God makes great things!

Meet my friend Tisha. I feel so blessed that God put her in my life. We met long ago when I was in the 8th grade. I can't tell you exactly how we met....but we just did. We met a the Tulsa Workshop and we've been friends ever since. Can you believe that we've never lived in the same state? We've been able to keep this friendship all these years without even having to really think about it. Who other than God could be a part of that?

I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world to have Tisha as my friend. She is so caring, so loving, so selfless, and so God centered. When you see Tisha, you see Jesus in her.
Some of my funniest....matter of fact....almost all of my funniest moments have seriously involved her and lots of laughing. When we are together, we laugh, we cry, and we most of all, share a common love for the Lord.

I wish we could be closer and spend more time together, but I think that it makes our time together even better. I miss her terribly and can't wait to see her again.

Tisha....I love you my friend!!!

I only wanted a 25cent refill!!!!!

About 15 years ago I decided to take a job for a local mall management company. I was very young but smart in the way of things worked in a mall. Not sure why...I never even hung out in a mall until then. It was a pretty cool job which lead me to many different roads in my life.

While working there I had many different experiences. I was right out of high school and wasn't a shy girl at all. Except when it came to one thing...meeting guys. I was awful at the dating scene. However, between age 16 and 19, I managed to go out on a lot of dates.

Life was like that up until one day I met this guy at Subway. I would frequently go down the escalators to get a drink refill for only 25cents. I wonder if he ever noticed that my drink started disappearing quicker and quicker??? He must have noticed, because soon, my drink refills were free.

I thought I would play hard to get with this one...but he did that right back. I was in shock. This was not the normal behavior of the guys who hang around malls. He refused to call me, and I told him it was polite for the gentleman to call the lady. He decided to cut his losses and went on his way. I stood speechless!

So one night, as I was closing up the mall with security, a very nice lady came over to me and brought me the most beautiful rose I think I had ever seen.
On the outside of the wrapping it had the name "Chad" and his phone number.
Sheesh....well....I guess I had to call him and thank him for the rose huh?

We soon went on our first date....then the next morning, he totaled his car.
A few months later, he came down with rocky montain spotted fever.
Then his car broken into at work, and so on and so on and so on.
6 months after we were dating, he asked me to
be his wife. (I'm sure he was waiting for that bolt of lighting the next morning) I couldn't think of a better question to be asked. And I made sure to give the appropriate answer.

Tonight we will go out and celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary. Not sure what we will do, but we are very spontaneous. It's really weird that over the course of 13 years, the timeline of events in our life has not been one of positive happenings. It's had lots of hurt, lots of damage, lots of sorrow.
But with that comes lots of healing, lots of resotration, and lots of joy.
The other day, I sat down and tried to list all the things we have in common. Sadly, I didn't come up with very many. I was so upset by this. I know we have a lot more than I came up with!!!!
However, our love for each other is one that I can't describe.
Have we had rough times? Yes! Have we had joy? Yes!!

On this earth there is nobody that I love more than Chad.
There is nobody's arm's I would rather be in.
There is nobody who loves me like he does!

This is the song that we had Tisha and Brishan sing at our wedding...and it still holds true today!
I asked the Lord for someone,
and I always knew that in God's time and in God's way
it would be someone like you.
All my hopes and all my dreams
were suddenly fulfilled
It's almost unbelievable
our love is in his will.

Only God could love you more,
for he gave me this love I have for you.
What a blessing to know He's your Lord,
For only God could love you more, than I do.

I'm tempted to be saying ,
that we met by chance
But God was there at every turn,
In every circumstance
To share this life God gave me
seems such a fearful task,
But every moment we have shared
is more than I could ask

It could be so simple.....but.....

I learned of some news yesterday where some Christians were not being very...well....
"Christlike". All of them from the same denomination just walking different ways in God's green pasture in different congregations. Some wanting to play the "I'm right" game. But why I ask? Who's the only one who is right? Our Father perhaps????

