Saturday, December 29, 2007

Shopping with My Sweetie....

Today was a fun day. When I go shopping by myself, it is just in and out of stores to get exactly what I went for and nothing else.....there's always so much to do, I think I feel a bit guilty if I spend too much time just looking.....AND, when I go shopping with Chelsey, it is normally just for her and so we spend lots of times in her favorite stores and the junior departments of stores. BUT TODAY.....I got to go shopping with my sweetie! Just him and me......we had some Christmas money to spend too, and we hardly ever go out shopping together because I usually do the necessary shopping while he is at work. Today it is too wet for him to be tied to the yard and the massive amounts of leaves waiting to be mulched, so it is one of those times we go out and do things we don't normally do. Chelsey has some things to do at the house, so it was just the two of us, and we had a really great time together and accomplished a lot. What a blessing to be able to do some of the simple things in life together and just enjoy the company!

Friday, December 28, 2007

A Little Normalcy.....

Well, the rush and busyness of the week are winding down, and it is beginning to look and feel more "normal" around here. The tree is down, decorations and gifts put away. The only thing that remains are all of the extra foods. It has been a great week, we feel so blessed by this time, especially as we were able to focus on Jesus.

We were able to spend time together, with extended family, and with friends from church. We had a good time with this. We were even able to get together with Shelley & her family in their new downtown high rise condo -- they live in a building on West Trade Street on the 26th floor. It is definitely an amazing view of the city. AND....their surprise.......



............Yep.....we are going to have a new grandson or granddaughter in August. August is crazy! The baby is actually due on Shelley's birthday.

Well...onward and upward to a new day! Blessings everyone!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

TSO

Tonight (well, technically Friday night) I was treated to the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert by two ladies in our care group. We had a great time. The TSO was great.....lots of music (3 hour concert), lots of lights, lots of fog, lots of laser light shows and pyro-technics and even snow! and at times really loud! But it was so fun! Our own Rebecca Swan was one of the local musicians in the orchestra. Now that it is late...I'm trying to wind down....it may take a while!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

At Last!

Today was a day to stay at home. This is definitely not a complaint about all the busyness of life, but I love the opportunity to get to stay home for the entire day!!! It is rare these days! Sooo, I spent most of the day doing some last minute things in preparation for Christmas....along with the usual chores such as laundry, cooking and general cleaning. I'm finding I enjoy these more when I don't feel like they have to be done in a rush.

Tomorrow I will try to complete my grocery shopping so that I don't have to hit the stores again before Christmas. I'll get what I need thru Christmas, and while everyone is out doing the "day after" sales, I'll go grocery shopping....I do this at Thanksgiving and Christmas....the stores are nearly empty, but the sales remain the same!

Christmas morning we will be gathering the family that live here in Charlotte for Christmas breakfast. My contribution is Monkey Bread. It is easy, and it is sooo good when it is still warm, so I'll be getting up and baking it Christmas morning.

I've been trying to spend some time recounting the kindness of the Lord to us this year....and I am overwhelmed. I think I need to do this monthly rather than waiting for the end of the year. All I can say is -- Isn't God Good!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Ungodliness

This morning as I was reading Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate by Jerry Bridges, what he said about the sin of "ungodliness" was so good that I thought I'd share it with you. It is a bit long, but I hope you will read it anyway.

"For the godly person, God is the center and focal point of his or her life. Every circumstance and every activity of life, whether in the temporal or spiritual realms, is viewed through the lens of this God-centeredness. However, such a God-centeredness can be developed only in the context of an ever-growing intimate relationship with God. No one can genuinely desire to please God or glorify Him apart from such a relationship.

If you have followed my reasoning this far, you can see that no Christian is totally godly, and to the extent we are not, there is still some degree of ungodliness in us. The question we should honestly and humbly ask is, How ungodly am I? How much of my life do I live without any regard for God? How much of my daily activities do I go through without any reference to God?

Total godliness and utter ungodliness are the opposite ends of a continuum. All of us are somewhere between those two extremes. The only person who ever lived a totally godly life was Jesus. And probably no true believer lives a totally ungodly life. But where are we on the spectrum? As you think about your own life, remember that we are not talking about righteous versus wicked behavior. We are talking about living all of life as if God is relevant or irrelevant. Survey after survey continues to inform us that there is little difference between the values and behavior patterns of Christians and non-Christians. Why is this true? Surely it reflects the fact that we live so much of our ordinary lives with little or no thought of God, or of how we might please and glorify Him. It's not that we consciously or deliberately put God out of our minds. We just ignore Him. He is seldom in our thoughts.

I stated at the beginning of this chapter that I believe ungodliness is our most basic sin, even more basic than pride. Think how it would curb our pride for example, if we consciously lived every day in the awareness that all we are, all we have, and all we accomplish is by the grace of God. My wife and I were lamenting over two otherwise nice, decent people who are living openly immoral lives and relishing it. And then I reminded my wife and myself that "there but for the grace of God go we." Self-righteous pride, one of the more common of our acceptable sins, is a direct product of our ungodly thinking.

Sins of the tongue, such as gossip, sarcasm, and other unkind words to or about another person, cannot thrive in an awareness that God hears every word we speak. The reason we do sin with our tongues is due to the fact that we are to some degree ungodly. We don't think of living every moment of our lives in the presence of an all-seeing, all-hearing God.

I believe that all our other acceptable sins can ultimately be traced to this root sin of ungodliness. To use a tree as an illustration, we can think of all our sins, big and small, growing out of the trunk of pride. But that which sustains the life of the tree is the root system, in this case the root of ungodliness. It is ungodliness that ultimately gives life to our more visible sins.

If ungodly habits of thinking, then, are so commonplace with us, how can we deal with this sin? How can we become more godly in our daily lives? Paul wrote to Timothy, "Train yourself for godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7). The word train comes from the athletic culture of that day and refers to the practice athletes went through daily to prepare themselves to compete in their athletic contests. It implies, among other things, commitment, consistency, and discipline in training.

