To the T.V. show described in my last post:
1. After having gone through what we may think to be the worst ordeal in our lives and surviving, we sometimes want to sit down and rest basking in our victory.
2. Satan loves to catch us off guard. This is when He takes the opportunity to sneak into our lives and lure us into situations that could corrupt us morally and hurt others in the process.
3. Everything around us has been turbulent. Now finally we are sailing in smooth, calm waters, maybe still weary from the rough times behind us. So we may not hear or see that He has arrived on the scene. Hence, Sneaky Snake. (see my post, "The Fixer")
4. God gives us the insight we need. He allows us to wake from our slumber and see, hear, and feel what is truly going on around us.
5. Another fight for survival.
6. Decisions to make.
7. Lose faith? Lose hope?
8. Or believe that help is on the way. "My help cometh from the Lord...The Lord is thy keeper... He shall preserve thee from evil..." Psalms 121: 2a, 5a, 7a
9. Taste the most wonderful thing we will ever taste! " Oh taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalms 34:8
10. Another opportunity to tell others our story and to let them know what a mighty God we serve.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
AN UNEXPECTED TRAIL OF EVENTS
I want to recall the T.V. program that my husband and I watched early Monday morning and pray that I can remember some of the small details that had such a huge impact on me.
It started off like this:
A man (I cannot remember his name but I am going to call him Tom) was about to begin a rafting trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. At the beginning of the show a friend was with him, but it was apparent that he was only there to drop Tom off. Tom was sitting in the raft chatting and saying goodbye to his friend. The raft appeared to be well equipped with enough supplies to last several days, but the narrator let us know that Tom did not have a cell phone or any other means of communication with him. As his friend walked away, Tom called him back to tell him to send help if he had not reached a certain point in four or five days.
Other than than the fact that he had no way to communicate with anyone in case of an emergency, Tom looked to be prepared for his journey. There were several plastic containers neatly tied down in the raft that I assumed were filled with food, clothing, survival/camping equipment, tools,etc. And although he covered the emergency part when he told his friend to send help if he had not reached a certain place on a certain day, it seemed to be an after thought.
And the story continued:
It was made known to us how much Tom was looking forward to this trip. He looked forward to the solitude and peacefulness of his surroundings. As he began rafting, he talked about how quite it was in the canyon and how this was something he had longed for. We were also led to believe that Tom was familiar with the Colorado River, not necessarily because he had been on it before, but maybe because he had studied it. He rowed down the river and managed through each rapid he encountered. However, the anticipation of one rapid in particular had him very anxious because he knew it would be the worst one on his route. So, in preparation for it, he put his wet suit and life jacket on. Seconds before, I told my husband that I could not believe he did not have a life jacket on so I was glad to see him do this.
He reached the treacherous rapid and appeared for the most part to effortlessly go through it. It was obvious that he was proud of himself (not really in a smug sort of way, but he did seem very confident). The scene went from him rowing through the rapid to successfully navigating out of it. He was reclining back in his raft after having changed back into his khaki cargo shorts and a short sleeve shirt. I think maybe he had sandals on but I am not sure. I had not paid attention to his clothes or shoes before he put the wet suit and life jacket on.
I do not know how much time lapsed, but at some point he began to realize that the rest of his trip was not going to be smooth sailing. He appeared to be mad at himself for focusing so much on having gotten past the worst part and not remembering there were several more smaller rapids ahead of him.
As soon as he approached the next one, it was obvious he was going to be in trouble. He lost control of the raft and landed on top of a boulder. While trying to get off, he fell into the river and the raft capsized. He managed to take hold of the raft and get it and himself onto a rocky shoreline. He knew his only hope of turning the raft over was to retrieve some supplies that were still attached to the raft but now under water. So for the second time he found himself back in the frigid Colorado River. In complete darkness he was able to untie boxes and find what he needed. Despite the fact that he was extremely cold, he rigged a pulley device that would hoist the raft over and turn it upright. His plan failed. The ropes broke barely missing his head as they snapped.
Plan B: He spotted a sandy shoreline on the other side of the ravine and attempted to swim to it in hopes of finding shelter and getting warm. It was getting late in the day. This plan too failed. The river slammed him back into the rocks and he lost the raft. This time he made an attempt to climb up onto a grassy area above the rocks. I do not know if sometimes during all of this he lost his shoes or if he never had any on, but at this particular time he was barefooted while trying to scale a rock wall. He got so very close to the top when he fell backwards and landed back into the river. This was his fourth time to be in the cold water. During this fall he injured himself.
Once again he found himself at the bottom of the rock wall only this time with an injured foot and several broken toes, as well as, a blow to his face that had knocked out several of his teeth. But despite all of this he still managed to climb over the rock wall. Keep in mind that he is extremely cold; injured; in a pair of shorts and a short sleeve shirt with no shoes and no supplies; no food; no way of communicating with anyone; and night time is fast approaching.
To wrap this story up, here is a list of events that took place over the next 7 or 8 days:
1. He dug a hole in the dirt and covered it with dead branches for a place to sleep and get out of the wind.
2. He had a lighter in his pocket and was able to build a fire. He started out gathering wood for his fire close to where he camped, so as the days went on and he became weaker he was having to walk farther and farther away to gather wood.
3. The fire was never enough to keep him warm at night and there was little sun during the day.
4. When the sun came out, he would follow it around even though the temperature was still cold. (Remember he was in the Grand Canyon).
5. He got very little sleep.
6. He had no food. He tried to catch a fish with his hands and then with a spear he made, but was unsuccessful.
7. After several days, an airplane flew over him. He tried to wave it down, but they could not see him.
8. He spent countless hours gathering rocks from the river bed and making a gigantic X in the sand in hopes another plane would see it as a distress signal.
9. He had hallucinations and became very depressed.
10. He left messages for his friends and family after accepting the fact that he was going to die.
The End:
Just before he lost all hope, rescue came. (I was falling back to sleep right as the rescue was taking place. But, obviously Tom was given something to eat as soon as they got him into the helicopter. I heard him say that was the best sandwich he had ever eaten in his life.)
In the blink of an eye, what started out as something pleasurable quickly turned into a fight to survive. Tom was confident when he got victory over what he thought was his biggest hurdle. He let his guard down while in the calm water. He did not anticipate having to fight for something so precious to him (his life), nor was he equipped to do so. He was scared and soon became weary. He lost faith in his friend. He lost hope. But, just as he was about to give up, help came.
It started off like this:
A man (I cannot remember his name but I am going to call him Tom) was about to begin a rafting trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. At the beginning of the show a friend was with him, but it was apparent that he was only there to drop Tom off. Tom was sitting in the raft chatting and saying goodbye to his friend. The raft appeared to be well equipped with enough supplies to last several days, but the narrator let us know that Tom did not have a cell phone or any other means of communication with him. As his friend walked away, Tom called him back to tell him to send help if he had not reached a certain point in four or five days.
Other than than the fact that he had no way to communicate with anyone in case of an emergency, Tom looked to be prepared for his journey. There were several plastic containers neatly tied down in the raft that I assumed were filled with food, clothing, survival/camping equipment, tools,etc. And although he covered the emergency part when he told his friend to send help if he had not reached a certain place on a certain day, it seemed to be an after thought.
And the story continued:
It was made known to us how much Tom was looking forward to this trip. He looked forward to the solitude and peacefulness of his surroundings. As he began rafting, he talked about how quite it was in the canyon and how this was something he had longed for. We were also led to believe that Tom was familiar with the Colorado River, not necessarily because he had been on it before, but maybe because he had studied it. He rowed down the river and managed through each rapid he encountered. However, the anticipation of one rapid in particular had him very anxious because he knew it would be the worst one on his route. So, in preparation for it, he put his wet suit and life jacket on. Seconds before, I told my husband that I could not believe he did not have a life jacket on so I was glad to see him do this.
He reached the treacherous rapid and appeared for the most part to effortlessly go through it. It was obvious that he was proud of himself (not really in a smug sort of way, but he did seem very confident). The scene went from him rowing through the rapid to successfully navigating out of it. He was reclining back in his raft after having changed back into his khaki cargo shorts and a short sleeve shirt. I think maybe he had sandals on but I am not sure. I had not paid attention to his clothes or shoes before he put the wet suit and life jacket on.
I do not know how much time lapsed, but at some point he began to realize that the rest of his trip was not going to be smooth sailing. He appeared to be mad at himself for focusing so much on having gotten past the worst part and not remembering there were several more smaller rapids ahead of him.
As soon as he approached the next one, it was obvious he was going to be in trouble. He lost control of the raft and landed on top of a boulder. While trying to get off, he fell into the river and the raft capsized. He managed to take hold of the raft and get it and himself onto a rocky shoreline. He knew his only hope of turning the raft over was to retrieve some supplies that were still attached to the raft but now under water. So for the second time he found himself back in the frigid Colorado River. In complete darkness he was able to untie boxes and find what he needed. Despite the fact that he was extremely cold, he rigged a pulley device that would hoist the raft over and turn it upright. His plan failed. The ropes broke barely missing his head as they snapped.
