Try this and let me know what your # is. I'm curious. Some of you (my family in particular) probably have lower #s than me although I find mine very low. I'm sure it has to do with the unusual spelling of my first name. Some of you may have thousands!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
I'm more important than you....
A couple of mornings ago, I had an interesting experience. I was driving to drop off L at school and go to work. In our area of town, one road gets very crowded in the mornings. It's just beyond the elementary school and is the access to the highway. Most mornings during the school year, the wait is a good 10 minutes, which for us small town folks is just excruciating! But, like all good citizens, you just get in line and wait your turn...isn't this what we learned in kindergarten, people?!?
Well most of us did, but there is about 10% of the population who must have been absent that day. These Jerks (as I affectionaly call them) get in the other lane and then cut you off at the last minute. I've seen this happen the last 18 months and have been annoyed, but not much has happened.
Well, that all changed the other morning, when one of these "jerks" did this and rear ended me. I was furious! I had L in the car (driving Lance's smaller car) and the guy was driving a Yukon. Fortunately L and I were fine and so was the car, but...when I got out to investigate, I told the guy that he was very fortunate nothing had happened because what he did was very rude. I told him that he must be more important than the rest of us since he couldn't wait in line. He responded with..."yes, I am". Not, "I'm sorry ma'am", not "is your child okay, are you okay?" not, "I was a jerk", but... "yes, I'm more important than you".
Wow...what's sad is that he wasn't a kid, he looked to be about my age and with a wedding ring on and I would bet money he had just dropped his kid(s) at the elementary school.
Dude, I'm sorry you were running late, but you'd be a lot later if you had hurt someone or damaged their property! I was floored by his behavior. I called the police mostly to report that they really need to monitor this area more heavily. Hopefully, this guy will think about this from now on and not cut people off, but more than likely since he's more important than the rest of us he won't.
Once I got back in the car and calmed down a bit, I heard the little voice in the backseat say, "I'm going to tell my friends that I crashed into a jerk." I couldn't help but laugh, but oops! Momma forgot who was listening to her. I probably should have/could have handled the situation better. The cutting off thing is just one of my pet peeves! UGH!
What would you have done? I'm sure some of you would have handled it alot better than me!!
Well most of us did, but there is about 10% of the population who must have been absent that day. These Jerks (as I affectionaly call them) get in the other lane and then cut you off at the last minute. I've seen this happen the last 18 months and have been annoyed, but not much has happened.
Well, that all changed the other morning, when one of these "jerks" did this and rear ended me. I was furious! I had L in the car (driving Lance's smaller car) and the guy was driving a Yukon. Fortunately L and I were fine and so was the car, but...when I got out to investigate, I told the guy that he was very fortunate nothing had happened because what he did was very rude. I told him that he must be more important than the rest of us since he couldn't wait in line. He responded with..."yes, I am". Not, "I'm sorry ma'am", not "is your child okay, are you okay?" not, "I was a jerk", but... "yes, I'm more important than you".
Wow...what's sad is that he wasn't a kid, he looked to be about my age and with a wedding ring on and I would bet money he had just dropped his kid(s) at the elementary school.
Dude, I'm sorry you were running late, but you'd be a lot later if you had hurt someone or damaged their property! I was floored by his behavior. I called the police mostly to report that they really need to monitor this area more heavily. Hopefully, this guy will think about this from now on and not cut people off, but more than likely since he's more important than the rest of us he won't.
Once I got back in the car and calmed down a bit, I heard the little voice in the backseat say, "I'm going to tell my friends that I crashed into a jerk." I couldn't help but laugh, but oops! Momma forgot who was listening to her. I probably should have/could have handled the situation better. The cutting off thing is just one of my pet peeves! UGH!
What would you have done? I'm sure some of you would have handled it alot better than me!!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Did I really do it?
Yes, I did! I FINALLY have our vacation pictures! yippee!! I've gone and gotten all technological on you. Next thing you know I'll be writing code...
As you will see below, we had all manner of fun. Just a small sampling of what we did...went to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi - top picks there? N - stingrays; L-dolphins
We went go carting - super fun! We played miniature golf and little L - she has a shot on the LPGA - she's good!
We spent one day at the Schlitterbahn, one day at the beach, went on the pier and watched people catch fish.
N driving fast like Momma:
N with the 'rays:
Pirate N:
The view out our door:
N checking the Corpus Christi harbor:
Hazy day at the beach:
L, acting silly in the car:
L, loving trains like her bubba:
We're racing!:
Our friend, the pirate:
As you will see below, we had all manner of fun. Just a small sampling of what we did...went to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi - top picks there? N - stingrays; L-dolphins
We went go carting - super fun! We played miniature golf and little L - she has a shot on the LPGA - she's good!
We spent one day at the Schlitterbahn, one day at the beach, went on the pier and watched people catch fish.
N driving fast like Momma:
N with the 'rays:
Pirate N:
The view out our door:
N checking the Corpus Christi harbor:
Hazy day at the beach:
L, acting silly in the car:
L, loving trains like her bubba:
We're racing!:
Our friend, the pirate:
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The story of us
Oh, how I lie! I promised vacay pics today, but I can't do that today. It's my 14th wedding anniversary and in honor of this day, I'm going to write the story of how we met.
Lance and I met in the fall of 1990 at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco. I was but a mere freshman girl and he a senior at Baylor University. We were involved in a college handbell choir together and neither of us really paid the other much attention. I was dating a boy from high school and I don't know what his reason was. :)
The director of our group would drop hints about each of us to the other occasionally and we'd both laugh (separately of course. She never did this in front of the other one)
By the spring semester, things weren't going well with the boy from home. I wasn't interested anymore. Fast forward to Easter Weekend...our college group went on a mission trip thru various prisons in Texas. We sat by each other on the bus a few times and began to talk. We had lots in common and some things not. I liked him, he was older and seemed to have things more "together" than the guys my age.
One of his friends, Brian, wanted to date one of my friends, Julie and convinced Lance to ask me to double with them. We did and Lance and I are still together. That was Brian and Julie's first and only date. They took us to various locations around town and campus for different courses of dinner. It was fun!
Lance and I spent the last month of his time at Baylor together everyday. We went dancing, walking, whatever, we just spent every evening together. I will never forget the first night he kissed me - we had been dating several weeks at this point. When I got back to my dorm that evening, I told my roommate that I would marry him. She laughed, but took my picture and it's wonderful to remember that moment that I "knew"!