Paul wanted Timothy, and all believers of every age, to be just as committed to growth in godliness, and just as intentional in pursuing it, as the athletes of that day who were competing for a temporal prize. But I suspect that most Christians seldom, if ever, think about how they can grow in godliness.

I could not help but contrast our anemic desire for godliness with the attitude of young men in our city who recently camped out all night in snow and cold at the entrance to a local electronics store. They wanted to be sure they would be able to buy one of a limited supply of a new video game system. One young man arrived at 9:30 Saturday morning to wait for the doors to open at 8 a.m. Sunday. Would any of us have that kind of zeal for godliness?

Our goal in the pursuit of godliness should be to grow more in our conscious awareness that every moment of our lives is lived in the presence of God; that we are responsible to Him and dependent on Him. This goal would include a growing desire to please Him and glorify Him in the most ordinary activities of life.

............

Because ungodliness is so all-encompassing, it will help to identify specific areas of life where you tend to live without regard to God. Theses might include your work, your hobbies, your playing or watching sports, or even your driving. Scripture texts that might be helpful to memorize and pray over include 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 1:9-10 and 2:23; as well as Psalm 42:1-2; 63:1; and 27:4.

Above all, pray that God will make you more conscious of the fact that you live every moment of every day under His all-seeing eye. While you may not be mindful of Him. He is certainly aware of you and sees every deed you do, hears every word you say, and knows every thought you think (see Psalm 139:1-4). Beyond that, He even searches out your motives. Let us then seek to be as mindful of Him as He is of us."

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Rest....

This week so far has not been and should not be quite as busy as the last month has....a nice break and a bit of rest. It has all been good! We are blessed.

So, now I can't believe that Christmas is almost here. I think I'm through with my shopping, but I haven't wrapped a thing! We will have Christmas with my family at my parents house on Saturday. I have to think up some sort of food dish to take over. We mostly just do finger foods, so I'll have to come up with something good. Maybe I'll go over to Trader Joe's and find some-thing that is different from the normal stuff I usually fix. That would be fun. We have some very picky eaters, so I'll see what I can find that us yummy, quick and easy to make. On Christmas day, all of the family that is still in Charlotte always gets together for breakfast at someones house. This year, we are going to my nephew's home. His wife Torrie is a good cook, and lots of fun, we are looking forward to that! Then just relax the rest of the day and enjoy.

Sooooooo, what are y'all doing for Christmas?

Friday, December 14, 2007

Giving Jesus

It certainly has been a beautiful week! It has been kinda nice not to have to bundle up to go out. It makes all the errands a bit nicer. I certainly haven't gotten into this blogging on a regular basis. Maybe after the holidays it'll be a bit easier. It is still hard to believe that it is almost Christmas. But I've been thinking a lot this week about just how great it is that I can daily celebrate Jesus! Not just His birth....that is amazing, but His life, His sacrifice, His humility, His love, His teaching, His rejection, His pain, His death, His resurrection and the very fact that He is ALIVE! Wouldn't it be great if we could gift wrap Jesus and give Him as a gift to those we share the holidays with each year? Something to think about......just how could I do that? Gotta go....got some things to think about and things to consider giving to others!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Busy Baking....

Well, after a busy but wonderful weekend, the start of the new week has brought 80-degree weather (sure doesn't make it seem like Christmas), Christmas shopping with Chelsey, and a week of baking. Last night I made party mix...2nd batch! I just can't imagine where it disappears to so quickly! Today I made granola...which we will give to our care group....it was a special request this year! And I tried making biscotti for the first time. I found several recipes that I would like to try and give some of these as gifts as well. Today I made gingerbread biscotti. It was easy, so I'm looking forward to making some other kinds tomorrow. Chelsey has some cookies to bake for a party on Friday night, and we will be making sausage balls for a couple of parties this weekend. It is so kind of the Lord to bless us with electric/gas ovens for baking...can't imagine what it would be like without them!

Friday, December 7, 2007

Deaf Community

Tonight, CPCC's Interpreter Club held a Christmas dinner for the members of the deaf community on the Central Campus in appreciation for allowing students in the American Sign Language (ASL) classes and the Interpreter program to participate in their weekly/monthly activities. Chelsey has benefited greatly from interacting with them on a regular basis. There were probably over 150 people there....both deaf and hearing along with students and faculty. It was amazing to watch as people interacted, and I was in awe of just their ability to communicate. My mind doesn't work in a way that can watch and think without distraction. Hearing is definitely a gift from God. He has also blessed the deaf community with a common way to communicate. Chelsey is doing very well with only one semester to her credit. She is able to communicate and enjoy the interaction with the people around her. Gene has attended several events with her and he has enjoyed getting to know a few of the people as well. One guy, Dave, has really challenged him to learn enough to communicate. I met Dave tonight. He is a special man, easy to talk to and understand. The whole evening was very encouraging!

Christmas Everywhere!


Tomorrow is the annual Christmas Gift Wrap Outreach in front of Toys 'R Us across from Concord Mills. I don't really know when the first outreach was, but we have been participating every year from year one. It is great fun. We are always busy and we meet many new people. It is so neat to see how people are moved that we would do this for free. I'm not sure how many actually ever come to church, but it is great to know that whether they do or not, the Lord used this small act of kindness to touch their lives. It is amazing how fast our 2-hour shift goes! Gene is greeting, Chelsey is greeting and then caroling, and I'll be wrapping gifts once again. I'm really looking forward to it, and althought the morning is supposed to be a bit chilly, it is supposed to be a beautiful day.

Once we finish our shift, we are going to go and get our Christmas tree. This has become our tradition of sorts. We pick it out,


get it home,


and Gene will put it in the stand. He and I will get the lights on the tree,


and then while we attend the leaders' banquet tomorrow night, Chelsey will decorate the tree (and anything else she can think of).


It is nice for me....just to be able to come home and ta-da.....decorated tree!


