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!

Update

Update from yesterday....

All 3 of my kids have the flu!
Guess that means a week off school for them!

Do you have a best friend?

This was one of the questions that came up in a recent survey I had to take at work.

"Do you have a best friend at work?"

I was happy that I could answer that question yes. But most of the time, it's not hard for me to make friends. I usually like everyone I meet and the more I get to know them, the more I truly just love them.

This question can pertain to so many different areas of life.
Do you have a best friend at work, school, home, the club, etc?

What makes a person a "best" friend? Are they the person that tells you anything and can trust you with that info? Are they the person that will hold you accountable even though you know it may hurt someday? Are they the person that will stand beside you or even stand up for you in a time of need?

I think in my lifetime, I've always had a "best" friend. It's not always the same person as people come and go throughout your lifetime.

What about teens and youth groups?
I remember my best friend growing up was someone I knew from church. This was a good thing. I know if I had hung out with the kids from school, I would not be where I am today. I had a friend that would hold me accountable for the things I said and did and she would remind me of what was right.

But right now, I see that some kids just don't like church. Why? Is it because they don't have that best friend? Someone who accepts them no matter who they are or how they act?
What do kids have in common right now? If they are happy, they are happy together. If they are mad...they are mad together.
I've noticed that children mimic the behaviors of their parents. If their parents don't like church, neither do they. If the parents don't like the youth minister, then the kids don't either.
What messages are we sending our kids today by our own unacceptable behaviors.
It seems we try so hard to get our kids to act the right way, and then there are parents who go and act just like children. How confusing right?

I remember the days when I went to summer camp with 250+ teens from Church of Christ across the state. I can tell you it was the BEST summer of my life. Especially for my freshman year. That summer shaped the course of my actions until I was a senior.
Why? Because it was at that time that I knew I could have best friends within the church. And it had nothing to do with my home congregation, other denominations, or anything else. I simply knew that from here to Chickasha, Oklahoma, I would have friends that I could count on.

I love having great friends from other congregations. I think it is the coolest thing that I can pick up the phone and know that I have friends from all over that enjoy talking.
I think kids need that too. I know our youth participate in the area wide "Night of Praise" and I think that is the coolest. We need more interaction for these kids now days.

I don't have a teen in any youth group, but next year I will and I'm worried for him. He's never had a best friend yet and he's 11!

I have a saying that I like to use often: "Don't complain about something unless you have a solution to fix it"

I have lots of ideas, maybe not solutions, but it all starts with a best friend.

When God is your ultimate best friend, you win!
When you have a Godly best friend, you win!
Everything else is just what you make it after that.
What will we do with this time that is left?

I don't know how or when but when I leave this earth, I want to make sure I've made a difference. I want others to know how hard I tried. I want to leave a legacy that others remember me by the good that I did, and the failures that I overcame.
I want to be able to make a difference in someones life. In the life of the old and in the life of the young.
I want to be able to have other's say "She was my best friend"

Work with sick, home with sick!

If I'm not working with the sick, I'm taking care of them at home.
All 3 of my kids are sick today with what we like to call "The crud"

I will be asking for that family special today at the doctors office! I'm not sure that works, but when you bring all 3 in at once, I think there should be some perks!

My weekend was fabulous this weekend. It was busy, but I was very productive in my work and that always makes me feel good. Last night the view of the sunset from the 5th floor was just beautiful. The sky was a beautiful shade of red, pink, and orange and was just glowing! I'm not a fan of the orange, but God does have a beautiful sense of humor. ;o)

This morning our house guest left. I guess I can officially talk about it now. Sean Algaier has been hired as the Youth/Worship minster at Jenks church. We are so excited to have our friends moving to town. It's been fun having him around the house this week so we'll miss him while he's gone for the next week or so. But we are counting the days until he returns and gets settled in.

Getting High!

What makes you high? Do you just ever go and get high?

I love to get high! Just like I did last night!
Praising God of course.

Getting high on God is one of the greatest experiences I can have. I love to fill the spirit move. I love to know that when I'm praising...God is praising right along with me.

Those are the times that I don't worry about how I look, or how I sound, or what others are thinking. But mostly, how God feels about what I am doing and is He smiling at me, singing with me, dancing with me, or rejoicing with me.
I'm missed a lot of church this month....I'll blame it totally on all my teachers and these overwhelming amount of test!!! But last night getting together with my small group and just singing was one the the best highs I've needed for a while. I couldn't go to sleep unitl 1:00am! I was so energized!

The good thing is, I'm not exhausted today and I think that is because God filled me with His spirit! Only one that can make me opperate on this small amount of sleep.

My morning didn't start off great today...but that's okay. I think that God prepared me last night for what I had to face today...and you know...I did it very well!

I'm smiling at me today! And so is God! Could my day get any better?

Which kind are you?

I love it when the sun comes out. It is just so beautiful today. It makes me feel so good about everything. Even when things aren't going right, when the sun comes out, it all just feels good.

I had to laugh this morning at Emilie. She has taken up Chad's cleaning habits.

I wonder if any other marriages are like this?

I am the "Picker-upper". I look at something and say..."Not big deal, it's just kids clutter"

Chad looks at it and says...."THE HOUSE IS TRASHED!"