I don't really understand all the disention between congregations especially here in my home town. It seriouly breaks my heart and I imagine what it is doing to God. Sure....He's a pretty big God, and I'm quite sure he can handle all this, but why should he have to?
In the Bible it says that the world will know that we are Christians by love. So...do they? Does the world know that?
It's pretty amazing that God gave us an entire list of instructions to live by and the people who are representing Him...our Father...Our Christ the King, our risen Lord, the healer of all things, can't seem to come to a consensus and live together in harmony.
"Greet one another." Romans 16:16
"Be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2
"Be kind and compassionate to one another." Ephesians 4:32
"Accept one another." Romans 15:7
"Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13
"Encourage one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:18
"Build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Don't slander one another." James 4:11
"Don't grumble against each other." James 5:9
"Forgive each other." Ephesians 4:32
"Confess your sins to each other." James 5:16
"Stop passing judgment on one another." Romans 14:13
"Be at peace with each other." Mark 9:50
"Be devoted to one another." Romans 12:10
"Carry each other's burdens." Galatians 6:2
"Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom." Colossians 3:16
"Pray for each other." James 5:16
"Spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24
"Love one another." John 13:34

Can you look at this list of instructions and see any that you need to work on today? I can find at least 3 and there are proably more that I don't realize.

Oh Father~
Please help me to understand all these instructions you have set before me. Father help me to communicate to my fellow brothers and sisters how you have guided us to live in harmony with one another. Father, you make it look so simple, and it is. Help us to not complicate things. Help us to not rearrange your words. Help us to keep Satan away from attacking our thoughts and creating our own agendas. There is only one agenda that matters in this world and it is yours. Help us to not not fall away from the plan you have made so clear. Amen

Why we love our friends!!!!

Exhausted?? YES!!!

Yes...it is a 3 letter word to answer that question very well! I am so tired and it's hard to get back into the swing of school today. I love the workshop every year and I can't wait 12 more months to do it again.

My personal favorites:
#1...We'll start with the obvious for me....GETTING TO GO TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY MORNING!!!
Yeah...was that the coolest or what? I can't say how many times people came up to me and said "You're not supposed to be here!" Normally, I would find that offensive...but the fact that they recognized that I was there...and I haven't been for 8 months was such a bonus.
It was great to worship with the family again and OH!!!! COMMUNION!!! Can I tell you that I cried through the entire thing. (of couse..when do I not cry?) The fact that I could sit with our family and take in the body of Christ was so overwhelming. I have no words. My breath was taken away. I didn't want to look like an idiot crying so much but I just couldn't help it. It was a beautiful and sweet experience for me to join in again.

#2....The end of church service when the children started coming up and handing the group money. It was so overwhelming....I started crying again. I'm so excited for our friends to go to South Africa and also sad we're not going with them. There's a lot of money to raise in this short amount of time and I am certain that God will provide more moments like yesterday for them to be able to make the trip without any debt. What happened yesterday during the last song could only have been orchestrated by God and it was a beautiful thing.

#3...The sermons that I did get to hear. I'm always blessed by Terry Rush each week via DVD but it was nice to see him again in person. Jeff Walling is always a personal favorite and I was blown away to look over and see my husband in tears during Jeff's message. That is just he needed. That makes me happy.
I love to hear David Fraze and look forward to the next time I can hear him speak God's word in a way that is so interesting.

#4...All my friends in the same place at the same time. I shouldn't call them friends...but family. I look forward to the next event where we will spend time together this year. I wish we could get them here more often.

#5...My kids being really good....other than asking me for a ton of money.

#6...Singing on Wednesday night of workshop. You talk about a rush!!! It was so great getting to look out and see all those smiling faces praising God. It's so not about us singing the songs, but about how God works through us to reach others. I love being one of God's vessels to communicate the message in whatever way that I can. I love that He loves me so much that He will use me for that purpose.

#7....Singing on Thursday night. This was just one of those experiences you would just have to have been there for. It was so much fun and moving. I was surprised I made it to the end of the song before crying. Again....I'm a cryer!

#8....Hearing the praise team sing "There's No God like Jahovah" and seeing Shane have to stand on the stage!!! (PRICELESS)

#9....Did I mention I had the weekend off from work?

#10...The moments that were orchestrated by God. I can't tell you how many of those expereinces I had this weekend. Small little things that only happened by God's devine intervention. I met some amazing people this week and shook the hands of many I didn't know and never will. But if I can touch the hand of one person and communicate God's love, grace, and mercy through whatever it is He calls me to do, then I know I've had a successful day, week, year, or life.

Forgivness is a sweet thing!

Have you ever felt like you've been in someone's grip that has hurt you? Even if it is just a little one? Not even a tight grip...but something that just has a hold of your heart and it's hard to let go?
I think forgivness is a big word. It tells so much about a person. Their strength, their weakness, and also their maturity. Have you ever thought you forgave someone and then continued to hold onto the hurt? Sometimes, it feels like this is easier said than done.
In Colossians 12-17 it says:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Hummm...Forgive as the Lord fogave you??? That's pretty difficult sometimes! But then here we have God saying to us....Look at all I have forgiven for you....and I'm perfect! As His forgiven ones...how can we ever refuse to forgive one another?