Now....this was last year's tree....but I'm sure this year will be equally as beautiful!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

*Sigh*


Life at the Miracle Place seems to continue to be quite busy. But today was Chelsey's last class at Central....she's a little sad, because she was having a great time hanging out with people from church for about an hour at the Bojangles on campus. I'm really glad she got to have some time to develop these relationships. It was always fun to pick her up laughing and hearing about the fun they had together.
Yesterday I spent most of the day with my Mom & Dad with a doctor appointment and then a couple of short errands, then some shopping. It was only a start on their Christmas shopping, and we didn't make it to the grocery store since all the shopping tired them out. We will continue that adventure on Friday.
This weekend is once again very busy. Chelsey will be babysitting on Friday morning while I'm shopping again, and then on Friday evening, she is going to a Christmas party that the Interpreter Club/Program at CPCC holds for the deaf community as a thank you for allowing the students in the ASL/IPP program at CPCC to participate in their weekly & monthly activities. Chelsey has benefitted greatly from these interactions. Her favorites were the deaf Bible study group at First Baptist Church downtown (Gene enjoyed that one too) and the group that does league bowling. She found these groups the most helpful and willing to take time with the students and to draw them in to the activities.....more so than the silent dinners at the mall. Anyway, that is Friday's schedule so far. Then, on Saturday morning all three of us will be at the gift wrap. Following that we will go and get our Christmas tree. Gene gets it in the stand and makes sure it is straight and all of that, then he and I put the lights on. Chelsey gets to decorate on Saturday night while we are at the leaders banquet at church. Then Sunday is church and couples care group.
The following weekend will be just as busy! Chelsey has been hard at work planning a Christmas party for the high schoolers at church on Friday night. It has blessed us to see how she has taken the responsibility to make sure that she has secured the proper authority and guidelines for planning this event. She had to write a proposal and submit it to the pastor over the homeschool group, plan and line up the activities and entertainment for the evening, contact people to help with refreshments, plan decorations, line up adults willing to be there to supervise the event and answer lots of questions from parents as well. We are hoping that everyone will have a great time that evening. Then on Saturday, she and I will be at the church at 9am to help with the door hanger invitations. (Gene has a meeting elsewhere). Then we will go back that evening for the Caroling/Outreach at the Trailer Park. And Sunday is church and our care group Christmas party.
All of this activity, and a picutre of a bare tree.....Gene is just wondering when he is ever going to have time to work on the 2 acres of leaves that are laying on our ground (plus the ones at my mom and dad's house next door)! God is good though. I think by the time he is able to get on the mower and start mulching up all the leaves, they will all have fallen to the ground, and he will be able to take care of it in a couple of Saturdays.
So I have to work in some time for Christmas shopping and making goodies and all of that stuff. It will be nice since CPCC morning classes are done....that will definitely make a difference! It is nice to be busy. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that so that I don't go down the road of complaining because I just want to "sit down and rest or read or something".....I still have time for that too. I am grateful for the ability to do all of the things that we have to do! Praise God for life and health and the mind to think about how good He is to allow us to have so much, so many friends to do things with, and the joy that comes from only Him! I am grateful for all of these things and more than I have time to post or that anyone will ever want to read! Well...I think I need to go get some of these things done!

Friday, November 30, 2007

Quick Post....


I have just a minute to post! *deep breath* Today is the beginning of a really busy weekend. I was at the church this morning decorating for a wedding, home to get an installation taken care of, quick shower and we have to be back at the church at 6. It will be a late night, but with some good friends, it will go quickly, I'm sure. Then back to church tomorrow by noon for the wedding. Clean up comes next, then home for a quick change of clothes and back for the parent/youth meeting tomorrow evening. Home and a good night's rest and heart preparation for Sunday church and care group meetings. *sigh* God is good! Imagine if I did not have the breath or energy or ability to do all of these things. Now there is something to thank the Lord for His wonderful care of me! Y'all have a great weekend!


Monday, November 26, 2007

Back in the Groove

Well....the wonderful long weekend is over, and it was good to get up this morning and get back into our "normal" (if you can call it that) groove....CPCC, homeschool, laundry, cooking (still) and all of the normal things our day holds for us. The hardest part is Gene having to go back to work. I just love when he can be home with us for extra time! It is fun, even if we aren't doing anything special.....it's just always special to have him home. I think the cloudy, rainy day helped to be able to focus on the fact that we return to the normal. I love watching it rain....both water and leaves in our yard and have a great cup of coffee or tea.....I do miss being able to sit by a fire and watch....Marge...I'm glad you have one to enjoy!

So this week may not be sooo normal and this may end up being my only post for the week! I have to help get the church ready for a wedding on Saturday. A couple in our care group are getting married and it should be a fun time! Chelsey is also trying to plan a Christmas party for all of the high school (9th-12th graders) that are home schooled at church, so she has me involved in ideas for decorating, food and what to do. She really just wants the high schoolers to have an event that will encourage relationships and be fun at the same time. She has some good ideas. So she is trying to line up adults to help, entertaining things to do, of course, good food, and people to help set up and clean up. She has done a great job in just following guidelines and submitting a full plan to the pastor and administrator and home school group leaders. I think this has been good for her to learn how to submit things and patiently wait for a response.

I love watching our kids as they grow and begin to take on new levels of responsibilities. I think I can stand in awe of what God has done in their lives....in our case with Chelsey, in spite of me!
I mean we can train them as best we can, but we are still such sinners!!!! At least I am! And the grace and mercy of God abounds in our children's lives as we entrust them to Him and allow Him to bring them along and reveal Himself to them. Praise God! He can do it all, and He doesn't need me to tell Him how to fix anything!!! =) I just know I'm blessed to have a daughter who really loves the Lord!