Plan B: He spotted a sandy shoreline on the other side of the ravine and attempted to swim to it in hopes of finding shelter and getting warm. It was getting late in the day. This plan too failed. The river slammed him back into the rocks and he lost the raft. This time he made an attempt to climb up onto a grassy area above the rocks. I do not know if sometimes during all of this he lost his shoes or if he never had any on, but at this particular time he was barefooted while trying to scale a rock wall. He got so very close to the top when he fell backwards and landed back into the river. This was his fourth time to be in the cold water. During this fall he injured himself.
Once again he found himself at the bottom of the rock wall only this time with an injured foot and several broken toes, as well as, a blow to his face that had knocked out several of his teeth. But despite all of this he still managed to climb over the rock wall. Keep in mind that he is extremely cold; injured; in a pair of shorts and a short sleeve shirt with no shoes and no supplies; no food; no way of communicating with anyone; and night time is fast approaching.
To wrap this story up, here is a list of events that took place over the next 7 or 8 days:
1. He dug a hole in the dirt and covered it with dead branches for a place to sleep and get out of the wind.
2. He had a lighter in his pocket and was able to build a fire. He started out gathering wood for his fire close to where he camped, so as the days went on and he became weaker he was having to walk farther and farther away to gather wood.
3. The fire was never enough to keep him warm at night and there was little sun during the day.
4. When the sun came out, he would follow it around even though the temperature was still cold. (Remember he was in the Grand Canyon).
5. He got very little sleep.
6. He had no food. He tried to catch a fish with his hands and then with a spear he made, but was unsuccessful.
7. After several days, an airplane flew over him. He tried to wave it down, but they could not see him.
8. He spent countless hours gathering rocks from the river bed and making a gigantic X in the sand in hopes another plane would see it as a distress signal.
9. He had hallucinations and became very depressed.
10. He left messages for his friends and family after accepting the fact that he was going to die.
The End:
Just before he lost all hope, rescue came. (I was falling back to sleep right as the rescue was taking place. But, obviously Tom was given something to eat as soon as they got him into the helicopter. I heard him say that was the best sandwich he had ever eaten in his life.)
In the blink of an eye, what started out as something pleasurable quickly turned into a fight to survive. Tom was confident when he got victory over what he thought was his biggest hurdle. He let his guard down while in the calm water. He did not anticipate having to fight for something so precious to him (his life), nor was he equipped to do so. He was scared and soon became weary. He lost faith in his friend. He lost hope. But, just as he was about to give up, help came.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
THE "FIXER"
It has been a while since I have written a post, three months to be exact. But it's not because God has not been ever present and working on me. Yesterday was the first day I felt led to record and share some of the things that have taken place over the last few months in my life. I know it will take several posts for me to accomplish this, but I have to start somewhere... so here goes...
I prayed on my way to work yesterday as I have many times before. But on this particular morning, I thanked God for something I have never thanked Him for before. Never before have I thanked Him for being my "Fixer", for fixing the things in my life that I have made a total and complete mess out of and also for fixing situations that have blind-sided me leaving me spinning out of control or dumbfounded.
Early Monday morning of this week, very early, sometimes between 2 and 3 am, it was NOT a coincidence that my husband and I both woke up at the same time. It was NOT a coincidence that the T.V. was on a different channel than the usual Food Network or TV Land (I almost always go to sleep with either of these channels playing) It was NOT a coincidence that a show was on based on true life events. It was NOT a coincidence that we both woke up at the beginning of the story and both fell back to sleep at the end.
I want to devote an entire post (hopefully I can get to it tomorrow) to explain what the show was about, why I believe God wanted us to see it, and the significance of it in our lives.
I Peter 5:8 says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
I believe that just as Satan poses himself as a roaring lion to terrorize or devour us, he also has poses himself as an angel of light to deceive us, as well as, a sneaky snake so that he can lure us into situations that could corrupt us morally and hurt others in the process.
The sneaky snake has been ever present in my household! But he was not able to do damage that God was not able to fix!! You know when we try to fix something that is broken it may never function the same again (a broken handle on a coffee cup when glued back on will never look the same or be as strong as it was before); however, when God fixes something it always turns out better than before, better than we could have ever imagined!
Beauty for ashes! This is something that only "The Great Fixer" can accomplish.
Thank you again, God, for being my "Fixer".
I prayed on my way to work yesterday as I have many times before. But on this particular morning, I thanked God for something I have never thanked Him for before. Never before have I thanked Him for being my "Fixer", for fixing the things in my life that I have made a total and complete mess out of and also for fixing situations that have blind-sided me leaving me spinning out of control or dumbfounded.
Early Monday morning of this week, very early, sometimes between 2 and 3 am, it was NOT a coincidence that my husband and I both woke up at the same time. It was NOT a coincidence that the T.V. was on a different channel than the usual Food Network or TV Land (I almost always go to sleep with either of these channels playing) It was NOT a coincidence that a show was on based on true life events. It was NOT a coincidence that we both woke up at the beginning of the story and both fell back to sleep at the end.
I want to devote an entire post (hopefully I can get to it tomorrow) to explain what the show was about, why I believe God wanted us to see it, and the significance of it in our lives.
I Peter 5:8 says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
I believe that just as Satan poses himself as a roaring lion to terrorize or devour us, he also has poses himself as an angel of light to deceive us, as well as, a sneaky snake so that he can lure us into situations that could corrupt us morally and hurt others in the process.
The sneaky snake has been ever present in my household! But he was not able to do damage that God was not able to fix!! You know when we try to fix something that is broken it may never function the same again (a broken handle on a coffee cup when glued back on will never look the same or be as strong as it was before); however, when God fixes something it always turns out better than before, better than we could have ever imagined!
Beauty for ashes! This is something that only "The Great Fixer" can accomplish.
Thank you again, God, for being my "Fixer".
Friday, August 27, 2010
EMPTY
I have discovered a new television show. The name of it is "Hoarders". I do not intentionally watch it, but if I happen to see it come on, I tend to want to stay glued to it for hours. Not sure why, other than being intrigued with the fact that people can actually live with garbage piled up all around them, even to the point they cannot get into their own beds and sometimes into their own homes. Some have gone so far as to move out and rent apartments. Another reason I do not intentionally watch it is because it makes me want to go clean out closets!! Not that that would be a bad thing.
Whatever the opposite of hoarding is... that would be me!
My son moved out a couple of weeks ago leaving for college. As he packed and cleaned out his room, we talked about some of the things he use to have and play with and I almost felt guilty over the lack of childhood toys, memorabilia, etc. in there. I just do not keep things!! Oh, I still have some of their baby items, a few toys they played with, and some of the cards and pictures they drew when they were little. Their crib is in the attic awaiting a grandchild, but for the most part as they grew up and went from one hobby, sport, collection, or whatever, I "cleaned house" so to speak.
As a matter of fact, I am in the process of cleaning out some things today in preparation to have a yard sale next weekend. Now that my son has moved, it is time for me to clean out some things left behind and freshen up some paint and a few other things in his room, as well as, in some of the other rooms in my house.
I walked down my hallway one evening this week. Both of the doors to their bedrooms were open. And I could not help but to remember them as they use to be. They have at one time or another housed not only furniture, but also two precious lives and all that was important to them at that particular time. Beanie Babies, The Little Pet Shop, A Rabbit, A Bird, Yellow, Purple, Green, Blue, Beige, Gray, Floral Prints, Plaid, Baseball Equipment, Guitars, Fencing Equipment, Paint Ball Guns, Fishing Gear, Stuffed Animals, Story Time, Bedtime Prayers, The Latest Fashions, Legos, Video Games, Dinosaurs, Baby Dolls, Halloween Costumes, Makeup, School Books, Stereos....
NOW...
VOID OF ANY PERSONALITY...
THEY STAND EMPTY...
AS DOES MY HEART!
Whatever the opposite of hoarding is... that would be me!
My son moved out a couple of weeks ago leaving for college. As he packed and cleaned out his room, we talked about some of the things he use to have and play with and I almost felt guilty over the lack of childhood toys, memorabilia, etc. in there. I just do not keep things!! Oh, I still have some of their baby items, a few toys they played with, and some of the cards and pictures they drew when they were little. Their crib is in the attic awaiting a grandchild, but for the most part as they grew up and went from one hobby, sport, collection, or whatever, I "cleaned house" so to speak.
As a matter of fact, I am in the process of cleaning out some things today in preparation to have a yard sale next weekend. Now that my son has moved, it is time for me to clean out some things left behind and freshen up some paint and a few other things in his room, as well as, in some of the other rooms in my house.
I walked down my hallway one evening this week. Both of the doors to their bedrooms were open. And I could not help but to remember them as they use to be. They have at one time or another housed not only furniture, but also two precious lives and all that was important to them at that particular time. Beanie Babies, The Little Pet Shop, A Rabbit, A Bird, Yellow, Purple, Green, Blue, Beige, Gray, Floral Prints, Plaid, Baseball Equipment, Guitars, Fencing Equipment, Paint Ball Guns, Fishing Gear, Stuffed Animals, Story Time, Bedtime Prayers, The Latest Fashions, Legos, Video Games, Dinosaurs, Baby Dolls, Halloween Costumes, Makeup, School Books, Stereos....
NOW...
VOID OF ANY PERSONALITY...
THEY STAND EMPTY...
AS DOES MY HEART!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
IT'S GETTING BIGGER
AND BIGGER AND BIGGER AS THE WEEK PROGRESSES!