Before he graduated, he asked me if I'd be interested in dating long distance. See, he was going to spend the summer travelling thru the Panhandle and then he was starting Seminary at Ft. Worth in the fall. I said yes and then began our 3 year 3 month long distance courtship. That summer of 1991 we saw each other only 3 times - once for a wedding, once for a funeral, and once for him to meet my family for the first time (which did not go well at all). I had a few doubts about the future of our relationship in August and early September of 1991, but then things changed. His paternal grandfather was tragically killed in a farming accident that fall and it deepened our relationshipo. He began driving to Waco every Saturday from about 8am to 10pm and we would spend the entire day together. It was great, but hard to see each other only once a week!
We did this until he graduated from seminary in May 1994 and moved to Odessa Texas. I had completed my classes in Waco by this point and was doing an internship in Dallas to complete my degree and graduate in August. I graduated on the 13th and on the 27th, we were married! My dad told me I had to finish college before I married and I did! I'm very thankful for this now!
Oh, how things have changed since this day 14 years ago. We've gone thru many hard days together and many joyous ones. We've served in 3 different churches and lived in 5 different homes. We've welcomed 2 beautiful children into our family. We've matured in many ways, but we still have our struggles. It's a continous journey. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. There are days we don't like each other much, but in the end, we are one another's best friend. There is no one else I would have chosen to go on this journey with. I know long after the kids are gone, we will still enjoy being together!
I love you, Lance!
Lance and I met in the fall of 1990 at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco. I was but a mere freshman girl and he a senior at Baylor University. We were involved in a college handbell choir together and neither of us really paid the other much attention. I was dating a boy from high school and I don't know what his reason was. :)
The director of our group would drop hints about each of us to the other occasionally and we'd both laugh (separately of course. She never did this in front of the other one)
By the spring semester, things weren't going well with the boy from home. I wasn't interested anymore. Fast forward to Easter Weekend...our college group went on a mission trip thru various prisons in Texas. We sat by each other on the bus a few times and began to talk. We had lots in common and some things not. I liked him, he was older and seemed to have things more "together" than the guys my age.
One of his friends, Brian, wanted to date one of my friends, Julie and convinced Lance to ask me to double with them. We did and Lance and I are still together. That was Brian and Julie's first and only date. They took us to various locations around town and campus for different courses of dinner. It was fun!
Lance and I spent the last month of his time at Baylor together everyday. We went dancing, walking, whatever, we just spent every evening together. I will never forget the first night he kissed me - we had been dating several weeks at this point. When I got back to my dorm that evening, I told my roommate that I would marry him. She laughed, but took my picture and it's wonderful to remember that moment that I "knew"!
Before he graduated, he asked me if I'd be interested in dating long distance. See, he was going to spend the summer travelling thru the Panhandle and then he was starting Seminary at Ft. Worth in the fall. I said yes and then began our 3 year 3 month long distance courtship. That summer of 1991 we saw each other only 3 times - once for a wedding, once for a funeral, and once for him to meet my family for the first time (which did not go well at all). I had a few doubts about the future of our relationship in August and early September of 1991, but then things changed. His paternal grandfather was tragically killed in a farming accident that fall and it deepened our relationshipo. He began driving to Waco every Saturday from about 8am to 10pm and we would spend the entire day together. It was great, but hard to see each other only once a week!
We did this until he graduated from seminary in May 1994 and moved to Odessa Texas. I had completed my classes in Waco by this point and was doing an internship in Dallas to complete my degree and graduate in August. I graduated on the 13th and on the 27th, we were married! My dad told me I had to finish college before I married and I did! I'm very thankful for this now!
Oh, how things have changed since this day 14 years ago. We've gone thru many hard days together and many joyous ones. We've served in 3 different churches and lived in 5 different homes. We've welcomed 2 beautiful children into our family. We've matured in many ways, but we still have our struggles. It's a continous journey. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. There are days we don't like each other much, but in the end, we are one another's best friend. There is no one else I would have chosen to go on this journey with. I know long after the kids are gone, we will still enjoy being together!
I love you, Lance!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
First Grade, here I am!
Yesterday was the big day around here - school started! Yippee! We were all ready to get back into the routine. N was extremely excited and not nervous (that we could tell!) Other than trying to head back to his kindergarten class from last year, he knew it all. He was racing down the hall ahead of us - so eager to go! He has a great teacher and several friends he already knows from last year. He even reunited with the "lightning gang" at recess yesterday! But, my boy, he has matured a bit from last year. Instead of jumping up and down in the pick-up yesterday afternoon, he was standing with feet on the ground, waving and smiling BIG!
So, first words out of his mouth, once he got in the car?!? This was my best day ever!!! If you've read my blog much in the past you know, we hear this phrase at least once every two weeks. My boy - he is a lover of life- and I'm so thankful for this!!
Sissy had a good day in her class too - she's now with the BIG kids 'cause she's not a baby anymore...this from her sweet little lips! Little does she know, she'll always be my baby!
Hope your first day was as great as ours! Vacay pics coming tomorrow, I promise!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Routine, my old friend
After a fantabulous summer o'fun, I'm finally ready to get back in the regular fall schedule.
Summer, you were good to us, but we believe the fall will be too!
Top ten things I'm looking forward to this fall:
#10 - Getting to know the new 7th graders in our youth ministry
#9 - listening to the high school marching band at the Friday night games
#8 - buying new clothes that have long sleeves, full length pants, and closed toe shoes! of course, where we live we can only wear these between Dec 1 and March 1!
#7 - start Christmas shopping/Thanksgiving menu planning
#6 - make my own Christmas cards!
#5 - N's 7th birthday and Halloween all in one week!
#4 - trip with friends to Canton!
#3 - Dance classes with L - can't wait to do all the girly stuff!
#2 - Soccer with N and his friends
#1 - Lance's 40th!!! Birthday!!! How in the world am I old enough to be married to a 40 year old. I was only 18 when we started dating!! Of course, he is much older than me - hehe!
Summer, you were good to us, but we believe the fall will be too!
Top ten things I'm looking forward to this fall:
#10 - Getting to know the new 7th graders in our youth ministry
#9 - listening to the high school marching band at the Friday night games
#8 - buying new clothes that have long sleeves, full length pants, and closed toe shoes! of course, where we live we can only wear these between Dec 1 and March 1!
#7 - start Christmas shopping/Thanksgiving menu planning
#6 - make my own Christmas cards!
#5 - N's 7th birthday and Halloween all in one week!
#4 - trip with friends to Canton!
#3 - Dance classes with L - can't wait to do all the girly stuff!
#2 - Soccer with N and his friends
#1 - Lance's 40th!!! Birthday!!! How in the world am I old enough to be married to a 40 year old. I was only 18 when we started dating!! Of course, he is much older than me - hehe!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Consecration
WARNING - This is a very LONG post, but well worth it in my opinion.