It's nothing that I don't feel I can accomplish in about 30 minutes.

But when it comes to really cleaning, Chad is the "SPRING CLEANER"

If we both think we need to clean the house, I do my 30 minute routine and pick things up and 3 days later, Chad is still scrubbing tile!!

So last night, we were cleaning for some company coming to stay for the week. Emilie asked me how she can help. I said "Just pick up some stuff and put it away"

No big deal right?

This morning, Emilie woke up still scrubbing everything around the house and said
"Mom..I just can't get it clean enough. I want it to look pretty"

Wonder how I can make my boys like this? Is it even possible?

Thoughts......

This is been an unusually rough week. I'm a strong girl in my faith so I think I can handle a little roughness around the edges.

I feel I have some very important decisions to make over the next few weeks regarding my future. I really need to consult God on these and find out just where He wants me to be.

This week I have been shaken, stirred, frightened, and felt dispair about Ian. I don't know where to turn. I am tired and I am weak.
But I found hope in these words:
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

I ask on numerous occassions "God why did you give me this child?"
It feels more like an assignement I am failing. Will I be graded in the end? I'm not cut out for this.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I may have to take some time off school and devote more time to my family. Choices!

Have you ever tried uncensored writing? I'll give it a shot.

My passion is failing
My eyes are heavy
My strength is gone
My hope is diminished
Today is just another day and tomorrow will start anew.
A Fresh start
A new sun will arise in the morning...as will I.
I will get a hug today, from the one that I just can't send away.
My heart hurts for him. My heart hurts for me.
Where is my rainbow? Where is my sunshine? These thoughts are selfish.
It's not about me.
This is not me. I've lost me. Where am I?
Thoughts a mom should never have. Cries a mother should never have.
Where did it all go?
Did I make a mistake? Have I lost the past 3 years?
I will not be sad anymore. Pain and sadness will not win.
God will win. He gives me strength I didn't know I had. He dries my eyes.
I must make a decision. The future....not sure what to do.
I am not superwoman nor do I have superpowers.
I am just tired. Pray.

The new look

Okay...it's not too differrent, but my hair is now BLACK!

Portable Sounds

An Ocean Size Love!!!

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He felt important!

Saturday proved to be yet another weekend of hard work. I was happy that when I went to work yesterday, things had setteled down a bit. The most exhausting part is when you are holding up a wife or a husband when they are having to let their family memeber to got God. It doesn't hit you about 24 hours and then it's all at once. It was also nice to see a fimilar face in the crowd. Aaron Henley was seeing patients yesterday and stopped me to say hello.

But one exciting thing did happen....I got a DOZEN beautiful roses delivered to work. I was so excited to see the pink and peach roses mixed together in the most beautiful vase. Oh, and did I mention, they came from my wonderful husband? I feel so lucky that he married me. I get teased at work a lot that I'm treated like a princess. I'm just glad we can have fun and joke together. All I wanted was a 25 cent refill and I got a husband. I guess I can't complain.

Chad feels much better today and is back at work. I was excited to hear he went to church yesterday.
Ian woke up to tell me this morning how excited he was. He got to serve communion and he said "I felt so important"!!!

It's amazing how little things in the kingdom can feel like such big things. All Ian wants to do is feel important, and whoever let him serve, gave him just what he needed. That's what family and community is about. And I love that.

Again....Husbands should not stay at home sick! This is what my husband is watching!

Things Husbands SHOULD NOT SAY!!!

Chad is missing ANOTHER day of work today!!! He is really sick! If he's not better by this afternoon...we'll be making a trip to the ER. Pray for him!

BUT!!!!

Even in his state of illness...he comes up with the most odd things to say to me.

We're sitting here watching the best of the 80's vidos and here appears Boy George.

And Chad very seriously says:

"Hey...you're hair use to look just like that"

Again....things husbands should not say to their wives.

Oldies but goodies!!!

Today I will talk about my favorite class at school because quite frankly...the real classes just stress me out! I'm all about the electives!

So I opted to take vocal music this semester for 3 reasons:

1: I needed an elective

2: I needed an easy A

3: My other option was bowling.

I really wanted to take this class to learn to sing better. I LOVE to sing and it fills my heart with so much joy. However, I'm not that great at so you won't be seeing me ever show up on American Idol. (Oh..and then they have that whole age limit thing)

So I about died laughing yesterday during class when the instructor says:

"Today we're going to learn a new song."

I'm thinking YAY!!!! I love learning new songs...especially after we have sang the other 5 about 100 times over and over.

So here we go...I'm all excited....and ready to sing and she says:

"Turn to the song 'Our Love is Here to Stay...by George & Ira Gershwin"

WHAT????

I've never heard this song. I think she can tell by the look on my face. But can I say this.....

I am the oldest person in this class. Just remember that!

Next she says:

"Can you tell me when this song was written?"

Oh Yeah!!! I'm all about that! Uh huh!!! 1938!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!

I've experienced this even with Shane during praise team. He'll look around and ask..."Ya'll know this song" and everyone says "Yes" and here is me.....little ol' me....laughing to myself and saying "Nope" and then I look down! Well of course...it was written in the 1800's.

So not only at church, I'm getting this kind of humor at school now.
Guess I'll go study up on my Gershwin now!