Sometimes we become arrogant in our thoughts by not forgiving one another. Do we forget that it is God's judgement that is important? We should trust to let God do His job and we should obey Him by being an example and forgiving all wrongs. We never deserve His forgiveness....but yet..He gave it all just for us. At times...that makes me feel like such a loser! But then...because of Him...I feel like a winner.

So here's what we can do:
We can forgive...because, we are not to judge others. Let's let God do His job and we do ours.
We can pray for others...because God said to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Luke 6:44) (If you're praying for someone...it's really hard for those feelings to keep going)

By forgiving somoeone that has been doing something to hurt you or someone else you love, you are breaking the tie that binds you all to the slavery of Satan.

I'm convinced that if Jesus can forgive those who drove the nails into His hands while hanging on the cross, I certainly can forgive someone for the smallest...and the biggest hurts as well.

A great quote

God never consults your past to determine your future!
Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future!

spontaneity counts!!!!!

Oh my goodness....I had the best night last night.

About 3:00 yesterday afternoon I decided I was just going to drive to Arkansas and spend the evening with Carrie for her birthday. I called her to let her know I was coming and she was excited!!!

So we decided I would meet her at her church since they were having praise team practice. I was so excited to get to meet some of her new church family. They were SOOOO nice and very welcoming. I sang a few songs with them and then went on our way. It was SOOOO much fun getting so sing once again with Carrie. I've missed it so much. I love how they said they prayed that God would bring Carrie to them when they didn't know who she was, and He did. I couldn't think of a better place for Carrie to be.

So after that we went back to their house where I got to see LeGrand and the boys. I LOVE where they live. It's the most beautiful setting. The sky was so beautiful and you could see every star in the sky.

So...we were now on a mission for bargin shopping! And let me tell you....CARRIE CAN BARGIN SHOP!!! I saved $128.00 on the clothes I bought all because this girl say "stylin" me out! I may have to dissappoint her on one thing...but we'll see when she gets here next week. ;o)

We had a fabulous time at dinner and catching up. I CAN'T WAIT to do this again.

It was a VERY short trip but well worth it. On my way home, Carrie let me borrow some CD's I bought her before she left and OH MY GOODNESS....I was totally praising all the way. I know the heavens could hear me flying in my car singing at the top of my lungs.

The whole night was just fantastic and can't wait for more moments like this.

Encouraging myself...

Something I must do often is be an encouragement to myself. It sounds kinds of weird. Others encourage me all the time, but how often do I find myself being encouraging to me? Okay...that just sounds a little weird typing it.

Yesterday I received a much anticipated letter in the mail. I was chosen as an alternate to enter Level 1 nursing in the fall at school. This is a huge step now in my education. Basically...the last leg of it that takes 4 semesters and then I'm done.
I wasn't discouraged by the "alternate" because 95% of alternates get in.

But I didn't jump for joy either. I think I was more scared of where my life is about to go.
My schedule must be rearranged again....most of all, making it a lot more difficult to do the things I love the most. I will have to give up A LOT in order to make this work.

God gave up so much for me and yet, I fret about some of the sacrifices that I must make in my life. He gave up his son for me, and yet, the goals I am choosing to seek take me further away from the house of worship. A place where I can go, be among believers, and worship. I miss that....I need that.

God is so much in my heart. He is now as he will be in the future. Worship is where I make it. Worship is in my heart. Not sure I can ever imagine a day that goes by that I am not engaging in worship with my father.

Last night I was completely exhausted at praise team. We sang, and we sang, and we sang and we sang......and I could have sang some more. My heart was encouraged. I could do that all night long. Sometimes, I don't understand how others can't. I want every possible moment to be able to lift up the name of Jesus.

Shane brought up this song to me Wednesday. I had already heard it a hundred times over and over but every time it takes on a different meaning for me. I went to bed last night listening to it over and over and God just really speaks to me through it.

Sin and its ways grow old.
All of my heart turns to stone.
And I'm left with no strength to arise
How you need to be lifted high.

Sin and its way lead to pain
Left here with hurt and shame
So no longer will I leave your side
Jesus, you be lifted high.

You be lifted high
You be lifted high
You be lifted high in my life, Oh God.
And I fall to my knees so its you that they see, Not I.
Jesus you be lifted high.