Consecration - it's a big word and one that I'll be using ALOT this year. It's the theme of our Bible Study lessons with our youth. Consecration means CHOOSING to dedicate yourself to God without reservation, trusting Him, and obeying Him completely. You must trust God enough to give Him your most precious possession. Our first example of this is Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his own son, Isaac, his child whom he waited many years for.
One of the blogs I read regularly - Kristin had a great post on this subject recently....although she never used the word consecration, that's what I see in this post...I've copied both her posts below so you can read them...very moving.
Friday
When God Steps In
As I shivered at the edge of the pool, I glanced at the clock.
Again.
Only 5 more minutes of Mommy & Me swim lessons. In freezing water.
I noticed a woman and her children sit near our things, as I bemoaned my decision to struggle with my toddler in the water for two weeks of lessons.
I live a tough life.
We toweled off and my toddler kept saying, "Hi" to the lady I had noticed.
She spoke softly and sweetly to my daughter in a language that sounded like Russian.
"Where are you from?" I asked making conversation.
"Uzbekistan," she answered in clipped English.
I nodded my head, as if I knew the exact location. "How long have you been in the US?"
"Eleven months," she replied.
"Your English is very good. Did you move here for a job?
"No, how do you say, we are Christians and we faced persecution," she answered as she patted her little boy's head.
It was a surreal moment. Standing in the heat, watching my kids splash in the kiddie pool while talking to an escapee from the former Soviet Union. A persecuted Christian.
5 minutes from my house.
She shared some about her life. Her husband was a Pastor and arrested and later deported for his crime: preaching the Gospel.
"Did you face violence?" I asked.
I will never forget the look that crossed her face, she nodded, and tracked her children with her eyes.
She said a hundred things in that moment without uttering a word.
We exchanged phone numbers.
On the way home from the pool, I told my older kids about the conversation. My voice quivered as I shared her story.
"Mom, do you remember the Sunday School lesson we had a few weeks ago on the Persecuted Church?"
Yes.
"That was the country I prayed for," she said excitedly.
Yes.
I don't know why I met her. I don't know if we will develop a relationship or what the future holds.
I do know that I don't regret those swimming lessons and I am convinced that God stepped in.
Our families are meeting for dinner tonight (Friday) and I hope to share more . . .
Food for the Soul:
Proverbs 16:9, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Friday
The Persecuted Church: At My Backdoor (Part 2)
Last week, I told you about the family who escaped religious persecution eleven months ago and ended up living less than 5 minutes from my house. I met them because God stepped in.
On Friday night, we met at Chick Fil A and I was happy to see them drink sweet tea. Because you know how much that means to me. It was a little awkward at first since our hubbies were meeting for the first time and because of the language barrier. But our kids hit it off and played while we sat down to eat.
Normally, I would not like this kind of situation. But nothing about this meeting was normal.
I wish I could have recorded the conversation. I wish you could hear their beautiful Russian accents and the excitement in their voices as they shared the miracles God performed. I wish I could tell you the whole story, but it would take pages to do so. I wish I could adequately explain the impact it made on my hubby and I. We were deeply moved.
And I am sure we will never be the same.
Before I share the details of their story, you must first understand how dangerous it is to be a Christian in Uzbekistan, which is 98% Muslim. Right now, it is one of the most persecuted countries in the world. If someone is caught with two or more religious items (Bible, Christian t- shirt, pamphlet, booklet) they are fined 20 to 100 times their monthly income. If they are caught twice, they are fined 100 to 200 times or sentenced to corrective labor (prison) for up to 3 years. Christians have been fined, imprisoned, beaten for preaching about Jesus.
Here is their story (while I have their permission to share this, these are not their real names): Igor was born in Russia and maintained Russian citizenship even though he moved to Uzbekistan as a young boy. He became a Christian, after his sister viewed The Jesus Video. (When Igor said this, I started crying. I worked for The Jesus Video Project about 15 years ago). Even though it was unlawful, Igor could not hide his love for God and His Word. He began leading summer camps along with his sister's husband in Uzbekistan. The camps were held as recreational events with the underlying purpose of spreading the Gospel.
Eleven years later, after meeting and marrying Katerina in one of these camps, Igor and his brother-in-law were planting house churches, holding camps and intensely teaching new followers of Christ with Bibles they smuggled in and literature they secretly printed.
In the height of their underground ministry, Igor was arrested and told that he must leave the country within 48 hours (Uzbekistan officials were hesitant to imprison him because he was a Russian citizen). Igor was shocked at his deportation.
He called his wife and told her to pack some things from the house they had just built. After 22 hours, the police told Igor his time was up. He hid in the mountains, but after his look-alike brother was arrested and held hostage until he reappeared, Igor decided to turn himself in. His wife and children hid in a dirty, abandoned apartment.
He was put on an airplane without any belongings, without knowing where he was heading and without his wife, toddler daughter and 15 day old son. The government knew his wife and children would follow because Igor was told they would be killed if they were seen.
(At this point in their story, I'm crying ya'll, and breathing deeply).
The family finally reunited in Moscow and lived in a one bedroom apartment with 11 other people for a year, facing much hardship. Katerina's papers expired and could no longer stay in Russia; she had to return to the place of her citizenship: Uzbekistan, where they faced death.
A family without a home, a family without a country.
They found safety at the United Nations as persecuted refugees and came to America, with $200 in their pocket.
For the past year, this amazing family has learned English, a new culture, and a new way of life.
But do you know where their heart is? They are working tirelessly thru the Internet and Skype to continue their ministry and disciple Christians in their heartland.
Their funding runs out at Christmas, so they are trying to raise monthly financial support so they can continue reaching others. My hubby and I feel compelled to help them get into local churches and share their unbelievable story.
God stepped into their lives and although they faced unbelievable suffering for the cause of Christ, they stood firm. I can't help but wonder what I would do if serving Jesus cost me my life....
Please pray that their financial needs will be met so they can continue to impact Uzbekistan and other parts of the world. I'm hoping to do some kind of blog fundraiser for them in the future. (What do ya'll think about that?)
Something Igor said moved me, "My arrest and deportation was terrible. And leaving our possessions and our family was very hard, but leaving the work, the ministry and the disciples...that is the hardest, even today." And he said this knowing they may never see their families again.
I am in awe of their faith and passion for Jesus.
God stepped into my path to remind me what it's all about. And He's using this sweet family to turn me inside out.
Food for the Soul:
“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”- Psalm 16:8
Consecration - it's a big word and one that I'll be using ALOT this year. It's the theme of our Bible Study lessons with our youth. Consecration means CHOOSING to dedicate yourself to God without reservation, trusting Him, and obeying Him completely. You must trust God enough to give Him your most precious possession. Our first example of this is Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his own son, Isaac, his child whom he waited many years for.