Well....there are my ramblings for now.....I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Second Saturday

Well, yesterday seemed like Saturday, so today is a 2nd Saturday. We are enjoying just being together as a family and relaxing. Gene is trying to decide whether or not to work in the yard today. It's pretty chilly outside, and we're not a fan of the cold! So staying warm is good! I didn't do any of the black Friday holiday shopping.....I did my grocery shopping! It's great....there are VERY FEW people doing grocery shopping the day after Thanksgiving, and you get the same great sales! So today we are just hanging out! Stay warm!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving



Well.....we are all sufficiently stuffed! We had a great time with family at my niece's home in Belmont. We were all supposed to bring one side dish....well.....in this family, one side dish never happens. I think everyone brought 2 or 3 side dishes and desserts too, so there was TONS of food to munch on. The best part was that most of hit was really very healthy! We didn't have so much "filler" stuff beforehand and that was great! It was such a nice day that we were able to sit outside for most of the afternoon and enjoy the fire pit by some beautiful landscaping with a little waterfall and pond that my nephew put in himself (he has his own landscaping business). It was fun to be by the fire, laughing at memories and catching up with folks and playing with all the dogs.


I have one niece who lives in the eastern part of the state and holidays are about the only time we get to see her, so today was a treat! We had a fun time, talking and just being with family. For some reason this year was more pleasant than some of our gatherings in the past. That is something to be grateful for in itself!


I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving day and have been able to recount the many blessings that the Lord has sent your way! Many blessings to you all from the Miracles!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The Little Man is Growing Up


Well....it's been a while since we've seen Carter, but here is a picture from about a week ago. It is fun to see how big he is getting! If you don't know who Carter is....that is our grandson!

Hope everyone has their cooking well underway for Thanksgiving. We will be going to my niece's house in Belmont for the afternoon.

May be Lord bless you all and enjoy making new memories, remembering old ones and being grateful to the Lord for all He has done!

Happy
Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Thanks...


Thanks to everyone who lifted up a prayer for me this morning. My time of sharing went very well. There were about twelve ladies there, and I just enjoyed listening to them talk and then being able to share what the Lord had given me for them. By His grace and for His glory, may there be fruit that bears in due season. What a privilege it was to be in this position. I was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I am truly grateful that I was able to be serving the Lord in this way! You know, I was thinking about this last night when I went to bed. I've been thinking about evangelism. Sharing the gospel more. I'm one of those people who .... well, let's just say I'm no Adam Campbell or Larry Malament. BUT, that doesn't mean that I can't share the Gospel like them or as well as them. So I've been asking the Lord, what does evangelism look like for me? Well, today was one of those days, where I was able to share the gospel. There was still some comfort to the time today....I knew most of the ladies there, it was in a church, that sort of thing. But I cannot take for granted that all have heard the gospel or have received salvation. So this little group setting was a really good way for me to share the gospel today. I pray that God will be glorified in this time shared.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Please Pray!

Speaking of stepping out of my comfort zone....I'm putting the finishing words to the message that I am giving at my mom's women of the church meeting tomorrow morning. I would really appreciate your prayers -- anytime now through about 11:00 tomorrow. These ladies are used to about a 10 to 15 minute devotion, but I couldn't get what I wanted to share with them to less than 30 minutes. Pray that these ladies would be able to hear the gospel as I speak about Remembering to be Grateful. I'm really kinda looking forward to this opportunity. Most of these women are my probably 75+ in age, and most of them at some point in my life were Sunday School teachers, some relatives and/or scout leaders or had some other part in impacting my life. It is the grace of God that I would be able to look back and share with them and be able to express thankfulness at the same time.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Comfort Zones

So, after hearing Brent's message, and reading and discussing Chapter 6 in Why Small Groups, I was just wondering.....what comfort zone do you have that God is maybe asking you to step out of for the sake of the Gospel......or even just in general?

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

BEAUTIFUL!!!

Isn't it kind of the Lord to give us such BEAUTIFUL fall days?!?!? It is so wonderful. It helps me to look at God's creation and be more grateful for all that he has made. You know, most days I can honestly say that I don't think about creation much.....I guess I'm mostly just taking it for granted. I don't want to do that anymore. God is loving and kind, and He made the created world for His glory and He made it as provision to each of us. I mean, just think about it...if we didn't have the natural resources that the Lord was kind enough to create, we would not have the wonderful conveniences that we have now. When you think of how things are made and what they are made from, without the natural resources, it would be very different. And God created everything else BEFORE He created us. So we begin to also see that God has created order. Certain things have to come first before other things can happen. I have been doing a study on gratefulness, and it has drawn my attention to how little I stop and think and thank the Lord for just everything in my life. In Luke 19, Jesus is entering the city (Palm Sunday story) and the disciples are praising and honoring him......

37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."


Jesus tells us that even the stones are ready to cry out if no one else is praising him and giving him the glory. I think there may have been lots of stones around me at numerous times praising God because I wasn't! That's sad!!!

In Revelation 5, John speaks of every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea praising God (won't that be an amazing site?).....

13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"
14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.

So I want to have an undercurrent running through my mind, my heart and my soul.....an undercurrent of gratitude and thankfulness and praise.....I want it to be in my actions and in my words......I want to be louder than the stones crying out! Praise be to God! Thank you for the things you have done!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Productive Day

Today has been one of those productive days....very busy, but in a great way! Chelsey has been babysitting all day (sorry Meghann, I wanted to invite you and the little man over for lunch but other plans were already in place) -- she actually left last night (sure do miss her when she's gone that long!). So this morning I had coffee with a friend at Panera. We haven't talked in a REALLY long time, so it was great catching up with each other. We had some good biblical fellowship along with just some chatting time. Then I had a return to make...quick in and out, not allowing myself to get distracted----such a temptation sometimes! Home to clean the house -- the basics today -- bathroom, dusting, vacuming and the usual walking the dog! Walked to visit a neighbor, but she was busy as well. Came home made dinner, did some school planning and investigation (CPCC books are really expensive!!!). Made some email contacts for care group purposes. Called a couple of ladies in the care group to check on how they are doing. It will soon be time for Chelsey to return, and I'll get a chance to catch up with her and then Gene will get home. Soon it is suppertime and we grab a quick dinner and off to CPCC to drop Chelsey at her ASL class and Gene & I will have a date night at Jackson's Java. Home around 9 and begin to wind down! It's busy, but it has been good! I have a lot to thank the Lord for...because He has blessed me and allowed me to be able to do all of these things! He's awesome!

