Thoughts & Ponderings

Fab Five ... Week ending July 11, 2009

2009-07-12T15:30:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I'm transitioning everything to my other blog (slowly) and this is the next thing to go ... so, you can find this week's Fab Five at Pleasing to You!

You can follow me there if you are not already doing so! Would love to have you join me as I pursue a life that is pleasing to God ... based on Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!"

Fab Five ... Week ending July 4, 2009

2009-07-05T21:10:00.003-04:00

Another photo edition ... and actually two weeks worth of sharing. Gotta include Reunion, trip to Alabama, and Fourth festivities.

Here goes ..

1. Scott & Bauer

From Summer 2009

2. Casiday & Greer

From Summer 2009

3. Family

From Recently Updated

4. Alycia & I at the reunion

From Oklahoma Trip June 2009

5. Freedom, fireworks, food, & friends

From Recently Updated

Fab Five ... Week ending June 27, 2009

2009-06-28T22:47:00.002-04:00

Okay, in fairness, this week is going to be the Especially Fab Eleven!!

In honor of my brothers and me who are gathered together without the funeral impetus it normally requires and in age order ...

1. Tim, the older of my two little brothers, who is so dang funny.
2. Heath, the youngest of us three, who is way smarter than me but I love him anyway.

(Okay, in fairness, they are both dang funny & way smarter than me ...)

3. Beth, my sistah, who I could not love more if we were blood kin. For years I wished for a sister and now I have an amazing one!
4. Gwynn, the oldest of the girl cousins, who is so quick-witted!
5. Malcolm, who has the sweetest spirit.
6. Jeffie Jean, Casiday's twin cousin, who is beautiful and helpful and a joy to be around.
7. Daniel, who is so very creative.
8. Little Heath, whose smile is precious - especially with those two missing teeth!
9. Terry, who is adorable and has learned that the water is not all bad since we've arrived.
10. Paulee, who is the cutest thing I have ever seen!
11. Anderson, who is so happy and easy and just watches the action.

What a precious gift to get to spend time with my brothers and their family!! I love you all so very much!!!

Fab Five ... week ending June 20, 2009

2009-06-21T17:48:00.002-04:00

Short but sweet this week ...

1. Living close to the beach! We had a great day Friday at the beach with Casiday & two of her friends.

2. New opportunities! God has been opening doors for me and I am so thankful for the exciting new things I am getting to do (like lead an online Bible study on Pleasing to You!).

3. Encouraging friends! I have some amazing women who inspire and encourage me ... and are the kind of friends who push me to step out of my comfort zone and take risks.

4. The Cheesecake Factory! I love this place ... one of my favorite places to eat. Had the best margherita pizza there this week . And of course, the requisite cheesecake! Yum!

5. My Aunt Mollianne! I have the best family ... and I am blessed with many incredible women who have invested in me and loved me since I was little. This week, though, my Aunt Mollianne has been especially instrumental in encouraging me and my sister-in-law Beth in our new endeavors. I love you, Mollianne!!

Exciting New Things

2009-06-19T06:52:00.002-04:00

I am so excited right now! Beginning Monday, June 22nd, I will be doing an online Bible study at Pleasing to You.

Check out Pleasing to You for more details! I do hope you will join me.

Oh and just to give the heads up, I will be merging these two blogs into one at Pleasing to You at some point this summer. Thanks for reading and I would love to "see" you at the Bible study!!

A Fun Little Tagging Game

2009-06-18T22:52:00.004-04:00

The two most important people in my life! Taken on Memorial Day this year on Jekyll Island, GA. I love this photo.

Okay, this one is fun! I love seeing everyone's pictures. So, since Michelle @ Lollypops & Lizards tagged me I am passing along this fun game to ....

Beth
Nikki
Stephanie
Laurie
Meghan

Here's the rules!

The Rules:

1) Go to your photo files…Select the 6th photo folder

2) Select the 6th photo in that folder

3) Post that photo along with the story behind it.

4) Then challenge 5 blog friends to do the same!

Fab Five ... Week ending June 13, 2009

2009-06-15T12:31:00.002-04:00

Summer has finally begun! Oh I know Casiday has been out of school for two weeks already. And in that two weeks we have made a trip to Alabama for Scott's 20th reunion, Casiday has been to children's camp and Scott & I went on our anniversary trip to Orlando.

But, even with that ... summer had not yet begun until now! See, we still had dance. Casiday loves dance and usually I do too. However, when her spring recital was not until June 13 ... that pushed my love to its limit!! :-)

Okay, that has nothing to do with my Fab Five post but I just needed to get it out there!!

Here goes ...

1. Watching my baby dance! She's not really a baby anymore but she's still my baby and watching her dance brings me such joy.

2. My sweet friend Natalie ... without her at the eternal dress rehearsal Friday night I think I would have a Frightful Five this week instead of Fab. Thanks, Natalie, for making me laugh!

3. Precious older girls who have encouraged and blessed my girl. Alyssa & Madelynne - thank you for encouraging Casiday in dance and life! Judy & Adrianne - thank you for ALL you have done to mold my 9-year-old into who she is! There are so many more who have been a blessing to me as they have connected with my child ... I am so thankful!

4. Dear friends who have encouraged me to write and keep writing. Pattie, Christina, Cyndie, Stacy, Lindsey, Karen ... thank you. Keep pushing me!!

5. New friends from blogworld. Wow! There are some amazing women who are writing relevant and interesting and hilarious blogs that make me laugh, think and even cry sometimes! Check out a few of these ... Like a Warm Cup of Coffee, Pajama Mama, PW - The Real Me, We are THAT Family, Joy in the Journey and so many more! Ladies, you are amazing and I am encouraged, cahllenged, and inspired every time I read ... EVERY time!

Miss me?

2009-06-11T06:51:00.003-04:00

I'm not MIA, really! Just been doing a lot more devotional style writing this week on Pleasing to You. I have posted several things this week over there.

Check out these posts ~

"It's in the JunkDrawer" ... some thoughts about the "junk" that gets piled up in my heart. Here's an exerpt ... "And just like I find myself sorting through the papers and whatnot in the catch-all drawer in my house, rarely throwing anything away without first thinking about why I kept it in the first place, there are times when, instead of tossing the trash, I ponder every little item I have collected in my heart’s junk drawer."

"Moldy Shower Curtain Liners" ... ponderings about the hidden things in my life that can become serious issues. "Far too often, I treat my spiritual life the same way I do my bathroom. I do a quick sweep but never really clean. I just pull the pretty shower curtain closed and hide the moldy liner … and I walk away from the mirror unchanged."

"Cleaning Break" ... thoughts about time spent daily in God's Word. This is my "Works for Me Wednesday" post for the week. "One of my earnest desires is to become a woman of wisdom who "builds her house" (Proverbs 14:1) and spending time every day soaking in the "Book of Wisdom" is laying a solid foundation for me in that area."

"Word Filled Wednesday" ... pondering an especially meaningful verse to me this week.

"Who Used the Last Roll of TP?" ... thoughts about our need for patience with others. Just posted this morning!! "That means, not only am I expected to be long-suffering with other people but I am also to choose to let things go. Even the absence of toilet paper."

Won't you take a moment to check out what's happening at "Pleasing to You"? Leave a comment, subscribe, send me an email with ideas for topics or questions you have about spiritual growth or daily Christian living! Would love to "see" you over there ...

I'll still be posting "Fab Five" and "Menu Plan Monday" here as well as other things along the way. But would love to have you visit my little corner of encouragement at "Pleasing to You." (Did I mention you can subscribe to "Pleasing to You"? Because you can!!)

Menu Plan Monday ~ 6/8/09

2009-06-08T11:07:00.003-04:00

Busy week ahead ... Dance recital on Saturday so lots of extra rehearsals all week. Plus we just got back from vacation and are trying to not spend a lot of money. So, I'm doing my best to eat out of the freezer.

Monday - Cola Pork Chops, french style green beans, fresh fruit

Tuesday - Stir fry chicken & rice

Wednesday - Bean burritos, corn

Thursday - London broil, parmesan noodles, carrots

Friday - (dress rehearsal for recital) soup & sandwiches

Saturday - (recital) baked chicken with leftover veggies ... or dinner out if we can talk Daddy into that to celebrate the end of dance! ... maybe if we follow the menu exactly he'll be willing!!! *fingers crossed*

Making lemonade!

2009-06-07T20:48:00.006-04:00

So, I am waaaayyyyy behind on this one but ... sweet Nicol on Classy and Sophisticated gave me the Lemonade Award last month. I was so excited about it but was completely distracted by the end-of-the-year madness at Casiday's school and unable to keep the bloggy love going. So, finally, tonight, I am continuing the Lemon-Love fest!

Here are the rules for this award:

1.Put the logo on your blog or post
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude
3. Link to your nominees within your post
4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award
5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award
6. Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude

So, I now pass along the Lemonade Award to the following bloggers (in no particular order, I promise!):

Imitating Steventon, Half a Dozen or the Other,
Mundane Musing s,Pillaging with Buffie,
Syma Says, PW-The Real Me,
Livin' la vida Lulu,Joy in the Journey,
Closing Time, The Smith Family Blog

How have I come to have an attitude of gratitude? Well, over the past few years I have noticed that my comments and thoughts have leaned toward the negative - lots of complaining, sarcasm, etc. This year I determined that I am going to have a different mindset. So, I began my "Fab Five" posts for each week. By listing five of the best parts of each week I refocus on the many great people, places, experiences, and more in my life. Things like good coffee, a great book, sweet phone calls, trips with loved ones, and time to reflect receive my attention. I find myself through the week paying attention so I can take note of those "Fab Five" moments! For me, gratitude must be purposeful and intentional ... because the world around me, around all of us, does not encourage looking for the good things, the blessings.

So, thank you, Nicol, for the kind acknowledgement and encouragement. Let's all celebrate the many wonderful things, times, people, and places in our lives - big & small!

Philippians 4:4 ~
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say, Rejoice!

Fab Five ... week ending June 6, 2009

2009-06-07T13:41:00.005-04:00

Not sure how to narrow down the good things in my life from the past week. At this moment I am feeling so overwhelmed with blessings! But I'll try ...

1. My husband!! Monday we celebrated our 13th anniversary. In case you missed reading my epic tale of how much I love him, you can find that 2000-word beast here!

2. Dreamland ribs. My most favorite place to get ribs. We stopped there Monday on our way home from taking the girl to camp. "Ain't nothin' like 'em nowhere!"

3. Blue Man Group. We saw the Blue Man Group for the first time while we were in Orlando for anniversary trip. They were amazing! Everyone should see them at least once.

4. Universal CityWalk. Scott & I went one night while we were in Orlando. Scott sang "Sweet Home Alabama" at the live band karaoke club, Rising Star.

5. HOME! As much fun as we had and as nice as it was to get away, there is just no place like home.

Life, More Abundantly

2009-06-06T15:46:00.003-04:00

FAR TOO MANY OF US ARE MISSING THE VERY BEST GOD HAS TO OFFER US! AND WE ARE DOING IT BECAUSE WE SIMPLY CHOOSE NOT TO BELIEVE ONE OF GOD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL PROMISES TO US!!

Okay, hopefully, I have your attention. Now, are you ready to have your life changed and made bigger and more wonderful than you ever dreamed? Here we go ...

In Mark 5, we find the account of a man living among the tombs. This man was possessed with demons. Think about this for a moment. This man literally LIVED in the graveyard. He walked every day among the dead. He was tormented by so many demons that they called themselves "Legion." This man was living in death.

Sidebar: What a clear picture of life without Christ! For isn't that what life is before an encounter with Christ, merely existing with no hope for anything beyond the here and now?

Okay, back to the demoniac. He was truly a tormented man. He was alone. He was afraid. And then, he saw Jesus. How did this man, this possessed man who was in the control of Satan's demons, recognize Jesus? I've wondered about this often as I've read and studied these verses. My conclusion is two-fold.

First, the man saw what was missing in his life. He recognized His Creator. He saw the Savior. And he KNEW he needed Jesus. Second, the demons knew exactly who Jesus was. James 2:19 tells that that even the demons recognize Christ. So, what we find is simple - the revelation of Jesus Christ and His offer of life in the midst of sin's trap of death is always clear to both us as humans and to the forces of Satan. For us, that revelation brings hope; for them, fear.

So the man knew who Jesus was and so did the demons. When Jesus spoke to the demoniac, his tormentors revealed themselves. And the amazing, beautiful, miraculous next event can be described in just one word- COMPASSION. Jesus saw the man with compassion. (Aren't you thankful that is how He sees you?) He saw the individual, not the legion of demons inside. Jesus saw the man. He saw one in need of forgiveness and grace. And that is exactly what He gave.

The rest of this story is that Jesus allowed the demons to possess the swine nearby. The swine upon their possession immediately jumped off a cliff into the waters below and died. But that's not the part I want to consider. What about this man? This new man with new life? Do you think for one minute this man stayed in that graveyard? Of course not!

Once we have life, what appeal does death have? And yet, I find, in my life and so many others, that we are satisfied with just the beginning of life. We never move to that next level, that part Jesus promised in John 10:10 - LIFE, MORE ABUNDANTLY; LIFE, TO THE FULL. That isn't just the promise of our life in heaven, that is what our precious Savior desires to give us here and now.

And what is life more abundantly? Living life to its fullest, every day, in Christ. It is seeing - people, places, miracles, beauty, suffering, pain. It is hearing - hurts, joys, birds, babies, and that still small voice of God. It is experiencing - mountains, valleys, plateaus, rivers of mercy, streams of peace. How often do we spend an entire day without any new revelation of God? When that happens, we must understand it is our failure to recognize Him, not His failure to reveal Himself. We fail to see His beauty in the sunrise. His cleansing in the rain. His wrath in the storms. His grace in the rainbow.

My prayer for me, for you, for all Christians is this - that we strive for life abundantly. That we yearn for the fullness and richness of living completely in Christ. And, that in doing so, we find abundance that we never imagined.

Oh Holy God, Giver of life
Give us a seal for living
Take us from our complacency
And move us into Your abundance
Let us live in Your fullness
And may You dwell fully in us.
~ Amen

Twenty Years? Impossible but true ..

2009-06-05T13:45:00.004-04:00

My 20th high school reunion is coming up. Quickly ... like 3 weeks from today. To be honest, I do not feel old enough to have been out of high school for 20 years. And I am certain I don't look old enough. (Feel free to give comments supporting that last thought in my comments section!)

I have such mixed emotions about this event. While I am excited to see friends from that period of my life, many of whom I have not seen since we graduated, I am also a bit nervous. Looking back on those years, I remember a girl who was very insecure and often downright mean. She was selfish and could be very manipulative and calculating. She had friends and was in lots of different activities ... but for some reason, she always felt on the outside but desperate to be "in."

So, now I sit here wondering if those events which are indelibly etched in my memory - words I wish I had never said, actions I cringe to recall - are still as real to those who were hurt or impacted by my words and deeds.

A month or so ago I was reconnecting with a former roommate from college on Facebook and made the comment that I felt I owe a blanket apology to all who knew me between the ages of 16 and 23. My kind friend said that most everyone, if they were honest, had a period of life like that and the people who matter most are the ones who will allow you grow through those times and love you just the same.

I suppose preparing for this reunion has been good ... I know I've been more focused on my health (well, my weight anyway! LOL). And the introspection has also been cleansing for me. Realizing who I was is not who I am required to be today is such a relief! I've thought about the lessons I learned in my life and the person I would like for others to see. I realize the past is what shapes us and our response to weak areas in our lives is what leads to change. So, I've given myself a healthy dose of "If only I had..." and decided that, while there are some things I would change if I could, there is nothing I would do differently if it meant I would not have the life I have now.

Life is not about the end ... it's the journey that counts. The people we meet, the places we go, the lives we touch. And my journey has had some rough spots - some because life is just hard and some because I'm a stubborn girl who wants to do it my way - but the vistas I have seen on my journey make the valleys seem small.

So, I'm still going to try to lose that last five pounds and I'm praying that I will have the opportunity to make amends with a few people. But most of all, I am committed to enjoying the journey!

What lessons have you learned along life's journey?
Anything you wish you could "do over"? Why?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-03T17:01:00.006-04:00

13 Years into "Happily Ever After"

2009-06-01T02:52:00.005-04:00

My Husband ~

For thirteen years I have had the honor of traveling life’s road with Scott Underwood. In that time, we have experienced many things ~ unspeakable joy and unimaginable sorrow as well as opportunities to grow in our faith and to pursue our dreams. We have moved away from our families only to find that family is not only defined by birth and marriage but also by shared experiences and time investments. We have faced death and celebrated life. God’s great mercy and love have covered us and His protection and provision have amazed us.

As we begin our fourteenth year of marriage, I honor this man I deeply love. Scott, you are my husband, my lover, my confidante, my soul mate - the very beat of my heart and the sparkle in my eye. You are the man who takes my breath away and breathes life into every day we share together. You bring me joy and laughter and you hold me close in times of fear and grief. Thank you for making me smile and wiping away my tears. I am the luckiest (and most blessed!) girl I know. Becoming your wife was the most significant thing, outside of my salvation, that has ever happened to me. Being your wife the most precious thing, outside of my relationship with Christ, in my life. You are my hero, my knight in shining armor, the fulfiller of my dreams, the fixer of my problems, and the joy of my ife. I love you. Always.

These verse are the best way I know to celebrate who you are.

Micah 6:8 (your life verse) ~ No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what He requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Scott, daily I see you live out this verse. You always seek justice, doing what is right, even if the benefit to doing so is not for you. Your very nature is mercy - extending grace and forgiveness when most would simply walk away. And how very much I admire your walk with God, marked by a humble awareness of your place before Him and a humble appreciation of His willingness to use you.

Psalm 27:4 ~ The one thing I ask of the LORD - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.
This verse is your very heartbeat - to dwell in the Lord’s presence at all times. Thank you for showing me and so many others what a life of worship really looks like.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ~ Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.
Your steadfast faith and willingness to be obedient to the call of God on your life gives me such security! I never doubt that you are seeking the face of the Lord and willing to go wherever He leads.

Isaiah 6:8 ~ Then I heard the LORD asking, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me.”
Scott, when we moved to Brunswick, I never dreamed we would still be here almost nine years later. I guess neither of us really did. But even if we had known every thing that was going to happen - from losing your dad to your ITP - I know that you would still have chosen to “go for us” … to be faithful to the call of Christ in your life.

Matthew 6:33 ~ Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.
Your focus on the eternal rather than the temporal is one of those things that amazes me! While some become “so heavenly minded they are no earthly good” you remain focused on Christ while ministering to others daily in His name.

Matthew 25:40 ~ And the King will tell them, “I assure you. When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”
I cannot begin to count the times your generosity and compassion have left me speechless and filled with wonder. From making a U-turn to go back and give a man some water to giving a server a 100% tip, you are always open to any and every opportunity to give - generously and sacrificially. Thank you for that example for our daughter and for those around us.

Mark 10:43 - 44 ~ But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all.
I think it must be very easy when you are a pastor to begin to think others should always be serving you (it seems so many do); but, that mindset has never been yours. It fills me with such wonder to watch how you will sacrifice your time and energy to meet the needs of others. The respect and honor you give to those who volunteer their time to play instruments and assist in your ministry is a rare expression these days. The loyalty you inspire among others is a testimony to the servant-leader you are. I believe it must make Christ Jesus very proud to watch you … for your life is the embodiment of this command!

1 Corinthians 13:4 -7 ~ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Oh, my sweet Scott, if ever a passage of Scripture defined someone’s whole life - this one does for you! And how blessed I am to live in a home where these things are the rule not the exception - the example lived out not just the expectation given but not shown.

Genesis 2:24b ~ This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
There is never a moment that passes when I question or doubt that our life, our marriage, is the priority relationship for you. What a blessing in a world where marriages are last on most people’s lists of relationships to nurture.