One of the blogs I read regularly - Kristin had a great post on this subject recently....although she never used the word consecration, that's what I see in this post...I've copied both her posts below so you can read them...very moving.
Friday
When God Steps In
As I shivered at the edge of the pool, I glanced at the clock.
Again.
Only 5 more minutes of Mommy & Me swim lessons. In freezing water.
I noticed a woman and her children sit near our things, as I bemoaned my decision to struggle with my toddler in the water for two weeks of lessons.
I live a tough life.
We toweled off and my toddler kept saying, "Hi" to the lady I had noticed.
She spoke softly and sweetly to my daughter in a language that sounded like Russian.
"Where are you from?" I asked making conversation.
"Uzbekistan," she answered in clipped English.
I nodded my head, as if I knew the exact location. "How long have you been in the US?"
"Eleven months," she replied.
"Your English is very good. Did you move here for a job?
"No, how do you say, we are Christians and we faced persecution," she answered as she patted her little boy's head.
It was a surreal moment. Standing in the heat, watching my kids splash in the kiddie pool while talking to an escapee from the former Soviet Union. A persecuted Christian.
5 minutes from my house.
She shared some about her life. Her husband was a Pastor and arrested and later deported for his crime: preaching the Gospel.
"Did you face violence?" I asked.
I will never forget the look that crossed her face, she nodded, and tracked her children with her eyes.
She said a hundred things in that moment without uttering a word.
We exchanged phone numbers.
On the way home from the pool, I told my older kids about the conversation. My voice quivered as I shared her story.
"Mom, do you remember the Sunday School lesson we had a few weeks ago on the Persecuted Church?"
Yes.
"That was the country I prayed for," she said excitedly.
Yes.
I don't know why I met her. I don't know if we will develop a relationship or what the future holds.
I do know that I don't regret those swimming lessons and I am convinced that God stepped in.
Our families are meeting for dinner tonight (Friday) and I hope to share more . . .
Food for the Soul:
Proverbs 16:9, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Friday
The Persecuted Church: At My Backdoor (Part 2)
Last week, I told you about the family who escaped religious persecution eleven months ago and ended up living less than 5 minutes from my house. I met them because God stepped in.
On Friday night, we met at Chick Fil A and I was happy to see them drink sweet tea. Because you know how much that means to me. It was a little awkward at first since our hubbies were meeting for the first time and because of the language barrier. But our kids hit it off and played while we sat down to eat.
Normally, I would not like this kind of situation. But nothing about this meeting was normal.
I wish I could have recorded the conversation. I wish you could hear their beautiful Russian accents and the excitement in their voices as they shared the miracles God performed. I wish I could tell you the whole story, but it would take pages to do so. I wish I could adequately explain the impact it made on my hubby and I. We were deeply moved.
And I am sure we will never be the same.
Before I share the details of their story, you must first understand how dangerous it is to be a Christian in Uzbekistan, which is 98% Muslim. Right now, it is one of the most persecuted countries in the world. If someone is caught with two or more religious items (Bible, Christian t- shirt, pamphlet, booklet) they are fined 20 to 100 times their monthly income. If they are caught twice, they are fined 100 to 200 times or sentenced to corrective labor (prison) for up to 3 years. Christians have been fined, imprisoned, beaten for preaching about Jesus.
Here is their story (while I have their permission to share this, these are not their real names): Igor was born in Russia and maintained Russian citizenship even though he moved to Uzbekistan as a young boy. He became a Christian, after his sister viewed The Jesus Video. (When Igor said this, I started crying. I worked for The Jesus Video Project about 15 years ago). Even though it was unlawful, Igor could not hide his love for God and His Word. He began leading summer camps along with his sister's husband in Uzbekistan. The camps were held as recreational events with the underlying purpose of spreading the Gospel.
Eleven years later, after meeting and marrying Katerina in one of these camps, Igor and his brother-in-law were planting house churches, holding camps and intensely teaching new followers of Christ with Bibles they smuggled in and literature they secretly printed.
In the height of their underground ministry, Igor was arrested and told that he must leave the country within 48 hours (Uzbekistan officials were hesitant to imprison him because he was a Russian citizen). Igor was shocked at his deportation.
He called his wife and told her to pack some things from the house they had just built. After 22 hours, the police told Igor his time was up. He hid in the mountains, but after his look-alike brother was arrested and held hostage until he reappeared, Igor decided to turn himself in. His wife and children hid in a dirty, abandoned apartment.
He was put on an airplane without any belongings, without knowing where he was heading and without his wife, toddler daughter and 15 day old son. The government knew his wife and children would follow because Igor was told they would be killed if they were seen.
(At this point in their story, I'm crying ya'll, and breathing deeply).
The family finally reunited in Moscow and lived in a one bedroom apartment with 11 other people for a year, facing much hardship. Katerina's papers expired and could no longer stay in Russia; she had to return to the place of her citizenship: Uzbekistan, where they faced death.
A family without a home, a family without a country.
They found safety at the United Nations as persecuted refugees and came to America, with $200 in their pocket.
For the past year, this amazing family has learned English, a new culture, and a new way of life.
But do you know where their heart is? They are working tirelessly thru the Internet and Skype to continue their ministry and disciple Christians in their heartland.
Their funding runs out at Christmas, so they are trying to raise monthly financial support so they can continue reaching others. My hubby and I feel compelled to help them get into local churches and share their unbelievable story.
God stepped into their lives and although they faced unbelievable suffering for the cause of Christ, they stood firm. I can't help but wonder what I would do if serving Jesus cost me my life....
Please pray that their financial needs will be met so they can continue to impact Uzbekistan and other parts of the world. I'm hoping to do some kind of blog fundraiser for them in the future. (What do ya'll think about that?)
Something Igor said moved me, "My arrest and deportation was terrible. And leaving our possessions and our family was very hard, but leaving the work, the ministry and the disciples...that is the hardest, even today." And he said this knowing they may never see their families again.
I am in awe of their faith and passion for Jesus.
God stepped into my path to remind me what it's all about. And He's using this sweet family to turn me inside out.
Food for the Soul:
“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”- Psalm 16:8
Friday, August 22, 2008
We're back!
We had a great time in South Padre. There is still ALOT of devastation down there, but the locals were soooo glad to see tourists and we were happy to stimulate their economy! My goal is to have my pictures downloaded and on my blog by Monday!
Highlights of the trip:
Both kids loved Schlitterbahn which is a HUGE relief to Lance and I as it's one of our favorite places to go in the summertime!