Monday, November 12, 2007

My Girl!


This is my girl! She's great! We have had many battles in her 16 years, but in the end, God has been kind because through them He has changed us. We still have an occasional argument, but to see us both growing in God's grace as we interact together is something that truly excites both of us because we know without a doubt that we would not be able to stand where we do today without that life-saving and life-changing grace. It's amazing!
So now, she is a concurrent enrollment student at CPCC, and she is being challenged in different ways, but she absolutely loves going to classes, meeting new people and sometimes even getting to hang out with people from church....people that she might not hang out with on a normal day. Today she had to meet with an advisor as part of a class that she is taking. She was very disappointed because she was told that since she was a concurrent enrollment student that they couldn't help her. I don't know if anyone else has gotten that response, but it didn't make a lot of sense to me. So we are going to have our own session later today since we are going to plan her next semester classes.
It's funny....she was talking about how she wished that she could have gone to maybe a private school during her senior year. She thinks that would be so much fun. I had to remind her though that she can easily "glamorize" that scenario just through some of the books or movies that she has read/seen and everything seems so wonderful. I just reminded her that those books and movies forget to put the real life hard work that goes into school. She just really enjoys being around people so much....more because she is an only child and partly because she is a very outgoing person. I'm really glad she's not shy! She has been blessed this semester to have met some great Christians in her classes. It is something that she hasn't taken for granted and I'm glad about that.
Well....that's my girl! I love her and am blessed by her!

Friday, November 9, 2007

Seasons

I'm really looking forward to the women's meeting tonight. I know there is lots more to learn. Chelsey is 16, but she is graduating from high school this year and I just want to be able to focuse the next few years on her heart for the Lord, for her future husband---hopefuly that is part of His plan, and for her future home. Isn't it such a blessing to be a mom?

A "Becky" inspired repost ---

When I read Becky's post, or should I say re-post of her random things about herself, I was inspired to "do better" on my own post of 8 random things about myself (although some I might keep)....so here goes.

1. Born and raised in Charlotte....the only place I ever moved was to college!

2. In first grade I hated school because I couldn't be home with my mom and do all the fun stuff and go all the fun places that we used to before school.

3. When I was in elementary school, I fell off a bike and knocked out my front teeth (permanent) -- the dentist LOVED me!

4. I met first met Gene when I was 12....that means we have known each other for almost 38 years! You do the math!

5. My first job was in a toy store.

6. Do any of you remember leg wrestling? I was the champ in our youth group, and could even throw the advisors!

7. I didn't know what to major in when I was in college, so I majored in psychology.

8. I worked for 10 years as a systems analyst for a computer company.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Tagged......

OK...so Lindsay tagged me on these 8 random things....I think I would have done better with the children's books than this one....here goes.....

1. Born & raised in Charlotte.

2. The house we lived in was built by my grandfather.....and you can really tell!!!!

3. This is my last year of homeschooling.....we made it all the way! She graduates in May (on our anniversary)!

4. I'm the youngest of 3 kids.....Gene is the youngest of 3 kids.....and the age difference between siblings in both families is exactly the same.

5. I'm a grandma!

6. I'm probably the only person who doesn't get on the interstates or freeways to navigate to and through downtown Charlotte.

7. I've been to Jamaica 4 times.....all b.C. (before Chelsey)......and we ate lots of strange things -- like curried goat --which was after the goat races & the loser was .... well, you know --- actually quite tasty!

8. This was really hard to come up with 8 things....as Chelsey says....I'm not a very random person!


OK....done with that! Moving on......AND....I think everyone else has probably been tagged, except for maybe Chelsey

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Growing

At this time of year, you don't see a lot growing. BUT, as I read through many of the blogs of faithful posters out there, I'm seeing that there is a lot of growth going on. That is such a blessing; it is an encouragement! God is at work!!! What better news? Just yesterday, Chelsey was sharing with me some verses that she had read in Lamentations and one in particular in Jeremiah, and then she sat down and wrote out some of her thoughts in a Word document. What she wrote, I could not have said better myself, so I'm going to share them with you here. I told her to post them on her own blog, and she probably will, but her thoughts were great encouragement to me. As we all keep seeking the Lord and allow Him to grow in us, we grow in Him!

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick who can understand it?(ESV)
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?(NIV)

One verse, two versions, same meaning. Desperately sick? Beyond cure?! How hopeless does that seem? As we look back in time and remember things we’ve said or done, this verse makes sense… "I can’t believe I said that to her! I must have some kind of evil or twisted thinking!" No…not evil or twisted thinking but a desperately sick heart that is beyond cure.

So does this mean that we can just give up? "My heart is beyond cure…its useless to keep fighting when there can be no cure…right?" No way! Just because there isn’t a cure doesn’t mean that our condition can’t improve. Just like in the medical world, there are many diseases that are incurable but with the proper care and medicine, the condition will get better and sometimes even disappear…that doesn’t mean that the disease is gone…its just being held back by a stronger force.

So what is our stronger force…our medicine? The only thing that can help us is prayer and diving into the word, reading your Bible daily as if it were a life-saving pill. That’s what it is in effect…a life-saving and life-altering pill. We could not have come this far without it…think about it, becoming a Christian was our first dose of healing ointment. And every new day that we draw breath and every time we meet with God in prayer is proper care for our desperately sick heart.
So think of it this way…I have a desperately sick heart that is beyond cure, I’m waiting for a transplant that I can only get when I go to heaven. I have to do regular check-ups and sometimes even surgery to help keep my heart healthy. Prayer is my proper care; the Bible is my medicine. With that combination, there IS hope.

Lamentations 3:20-24 "My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!"