Song of Songs 6:3a ~ “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine!"
Is there a greater description of our life? I cannot find one. As much as one person can ever belong to another, know another, care for another, submit to another, cherish another, and love another, that is the life we live every single day. Thank you.

Ephesians 5:25 ~ And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up His life for her.
I have often said it is very easy for me to submit to your leadership not just because I respect you and believe in you but more so because the love you have for me is what is described in this verse. I have always known that in any choice you always consider what is best for me and place that in highest priority, after obedience to God. Being your wife is the easiest thing I have ever done - and I am better in every way because you love me!

Ephesians 6:4 ~ And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.
You are the best dad ever!!! When I watch you with Casiday I am immeasurably grateful for the love you have - the love the two of you share. I thank God for your dad who loved you and showed you what being a man of integrity and father worthy of respect looked like. How I wish he could see you and Casiday … but I know he would be so proud of you!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ~ No matter what happens always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Since May 2004, I have watched you face hospitalization, procedures, chemo, surgeries, and so much more due to your ITP. I have seen you scared - not of dying but of missing out on the life we have dreamed of together. I have seen you share the love of God with more people than I could ever count. I have watched you bring peace into stressful times when you could have focused on your own stress. I have seen you share the spiritual and emotional healing of Christ with others when you were longing for your own physical healing. I have seen you share your testimony of faith and of God’s protection when others needed to know that God is bigger than illness and suffering. I have seen all of these things and so much more. And while I am sure you have questions why you have ITP and why the treatments have not worked - I have never seen you question God’s wisdom in allowing this or provision in guiding you through it. What a gift you have given me - a daily lesson in gratitude!

Scott, when I read God’s Word and see the descriptions of what His followers should look like, I see a picture of you. I know you are not perfect and that there are always areas of your life where God is at work. But, those things just make you more authentic, more approachable and more amazing to me.

Thank you for listening to me when I told you we were supposed to get married! Thank you for making every day since June 1, 1996, better than the one before. Thank you for promising me the rest of your life - and for being the happily in my ever after. I love you, always.

~ Your Wife

Fab Five ... Week ending May 30, 2009

2009-05-31T23:43:00.004-04:00

GREAT WEEK!!!

1. Family! While we were in Alabama for Scott's 20th reunion (gasp!), I took the opportunity to visit my sweet Aunt Mollianne for an afternoon. As a bonus, my cousin Annie was at her house also. We had the best time gabbing, drinking coffee, eating yummy carb-laden foods, and sharing life together for a few hours. I am still basking in the glow of those few hours!

2. School's out! Another exciting event ... and we have a FULL summer already planned. But, just the thought that we don't HAVE to be anywhere most days is a wonderful one. (Downside to this is that I am now the parent of a fourth-grader - gasp! again - and wondering where my baby girl went!)

3. Our "country house." We are very fortunate to have a vacation home of sorts in the Shoals. The house we lived in before moving to Georgia belonged to Scott's great-grandmother. His aunt has graciously allowed us to continue to "live" there when we are visiting. It is so very nice to have a place of our own to relax in when we are home in North Alabama.

4. My cell phone. I am very excited right now about my phone because it made the normally unbearable (for all of us!) trip of 9 hours to Alabama much better! My sweet brother Tim taught me how to use it as a modem for my computer so I was able to be online the whole time. I have a data plan on my phone also but it sure was nice to be able to use my laptop for a few hours instead of squinting the whole time on that tiny cell phone screen!!! ;)

5. My new blog! This made a post unto itself on Wednesday but I am so very excited about the gracious and encouraging response to this new adventure! The first series is titled "Finding Jesus in My Messy House." My heart cry is to be Pleasing to God and so to write and share with others how God is working out that desire in my life is a dream come true!! Thank you to all those who have encouraged me - and the few who have pestered me into action.

NEW blog

2009-05-27T22:44:00.005-04:00

Over the past few months I have been toying with several ideas for blogging and teaching and writing. I finally bit the bullet and started a new blog dedicated to writing Bible studies, devotions, essays on spiritual formation, etc.

I am really excited about this new endeavor. I have missed teaching a Bible study and am looking forward to adding an in-depth study to the new blog ~ probably in the fall. For now, I have kicked off a series titled "Finding Jesus in my Messy House." Just a look at some of the lessons I've learned about my relationship with God over the years. Amazing how He always uses everything we do to draw us to Him ... if only we are paying attention.

Please visit the new blog ... and leave a comment! Would love to hear ideas and suggestions about potential topics, studies, etc.

Oh, you probably want the link, huh? Pleasing to You is my heart-longing to know Christ and be known by Him. Based on Psalm 19:14, my life verse, which says "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer," my earnest prayer is that the words and messages on this little corner of the world wide web will always bring joy to the Father and be found pleasing to Him, a fragrant aroma and sacrifice of praise.

So, off you go to Pleasing to You ...

Really, check it out here ...

What a difference a year makes ...

2009-05-27T13:05:00.002-04:00

Okay, so here are the pics I SHOULD have used for Wordless Wednesday!

A little background ... Scott had weight loss surgery on March 21st of this year. He has lost over 65 pounds as of today (May 27th) and is doing great!!

So, here is a little visual aid ... the picture on top was taken at Jason's graduation from Mercer in May 2008. The bottom one was taken a couple of weeks ago at Judy's graduation from Mercer.

From Scott Weight Loss

I am so proud of my husband! He has worked very hard. He still has about 130 pounds to go but HE LOOKS GREAT!!!

Works for Me Wednesday

2009-05-27T11:36:00.004-04:00

This is my first post on this meme but I love reading everyone else's so...I thought I'd join the fun!

Maybe I'm the only one who faces this.
Maybe I'm the only one who gets so upset about this.
Maybe I'm the only one who loses her cool completely over this.

But, maybe I'm not!

What is "this"?

Messy kids rooms!!

I get so tired of saying, "Is your room clean?" "Go clean your room." "Have you picked up your room?" etc.

Makes me crazy!! And with summer just around the corner, I am determined NOT to spend time on this every day when we could be enjoying so many other things.

So, I have instituted a new standard for room cleanliness. I actually "stole" the idea from my wonderful Aunt Mollianne.

The standard for Casiday's room is ...

How my room looks at 10 a.m. her room must look at noon.

So, if it's a crazy day and my room is messy - it's okay that hers is too. I think that will help all of us be more conscious of our clutter. And it makes a pretty good rule. So, that's my tip for the week.

Here's to less nagging, fussing, arguing, and whining!! Bring on the summer fun!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T11:29:00.003-04:00

This is us! Right after Honors Day this morning.
There truly are no words to experess the love I have for my family.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-05-25T00:07:00.003-04:00

Okay, so here we go again ... how do Mondays get here so fast? Seems like I just finished writing this blog last week and yet here I sit typing another menu for the week.

Monday - grilled pork chops, pasta salad, grilled corn on the cob, baked beans, fresh strawberries & homemade angel food cake

Tuesday - leftovers (Casiday has dance, I have a meeting, and Scott has quartet practice so we will be eating in shifts.)

Wednesday - baked chicken, parmesan noodles, green beans

Thursday - eat out ... we are leaving as soon as Casiday gets out of dance to head to Muscle Shoals for Scott's 20th reunion.

Friday - A great day! We'll be in Alabama and the Reunion Banquet is at Dale's. So we will be having amazing steaks for dinner that night.

Boy, I can tell we are into summer. In looking at our calendar, it appears that I will not have to plan for more than four or five nights a week of cooking until August. That is crazy but we have a summer filled with so many good things. I am ready to get started! Just three more days of school!!!

Fab Five ... Week ending May 23, 2009

2009-05-24T18:08:00.004-04:00

1. Good friends! I had the best time this weekend with some great friends. We spent some time together on Jekyll Island - where, of course, it rained and we couldn’t be on the beach. But we laughed and got “caught up” on each other’s lives. And our girls had a great time together as well.

2. BIBC “Young at Heart” group. The senior adults are our church are just amazing! One of Scott’s responsibilities at BIBC is the Senior Adult Pastor. And without a doubt, that is the best part of his job! Our “old people,” as I always call them (in their presence, of course!), are such fun and genuinely have the sweetest spirits and the kindest servant heart. We are so blessed to have them in our life as a family!

3. Twitter!! I am a huge Twitter fan and I love “following” all the people whose blogs I love to read, celebrities (like Elisabeth Hasselbeck!), and companies with cool products. It is such fun and so easy to keep in touch with friends far away. You can follow me by clicking here.

4. Blogging. Dang, I think I am addicted to this one! I love writing my blogs, reading other blogs, finding new blogs … the whole process!

5. Goals. This week I joined the “101 Goals in 1001 Days” challenge. You can see my list here. I had no idea how hard it would be to come up with that many things I want to accomplish … but I did it!! Yea me! I’m a goal-driven person anyway but it is always helpful to have them written down and even more compelling to have them in public view where people can ask you how you are doing. So, if you’ve checked out my list, feel free to nudge me along the way.

It’s been a great week … I am so thankful to have the countless blessings I have. God has truly been most gracious to me. I’ll close with a verse that has been especially meaningful to me this week ~

For God is working IN you, giving you the DESIRE to obey Him and the POWER to do what pleases Him.
~ Philippians 2:13 (NLT, Emphasis mine)

Type A Personality ~ Yep! Another List!!

2009-05-20T21:36:00.011-04:00

Okay, so I was visiting one of my favorite blogs, Three Blondes & a Redhead, and Katie has this little button about 101 in 1001. Intrigued, I clicked on it and it took me to her blog about setting 101 measurable, achievable goals to be accomplished in 1001 days (which is roughly 2-3/4 years). I read her list which you can find here and was fascinated. What a great idea!!

I immediately forwarded the link to Beth (my sister-in-law/co-conspirator in all things online) and told her we should do this. Beth, has not committed yet but she is still in the midst of Spring Cleaning from Simple Mom so I have hopes that she'll join this when she finishes.

Okay, all that aside, it took me almost all day to make a list. I read about 20 other blogs of those who are participating in the 101 in 1001 challenge as well as countless other blogs with New Year's Resolutions and various other "goals" type tags. After randomly "borrowing" ideas from many of them I finally finished my list. Oh and by the way based on my calculations (using my at-times feeble math skills), the 1001 days will end on September 28, 2011.

And here it is ...

1. Finish writing my book ~ "Lessons from the Hundred Acre Woods: Spiritual Truths from Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends."
2. Submit said book to at least five publishers.
3. Start an online Bible study. Yea! Did this beginning in June 09. You can find my study on Philippians at Pleasing to You!
4. Catch up on our BIBC scrapbook.
5. Sort through all the school papers I have saved since Casiday started preschool. That means 6 years worth of papers ~ ugh!!
6. Take a Greek class.
7. Take a Hebrew class.
8. Speak at a women's conference.
9. Make the bed every day for one month.
10. Spend an hour per week in absolute silence for three months.
11. Memorize James 1. (I did this a few years ago and didn't keep it fresh so now I need to do it again.)
12. Watch a sunrise on the beach.
13. Write letters to my grandparents telling them how very much I love them.
14. Plan & take a trip with my amazing sister-in-law Beth (and maybe our girls!).
15. Take a dance class.
16. Try sushi.
17. Teach another class on the Jewish wedding.
18. Teach a class on the Jewish festivals and how they relate to our Christian faith.
19. Complete a 40-day fast using "The Journey to Wholeness & Holiness."
20. Go on a cruise.
21. Buy groceries with a weekly cash allowance for one month.
22. Get 25 comments on a single blog post. 5/22/09 ~~ Okay, Natalie "corrected" me and so I am modifying this to make it a goal rather than a desire. (Thanks, Natalie!!) My GOAL is to write a post that is relevant and meaningful to at least 25 people (who will hopefully leave a comment to that end).
23. Make all Christmas presents for nonfamily.
24. Reconcile with at least one person I have offended.
25. Go a whole week without raising my voice at Casiday.
26. Teach Casiday to make one meal all by herself. Done! She can now make spaghetti by herself!! June 2009
27. Start a journal for me and my niece, Jeffie Jean.
28. Talk to one out-of-town friend per week for one month.
29. Be a guest columnist an at least one other blog.
30. Read through the entire Bible - even Leviticus. :)
31. Take Casiday to the "real" theatre - preferably the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.
32. Do a mission trip as a family.
33. Paint my bedroom.
34. Paint Scott's study aka "The Christmas Room."
35. Put out a bird feeder.
36. Develop a plan for the backyard.
37. Have a girls night at least two times a year.
38. Learn to make jewelry.
39. Save an emergency fund of $1000 ~ thanks Dave Ramsey!
40. Pay off credit cards.
41. Drink 32 ounces of water BEFORE drinking anything else ~ even coffee ~ for 21 days straight.
42. Lose 15 pounds.
43. Have a new family portrait made on the beach. May 2009! Thanks, Kathy!
44. Spend a day in downtown Savannah.
45. Visit Charleston for a few days with Scott.
46. Use my golf clubs at least once.
47. Play piano for 30 minutes three times a week for one month.
48. Read 100 books.
49. Develop and stick to a blogging schedule. In process, I have a schedule ... now must stick to it! June 2009
50. Do WiiFit workout four times a week for six months.
51. Get up at 5:30 a.m. daily for 30 days straight for prayer and Bible study.
52. Write letters to Scott's grandmothers.
53. Spend time at Momma & Daddy's when both my brothers are there - and take lots of pictures!
54. Finish my "Pay it Forward" gifts.
55. Learn how to design my blog layout.
56. Order Disney pics and make scrapbook.
57. Get new bedding for our room.
58. Teach Casiday how to put her hair into a ponytail by herself. YAY! June 2009
59. Take off my makeup every night for one month.
60. Floss daily for one month.
61. Compliment Scott about something specific every day for one month.
62. Create a family mission statement and frame it. (Thanks, Katie!!)
63. Write a letter of thanks to both of my parents.
64. Buy all new towels for both bathrooms.
65. Try a new recipe every month.
66. Go to bed by 10 p.m. every day for one week.
67. Get an estimate on repairing front bumper.
68. Speak "Praise Only" for one week.
69. Get eye exam and new glasses.
70. Schedule eye exam for Casiday.
71. Schedule a dental appointment for Casiday.
72. Buy five outfits I love and feel amazing in. In process, I now have two!
73. Watch "Gone with the Wind."
74. Learn to play bass at "hard" level on Guitar Hero World Tour.
75. Buy a flatscreen TV.
76. Get "The West Wing" ~ all seasons ~ on DVD.
77. Submit an article to a magazine.
78. Get a massage at least once a year.
79. Pay cash for everything for one month.
80. Join the Y.
81. Take a cycling class.
82. Go to consignment stores to look for jeans and great black pants.
83. Paint a family plate at Color Me Happy.
84. Start a Christmas Club account at the bank.
85. Do a three-day media fast.
86. Have ice cream for dinner!
87. See an Auburn football game live.
88. Institute Family Night once a month - and make it active! For example, bowling, beach, etc.
89. Go golfing as a family ~ or at least to the driving range.
90. Take a 24-hour prayer retreat by myself. No phone, no computer ~ just my Bible and journal.
91. Encourage Beth to submit one or more of her blogs to a magazine. Seriously, the girl can write!!
92. Go to the firing range. (Just have this bizarre desire to shoot a gun.)
93. Finish the Rudolph quilt.
94. Go to MOSH with Scott & Casiday.
95. Start a meme on my blog.
96. Add a counter to my blog. 5/22/09 Yea me!!
97. Make an encouragement calendar for at least one friend.
98. Put new floors in the kitchen & dining room at the house in Muscle Shoals.
99. Look into do product reviews on my blog.
100. Take a spontaneous road trip so that Casiday can see snow.
101. Go to St. Augustine and spend the day with Scott.

Waiting Patiently (or My Argument with God)

2009-05-19T20:04:00.007-04:00

Be still in the presence of the LORD,
and wait patiently for him to act...
Psalm 37:7a (NLT)

Waiting. A tough assignment. Perhaps the toughest.

Waiting patiently. PATIENTLY? Really? Seems nigh to impossible sometimes.

Like now.

I love reading the Psalms. Covering the gamut of human emotion and situations, always I find comfort in the words of David and so many others. Knowing that my circumstances and feelings are not unique, that others have faced the same trials and troubles just somehow brings me back to reality. Keeps me from that egotistical idea that what I am facing in this moment is somehow the biggest difficulty ever faced by anyone at anytime in all of history. I need that perspective.

But, right now, the very last word from the Lord that I desired to hear is, "Wait. But don't just tap your foot like you're in a long line at Wal-Mart. Wait patiently."

Can you just hear my argument with the Lord? It generally goes something like this:

Me: Lord, You can't be serious! Wait? Why wait? You see what is happening. You see how it is causing pain and heartache.

God: Yes, I see. I see what you see. But I also see what you cannot see.

Me: Well, could you show me a little of that? Because, God, THIS is too much. THIS is more than I can manage. THIS is overwhelming. THIS is just too hard.

God: (Chuckling) Yes, my dear one, you are right. This is too much for you, more than you can manage, overwhelming to you, and THIS is most assuredly too hard for you.

Me: Are you really laughing at me, God? Because I am serious here. I mean it! I don't know what to do.

God: Oh, my precious child, I am not laughing at you. I am amused that even after all this time of walking with me you still fail to understand that I have never asked you to carry your load alone. I never expect you to bear your burden by yourself. And I have never desired that any situation you face be managed in your strength. My sweet daughter, I am here. Of course you feel overwhelmed and overtaken by this situation. IT IS too much for you. But, child, it is not too much for Me. I have loved walking by your side through all the joys and beauty your life has held thus far. But, know this, it is a greater thrill for me to hold you close during this storm. I take such joy in hiding you while TOGETHER we wait out this storm.

Me: But, God, I don't like the storms. The lightening is so bright and too dangerous. And the thunder scares me ... it's loud and shakes me to the core.

God: I know. But the storms give you something you need. In the lightning that flashes you can learn to see clearly. That brightness CAN be dangerous but it can also protect you. Remember, I am the Light of the World. I do know how the thunder shakes you. But when you are shaking, I am still solid and unmoving. You can trust me. You can wait WITH me. And as we wait together, I will teach you patience.

And so, with more than a little hesitation, I recognize that God is near. Even in the waiting. Maybe especially in the waiting. And as I sit with Him, spend time with Him, learn more about Him, treasure Him, I find that patience comes a little easier, a little more naturally.

And so I wait. Patiently. Even in this current storm, this time of uncertainty and confusion. And I trust that THIS does not overwhelm, surprise, or move my God. I trust Him and I stand on His word:

The LORD saves the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
The LORD helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in Him.
~ Psalm 37:39 - 40 (NLT)

This Week in Food or How Insecure am I??

2009-05-18T15:50:00.006-04:00

So, I'm trying to get my menu done for this week and coming up really blank. Casiday & I are going to spend the weekend on Jekyll with some dear friends to celebrate a birthday so it's only Monday - Thursday. One would think that could be done quickly. But no! Apparently, the idea that I am now posting my menus online is creating a mental block for me ... almost like I am worried that my menus won't be up to par (as if others are seriously interested in what I am cooking for my little family and if they are, would be judging the menus for content and style). It's a silly thing but I am really stressed over this. I've been making menus for YEARS! Have months of menus on my Google calendar and yet, for whatever crazy reason, putting menus into my blog (which as an impressive 11 followers! Thank you to each one!!) is totally stressing me out.

All that as preface to say, IF you are reading this and IF you think that my menus are bad and IF you are inclined to post about the poor quality of the meals I prepare for my family - PLEASE DON'T! My all-too-fragile ego can't take the criticism right now. I know we are boring ... and that I fix "veggies" (which sadly does translate to opening a can of some sort) almost every night with very little creativity ... but we eat what I fix and while it may not qualify me for a slot on any of Food Network's Challenges, I do make the effort to cook for my family as many nights a week as possible. So, please, be kind, be gentle, or be quiet!!! :-) ~ Oh & I am really hoping the tone of this is translating well and that everyone can recognize my silliness! ~

Without further adieu ...