Mommy said..."Don't be like me"

Yesterday I was going through Emilie's papers from school. She had some absolutely perfect papers and I was so proud of her. I complimented her on her progress and she said..."Oh be quiet mamma".
I was a bit shocked to hear her say these words as it is not something that normally comes from her. She wasn't saying it to be rude, but rather than she did not want to hear the compliment.
SOOOO...later on, I was fixing her hair and told her how beautiful she was and she responds with..."Stop saying that mamma....I'm not pretty". Again...I was shocked.

Children certainly live what they learn. For the longest time, this is something I struggeled with. Self esteem! I'm not saying I still don't, but I've gotten much better and receiving compliments and praises than I use to. Now I've learned to say "Thank You" and appreicate the love and support from others.

It's amazing to think of all the times I didn't receive it from others. Does that mean that when God is trying to compliment me that I'm not listening or recieiving his praises?

I think we have a God who loves us so much and wants us to feel good about ourselves no matter what the circumstances are. I don't think He wants us...as His chirldren....to look upon ourselves like Emilie was. I think He wants us to see the beauty in what he created us to be.

One down....

One down and one more to go this week....TEST that is. Whew! At least tomorrow I get to use notes on the test.
You ever have those moments where you just don't think you can fit anymore information in your small little brain? ;o)

I was so excited this morning as I woke up early and watched the sunrise. That is something I love to do.

One of my best sunrise stories is this:
I took a group of about 60 laides to a lake for a weekend retreat. About 10:00 that night before we dismissed for the evening, I told them that they needed to be on the hill...lakeside...at 5:15am. I could tell I wasn't getting good reactions from them at this point...but I had a plan.
It was really cold outside so I told them to dress warm and bring blankets. I was the first one down and I just sat in the dark as the sky was just getting ready to turn pink. I had brought a CD player with some of my favorite worship music that just tugged on my heart. So I sat..and just started to sing with the music. After about the thrid song I could hear others singing behind me as the women gathered around. It was a great feeling to know I was surrounded by my sisters in Christ. Just as the sun peaked over the hillside and began to reflect off of the lake...I passed communion back behind me hoping the others would join in breaking the bread with me. By the time we were finished, the sun was fully up, we were standing on the hillside rejoicing in song together. It was such a memorable experience for me.

Everytime I see a sunrise I remember that moment like it was yesterday.

I'm growing weary....again.

Boy...I think it goes in cycles! I'm not old enough for a midlife crisis or anything.

Work is becoming more challanging each week. I can tell you that I have job security. As long as there are guns, kinves, cars, and well, just about anyone breathing...I have a pretty stable job.
Some weeks are slow, others are like this weekend and just kick my tail. I know this when I get up on Monday morning and it's hard to move my legs! ;o) Oh the cramps and soreness! Yikes. I've been told if I strectch before I go to work, it won't be so bad...however, at 4am...stretching is the last thing I have on my mind while getting ready for work.

The weary-ness comes in from missing friends and family. Our family had another birthday party to celebrate this weekend and again, I was unable to attend. I could have gone at the end just for a short visit but I was so tired, I had to come home and crash. I miss getting to spend time with my family.

I miss church terribly. I miss it even moreso since Chad won't go without me. This is not creating a good life for my children. I understand his reasoning. I just don't think it's good for my kids NOT to go to church. I don't think it's good for HIM not to go to church. And even for that, I don't think it's good for me to not be going. July is my one year date for this agreeement at the hospital. I haven't figured out how it is going to work when I ask off for Sunday's. Just looks like I'm not going to be able to do that and that is also discouraging. I love that everyone I work with is a christian and it makes it so much easier to be at work each week. They have become my family but can never replace my church family.

This week will be rough. I have two exams back to back Tuesday and Wednesday so I have my nose in a book for the rest of the day now. (On top of going to classes)
And you know....this will get worse before it gets any better. I don't have to like it, but I'm guess I'm just okay with it.

It's gettin' tough now!

I'm studying for quiz that I have tomorrow on the pelvic girdle...aka...hip bones!

Can't we just call it hip bones? Sheesh! I have to know every little bump and groove in the bones and well...I don't think there is a lot of meaning to the names that were given. HUMMM.

So I sit here and take a break!

I got my certificate today saying I made the Presidents Honor Roll! Yay! That really excites me!

A COOL thing about my anatomy class is this! Last week I looked over and saw a girl I thought I knew. Now...since I changed campus' this semester, I didn't think that was likely to happen. However, I didn't know her from school, I knew her from church! Yep..it was Ashley Webb.

I didn't know if she remembered me so I went over after class to re-introduce myself. But she remembered. It's nice to know someone else in the class. Especially since this is a hard class. She is also a nursing major and working on her pre-reqs.

God just continues to show me just how small the world is everyday. I'm always running into people and that's pretty cool. I'm happy to share in the kingdom as well as anatomy class with Ashley. I think it's pretty awesome stuff!

Today was the final meeting (for now) on the IEP process. Still it was a little emotional for me by the time I left. I guess I'm glad that I learned to hide my feelings during situations such as these. I believe that Ian will start receiveing official services beginning tomorrow.
I was a bit discouraged to hear the principal asking me if I would object to holding back Ian AGAIN!!! As this thought did not settle well with me, it is something I must consider. I just wonder how many times they will want to hold him back over the years. He may not graduate until he is 30!!!