So we have our prescription and we have our medicine. Let us not fail to take it faithfully until the day when God calls us home for our new heart. Faithfully read your Bible and meet with God everyday, this is the only medicine that can help. Yes our hearts are desperately sick with sin and worldliness and pride and yes it is beyond cure BUT with the right medicine and the proper care, we can fight this battle!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

The Little Things

The little things in this life can be quite comforting....a cup of coffee, a good book, a loving husband, children....some of those are really huge things but they are all a comfort. Sometimes it is the little things in relationships that turn into huge things. I was talking with a friend last night about some of those "little things" that have become so HUGE that they are affecting the way she thinks about things. It's these "little things" that God uses to reveal what is in our heart. The sponge is getting squeezed! It not only changes the was we think about things or people, but if left to continue growing, these "little things" -- OK these issues (usually sin) -- reveal our heart and our attitude toward just about everything we do! We get frustrated, things hurt us that shouldn't, we become bitter and resentful and unforgiving. We can ruin relationships this way. Soooo, we need to make sure that we deal with the"little things" in our lives. We need to be continually pursuing the Lord over these "little things" that bother us. We need to let the Lord reveal these areas of our hearts to us and deal with us in a significant way. Don't ignore them....just be amazed that God is gracious enough to show us what we are really like and then let us repent and apprehend the grace that He is extending to us to grow and move on to even more things -- some still little, some more important and some even greater. Let us be captured by His presence in our day to day lives.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Care Group

I love our group! We have lots of fun together, and everyone is getting pretty comfortable with one another it seems! We still have lots of growing to do in our walks with the Lord and in our group. We did have a great discussion last night about caring for one another.

So, now it is Monday and the start of a new week! Very kind of the Lord to make it sunny and bright! Right now, it seems like there will just be lots of normal things going on this week...school, laundry, writing & study for bible study, cooking, cleaning, and the week to week errands. Tonight I'm meeting with one of the ladies from our care group for a couple of hours. I pray the Lord will use that time in a meaningful and specific way.

Chelsey is wanting to go shopping sometime, so I have to see if I can work that into the schedule soon. I'm not much of a shopper anymore! It is fun to take her though, and sometimes I will have her ask a friend to go along so that they can have some shopping fun! Tonight though, she is off to babysit for the Seavers -- at least that's the plan!

Poor Gene...he gets abandoned tonight! Sometimes he just needs that time too! Never fear...I'll be home before you know it!

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Posting

So I'm probably a bit out of the norm with posting.....I just don't have lots to say on a daily basis. Well, maybe I should rethink that statement! I probably have plenty to say, but I just don't have the time everyday to post on this blog. So as irregular as my posts are, it is still fun...but it may be a bit boring to most of you. Sorry for no pics....I don't have a digital camera....Chelsey is the photographer in the family. Maybe I'll have to get her to take a few I can post along the way!

So yesterday was a little out of the norm for us as well. Chelsey babysat all day. She actually spent the night on Thursday night with the family because they had an early appointment. So she was gone from about 8:30 on Thursday evening until about 6:30 Friday evening. Now, those days are, for right now, out of our normal routine, but it is definitely a picture of days to come. The house is so quiet when there is no one here but me! Some days, I'm very diligent and productive. Others, it seems like I waste a lot of time. And still others like this seem to be a combination of productivity and total relaxation. Yesterday was a more productive day. I spent all morning out with my Mom since she had several errands that she needed to accomplish. It is funny, some days we have lots to talk about and other days, we are pretty quiet, each of us lost in our own thoughts. It was still an enjoyable time. After I got home, I was able to get a good bit of cleaning done, interrupted by only my own thoughts and distractions (rather than those of someone else). And I actually got to cook a great meal for my family. Lately, we've had a lot of quick meals due to Chelsey's classes where we have to be out of the house by 5:30 and other nights somewhat rushed because of other meetings with people and/or church. So I really enjoyed my time in the kitchen yesterday!

Here's a question for you readers: What are some quick but good meals that you have in your recipe file for those days when we are eating in a rush? I'd love to hear some of your suggestions.

Last night we got to just hang out as a family. Another thing that is rare in this season since Chelsey has two nights that she is in class. We chatted and watched a movie. Today Chelsey is taking three classes at CPCC's Free College Day. She took a Genetics class at the Central Campus at 9 this morning. Since the class is only an hour long, I either go to Starbucks or go sit and read at the Burger King nearby (I know...yuck....Burger King --- but I have found it to be a more peaceful place to sit and think or get something done than Starbucks which is fast-paced and loud!). Her class was to end at 10, but did not end until about 10:10. Her second class started at 10:30 at the Cato Campus. NO problem!!! Did you know that on Saturday, you can make it from the Central Campus to the Cato Campus in 10 minutes???? Amazing!!! I know you can't do that on a weekday! She is taking a Forensic class called "So you want to be a CSI?" She loves forensics for some reason, but doesn't particularly like a structure science class. She loves a good mystery! CPCC is providing lunch for the people who take their classes today for free. So she will have lunch and probably sit and read a bit or if the lab is open, she will work on her ASL Lab until her class at 2:30. She is taking an Interpreter class called "A Day in the Life of an Interperter" taught by our own Pam Morris. I'll pick her up at 3:30, and come home so that she can shower and we will have dinner and then it is off to Q222 meeting at about 5:30. So our day is quite full!

So while she is in class, I'm going to work on my Bible study for the women's meeting at my Mom's church in November. It is coming along.....I'm really excited with the direction and study that the Lord has me doing. It is about Remembering & Thankfulness. Very appropriate for this time of year. Pray that I'll be able to communicate effectively!