Monday ~ vegetable soup (my monthly "free" meal made with the leftovers of our nightly veggies saved in the freezer) & sandwiches

Tuesday ~ hamburger steaks (one of my sweet husband's specialties!) & green beans

Wednesday ~ baked chicken & corn

Thursday ~ leftovers

Friday & Saturday ~ Casiday & I will be on Jekyll Island with our friends. Scott will probably eat some Healthy Choice meals and sandwiches. We'll be snacking & eating dinner out.

Sunday ~ annual Memorial Day bbq at our church ... I'll be serving beside my precious Scott as the staff always takes this opportunity to serve our church members.

Fab Five ... Week ending May 16, 2009

2009-05-17T21:53:00.004-04:00

Pictures ...

1. "Skinny Scott" who has now lost over 60 pounds!

From Scott Weight Loss

2. Field Day Fun

From Field Day 2009

3. My Judy (aka "Big Casiday") graduated from Mercer

From Judy's Graduation

4. Casiday's room is clean!!!

5. Spring Cleaning is done!! Thanks Simple Mom for the party and encouragement!

From Misc stuff

Spring Cleaned the girl's room - and learned some valuable lessons!

2009-05-13T13:03:00.006-04:00

This spring cleaning party has been great for me. I'm making such progress and feeling like I'm in control of things in my house. My kitchen and living room have stayed clean and my laundry is basically caught up. All in all, this has been such a wonderful experience. BUT ... I am ready to move to something else. It has required a lot of focus to keep chugging away at all this. And, well, I'm tired of decluttering, cleaning and organizing ... honestly! But, today was more than just cleaning Casiday's room ... it was a beautiful, special time when I was reminded of some very important lessons. Of course, I'm jumping ahead of myself. So back to the beginning ....

Okay, so the day I have dreaded finally arrived. Day 8 - Cleaning the children's rooms. The truth is ... I have a hard time getting rid of things in here. As evidenced by the after photos - there is still A LOT of "stuff." Maybe by next year I'll be able to get rid of more.

Some of the problem is, I really believe, her age. At nine she is still very much a little girl in some ways and so does play with baby dolls, stuffed animals, etc. But she is also getting into that "tween" time of life and so loves her books, DVDs, video games, etc, as well. Plus, she is a creative little thing who is constantly drawing, coloring, writing ... and so there are journals, coloring books, sketch pads, etc. Within the next couple of years, I imagine, her interests in dolls and stuffed animals will have long waned and those things will be packed away for her children or donated to Good Will. However, for now, we have more "stuff" than I'd like but it is all "stuff" she really uses or plays with regularly. And so... as I have said before, that is our reality and I am content in it.

Now, on to the much awaited photos. Remember, I fearlessly posted photos of her room on Day One of our party at the urging of my sweet sister-in-law Beth who felt her children's rooms were much worse. Mind you, Beth has not yet posted a picture of said rooms ... so there is no way to judge. But, I had not done anything in Casiday's room until today since those photos were taken. I did tell her last night that I would be working in her room today so she better make sure that she had put away properly anything she wanted to keep. The girl knows that I have no patience for things put in the wrong place or (WORSE!) shoved under the bed and will absolutely throw away anything I find there. (Yes, she knows this because she has cried as I packed away her beloved Polly Pockets - ALL of them - to put in the yard sale just last month because they were not put away.)

So, here are the before pictures ...

Now for the after pictures ...

Her sheets and comforter are in the washer still. But I'll have them all on the bed before she gets home from school today. So no final picture of the bed ... maybe I'll get one done later.

A few things I learned today:

1. "Treasure" is very subjective! Casiday treasures things I would just toss aside. But they are important to her and, while it is my job to teach her to find balance in saving things, I must let her keep those things that she values - even if I would not.

2. There are just some life stages where you have more "stuff" ... and that's okay! This season will pass and I will miss the dolls in their pallet on the floor.

3. My child is an amazing person! I was looking through the things she had placed on her bulletin board and found myself thinking that she is just a really great person. She had saved notes written to her from her great-grandmother and from a special friend, pictures of her family and friends, momentoes from our trip to Disney last year, a few of her favorite papers from school, and a Bible verse she had written out. Of course there was a lot of other paper and "stuff" on those two big boards, but I am very proud that she is saving things that are about relationships and memories of time spent with others.

4. I only have a few more years to clean up after her. Casiday is finishing up 3rd grade in 2.5 weeks. In 10 years, she will be finishing her first year in college. Where has the time gone? I decided today that having her room be perfectly clean and tidy isn't really all that important to me. I'd rather have more pictures she's drawn, hear more songs she has written & sung, take more pictures of her playing with friends, and fold more tee shirts from all the places she has been. Life is too short ... and the truth is there will always be something to clean but she will not always be this little girl who loves caterpillars and High School Musical and is looking forward to Children's Camp and dance recital.

Maybe these were not the main things Tsh had in mind for us to consider or learn today ... but, oh, how very thankful I am for the time I got spend in my daughter's room. Praying for her, thanking God for her, and just being reminded that "Children are the Lord's best gift" (Psalm 127:3, MSG).

P.S. Casiday has a blog of her own ... I update it as I think of it with her writings and drawings from home and school. It's not overly current but there are enough writings on there to give you an idea of what kind of special person she is. Check it out ... Princess Casiday!!

Looking for a great Bible study for older youth or younger adults? Check this out!!

2009-05-11T22:03:00.003-04:00

Christianity Today Study Series
“Faith and Pop Culture”

Christianity Today has produced an excellent tool for opening both discussion and the Bible and considering the relevance of our culture and its impact on our faith practices. “Faith and Pop Culture” is one of eight books in this study series and offers a great framework for addressing a Biblical response to many areas of today’s world.

Each of the eight sessions in this study provides the following segments: Before You Meet - an article to be read before the group meeting which discusses the subject area of that session; Open Up - a selection of opening activities designed to give group members the opportunity to interact and consider the impact of the topic in their lives; The Issue - a discussion of the particular topic area and its impact in current culture; Reflect - selections from Scripture relating to the issue; Let’s Explore - in-depth consideration of the Scriptures read and their application to daily life choices; and Going Forward - a final opportunity to discuss application.

“Faith and Pop Culture” provides an excellent tool for engaging individuals in a serious discourse about how faith and culture interact in our lives. By discussing topics including Art, Literature, Sports, Television, Movies and more, this study is a relevant and compelling study of Scripture and how we, as believers, function within this modern world.

I highly recommend this study and believe it would be especially useful with older teens and young adults. Finding quality material for leading Bible studies for these age groups is an increasingly difficult task. Material such as “Faith and Pop Culture” gives me great hope that we can effectively reach this very tough crowd. Kudos to Christianity Today for creating such meaningful and relevant material!

Rating: 5+ stars - no hesitation or reservations in recommending this resource

“Faith and Pop Culture” was received through the Book Review Blogger program at Thomas Nelson, Inc. For more information about this opportunity, see www.brb.thomasnelson.com.

Spring Cleaning ... Day 6 - the bathroom ... yuck!!

2009-05-11T09:52:00.006-04:00

Okay, so I'm now caught up with the Spring Cleaning Party over on Simple Mom. A wonderful blog that EVERYONE should check out ... I mean EVERYONE! I figure any blog that proves valuable to me - mother of one, a 9 year old who is in public school, pastor's wife who volunteers in both my daughter's school and at the local crisis pregnancy center, helps my sweet husband as much as I can, etc. - and to my sister-in-law - homeschooling mother of seven (ages 10 & under, YIKES!), who is also a pastor's wife in a very small community and who ends up helping her husband with all kinds of stuff ... well, clearly Beth's and my lives are very different. And we both love Simple Mom! So, everyone else I know can certainly find something useful - and simple! - to help in the daily life of MOM.

Okay, free but very sincere! advertising aside ... back to the PAR--TAY!

Today's task was the bathroom. I confess that I only did the girls' bathroom at our house. My precious husband Scott generally maintains his own bathroom - he was raised right, people! Although, I will get in there tomorrow to do some of those tasks he generally despises ... like cleaning out the drawers and cabinets. :) So, back to the bathroom of the day ...

Here are the before pictures ...

And the after shots ...

So, for my daily lessons learned from Spring Cleaning:

1. We keep WAAAAAAY too many extras. I have no idea why I really thought we needed that many travel size portions of anything! So, I followed the advice of sweet Tsh at Simple Mom and combined as many as I could then added the rest to the give pile. Travel size shampoos, lotions, etc are a wonderful donation to your local battered women's shelter!

2. We have way too many bags ... duffle bags, overnight bags, makeup bags, bags, bags, bags! UGH!! So, I pared down to what we love - our Vera Bradley stuff. Everything else was loaded with the books from last week's bookshelf cleansing and loaded in the car for Good Will. The best thing about Vera Bradley - okay, one of the best things! - is that it all folds up inside the biggest piece. Casiday & I both have our own sets ... and every piece is folded up inside the largest piece. Took up one small drawer in the wire rack located in the bottom of the closet.

3. We have way too many beach accessories! Yes, we live 20 minutes from the beach but that is no reason to have 15 bottles of sunscreen! So, I followed the "keep things we use together in the same place" rule and put all the beach towels, beach bags, and sunscreen - along with the small ziploc bag of googles, etc - in the middle wire basket in the closet.

4. Purging periodically is a great thing! I am pretty good about going through the makeup and hair stuff that accumulates in a home with girly girls like ours. So, it was very nice to know that I had just cleaned out my makeup so I didn't have to do anything with that! I go through my makeup on the first day of each season - four times a year! Well, that's the plan ... but by planning it quarterly, I'm still doing great if I get it done twice.

So, it's 10:20 and I'm typing my second blog of the day (check out my Fab Five for last week if you get a chance) ...that means I have already accomplished three of the four MITs on today's list. I'm going to post this blog to Simple Mom and then get started on Meal Plan Monday stuff. Goal is to have everything done by noon so I can get started on some laundry!! LOL I love Mondays!!

Happy Cleaning to all!!!

Fab Five ... Week ending May 9, 2009

2009-05-11T07:26:00.005-04:00

1. Books. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to read. So, I am always reading at least two or three books. Anyone have any good recommendations? Post in my comments ... I am always looking for something new.

2. Blogging. I think I am officially addicted. I love writing them, reading them, searching for them. For all the woes we often hear about technology, reading blogs written by other moms or pastors wives or wannabe writers or just about anyone makes me feel more connected, more normal, and more like a part of the greater community. Plus, I like that when I hit "Publish Post" I can say I am "published"! Ahh, one day, that dream will come true!!

3. Coffee. Yeah, I know this has made the list before, but I love a good cup of coffee. And I'm enjoying the last of my Auburn City Blend from Toomer's Coffee in Auburn, Alabama. Guess I need to order more or make a trip to Auburn to get some more! (And since I cannot mention the city of Auburn without doing this as well ~ WAR EAGLE!!!)

4. Spring cleaning. Yes, for an OCD type like myself, spring cleaning makes the Fab Five. I've joined the Spring Cleaning Party on Simple Mom (and dragged my sister-in-law Beth into it kicking and screaming!). It has been great! Last week I got my house decluttered and my kitchen and living room cleaned and organized. What fun! And since the party lasts two weeks, you can probably be confident that Spring Cleanign will make next week's Fab Five list too.

5. Good friends. You know the kind that you can go months without having a conversation with but when you talk it is as if no time has passed? I am blessed with many of this kind of friend in my life. Some of whom I have never actually met! God has put some amazing women in my life during this season - they are encouraging, supportive, loving, amazingly hilarious, tender, kind, godly ... and I am humbled and honored to call each a friend. The live in Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Washington, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, North Dakota, and Kansas. What a joy to share this journey of life with so many fantabulous women! Thank you to ALL of you! I love you!!

Spring Cleaning - Days 3 thru 5 ...I think

2009-05-08T11:12:00.003-04:00

Spring Cleaning Party continues at the Underwood home ... Thanks to Simple Mom for making this usually tedious and dreaded task into a big ol' party!!

So I have to confess that two weekends ago I got a cleaning urge and went ahead and did my kitchen. I didn't think to take before pictures - though, honestly, I am not sure I would have been willing to show the before pics! It was bad!!!

So, this week I took two days to do my living room and then I really did nothing in the kitchen as it was already done. So this morning, I cleaned out the two bookcases in my living room (pictures below) and then just took pics of the kitchen.

I am a little embarrassed about these pictures, honestly. I guess I just kept piling stuff on that bookcase and behind the doors of the other shelf. All those pictures are just insane! The bookcase is generally hidden as it is behind our front door which I keep open most of the time. I ended up taking all the photos out of the frames and sorting through them for scrapbooking.

There is a huge pile of books for donation. I have a hard time sometimes getting rid of books. But I made myself get rid of one for every two I kept. Someday I'll be at one kept for one donated ... but today was just not that day!

Okay ... so here are the after pics. Also included are pictures of my kitchen cabinets. My final verdict on all of this decluttering (especially in the kitchen) is this ... our reality may not be the same as anyone else's but I am accepting our reality for what it is! So, Scott's vitamins are out on the counter because that is the only way to make sure he remembers to take them. He had weight loss surgery two months ago and his health is way more important to me than completely clear counters ... so the vitamins stay out.

So, without further adieu, here are the after pictures ... followed by some thoughts I have on kitchen stuff.

Just a few ideas that have made my life easier ...

1. I have all white dishes. We do still have some plastic cups & plates but my DISHES are all white. It just looks cleaner than having mismatched sets or multiple colors in my cabinet.

2. I use the silicone bakeware. It takes up less space and is easier to store. I love it!!

3. I got rid of all my duplicate casserole dishes. Honestly, if I am making more than one it is usually to freeze or give away, so I use the aluminum pans (disposable but I wash & reuse them) for that. Keeps my cabinets way neater.

4. I was going to buy new drawer dividers for my utensil drawer. But when I cleaned out all my plastic storage stuff, I realized I had some pieces without lids that would work. So I repurposed those and it has worked great.

This has been a great experience so far! I am looking forward to next week ... bedrooms & bathrooms!! I know I have MUCH MUCH MUCH work to do in those areas! But I am taking the weekend off - too much going on to do any spring cleaning anyway.

Thanks Tsh ... this has been a great experience! Oh & check out my sister-in-law's blog for her progress - she is a pastor's wife who homeschools her seven children (all ages 10 and under) ... truly if she can do this, I can't imagine anyone who can't!! And I have so enjoyed reading others' blogs and seeing their progress. What a wonderful encouraging week this has been!!!

Pirate-y Fun!!

2009-05-07T20:33:00.004-04:00

Casiday was in her first school musical tonight!! She was great! The whole thing was awesome!!

She is in the Satilla Singers at her school and we are so proud of her for being a part of this group. Several of her friends are in the Singers also and so that has made it more fun for her.

Here are the pictures from tonight's performance of "Pirates!"

Spring Cleaning - the Living Room ... ugh!

2009-05-06T11:58:00.003-04:00

Okay, so it's Day Three of the Spring Cleaning Party on Simple Mom. I'm on my second day since I went with Casiday on a field trip yesterday. (Check out these guys! Pianafiddle was amazing!)

Days 2 & 3 are the living room ... and so I did about half of mine today. Cleaned out the drawers and cleaned off the shelves beside the TV. We have a lot of gaming system paraphenalia. A LOT! There was not a lot to throw away as I had already decluttered this room on Monday. But it took awhile to organize and clean.

Ultimately, I made the following decisions about the "stuff" in this room:

1. We use our gaming systems regularly so it's okay for the Wii Fit balance board and the Guitar Hero drums and guitars to be out. They are not in the center of the floor but we use them often enough that it makes no sense to give up valuable closet space for them. Plus, it is much easier to put them back where they belong when it is in the same room where we play with them. So, as you can see in the pictures, they are placed near the TV & gaming systems.

2. I have a basket by my end of the couch. It is not a very big basket but it holds my computer, a few books, note cards, etc. As long as it doesn't overflow, I am not too worried about what is in it. When it gets full, I'll go through it and toss the magazines, etc. and put away what I'm done using.

3. Scott's space is just that ... Scott's! As long as I can find the phone and the remotes when I need them, it is not worth my energy (and potential frustration!) to go through his stuff and figure out what he needs. He, too, has a basket by his chair and has agreed to try to keep his "stuff" in that basket and not all around his chair.

4. I don't mind dusting the things we love. So, the pipe collection, Norman Rockwell stuff, and the other things that are out are okay with me. It might be cluttered to others, but it is HOME for us and we like it that way.

So, those are my big conclusions for the day. Tomorrow I will be volunteering at Care Net so I will be another day behind on the Party. But Friday I plan to go through the books inside the cabinet and on the bookshelf behind the front door. That will be a HUGE project so I am not starting until I know I have time to finish the same day.

Below are the pictures from today. Happy Cleaning to all!!

Menu Plan Monday ~ My first effort!

2009-05-04T15:17:00.003-04:00

I have long been a menu-maker and am typically a menu-follower; but, this week I am just at a loss. So I went to MPM and was so inspired! And then decided to give it a go myself!!

Monday ~ Teriyaki chicken (baked or grilled, not sure which yet) & stir fry veggies

Tuesday ~ Hamburger steaks & green beans

Wednesday ~ (church night so it's gotta be easy!) Soup & sandwiches

Thursday ~ (Casiday has dance & a program at school) Eat out

Friday ~ Pink Pancakes (from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious cookbook) with turkey bacon

Saturday ~ Scott is singing at an event so we will probably end up eating out that night too.

Sunday ~ Pork chops with cranberry glaze & veggie of some sort

Springing into Spring!! Day 1 of Spring Cleaning Party ...

2009-05-04T08:37:00.006-04:00

Oh yeah! Decluttering ... I love this task. And we have lots of clutter to de... With only three of us one would imagine that it is pretty easy to keep things tidy and clean. Ummm, no ... must be our personality types that work against us. :) Scott is a pack rat ... he keeps everything. Casiday is a hoarder ... she keeps everything. I am a perfectionist ... I let it all pile up until it's overwhelming and then kill myself to get it all put back in order. None of these personality types are useful in daily household tidying.

Today's specific task was to clear off areas and put things in their proper place or into a give/sell or trash box. We just had a huge yard sale at our church this past weekend so everything to be sold or given is already gone - one major part of this task is already complete! Yea me!! But, we seem to have a paper bunny in our house that multiplies every piece of paper exponentially. So, I'm sure the trash bags will be plentiful.

I took my before pictures in every room but Casiday's ... it's just too much! That will have to be a project unto itself. I think she's going to spend the next 10 days having her own spring cleaning party in there. If I get up the courage to let the whole blogosphere (or the three people who read my blog anyway) see how incredibly messy her room is most of the time, I will take pictures and post them. But, to be honest, that is highly unlikely!!

Right now, the main "clutter" in my house is the laundry. We were gone all weekend and so it has really piled up. So, as I declutter today, I'm going to try to tackle the laundry too. Would be nice to have that task accomplished by time to pick up the girl at 2:30 this afternoon ... we'll see.

So, here are the before pictures ...

Okay ... so I managed to get it all done within the two-hour time frame ... at least the decluttering part. LOL Laundry is the project for the remainder of the day but that is a normal Monday task.

Here are the after pictures ...

As for the question asked on Simple Mom about today's task ... well, I think I am more sentimentally attached to some things than I realized. But I am getting better about letting things go. I even put cookbooks (gasp!) in the yard sale pile last week when we were cleaning out stuff. I am very good at getting rid of Scott's and Casiday's stuff, does that count? LOL

So, I enjoyed Day 1 of the party! I had to focus on doing the task at hand and not get distracted by the other things I "should go ahead and do while I'm here" ... so I didn't dust the areas I decluttered ... because I know that I'll be CLEANING those rooms soon. But it is nice to walk through the house and it's all neat and tidy (except Casiday's room but I just closed the door!! Is that cheating?). I am looking forward to hearing everyone else's stories and seeing pictures - I think that is my favorite part of this ... finding out that everyone has the same battle with "stuff" and "piles" that I have. Makes me feel much less like a failure and much more "normal."