We started OT at Therapy Concepts and I was quite impressed. Ian left feeling very good and was quite happy so that was very refreshing. I loved the team of PT's and OT's there. They seemed to work very well with Ian. For now, he will go two days a week and we will be taught the things that work best for him at home.

At school I'm coming up on my first series of test. I have taken lots of quizzes this semester...and...not to toot my own horn or anything, but I've made a perfect score on every one! Yay! I need all the extra points I can get! I'm more excited this semester about school that I was in the last semester. I only have one more pre-req that I will take this summer and by God's grace, I will get in the program this fall! Then only 4 more semesters left! UGH!!!

I've fallen behind on my bible study over the past week and a half and I've been trying to catch up. Sometimes, I just don't know what to study anymore. Someday's it's very clear and others are truly an act of God.

Starting a new week

This weekend at the Pink Palace proved again to be a very busy one. I wasn't prepared to be so exhausted when I got home yesterday. It's funny how the adrenaline kicks in just at the right time. I use to love the sound of helicopters, but now...it means my life...and someone else's is about to get very busy! I can't believe how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time when you are pressed for time. And when a persons life is lying in your hands, time is precious.

I'm so sad about Bells Amusement Park leaving! I really hope they will eventually re-locate it but it's just sad to watch them take all the rides apart. Not all cities have an amusement park and I thought we were original.

Tomorrow is our IEP meeting and everything will start this week.

Ian will start OT on Wednesday for the sensory disorder. I pray that goes well.

What you did, knew, and know?

I remember being 17 and thinking I had it ALL figured out. Life was fun for me. I've been caught on many occassions saying "If I were only 17 again"! That was such a fun year for me. I graduated high school, had TONS of friends, and didn't really have a care in the world. I wasn't going to college after high school and really, I was a social butterfly.

I thought at 17 I knew it all. However, I was caught at this age telling someone that my mother knew EVERYTHING. Believe me, I have lived to regret that comment. She likes to bring it up often. ;o)

I was part of the whole 'dating' scene and never turned anyone down. I looked at it as an opportunity to get to know another person to hang out with. I truly loved life. Sure....I loved having no responsibility and living carefree.

I knew it couldn't last forever though. By the time I turned 18, which wasn't long after I graduated I had landed a job in a bank that kept me within the banking industry for 12 years. Still, I thought I knew it all at 18.

Life has a funny way of showing you just how much you DON'T really know and putting things in perspective for you.

Still, at age 33, I don't know it all and I long to know more. But it's a different type of knowledge now...then it was at 17. Some are still the same, I still long to know the ways of the world, but now my perspective is what can I do to contribute to this society that my children are growing up in. I still long to have friends, but now I long to find quality and not quantity. I still long to be that social butterfly, but I want to do it making a difference in the lives of others.

It's just amazing how perspective changes over time.

Maybe my next post should be about "What I want and what HE wants from me!" How can I fit that in!

Hummm...still thinking...to be continued!

How can you help?

Watershed has the opportunity to go to South Africa this year which hopes to be quite an amazing adventure. You can read about this mission to serve at www.chrislindsey.blogspot.com

A bit of motiviation

Update on the facial injury.....
I had x-rays taken at work today and the doctor said the following:

"Well...it doesn't look too bad...other than you jammed your jaw into your SKULL"

My reaction was of some shock and my question was that of a typical patient....

"Is that bad?"

We had a good laugh. Acutally, they think it is going to heal on its own but will take about 6-8 weeks. Yikes! At least I don't have to have my mouth wired shut.
************************************************************************************

In my bible study today...I was motivated. Not that I'm not usually motivated, but sometimes, things just hit me just where I need to be hit.

I want to strive to live a better life and example for others and I want to movtivate others to do the same. Sometimes, I just don't find that little something I need to get me going when I fall off track.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like" (James 1: 22 - 24).

If the good book says be "doers" of the word then why can't I always do that? Well..cause I'm human! And a sinner!
But what if I picked one verse and tried to do that one thing for a day?
Such as: forgiving as we have been forgiven....then can I do that for one day? Can I decide that in no matter what situation that comes my way....I will forgive?
Even better...can I ask for forgivness in all the things that I see myself doing wrong each day?
Can I build on this each month, week, or day? We'll see.

What other examples can you think of that you could try for one day that the bible tells us to do.?

Holy Cow! I got tagged!

I am so excited today! I got tagged and really don't know the meaning of what's going on. It's totally like recieving those chain letters in the mail...Yeah! I feel important!!! Thank you Heather! I am just giddy about this today! You made my day!

So this is what I have to do!

Here is how it works:
1) Grab the book closest to you
2) Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence
3) Post the text of the following three sentences
4) Name the author and book title
5) Tag three people to do the same

Each bone in the body has a distinctive shape and characteristic external and internal features . Elevations or projections form where tendons and ligaments attach and where adjacent bones articulate. Depressions, grovves, and tunnels in bone indicate sites where blood vessels and nerves lie alongside or penetrate the bone.