Gene is going to be working on his lawn tractor today. The last time he was using it, the frame broke. Yikes! He has made a couple of braces for it and has started to put them on. We are praying that these repairs will hold it together and allow him to keep using it for a while longer since there is no money in the budget for a new riding mower. Y'all can pray with us that the Lord would allow it to hold together during leaf season...and also pray for His provision for a new or used one. Gene not only has our lawn/yard to take care of but my parents as well. That makes for 3.5 acres to mow and keep up. Thankfully my parents yard doesn't have as many trees as ours does! God has been good to provide for us, and I'm sure that He will again. Hmmmmm.....makes me think of the song Sarah Groves sings....He's Always Been Faithful! I'm so glad we serve the ONE true God who know our every need!

I don't always look forward to the holidays. I enjoy seeing all of our families, but there are many times when I really desire to be able to do things with people from the church. I have been married for 20 years, and have NEVER cooked a Thanksgiving dinner. Now....don't get me wrong, I always prepare some dishes to share and I have even cooked a turkey, but I have never cooked a Thanksgiving dinner completely by myself....and I am quite capable of doing so... and had people in our home for Thanksgiving. We are always either at my folks house with my family or in Greenville, SC with Gene's family. So sometimes it seems like our little family of 3 has never really established any holiday traditions of our own, even though going to grandparents and relatives are our family tradition. I look forward to when we have the opportunity to include our church family in our holiday traditions.

OK....so I have rambled on to make up for a week of posting. You folks have a really great weekend! Be blessed!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Curve Balls

So, as I looked at my week yesterday, it was looking pretty nice! There were not a lot of EXTRA things going on other than the normal CPCC classes for Chelsey. That meant that I would be able to just be home a bit more and do some things that I need to get done. THEN, God throws me a curve ball! I know that things often pop up unexpectedly....that's my curve ball! The question then becomes.....here comes the curve ball, how are you going to handle it? So this morning as I was thinking about the curve ball I had been thrown, I realized that even though I didn't verbalize my response, the response was still in my head and in my heart. Basically it was a quiet little tantrum because I was going to have to do something that I didn't really want to do at all. Was there ever any question that I had a choice in how to respond? Well, yes there was, but it was rather lop-sided. I really had to respond only one way. Last night, in my heart it was more just a resignation that, yes, I have to do this even though I'd rather not. This morning, by God's grace, I am able to see that it is an opportunity. I want to remember that throughout the day....because I know my mind will go back to what I'd rather be doing. But God has something for Him that I need to be doing. So I want to be looking throughout the day as I make this road trip to Spartanburg for the opportunities that may be there from the Lord. It may be nothing more than what has already occurred in my heart, and I can rejoice in that. But if there is more, I sure don't want to miss it!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

It's Raining!!!!!

The rain started coming down yesterday....we need it so much! We have the window open in the bedroom, and to go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the gentle rain is so pleasant. Thank you Lord for the rain! Yesterday morning Chelsey had class at Central and afterwards, we stopped by the Junior League Warehouse, a thrift store a block from her class. We didn't take a lot of time to look, but it is more upscale clothes. Some look really nice.....others remind me of my grandmother's closet! Funny how I classify things....Chelsey too. Last night Gene and Chelsey went to the deaf Bible study at First Baptist Church downtown (I know everyone calls it "uptown".....but for me a life-long Charlottean, it has never been uptown). Gene as even been enjoying this time. Chelsey is getting pretty good at communicating with people and she is really enjoying the interaction. They came home laughing and telling all kinds of stories last night. I haven't been with them yet, I usually just enjoy a couple of hours of quiet here at the house. Anyway, there were a couple of 3rd year ASL students at the meeting and they invited Chelsey to the Interpreter Club meeting today at Cato. So I took her over this morning, did some shopping for my parents and came home to do some chores here until she is done. She has already called to tell me of others from CWCC that she has seen this morning. I have a feeling that Gene and I might lose our extra date nights next semester!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

The Gift of Gifts

O Source of All Good,
What shall I render to thee for the gift of gifts,
thine own dear Son, begotten, not created,
my Redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute,
his self-emptying incomprehensible,
his infinity of love beyond the heart's grasp.
Herein is wonder of wonders:
he came bbelow to raise me above,
was born like me that I might become like him.
Herein is love;
when I cannot rise to him he draws near on
wings of grace
to raise me to himself.
Herein is power;
when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart
he united them in indissoluble unity,
the uncreated and the created.
Herein is wisdom;
when I was undone, witih no will to return to him,
and no intellect to devise recovery,
he came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost,
as man to die my death,
to shed satisfying blood on my behalf,
to work out a perfect righteousness for me.
O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds,
and enlarge my mind;
let me hear good tidings of great joy,
and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose,
my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father;
place me with ox, ass, camel, goat,
to look with them upon my Redeemer's face,
and in him account myself delivered from sin;
let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child
to my heart
embrace him with undying faith,
exulting that he is mine and I am his.
In him thou has given me so much
that heaven can give no more.

The Valley of Vision

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

God's grace is sufficient. Today was busy as usual....but enjoyable. First was the dog's visit to the vet....thankfully the vet is close and this trip was very brief. Next was taking my parents to the grocery store. I was able to accomplish a couple of things while they were shopping. A brief stop at home allowed me to do a couple of "home" tasks and then it was off to take my dad (well my folks) to an eye appointment. Home again, time to fix a quick dinner and then take Chelsey to her class at CPCC - Cato Campus. One of the best parts about her class is usually that Gene and I get 2 date nights each week. Tonight, Gene was meeting with a guy in the care group so two of the ladies in our care group met me for coffee. What a fun time! We talked and laughed and had a great time of fellowship, including some biblical fellowship which makes our time even better! Chelsey's teacher was sick or something, so her class was actually canceled. She called to tell me and several of her fellow students went to interact with the deaf community as they had their league bowling. I picked her up there later. She had a great time and is beginning to be able to interact comfortably with people. She even had the opportunity to tell someone about the church and invite them for a visit. So we all had a great evening even though we were in three different places --- that seems to be happening more as Chelsey's activities are taking her in new directions. God's grace is sufficient for each of us in each place we are throughout the day. God's grace is amazing, God's grace is sustaining and God's grace is far greater than I can comprehend and far greater than I deserve.