Party on everyone!!

Okay ... so Beth challenged me to put up the pics of Casiday's room ... I guess before pictures will make the after pictures even more impressive. I confess that I am utterly ashamed that any room in my house looks like this but even more embarrassed at the sheer quantity of STUFF my child has. Please don't judge me!! :) Keep in mind that she "cleaned" her room on Friday ... and did a pretty good job so this is the work of two days most of which we were not at home. I would like to think this is a phase she will outgrow but I am not betting on it. As I said before, she is a hoarder so I think clutter and mess are going to be in her life for the long haul. :) (But only in my house for another 10 years or so!! LOL) She's a wonderful, funny, beautiful little person and I adore my daughter ... but this makes me crazy! Can I get a witness? LOL Well, enough stalling, I'm adding the pictures and removing all question of my supposed perfection as a housekeeper. Enjoy!!

Fab Five ... Week ending May 2, 2009

2009-05-03T13:38:00.004-04:00

Simple list this week ...

1. Good books that challenge me and cause me to think about myself and my relationship with God and with others in a way that improves those relationships.

2. Health! I am so thankful that Scott, Casiday & I are all healthy.

3. Savannah Smiles ... my dear, sweet friend has this term coined for when she feels the hand of God in her daily life. I am borrowing it and how grateful I am for the many ways God has touched me and made His presence real to me in the past week.

4. Thursday nights. Casiday has dance from 4:30 - 8:30 on Thursdays and I get to spend those four hours with my very best friend and hero - Scott Underwood! Whether it's grocery shopping, a movie, or just sitting in our living room, it is pure joy to be with the man of my dreams!

5. Long-time friends. Got to talk this week to a college friend and it was great to hear her voice (love you, Cristi!) after so many years. What a cool thing to hear how God has done great things in the lives of those who have been so important to me over the years.

Ever Wonder If You Can Have MORE Joy in Your Life?

2009-04-29T15:04:00.005-04:00

Can everyone experience joy?

Is there a formula for joy in life?

Are some people just naturally more happy and joyful?

These are a few of the issues contemplated in This Is Your Brain On Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin. Henslin takes his personal experience as a therapist coupled with the research and work of Dr. Daniel J. Amen, a psychiatrist who has spent his career studying the brain, and shares the functions and dysfunctions present in the brain. In addition to covering healthy brain function in the five "Mood Centers" of the brain, Henslin also discusses several common medical diagnoses including ADD and Depression. A holistic approach to a healthy brain, this interesting and thoughtful book shares medicinal and herbal recommendations as well as suggesting various exercise, nutrition and even musical and cinematic therapies for increasing joy.

Admittedly, this book took me a few tries before I got interested. The beginning seemed bogged down in details and medical terminology. But, once I got through the first couple of chapters, I was hooked! I took the "Amen Brain System Checklist" and was amazed at how accurately it described me. And, I immediately read the chapters that related to me specifically.

The most compelling aspect of this book was that it combined our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves ... something that many "self-help" books miss. By recognizing how integral good nutrition, proper rest and exercise, healthy relationships, and a sense of spiritual well-being are to a healthy brain function - and healthy living on the whole - Dr. Henslin, offers the reader a great deal to consider and implement to improve his or her "joy quotient."

Overall, I feel this book is well worth the read but you should realize there are some places that are a little slow. I received this book as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program. http://www.brb.thomasnelson.com/

Rating: 4 stars

An Amazing Book ... The Noticer by Andy Andrews

2009-04-27T06:00:00.002-04:00

Walking through life, we often fail to notice the people around us. And, due to our own self-focus, we miss the opportunity to see the richness of our own lives. Andy Andrews captures the importance of being intentionally aware of those around us in his latest work, The Noticer.

Andrews shares his relationship with Jones, a sage drifter who he first meets under a pier in Orange Beach, AL. Andrews, at the time homeless, is intrigued by Jones and listens carefully to Jones’ instructions on perspective.

Throughout the book, a quick and pleasurable read, Jones interacts with many different people - each at a point of despair and in need of refocus. Through Jones’ conversations with various characters, Andrews shares with the reader how important relationships and perspective are in life’s great journey. And, as he notices more, so do we.

By the end of Andrews’ story, I found myself wishing for my own conversation with this man who touched lives and never seemed to allow life’s difficulties to touch him. The Noticer is, like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a timeless tale of how little we understand the impact each of us can have on the world around us.

This is a book I will certainly read many times for a reminder of the significance of relationships. I highly recommend The Noticer. A poignant story with a purpose … the type of book we need more of!

Rating: 5 stars

Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger … http://www.brb.thomasnelson.com/

Fab Five ... Week ending April 25, 2009

2009-04-26T00:01:00.004-04:00

It has been a wonderful week! I continue to be amazed at how amazing my life is ... I am married to the most loving, considerate, caring, generous & godly man I've ever met, my daughter is proving to be one of the most fun people ever, I have a fantastic family (and great in-laws), and my friends are true blessings. I have found myself in a bit of a funk the past couple of weeks and have been stressed out (more on that in the list to come) ~ but always there has been a reminder from the Lord of His great love and provision for me. What more could anyone ask for than a life filled with love, grace, and lots of fun!

And, so, without further adieu, my Fab Five for this past week ....

1. SCOTT IS HOME!!! Without a doubt the very best thing that happened this week was when I was talking to Scott on Sunday afternoon and I asked him what he was doing and he said, "Driving home." He had originally planned to come home Monday but instead drove home Sunday and I have never been so happy to see anyone as I was to see that man Sunday night!! He still takes my breath away and, as I wrote on my FB status, "My heart was finally whole again" when he walked in the door.

2. Antibiotics ... I've had my first encounter with Shingles and must say that I am so very thankful for antibiotics to help deal with that. What a blessing modern medicine is!! (And special thanks to Patti for working so hard to get the best price for these meds!! And for taking such good care of me!! You are a godsend!!) Apparently shingles is not something that just happens to "old people" as I had thought ... and so, the stress of the past few weeks found its outlet in a very nasty and painful rash on my neck & shoulders. It was not fun at all. I am hoping that I'll be one of those people who has one outbreak and never has another.

3. Mrs. Warren ... Casiday has the sweetest, most fun teacher this year. (I <3 you, Sally!!) This week has been CRCT testing and I have so appreciated how Mrs. Warren has worked with the children to get them ready without stresssing them out. And, on Friday she had Spa Day for them! Such fun!!

4. Cleaning my house ... I know, a crazy thing to be thankful for, but really I am just thankful to have a home to clean. So many people are facing enormous difficulties during these trying times and I am enormously grateful for what I have and, moreso, for the faithfulness of God to me in all times - trying and not-so-trying.

5. Encouragement ... This week has been filled with people who have just taken time to encourage me. From little notes to stronger words of challenge, I have been blessed this week by so many who have spoken to my heart and, in so many different ways, lightened my load. Again, I just feel overwhelmed by the vastness of God's provision for me. And so humbled by the people who love me and accept me. What a precious gift!!

Fab Five ... Week ending April 18, 2009

2009-04-21T13:23:00.001-04:00

Okay, a little late ... but, here goes.

1. Suprises! I got to give Scott a GREAT surprise last week for Easter ... a 32-gig iPod Touch! He was shocked ... and I never get to give him that kind of great surprise. So it was awesome to be able to do that. He has a big iPod classic already but had been wanting a Touch for a while so ... now he has one!!

2. Barbara Jean's ... my favorite restaurant on St. Simon's Island. Our dear friends Jay & Valerie took Casiday & I there to eat on Friday night while Scott was gone. They had never been ... I think it is now one of their favorite places too.

3. Starbucks skinny vanilla lattes with a shot of raspberry ... YUMMY!!

4. Text messaging ... my favorite way to take a moment to quickly remind people I love them and am thinking of them.

5. Making things! This week I made several gifts for some very special people and put them in the mail. Now I'm waiting to hear when they arrive. Such fun to try to create something that will be just perfect for a friend I love!!

Scott came home Sunday ... so that doesn't make the list for last week ... but rest assured that will be on next week's list! He surprised me by coming home a day early. I love that man!!!!

What are you becoming?

2009-04-13T08:12:00.003-04:00

Philippians 3:9 ~ And become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Yesterday our pastor preached on justification - that process by which we are made right with God through the blood of Christ. It was a great sermon. One of the concepts Pastor Tim made very clear is how thoroughly Christ has paid the ransom for our sin. "Justification is not the same as a pardon which merely eliminates the punishment but does not make someone not guilty. Christ not only takes our sin -giving us our salvation - He also gives us His righteousnes - giving us justification before the Holy God." Wow ... that is just huge!! I grew up in church. I've heard sermons on justification before ... got the pithy sayings like, "Justification is just as if I'd never sinned." For some reason, though, right now, I'm overwhelmed by the depth of God's love for me and Christ's willingness to ransom me. Isaiah 43 speaks to the idea of God ransoming other nations for His beloved Israel ... and so, we too have had a ransom paid on our behalf.

Below is the reading about justification that was done in our services yesterday. Amazing how many verses speak to the gift of justification ... a gift received by faith.

Justification
To do justice, vindicate, aquit, to prove right
“In the Lord all the offspring of Israel will be justified” (Is.45:25)
“The Righteous One, my Servant, will justify the many” (Is. 53:11)
Justification
Right, righteous, righteousness, justify
“Justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24)
“A man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Rom. 3:28)
“Having been justified by His blood” (Rom. 5:9)
“Through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men” (Rom. 5:18)
“God is the One who justifies” (Rom. 8:33)
“We may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law” (Gal. 2:16)
“Being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of life” (Titus 3:17)
Justification.
Through Christ
His righteousness becomes our righteousness
Through Him we are declared “Not Guilty!”
Through Him we are reconciled to God.
Through His blood we are redeemed.
Through His love we are adopted.
Through His grace we are justified.

Justified ... declared "Not guilty!" And what, then, should be our response to this profound gift? Paul articulated his response in Philippians 3:9 ... "and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith" (NLT, emphasis added).

"Become one with him" ... becoming. I believe it was Kieerkegaard who said that our goal should always be "becoming" not "being" ... for as long as we recognize we are becoming we will never grow satisfied or complacent in our walk with Christ. The best response to Christ's ransom paid for us is to become one with Him. Understanding how this works can be helped by recognizing three truths about "becoming."

1. "Becoming" is the reality! No matter how mature we are in Christ, no matter how close to Him we are ... there is always more to learn, more to understand, more to experience. Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6 that we will be perfected "the day of Christ Jesus" ~ when we see Him face to face. We must understand that we are always becoming ... either we are becoming more like Christ or we are becoming less like Him. There is no way NOT to become.

2. "Becoming" is the process! There is no standing still our Christian walk. We need to realize, though, that becoming like Christ is a process. It requires discipline, dedication, and desire. We must focus ourselves on being faithful to do those things that lead to intimacy with Him. Spending time in the Word, prayer and meditation, making choices to focus on Him instead of ourselves. These are a few of the steps in the process of becoming like Christ. And we must embrace the simple truth that the relationship is built over time ... time spent together.

3. Finally, "becoming" is the journey! So often I have been waiting for the "Big Event" in my Christian life. I get consumed with expecting something huge to happen and then I miss so much of what God has for me. I am finally beginning to understand that becoming like Christ IS the big event ... and that happens on every path along my life's journey. Even when I have strayed from God's plan for me, He has taught me and protected me and loved me. My life has had many twists and turns ~ some as a result of my own poor choices and sinful behavior and others, merely the result of a fallen world. There have been great mountain moments when I have felt and experienced the vastness of God's love for me in a powerful way. And there have been valleys, dark valleys ~ valleys where I have walked in the shadow of death, faced loss that seemed overwhelming, and asked questions that have no earthly answer ~ and, yet, in those darkest times, I have found God's light still shines and offers me hope. I hope I never am guilty again of waiting on that "Big Event' ... but that my life's journey is marked by daily, momentary little events of seeking God, trusting God, and resting in Him.

"Becoming" is such a precious thing. It is our sacrificial response to the gift of justification. And Paul gives us three milestones along the way ...

"I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law" ~ realizing that I cannot do it!

"I trust Christ to save me" ~ accepting that His sacrifice is sufficient in all ways, at all times, for all people, including me!

"Depends on faith" ~ the hard part! Becoming requires believing. As Pastor Tim demonstrated yesterday, we can KNOW all about a chair ... it's design and description ... but until we SIT in the chair, we don't BELIEVE it can hold us. Faith requires acting on what we say we know. And it is only through faith that we can "become one with Him."

So, I'm wondering ... .what am I becoming? A person who daily is more like Christ ... more "one with Him"? What about you? What areyou becoming?

Fab Five ... Week ending April 11, 2009

2009-04-11T17:28:00.004-04:00

It's been a great week! Spring Break ... gotta love that!!

1. Having a daughter! I love being the mom of a girl ... so much fun. We went to a sleepover Sunday night and had the best time. And I think about my relationship with my mom and I look forward to the future relationship with my sweet Casiday Hope.

2. Sales ... the really good kind. Where you get basically half - price on everything you buy!! I really like that and I hit the jackpot (finally!) when I bought my Easter outfit this year.

3. Ice cream. 'Nough said.

4. Free long distance! I get to talk to my sistah (sister-in-law) Beth whenever I want thanks to this great thing.

5. Laughter ... so much of this in my life. Another great thing!

Amazed ...

2009-04-11T08:42:00.004-04:00

And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from faith in God and is by faith. Philippians 3:9 NIV

And become one with Him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's Law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with Himself depends on faith. Philippians 3:9 NLT

And be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ - the righteousness from God based on faith. Philippians 3:9 HCSB

What a great verse for this Saturday before Easter! Just considering the profoundness of His great sacrifice and the amazing grace I do not deserve is overwhelming at all times ~ but more so as we pause to reflect deeply on the reality of what He endured physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and socially. That my righteousness can ONLY come through faith in Christ is one of those truths that I often let slip right by.

I love the NLT on this verse ... "I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's Law, but I trust Christ to save me." Isn't that the crux of our "Sinner's Prayer" .. that most simple declaration of understanding. I am sinful but You, O God, are holy. And I need You. So I trust Your plan for reconciliation even though I don't understand HOW or WHY ... I take you, God of Truth, at Your eternal, unchanging Word. Most simply said by Pastor Rick Warren, "It's not about me." And once we realize that ... oh, the freedom that follows.

Paul understood this. He had tried to be right through the Law, through his lineage, and through legalism. Not one of those met that need deep within ... and then he met the Light of the World. He was transformed and was able to write, "For if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation! The old is gone, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

And so, we find him, late in life, writing to his beloved church in Philippi. Once again sharing that simple truth ... the sufficiency of grace and the necessity of faith. Having shared that all the things he once valued are now trash to him and that the only pursuit of value is knowing Christ, Paul offers to them the simple message of the Gospel ... righteousness, rightness with God, comes not through what we do but entirely through Christ's provision. A gift we are freely offered, a gift accepted through faith in Jesus Christ. Is there a better message for Easter? Is there a better message for any day?

Today, I pray that I grasp the reality of Christ's great love. I am listening to Pandora right now ... "Amazed" is playing. And it so captures my heart right now.

"Amazed"
Artist: Lincoln Brewster
Album: All to You... Live
Date: 2005

(verse 1)
You dance over me while I am unaware
You sing all around but I never hear the sound

(chorus)
Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
And how You love me

(verse 2)
You paint the morning sky with miracles in mind
My hope will always stand
For You hold me in Your hand

(bridge)
How deep how wide
How great is Your love for me

May I never cease to be amazed at the vast love of God ... how deep, how wide, how great ...how utterly unbelievable and undeserved. May my declaration be the same as Paul's ~ My righteousness is not of me but only, ever, always, entirely of Christ through my faith in Him to the great glory of God Almighty who loved me and sent His Son for my ransom, to pay my price. To Him and Him alone be all glory, honor and praise for now and forever. Amen.

Fab Five ... Week ending April 4, 2009

2009-04-11T08:33:00.003-04:00

Posted a week late on Blogger ... but was actually posted last week on FB. Oops!! :)

We've had a great week! Scott continues to do well which is, of course, the biggest item on my list of thanks!! But, here is a few other things I am loving from last week ....

1. MAIL ... Real mail. Handwritten cards and letters, placed in envelopes with stamps. You know the kind people take time to put in the mailbox and it arrives a few days later. I love getting mail. And this week I got some sweet cards from some great people who I love so much. And even got a package in the mail from me wonderful friend Christina! I love mail!!

2. J. Jill ... I love this store/catalog/website! Great clothes that are incredibly comfy. I highly recommend anything from J. Jill ~ plus they have a great clearance section on their website.

3. Family Dinner ... a lost art during these busy days and in this crazy world we live in. But I am really committed to making sure we eat together as much as possible throughout the week. And there is just something so great about eating at home with my family.

4. HGTV ... So the past few weeks we have sorta gotten into this habit of watching HGTV when Scott comes home for lunch. It's nice to watch the transformations and dream about some of the things we would like to do in our house someday.

5. Michael's $1 bins ... I love Michael's!! And I especially love pilfering through the $1 bins ... and this week I got to do that with Karen which just made it even more fun!

Philippians 3:8 ~ Do you KNOW?

2009-03-31T08:22:00.003-04:00

Seems like Casiday is always asking me questions that begin with, "Mommy, do you know ...?" Do I know where her dance bag is, why we park on the driveway and drive on the parkway, which color is her favorite today, and on the list goes. We live in what has been termed the information age and the pursuit of knowledge is considered a noble one. Those who know me, know that I am a student at heart ... I love to study, to dig, to learn. A voracious reader, I find myself reading books about almost anything ... a lifelong quest to know more.

All that to say (write!), that when I am studying Scripture, any verse with KNOW or KNOWLEDGE in it, will immediately cause me to stop and ponder. Philippians 3:8 says "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them all rubbish, that I may gain Christ" (NIV).

Clearly, I had to stop here and spend some time!! But before we get to the knowing, there was another phrase that I had to spend some serious time contemplating and researching.

The HCSB translates the first part of this verse as follows: "More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord ..." (emphasis added).

More than what? What is "that"? So, back to verse 7 I went ... That is "whatever was to my profit." Everything Paul had considered valuable in himself (see yesterday's blog for more discussion on this idea). So, MORE than counting all that he had gained as loss because of Christ, Paul recognized that KNOWING God, knowing Christ, living in intimate relationship with Him, is all that has lasting value.

Much like Solomon in Ecclessiastes, Paul determined that the only thing of eternal value, the only thing worthy of our life-long pursuit, is relationship with God.

Ecclessiastes 12:13 says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (NIV).

Being the word hound that I am, I had to look up a few of those words in my handy-dandy Hebrew Lexicon. Here is what I discovered. All means ALL ... in Solomon's mind, he had examined and considered every available pursuit and thing of value. There was nothing left to evaluate or contemplate. He had reviewed it ALL. Even a quick perusal of Ecclessiastes will reveal that his assertion is accurate. So, Solomon looked at everything ... all had "been heard." The transliteration for that phrase is "sama" which means "to hear; give undivided attention; to understand what has been heard." Solomon had given his undivided attention to all the worldly opportunities available and understood each of them and what they offered.

After all that research, Solomon reached "the conclusion of the matter." And what a profound, yet simple, determination. "Fear God." That word "fear" transliterates as "yare" meaning "to be afraid; to fear, revere." In this usage, the words connotes a very positive feeling of awe or reverence for God, expressed in piety or formal worship. "Fearing" God is often the motivation which produces godly living.

Solomon was not referring to merely following a set of rules, however. He was endorsing a life lived in relationship with God, using the understanding and guidelines that had been given at that time.

