Bliss # 25

Christmas night- Alysse meets me at the door.  She has been in the house almost 72 hours!  For her that is probably a recent record!  Of course it took her getting her tonsils & adnoids out.  Mom, please lets go to a movie!  She certainly can't drive... her meds make her loopy (or as others say loopier-than-usual!) so out the door we went to a late night movie.  While the movie was very average... I did enjoy spending this time with Alysse... Bliss

Bliss #24

Games!  Christmas evening Aj & I went to a friends home and played games. (Greg stayed with Alysse as she rested)  We have shared over a decade of holidays.  The level of comfort is equal to that of family.  Once we finished playing the conversation went from the past fun we all shared to our current & future plans. Theses-once kids- now adults -sharing life together as well.  I am so thankful that God has put meaningful relationships not just for me but for my family as well to share our  lives with. Bliss...     

Bliss # 23

Christmas... My family is together, we are all healthy, we have no regrets with each other, nothing unsaid... true love, fondness and acceptance of each other and more importantly each one  serving and loving the lord.... this is Bliss

Bliss #22

Every Christmas Eve we have gone out to dinner then to church as a family.  Afterward, we each take a turn  "toasting" with eggnog and then we open Christmas stocking presents.  This year was a bit different.  Alysse was unable to go out, since she had her tonsils out the day before.  Aj & I went to church together then drove through a McDonalds to take food home!  Alysse tried to enjoy her milkshake.  The only egg-nog I could find was a soy substitute- yum!  But... it was still such a fun night.  The unique gifts the kids put in everyones stockings- made us all laugh.  The "bliss" was that we were all together.  Freely talking about the very real fact that this part of life is changing.  The traditions and days they take place may need adjusting- we may not be together on the 24th like we always have been in the past,  but it ok, because I have no doubt that we will have many special times together and we will create new traditions. And when we are together there is tons of laughter and love.  However, this year I will follow Mary's example and hide theses memories in my heart.  Bliss... 

Bliss #21

Last night I sat in the basement with my complete little family of four.  We watched "Elf" and laughed together.  I savor these moments with both kids living so far from home.  I totally recognized the "bliss" of the moment.

Bliss #20

Today, Alysse & I had lunch with two family friends.  We rode the lynx downtown and ate soul food at "Mert's" Yum!!!  then we walked around "uptown"  It was great fun!  Thank you lord for the Bliss of sharing time with friends!

Bliss 19

Being able to cook & host and evening for my new "staff" family at Hope.

Bliss 18

Laying in bed until 8:00- knowing the house was clean, the shopping was done, the groceries were purchased & the laundry clean!

Bliss #17

Making "Buckeye's" with Alysse- even though it blew my diet!

Bliss #16

I spent 90 minutes stretched out on the couch enjoying the lights on the tree, the fire roaring and completing a challenger Sudoku- bliss!

Bliss #15

15- I sat at the kitchen table last night with a friend of over 20 years, we drank hot chocolate

and shared openly with no judgements.  "Bliss" is the feeling I had, as I thought about our

enduring friendship, it is rare gift. 

Bliss 01-14

01- The feeling I had when Greg & I handed a lady & her daughter at the bus station a Harris 

Teeter gift card from Hope Church the day before Thanksgiving.

02- Joelle (my future daughter-in-law) choosing to fly in and spend Thanksgiving with our family

03- Wednesday night the feeling I had as I said goodnight to my children- it makes me feel complete when they are home sleeping in their beds.

04- underbaking the cookies the way Aj likes & eating them warm with a spoon together

05- I was sitting in the dining room and listening to the "kids" at the "kids table" in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day- (6 "kids" ages 19-23 all traveled in from various colleges & careers)who have spent at least 12 years of Holidays together laughing and talking above one another catching up, completely comfortable life-long friends 

06- Looking at the houseful of company for Thanksgiving- knowing I was blessed to have each 

person in my life

07- Eating at Olive Garden, as a new-soon to be family of five

08- Taking in a movie- even one I would never choose to watch (While I dislike 007)- I like going to the movies as a family

09- Spending hours shopping the outlets with Alysse

10- Falling asleep on the couch with Alysse & Brittany, the fireplace glowing and an old

movie on TV- fun night

11- Hearing familiar laughter from the basement as Alysse's HS friends came to watch a movie

12- The joy as we all visited an old family friend in her 80's- we prayed as we left, she cried, so 

proud of AJ & Alysse

13- The fun of watching Aj get blessed as he was given a 7ft Christmas Tree that played music & rotates! He was pumped!

14- Without asking the ticket agent gave me a pass to walk Alysse to the gate at the airport- we shared one final cup of Starbucks before she boarded her plane

I don't want to miss the "bliss"!

Our church has started a new series this month called "Bliss"  I feel challenged to look for and give the Lord honor for 100 "blissful" moments as they pass through my days this Holiday season.  I will be posting those simple joys as I recognize them throughout the following weeks.  I am doing this more as a record for me. (They may not be too interesting for anyone else to read!) However, I challenge you to look for your "Blissful" moments this season.  To me, this will  be like little Christmas gifts that I will be unwrapping from my heavenly father...... I can't wait to unwrap these gifts!  

Billy Graham... Here I come, Again!

This past week I went to the Billy Graham Library (again!) I love it.  I know that officially makes me a bit un-cool, but that is ok (I passed "cool" well over a decade or two ago- yikes!)  I always come away inspired by the incredible way God used one man to truly touch a nation and the world, with the power and the drawing of the Holy Spirit.  I feel challenged in my faith with each visit.  To this day I have cried at some point in the tour.  (I try to hide that from the guest I take because after all- I have been several times now and that would again be, well... un-cool!)  If you are looking for something to take out-of-town guest to this holiday season, I would really encourage you to visit this unique museum. (and it is free!) It might not be the "coolest" activity, but I can guarantee you that it will warm your heart and be a memorable one!

Now That's Fun!

It was such a privilege (and fun!) to speak at Hope this past Sunday.  The environment was new and I was nervous.  However, provision is such a (fun) topic to speak on.  One nice thing about serving the Lord over 35 years is I have so many personal examples of Gods abundance of provision in my life.  It was really hard to know which ones to share and what theme to go with-   I was so blessed tonight when I purchased my coffee at Caribou and the girl behind the counter told me she was at Hope on Sunday and then talked about what the message meant to her! