Lesssons Learned

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

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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!

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