By the weekend it will have grown to an astronomical size. So large that my breathing will be restricted, and the flood gates will break loose, the tears will flow, and the weeping and sobbing will begin.
THIS LUMP IN MY THROAT!
On Sunday night or sometimes on Monday, I will drive away from my son, leaving him four and a half hours away from me (at college). I will come home to a house where he no longer lives and to a room where he no longer sleeps.
I have not really taken care of him (so to speak) in a while. He is 20 years old. But I have been here for ALL of those 20 years to see that he had a place to live, a bed to sleep in, clean clothes to wear, money to spend, food to eat, gas in his truck, doctors to see and medicine to take when he is sick, encouraging words when he is down....
I am afraid I am about to find out that the "Empty Nest" has little to do with the house and all to do with the heart!
A new chapter in our lives. One that has come TOO soon!
I will update as soon as I can pull myself together.
By the weekend it will have grown to an astronomical size. So large that my breathing will be restricted, and the flood gates will break loose, the tears will flow, and the weeping and sobbing will begin.
THIS LUMP IN MY THROAT!
On Sunday night or sometimes on Monday, I will drive away from my son, leaving him four and a half hours away from me (at college). I will come home to a house where he no longer lives and to a room where he no longer sleeps.
I have not really taken care of him (so to speak) in a while. He is 20 years old. But I have been here for ALL of those 20 years to see that he had a place to live, a bed to sleep in, clean clothes to wear, money to spend, food to eat, gas in his truck, doctors to see and medicine to take when he is sick, encouraging words when he is down....
I am afraid I am about to find out that the "Empty Nest" has little to do with the house and all to do with the heart!
A new chapter in our lives. One that has come TOO soon!
I will update as soon as I can pull myself together.
GOD'S THUMB PRINT
Last week my nine year old niece spent the night with me and we were able to get in a little shopping time. And of course found ourselves in my our favorite store, T.J.Maxx. While being checked out, the cashier made a comment about my niece's birthmark. She told us that her daughter had one that was almost identical, but located in a different place. (My niece has birthmark on the upper park of her chest. She wore a cute little yellow halter top that day, otherwise it is usually not visible.) I shared with her that is was "God's thumb print". She expressed some admiration for this explanation, but it was not her expression that concerned me. I looked at my niece to see if I could read any embarrassment on her face. After all, it wasn't as if two people who did not know each other were standing there discussing her birthmark or anything like that! But, thankfully there were no signs of embarrassment or anything else.
We left the store and never brought it up again.
We met my daughter and one of her friends for lunch next door at Pizza Inn. They both commented on how cute she looked in her bright yellow top and the big yellow bow in her hair to match.
During ONE of my niece's trips to the buffet line (in all fairness she was for the most part "sent" there), my daughter's friend asked me if she was ever self-conscious about her birthmark. Without hesitation, my answer was no. I explained to them about our encounter in T.J. Maxx and shared with her the "thumb print" story: It was something her mom told her when she was very small and she accepted it immediately and always has. End of Story!
A few days later, something began to weigh on my mind. How many blemishes do the rest of us have? How many of these blemishes do we try to hide or cover up from others? Sometimes we do a great job at it too. It would be easy for my niece to keep her birthmark concealed from others, except those close to her. Isn't it that way for us too?
I had a long telephone conversation this past week with a friend who has a lot of hurt in her life. She has a son who has caused her and her husband much grief. She made a statement to me: "It is time." Time for what? She went on to tell me that she had just turned 60 and for too many years carried around baggage filled with grief, guilt, shame, embarrassment, and so much more. It was time to let go. ( Not to be mistaken with time to stop loving or praying. This never stops). But it was time to let go of the shame and embarrassment. Time to open up to others. Time to allow God and others to help her work through her grief and guilt. Time to share. Time to allow Him to restore the joy in her life. Time to live again.
Unfortunately, I could relate to all she said.
This journey with my daughter has carried me to places that I would never have chosen to go, but to places where I have seen God's face many times. Had it not been for this journey, I would have quite possibly never experienced those life changing encounters with Him. No, this journey has been a blemish in my life. One that has forever changed me and my relationship with God. His hand has been on me through every step of way. His hand has been on my daughter's life. His hand has shaped and molded me into who I have become through it all. And if He has thumb prints, then my life has unmistakably been imprinted with them.
And I will use my nine year old niece as my example: To not be embarrassed. Never be ashamed. But will go forth and boldly and proudly display God's Thumb Print!
We left the store and never brought it up again.
We met my daughter and one of her friends for lunch next door at Pizza Inn. They both commented on how cute she looked in her bright yellow top and the big yellow bow in her hair to match.
During ONE of my niece's trips to the buffet line (in all fairness she was for the most part "sent" there), my daughter's friend asked me if she was ever self-conscious about her birthmark. Without hesitation, my answer was no. I explained to them about our encounter in T.J. Maxx and shared with her the "thumb print" story: It was something her mom told her when she was very small and she accepted it immediately and always has. End of Story!
A few days later, something began to weigh on my mind. How many blemishes do the rest of us have? How many of these blemishes do we try to hide or cover up from others? Sometimes we do a great job at it too. It would be easy for my niece to keep her birthmark concealed from others, except those close to her. Isn't it that way for us too?
I had a long telephone conversation this past week with a friend who has a lot of hurt in her life. She has a son who has caused her and her husband much grief. She made a statement to me: "It is time." Time for what? She went on to tell me that she had just turned 60 and for too many years carried around baggage filled with grief, guilt, shame, embarrassment, and so much more. It was time to let go. ( Not to be mistaken with time to stop loving or praying. This never stops). But it was time to let go of the shame and embarrassment. Time to open up to others. Time to allow God and others to help her work through her grief and guilt. Time to share. Time to allow Him to restore the joy in her life. Time to live again.
Unfortunately, I could relate to all she said.
This journey with my daughter has carried me to places that I would never have chosen to go, but to places where I have seen God's face many times. Had it not been for this journey, I would have quite possibly never experienced those life changing encounters with Him. No, this journey has been a blemish in my life. One that has forever changed me and my relationship with God. His hand has been on me through every step of way. His hand has been on my daughter's life. His hand has shaped and molded me into who I have become through it all. And if He has thumb prints, then my life has unmistakably been imprinted with them.
And I will use my nine year old niece as my example: To not be embarrassed. Never be ashamed. But will go forth and boldly and proudly display God's Thumb Print!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY
I will never take for granted or be ungrateful over the fact that my children respect me. There are many reason I know this to be true, but I am not going to go into them on this particular post. I am feeling awfully proud today because they desire to share "things" with me. I will never take for granted that God gives me a glimpse into their lives (the parts that I never see) so that I know how to pray for them and how to council them.
This morning hearts were spilled out (as well as tears) all over my living room. I spilled my heart. He spilled his. And all I can say is that it was not the "Good". It was the "Bad and the Ugly".
And after all was said and done I have never been more proud of my son in my life! Ever!
This morning hearts were spilled out (as well as tears) all over my living room. I spilled my heart. He spilled his. And all I can say is that it was not the "Good". It was the "Bad and the Ugly".
And after all was said and done I have never been more proud of my son in my life! Ever!
Friday, August 6, 2010
THE QUEEN'S CAFFEINE
It was not until tonight that I discovered she (my daughter) had this story posted on her facebook page. She wrote it on April 25, 2010 (the day after my birthday). In her words:
This is one of those gut busting, hilariously funny, make you cry stories that is funnier told in person but we have laughed so hard about it I have to share. To appreciate you have to know my dad.
One of the presents I got my mom for her birthday was a wrought iron cart filled with all kinds of goodies...A Tyler candle, lotion, soaps, bubble bath, coffee and a coffee cup. Not just any ordinary coffee and cup though...Hallmark has a collection of pink and black matching coffee cups and coffee that have cute sayings on them. The set I got said "The queen's caffeine". It was so cute, made her gift basket complete. I loved it.
7:30: I got to my moms and we were getting ready to head to New Orleans. I was loading my stuff into her car. I picked up the gift basket (which was half wrapped in a trash bag) and was making my way to load it up when I heard something drop and shatter on the concrete. The queen's caffeine cup. I was not happy but nothing I could do, was already with my mom and tomorrow was her birthday...
8:00: SO...I send my dad a text." I need you to drop what you are doing and go to hallmark and get mom a coffee cup. It is pink and black and has "the queen's caffeine" on it."
My dad (already in New Orleans, texts back): "Where do they have them?"
Me: "ANY Hallmark store!!!"
My dad enters panic mode. Frantically trying to finish what he was doing and get dressed to get to a Hallmark store before they close at nine. Now this is the part of the story I need you to really picture my dad in your head. He is in a panic mode. The mall closes in 30 minutes and I have sent him out to search for a needle in a haystack. He rushes in Hallmark:
Dad to worker: "Do ya'll have a coffee cup with THE QUEEN'S CAFFEINE on it?"
Worker (with astonished look on her face): "No"
Dad: "I thought all Hallmark Stores carry them."
Worker (wondering why he wants one so badly): "She explains that all the stores carry the brand but not necessarily the same gift packs. They all come in different styles, colors, quotes, etc."