The beach was great too and only about 100 yards out our front door. The kiddos collected shells and even saw a crab!!
Making it to our house after driving straight back - 8 hours my friends, 8 hours...and we don't have a DVD in our car! Wow, were we glad to be home!
We met N's new 1st grade teacher last night and she seems very nice. She already knew the kids' names and was setting the precedent for the rules - this is impressive. She is young and this is her 4th year to teach. N has one of his best friends in his class which will be great as long as they don't get into too much trouble!
Highlights of the trip:
Both kids loved Schlitterbahn which is a HUGE relief to Lance and I as it's one of our favorite places to go in the summertime!
The beach was great too and only about 100 yards out our front door. The kiddos collected shells and even saw a crab!!
Making it to our house after driving straight back - 8 hours my friends, 8 hours...and we don't have a DVD in our car! Wow, were we glad to be home!
We met N's new 1st grade teacher last night and she seems very nice. She already knew the kids' names and was setting the precedent for the rules - this is impressive. She is young and this is her 4th year to teach. N has one of his best friends in his class which will be great as long as they don't get into too much trouble!
Monday, August 18, 2008
14 years!
Our anniversary is August 27th. Last year this fell on the 1st day of school. This year it falls on a Wednesday, which in the home of a youth minister means no dinner out that night!
Last year, Lance and I took the kiddos to the first day of school and then went to test drive cars, lunch, and a movie - that was our celebration!
We had so much fun we decided to do it again this year only without the test-driving cars part. So, we are celebrating our anniversary on the 25th. Plus, we have the added bonus of picking N up from the first day of 1st grade together and hearing about his big day!
Next year on the 15th, we are considering something bigger and more exciting since it ends in a 5.
How 'bout you guys? Do you celebrate your anniversary? If so, is it simple or do you take a fabulous trip?
Last year, Lance and I took the kiddos to the first day of school and then went to test drive cars, lunch, and a movie - that was our celebration!
We had so much fun we decided to do it again this year only without the test-driving cars part. So, we are celebrating our anniversary on the 25th. Plus, we have the added bonus of picking N up from the first day of 1st grade together and hearing about his big day!
Next year on the 15th, we are considering something bigger and more exciting since it ends in a 5.
How 'bout you guys? Do you celebrate your anniversary? If so, is it simple or do you take a fabulous trip?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Countdown to Routine
School starts here on August 25th. This means a return to early bedtimes, early mornings, and extra activities. I also hear N will have actual homework this year. In Kindergarten, there was only homework a couple of times all year. The teacher did ask us to read nightly, but we do that anyway.
Lance and I really want our kids to be just that - kids. They have such a short season of their life where they can play and be imaginative. I want them to experience activities and learn how to be on a team and play well with others too. So, the great balancing act begins...
We let each of the kids have only one activity at once. This doesn't include their church activities on Sundays.
N is still trying to decide between soccer (2 nights a week plus Saturday games) or gymnastics (1 night a week). We've given him until August 22nd to make his decision.
LeeLee is going to do dance - 1 night a week
I honestly don't know how parents schedule more than this. I'm having a hard time thinking about N choosing soccer knowing that it will take up this much time and he's only 6, for heaven's sake!! How do parents with more than 2 kiddos do it? I just don't know!
So, what's your strategy or advice here? Do you let your kids do as many things as they want? Do you keep them out of outside activities until they are a certain age?
Do tell.
Lance and I really want our kids to be just that - kids. They have such a short season of their life where they can play and be imaginative. I want them to experience activities and learn how to be on a team and play well with others too. So, the great balancing act begins...
We let each of the kids have only one activity at once. This doesn't include their church activities on Sundays.
N is still trying to decide between soccer (2 nights a week plus Saturday games) or gymnastics (1 night a week). We've given him until August 22nd to make his decision.
LeeLee is going to do dance - 1 night a week
I honestly don't know how parents schedule more than this. I'm having a hard time thinking about N choosing soccer knowing that it will take up this much time and he's only 6, for heaven's sake!! How do parents with more than 2 kiddos do it? I just don't know!
So, what's your strategy or advice here? Do you let your kids do as many things as they want? Do you keep them out of outside activities until they are a certain age?
Do tell.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Paradise, here we come!!!
As you can tell from my vacation countdown, I'm very excited to be going on vacation!!! I do this to myself every year about this time....I get so busy and stressed out getting everything done that the last few days are exhausting!
The night before we leave, my kiddos have been invited to a pool party. Lance will take them and I will finish packing in peace and quiet - yippee!!
I've scheduled some posts to publish while we are gone so you aren't left with nothing to read....'cause I know you are literally hanging on every word written on my blog!
The night before we leave, my kiddos have been invited to a pool party. Lance will take them and I will finish packing in peace and quiet - yippee!!
I've scheduled some posts to publish while we are gone so you aren't left with nothing to read....'cause I know you are literally hanging on every word written on my blog!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Surprise, Surprise!
We had a very nice surprise yesterday! Our nephew (who is 16!) came to town with a friend of his. His friend's brother is going to college here and they were here helping to move him into his apartment. We got to take our nephew out for ice cream last night and it was great! The kiddos thought it was especially awesome as it was 9pm!!! My children don't often get to be outside when it's dark.
This is the first time Jordan has been able to join our family without his parents, grandparents, or little sister. Jordan was his own man. We didn't get to visit nearly long enough, but it was nice and I think a taste of things to come. I'm excited about the opportunity to know him and Taylor as adults. The relationship will change, but there is nothing like being an aunt (or grandparent, so I've heard) to get to love on someone without having to discipline, etc.
Jordan is a delight to our family. He loves on our kiddos and is a great "big" cousin. He even put LeeLee in her carseat last night and was able to buckle her in, thankyouverymuch! Any of you who have tried our car seat puzzle before know this is quite the accomplishment!
Jordan, thanks for hanging out with your old aunt and uncle and loving on your cousins! We love you!
This is the first time Jordan has been able to join our family without his parents, grandparents, or little sister. Jordan was his own man. We didn't get to visit nearly long enough, but it was nice and I think a taste of things to come. I'm excited about the opportunity to know him and Taylor as adults. The relationship will change, but there is nothing like being an aunt (or grandparent, so I've heard) to get to love on someone without having to discipline, etc.
Jordan is a delight to our family. He loves on our kiddos and is a great "big" cousin. He even put LeeLee in her carseat last night and was able to buckle her in, thankyouverymuch! Any of you who have tried our car seat puzzle before know this is quite the accomplishment!
Jordan, thanks for hanging out with your old aunt and uncle and loving on your cousins! We love you!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Four Decades
The year was 1968 and the wedding had already been postponed several times, so the young couple decided to elope. They got married by a sweaty preacher who had just finished mowing the lawn and was about to take the youth to a "hobo" party. They spent the first year of their marriage on opposite sides of the world.