So, back to Paul ...Paul had lots of creditentials. He had lineage, education, connections, and authority. And yet, all of that was not what motivated him, what moved him, what drove him. He was passionate about one thing ... "the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."

Of course, I had to look up "knowing" in the Greek Lexicon. In this verse, the word used is "gnosis" meaning, simply, "to know." The same word is used in Luke 1:77a "to give his people the knowledge of salvation" and in 1 Corinthians 13:2 which speaks of all knowledge being useless without love.

The root for "gnosis" is "ginosko" which carries the connotation of intimate knowledge, as between lovers. Paul was speaking of a deeply personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. That was the all-consuming pursuit of Paul's life - to KNOW Christ.

Is that type of intimacy my pursuit? Do I yearn to KNOW Christ? Or, am I content with knowing about Him? Those were difficult questions. As I read again 1 Corinthians 13:2, my heart was heavy with the weight of conviction ... I realized that too often, I am satisfied with knowledge alone, outside the love that comes through relationship.

It's a fine line ... we are commanded to study, to meditate, to spend time in the Word of God. We know that the best way to get to know Christ is through time spent in Scripture. But we must be ever mindful and cautious not to substitute knowledge alone for relationship (knowledge + love). God desires intimacy with us ... that comes through time shared together.

Paul goes on in this verse to say, "I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." What is the rubbish in your life? What is it that you need to to lay aside in order to gain Christ? Everyone will have a different answer to this question and our answers will change throughout our lives most likely. But the reality is, that each of us must daily examine our hearts and minds - looking for the trash that has taken up space that rightfully belongs to God.

As I was thinking about why we leave the trash when we know what God has for us is so much better, I realized this ... I HATE taking out the trash in my house. It is just one of those things I do not like to do. And, I have never heard anyone say, "Oh man, I love taking out the trash." It's a gross task ... gathering up the stuff that is leftover, that we don't need, that is broken, torn, or useless. It's sometimes a messy task and usually requires walking through the whole house gathering up the trash from every room.

Same thing with tossing out the rubbish in our spiritual house! Gathering up the leftover anger, the jealousy we don't need, the hurts of broken hearts, the torn fabric of damaged relationships, and the useless frustrations that have lingered in our minds. It's messy looking at all the "junk" we've been carrying and so much easier to just leave it be. And the process of walking through the corridors of our hearts to determine what we have that needs to go is just not a pleasant task.

And yet, the rubbish is there! And it is the rubbish that keeps us from gaining Christ! We must be like Paul, counting all those things as trash, some translations say "dung," that keep us from the fullness of intimacy Christ desires with us.

Wow, this verse is packed with valuable lessons! I have been greatly challenged by Paul's testimony in Philippians 3:8. Here are the questions I am asking myself based on this verse:

1. What is the pursuit of my life?
2. Do I yearn to know Christ or am I satisfied with knowing about Him?
3. What rubbish do I need to take out of my life that I may gain Christ?

I'm stuck ... and it's not good ...

2009-03-30T10:18:00.004-04:00

I've been reading Philippians for the few months. It's one of my favoite books of the Bible so I read it often. But this time I determined to read only one verse a day and really consider the meaning of each verse. I'm in chapter 3 and, wow!, there is so much here!! Verse 7 has me stopped ...

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ."

Whew ... that's a lot to take in!

So I asked myself these questions, "What is to my profit?" "What do I claim as valuable in me?" "Am I prepared to lay that down - to count it LOSS for the sake of Christ?" Those are some tough questions. It goes back to denying myself ... I get that. But then, God just kept showing me the answers about what it is that I am holding up as valuable ... as my profit ... and those things are deep within me, those emotions and attitudes that I am holding tight with clinched hands.

I have this great Hebrew-Greek Key Word Bible. It has the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek dictionaries and OT Hebrew and NT Greek lexicons ... I love this Bible. Anyway, I looked up "consider" from verse 7.

Consider - hegeomai - to bring, lead. To lead or go before, go first (Acts 14:12); to govern, rule, whether in a secular sense (Acts 7;10) or in a spiritual one (Heb. 13:7, 17, 24). To think, consider (Acts 26:2, 2 Cor. 9:5, Phil. 2:3, 1 Thess. 5:13)

Of course, that led me to looking up all the other verses ... especially the ones from the definition "to think, consider." Here are the two that stood out to me ~

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 Hold them (those who are over you) in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

OUCH! Those two verses are where God led me ... "in humility consider others better" and "live in peace with one another." I immediately KNEW what God was telling me. I have an issue that I must trust to His care. A person who has hurt me who I must learn to live in peace with, who I must learn to consider better than myself. Not for my sake but for Christ's sake. Out of obedience ... because it certainly isn't out of a desire at this point. I don't want to let this go ... I want to hold on tight. That "live in peace" literally means "to put an end to strife." Ugh ... that cut deep! I don't want to be the one who has to initiate this ... to apologize, to reach out. I want to be RIGHT!

But my heart is torn ... I want to be RIGHT ... but I also long for RIGHTEOUSNESS. And righteousness can only come through submission, through obedience. I can asking myself which I want more ... to be right or to be righteous. I know it shouldn't be hard, the answer is really easy ... but getting there from here ... that is hard.

Fab Five ... Week ending March 28, 2009

2009-03-30T09:23:00.003-04:00

So this week has been great! Scott is doing FABULOUS (can anyone else hear Ashley Tisdale?) and the doctor is very pleased with his progress. Thanks to all for your ongoing prayers ... they are being answered in amazing ways.

Okay, here goes ... the Fab Five for the week of March 22 - 28, 2009 (drum roll, please) ~~~

1. Jittery Joe's coffee ... YUMMY fresh roasted coffee from this place in Athens, GA. Zach brought me some when he came home and I am so glad. I was just about out. This coffee is awesome.

2. School pics ... Casiday's spring pictures were great. Can't post them because they are Mother's Day gifts (shhh...don't tell Paula, Sue, or any of the great-grandmothers!! LOL ~ since most of them read this blog. Sorry, y'all, just building anticipation!!)

3. Clean cars ... Got some minor work done on my car and the guy who did it also detailed my car. It looks SOOOO good!

4. The Reagan Diaries ... I am reading this and it is absolutely fascinating. I am entranced. Here is one of my favorite quotes so far from the book (I'm only in March 1981) ... from Saturday, April 11 (after the assassination attempt by Hinkley, "Getting shot hurts. Still my fear was growing because no matter how hard I tried to breathe it seemed I was getting less & less air. I focused on that tiled ceiling and prayed. But I realized I couldn't ask for Gods help while at the same time I felt hatred for the mixed up young man who had shot me. Isn't that the meaning of the lost sheep? We are all God's children & therefore equally beloved by him. I began to pray for his soul and that he would find his way back to the fold." Matt Morrow, if you are reading this, you should know that I have now read over 10 Reagan biograhies. I know you would be proud!!

5. Note pads ... got a new one this week from my wonderful Aunt Mollianne! I love note pads and pens. And this one from M is PINK! Yea!! It's a big square, chunky one and has the Pink Panther on it. Too cute! Also have a great one in my purse that says, "I'd have more time to write but I'm too busy Running Errands." Got that one from Karen and love it. Pattie, if you're reading ~ I am sure you can relate to that sentiment!!

Okay, so that's it for the Fab Five this week. Scott was looking for this last night and pointed out that I was behind. So, babe, hope this one makes you smile! I <3 you, husband!!

Fab Five ... Week ending March 14, 2009

2009-03-30T09:21:00.005-04:00

Short & sweet this week ...

1. protein shakes that are not as bad as we had expected!
2. fat cats ~ literally, very fat cats not the boss-type people
3. Word Challenge Pro
4. "Pilgrim's Progress" ~ I'm re-reading this and wow!
5. good friends ~ the kind who let you be flawed and love you anyway

Fab Five ... Week ending March 21, 2009

2009-03-30T09:21:00.004-04:00

Well, considering the past week has been consumed with surgery preparations for Scott's WLS, it seems only fitting that I celebrate the things related to that ...

1. Scott ... my most amazing husband who is the most steadfast & godly person I have ever known. I pray daily that my child will marry someone as authentic & faithful as my Scott. I love you, honey!!

2. Casiday Hope ... what a trouper! This kid has been through so much ... I cannot imagine how confusing life is sometimes for her with a dad who has a very serious chronic medical condition. Yet she is so full of life and grace and has no fear about the future. She amazes me with how easily she handles the ups & downs of Scott's health and I am so thankful that God has blessed me with this amazing person. I am incredibly proud of her!!

3. Successful surgery! Scott's surgery went beautifully and the dr. was very pleased with everything.

4. A praying family ... both Scott's & my families are such prayer warriors for us and so very supportive. I am grateful beyond words to be a part of such faithful & godly families. We are richly blessed! Oh & thanks to Dawn & Mama Raye for giving up their husbands for the weekend! Having Greg, Papa & Bauer here was such a blessing!

5. Friends ... the really good kind who love me even when I'm in a bad mood and accept me with all my faults and baggage and junk! This week I am especially thankful for Karen (love you BFF!), Valerie (who handled my child for me when I couldn't), Alycia (that phone call made everything better!), Holly (who isn't on FB but is a blessing beyond words!) and Carrie (who is one of the most beautiful people I know - inside & out). Oh! and I cannot leave out my sweet friend Christina ~ we've never met but she is a true friend and prayer warrior.

There are just so many more things I could list and people I could name ... I hope no one feels slighted! We have been blessed beyond comprehension by the love and care and encouragement of so many people. I have been overwhelmed by the texts, FB comments & messages, phone calls, and prayers. Wow! This week could have been the Fab Five Thousand!! So, to all of you ~ THANK YOU! You are loved and appreciated and prayed for.

Fab Five ... Week ending March 7, 2009

2009-03-30T09:20:00.001-04:00

After a few weeks of more serious lists, I think it's time to reflect on the lighter side of life. So...here's to the frivolous!!

1. Samoa Ice Cream ... Yep! Ice cream with chunks of my favorite Girl Scout cookies in it. YUMMY!!!
2. "Brothers & Sisters" ... I have loved Calista Flockheart since Ali McBeal and any show with her, Rob Lowe and Sally Field ~ well, I'm all in. This season has been amazing!
3. My Auburn blanket ... Aunt Norma got me the best blanket for Christmas. It's big enough to really snuggle up in and it's warm and soft. It makes my early morninings so nice!
4. Lemon Pound cake from Starbucks ... The best pound cake ever! I love this stuff. $1.95 a slice seems a very small price to pay.
5. Natalie Grant ... I am loving every song I hear of hers these days. Old ones, new ones ~ doesn't matter.

It's been a great week! Life is so good and I am seriously the most blessed person I know. My family is amazing, my husband is INCREDIBLE!! and I cannot think of even one thing I would change right now.

Fab Five ... Week ending February 28, 2009

2009-03-30T09:18:00.001-04:00

This past week has been really good and also very challenging. We are in the midst of a ten-day revival of prayer and fasting at our church. Participating in this has been such an awesome experience and has opened my eyes to so many of the ways God works in my life ~ ways I often do not acknowledge.

1. My church! I am incredibly thankful for my church. "We are all messed up!" but there is a love and sense of community in our church that never ceases to amaze me. When God moved us to "the foreign mission field" here in south Georigia eight years ago, I never dreamed how wonderful this experience would be.

2. Obedience. This week I determined that I was not going to make excuses for my disobedience and try to find "loopholes" to following God's specific direction in my life. As a result of that, God has richly blessed me and I am so thankful for the answers to prayer in my life.

3. My sister-in-law, Beth. I always wanted a sister ... someone who would laugh at me and with me, someone who would listen even when I was exhausting her, someone who would just share life with me. And I am so thankful for my brother's wife. We haven't always been this close but over the past few months, God has really brought us together. Beth is much more than that crazy homeschooling mom of seven (LOL!) ~ she is my sister, my friend. And my life is so much better with her in it.

4. SKYPE! I am so thankful for Skype. Now I get to SEE my mom and dad when I talk to them. I love it. We had the best visit a couple of weeks ago and I miss them both terribly. But Friday night I got to talk to them and see them and it was just a great thing.

5. Sunrises. I've been getting up really early, especially for a SAHM whose only child goes to school. :) But since I have been getting up I have gotten to see the sun rise through the pine trees in my back yard. It is absolutely beauitful. When I get up it is still dark and I have begun sitting in my dining room to read my Bible and pray so I can see out the back doors and watch as the sky changes from black to shades of blue then finally with the pinks and oranges that mark the rising of the sun. Every single morning I am amazed at this ... that once again God has literally given such beauty for us to behold. It also makes me aware of how often I fail to recognize His hand in my life. Sunrises are becoming so special to me ... fresh start every day, new opportunity to know Him more, to live a more fully surrendered life, to take time to love others and show my genuine affection for them, to cherish the life I have.

And so I sit here, computer in hand, watching the sky change minute by minute and wondering what sort of great things this day and the week ahead will hold.

Fab Five ... Week ending February 21, 2009

2009-03-30T09:16:00.002-04:00

Okay, the Casiday's birthday edition is here ... indulge my absolute love for my sweet girl!!

1. The girl is SOOO funny!! She has the best sense of humor and can do "dead on" impressions of so many people. (Of course, she is so shy that she won't do them for anyone but me or her Daddy!)

2. My child has the most fun sense of style! Check out the fashion show pics if you are doubting me in this!

3. Casiday is loyal ... once you are her friend, you are always her friend. And she loves completely and totally. No in between with her ... such a precious gift to be loved so fully by someone.

4. Watching my girl dance is one of the greatest joys of my life.

5. And most importantly, my child is a lover of God ... from the moment she asked Jesus to be her Lord and Savior she has been changed! Truly an example of the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17.

If you don't know her ... you should! And if you do ... you are blessed beyond measure!! This kid is amazing!! I am incredibly thankful that God chose to allow me to be her mommy.

Fab Five ... Week Ending February 14, 2009

2009-03-30T09:12:00.003-04:00

So, in honor of Valentine's Day my Fab Five will be a VERY abridged list of things that I love about my precious husband. 1. Scott is strong & steady. He is always level-headed and never rushes to judgment - about people or siutations. He is the epitome of steadfast and is most certainly my rock. I tend to be driven by my emotions and he keeps me grounded.2. No one loves me like he does. "Warts and all" Scott accepts me and yet just being with him drives me to be a better person. He knows my heart, my mind, my dreams ... what I love, what I hate ...he knows me ... who I am on the inside. And even with my craziness, he loves me. 3. My husband is truly the most godly person I have ever known. I have never met anyone with such a deep, abiding faith in the Lord. He is consistent and faithful. Scott loves and lives according to 1 Corinthians 13. He is patient and he is kind. He doesn't envy or boast. He doesn't keep score. 4. I don't know a man who values his family - Casiday & me, his family, my family - more. He is generous and accepting. He esteems all of us and treats us with great respect. He never speaks ill of his family or mine and he is more than willing to sacrifice his personal desires or preferences when necessary to spend time with and investing in family.5. My husband is my very best friend. No one can make me laugh harder! There is no one I would rather spend time with. My desire for my daughter is that she have a marriage like we have - that she marry her best friend and that he adores her. I am so thankful to have a husband who likes me and wants nothing more than to just be together. I always heard people say that marriage gets better as the years go by .... after 13-1/2 years I am finding this to be very true. My heart still stops when he walks the room, he still takes my breath away. I know it's him on the phone before I ever look at the caller ID. I can't imagine my life without Scott - don't even want to think about it. I had to face that possibility a couple of years ago when he was in ICU and all I could think of was that the very best of me is my relationship with him and I would be just a hollow shell without him. I am thankful every day that God spared his life and that God has blessed me with the life we share. I <3>

Oops ... got behind here ....

2009-03-30T09:04:00.002-04:00

Well, I've been doing my Fab Five on FB and not cross posting them here. So this morning, before I write last week's FF, I am going to add the ones that are missing to my blog. :)

Fab Five ... week ending February 7, 2009

2009-02-07T09:05:00.005-05:00

Wow...this week has been so busy. I'm the Co-Director of Care Net's first Walk for Life (see last week's Fab Five for more on this amazing ministry!) and this week has been a very crazy week. I led trainings for all three walk locations this week ... Monday in Brunswick, Tuesday in Jesup, & Thursday in Camden. For a girl who is at home every night except Wednesday being gone three additional nights in one week was EXHAUSTING! But it was also so good. And, here's the list ...

1. New Friends! Through all the trainings I have met about 30 new people this week. And I have met some absolutely amazing people who are passionate about the message of LIFE. With a few there was just one of those immediate connections which was just like icing on the cake! So, here's to new friends!!

2. Family!! As great as new friends are, this week has been a great week for family! Facebook is just an amazing tool for staying connected. This week I've chatted with several family members and even begun planning a Reagan cousins reunion for this summer. I talked to my AMAZING sister-in-law Beth a few times - which is always fun and encouraging. Everyone should check out her blog ... http://www.halfadozenortheother.blogspot.com/ ... she is absolutely hilarious and has such an amazing way of sharing about the joys and adventures of life with seven children. Best of all, my parents are coming next weeek! They'll be here Tuesday and so I imagine next week's Fab Five will be devoted to their visit.

3. Free books! This week I received my first book to review for Thomas Nelson. I signed up to be a blogger book reviewer. I figured I love to read. I love to give my opinion. I love to blog. Why not take those three things and get free books! So my first book arrived, "This is Your Brain on Joy." It is, so far, interesting. When I finish reading, my review will be posted on this blog.

4. Ginger! We have a new cat. She showed up at our house and she looks like Garfield. We tried to sorta ignore her so she would go home if she had a family. But she stayed and Casiday fell in love with her. So now we have an outdoor cat along with our two indoor ones. I would probably go ahead and let Ginger join the inside family but Casiday's cat, Princess, is just mean! She hisses and even jumped on Ginger (and Princess has a serious weight advantage!) so, for now, Ginger remains outside.

5. Jittery Joe's Coffee! Scott brought me back some freshly roasted coffee beans from Jittery Joe's in Athens, GA, when he was there last month. I have so enjoyed it. I learned that you have to grind about twice as many beans to get a full flavor from freshly roasted coffee but the flavor is amazing.

Well, that's this week in a nutshell. So many specific moments and special people have been apart of my life this week ... moments and people that brought great joy and made precious memories. Life is good!

Fab Five ... week ending January 31, 2009

2009-02-01T16:38:00.005-05:00

This week a focused "Fab Five" on the ministry of Care Net! Check out the website ... www.cpccoastalga.org!

1. My sweet friend, Cyndie, who is the Center Director here in Brunswick. Cyndie has the best heart and is so compassionate to those who come to Care Net. She is a great example for all of us in loving others!

2. Just having the opportunity to share the HOPE we have in Christ alone with people who are in a crisis and feeling very much as if there is no hope.

3. The lessons I learn from the clients I see each week ... there are some very brave & strong women who have been through things I cannot even imagine and yet they want to be the very best parents they can. I have learned so much from walking a portion of life's journey beside them and I am grateful for the imprint each has left on my heart.

4. Ultrasound! I guess I am equally thankful for and amazed by this technology. But there is just something so absolutely beautiful and miraculous about seeing that tiny little heartbeat ... I just don't think I could ever get tired of that moment.

5. Breaking down stereotypes and correcting misinformation. I am always excited when I get to share with someone that the ministry we do is not always what they think ... that we empower and equip women and men to parent as best they can; that we don't "just give stuff away" - our clients make a commitment to grow and learn and be healthy; and my very favorite - sharing all the choices available and helping women sort through their choices to find the one that works for them - not just now but 10 years (and even further) from now.

Obviously I am absolutely pro-life ... but I must say, there have been times (many!) when I have been sitting in a counseling room with a woman facing a crisis pregnancy and listened to her explain why she has to end her pregnancy and have been so honest to say to her, "You know, I think I would feel the same way you do if I were in your situation." There is something about that kind of honesty - that deep acceptance of people where they are - that is frees me to really listen and allows me to build a relationship with a client wherein I can say, "But, I want you to know ALL of your options." The part of what I do at Care Net that brings me the most joy is letting women know that no matter what choice they make - parenting, adoption, or abortion - there is a love that is so deep and so passionate for them. A love that accepts them and desires a relationship with them. And that love is found only in Christ Jesus. It isn't about what we do - THANK GOD!! He just loves us. Period.