And even now that I'm inside your hands
Help me not to grow prideful again
Don't let me forsake sacrifice
Jesus, you be lifted high

And if I'm blessed with the riches of kings
How could I ever think that it was me
For you brought me from darkness to light
Jesus, you be lifted high.

Oh Jesus, you be lifted high
You be lifted high
You be lifted high in my life, Oh God
And I fall my knees so it's you they see, Not I.
Jesus, you be lifted high.

Assistance on the street...

Last night I assisted in my first wreck on the street.

After church, I had gone through the drive through at Arby's at 15th & Memorial. We were waiting for our food and gazing off at the street and all of the sudden I see this lady SLAM into the back of a truck. It was an unbelieveable sight.
I knocked on the window and told them to bring my food to the car so I could go and check on them.
I got to the truck that was hit that had a family with small children on board. They were all just fine. However, I got to the car that hit them and this elderely lady (probably 70-80 yrs old) was unconconcious. The bad part was, all of her doors were locked and I could not get in to help her.
Other people passing by were trying to get in without any luck. They were ready to break her windows out. I could see she was breathing so I asked them to not do anything until help arrived. I didn't want others to move her in case she had hurt her back or neck. If I didn't have to breath for her or get her heart going again I knew we were in good shape!!!
Finally when the fire dept showed up, she woke up...however, she had no clue what was going on. She would NOT open the door. They finally broke the window and were able to get her out safely.
I knew if she was breathing, she was okay so I wasn't too worried.
The car was completely totaled. I'm thankful that this one will not be one of my patients at work this weekend. I think she'll be okay.

Next time, I think she should take the bus.

Anatomy and Vocal Music midterms....

I think one of the best decisions I ever made was to take vocal music this semester. I'm not so sure about anatomy! It's not my favorite class, but I'm hanging in there. If I get frustrated I can just sing my way through the human body. The words fit right along with everything else I'm singing in spanish and Italian. I have no idea what I'm saying. It's pretty funny.

But the vocal class is unbelieveably fun! I reccommend this for everyone just for the fun of it. We have such a blast. I went in of course to learn how to sing but mostly for a confidence booster and boy...do they ever drill that into you.
From day one we've had to be confident with ourselves or we will sink. It's a sink or swim class. We hit the ground running and haven't quit. This is midterm week and today I must sing the songs by memory. I think I'll do okay. You don't have very long to memorize things at all, so you have to really work hard at it. I feel like I've learned so much in the way of singing as well as music theroy. Again, I guess I'll see how that midterm goes.
I think I posted on one of Dusty's blogs that "I wish I knew how to sing Opera" and well...that wish came true.
Once this is over, I will advance to the next class and I can't wait for that!!!

As for the Anatomy...I'll only advace to Physiology...ugh!

Good Church vs. Bad Church

What is the difference? Is there a difference? What is your opinion?

I was in my vocal class this week and we started talking about church. I asked one of the girls where she goes to church and she said she doesn't anymore.
When I asked her why, I got that typical answer..."We got burned where we were going and we won't go back."
She went on to tell me how much she doesn't like the politics of church and all the hypocracy that comes with it.
My reply was..."Well, you just haven't found the right one yet"

I'm not sure that was the best thing I could have said, but at the moment, that's the best I could come up with. When I spoke of how exciting our church was and how they accept you no matter what, she seemed very disinterested.
I was discouraged.

She seems to be a very spiritual woman with a great love for the Lord. If so, then why not go to church.

I struggle with this so much. When I graduated high school, my entire family stopped going to church. Pretty much for the same reasons she stated.
Now, it's very difficult to even get my own husband to take our kids to church.

What is the missing link here?

I know we look to seek and save the lost...but what about those that have wanderred off? Are they lost? Is it okay to take a sabatical?
When is it okay to no longer attend church? Because the people I encouter on a daily basis, feel their way of life is just fine and they don't need the surroundings or christian friends and a christian family.

Me....I can't live without it!

The journey is just beginning....

Ian and I toured Town and Country School a couple of days ago.
When the head of the school called me back my response was:
"I almost wish now that we would not have come"

I liked it that much! Ian like it that much! It was a bit different. 120 kids in the entire school and a maximum of 12 in every class. I could go on and on as there were SO many things I loved about it. For a child with Autism, this is a dream come true.

The down side is now trying to figure out how to come up with the funds to send him there next year. This school runs a little over $8000.00 every 9 months. Yeah! It's steep!
We are really going to have to try and get creative in our financial planning if this is something we are going to do.

