of the field was one big digital screen that changed advertisements (animated too!) as the evening rolled along. A large screen TV showed a costumed character, Deuce, doing forward rolls, toddlers racing, horses racing, belly flops in the ballpark pool (!) and people dancing to the Y M C A disco song of the Village People. Music accompanied the players as they stepped up to the plate: Seinfeld's theme music, current rock, goldie oldies. And with the exciting one home run by the home team, fireworks exploded over the field in applause. It was a glorious sight and a wonderful surprise seeing the bright lights against the dark sky. We won the game.

This was a bunch of good hoopla for an entertaining evening. I had a great time as a spectator.

Some day a bigger fireworks show is coming to celebrate another victory. And on that day, I won't be a spectator.

"Behold He comes
Riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun
At the trumpet call
Lift your voice
It's the year of Jubilee
Out of Zion's hill
Salvation comes."

Walk On

2006-07-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Back in the spring it dawned on me that I had gathered an additional ten pounds in the past eight years since my hysterectomy. With my 50th birthday looming in the distance, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Well, I took matters into my feet.

I started walking.

I also signed up for a personal trainer at the gym.

I've lost the ten pounds and would like to carve another 5 off this tubby tummy. Its not an impossible task as I have found that my new body loves the walking. I'm still not crazy about the workouts with a trainer who hears no excuses, but I do see progress.

I can do 10 sit-ups now where before I could do none. I can lift weights and do pushups. The aches in my back that had become a normal part of my day as I got up and down from my sedatary office chair are gone. My body remembered it had muscles and the money I've invested in my health has been worth every penny.

The walking is what has surprised me. Its hot in Texas but I still like to get out there and walk. Where my brain was fizzy from days in front of a computer screen with emails and code to decipher, the walk has been energizing to my foggy brain. I can think, replay, dream and pray as I walk my neighborhood, enjoying the fresh (hot) air as I wave to neighbors.

I think the walking project has been my best personal surprise this year as a renewal of my life.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Is. 40:30-31

Every Day Food

2006-07-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

My dogs jump up every morning and head to the kitchen, ready for their favorite event: E A T I N G! With all the excitement, you would think I had cooked up a feast, complete with a variety of flavors and textures, put it out on the fine china and ordered dessert.

Heavens no! In their dog food bowls I pour exactly 1/2 cup of dried dog food: NutraPro, Lamb and Rice. The "lite" version for Dora Mae and her adult body, the normal version for Thelma Lou.

They dance excitedly while I dump the contents into their bowls and place them on the floor. After their food, they head out through the doggy door for a necessity run. And once they have checked out the yard and done their business, Dora finds me. If I am sitting down, she jumps next to me and looks at me with the most precious face. She reaches over (if I'm not careful) and licks my face. She is so grateful for her food. This dog is easy to love.

Lately I've been calorie counting, point watching (if you are on WW you know what I mean), and daily I've been eating a bowl of Weight Loss Oatmeal (with lower calories, higher fiber and protein). It comes in a few flavors but they really are just oatmeal. Its edible but after a while, its more bleah than anything. I sometimes get bummed out, thinking I'm missing yummy chocolate calories somehow.

And then I think of manna. How would I have handled God's daily provision while the children of Israel roamed and browsed through the wilderness? Would I have gotten an attitude and grumbled along with the crowd? I would hope I'd be more like my dogs who get dished the same meal day after day without complaint AND demonstrate gratitude. But I fear not. My oatmeal reminds me I tire easily like the rest of them.

Then Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

A Changed Life

2006-07-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

In 1998 I had finally finished researching enough to make a decision. I would have a hysterectomy. I had a few pesky fibroids but nothing that was bothersome to my life. I didn't even know I had them as I had no symptoms. So why the need for a hysterectomy (removal of uterus)? I needed my ovaries removed. They weren't diseased either. Shocking. I know.