Fab Five ... week ending January 24, 2009

2009-01-25T23:04:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I'm a day late but we were gone yesterday so....

1. Care Net ... what an awesome ministry! I am so privileged to be able to volunteer there and share in the great joy of helping women understand ALL their choices. This week was rough for me as one of my clients was in middle school ... sometimes it is so hard to know how to respond. I always think nothing can shock me ... but this one did. But just knowing that she came to see us and to have the opportunity to share the great love of God for her makes me full inside. Even when I don't know how to respond or what to say, just being able to be there is an honor.

2. A loving husband ... who is okay with trying new meals - even when they are a disaster! Part of my resolutions this year was to try a new recipe every week. This week's dish was not a keeper! (At least not without some major tweeking!) But, we were able to laugh about it and enjoy the time together.

3. Pizza burritos ... a new snack creation Casiday & I devised ... a quick snack or small meal for her - that she can make on her own! We just took a flour tortilla and added pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Folded it burrito style and popped in the microwave. She LOVES them!!

4. "The Shack" ... reading this for a book club at church. I read it in December and loved it. Really forced me to think and now, reading it with a group, it is even more interesting. I am enjoying the second time through even more.

5. MyShape.com ... this is the coolest website! You enter all your measurements and it guides you to clothes best suited for your body type. This coupled with "What Not to Wear" is my new fashion must have!! :)

Fab Five ... week ending January 17, 2009

2009-01-17T14:48:00.004-05:00

Let me see, it's been a crazy week ... as always but there is always so much really good in my life!!

1. Lots of time this week with Scott. It was just one of these weeks when we had lots of time together and I love that!!

2. Black Cherry creamer! I love this stuff!!!

3. Fun with friends ... got to play BUNCO with a few friends on Thursday and then scrapbooked with another friend Friday night.

4. Casiday's sense of humor! She just cracked me up a couple of times this week. Most recently this morning when I called Scottt "Daddy" and she informed me he isn't my daddy, my daddy is Papa Terry. Then told Scott he had a step-dad. He said, "Well you don't." She said, "I know ... you haven't died yet." Okay, so if that freaked anyone out to read that - chill! It was so funny the way she said it.

5. One of my "BFF"s from high school called me today ... how cool! Got to chit chat for 30 minutes or so and it was just great!

Futility

2009-01-14T09:28:00.003-05:00

So I have been reading Ecclesiastes the past couple of days ... it's hard to read. Depressing and frustrating. I like to read James and Philippians and Proverbs ... books that tell me what to do. Ecclesiastes, though, it's tough. The futility of all earthly pursuits ... wisdom, wealth, pleasure, the list goes on. To be honest, I don't like to think that my pursuits are worldly ... much less worthless. But, "Then I observed that most people are motivated to success by envy of their neighbors. But, this, too, is meaningless, like chasing the wind" (4:4). Geez ... that stung a bit! Caused me to seriously evaluate what motivates me ... and while I would love to be able to say, "I am motivated by a desire to know God intimately and show His love to a dark and dying world" ... the reality is, I'm usually not. My motivation is far more likely to be competition or a desire to "prove" myself ... sometimes it may be to get attention or to detract from someone else ... but it's always rooted in selfishness.

This morning I was listening to "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" and was so overcome with the reality that my chains are NOT gone! I'm still chained to my flesh ... to my anger, to my jealousy, to my regret, to my unforgiveness ... I'm chained to myself. But why? What keeps me from experiencing the freedom Christ offers? I mean, I certainly know how to share it with others. I know what to say to someone else and how to encourage them to "let go and let God" ... but when it comes to myself, it just isn't so easy. And so I remain chained to my futile pursuits ... and then wonder why contentment doesn't come easy for me. I feel like a fool ... heck, I am a fool. But I just don't know HOW to let go of the "junk in my trunk" ... so I keep lugging it around as a dear friend helped me see earlier this week. I think I'm afraid that without my "issues" I won't be anyone ... my fears and my pain have defined me for so long that I just am not sure that there is anything else to me.

So I keep putting on the mask. I keep saying and doing the things I think I ought ... and I keep hoping that one day it's no longer an act ... that one day I really will be this person. But I don't want to keep doing it. Especially now that I KNOW exactly what I'm doing ... it's not the desire that is lacking ... it's courage! What if I fail? What if I'm a bigger mess? What if ? What if?

But the biggest "What if" is ... What if I don't?

"Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)"

Chris Tomlin (2004)

Amazing grace How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I’m found

Was blind, but now I see

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone

I’ve been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, Who called me here below

Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Wow! Smilebox is the coolest thing ever!!!

2009-01-13T15:47:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Fab Five ... week ending January 10, 2009

2009-01-10T17:07:00.003-05:00

So this past week was crazy ... Scott was gone from Monday through Wednesday, Casiday went back to dance and school, and I was back at Care Net for the first time since before Thanksgiving. So, lots of good things to choose from ... so it took me awhile to narrow down.

But, here it is the second Fab Five of 2009!

1. ROUTINE!!! For someone who is schedule-driven and very "type A" holiday breaks can be a nightmare! So, getting back into the groove of school, dance, and all our other "regular" activities has been great!

2. Streams in the Desert ... a classic Christian devotional written in 1925. Several of my friends have used it over the past year and highly recommended it. So far I have been incredibly challenged and moved by the daily readings. I highly recommend it.

3. The Senior Citizens Center here in Brunswick. I had no idea about this program but Scott was invited to sing there on Friday and it was amazing. There were about 75 senior adults from all races and demographic backgrounds there for fellowship and meal. We, to be honest, had very low expectations about the experience and instead had the most incredible time with these delightful people. I am anxious for the opportunity to go back.

4. Scrapbooking with my daughter. Casiday & I worked on our scrapbooks together one night this week. It was fun helping her learn to visualize the page and figure out exactly what to place on it so it creates the image she wants.

5. Last ... but definitely NOT LEAST ... Scott arriving home safely. I don't do well when he's gone and this time was no exception. But I think having a few days without him around was a great reminder for me of just how amazing and wonderful he is and how my "self" just isn't complete without my guy at home.

Letting Go ... of me

2009-01-07T16:38:00.005-05:00

Today has been a weird day. Good, for the most part, but weird nonetheless. I have had several moments of self-awareness ... bizarre self-awareness. Like how very competitive I am and how much that must frustrate people around me. And how little patience I have with people. I have always thought I am a "people person" but I think I'm beginning to realize I am not. Probably related to that ridiculously high expectation thing I have ... but, I am noticing that, as a general rule, I don't enjoy being around others for very long. There are exceptions ... of course! And maybe it's just that since Scott has been gone for the last three days my world is completely out of whack. It seems like I have far less desire to deal with "fake" these days. Especially fake in me! I was talking to a friend the other day and we were discussing how hard it is to "be real." It's scary to be open with myself ... and plus, there is that natural desire for self-preservation ... and so I tend to project an image of who I want to be or who I want people to think I am or something. Unfortunately, I don't even really like that person a lot of the time ... but once she's out there, what can I do? Puzzling, really, how people relate to each other. I wonder if anyone is every REALLY real. And when I am sitting in a room with someone thinking "Do you think I can't see through that?" ... I wonder, are they thinking the same thing about me? So, in the course of all this introspection I read Philippians 4:11 ... "for I have learned to be contentin whatever circumstances I am." Which led to even more self-awareness ... how very discontent I am. Not with the outside of my life ... for I am so very thankful for my husband, my daughter, my friends, my church ... all the stuff everyone else can see is great. It's the inside where I struggle. That knowledge of who I am inside ... my dreams, my desires, my yearnings ... how very immature I am spiritually ... how petty I am most of the time ... how unforgiving I can be ... how selfish ... how mean-spirited ... how very jealous I can be. It hurt! A lot. I guess that's a good thing ... shows that I am sensitive to the Holy Spirit at work in me. But I don't know how to change. I don't know how to become content ... and I am frustrated by that. I like to have guidelines to follow, a specific set of steps to accomplish the task at hand. And, as with all things internal, there is no such list available. It's about faith ... about choice ... about denying myself ... letting the flesh in me die so the spirit can flourish. And then I get scared ... because what if I can't do it. What if it's too hard for me? Of course, Teri Lynne, it IS too hard ... and I can't do it ... only through Christ (Philippians 4:13 reminds me!). So that brings it back full circle ... what do I choose? And HOW does that choice look in my daily life? Lots to consider, lots to ponder, and, most of all ... lots to let go.

At Home and Everywhere

2009-01-04T16:58:00.005-05:00

This morning in my quiet time I read 2 Corinthians 5:9 (HCSB) ~ Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.

OUCH! That really stung me because I realized something about myself ... how much more effort I make to please God OUTSIDE my home than INSIDE it. What a terrible reality. It left me shell-shocked. Undoubtedly I am not the only one like this ... and while the thought that it is a common struggle is a nice one, it does nothing to release me from the truth that I must change. I've been pondering all day what those changes may look like ... here's a few that I have come up with:

1. Just putting things away rather than griping that whoever should have, didn't.
2. Realizing that all three of us have different love languages and meeting my husband and daughter's love needs in their languages not mine.
3. Letting little things stay little ... not blowing things out of proportion.
4. Reminding myself to be thankful!
5. Being glad that my daughter wants to be near me instead of wishing for "space"!
6. Praying with and for my family more ... not just when it's convenient for me.
7. Stop rolling my eyes!! (A very bad habit and it really annoys my husband!)
8. Just reading my Bible ... no real agenda, just spending time getting to know the Father. Too often I focus on completing a task, studying for a class, etc ... I want to be content to just "sit" in the presence of the Father as revealed in His Word.

So, that's my start. Just to be pleasing to GOD at all times ... what a great priority.

Fab Five ... week ending January 3, 2009

2009-01-03T11:40:00.003-05:00

1. Family PJ Day on Thursday!
2. Brenda's incredible spinach & artichoke dip
3. Scrapbooking and laughing with great friends to ring in the new year
4. "Marley & Me"
5. My new Quacker Factory pjs ... never thought anything from Quacker Factory would make my favorites list but these pjs are great!

Need a Reason!

2009-01-02T10:00:00.004-05:00

Motivation. I need some right now. After a "PJ Day" yesterday that was the most relaxing day EVER ... I just can't get motivated to do anything today. Not that there's much to do but if I'd get up and spend an hour or so picking up the house ... well, I know I'd feel better later. But, for now, I am as snug as a bug in a rug wrapped up in my new incredibly plush Auburn throw (Thanks, Aunt Norma!) in my comfy corner chair and I just don't want to get up. But I should. I really should. Hmmm ... what will I do?

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T14:35:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe it is 2009! Scott and I were talking last night about how far away 2010 seemed when the movie "2010" came out. Now, it's next year ... how did that happen? :)

I am looking forward to this year. As I am a goal-setter, I have my list of resolutions set and am excited to see what the year ahead will bring. Among my goals for the coming months is finishing my book. I've been working on "Lessons from the Hundred Acre Wood: Spiritual Truths from Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends" for several years. And this is the year of finishing! Timeline for completion and submission is determined and the immediate task at hand is to finish writing the last three chapters.

I also want to make more time for QUIET in my life. Like so many I stay busy and, while much of what I do is "good" busy, it's busy nonetheless. And I find myself craving silence ... Pslam 46:10 echoes through my soul, "Be still and know that I am God..." I wonder how much of knowning GOD I am missing because of the lack of stillness in my life. So I am scheduling quiet and still into my days. It likely means getting up ealier in the morning but what a beautiful trade-off.

Another one of my resultions is to become more active. My life has become pretty sedentary and I realize the health risks of that ... but also that I am not being a good steward of myself when I am not exercising and taking care of my body. So, along with making several eating changes, I am going to make a commitment to daily exercise of some sort.

My final "resolution" is for my family ... I can't believe Casiday is almost 9. In 10 years, she'll have completed her first semester in college and I feel like the days are rushing by. So, FAMILY NIGHT is a high priority on my weekly agenda. Last year, Scott and I overbooked ourselves and had too many nights each week filled with commitments. The year ahead is going to be family-focused. More time together, making little momentsi into precious memories.

I love January 1 ... every year it is like a blank slate, a do-over opportunity. And this year, I'm grabbing hold. GOD has so richly blessed me ... James 1:17 keeps coming to my mind, over and over, a gentle reminder from the GOD who loves me so that EVERY gift comes from Him. So, for 2009 that's my desire ... to live in the beautiful truth that "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17, NAS).

My Kitchen

2008-12-30T11:39:00.004-05:00

My favorite room in my house is my kitchen. It's not the most fabulously arranged kitchen in the world. I have a serious lack of storage and counter space. The counter tops could really stand to be replaced. Everyone's grandmother had the same cabinets I have. But I love it anyway. It's homey and warm. There are usually dishes in the sink and drying on the counter because real people live here. There are permanent stains on the counter where the spoons have been set after stirring coffee. My fridge has magnets from places we've been, projects from Casiday, and a few pictures that always make me smile. The table was Scott's great-grandmother's kitchen table and I love it. It was shabby chic long before Rachel Aswell entered the scene. My pie safe was a gift from my sweet mother-in-law and it stores my much-loved collection of cook books ... many with post-it notes sticking out the top marking the recipes I want to try. Also in the pie safe is a juice set that was my great-granmother's ... it's hand-blown glass and it's one of the few things we have that I don't use ... too afraid it will get broken.

It's funny how people always gather in the kitchen, even when it's as small as mine. I have so many memories of sitting at the table with different girls in our youth group and talking about life. We try to have at least one meal a week at the table and Casiday always says grace. She has a specific meal blessing, "God, thank you for this day. Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies. We love you and we thank you. Amen." I love that prayer ... reminds me of her daddy who says long prayers are for quiet times not meal times. :) The kitchen table has been used for many a play-dough session, has been piled high with food for countless events, and is still the best homework spot in the house.

I love my kitchen. It's where I do a lot of ministry. I bake and cook there ... for my family, for my friends, for those who are sick, those who have lost loved ones, and those who just love chicken and dumplin's (and leave the ingredients in my garage as a hint that it's been too long since I've made any). I pray there ... as I clean up after people have been over I replay our conversations and pray for their needs as I wash the dishes and toss the trash. I pray for my family and thank God for the many blessings represented in my kitchen.

The "New & Improved" Living Room

2008-12-30T11:28:00.005-05:00

So, I thought I'd add pictures of the rearranged living room. I really like it ... Scott still is not sold. We have groups of people coming over the next two nights so it will get the full test run. I haven't moved any pictures just in case. :) Above is "my corner" with the last few Christmas gifts we have to hand out. I can curl up with my coffee, a good book and see out the window. No big secret where I'll spend my time when everyone else is gone. :)

Rearranging is fun!

2008-12-29T22:47:00.002-05:00

But not for everyone. Today Judy and Adrianne came over to help me take down the North Pole and we decided to rearrange the furniture while we were at it. It was such fun. But Scott hates change and he really hates rearranged furniture. We didn't move his chair but we moved everything else ... including the TV. So, I'm enjoying it but I don't think my husband has quite adjusted to the differences.

But it really has been a great day. I got to chat with my sister-in-law Beth for a little while today and with my sweet friend Denice. I love the way technology allows me to keep in touch. My house still isn't completely back in order ... but it's getting there. I have tomorrow and Wednesday to get everything ready for the big New Year's Eve "Smokin' and all that Scrap" party.

More on that topic later. :)

Post Christmas Hush

2008-12-29T02:44:00.003-05:00

It's that great time of year ... those few days between Christmas and New Year's ... it's quiet and calm. The hustle and rushing of holiday season have passed. My decorations are up ... for just another day. I love putting them up ... the way the lights twinkle, figuring out just the right spot for whatever my latest treasure is, and enjoying the memories attached to all of them. But I also love packing them away ... it's almost a cleansing. The empty spaces where the decorations were symbolize the blank slate I feel I get with each new year.

2008 had so much good in it. Scott and I went on our first overseas mission trip together. We spent a week in Roatan, Honduras, and we will never be the same. I still can't put into words the ways God spoke to me and infused Himself in me while I was there. My entire concepts of worship, of service, of passion, and of ministry are changed forever. And to have the privilege of sharing such a life-changing experience with my husband ... well, that made it all the more special. Speaking of my main squeeze, he has been blessed this year with good health. What a great praise!!

We've made lots of trips as always. But my favorite was our Spring Break trip to Disney World. We spent the first half of the week with Scott's brother and his family. Watching Scott and Greg is one of my favorite things. There is something so inherently unique about the relationship between brothers. Greg and Scott can laugh so hard they cry about something that is really nothing. But they are both such good daddies and amazing husbands. Most of all, they are both incredibly Godly men.

One of my personal goals for 2008 was to make time for far-away family. I've tried to make a few more phone calls, send a few more cards, write a few more e-mails this year. And, thanks to Facebook, I think I've managed to be successful in that area. I've had some of the sweetest conversations this year with my Bigmama and my sweet sister-in-law Beth. I am so thankful for my family and the heritage of ministry of which I am a part.

And what recap would be complete without mentioning my sweet girl ... Casiday Hope. She inspires me! I look at her and see this wonderful, insightful, witty, completely blonde person who loves animals, dances with her heart and her feet, loves her friends and family, and "gets it" spiritually ... and I wonder, "What did I ever do to deserve this precious child?" Of course, I know the answer is that I did nothing ... she is as Psalm 127:3 says "a gift" from God. One for which I am most thankful.

Oh there are things that didn't happen in 2008 ... my book STILL isn't finished, I haven't completed the Rudolph quilt I started for Scott three years ago, and we're not eating more healthy or exercising more ... but, still, sitting here on my couch as 2008 winds down, I am filled with joy for all the blessings I have, gratitude for the amazing friends and family God has given me, wonder at the presence of God in my life, and chills that I have a husband who takes my breath away when he walks in the room and loves me even when I am REALLY unloveable.

Yes, this is my favorite time of year.

A new room!!

2008-09-13T16:53:00.006-04:00

Yea! The garage turned screened porch is nearly complete. I am so excited! We began this project earlier this year are finally nearing completion. Those who are not from South Georgia may not understand how important it is to have a place outside where the bugs can't get to you. But trust me - it is VERY important!

So, we got this great idea while on a trip last year to screen in our garage. And we did. We love it. Finally got painting done and new outdoor furniture complete with fire pit (used for candles, of course). I am loving it!

Above is the back door (into the kitchen). I did all the flower arrangements myself. Thought they turned out well. :)
This is the counter we had built for Casiday and her friends to be able to eat, do crafts, etc. without making a mess in the house.
This is the back wall of the garage. The stained glass is from one of the old Methodist churches here in Brunswick. It is beautiful!
The firepit. We thoroughly enjoy it - or will when it finally cools down some around here. :)
The view looking in to the garage.

More of my flower arranging prowess.

We still have some work to do. We will be running cable out there so we can watch ball games, etc. Also we are going to stain the concrete so it will look like stone. But, we are already thrilled with how it has turned out.

2008 - The Year of Women!

2008-08-29T15:02:00.001-04:00

I am so excited! Casiday and I have been absolutely engaged in the presidential process this year. She immediately latched on to Hillary Clinton. Even at 8, she saw that as a HUGE thing. At one point she said, "All these years we've had a man as president, maybe a woman would actually listen to people." Out of the mouth of babes!

Anyway, my baby girl was so disappointed when Hillary dropped out. Not really understanding the method of the process, she only saw that "the girl was voted out." I encouraged her to keep listening to what the candidates had to say. To watch Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain and see their part in the process.