Author: martini/Timmons/Tallitsch Title: Human Anatomy

(Okay...it probably wasn't as great as everyone elses...but litterally...this was the book sitting on my lap at the moment. Jeanne...I haven't had a chance to start my book I won so if you are already finished with yours...I'll let your read this one too.....I just can't wait to read both of them!)

Okay.....so I tag....CARRIE STRICKLAND, JEFF JENKINS (cause I know you're reading my blog now) AND CHRIS LINDSEY (someone who NEEDS to update his blog...Love ya brother!)

Funny & Exciting!

FUNNY!!! Chad was making "Manwich" tonight for dinner and when he told Emilie what was for dinner she said:
"WHAT'S A MAN TWITCH?"

EXCITING!!! A dear friend is coming to town next weekend to interview for a job. I'm so praying he gets it and is blessed by it as well as pouring out blessings to those he encounters! I can't wait until they get here!

How well do you REALLY know me?

Do you ever wonder how much people know about you? I once wrote a timeline about my life. Some find it very comical. Some find it depressing! I find that it has a great story behind it that still does not have an ending.

1973: I was born...while mom was in labor....our house burned.

1978: Started Kindergarten

1979: Had my first encounter with sexual abuse that continued until
1986. This WAS my childhood.

1986: My abuser died! God, please forgive Him.

1987: I was baptized.

1988: I went on my first date (memorable...yet boring!)
Got my first speeding ticket

1990: Started my senior year of High School...I loved this year! I was totally
boy crazy and loved hanging out with my friends.

1991: Had my first wreck...I hit a man on a 2 day old Harley!
Graduated High School...Barely! I had mono and almost didn't make my
graduation.

1992: Met Chad at the local mall. (That's a story in itself)

We went on our first date...the next morning..he totaled his car.

1994: We were married during workshop & also spring break.A tornado hit during our wedding. It was quite the excitement. However...we said our vows and that was that!
South Padre was NOT the place to be! Our condo was TRASHED, changed hotels at a higher
price, nearly crashed a beach buggy, and got severely sunburned
the first day. SEVERELY!
Yeah..you know that means for the honeymoon!

1995: Had our first son, Ian. Born small and with many complications, we had a long road ahead.

10 days later, Ian arrested in the hospital and had a loss of oxygen to the
brain. Later we find this is his cause for developmental disorders.

1997: We had our second son...big and healthy.

1999: Had a girl! Yipee...WE'RE DONE!

2002: Faced difficulties in marriage....ready to file for divorce.

A few weeks later attended Pathway's which changed our lives forever.

2003: Renewed our wedding vows with the most awesome ceremony in Dallas.

2005: I quit my job and started back to school. YAY!

2006: I started working in the Truama Unit and loving it!(except for the schedule)

2008: Chad found spots of Melanoma
I had a hysterectomy, had to quit school and rethink my future.

Today...I really love my life. I love the story of my life. It's filled with sadness, excitement, drama, love, and so much more. I can relate with so many people in so many different circumstances. I don't regret any of my life. It has molded me and shaped me for who I am today. I don't blame anyone for the events of my life...and what I have listed is only a fraction of what I've gone through.
Everyone has a story...and everyone is unique. That's what I love about people. Everyone has a story!

Romans 5:3-4
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Day 4!

An extreme amount of pain!!!

Please pray!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

Day 3...when will it end?

Already the snow is falling again here in Tulsa. It seems like this stuff is never going to go away. School is out again tomorrow...and we should just say...it will be out all week! Another winter storm is supposed to hit on Saturday & Sunday.

Prayers needed:
Chad just called as he fell at work and hit the back of his head. He thinks he will be okay...but will probably have a good knot and a nice headache. He was walking back to his truck from a drop off (FedEX) and almost got to the truck and his feet slipped out from under him.

I'm starting to find bruises on me in places I didn't realize I hit. I look like I have a goatee from the road rash. The lip looks worse but is feeling a little better. My head hurts tremendously as well as my shoulder still.

And several people have asked for an updated picture. So I'll send one so I can gain all the sympathy I can get! Normally....Nobody would EVER SEE ME LIKE THIS! But here is me and the one I was trying to save!

Day 2 of pain!

I keep looking at that profile picture of mine and realize how much I miss smiling! No one to make me laugh right now and even if it is funny...it hurts way too much.

Day 2 has been quite an ordeal. It's 5:00pm and I'm STILL in bed.

I got up twice finding I quickly had to lay back down. I've been extremely dizzy and with the headache I have....it's just not good to stand on both feet. I'm concluding at this point I may have a slight concussion.

I'll spare sending any pictures at this point. I saw the looks on my kids faces today and it was sheer horror.

"MOM!!! YOUR LIP IS HUGE AND YOU HAVE BLACK EYES!!!"

Quickly I told Ian to get me a mirror....HE REFUSED!!!

I'm surprised how quick the lip is healing. The hole is now sealed up and it's already starting to look like one GIGANTIC canker sore! (No lemons or salt for me)

Please be in prayer tonight that tomorrow I might be able to get out of bed. I called both of my instructors and explained to them the situation and let them know I would not be at school tomorrow. Both agreed it was okay.

Please be in prayer that I will not be in so much pain tomorrow. I can't lift up my right arm very high at all. My bruised hip makes it very difficult to stand up and well...then just the pain of everything today has been unbelieveable.