Today is my parents 40th wedding anniversary! As any couple who have been married this long, they have celebrated many joyous occasions together! Two kids, a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, six grandkids, new jobs, new houses, vacations and more!
They've also buried all four of their parents, lost a brother, and dealt with cancer, heart disease, and epilepsy and probably countless other things they never shared with my brother or me.
For better and for worse - they've seen their share of both. They will tell you the good far outweighs the bad.
For richer or for poorer - although they are probably wealthier now than they've ever been, no one will ever accuse them of being rich! And there were many, many, poor days.
In sickness and in health - Mom has taken care of Dad thru lots of health crises and he's helped her thru the illness of 2006. Mostly, they've been healthy.
Mom and Dad taught me alot about a good marriage and none of that teaching actually involved any words. They taught thru example. They taught thru loving during the hard times and celebrating the good times.
Happy 40th Anniversary Mom and Dad!
I love you!
Today is my parents 40th wedding anniversary! As any couple who have been married this long, they have celebrated many joyous occasions together! Two kids, a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, six grandkids, new jobs, new houses, vacations and more!
They've also buried all four of their parents, lost a brother, and dealt with cancer, heart disease, and epilepsy and probably countless other things they never shared with my brother or me.
For better and for worse - they've seen their share of both. They will tell you the good far outweighs the bad.
For richer or for poorer - although they are probably wealthier now than they've ever been, no one will ever accuse them of being rich! And there were many, many, poor days.
In sickness and in health - Mom has taken care of Dad thru lots of health crises and he's helped her thru the illness of 2006. Mostly, they've been healthy.
Mom and Dad taught me alot about a good marriage and none of that teaching actually involved any words. They taught thru example. They taught thru loving during the hard times and celebrating the good times.
Happy 40th Anniversary Mom and Dad!
I love you!
Friday, August 8, 2008
To Serve or not to serve?
Service. It's become pretty common in our culture. It's hip, it's cool, everyone's doing it. Or are they?
I used to serve weekly. Starting in college, I found some areas where I could help others and it was doing things I really enjoyed.
At Baylor, I was in charge of a weekly afterschool children's ministry in a low-income Waco neighborhood. Basically, I planned games, art and crafts, and snacks for school aged children at a community center. We also helped tutor the kids with their homework. Most of the time it was a fun, relatively easy way to love on some kids who needed it. Occasionally, it was rough. These children didn't always respond well to authority or instruction and really who could blame them? Most of them came from single-parent families who were doing their best just to get by. I'm not sure they all had time for "quality" time with their children when they were trying to pay bills and keep everyone feed and clothed.
When Lance and I got married, my service became whatever the youth at our church were doing. But, my life had changed, I was working full-time and really didn't make service a priority. I had helped with the youth, but these were generally kids who had everything and needed nothing. I was a friend to them, but that was pretty much it.
When N arrived, I was working in several areas of our church, but gave them all up except for teaching my 7th grade girls in Sunday School. I felt like my child needed most of my time (and he did!) and that commitment was the only one I could really make on a regular basis. We have continued to give financially to things such as orphan care and Compassion International, but...
Now, almost 7 years later, I'm ready to begin serving more. LeeLee is 3 now and so things are becoming a little easier for me to do whether at home or elsewhere by either including the kiddos or having some time with their daddy while I serve.
I want my service to be from my heart. I want to do things that I'm passionate about and that I feel I have something to offer. So...here are the few things I'm starting with...
Tomorrow, our church is hosting a retreat for single moms. I so admire these women who are doing everything on their own. I'm on my own for just 2 months of the year and I know how hard it is. I can't imagine always parenting on my own. So, I've volunteered to be in the "pampering" room. We will be doing pedicures and manicures for these women. I'm very excited to do this. We all love to be pampered and it's great to be able to do this for someone else!
A more long-term service project is one our church is doing called Family Promise. This is a ministry with other churches in our community to help families who are homeless. We will host families to sleep/eat in our church building as they try to get permanent housing. This is something Lance and I want our kids to do with us, so they will see the importance of helping others. Our children are so blessed with so much and I want them to know that not everyone has the opportunities they do. So, we will be helping with meal preparation and will be spending one night a week at the church to serve these families during this time in their lives.
As the kids get even older, I'm sure more opportunities will come our way, but we want to keep it simple for now.
I've taken a break to serve my own family for a few years, but I'm ready for our family to now start serving others. It will be fun, it will probably be hard at times, but it's what God has called us to do. Love others.
I used to serve weekly. Starting in college, I found some areas where I could help others and it was doing things I really enjoyed.
At Baylor, I was in charge of a weekly afterschool children's ministry in a low-income Waco neighborhood. Basically, I planned games, art and crafts, and snacks for school aged children at a community center. We also helped tutor the kids with their homework. Most of the time it was a fun, relatively easy way to love on some kids who needed it. Occasionally, it was rough. These children didn't always respond well to authority or instruction and really who could blame them? Most of them came from single-parent families who were doing their best just to get by. I'm not sure they all had time for "quality" time with their children when they were trying to pay bills and keep everyone feed and clothed.
When Lance and I got married, my service became whatever the youth at our church were doing. But, my life had changed, I was working full-time and really didn't make service a priority. I had helped with the youth, but these were generally kids who had everything and needed nothing. I was a friend to them, but that was pretty much it.
When N arrived, I was working in several areas of our church, but gave them all up except for teaching my 7th grade girls in Sunday School. I felt like my child needed most of my time (and he did!) and that commitment was the only one I could really make on a regular basis. We have continued to give financially to things such as orphan care and Compassion International, but...
Now, almost 7 years later, I'm ready to begin serving more. LeeLee is 3 now and so things are becoming a little easier for me to do whether at home or elsewhere by either including the kiddos or having some time with their daddy while I serve.
I want my service to be from my heart. I want to do things that I'm passionate about and that I feel I have something to offer. So...here are the few things I'm starting with...
Tomorrow, our church is hosting a retreat for single moms. I so admire these women who are doing everything on their own. I'm on my own for just 2 months of the year and I know how hard it is. I can't imagine always parenting on my own. So, I've volunteered to be in the "pampering" room. We will be doing pedicures and manicures for these women. I'm very excited to do this. We all love to be pampered and it's great to be able to do this for someone else!
A more long-term service project is one our church is doing called Family Promise. This is a ministry with other churches in our community to help families who are homeless. We will host families to sleep/eat in our church building as they try to get permanent housing. This is something Lance and I want our kids to do with us, so they will see the importance of helping others. Our children are so blessed with so much and I want them to know that not everyone has the opportunities they do. So, we will be helping with meal preparation and will be spending one night a week at the church to serve these families during this time in their lives.