Well, today, school got out early so I was leaving to pick Casiday up from school at around 11:45. I recorded the speech by Gov. Palin so Casiday and I could watch it together. When she got in the van I said, "Guess what! Senator McCain has chosen his vice-president and guess who it is!" She immediately got very excited and said, "HILLARY!" I said, "No, not Hillary, but he did choose a woman named Sarah Palin. She has five children and is the governor of Alaska." Casiday was really excited.

You know, I'm really proud of my daughter right now. She's already engaged in the political process. She's already beginning to understand how important it is to pay attention to what people say when they are running for office. She stood with me as I voted earlier this summer in a primary. There were several "straw poll" questions on the ballot and we discussed each of them. I was amazed at her insight. The poll workers were too. In the small room they were able to hear us talking about what the questions meant and how it would be best to vote. She was given an "I Voted!" sticker also. What a great thing - to share the process of governing with my daughter. Eighty-eight years ago, women were given the long-deserved, hard-fought right to vote. This year, we have seen a woman run one of the most effective campaigns in presidential history. And now, for only the second time, we find a woman running on the ticket of a major political party. I am overwhelmed with all of it.

Whether Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, the fact is God has given us the responsibility of being involved in our government - and we, as Americans, have such a great privilege to do so without fear. As a mom, I am so proud to be able to set the example of involvement for my daughter. As a citizen, I am so thankful to know that she is already beginning to understand the great honor of participating in government. As I woman, I am proud to see what Senator Clinton has accomplished and to watch as Governor Palin becomes a
part our great history. As a Christian, I thank God that I live in a country where we are able to be involved in our government.

So, no matter what side of the aisle you sit on, I hope you are involved. And I hope you are not leaving your children out of your involvement. Children learn what is important to us by watching what we do. I spend Thursday mornings as the crisis pregnancy center in our community - Casiday knows that helping women and children is a priority for me. I am involved in mentoring women and teaching God's Word at church - Casiday knows that helping
others grow in their disciple's life is important to me. I watch the news WITH her, we discuss and pray for situations in the world around us - Casiday knows that we have an honor and privilege to pray for others and be a part of our community. I read my Bible in the mornings BEFORE my day gets started - Casiday knows that I value my relationship with God and make it a priority (in fact, she is wanting a new Bible like mine and has decided that she wants to get up earlier so she can read her Bible while I read mine!).

What does your child know about you? Casiday is 8 - she's not a genius, she's just a normal kid. She gets in trouble for her smart mouth, can't ever keep her room clean, doesn't understand that just because you look at some clothes doesn't make them dirty, and she'd rather eat candy than anything else. I say that, not to demean her, but to make it clear that our life is no different from others who have children her age. We have taken the time to educate her and involve her. She often says, "When I grow up I want to be like you, Mom." I used to just smile and say thank you. Now I ask her, "Really? Why?" She has so many reasons but my very
favorite is this, "Because you love God more than anything and you always help me understand what is important to Him and how to live for Him."

Fall

2008-08-26T19:53:00.002-04:00

Here I am - almost September - and I wonder how did this year go by so fast. Seems like just yesterday we were having our New Year's Eve party with about 50 people crammed into our house all decked out in their 80s attire. And now, we are into our second full week of school and our schedule is right back at crazy!

And yet, I don't have that feeling that life is rushing by without me. In fact, while the weeks pass so fast, the days have seemed much slower. And what a gift that has been. So, before the storm the schedule of insanity really hits, I wanted to stop and ponder the richness of the blessings we've had this year.

The biggest and most precious gift I had this year was on January 10. That was one full year since Scott had been released from the hospital after his truly near-death time there in 2007. I guess when you come face-to-face with doctors saying "We just aren't sure what will happen. The next six hours are crucial" - and they say that same thing to you three different times - you realize there are very few things in life that really matter - in fact there is NOT ONE THING in life that really matters - only people. That experience has forever changed me. I am now much more focused on celebrating every day - for there are gifts in every moment. And I realize in a way that I imagine few ever do how very precious my husband is. He is more than my best friend, more than my soul mate, more than my life's companion. He is, in every way possible, my hero. His profound faith in God surpass that of anyone else I have ever known. His deep love for his family is amazing. And the complete selflessness with which he ministers and serves is the most genuine picture of Christ I know.

So, while that is the overwhelming theme of my life this year, there have been many other moments to treasure. In February my baby turned 8. I can't even begin to explain what a gift she is. Having experienced the loss of a child, I carry deep within an appreciation for the true frailty of life - and the gift that being a parent is. Casiday is just the most amazing child! I know she's mine and I am extraordinarily biased but she is. In spite of being in a class last year with some really mean kids (who picked on her and stole from her, lied about her and even hit her), she carried herself with such grace. In fact, she prayed for those very kids - not because I told her to or suggested it but because she told me that they needed God. She even used a pencil she had gotten from LifeWay to witness to one little boy. Of course, she is normal - she gets in trouble for not cleaning her room, for being sassy, and for a thousand other things all the time. But, when all is said and done, she loves the Lord and is not afraid to share her faith. What more could I ask for? (Although, I'm not denying a clean room would be nice!)

I have the most incredible friends! In April our children's pastor's wife and I were able to get away and go to a conference with a church in Alabama. It was so nice to not be charge - to have NO responsibility. And I really enjoyed my time with Karen. She is just a great person. I can't begin to describe all the things that make her so special but she is an incredible wife who sacrifices herself all the time to help her husband. She loves her 3 girls and makes their lives full of special moments - from little trips after school to the park to making scrapbooks with them, Karen truly is invested in her children. And, most precious to me - she deeply and passionately loves the Lord! She hungers and thirsts for righteousness and desires a deeper relationship with Christ - even when it's hard. Spending a few days with her was a blessing and encouragement that God gave me and I am immensely thankful.

I also have those great friends who call just to say hi, who text to remind me that they pray for me, who send me notes to encourage me, and who are always available for a hug, a shoulder to cry on, a coffee break at Seattle's Best, or a shopping trip to Ross. I have the kind of friends who love me no matter what but who never let me be a slacker. The kind who will challenge me to be MORE but stand by me when I am far less. The kind who laugh with me and sometimes at me. Who help me not take myself too seriously. But who strengthen me to stand firm in my walk with Christ.

There have been small moments too - an afternoon spent watching "Enchanted" with my own princess. An evening walk on the beach with my beloved. So many - so much - I am so full.

This year I've travelled overseas. I had the privilege to spend a week in Roatan, Honduras. What an experience! To see the passion for Christ by fellow believers was such a challenge to me in my own life. I guess I always thought they "had" to be passionate about Christ because they had nothing else. But, the reality is - they are passionate about Him because He is worthy of our passion. I was deeply moved, enormously convicted, and forever changed.

I get to spend four hours every week sharing the truth that God has a plan for each of us as I volunteer at Care Net. This year I have been honored to be a witness to 6 people moving from eternal death to abundant life as they asked Jesus Christ to be the Salvation they need. It really doesn't get any better than that!

I've seen my daughter dance her first solo at church. I've had the long-prayed-for opportunity to teach a Bible study at Care Net. I have started exercising and eating better. I've reconnected with friends from years gone by and built relationships with many senior adults who remind me that life is too short to miss out on the moments of each day.

So today I find myself looking forward to what the next four months of 2008 hold. There are things I know are coming - a trip to the Smokey Mountains in November, Casiday dancing in "The Nutcracker" for the third time, and celebrating Thanksgiving with very dear friends. And yet I am even more excited about what will be surprise. The moments I can't predict, can't create, can't even imagine. The moments when God shows me glimpses of Him - in nature, in His Word, and in others. The times we will spend sharing meals with those we love. The moments Scott and I will share - just the two of us. The times when Casiday will make me laugh and the times she will make me realize that I am privileged to be a part of her life. The quiet moments when life is slow and still. And even the hectic days when God gives me the strength to make it through. In this and so much more I pray I will be a reflection of Him. One who loves God and loves others. One who serves. One who sacrifices. One who reaches out. One who lives abundantly!

Yes, the year has gone by fast. But there's so much more. And I face the days ahead with confidence, with anticipation. For my God is the One God - and I am ready to go and do and see and learn. As the commercial says, "I want it all!" - All that He has for me. Even the storms - for the rainbow always comes.

Is authenticity a worthy pursuit for a believer?

2008-08-01T22:37:00.001-04:00

Okay, this may be a long way around to what appears to be a simple question. But it's the path I have been on and it has been a winding road. Over the past few weeks I have been forced to face several of my fears. Not those obvious ones - like butterflies (don't ask!) - but those hidden ones. The ones that really do control me. Like my fear of failure. My fear of being "found out."

I've learned that I rely on myself - my abilities, my knowledge, my desires, my goals - ME! ME! ME! I am scared to let go of what I know "I" can do - scared to find out what God wants me to do. I lack courage, I don't really trust God. That's really hard to admit. I mean, I do trust God to save me, to protect me - but I don't know that I really deeply trust Him with my deepest self. You know, my dreams, my ambitions, my fears.

And so I struggle. I want to believe - to be authentic. I feel like an imposter - others look at me and see something that I'm not sure is really there. I want to be real. But I'm afraid. Afraid of not being good enough. Not being liked. Rejection. I know I need to rest in WHO I am in Christ - but I'm not really sure what that looks like.

As I've been pondering and dealing with this I realized that I know how fake I am sometimes. And then I realized that others probably already know as well. That was an eye-opening moment! Then I wondered, if people already know, what is holding me back? Why not just be real?

I have this opportunity. This moment of self-awareness - granted by the Holy Spirit. And yet, I am still afraid! Scared to death of authenticity. I'm wondering is it wrong to choose to do these things to honor God even though I am not sure I really WANT to? Can I grow spiritually by DOING godly things, pursuing intimacy with Christ, out of obedience - not out of a deep desire - and then find myself changed in the process? Do I have to WANT to be different, 100% WANT that change in me, or is it more than that? Deeper than wanting? Is the higher understanding being obedient regardless of what I "want"? Becoming like Christ through obedience - even grudgingly - is still becoming like Christ, isn't it? Isn't that what "dying to self" is all about? Placing my flesh in submission to His spirit?

What is is that God wants from us? I keep going back through my Scriptural memory bank. Here's what I keep coming up with ...

1 Samuel 15:22 - But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams.

Micah 6:8 - No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

To obey is better than sacrifice. So if I am following the guidelines in Micah 6:8 - I am living as righteously as my sinful nature allows, I am loving others compassionately, and I am seeking to walk with God as much as I currently understand - am I living in obedience? And if I am - then does all the rest really matter? As long as I am focused on being obedient, will He then be the impetus for growing my faith? Can I actually do anything outside of being obedient in all things that will grow my faith?

And then - back to my original pondering...What does authenticity look like? Does it always look the same? Is there a specific life that is authentic? And why has this become the catch-word in our Christian-ese? Do we really need to be concerned about being authentic? It seems to me that the pursuit of authenticity can become yet another diversion that the enemy uses in our lives. At least I can see where that has happened along the way to me. So, my question is: Is authenticity a worthy pursuit for a believer? Has this become another "10 steps to a more Christ-like life" thing? Have we bought in to a new PR gimmick? Have we become consumed with defining authenticity at the cost of actually being Christ's hands and feet in this broken world?

I guess what I'm beginning to glimpse is that I often get caught substituting "good" for "best" in my disciple's life. I get so busy pursuing authenticity that I forget to pursue Christ. I spend so much time contemplating what I ought to be that I neglect to do what is needed in the world around me. I focus on my growth at the sake of ignoring the needs of others.

I just wonder what my life would look like on a daily basis if my goal for the day was to live out Micah 6:8. I know I've just begun my journey on this new fork in the road of life - but I am excited about what is ahead. And scared. And wondering what God will ask of me - and wondering if I have enough faith, or a great enough desire to be obedient, to DO whatever that is. All I know is this ... I don't think I will ever be "authentic" enough, for there will always be those places inside of me that I keep hidden, those issues that I face which are never shared with others. But, I think that is okay with me. Instead of focusing on that which I can do, I am realizing the need to focus on what Christ can do through me. And as that happens, well, maybe I will become "authentic" but I know I will be looking more like Christ.

So, forgive my rambling, forgive my disjointed thought process, and the poor grammar. And welcome to my crazy mind!!

Wondering ...

2008-07-20T21:31:00.002-04:00

So I am wondering about something ... do some people always have to have something to complain about? It seems that in the past few weeks I keep encountering people who MUST complain. Sometimes legit - but usually not. I'm so tired of it. Now, I am not a "Polly Anna" who wears rose-colored glasses but - geesh! - even I realize that life is not always that bad.

So, I'm sick of complainers. Sick of whiners.

I just want to wear a shirt that says, "GET OVER IT!"

Hmm... maybe I'll make a shirt.

Back in the groove - or trying to be!

2008-07-02T09:36:00.002-04:00

Today is going to be great, I can feel it! Does anyone else ever have those days? I am finally recovered from our mission trip - at least I think I am. That sleeping 12 hours or more a day was getting old. And I find myself beginning to process the things God showed me during our week away. Amazing, isn't it, how God gives us just what we need and then helps us understand. I feel so very full right now.

And, tonight, I am teaching. That may not seem like a big deal to anyone else, but it is huge for me. I haven't taught in my church (with the exception of filling in or two-week programs) for over 3 years. There are many reasons for that - some rooted in my selfishness, some rooted in timing, and some rooted in lessons God has been teaching me. It's amazing what freedom feels like when it comes from absolute submission to God. When I finally let Him have my frustrations, my fears, my ego, my pride - when I laid all of it down and then fell on top of it, He gently picked me up and wiped me off. And now, He has given me the privilege of teaching again. It is different now. Now I understand that it is HIM not me. That seems like something I should have known all along; but, I didn't. I said it, of course, because I know all the lingo. But I didn't mean it. It taken God awhile to get through to me - to humble me. I am thankful that the work, most of it, was done in private. It was hard enough to confront all those truths in my prayer closet - I can't imagine doing it in full view of everyone.

So, I think I'm back. I have a joy inside me that has long been missing. And I have that peace that only God can give.

It's going to be a great day.

It's been a while ...

2008-06-30T21:02:00.002-04:00

Haven't posted in a long time. Not because I had nothing to say (as those who know me well will attest!) but because, I suppose, I haven't felt like sharing much of what has been happening inside me. The past year has been very difficult for me - lots of JUNK at our church, relationship issues with a few people, my insecurities coming to the surface, disappointment with my family, and some deep spiritual struggles. All in all, a lot of pruning on this ol' branch.

But, here I am ... still standing, with the strength of Christ. Still learning, still a little wounded, but most of all - still singing praise!!

The stuff at church is not resolved, some relationships have ended, some are still in question, my insecurities are still there - although not as prominent, family situations have left me with a new set of expectations, and there are some scars from the battles that have not yet begun to fade. LIfe is hard. That's the sum of it. I always thought that the hard part was just about over and that the next part of the journey would be so much easier. What I'm learning is that nothing worth having is ever easy. Not marriage, not parenting, not relationships, not being a disciple, not ministry, nothing. And it is in the struggle that we find out what is worth the tears, worth the sweat, worth the heartache.

My prayer is changing and so is my heart. Instead of longing for what is easy and fulfilling now, I find myself yearning for wisdom to learn, for compassion to serve, and for humility to lean on God every step of the way.

I feel the changes inside of me. A new freedom to lift my hands in worship without wondering what others will think. A new passion for praying for the hurting people I see all around me. A new longing for more of God's Word to penetrate my soul. A new desire to bask in the silence of waiting on the Lord. A new me - a renewed me - a refreshed me. And I know that God is guiding me - gently and not-so-gently. Placing in my heart the desires He has for me - and transforming me into that creation He knew from the beginning of time.

And so I say, to Him, to everyone - "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

I LOVE YOU, MAN!

2007-10-05T06:19:00.000-04:00

Read Philippians 2:19 - 30

“I have no one else like him (Timothy), who takes a genuine interest
in your welfare.” Philippians 2:20 NIV

Paul loved Timothy! He was a spiritual father to this young pastor and invested much time in Timothy’s spiritual formation and growth. Likewise, we find in this passage, that Paul had a great deal of appreciation for Epaphroditus. He commends them both for their service both to him and to the church. But Paul did not lump them together – he recognized each of them for the specific ways they had proven themselves useful to God. One commentary said, “Timothy models serving the gospel by caring for the needs of others; Epaphroditus models the suffering that accompanies serving the gospel.” It is important that we understand how important different gifts are in the leadership of the church.

Have you ever noticed how different every member of our church staff is? Each one of our pastoral staff is completely different in almost every way. Each of these men has his own strengths and weaknesses. Each of them brings a different perspective to ministry and to our church. And each of them is equally called and used by God to accomplish His purpose.

It is important for us to be like Paul and be encouragers to those who are in leadership. Paul recognized something very important about how a church needs to function in order to be all that God desires for it to be – that leaders need encouragement. Paul probably had shared with both Timothy and Epaphroditus individually how much he appreciated what they did and how they served the Lord. And yet, in the midst of his letter to the church at Philippi, he again shares how important a role each of these men played in furthering the gospel of Christ.

What a powerful example for us as church members! We need to be visible encouragers to the pastors and leadership of our church. We must be defenders of their integrity, their love for Christ, and their service in our church and community. Paul models that encouraging spirit for us. We must affirm their leadership and giftedness, but we must also share how they have personally ministered to each of us.

The goal for today is ENCOURAGEMENT. Take time today to pray for each of our pastors. Lift up their families and pray for wholeness in their lives. Ask God to bless their ministries and their lives. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you in ways to encourage these men – both in their ministry and in how they live their lives. Commit to being an encourager of our church staff.

Pastor Tim, Senior Pastor
Pastor Scott, Associate Pastor
Pastor John, Children’s Pastor
Pastor Jessie, Student Pastor
Pastor David, Missions Pastor
Pastor Bob, Pastoral Ministries

ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

2007-10-04T08:21:00.000-04:00

Read Philippians 2:5 - 18

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus”
Philippians 2:5 NIV

Slowly read the description of Christ in verses 6 through 11. What stands out to you? Perhaps it is the reminder that Christ IS God or the reality of Jesus being made nothing. Maybe what you see in this passage is the obedience of Christ or the glory of His seat next to God in heaven. Or, is it the amazing promise that one day EVERY tongue will confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The beauty of this passage is evident in every word. A perfect confession of Christ’s deity, power, and sacrifice.

But what about verse five? A specific command about our lives – that our attitude should be like that of Christ. What is that attitude that is to be our own? Look at verse 7, “…he took the humble position of a slave…” (NLT, emphasis added). Humble, humility – generally not one of mankind’s stronger attributes.

The picture of humility offered in this passage is the word “servant”. In the Greek it is “doulos” – a bondservant. This is one who places himself in the will or interests of others. Did you catch that? “One who PLACES himself” … it’s a choice. Ponder that for a moment. Humility is a choice – it doesn’t come naturally to the vast majority of us. It’s hard. It requires effort. It demands sacrifice. So, you’re wondering, what in the world does this mean to me?

Basically, it means we are called to a life of humility. If we are to follow the example of Christ, a vital component of our lives must be that we are humble. Consider this simple contrast: “Do nothing from selfish ambition …” (Philippians 2:3a, NIV) and “but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant …” (Philippians 2:7a, NIV). Selfish ambition vs. servanthood. This is the inherent battle for all of us – flesh against spirit.

The goal for today is HUMILITY. Learning to place others ahead of ourselves and seeing that trait become deeply ingrained in our nature, as it was in the nature of Christ. Consider the following passages and how Christ is calling each of us to a life of humility and an attitude that honors and models Him. Reflect on these passages and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you specific areas in your life where you need to show humility.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is god, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true HUMILITY toward all men. Titus 3:2 NIV, emphasis added

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the HUMILITY that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NIV, emphasis added

All of you, clothe yourselves with HUMILITY toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the HUMBLE. 1 Peter 5:5b NIV, emphasis added

We're All in This Together

2007-10-03T14:00:00.000-04:00

** Wednesday's devotion for revival prep **

Read Philippians 1:27 - 2:4

“Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.”
Philippians 2:3 – 4 MSG

Strong words for all of us in those verses. Let’s just look at each phrase individually for a moment.