Monday, October 22, 2007

New Day...

Mondays seem to come too fast, but I like remembering that God's mercies are new every day! This weekend was a great time of serving our dear friend Pat, throw in a little relaxing time, church and care group was a great time to pull together and realize just how much we need to step up in owning our group and not just owning it on Sunday evenings, but every day of the week! I was certainly challenged once again to look at ways that I can do more at building these relationships! I really appreciate the folks in our group and am glad to serve along side of them!

Friday, October 19, 2007

Serving

Another busy week is quickly coming to a close. God is good and gracious in every aspect of our lives! I am grateful! My thoughts are just about serving. It is such a privilege to be able to serve others whether at home or outside of the home. I am also aware of how many times I choose selfishness over serving. So throughout the day today in preparation for serving the ladies tomorrow I've been lifting them up as well as the team of people serving. I hope that all of you who are serving will pray in preparation, and for those who can't serve this particular weekend in this way, please pray for those serving and the wonderful ladies that God has given us the opportunity to serve. May the gospel shine brightly tomorrow and open many doors of conversation no matter where you are!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

This morning, Chelsey began her 2nd class at CPCC. This one is at the Central Campus. I dropped her off and went down the street to plant myself at the Starbucks. I love watching people. My original intention had been to read, but I decided to do a crossword .... easier to watch people. Everyone is just in such a hurry. I enjoy just sitting still and watching. There are lots of people from all walks of life. It seemed to be mostly business people this morning and a couple of medical professionals from the hospital nearby. One thing that all of these people had in common......all are in need of a Savior. Hummmmmm......I wonder if, over the course of the next couple of months, I just might have the opportunity to share Jesus with someone. That would be really cool! Now, I'm off to make a pot of chili.....yum!!!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

There is never a day that is not busy.
There is never a day that God did not create.
There is never a day that I do not sin.
There is never a day that I am not forgiven!
There are plenty of days that I complain.
There is plenty of time that I waste.
There are lots of times when I am ungrateful.
There are too many times that I lose my focus.
BUT....
There is always time to rejoice.
There is always something new.
There are always people to be met.
There is always Jesus to be shared.
I don't always have the strength,
But it is always available!
I don't always have the time,
But it is there.
Lord make me more aware of You
At work in me and
At work in those around me.
Make me more aware of You than me.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Wondering What to call this post!

I guess it's just a random post! It has been another busy Tuesday. Chelsey and I had a trip by the hospital to drop off some information to a friend there, then over to the library so Chelsey could pick up some books on hold, and then over to Plato's Closet where she put in an application for employment. It will be interesting to see what happens. Then we came home, and I've been pricing "stuff" for a yard sale on Saturday. My niece is having one at her house in Belmont, and so I'm crashing and joining her and her sister....at least that is the plan today. Now it is time to start getting something ready for dinner tonight....something quick so we can take Chelsey to her class at CPCC. She is taking American Sign Language, and really enjoying it. She is doing well so far. This class meets at the Cato Campus. While she is there, Gene and I go to a coffee shop either near the university or in Harrisburg and drink coffee and play cards or something else. It has been a great time just to go out and be together with nothing calling our name around the house. Next week Chelsey starts her second class on Monday and Wednesday mornings at the Central Campus. I'm looking forward to hanging out at the Starbucks that is just down the street and getting some extra reading time! That will be nice! Well....I guess I've spent enough time here today...better move on!

Friday, October 5, 2007

So....what's your response?

So, what IS your response to a church plant out of our church with Brent leading. It kinda took me by surprise initially, and I have had very mixed feelings. But the more I think about it, the more excited I am, whether we are called to go or to stay! God has a lot for all of us to learn! I'm just really looking forward to that!

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Nothing in this World Compares.....

Today I had the pleasure, honor and blessing of sitting and fellowshiping with a friend for several hours. In today's world, there is nothing much that compares to having good friends and being able to fellowship with them. My fam is most important, but I so enjoy the days that I can afford to pull away. I am also grateful that it is not a one-way relationship. I appreciate the fact that friends are asking me what's happening in my life and how the Lord is at work. What a joy to be able to share those things together. Happy days!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

One More Thing......

It's allergy season, and I know that Chelsey is having a terrible time with hers today, so if you think about it, pray for her and all the other allergy sufferers out there.

A Busy Week & As Always....Lots to Think About

Day 2 of the blog! It is a busy week around here, but then again, there aren't many weeks that are not! This week just holds lots of preparation for a shower on Saturday, so that's my extra that makes the week a little more busy than normal. But there is grace for all of that as well! It is very kind of the Lord to have other things slow down a bit with there is something new and temporary to deal with at the present.

I've had 2 situations in the last week come up, some of it being asked for counsel. So I've had lots of thinking running around in my brain on the circumstances in others lives and how I can best serve them and seeking the Lord as to how He would have me speak into their lives. Both are very difficult situations that are easy for me to make judgement on, difficult to relate to and that puts me in a place where I absolutely have to wait on the Lord and seek good input from my husband along with the mountain of printed resources that might bring light and truth. It makes me realize just how dependent I am on the Lord for answers that don't come easy. While I'm eager to hear from the Lord, waiting patiently at His feet challenges me.

This was pretty interesting. My mom asked me if I would do a little bible study at their women of the church meeting in November. I didn't know what to think at first. And Gene reminded me what a great opportunity this would be to share with these women....all of whom are older women and many have been my teachers in the past. I don't know what I will do, but I'm confident that the Lord will show me something.....and I'll take suggestions too!

Now....back to the kitchen.....lots of goodies to make!

Monday, October 1, 2007

Monday Again!

Monday's always seem to come too fast! Someone said to me this weekend, you need to start your own blog. Maybe because I've been posting comments and I'm always "Anonymous". OK, so here I am....I don't know how consistent I'll be at this or maybe whether it is worth it or not. But I'm giving it a shot! I hope anyone who visits will be blessed....I know I am to have friends who will even come to visit! Have a great week everyone!