So my dad leaves the store and thinks he is off the hook. Sends me a message that they did not have one. He goes to P.J. Coffee Shop and orders himself a venti coffee and is ready to go home. Well, my OCD is not going to allow me to give my mom a wrought iron gift basket with coffee in it and no mug to match. Desperation kicks in and I send my dad another text telling him to get any kind of cup. A pretty pink one with flowers or something will do. At the time (8:45) he is walking out of the door of the mall to go home. He does a 180 in search of another cup. When he gets BACK to Hallmark he notices a note on the door, "No food or drinks allowed." This is the point when his panic stricken state really kicks in. Not wanting to waste the ginormous cup of coffee he just purchased and with only ten minutes to spare he starts pacing around in front of the storedrinking guzzeling his coffee so fast it would make your head spin. (My dad does not drink coffee on a regular basis, only occasionally, so his head probably WAS spinning). By this time, I am sure the workers have called security to watch the crazed coffee obsessed man desperately looking for a queen's caffeine coffee cup. He finished his cup in 2.5 seconds and with knocking knees goes inside Hallmark once again and starts looking for another cup. I can only imagine what is going through the worker's heads. Wondering why this man HAS to have a Queens caffeine coffee cup, goes and gets coffee, drinks it at the entrance of the store pacing back and forth, and then frantically rushes back in only to look at more coffee cups. All of this happens in a matter of ten minutes. "This crazy man must be fixated on coffee!!!!!!"
8:55:Dad: "Anything else you need me to find before the stores close at 9:00? A llama hair scarf? I can even find a specific color for you like watermelon tangerine.
Me: I need a cookie jar with her initials engraved on it. Lemon lime color.
Dad: "OK. I am off to Timbuktu. The Dalia Lama has one. Be back next month."
(By the way, he bought a pretty one with flowers on it that read, I love you mom. He did a good job.)
This is one of those gut busting, hilariously funny, make you cry stories that is funnier told in person but we have laughed so hard about it I have to share. To appreciate you have to know my dad.
One of the presents I got my mom for her birthday was a wrought iron cart filled with all kinds of goodies...A Tyler candle, lotion, soaps, bubble bath, coffee and a coffee cup. Not just any ordinary coffee and cup though...Hallmark has a collection of pink and black matching coffee cups and coffee that have cute sayings on them. The set I got said "The queen's caffeine". It was so cute, made her gift basket complete. I loved it.
7:30: I got to my moms and we were getting ready to head to New Orleans. I was loading my stuff into her car. I picked up the gift basket (which was half wrapped in a trash bag) and was making my way to load it up when I heard something drop and shatter on the concrete. The queen's caffeine cup. I was not happy but nothing I could do, was already with my mom and tomorrow was her birthday...
8:00: SO...I send my dad a text." I need you to drop what you are doing and go to hallmark and get mom a coffee cup. It is pink and black and has "the queen's caffeine" on it."
My dad (already in New Orleans, texts back): "Where do they have them?"
Me: "ANY Hallmark store!!!"
My dad enters panic mode. Frantically trying to finish what he was doing and get dressed to get to a Hallmark store before they close at nine. Now this is the part of the story I need you to really picture my dad in your head. He is in a panic mode. The mall closes in 30 minutes and I have sent him out to search for a needle in a haystack. He rushes in Hallmark:
Dad to worker: "Do ya'll have a coffee cup with THE QUEEN'S CAFFEINE on it?"
Worker (with astonished look on her face): "No"
Dad: "I thought all Hallmark Stores carry them."
Worker (wondering why he wants one so badly): "She explains that all the stores carry the brand but not necessarily the same gift packs. They all come in different styles, colors, quotes, etc."
So my dad leaves the store and thinks he is off the hook. Sends me a message that they did not have one. He goes to P.J. Coffee Shop and orders himself a venti coffee and is ready to go home. Well, my OCD is not going to allow me to give my mom a wrought iron gift basket with coffee in it and no mug to match. Desperation kicks in and I send my dad another text telling him to get any kind of cup. A pretty pink one with flowers or something will do. At the time (8:45) he is walking out of the door of the mall to go home. He does a 180 in search of another cup. When he gets BACK to Hallmark he notices a note on the door, "No food or drinks allowed." This is the point when his panic stricken state really kicks in. Not wanting to waste the ginormous cup of coffee he just purchased and with only ten minutes to spare he starts pacing around in front of the store
8:55:Dad: "Anything else you need me to find before the stores close at 9:00? A llama hair scarf? I can even find a specific color for you like watermelon tangerine.
Me: I need a cookie jar with her initials engraved on it. Lemon lime color.
Dad: "OK. I am off to Timbuktu. The Dalia Lama has one. Be back next month."
(By the way, he bought a pretty one with flowers on it that read, I love you mom. He did a good job.)
Monday, August 2, 2010
THE WAVE
And, no, I am not talking about a water park or this HEAT WAVE we are having here in the Pine Belt. Although, I should be. My car thermometer read 103 yesterday, and that was in the shade!!
A hand, or in this case, an arm gesture is the wave I am referring to. There is an elderly lady that walks in my neighborhood. This morning was not my first encounter with her. I see her almost every morning as I am driving out of the neighborhood headed to work. And today was no different than all the other times I have ever passed her. She waved.
This lady appears to be full of spunk and almost bounces as she walks. She is very petite. As a matter of fact she has one of the smallest frames I have ever seen. Even her hair is cut in an extremely short style. Every thing about her is petite. Everything that is except her wave!!
Here are some things I have especially noticed or wondered:
1. Her enthusiasm. Hers is not just any old wave. It is not a wave leaving you wondering if it was even a wave at all or if she was just swatting at a bug. She throws her tiny little arm up in the air and moves it back and forth with all her might at every single person who passes her. She does this looking straight ahead never missing a beat as she walks. No, there is nothing small, petite, or wimpy about her wave. She puts her entire body and soul into it.
2. She has never NOT waved. And yet I can't help but to wonder if she sometimes does not feel like waving, but does so anyway. If so, it doesn't show. They are always the same. Wholehearted and full of gusto.
3. They speak to me. Every single time. They say,"Howdy neighbor". They say, "Acknowledging you is extremely important to me because you are extremely important". They say,"I would never consider otherwise, no matter what". They say, "Have a great day today wherever you are going and whatever you will be doing. They say all of this and so much more!
4. Does she have any idea how she is affecting the lives of those around her? Many times her small gesture in the form of a friendly wave was the only thing on that particular day that lifted my spirits, even if it was just for a moment. I don't even know her name and sometimes I have wanted to pull my car over, get out, and hug her. Who knows, maybe one day I will. I don't know, but I do know this: I look forward to seeing her. I miss her when she is not out walking. She makes me smile. How many people's lives has she touched with something as simple as a wave?
5. Her spirit is contagious. As soon as you spot her on the road, you know it's coming."The Wave". And then you cannot help yourself. You just have to! You want to! You can't imagine not! You have to make sure she sees you. You wave back. And not just any wave back. You do it with the enthusiasm you know she would be proud of! Wandering why you can't be the one to give someone else a smile, the one to change someone's day, the one to wave first!
A hand, or in this case, an arm gesture is the wave I am referring to. There is an elderly lady that walks in my neighborhood. This morning was not my first encounter with her. I see her almost every morning as I am driving out of the neighborhood headed to work. And today was no different than all the other times I have ever passed her. She waved.
This lady appears to be full of spunk and almost bounces as she walks. She is very petite. As a matter of fact she has one of the smallest frames I have ever seen. Even her hair is cut in an extremely short style. Every thing about her is petite. Everything that is except her wave!!
Here are some things I have especially noticed or wondered:
1. Her enthusiasm. Hers is not just any old wave. It is not a wave leaving you wondering if it was even a wave at all or if she was just swatting at a bug. She throws her tiny little arm up in the air and moves it back and forth with all her might at every single person who passes her. She does this looking straight ahead never missing a beat as she walks. No, there is nothing small, petite, or wimpy about her wave. She puts her entire body and soul into it.
2. She has never NOT waved. And yet I can't help but to wonder if she sometimes does not feel like waving, but does so anyway. If so, it doesn't show. They are always the same. Wholehearted and full of gusto.
3. They speak to me. Every single time. They say,"Howdy neighbor". They say, "Acknowledging you is extremely important to me because you are extremely important". They say,"I would never consider otherwise, no matter what". They say, "Have a great day today wherever you are going and whatever you will be doing. They say all of this and so much more!
4. Does she have any idea how she is affecting the lives of those around her? Many times her small gesture in the form of a friendly wave was the only thing on that particular day that lifted my spirits, even if it was just for a moment. I don't even know her name and sometimes I have wanted to pull my car over, get out, and hug her. Who knows, maybe one day I will. I don't know, but I do know this: I look forward to seeing her. I miss her when she is not out walking. She makes me smile. How many people's lives has she touched with something as simple as a wave?
5. Her spirit is contagious. As soon as you spot her on the road, you know it's coming."The Wave". And then you cannot help yourself. You just have to! You want to! You can't imagine not! You have to make sure she sees you. You wave back. And not just any wave back. You do it with the enthusiasm you know she would be proud of! Wandering why you can't be the one to give someone else a smile, the one to change someone's day, the one to wave first!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
SEEING IS BELIEVING
And it's already August. See post dated 6/29/09, "I Never Promised You A Rose Garden".
Friday, July 16, 2010
TODAY IS DIFFERENT
I would have to go back and check some dates, but I am fairly sure it is going on three years. Three years of not knowing where my daughter lived. Three years of not knowing whether or not she stayed with friends, rented an apartment or house, or lived in her car. HER CAR! Oh how that makes my heart ache. I am literally wiping the tears from my eyes as I type this, knowing there were times in the past three years when she had nowhere to go, nowhere to call her own, nowhere to lay her head, nowhere to settle, no where to feel safe and secure.
Even with our relationship mended, it has been necessary for me to not know or see where she lived. But...
Today is different!
Because today I know where she lives. I know where she calls her own. I know she has a bed to lie down on with clean linens and pillows and a pretty comforter. I know she will be cool this summer and warm this winter and water for bathing with fresh towels to dry off on. Today I know she will have a place to keep her clothes neat and a place to wash and dry them. I know she has plates and bowls to eat from and cups to drink from. Today I know she has yummy smelling candles to burn and sweet smelling soaps in her bathroom. I know she will have warm rugs to walk on and a pantry and refrigerator stocked with food. And all the things I take for granted every single day!!
For the first time ever, I have taken a part in making sure she has some of the things she needs to make her comfortable and happy living out on her own. And this makes me happy.
Even with our relationship mended, it has been necessary for me to not know or see where she lived. But...
Today is different!
Because today I know where she lives. I know where she calls her own. I know she has a bed to lie down on with clean linens and pillows and a pretty comforter. I know she will be cool this summer and warm this winter and water for bathing with fresh towels to dry off on. Today I know she will have a place to keep her clothes neat and a place to wash and dry them. I know she has plates and bowls to eat from and cups to drink from. Today I know she has yummy smelling candles to burn and sweet smelling soaps in her bathroom. I know she will have warm rugs to walk on and a pantry and refrigerator stocked with food. And all the things I take for granted every single day!!
For the first time ever, I have taken a part in making sure she has some of the things she needs to make her comfortable and happy living out on her own. And this makes me happy.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
ASHLEY ADAMS
The blog created by Ashley's mom, Trish, is the first blog I ever read. Ashleys Journal. I did not even know what a blog was. And could not for the life of me tell you how I stumbled across it, but I have followed her story faithfully. It is the story of their precious daughter and their journey through the life of a transplant. Trish has inspired me with her attitude and her ability to set aside all things that do not matter so much and put front and center all that does, like her children, all three of them. Right now Ashley is in critical condition and she and and her family need prayer. If you are reading this, please pray for little Ashley Kate Adams.
SILENCE
IS NOT GOLDEN...
Not in this case.
It has been five days since I have heard from her.
She could call today and we could pick up where we left off last Tuesday.
I just don't know.
She has done this very thing before.
She called me. (Tuesday)
Many times throughout the day.
She asked if she could move home for a little while.
I told her she could.
She told me she would need a bed when she moved in with a friend.
I told her I would take care of it.
We talked about so many things.
She talked about giving her golden retriever away.
She cried and I listened.
I tried to encourage.
Maybe I said too much.
She sent me a text around nine that evening.
She was not coming.
It is the waiting and wondering that makes me crazy.
I have tried to communicate.
I have called, left messages, and texted.
She has not responded.
My mind begins to go in all sorts of directions.
But, I recognize the need take a step back.
Not push myself on her.
But, I hate this.
Where is she?
A couple of years ago, I would go weeks and even months without talking to her. I never knew where she was or what she was doing. I was consumed with so many emotions. But mainly I grieved. But, it was different then. Separation was the way I dealt with her and the decisions she was making. Before anyone passes judgment, you would have had to walk in my shoes to understand the process. I have walked one day at a time on this nearly three year journey, each day bringing different levels of emotions and understanding. My strength, my faith, and my love have grown to heights I never knew possible. I have witnessed the Almighty at work; miracle after miracle. If I had had the ability at the time to spare my sweet daughter from the direction she took, would I have? Yes. God knew this. He knew I would have done anything to spare her from this potentially life destroying decision. He did not give the choice to me. Throughout this journey she has changed. I have changed. This was His divine plan for both of us.
In the last couple of months she began saying yes God. And it was then when he began to open doors that were never open before. She recognized them. She walked through them. She told me she also began to recognize how Satan was working overtime.
This is what scares me about her silence.
Is she fighting with all her might or is she giving in to what Satan has deceived her into believing is the easy thing to do right now?
I cannot fight this for her. All I can do is pray for her and cheer her on. She knows I am here and when she avoids me I think the worst. It is as if she is a small child again. She has done something terribly wrong and is hiding from me. She is ashamed and to face me would bring out the shame. She also knows how excited I have been over her desire to get her life back on track. Is she afraid of disappointing me?
See! I told you my imagination is in over-drive.
God, she has been at the bottom. She told me so. I have to believe she does not want to be there anymore. And I know you do not want her there anymore. Open her eyes to Satan's lies. He is busy masking the ugly with beauty that is appealing to her senses. Wake her up. Let her see, smell, hear, and feel the stench and rottenest of all that she has surrounded herself with. Give her the strength and courage to do what she cannot do on her own. This week I have, indirectly, seen and felt her hurt and confusion. All the change is overwhelming to her even though she knows it is right. Give her something to cling to. Show her real beauty and not masked beauty. Allow her to know that any suffering she may endure in the process of receiving and enjoying your beauty will be worth it in the end. Let her know that her suffering is not necessarily punishment from you, but rather the consequences of where she has placed herself these past few years. I love her and cannot bear to see her struggle. So, no matter how hard and painful she thinks this is, give her the endurance to overcome. Encourage her.
God, encourage me. Would you give this mother peace of mind? Would you give me the phone call I terribly long for? God, would you? Thanking you for what you have and will continue to do in both of our lives. Amen.
In the meantime, I will wait. I will watch. And I will pray. I am here, precious daughter. I am here.
Not in this case.
It has been five days since I have heard from her.
She could call today and we could pick up where we left off last Tuesday.
I just don't know.
She has done this very thing before.
She called me. (Tuesday)
Many times throughout the day.
She asked if she could move home for a little while.
I told her she could.
She told me she would need a bed when she moved in with a friend.
I told her I would take care of it.
We talked about so many things.
She talked about giving her golden retriever away.
She cried and I listened.
I tried to encourage.
Maybe I said too much.
She sent me a text around nine that evening.
She was not coming.
It is the waiting and wondering that makes me crazy.
I have tried to communicate.
I have called, left messages, and texted.
She has not responded.
My mind begins to go in all sorts of directions.
But, I recognize the need take a step back.
Not push myself on her.
But, I hate this.
Where is she?
A couple of years ago, I would go weeks and even months without talking to her. I never knew where she was or what she was doing. I was consumed with so many emotions. But mainly I grieved. But, it was different then. Separation was the way I dealt with her and the decisions she was making. Before anyone passes judgment, you would have had to walk in my shoes to understand the process. I have walked one day at a time on this nearly three year journey, each day bringing different levels of emotions and understanding. My strength, my faith, and my love have grown to heights I never knew possible. I have witnessed the Almighty at work; miracle after miracle. If I had had the ability at the time to spare my sweet daughter from the direction she took, would I have? Yes. God knew this. He knew I would have done anything to spare her from this potentially life destroying decision. He did not give the choice to me. Throughout this journey she has changed. I have changed. This was His divine plan for both of us.
In the last couple of months she began saying yes God. And it was then when he began to open doors that were never open before. She recognized them. She walked through them. She told me she also began to recognize how Satan was working overtime.
This is what scares me about her silence.
Is she fighting with all her might or is she giving in to what Satan has deceived her into believing is the easy thing to do right now?
I cannot fight this for her. All I can do is pray for her and cheer her on. She knows I am here and when she avoids me I think the worst. It is as if she is a small child again. She has done something terribly wrong and is hiding from me. She is ashamed and to face me would bring out the shame. She also knows how excited I have been over her desire to get her life back on track. Is she afraid of disappointing me?
See! I told you my imagination is in over-drive.
God, she has been at the bottom. She told me so. I have to believe she does not want to be there anymore. And I know you do not want her there anymore. Open her eyes to Satan's lies. He is busy masking the ugly with beauty that is appealing to her senses. Wake her up. Let her see, smell, hear, and feel the stench and rottenest of all that she has surrounded herself with. Give her the strength and courage to do what she cannot do on her own. This week I have, indirectly, seen and felt her hurt and confusion. All the change is overwhelming to her even though she knows it is right. Give her something to cling to. Show her real beauty and not masked beauty. Allow her to know that any suffering she may endure in the process of receiving and enjoying your beauty will be worth it in the end. Let her know that her suffering is not necessarily punishment from you, but rather the consequences of where she has placed herself these past few years. I love her and cannot bear to see her struggle. So, no matter how hard and painful she thinks this is, give her the endurance to overcome. Encourage her.
God, encourage me. Would you give this mother peace of mind? Would you give me the phone call I terribly long for? God, would you? Thanking you for what you have and will continue to do in both of our lives. Amen.
In the meantime, I will wait. I will watch. And I will pray. I am here, precious daughter. I am here.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
WOULD YOU - YOU WOULD
TWO WORDS...TWO ARRANGEMENTS...TWO MEANINGS
This past Sunday, on July 4, my husband and I attended Metairie Baptist Church.
A little over two years ago we began looking for a church to attend during our weekends spent in Louisiana. Keeping in mind that Baptist Churches are not located on every corner as we are used to seeing. Catholic Churches? Yes! Along with just about any other denomination you can possibly think of. We went on the Internet and found a few we were interested in visiting; this list consisted of four or five. However, the very first church we visited was not one of them. It was a non-denominational church located just blocks from the house where my husband stays during the week and we both stay on occasional weekends. We enjoyed the service but both agreed that it was probably not the right place for us. So, officially, Metairie Baptist was the first one on our list.
The church is located in a historical district approximately five minutes away from us. The neighborhood is lovely and the houses surrounding it are quaint and VERY expensive. We know because we looked into a few of them thinking we could consider purchasing one. The church building itself is old and beautiful. Our experience there on that particular morning was refreshing. And even though the music was a wonderful balance of old and new; the people were friendly; and the sermon moved us to tears, we still thought we would check it off the list and move on to the next church.
But, we never did! We have been drawn to this church and have visited every chance we get. My husband has even attended during the week. We would love to be able to get more involved, but have not figured that one out yet.
We have yet to find one thing about this church that we do not like. As I said earlier, the music is a wonderful balance of hymns and praise music. The Minister of Music is young, energetic, talented, and friendly. The same can be said of the Youth Minister. The congregation is a mix of young and old. The pastor is a middle-aged man. He and his family are from Tennessee. He is spirit-filled and his sermon's reflect that. They move me to tears and I usually leave the service full of emotions, even those of jealousy when a new family has joined. I am really confused as to why God has given us this wonderful church to attend in a city where we do not live and why we are still struggling to find one here in our own home town.
Overall the services at Metairie Baptist are God led, organized, polished, uplifting, and inspiring. One thing that stands out there is how often they stop to pray. The Youth Minister presents the church with the announcements and he prays, the Minister of Music prays a couple of times, and the Pastor prays for some of his congregation who have specific requests. He also prays at the beginning of his sermon and at the end of his sermon. Each prayer is specific, never lengthy, and truly heart-felt.
This past Sunday Pastor Strong prayed a prayer that gripped my heart and moved me in a way that I have never been moved before. I am not sure why, but I did not think to mention it to my husband after we left, but the next day he mentioned it to me. This prayer had affected him the same way it had me. It was a wake up call of sorts and possibly a life-changing moment for both of us.
It was not what the pastor said, it was how he said it. Think about the words we use to ask God for something. Here are some examples:
--God, please bring my daughter back to a place in her life that would please you.
--God, I pray that you would bring my daughter back to a place in her life that would please you.
--God, bring my daughter back to a place in her life that would please you.
--God, I want my daughter back to a place in her life that would please you.
Everyone of these requests are presented in the form of a command:
--Please bring!
--YOU WOULD!
--Bring!
--I want!
Pastor Strong prayed a prayer like one I have never heard in my life, like one my husband has never heard in his life. It was a yearning. It was full of respect, earnest desire, compassion, gentleness, and sweetness, yet so overwhelmingly powerful at the same time. It was the picture of a young son wanting something so badly and knowing he was at the mercy of his daddy to grant him his desire. "Father, would you take me fishing today? Would you?
God, would you bring my daughter back to place in her life that would please you? WOULD YOU?
This past Sunday, on July 4, my husband and I attended Metairie Baptist Church.
A little over two years ago we began looking for a church to attend during our weekends spent in Louisiana. Keeping in mind that Baptist Churches are not located on every corner as we are used to seeing. Catholic Churches? Yes! Along with just about any other denomination you can possibly think of. We went on the Internet and found a few we were interested in visiting; this list consisted of four or five. However, the very first church we visited was not one of them. It was a non-denominational church located just blocks from the house where my husband stays during the week and we both stay on occasional weekends. We enjoyed the service but both agreed that it was probably not the right place for us. So, officially, Metairie Baptist was the first one on our list.
The church is located in a historical district approximately five minutes away from us. The neighborhood is lovely and the houses surrounding it are quaint and VERY expensive. We know because we looked into a few of them thinking we could consider purchasing one. The church building itself is old and beautiful. Our experience there on that particular morning was refreshing. And even though the music was a wonderful balance of old and new; the people were friendly; and the sermon moved us to tears, we still thought we would check it off the list and move on to the next church.
But, we never did! We have been drawn to this church and have visited every chance we get. My husband has even attended during the week. We would love to be able to get more involved, but have not figured that one out yet.
We have yet to find one thing about this church that we do not like. As I said earlier, the music is a wonderful balance of hymns and praise music. The Minister of Music is young, energetic, talented, and friendly. The same can be said of the Youth Minister. The congregation is a mix of young and old. The pastor is a middle-aged man. He and his family are from Tennessee. He is spirit-filled and his sermon's reflect that. They move me to tears and I usually leave the service full of emotions, even those of jealousy when a new family has joined. I am really confused as to why God has given us this wonderful church to attend in a city where we do not live and why we are still struggling to find one here in our own home town.
Overall the services at Metairie Baptist are God led, organized, polished, uplifting, and inspiring. One thing that stands out there is how often they stop to pray. The Youth Minister presents the church with the announcements and he prays, the Minister of Music prays a couple of times, and the Pastor prays for some of his congregation who have specific requests. He also prays at the beginning of his sermon and at the end of his sermon. Each prayer is specific, never lengthy, and truly heart-felt.
This past Sunday Pastor Strong prayed a prayer that gripped my heart and moved me in a way that I have never been moved before. I am not sure why, but I did not think to mention it to my husband after we left, but the next day he mentioned it to me. This prayer had affected him the same way it had me. It was a wake up call of sorts and possibly a life-changing moment for both of us.
It was not what the pastor said, it was how he said it. Think about the words we use to ask God for something. Here are some examples:
--God, please bring my daughter back to a place in her life that would please you.
--God, I pray that you would bring my daughter back to a place in her life that would please you.
--God, bring my daughter back to a place in her life that would please you.
--God, I want my daughter back to a place in her life that would please you.
Everyone of these requests are presented in the form of a command:
--Please bring!
--YOU WOULD!
--Bring!
--I want!
Pastor Strong prayed a prayer like one I have never heard in my life, like one my husband has never heard in his life. It was a yearning. It was full of respect, earnest desire, compassion, gentleness, and sweetness, yet so overwhelmingly powerful at the same time. It was the picture of a young son wanting something so badly and knowing he was at the mercy of his daddy to grant him his desire. "Father, would you take me fishing today? Would you?
God, would you bring my daughter back to place in her life that would please you? WOULD YOU?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
HEAVEN CAME DOWN
And Glory Filled My Soul.....
For some strange reason (at least I thought it strange at the time) these words from this gospel hymn that I have not heard or sang in a very long time came to my mind earlier in the day.
Tonight I understand. They were a glimpse into what was to come.
For...
Tonight we talked. We laughed. We cried. I heard her say things I never thought to ever hear her say.
I will not be able to record the conversation in its entirety, but I will remember and write as much as I possibly can.
She told me it was as if she had been asleep for over two years and was NOW awake.
She regrets the lost time.
She told me it HAD to happen.
She needed to hit rock bottom to wake her up to truly get it, to understand how blessed and wonderful her life was.
With all the gusto in the world she desires to get K (herself) back.
She told me she has already left her current situation mentally and emotionally, but physically it could not happen until September.
She has made plans to share an apartment with a high school friend.
This friend has played an important part in her "finding herself" once again.
She stays with this friend often, but for complex reasons (reasons that I completely understand) (reasons that are legitimate and not just excuses) she cannot do anything permanent until September.
We talked about and cried over a person who plays a key role in her current situation.
She is tormented over the condition of this person's soul.
I am tormented over the condition of this person's soul.
I know in the future we will both pray that someone will come into __________ life and share Christ and He will be accepted.
She has a tremendous amount of compassion for others, including this one she needs separation from.
She recognizes Satan and how He is at work. There is a dying grandmother and a sister who has just been diagnosed with cancer in this person's life.
She understands total and complete separation from this person will have to take place.
Tomorrow is her last day at her full time job.
She is excited.
They are giving her a going away party.
She read me the e-mail she composed for her co-workers. She has a gift for words!
She starts a new part time job this week.
Her co-workers at the current job are sad about her leaving and her new co-workers are excited about her coming. This tells so much about what kind of person she is. People love her.
I love her!!
She knows there is a reason for her life going in the direction it did. She accepts the fact that if she can save just one person from making the mistakes she did, it will have been worth it.
Her threshold for pain is minus zero. I know this. She knows this.
Still she desires to have a tattoo removed, one that could have an impact on her future, one that she is ashamed of.
She is in awe of how amazing God is.
She is aware of His timing.
She understands it was not until she reached this point that He would open the doors that have miraculously opened.
Prior to tonight's conversation she had already shocked me with her willingness to give away some of her pets so she would not be hindered and could move forward with her plans. (I had the opportunity months ago to talk to her in length about this and at the time she was closed minded in regards to giving one of them up much less three)
Tonight came an even bigger shock. She has been given an opportunity to give the one pet she vowed to never part with, a one hundred pound golden retriever, a home. She recognizes this as another door God has opened and she is willing to walk through it. The situation is so absolutely flawless for her and the dog. I am amazed!
She begins school in August.
She possibly has another job opportunity that could be "just what the doctor ordered" while she is in school.
I know I will probably think of something else I will wish I had remembered while writing this, but I think you get the point.