As the kids get even older, I'm sure more opportunities will come our way, but we want to keep it simple for now.
I've taken a break to serve my own family for a few years, but I'm ready for our family to now start serving others. It will be fun, it will probably be hard at times, but it's what God has called us to do. Love others.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Swimming
Swimming...that should be the motto of our summer this year. Summer 2008 - the year of the swimmer.
How weird is it then that my kiddos are just now taking swimming lessons? Who does this? Well, pretty much a momma and daddy that were not on top of things when it came to signing up in the spring! When you wait too long, August is the only time left and 8am at that!!!
So how are the lessons going?
LeeLee is a little fish - she loves to swim!!! and knows no fear!!! In her little class of 3 and 4 year olds, she was quickly given her own little teaching assistant because of her daring abilities and that fact that she is scared of NOTHING!
N, is my fearful child, but is doing well also. He has learned how to do a backstroke this week which is HUGE for him - he has never let us put him on his back before. I'm proud of him and how far he has come this summer. Back in June, he wouldn't even put his head under the water and now he loves to dive under.
Next week, we head south to South Padre Island. Our cottage that we are renting has it's own private pool that we'll swim in, we're also planning beach time and a day at Schlitterbahn. My little fishies will get one more week of glorious summer fun before we head back to school.
N starts 1st grade on August 25th and I honestly can't believe it. Last year was huge starting K, but truly it was harder for me on the last day of school than the first. I guess I saw how quickly time flew by and that before I knew it, I'd be watching him graduate.
1st grade will be fun - he will start getting "real" grades and I'm sure the expectation levels will be higher. We've got new shoes, new backpack and lunchbox, and a new back-to-school outfit (well, shorts and shirt) and his school supplies are purchased. I can't think of anything else to do! We are ready!
Hope you all enjoy your last carefree summer moments!
How weird is it then that my kiddos are just now taking swimming lessons? Who does this? Well, pretty much a momma and daddy that were not on top of things when it came to signing up in the spring! When you wait too long, August is the only time left and 8am at that!!!
So how are the lessons going?
LeeLee is a little fish - she loves to swim!!! and knows no fear!!! In her little class of 3 and 4 year olds, she was quickly given her own little teaching assistant because of her daring abilities and that fact that she is scared of NOTHING!
N, is my fearful child, but is doing well also. He has learned how to do a backstroke this week which is HUGE for him - he has never let us put him on his back before. I'm proud of him and how far he has come this summer. Back in June, he wouldn't even put his head under the water and now he loves to dive under.
Next week, we head south to South Padre Island. Our cottage that we are renting has it's own private pool that we'll swim in, we're also planning beach time and a day at Schlitterbahn. My little fishies will get one more week of glorious summer fun before we head back to school.
N starts 1st grade on August 25th and I honestly can't believe it. Last year was huge starting K, but truly it was harder for me on the last day of school than the first. I guess I saw how quickly time flew by and that before I knew it, I'd be watching him graduate.
1st grade will be fun - he will start getting "real" grades and I'm sure the expectation levels will be higher. We've got new shoes, new backpack and lunchbox, and a new back-to-school outfit (well, shorts and shirt) and his school supplies are purchased. I can't think of anything else to do! We are ready!
Hope you all enjoy your last carefree summer moments!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Crafty, Crafty!
Last night was a rainy night here. Edouard was making his self known and there was definitely no swimming going on at our house. So....what better thing to do than CRAFT NIGHT! I was actually somewhat intelligent and had brand new crafts for my kiddos to work on while I pulled out my....Stamping Stuff. I know some of you are going into shock now and I do want you to sit down and take in some deep breaths. I simply will not be held responsible for you fainting or knocking yourselves unconscious.
So, I made 2 cards last night while the kiddos made their projects and it worked out pretty well. They did want to use my stuff, but I had to let them know I was working on a momma project that kids aren't allowed to do!!
Speaking of cute cards...my friend Emily sent me the cutest card ever in the mail yesterday. Of course being the technological wizard that I am, I can't show it to you, but if you will hop on over to Lacey's blog you can see the cuteness that it is! Thanks Emily for brightening my day! And Lance's too!
So, I made 2 cards last night while the kiddos made their projects and it worked out pretty well. They did want to use my stuff, but I had to let them know I was working on a momma project that kids aren't allowed to do!!
Speaking of cute cards...my friend Emily sent me the cutest card ever in the mail yesterday. Of course being the technological wizard that I am, I can't show it to you, but if you will hop on over to Lacey's blog you can see the cuteness that it is! Thanks Emily for brightening my day! And Lance's too!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
100th post! and I've got a secret!
"Momma, I've got a secret to tell you and you have to promise not to tell Daddy or LeeLee". This is what I hear in the car yesterday afternoon from my 6 y.o. I couldn't imagine what the secret could be, but when we got out of the car at Hobby Lobby, he whispered in my ear...."I have a loose tooth!" I was so excited for him. He is one of the last of his friends to have a loose tooth. Alot of his friends lost their first tooth during kindergarten last year. I promised him I wouldn't tell, although I wasn't quite sure why.
During his bath last night, I asked him if I could wiggle it. He let me and it was VERY LOOSE. I'm wondering how long it's been slightly loose and he's kept the secret from me. I asked him if we could call Lance on the phone (he was at 6 Flags yesterday.) and he told me yes. So we called and told Daddy the exciting news!
Now, though N is nervous about doing anything, because he's worried his tooth might fall out and it would get lost. He probably never would of thought of this, but I told him the story of losing my first tooth in which I actually LOST it. I had to write a letter to the tooth fairy explaining that I no longer had my tooth and would the tooth fairy be so kind as to leave my money anyway. I assured N that if he did in fact lose his tooth, he could also write a letter and that I was sure the tooth fairy would leave money for him as well. This seemed to make him feel better.
The next pronouncement he made was, "well, now I won't have to get braces." HuH? See, he remembered the dentist talking about how crowded his teeth were in his mouth and that he would be a prime candidate for braces. In N's little 6 y.o. mind, lose a tooth, ease the crowding, no braces....oh how I wish it were that easy?!? I didn't have the heart to tell him that his momma had to have 4 teeth pulled and still had braces to ease the crowding in her mouth!
So, now my next question.....what is the going rate for the tooth fairy these days? I'm thinking maybe a little more for the first tooth and then less for all the others?!?