Never did I realize how saving your own child from harm could hurt so much.

It's all fun....

Until MOMMY gets hurt! ;o(

Our day turned out pretty fantastic this afternoon. The sun came out...so we decided to go sledding! MY parents live on a pretty big hill so it's always fun to go there and see how fast we can go. As you can see from the pics, We were quite excited for the adventure...and then...well...I bit the dust. I was actually trying to protect Emilie from a car that was sliding and couldn't stop so I decided to throw myself in front of her. That's what a good mother would do right? Well...my faced kissed the ground which was a solid sheet of ice. So as you can see...I #1...bit through my lip...#2...butsted open my chin...and #3...have road rash. My jaw hurts extremely bad as well as my arms and legs. None to which hurt near as bad as my FACE!!! Ouch!!!

Gotta Love ICE!!!!

Kids are little daredevils. They wanted to go out and play in the ice today but when I turned around...they were on their bikes. YIKES! I may work at the hospital but I don't want my kids as patients there! I quickly snapped a couple of pictures and then they had to put their bikes away.







I love how Lukus is talking to Emilie about how not to step there.....you'll fall in the water!

Prayers are good stuff!

Don't you love it when you ask someone to pray for you?

I'm not one that likes to do that often. I'm more of a "I have this friend who needs prayers" type of person.

I learned over the years to admit my faults and that part comes quite easily! ;o)
What I have trouble doing is asking someone to pray on my behalf. That's admitting my fault to someone else and makes me vulnerable. Silly little me.

Last night I struggled with a fault of my own and lost sleep over it. Today I asked a friend to be in prayer that I may overcome my faults.

It's amazing how much is lifted when you come to your brothers and sisters and let them pray for you. Therefore, the spirit intercedes for you.

Romans 8:25-27 says: (The Message)
All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Not like I haven't heard it before.....but...THAT'S JUST SOME GOOD STUFF!!!

And so it begins....4th day of school!

I haven't made it through the first week of school yet and I've already had one quiz, gone through 6 chapters combined, and I'm not totally lost! I was very excited to look at my PERFECT score on my quiz today! Total memorization is all I can say! There's no other way around it! Because there is no multiple choice in the medical field!!!

Unfortunately, the migraines are back with vengeance!!! I will go back to see the eye doctor again soon so I can find out if there are any adjustments needed to be made. But I don't enjoy wearing my glasses at all. Sometimes you have to do the things you just don't like to survive huh?

I've been reflecting on quiet times this week. I've had a lot of time to just sit and think at home while being surrounded by the quietness. I should probably use those moments to study but I've really needed some time of rest and solitude. Since I don't get a chance to attend much of church, I like times of reflection. I also find myself often watching those Evangelist on TV too. (Outside of the wonderful
DVD's of Terry I get each week....those come first)

But I think it's good to stop and think of God. Just think about Him. What do you think about?

Sometimes for me...it depends on the day. I think of the blessings I have, the hard times I have, the gifts I've received, etc. But when I stop and think about it...those all start with "I".

I've been working on different ways to praise Him and make my lack of churchgoing a lot less about me and a whole lot about Him. Ways of Thanking Him, Blessing His Name, Digging into the Word, Accepting His Grace (hard for me), Knowing His Glory, and so many other things.

I am a person that is very critical of myself so when I screw something up....I have a hard time accepting His grace. I know it's there and I have a very forgiving Father. I need to model His image more and not try to BE him...if that made sense. Forgiveness begins with me and is about me. So if I can't forgive myself for my own mistakes, how do I expect Him to? I don't have to think about it....because He just does!

Bob Hostetler wrote an article called 31 Ways to Praise and I have that on my fridge to remind me when I have some down times. I really like it as it is a quick reminder when I walk by that in all things, give him praise!

God the Creator
"Creator God, I praise you because you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you'. . . . " (Nehemiah 9:6).

The Only God
"God, I praise you because you are the LORD, and there is no other; apart from you there is no God. . . ." (Isaiah 45:5).

The Almighty God
"O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD," and I praise you . . . ." (Psalm 89:8).

The Everlasting Father, the Ancient of Days
"I praise you, Lord, as the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9), the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6), who lives forever and ever. . . ."

A Loving God
"I praise you because you are a loving God, whose very nature is love. . . ." (1 John 4:16).

A God of Justice
"Lord, I praise and magnify you, who is just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. . . ." (Romans 3:26).

The Trustworthy God
"Heavenly Father, I give you my praise and adoration, because you are a "faithful God, keeping [your] covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love [you] and keep [your] commands. . . ." (Deuteronomy 7:9).

A Merciful God
"You, O Lord, are a gracious and merciful God," (Nehemiah 9:31), and I praise you for your great mercy. . . ."

God my Refuge, my Fortress
"I praise you, Lord, for you are my mighty rock, my refuge. . . .'" (Psalm 62:7).

A Long suffering, Persevering God
"Father, I praise you because you are patient with [all your children], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9). Thank you for your patience with me. . . ."

The Only Wise God
"I give praise to you, my Father, the only wise God [my] Saviour' (Jude 1:25). May all glory and majesty, dominion and power, be yours both now and ever. . . ."

The Holy One
"Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. . . ." (Revelation 4:8).