I get the point.
O what a tender, compassionate friend-
He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart!
For some strange reason (at least I thought it strange at the time) these words from this gospel hymn that I have not heard or sang in a very long time came to my mind earlier in the day.
Tonight I understand. They were a glimpse into what was to come.
For...
Tonight we talked. We laughed. We cried. I heard her say things I never thought to ever hear her say.
I will not be able to record the conversation in its entirety, but I will remember and write as much as I possibly can.
She told me it was as if she had been asleep for over two years and was NOW awake.
She regrets the lost time.
She told me it HAD to happen.
She needed to hit rock bottom to wake her up to truly get it, to understand how blessed and wonderful her life was.
With all the gusto in the world she desires to get K (herself) back.
She told me she has already left her current situation mentally and emotionally, but physically it could not happen until September.
She has made plans to share an apartment with a high school friend.
This friend has played an important part in her "finding herself" once again.
She stays with this friend often, but for complex reasons (reasons that I completely understand) (reasons that are legitimate and not just excuses) she cannot do anything permanent until September.
We talked about and cried over a person who plays a key role in her current situation.
She is tormented over the condition of this person's soul.
I am tormented over the condition of this person's soul.
I know in the future we will both pray that someone will come into __________ life and share Christ and He will be accepted.
She has a tremendous amount of compassion for others, including this one she needs separation from.
She recognizes Satan and how He is at work. There is a dying grandmother and a sister who has just been diagnosed with cancer in this person's life.
She understands total and complete separation from this person will have to take place.
Tomorrow is her last day at her full time job.
She is excited.
They are giving her a going away party.
She read me the e-mail she composed for her co-workers. She has a gift for words!
She starts a new part time job this week.
Her co-workers at the current job are sad about her leaving and her new co-workers are excited about her coming. This tells so much about what kind of person she is. People love her.
I love her!!
She knows there is a reason for her life going in the direction it did. She accepts the fact that if she can save just one person from making the mistakes she did, it will have been worth it.
Her threshold for pain is minus zero. I know this. She knows this.
Still she desires to have a tattoo removed, one that could have an impact on her future, one that she is ashamed of.
She is in awe of how amazing God is.
She is aware of His timing.
She understands it was not until she reached this point that He would open the doors that have miraculously opened.
Prior to tonight's conversation she had already shocked me with her willingness to give away some of her pets so she would not be hindered and could move forward with her plans. (I had the opportunity months ago to talk to her in length about this and at the time she was closed minded in regards to giving one of them up much less three)
Tonight came an even bigger shock. She has been given an opportunity to give the one pet she vowed to never part with, a one hundred pound golden retriever, a home. She recognizes this as another door God has opened and she is willing to walk through it. The situation is so absolutely flawless for her and the dog. I am amazed!
She begins school in August.
She possibly has another job opportunity that could be "just what the doctor ordered" while she is in school.
I know I will probably think of something else I will wish I had remembered while writing this, but I think you get the point.
I get the point.
O what a tender, compassionate friend-
He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart!
Friday, June 25, 2010
FIGMENTATION
OF MY IMAGINKINATION???
OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT!!!
(A SAYING FROM POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN)
I am not sure why I have never asked a friend with a grown child if they allow their imaginations to run as wild as I do on this matter:
But...
Every time my son or daughter call me and their voice seems low or I think I hear a sound other than a clear voice on the other end, here is the image I see:
Their vehicle is mangled and in a ditch
They spot their cell phone and manage to reach it and
Punch in my number because it is the first one that comes to their mind
Just as I answer the phone, they can no longer stay conscious enough to talk
And now I am suppose to figure out where they are and go to them
Crazy or what?????
OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT!!!
(A SAYING FROM POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN)
I am not sure why I have never asked a friend with a grown child if they allow their imaginations to run as wild as I do on this matter:
But...
Every time my son or daughter call me and their voice seems low or I think I hear a sound other than a clear voice on the other end, here is the image I see:
Their vehicle is mangled and in a ditch
They spot their cell phone and manage to reach it and
Punch in my number because it is the first one that comes to their mind
Just as I answer the phone, they can no longer stay conscious enough to talk
And now I am suppose to figure out where they are and go to them
Crazy or what?????
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
HALLELUJAH!!
QUESTION: Who can you stand before with tears streaming down your face whining, complaining, begging, pleading, and spilling your heart out to for hours on end and they consider it to be music to their ears?
ANSWER: God
I had a "heart melting" moment this morning on my way to work while listening to this song and realizing how much He loves me!
God loves a lullaby
In a mothers tears in the dead of night
Better than a hallelujah sometimes.
God loves the drunkards cry,
The soldiers plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.
The woman holding on for life,
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
The tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
Better than a church bell ringing,
Better than a choir singing out, singing out.
Better than a Hallelujah somtimes.
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.
BETTER THAN A HALLELUJAH SOMETIMES.
ANSWER: God
I had a "heart melting" moment this morning on my way to work while listening to this song and realizing how much He loves me!
God loves a lullaby
In a mothers tears in the dead of night
Better than a hallelujah sometimes.
God loves the drunkards cry,
The soldiers plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.
The woman holding on for life,
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
The tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
Better than a church bell ringing,
Better than a choir singing out, singing out.
Better than a Hallelujah somtimes.
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.
BETTER THAN A HALLELUJAH SOMETIMES.
Friday, June 18, 2010
HERE'S WHAT I MIGHT SAY
I recently wrote this post where I talked about how I am sometimes tempted while out shopping to approach mothers who are not dealing very well with children who are misbehaving.
HERE IS WHAT I MIGHT SAY TO THEM:
-Don't get upset over your child's restlessness. Playing is their favorite pastime, not shopping.
-Don't blame them for asking for toys, candy, etc. When we see something and want it, we buy it. They can't. They have to ask. Besides that, the store designed the toy department especially for their viewing enjoyment.
-Take advantage of having their face in yours. Plant kisses on it.
-Do not take this filled up little buggy seat for granted. One day it will be empty. Well, not entirely empty. It will keep your eggs safe, your purse nearby, and your bread from getting smashed. Trust me when I tell you that eggs and bread will never look into your eyes with all the love this world has to offer.
AND THEN I WOULD SAY...
-Go ahead, buy them a toy.
AND WHILE ON A ROLL, I MIGHT ALSO SAY THIS:
-If you have a child who is independent, be proud, they probably inherited it from you.
-Do not think an independent child does not need you. They do!
-Do not fight it, just learn when and how to gently "reel" them in when necessary.
-Allow them to be the individual that God created them to be.
-If they are asking you for hot pink fingernail polish or fake tattoos, do not be overly concerned. It's ok if they like shiny, glittery things.
-This does not mean they will grow up to become someone you would have to pretend you did not know if you ran into them on a "street corner".
-Chances are their taste in fashion will probably change and eventually become more refined.
-Do not spend your weekend cleaning house, spend it with them.
-Do not let them grow up to only remember that you were a clean freak.
-Give them memories of fun things you did together.
-THEY do not care if the house is clean and chances are no one else does.
-When they grow up and leave home, you will have all the time in the world to clean.
-And guess what? By then YOU will not care anymore.
-Waste no time, and I repeat, no time in trying to prove ANYTHING to yourself or to others.
-Know when it is time to give up something and make necessary changes, even if the changes are major ones.
-Do not despair if they are followers and not leaders.
-Leaders need followers.
-Just pray more.
-Pray they will follow the right ones and into the right direction.
-Do not expect them to mimic your personality.
-They may have needs and desires completely opposite to yours.
-Let them express their personality through clothes and shoes that they get to pick out on occasion.
-Let them decorate their own rooms.
-No one will think any less of your decorating abilities if they chose the latest Disney character as the theme.
-Let them be creative.
-Even if it means using markers, glitter, or play doh in the house.
-And if they have an indescribable love for animals, let them have a pet, a real pet.
-Forget about trying to keep your carpet looking new for a lifetime.
-Never expect them to understand how "good" they have it.
-Give them something to compare their life to.
-Do everything possible to take them on a foreign mission trip.
-Talk less.
-Listen more.
-Do not be a brick wall.
-Be a sifter.
-Help them to sort through all that life throws at them, teaching them to know what is worth keeping and what needs to be thrown out.
-Be consistent, and be constant.
-Be authoritative, but also be approachable.
-And last but definitely not least , love them like they will grow up and leave you one day.
-Because, guess what? They will.
THIS AND PROBABLY SO MUCH MORE IS WHAT I MIGHT SAY!
HERE IS WHAT I MIGHT SAY TO THEM:
-Don't get upset over your child's restlessness. Playing is their favorite pastime, not shopping.
-Don't blame them for asking for toys, candy, etc. When we see something and want it, we buy it. They can't. They have to ask. Besides that, the store designed the toy department especially for their viewing enjoyment.
-Take advantage of having their face in yours. Plant kisses on it.
-Do not take this filled up little buggy seat for granted. One day it will be empty. Well, not entirely empty. It will keep your eggs safe, your purse nearby, and your bread from getting smashed. Trust me when I tell you that eggs and bread will never look into your eyes with all the love this world has to offer.
AND THEN I WOULD SAY...
-Go ahead, buy them a toy.
AND WHILE ON A ROLL, I MIGHT ALSO SAY THIS:
-If you have a child who is independent, be proud, they probably inherited it from you.