During his bath last night, I asked him if I could wiggle it. He let me and it was VERY LOOSE. I'm wondering how long it's been slightly loose and he's kept the secret from me. I asked him if we could call Lance on the phone (he was at 6 Flags yesterday.) and he told me yes. So we called and told Daddy the exciting news!
Now, though N is nervous about doing anything, because he's worried his tooth might fall out and it would get lost. He probably never would of thought of this, but I told him the story of losing my first tooth in which I actually LOST it. I had to write a letter to the tooth fairy explaining that I no longer had my tooth and would the tooth fairy be so kind as to leave my money anyway. I assured N that if he did in fact lose his tooth, he could also write a letter and that I was sure the tooth fairy would leave money for him as well. This seemed to make him feel better.
The next pronouncement he made was, "well, now I won't have to get braces." HuH? See, he remembered the dentist talking about how crowded his teeth were in his mouth and that he would be a prime candidate for braces. In N's little 6 y.o. mind, lose a tooth, ease the crowding, no braces....oh how I wish it were that easy?!? I didn't have the heart to tell him that his momma had to have 4 teeth pulled and still had braces to ease the crowding in her mouth!
So, now my next question.....what is the going rate for the tooth fairy these days? I'm thinking maybe a little more for the first tooth and then less for all the others?!?
Monday, August 4, 2008
Heart-breaking
I posted last week about one of my fears as a parent. The drowning issue and the importance of watching your children while around water. Little did I know at the time that one of our church family would suffer this horrible kind of death. No, it wasn't a child. It was a mom. A young mom who leaves behind twin 5 y.o. boys. This family was in our community investing in an education for her husband. They are one of many international families who come here for an education and a chance at a better life whether they choose to stay in the U.S. or whether they choose to go back home.
This family had chosen to go back home to Korea. And they were scheduled to leave today. But, it wasn't meant to be. While enjoying the outdoors on Saturday, the mom drowned. The boys were at church yesterday as their father struggled to make plans and figure out how life would go on. My heart aches for them so. To have come this far and lived so far from your home and with the promise of home so close. What a tragedy. We never know when life will be taken from us. We have to make the most of every single day.
It's interesting that this post is today. 5 years ago today, I received a phone call that would forever change my life as well. My brother called early in the morning to let me know my dad had had a heart attack and was in bad shape. As we gathered N and packed for Dallas, I kept telling Lance over and over, "I'm too young to lose my dad, I can't do this." It was a hard day - the drs. couldn't wait his surgery on me - he had a triple bypass and all I could think was, if he doesn't make it, I never got a chance to say goodbye. Thankfully, he did make it and he continued to grow stronger. But, I will never again take the health of my parents or loved ones for granted again. It changed me.
A dear friend of mine, Susan, called me Saturday night and let me know about her dad. He has pancreatic cancer. This is one of the deadliest and quickest forms of cancer. He will be gone soon and Susan knows it, but her heart is breaking. She is the primary caretaker and will have most of the burden on her for his care. My heart aches for her. I listened as she cried on the phone Saturday night. I didn't know what to say or what to do. I could only listen.
Please pray for Esther's family in these days ahead. I can't imagine all that is going thru their hearts and minds. Pray for Susan and her family.
Love those around you and tell them.
This family had chosen to go back home to Korea. And they were scheduled to leave today. But, it wasn't meant to be. While enjoying the outdoors on Saturday, the mom drowned. The boys were at church yesterday as their father struggled to make plans and figure out how life would go on. My heart aches for them so. To have come this far and lived so far from your home and with the promise of home so close. What a tragedy. We never know when life will be taken from us. We have to make the most of every single day.
It's interesting that this post is today. 5 years ago today, I received a phone call that would forever change my life as well. My brother called early in the morning to let me know my dad had had a heart attack and was in bad shape. As we gathered N and packed for Dallas, I kept telling Lance over and over, "I'm too young to lose my dad, I can't do this." It was a hard day - the drs. couldn't wait his surgery on me - he had a triple bypass and all I could think was, if he doesn't make it, I never got a chance to say goodbye. Thankfully, he did make it and he continued to grow stronger. But, I will never again take the health of my parents or loved ones for granted again. It changed me.
A dear friend of mine, Susan, called me Saturday night and let me know about her dad. He has pancreatic cancer. This is one of the deadliest and quickest forms of cancer. He will be gone soon and Susan knows it, but her heart is breaking. She is the primary caretaker and will have most of the burden on her for his care. My heart aches for her. I listened as she cried on the phone Saturday night. I didn't know what to say or what to do. I could only listen.
Please pray for Esther's family in these days ahead. I can't imagine all that is going thru their hearts and minds. Pray for Susan and her family.
Love those around you and tell them.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Weekend fun
We had another fun and relaxing weekend at the casa de Mayes.
Friday night, we went to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion in The Woodlands and saw: Mercy Me, Natalie Grant, The Afters, and Addison Road. It was great. We took some of our youth and our family and even though it was 9000 degrees outside, it was great to be outside and listening to great music! N and L had great fun dancing to the songs and commenting on the light show.
Saturday morning, L had a playdate with Emma, the little girl of my friend Tracy. They didn't really have too much interest in one another while Emma was over, but after they left, L asked when Emma was going to come back. Kids are so funny!
Saturday afternoon and evening, we were truly lazy, lazy - we don't have many days like this and we really enjoyed it - just playing games, laying around, etc. It's so hot right now, nothing outside sounds even remotely fun.
Right now, N has two friends over and L and I are doing "girl stuff" which right now consists of making pretend b-day cakes with purple sprinkles (cause we're girls) out of playdoh and pretending to be rockstars. (L's latest career aspiration!!)
Nothing earth shattering here, but I'm grateful for our quiet little life we lead. We have much to be thankful for.
Friday night, we went to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion in The Woodlands and saw: Mercy Me, Natalie Grant, The Afters, and Addison Road. It was great. We took some of our youth and our family and even though it was 9000 degrees outside, it was great to be outside and listening to great music! N and L had great fun dancing to the songs and commenting on the light show.
Saturday morning, L had a playdate with Emma, the little girl of my friend Tracy. They didn't really have too much interest in one another while Emma was over, but after they left, L asked when Emma was going to come back. Kids are so funny!
Saturday afternoon and evening, we were truly lazy, lazy - we don't have many days like this and we really enjoyed it - just playing games, laying around, etc. It's so hot right now, nothing outside sounds even remotely fun.
Right now, N has two friends over and L and I are doing "girl stuff" which right now consists of making pretend b-day cakes with purple sprinkles (cause we're girls) out of playdoh and pretending to be rockstars. (L's latest career aspiration!!)
Nothing earth shattering here, but I'm grateful for our quiet little life we lead. We have much to be thankful for.
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