A Personal God
"I praise you, God, because you are a personal God, who gives me the honor of
knowing you personally, just like you did to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. . . ." (Matthew 8:11).

A Giving God
"Praise and honor be yours, O God, because you are a generous God, who did not even stop short of giving your own Son (John 3:16). . . ."

The Provider God
"I praise you today, Lord, as my Jehovah-jireh, who will generously provide all [I] need'. . . ." (2 Corinthians 9:7).

The Shepherd God
"I bless your name and praise you as my Jehovah-rohi, who will shepherd me and guide me in the paths of righteousness for your name's sake" (Psalm 23:1-3).

God my Victory
"Praise to you, my God, because you are my Jehovah-nissi, God my victory, who always leads [me] in triumphal procession in Christ'. . . ." (2 Corinthians 2:14).

God my Peace
"I praise you with all my heart, Lord, because you are my Jehovah-shalom, the God of peace [who] will soon crush Satan under [my] feet. . . ." (Romans 16:20).

The God Who Heals
"Father, I praise you because you are the Lord who heals me. . . ." (Exodus 15:26).

The God of All Comfort
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. . . ." (2 Corinthians 1:3).

The God of Miracles
"Lord, I praise you because You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the people'. . . ." (Psalm 77:14).

A Forgiving God
"I want to bless you with my praise, Father, because you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love'. . . ." (Nehemiah 9:17)

The Burden-Bearer
"Praise be to the LORD, to God [my] Savior, who daily bears [my] burdens'. . . ." (Psalm 68:19).

A Faithful God
"I praise you because your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies'. . . Great is your faithfulness'. . . ." (Psalm 36:5; Lamentations 3:23).

God the Blessed and Only Ruler, King of kings and Lord of lords
"All honor and praise be to you, my God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords'. . . ." (1 Timothy 6:15).

God the Liberator
"I praise you because You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD'. . . ." (Psalm 70:5).

The Lifter of My Head
"Father God, I praise you because you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head' when I am weary or depressed. . . ." (Psalm 3:3).

A God of Light
"I praise you, Lord, because you are my light and my salvation,' and because you know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with you'. . . ." (Psalm 27:1, Daniel 2:22).

A God of Joy
"I give you my praise, O Lord, because you have granted [me] eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of your presence'. . . ." (Psalm 21:6).

The God Who Answers Prayer
"I praise and honor you, Father, because you are a God who loves to answer prayer, and who begins to answer even before I begin to pray" (Isaiah 65:24).

The God of All the Earth
"I praise and adore you, Lord, as the Holy One of Israel. . . [my] Redeemer. . . the God of all the earth'. . . ." (Isaiah 54:5).

Did God make that?

Today Emilie was looking through my anatomy book and this is our converstaion:




Emilie: Mom...did God make those eyeballs?
Me: Yes he did!
Emilie: All slimy and gross like that?
Me: Yes, he sure did!
Emilie: Why didn't he put those eyeballs on a person?
Me: He did...but someone cut them out of a person!
Emilie: OH!!!!! YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO THEM???
Me: WHAT???
Emilie: The Devil will get them for that one! Um....we quickly had a converstaion about eye donors!

Boys!

Why is it that boys ALWAYS want to wear shorts? Even on the coldest days....Lukus is begging me in the morning to wear his shorts! Don't your legs get cold? Do you not know it is winter? I am so lost as to why this boy wants to wear shorts everyday! I even went out and bought brand new jeans!!!! HE WON'T WEAR THEM! It's shorts or nothing! (Okay...well not nothing)
I finally convinced him today that he can't wear shorts again until he wakes up in the morning and it is over 50 degrees outside! So now I have him watching the weather continusly! Oi!

Toilets! Seriously!!!!!!

There are some things in life that I just find rather funny! Toilet seats! Have you ever been to the local hardware store to see just how many different ones they have on display? I had to laugh and think..."Who would buy these?" Seriously! I don't want one I can see through and I certainly don't want one that glows! But you can even have them custom made to say whatever you want! I just find this totally amusing! I have no idea what mine would say....but I think I'll stick with the standard white toilet seat!

Join me in praising!

Yesterday Ian came home in the best mood! As a matter of fact, he went to school in the best mood! He even told me he loved me as he got out of the car this time.

The car conversation yesterday:

Ian: Mom...I was REALLY good today.
Me: Really? I'm so proud of you!
Ian: Mom...seriously, this is good news.
Me: Yes Ian! It is really good news.
Ian: Did my teacher e-mail you and tell you?
Me: Not yet, but I'm sure she will! Did she tell you how good you were?
Ian: Yes she did!
Me: How did that make you feel?
Ian: It felt great! I want to have another good day tomorrow! The teacher never did e-mail yesterday and confirm this good news. However, this afternoon, she sent me an e-mail that said Ian has now had 2 really good days and is showing improvement in his work!

Praise God this is the best news I have heard this year and the IEP has not even started yet!!!

Another day...another semester

Tomorrow I start another semester tomorrow. I am normally really nervous and worried....but I'm actually excited to start classes again.

Last semester was really rough for me emotionally at school and at home so I think I am just ready to get the ball rolling again. The classes get a little more difficult each semester, but again, I think I will be okay this semester. I guess it's normal to go through periods of burnout and growing weary of this whole school thing. If I loved it 100% of the time I would probably not be a normal.