-Do not think an independent child does not need you. They do!
-Do not fight it, just learn when and how to gently "reel" them in when necessary.
-Allow them to be the individual that God created them to be.
-If they are asking you for hot pink fingernail polish or fake tattoos, do not be overly concerned. It's ok if they like shiny, glittery things.
-This does not mean they will grow up to become someone you would have to pretend you did not know if you ran into them on a "street corner".
-Chances are their taste in fashion will probably change and eventually become more refined.
-Do not spend your weekend cleaning house, spend it with them.
-Do not let them grow up to only remember that you were a clean freak.
-Give them memories of fun things you did together.
-THEY do not care if the house is clean and chances are no one else does.
-When they grow up and leave home, you will have all the time in the world to clean.
-And guess what? By then YOU will not care anymore.
-Waste no time, and I repeat, no time in trying to prove ANYTHING to yourself or to others.
-Know when it is time to give up something and make necessary changes, even if the changes are major ones.
-Do not despair if they are followers and not leaders.
-Leaders need followers.
-Just pray more.
-Pray they will follow the right ones and into the right direction.
-Do not expect them to mimic your personality.
-They may have needs and desires completely opposite to yours.
-Let them express their personality through clothes and shoes that they get to pick out on occasion.
-Let them decorate their own rooms.
-No one will think any less of your decorating abilities if they chose the latest Disney character as the theme.
-Let them be creative.
-Even if it means using markers, glitter, or play doh in the house.
-And if they have an indescribable love for animals, let them have a pet, a real pet.
-Forget about trying to keep your carpet looking new for a lifetime.
-Never expect them to understand how "good" they have it.
-Give them something to compare their life to.
-Do everything possible to take them on a foreign mission trip.
-Talk less.
-Listen more.
-Do not be a brick wall.
-Be a sifter.
-Help them to sort through all that life throws at them, teaching them to know what is worth keeping and what needs to be thrown out.
-Be consistent, and be constant.
-Be authoritative, but also be approachable.
-And last but definitely not least , love them like they will grow up and leave you one day.
-Because, guess what? They will.
THIS AND PROBABLY SO MUCH MORE IS WHAT I MIGHT SAY!
MY DAUGHTER: THE DÉBUTANTE QUEEN
Early this morning my daughter shared this dream with me that she had during the night:
She dreamed that I (her own mother) was MAKING her be a contestant in a débutante pageant. She was furious with me because of it. We showed up at this community center event with only thirty minutes to spare. The other girls (the ones in the elegant, long, flowing gowns) were already lined up. She took her place in line, AS A DÉBUTANTE, sporting a red fuzzy vest with a long sleeve black t underneath and black leggings, but not before she touched up the bright orange polish that was chipped on her big toe nails that were sticking out of her black stilettos. (Like anyone would have gotten past the outfit to notice the chipped polish on her toe nails!)
Hahaha! You can't make this stuff up!!!
We laughed ourselves silly.
She told me the reason for the dream HAD to be because of a childhood memory; one she cannot keep suppressed; one that involves a hideous homemade cheerleader outfit and a homecoming court. Let me explain. Briefly.
During her early elementary years she attended a private Christian school. The dress code was extremely strict. She was a cheerleader (along with her entire class of 10 or so) for the basketball team. Their outfits were quite pathetic to say the least. Because of the school's strict dress code, everything these poor kids wore looked as if they were four or five sizes too big for them including the cheerleader outfit. They consisted of over sized yellow sweatshirts and royal blue, homemade, as-ugly-as-you-can-get, below-the-knees, baggy culottes.
She and I attended this homecoming game together. The second we entered the gymnasium a staff member "swooped" down on her desperately needing a "favor". It appeared that one of the court members, the homecoming queen possibly (I can't remember) had gotten very ill at the last minute and was not able to attend. Sheasked begged my daughter to fill in. I still remember watching my daughter agonize over the decision. She felt honored that they would ask her (what she did not realize was that the other two class mates who were also NOT a member of the court and who had also come dressed to cheer, had already said NO!!!) (Don't really know if this happened, just guessing!!) She also knew that the "sore thumb" sticking out of the "court" would be her.
Her one and maybe only chance for Cinderella-ism, only without the fairy god-mother, carriage, ball gown, or glass slippers.
Can you imagine a mother allowing her precious little girl who LOVED to dress up in everything fancy to escort a homecoming king dressed in a suit and tie (who evidently could not walk without a girl on his arm) down the court in front ofthousands hundreds OK tens of people dressed in a poorly homemade, over sized, down right UGLY cheerleader suit, tennis shoes, and white socks along side all the other "queens" in their ball gowns?? And did I mention that it was raining cats and dogs that evening. We were both drenched.
Well I can!
And I did!
And have pictures to prove it.
Oh boy, is hind sight not 20-20 or what??
No wonder she is, 16 years later, still having nightmares!
Poor girl!
At least we can still laugh about it.
And laugh we did!!
And laughing with her is a good thing.
A very very good thing!!
She dreamed that I (her own mother) was MAKING her be a contestant in a débutante pageant. She was furious with me because of it. We showed up at this community center event with only thirty minutes to spare. The other girls (the ones in the elegant, long, flowing gowns) were already lined up. She took her place in line, AS A DÉBUTANTE, sporting a red fuzzy vest with a long sleeve black t underneath and black leggings, but not before she touched up the bright orange polish that was chipped on her big toe nails that were sticking out of her black stilettos. (Like anyone would have gotten past the outfit to notice the chipped polish on her toe nails!)
Hahaha! You can't make this stuff up!!!
We laughed ourselves silly.
She told me the reason for the dream HAD to be because of a childhood memory; one she cannot keep suppressed; one that involves a hideous homemade cheerleader outfit and a homecoming court. Let me explain. Briefly.
During her early elementary years she attended a private Christian school. The dress code was extremely strict. She was a cheerleader (along with her entire class of 10 or so) for the basketball team. Their outfits were quite pathetic to say the least. Because of the school's strict dress code, everything these poor kids wore looked as if they were four or five sizes too big for them including the cheerleader outfit. They consisted of over sized yellow sweatshirts and royal blue, homemade, as-ugly-as-you-can-get, below-the-knees, baggy culottes.
She and I attended this homecoming game together. The second we entered the gymnasium a staff member "swooped" down on her desperately needing a "favor". It appeared that one of the court members, the homecoming queen possibly (I can't remember) had gotten very ill at the last minute and was not able to attend. She
Her one and maybe only chance for Cinderella-ism, only without the fairy god-mother, carriage, ball gown, or glass slippers.
Can you imagine a mother allowing her precious little girl who LOVED to dress up in everything fancy to escort a homecoming king dressed in a suit and tie (who evidently could not walk without a girl on his arm) down the court in front of
Well I can!
And I did!
And have pictures to prove it.
Oh boy, is hind sight not 20-20 or what??
No wonder she is, 16 years later, still having nightmares!
Poor girl!
At least we can still laugh about it.
And laugh we did!!
And laughing with her is a good thing.
A very very good thing!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
"I NEED TO GO GET SOME PENCILS"
Her first words as she walked in the door of my office yesterday waving her paperwork in front of me. Needless to say she was excited over having just enrolled in school for the fall semester. It has been her desire for a long time and now it had become a reality.
I had to smile when she made the statement knowing what she meant: The smell! Nothing like the smell of freshly sharpened pencils! Along with all the other school supplies that signify a brand new school year. But for her, they signify so much more:
-A new beginning
-A fresh start
-An opportunity to get some things right, to do better
-Understanding that some things are not permanent
-Mistakes can be erased or forgiven
-A promising future ahead of her
She was unsettled during our visit, mainly due to excitement, but also due to so many uncertainties. Over lunch and during the drive to and from we talked about some of the new challenges about to unfold for her. I encouraged her to take one step at a time allowing God to lead and to try not to worry over all that lies ahead. I know this will be difficult for her. It will be difficult for me as well!
Prayer requests:
-That she will be able to get right back into the groove of school.
-That the part time job she has applied for will become available if it is the right thing for her to do
- Her finances (She has already paid off two of her three credit card debts. I am so proud of her.)
-Good grades (Important for the degree she is pursuing)
There are SO many more and as time goes by, I would like to share specific ones with you.
Today; however; I am going to buy her some pencils!
I had to smile when she made the statement knowing what she meant: The smell! Nothing like the smell of freshly sharpened pencils! Along with all the other school supplies that signify a brand new school year. But for her, they signify so much more:
-A new beginning
-A fresh start
-An opportunity to get some things right, to do better
-Understanding that some things are not permanent
-Mistakes can be erased or forgiven
-A promising future ahead of her
She was unsettled during our visit, mainly due to excitement, but also due to so many uncertainties. Over lunch and during the drive to and from we talked about some of the new challenges about to unfold for her. I encouraged her to take one step at a time allowing God to lead and to try not to worry over all that lies ahead. I know this will be difficult for her. It will be difficult for me as well!
Prayer requests:
-That she will be able to get right back into the groove of school.
-That the part time job she has applied for will become available if it is the right thing for her to do
- Her finances (She has already paid off two of her three credit card debts. I am so proud of her.)
-Good grades (Important for the degree she is pursuing)
There are SO many more and as time goes by, I would like to share specific ones with you.
Today; however; I am going to buy her some pencils!
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