• Don’t push your way to the front. Think about a group of children who have been offered ice cream. Everyone wants to be the first one to get it so they push and shove to be at the front of the line. Aren’t we sometimes a lot like children? We want to make sure we get to the front of the line for whatever blessing or honor or attention is available.
• Don’t sweet-talk your way to the front. Eddie Haskell – the consummate sweet-talker. People like that really drive us crazy – unless we are the people like that.
• Put yourself aside. Tough to do, huh? We live in a “ME” world where we are constantly bombarded with the message that what works best for me is the final consideration in any decision.
• Help others get ahead. Hmm, how often does this happen? When was the last time you or someone you know declined an opportunity in order to give someone else a chance – and did it not for recognition but because of a genuine desire to see another succeed?
• Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Isn’t that so like us? We want to schedule the Sunday School social on the day that best fits our calendar. We want everything to work out so that it is convenient for us.
• Forget about yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Church workdays. Volunteering in a community ministry or agency. Visiting a homebound member of the church. Working in the nursery. As Rick Warren says at the beginning of The Purpose-Filled Life, “It’s not about you!”

So often we are completely unaware of the self-centeredness of our lives. We don’t take time to consider how we can be investing in the lives of others, how we can be ministering in the life of our church, how we can be used in our community. We are just caught up in the “ME” mentality of our culture. But, we are called to something higher – to invest in others, to put other ahead of ourselves. Perhaps the words of Jesus say it best, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35 NIV). When we love each other, we work together. When we love each other, we put others needs ahead of our own. When we love each other, the world will notice.

The goal for today is UNITY. Loving one another, putting each other’s needs ahead of our own, ministering to one another, setting ME aside – the result of all of these is unity. Being bound together by a genuine selflessness. Where do you stand today? Do you have a heart to see others succeed? Do you work to help others grow? Is your life marked by helpful service? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can grow in love and produce unity among believers.

Big Living

2007-10-03T13:50:00.000-04:00

**Tuesday's devotional from our revival prep packet. **

Read Philippians 1:12 - 26.

"For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, whether I live or die." Philippian 1:20 NLT

Paul's passion for the spread of the Gospel is rarely more evident in his writings than in this passage. And that same passion should be an integral part of all our lives. But, too often, it is not. Ever wonder why that is? What happens between the sermon on Sunday morning when we are ignited and ready to move mountains fo the sake of Christ adn Sunday night when we find ourselves dreading the week ahead?

What happens is simply this ... LIFE! Life happens and we forget that very compelling part of verse 21 - "to live is Christ." What would happen in your home, at your job, in your relationships if you lived all day, as the New Living Translation says in verse 22, in "fruitful service for Christ"? And, the bigger question is, why don't we even consider that we can actually do this? Again, the simple answer is life.

Too often, as Christians, we are caught up in a drab, colorless existance. We focus on the tasks at hand each day and fail to recognize the wonder of God at work in, through, and around us. Christ calls us into life "to the full" (John 10:10, NIV). Full, overflowing, BIG life! And yet, we live in smallness. A conference speaker once said that Christians should be the most joyful, victorious people in any room because we always have reason celebrate.

One commentator said of this passage, "Once can scarely miss the focus of Paul's concern, here and always: Christ and the gospel." What about us? What would be said of our focus an concern? Our goal must be to point others to Christ in all things, at all times. We mut live in the reality of "life to the full" and show a lost and dying world the BIG life that Christ offers to all of us. We are called to be bold for Christ not just in our words but in the way we live. To sum up, we hear from the Gospel of Matthew this call to big living - "in the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may SEE your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (5:16, NIV, emphasis added).

The goal for today is EXAMINATION. What do other see in your life? Our lives should be living examples of the grace and mercy of God. There must be a boldness in how we live that reflects the passionate love of Christ for each of us. Do you live big? Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to see yourself as others see you. We must learn to desire to look like Christ and be willing to lay aside those things that keep us in our small worlds and move into the enormity of all God has for us.

Lord, teach me to LIVE BIG for You! I get caught up in the smallness of my life and fail to see the bigness of all that is around me. I want tht big life in You.

Pure and Blameless

2007-10-02T06:23:00.000-04:00

** Had the wonderful opportunity to write the preparation guide for our upcoming revival. Part of it is daily devotionals for the week preceding. Thought I'd share them! This is yesterday's. **

Read Philippians 1:1 - 11

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ." Philippians 1:9 - 10 NIV

Pure and blameless ... a noble goal for all of us. But, to be honest, doesn't it seem quite out of reach. After all, we know that "We are all messed up!" We don't even need our pastor to remind us of that truth each week, for most of us are acutely aware of tht reality every single day. Paul's admonition to the church at Philippi is a call to our church as well. So, what is that direction? What does it mean? And, most importantly, HOW do we follow it?

Consider first the word "pure." Pure can be defined as guileless, sincere, transparent, acting in full disclosure. Perhaps the easiest way to understand what Paul is encouraging us to be is to think about holding something up to the light of the sun and finding no foreign elements, no particles of contamination. Wow! When our heart are held up to the SON, what shows in that perfect light? In order to experience purity, we must be willing to hold up those things inside of us that are hidden to others, and let the convicting power of the Light of the World show us what is there. Being pure, then, is about what is in the inside.

So, if purity is about what is on the inside, what about being blameless? Blameless, in the context of this verse, refers to the following: Not causing others to stumble morally, not giving occasion to fall into sin, being unobjectionable and inoffensive, not creating feelings of repugnance or disgust, not being an affront. Ouch! Blameslessness is all about what we DO and how we BEHAVE. Sometimes, we manage to convince ourselves that others don't notice those "little things" we do, or even worse, that we are somehow not responsible for our behavior because "that's just the way God made me." Nothing could be farther from the truth of God's Word. We are to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Romans 12:2). As we engage in our relationship with Christ, we find ourselves changing - and we must be actively seeking that transformation, not simply waiting around for it to happen. That being the case, being blameless is a serious calling in our lives and it is a calling that is seen by others.

The goal for today is EXAMINATION. Where are you today in these two areas? Are you willing to allow the Holy Spirit to move in you - to check your attitudes to move you into purity and to check your behaviors to guide you into blamelessness? Take time today to allow God to search your heart and your life and be open to what He shows you. Take action to make specific and immediate changes in both your attitudes and beahviors in order that you "may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ."

Lesssons Learned

2007-09-22T16:51:00.001-04:00

These past few months have been so eye-opening for me in terms of my spiritual poverty. It seems that God is continually showing me my desperate need for more of Him. I had been really struggling with the fact that I am not broken enough over my sin. I prayed that God would reveal more of Himself and push me deeper into intimacy with Him so that I could begin to understand the depth of my need for Him. What an amazing awareness He has given me in these past weeks. It had become so easy for me to guide others, to share with them what the Word says, to help them grow in their personal spiritual journey - and I am so thankful that God has allowed to me have that type of ministry of influence and encouragement for others. But in that ease (and environment of being admired and respected) I had grown complacent and lazy in my own spiritual pursuits.

God is faithful. He has answered the cry of my heart when I didn't even know what that cry was.

Friday Felicities

2007-09-14T16:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, I need to do this today! So, here goes ... those things which bring me JOY!!

* Sharing the truth of LIFE with a client at the crisis pregnancy center yesterday and hearing her say that she wants to place her baby for adoption!!
* Going to lunch with my wonderful husband in the midst of a very crazy day!
* The start of a new mentoring group!! LOVE LOVE LOVE this one!!
* Buying a new coffee grinder today so I can finally try the coffee my pastor's wife brought me from her mission trip to Honduras
* Listening to my sweet little gir's voice in the backseat as she sings her favorite song "Fabulous" from High School Musical 2 :)
* Losing 2 pounds this week - go me!
* The power of the Holy Spirit in my life to convict me and encourage me
* Internet friends - gotta love 'em! I have made two of the sweetest friends though the world wide web and I am so grateful for both of them! (Love ya Mezzo and Louise!!)
* FOOTBALL SEASON!! Even though my Auburn Tigers lost last weekend, I am so glad it's football time!

A Week away from the computer ...

2007-08-28T22:30:00.001-04:00

Can I survive? It will be a challenge, that is certain!! :) Scott is leaving tomorrow for Alabama and taking the computer with him. Casiday & I are leaving Friday when she gets out of school to meet him there. We'll be there for Labor Day weekend - back home on Monday (late!). So, it will probably be Tuesday night or even Wednesday before I'm back on the computer. I'm already dreading the lack of contact with so many people whose faces I have never seen but the connection I have with them through this great big world wide web has become a significant factor in my life. However, I know that it will be good to take a break. So, until next week

From my "real" journal this morning ...

2007-08-23T06:36:00.000-04:00

Scott and Chu (Casiday) are cuddled up together in his chair sleeping. It's 6:11 a.m. and the only sounds in the house are the soft snores of my husband and daughter, the gentle hum of the ceiling fan, and that comforting drip of my coffee maker. I am curled up in my favorite corner of the couch with my Bible, this journal, and my Bible study book, wearing my favorite robe. And my only thought is this - God is so good!

Lord, You amaze me. Your protection and provision. Your mercy and grace. Your love and comfort. Your joy and peace. My life is rich and full - and I praise You! Forgive me for the many times I ive without a grateful heart. Change my eyes, O Lord, to see what You see - beauty and blessing. Give me a heart like Yours - to comfort others in sorrow, to share in another's joy without envy, to love deeply and sacrificially.

Father, my Adonai, You are the one true God! Jehovah Nissi - my Banner who goes before me. Jehovah Jireh - my provider who knows my needs and cares for me. Jehovah Rohi - my sweet Shepherd who gently guides and corrects me. Jehovah Rophe - my healer of broken body, broken heart, and broken spirit. Oh God, You are MY God and I will earnestly seek You, passionately praise You, faithfully serve You. I will praise You, my Rock, my Stronghold, my King! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

I am the coolest mom!!! LOL

2007-08-18T21:08:00.001-04:00

The HSM2 party was a HUGE success. All the girls LOVED it (and so did their moms >wink<)! We had the high school dance look going and it was so cute. When the girls arrived, they came in on a red carpet (made from the $1 red plastic tablecloths) that covered my sidewalk up to the front door. I interviewed each girl - asked about her dress and what she was excited about in the movie, etc. They loved that.

Then we took their pictures next to a poster of Troy (everyone should now sigh .... aaahhhh!). Then they did their talent show which was so fun. I videoed all of it, of course. After that part, we cranked up the HSM music and Hannah Montana music on my iPod which was hooked up to this really cool disco ball that spins faster when the music's tempo is faster and gets brighter the louder the music is. They were having a blast! All of us were dancing and laughing.

Then they changed into their pj's and got their food ready (a true kid's dream - popcorn and candy!) so they could watch the movie. They LOVED it all. Afterward, we watched the preview of Ashley Tisdale's new cartoon and the Hannah Montana episode with (yes, sigh again ...) the Jonas Brothers. By that point, the girls were exhausted but very hyper from the candy and adreneline .... so we said good night and sent them home. One of the moms stayed to help me clean up and we sat down to talk at the kitchen table while our girls were completely GONE on the couches. I got pics and video it all. Once I get the pics back, I'll post them - and if I can figure out how to post a video of them dancing, I'll do that too.

It's finally here ...

2007-08-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

Tonight's the night!

High School Musical 2!!

Yea!! We're having a "World Premiere Party" for DD and some of her friends. My house will look like a high school dance - streamers everywhere, homemade "Wildcats Rule" posters, etc. I hope they have a blast.

I'm not sure who is more excited! (Okay, I do know - I AM!!)

First day at new school ... whew!

2007-08-15T21:44:00.001-04:00

Casiday loved it!!! I am so thankful. She had a great day and is looking forward to tomorrow. A wonderful answered prayer.

School starts tomorrow!!!

2007-08-14T19:17:00.001-04:00

I am so excited! Casiday is so excited. It's been a LOOONNNNG summer for us. Busy but long. She's going to a new school and she's not the least afraid. We had one moment of anxiety on Sunday afternoon before Open House but since then she's been great.

I have a coffee date at 9 a.m. with my neighbor across the street who I have not spent any time with this summer. Sad but true.

The rest of my day will be filled with a few errands, planning a menu for the next two weeks, and finishing up some cleaning. All without hearing any of the following ...

"I'm bored."
"Can I watch my shows?"
"Can I go outside?"
"Can I go see if Emily is home?"
"I'm hungry."
"Can I have a snack?"
"When is lunch?"
"Where is Daddy?"
"What are we going to do today?"

Silence never sounds so good as on the first day of school!!

Feeling lonely!!

2007-08-10T22:11:00.001-04:00

I can't believe the Fishbowl is down!! I didn't realize how much I depend on "checking in" with these sweet sisters traveling along the PW road! So, girls, if you are reading this little blog ... I miss you!

How's your mouth?

2007-08-09T15:53:00.001-04:00

I've been studying the book of Judges for the past couple of months. And right now I'm reading in chapters 10 & 11 about Jephthah. Lots to learn there but one thing has really stood out to me.

Jephthah made a rash vow - for those who haven't read this particular section of Scripture, here's the gist...

Jephthah went into battle and promised God if he won, he'd sacrifice to God the first thing he saw upon returning home. Well, he won the battle and when he arrived home, it was his only daughter (his only child!) who was running out to greet him. And so he kept his word to God.

Now there is some debate about whether he actually sacrificed his daughter or if she was just never allowed to marry and therefore Jephthah had no heirs. Regardless of which is true, for me, the issue is that vow.

Did he really need to make the vow? I believe it was a rash promise to God - trying to make a deal. And, while I would love to say that I've never done such, deep inside, I know I have. I've promised God so many things - because of emotion or situation. I think we all do that at times. But I'm wondering, how many times we just say things that we shouldn't. We make promises we can't (or won't) keep. We speak with so little thought about the significance of the words we say.

Yesterday I was talking with a wise friend and we were sharing on this general topic. She mentioned that Elizabeth George talks about our words being like feathers released from a pillow - they can never be all put back. (See "A Woman's High Calling" by Elizabeth George) I've been thinking about that since we talked. There are just countless verses in the Word about our mouth, the tongue, speech, etc. Why did God have so much to share about this area of life? I believe it's because it is such a real area of struggle for all of us. Whether you are like me - lacking that filter that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't - or have another issue - such as coarse language or gossip - learning to "bridle the tongue" is a big deal in the walk of a Jesus follower.

I'm still sorting through what God is showing me - and how He wants to change me through this process. But one thing I've certainly begun to grasp - I don't want to be like Jephthah and just speak. I want my words to build up, to encourage, to minister, to serve. My life verse is Psalm 19:14 - May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. My heart's desire to that the words I say and, even more, the heart behind what I say and what I don't, will be pleasing to my Father.

So, what about you? How's your mouth?

One more week ...

2007-08-08T00:31:00.001-04:00

Just one week left until school starts! Yea! Maybe I'm not a good mom, maybe I'm too selfish, maybe my child drives me crazy sometimes, maybe a lot of things .... all I know is she's ready to go back and I'm ready for her to go back! One week from tomorrow is the first day of school and everyone in our house is very excited.

Second grade ... how did that happen? Seems unreal to me that she could already be in 2nd grade. Of course, she acts like she's going into high school. She's obsessed with High School Musical 2 and all things Disney Channel. She's a part of the "Hannah Montana Club" she and her friends have started. Each week one of them is "Captain Hannah" with all the honor and duty that entails. >grin<

Dance also starts back next week. That's a partial yea. She loves it and I love that she does it; but, it's a pain at times. I'm afraid I'm not a good dance mom. I hate sitting there listening to the mundane conversation about absolutely nothing significant between the mothers while our children dance. I usually leave the studio and go do something - anything - else. Unfortunately, the only real place to go during that timespan is Big Lots - which is not always very exciting. This year we are adding Jazz class. She took a combination ballet/tap class for two years and last year did just ballet. She loves Ballet. But, I felt like it was time to add a little more. So, since she hates Tap - Jazz it is. We'll see how it goes. First semester is all about "The Nutcracker" anyway. So, the focus will be on Ballet, I'm sure.

Home again ...

2007-08-05T20:28:00.001-04:00

Home sweet home. It is so good to be home. Yes, we enjoyed all our time with family. But it sure is nice to sleep in our beds and go to our church. Dance starts this week, school starts next week ... and we are no where near a school-year schedule! Bed time is a joke here. Methinks this week will be a little tough.

I cleaned out my laundry room today. I know, weird thing to do on a Sunday afternoon; but, I didn't want to take a nap and it was actually kind of therapeutic to get a room in order. :) So, now I feel like I'm ready to get busy with the rest of the house. I also made a LONG list of the things I need to do this week. Everything from finding out when Casiday's jazz class is to taking all our extra uniforms back to her old school so someone else can use them. I also need to go to the cleaners, buy dance shoes, and finish getting school supplies. And we are starting our "eating better routine" (others might say diet but we don't like that word!) tomorrow.

Busy here - all good things, of course. Normal, simple, just a part of life things. It's good, really. I'm thankful. After all this year has held for our family, a touch of normal and routine is a real blessing.

Momma's House

2007-07-27T20:52:00.000-04:00

There's just no place like it!! We got here yesterday. This is our first trip to Missouri in two years. We will be here until Wednesday when we head back to Georgia. It is so nice to be here. Living so far away is becoming more and more difficult. I see so many ways that I could encourage and support my mom if I lived closer. Of course I try to be an encouragement to her via the phone -but it's just not the same as being close enough to give her a hug or a hand.

I was honestly not even sure I wanted to make this trip -because I didn't want to deal with the reality of how far away we live from each other. It's kinda easier to ignore when we talk on the phone but when we spend two full days driving to get here - I KNOW that we live a long way apart. But, I am glad Scott insisted. Just being here makes me feel like I can help her - just little things like cleaning the bathrooms, etc. But things I know make a difference to her.

VBS

2007-07-19T23:31:00.000-04:00

Whew...it's Thursday night and only one more night of VBS. It's been very good but VERY exhausting. I'm ready for next week - we have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING on the calendar. I'm so excited. We rarely have weeks like that. It's going to be so nice to just "be."

Sleep Patterns

2007-07-11T00:41:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I am SOOO messed up! I am all out of whack. Up waaaaay too late at night and napping during the day - it's a vicious cycle. So, here it is 12:30 a.m. and I'm writing blogs, messing with Casiday's Webkinz stuff, and surfing all my favorite message boards. Of course, in a few hours it will be time to get up and get busy - as I have about four thousand things I need to do tomorrow, not the least of which is LAUNDRY! - and I will be too tired and therefore very grumpy. Good grief. I'm a grown woman and should know better. But, here I sit, typing away...

correction

2007-07-10T22:49:00.001-04:00

Okay, I corrected the spelling for the URL on my mentoring blog. (Actually, I did not know I could do that but a friend suggested it - thanks, Pattie! - and I found out I could, so yea me!)

It is now ....

http://mentoringministry.blogspot.com/

New Post on Writing Blog

2007-07-08T23:46:00.000-04:00

Just a few thoughts on LIFE ABUNDANTLY! Read it, leave comments, share your experiences. Thanks!

writing blog link is http://TeriLynneU1971.blogspot.com/

Bridal Bash!!

2007-07-06T20:46:00.000-04:00

Tonight we are having a bridal bash for our sweet Caitlin! Okay, well maybe BASH is too strong a word. Judy, Valerie, & I are hanging out with her at my house. We're eating junk food and watching "The Father of the Bride" - yes, parts 1 & 2!! Oh and we're going to watch all the wedding episodes of "Friends." It's going to be fun slumber party!!

Scott & Big Jay are entertaining WIlliam (her fiance') and Jason for the night. I have no idea what they are going to do. Watch "Prison Break" probably!!