A prophylactic hysterectomy is surgery that is chosen sometimes based on genetic make-up. Just in case.

My mother was 55 years old when she died of ovarian cancer. She was a first grade school teacher. Loved by hundreds of children and parents within the public schools of Texas. Her cancer was discovered quite accidently on a routine pap smear during her annual GYN visit. Cone biopsy showed no cancer of the cervix. A uterine biopsy proved clear as well. Exploratory surgery found ovarian cancer at a stage that hadn't provided any symptoms at all to her personal health and yet proved too far along in that decade for much hope of survival.

One and a half years of chemo therapy. She died over Christmas break and our lives were forever changed.

Her mother had died in her early 40's of what they believe now was related: breast cancer. And so my sister and I were encouraged to have a hysterectomy and oopherectomy by the time we turned 40 when the risk factors increased.

I waited until the summer I would turn 42. I was in excellent health by most standards. My recovery has been ordinary with the usual struggle at times to find a hormone therapy that worked properly.

It was out of this life changing decision that led me to where I am today. The summer I had my surgery was the summer I launched an online website for women. Women to talk to other women. Support. Help. Kindness. Hysterectomy Support by HysterSisters.

I spend my days energized by the simple notion that women desire to help other women. I am encouraged by the day to day kindness demonstrated by the 30+ volunteer moderators that make sure the discussions are helpful and our website remains organized and kind.

My hysterectomy changed my life. I now have the hope of seeing my children marry and to know my grandchildren someday. But it also provided a day to day opportunity I lovingly consider a ministry.

"Therefore if any [wo]man be in Christ, [s]he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become NEW." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Houses

2006-07-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

I was raised as an Air Force brat, moving every few years. While it doesn't sound like a grand thing to other people, I look back on this way of life with gratefulness. No, its true, I do not have a "hometown" from my childhood. I even went to three different high schools. And even though we moved every three to five years, I can still remember each and every address with fondness.

Mostly.

A few years ago I traveled with my sister to a high school reunion in California. I had attended middle and one year of high school with these folks and it was such a blast to see faces I hadn't seen in over 30 something years. Before we left, we managed to talk our way onto the base and found our house which happened to be slated for demolition along with the rest of the houses on Fitzgerald street.

We peeked into the windows to see the hardwood floors and the old kitchen cabinets. We had lived in this house for over 4 years. We had brought our black wienerdog home to this house. I had gone on my first date from this house. This house was full of wonderful memories to me and I stood looking at the old structure and was amazed at the good feelings I had for a house.

When dad was in Vietnam, we had moved off base and into another house. We tried to find that house too but managed to miss the roads as the streets seemed different and the landmarks changed. I think its probably brain fog that kept us from finding our way to that house on San Dimas.

And now, as I sit in my lovely home with air conditioning blasting down around me and my wiener dogs laying next to me, I am again reminded of the specialness of a house. A home. The comfortable place where we dwell. And live.

" In my Father's house are many homes. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

Turning 50

2006-07-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on!

I'm turning 50 on August 8th. Instead of moping around and shaking my fist at the calendar, I'm going to embrace it. Enjoy it.

Reason one: I don't have to be twenty again! Oh, I know. Being twenty has its advantages. But I don't want to go back to those days. Don't get me wrong. I had a great decade in my twenties. I got married when I was twenty. I had my two children when I was in my twenties. We bought a house or two and moved more than once. In fact we moved quite often. Job changes were the pits. I spent most of my twenties taking care of my little ones, loving them, playing with them, singing with them, teaching them to read, telling them about Jesus. I also spent my twenties doing without the luxuries many of my friends were enjoying (new cars, new clothes, better furniture) as I stayed home for most of those years, loving those kiddos. I do not regret one bit of time I spent with my children. Today, I reap the benefits of those investment years. I adore those children who are now grown adults. They are the best of my life even today!

But I don't want to be twenty again.

"And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.
For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?" Ps 71:18-19