So I'm home tonight ready for a good nights sleep and back to my normal routine tomorrow.

Something is seriously wrong with me!!!

Tonight we went to dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse downtown. This is normally our night to just go out and have a nice dinner somewhere. Kinda a date night...except tonight, we had our kids.

Anyway...the servers started clapping and walking over to a table to sing the happy birthday song of their choice. All of the sudden they go to another table....and then another....and pretty much...they just save it all for one moment and sang to everyone at the place that had a birthday.

However, I don't know WHAT happened to me but while they were singing to the table next to us....tears filled my eyes. Chad looks at me and says: "Are you laughing or really crying?"
I had to admit I was really crying and I had NOOOO idea why! I was dumbfounded as to why I was even crying. I was even embarassed by this.
I will cry at anything!!! It drives me nuts!!! Seriously!

Conversations with Theresa!

This is why soprano's act up at Praise Team Rehersal!

Me: I can't sing this song...it makes me laugh cause it has the word "Thorny" in it and it makes me think of that movie with the Wal Mart baby!

T: Yeah..they have some weird names in that...like...NOVA LEE! Who would name their kid NOVA LEE?

Me: But what about her kids names?

T: Uh..Brownie

Me: Ha! Baby Ruth....and what's that other name?


This conversation went to every snackfood name at this point that we could think of.

Twinkie? Oatmeal Cream Pie? Snowball? Then my favorite....MOON PIE! I was determined the child's name was MOON PIE! I left trying to convince T that it was MOON PIE!

Well...it was really....Brownie, Praline, Baby Ruth, and Cherry!

What happens when friends come to town?

We go to lunch and watch Mr. Rogers making pottery....
We play with lizzards...
And sit around playing on all 3 laptops!
Thank God for special friends!



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What's more important??

Ian is so fixated on the earth, space, asteroids, and meteors.

This morning on the way to school he was talking non stop about a science magazine he read and how a meteor is going to hit the earth in the next few years. He proceeds to tell me how they are doing everything possible to divert the direction of this meteor so that it will save the earth.

As I listened to him go on and on about this in a rapid speech pattern, I started wondering....."Does he know that Jesus will come to save us?"

So I decided to ask him.

Me: "Do you know what it says in the Bible about the last days?"
Ian: "I know God said He would never flood the earth again, but I've seen a lot of rain."
Me: "So how will we know when the last day is?"
Ian: "The meteor will hit"
Me: "Is that what it says in the Bible?"
Lukus: "No...Jesus will come back as a thief!"
Me: "NOT EXACTLY CORRECT!!!!"
Lukus: "Yeah...it says he will be a thief at night!"

I quickly corrected that statement as we were getting off track. So we start again with the discussion of what the Bible says and not the National Geographic Science magazine says. I'm not real sure that we got to the point as I was quickly directed back to the meteors and space talk, but it is always interesting to hear how the kids view things! Hummm....wonder what our dinner topic will be tonight!!!

Kids prayers are too cute!

Each night for dinner we've been allowing the kids to choose what we have for dinner. It's been going well as I don't have to plan the menu anymore. The kids are loving it and run to the calendar each day wondering if it is going to be their day.

If it is their day, they are required to help set the table, prepare the meal in whatever way I can find for them, and then clean up as well. We also have a book called "Devotions for Young Readers" and if it is their night, they get to pick the story and read it at the table for everyone else and ask the questions at the end. So far they have really enjoyed it. Last night we learned about Samuel and how he listened to God.

It was interesting for me to learn that the kids only think that God can year you when you are praying. Lukus says: "He doesn't hear you unless you say..'Dear God'."
We quickly clarified that.

The other neat part of dinner is that the kids seriously fight over who gets to say the prayer. This is not something that is a normal routine for us so I was surprised by the kids willingness to do it. God is amazing!

Another thing we are not use to us praying with our kids before they go to bed. I've never been a good "tuck in" mom. I tuck the kids in and then they get out of bed so I gave up long ago. This pretty much left the kids going to bed for years on their own. This is something I've been trying to get better at.
Last night, I was putting the kids to bed and was going around praying with all of them one at a time. Lukus would do it if I went first. Ian wanted only me to pray. Emilie wanted to pray for a really long time. So by the time Emilie was praying for her hair to be highlighted....I was saying "Okay....amen" as we giggled together. She said "Can't I ask God for that?"
I said "Yes, you can ask God for anything you want."
She said "Yeah...he's like Santa. He'll give you what you want if you pray really hard."
I think we need to work on our value of prayer! ;o)

Don't make me mad!!!

These pictures should speak for themselves!

Like we didn't already know! ;o)

Brenda
&
Chad

95% Compatible

♥ Brenda and Chad have been romantically-together for a long time. That alone demonstrates a degree of compatibility. Their shared faith will help form a bond between them. They both abstain from drinking, so that helps compatibility. They are also both gamers. Both are also sports fans, and that can bring people together. Their astrological signs are in harmony, which is a plus. And their views on children are similar. The fact that Brenda is dominant, while Chad is submissive will help make a relationship work harmoniously. Overall, Brenda and Chad are highly compatible. They are capable of having a beautiful relationship together. ♥

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