They offer partial grants. About 45 people usually apply and it is based on income and need.

The timeline is this:
#1 The first thing that we do is pray. Pray for God's guidance in this entire process and know that if it is the best place for Ian, He will provide when we step out on faith.

#2 We've decided this is where we want him to go and they are willing to accept and help Ian.

#3 May 1st we turn in our forms for the grant. We should hear something back by June.

#4 The school is pretty far away from us (101st & Yale) so we may think about selling our house and moving to something smaller to also bring in more income.

#5 Decided if I must take a break from school temporaily in order to devote more time to Ian as well as take on more hours at work for more income.

So, that's where we are in the process. I will not be discouraged, but encouraged. I will not let this get me down, but rather watch God's hand work in every step. I'm starting to see that more than anything, God designed me to take care of Ian in a way no other mother can. I will spend every breath I take making sure that he is cared for and properly educated. No matter what it takes.
Please take time to pray along side us through this journey.

Why I do what I do!

This is a new friend I made at work and we are excited he gets to go back home tomorrow. It has been a journey and we've loved him dearly. We're happy to see him go back to his family. This is exactly why I do what I do and I love it!

$20.00 waisted...or not???

I got a phone call from the school nurse today regarding Ian.

Nurse: Mrs. Hughes, I have Ian in the office and he says that his lungs are hurting.
Me: Hurting? How?
Nurse: I listened to them and they sound muffeled and have a popping sound.
Me: A POPPING SOUND? Did he eat rocks for lunch?
Nurse: (not laughing) I really think this is serious. I listened and I don't like what I hear.
Me: Seriously? Are you sure he is not faking?
Nurse: I'm not sure he could possibly fake what I heard. I really think you should come get him.

Next move...I call the doctor and relive this phone call. They said to bring him in.

I made arrangements for my mother to take the other two home and I pick Ian up. He looks totally fine to me. I even listened to his lungs and DID NOT hear anything but beautiful clear lungs. He's just truly excited to be going home.

AHHHH HAAA! I think I've figured out that this is not for real...and I have no idea what this nurse was thinking.

So here is the next conversation:
Ian: Mom...where are we going?
Me: To the Doctor's office.
Ian: WHAT???? ARE YOU SERIOUS?
Me: Yes...why?
Ian: MOM..I THINK THE SOUND IS NOW GONE FROM MY CHEST.
Me: Oh no...there's no possible way that it could be gone. I mean...when your lungs are sick, they are really sick. They may have to put you in the hospital if it is bad enough. (Then I proceeded to start using a lot of big medical words he did not know)
Ian: Really mom, I think we can just go home. I don't want you to have to waste your money at the Doctors office.
Me: Why would I be wasting it? Your not faking it are you?
Ian: No! It was really that bad!
Me: Then it's bad enough for you to go to the doctor.

I'm sure by now you've figured out...he's faking it.
We get there and the doctor is running behind...which makes me happy. It will make his wait even longer.

Ian: Mom, can we get something to eat or drink after this?
Me: No, I just spent my last $20.00 until next payday.
Ian: You didn't just spend it on this visit did you??>
Me: Yeah!

After waiting in the lobby for over an hour, we are finally called back. I think by my tone of voice and eye contact the doctor knew exactly what I was doing by bringing Ian in.
Ian starts to panic when the doctor wants to look at him. He was worrying so much and asking the doctor a million questions that the doctor got fed up with him and walked out. He told Ian, "When you are ready to sit down and let me look at you, then I'll be back"
IAN WAS SHOCKED!!!!

He realized that he was being very rude to the doctor and that is why he left. It was such a shock that it made a huge impact on him.
The doctor came back in and said:
"Ian, I just had to figure out who was going to be the adult in the room. You wouldn't let your mom, and you wouldn't let it be me, and I didn't think it was a good idea for an 11 year old to be making all the rules, so I had to leave because there wasn't enough room in here for both of us being adults."

Ian apologized and he let him go through with the examintaion.

And can you guess....THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH HIM!!!!

Guess there were many lessons learned here, so the $20.00 wasn't really wasted afterall.

Today's happenings....

The kids went back to school today.

Lukus came home with a fever again.

I got to discet a sheeps brain.That was cool.

I got a call from a good friend coming through town for lunch tomorrow.

I made a pretty good dinner.

I went to praise team. I miss church.

I'm watching a movie...it's pretty funny.

I talked to Carrie...she looks AMAZING on her new myspace page.

I will study now...then off to bed.

That was pretty much my day!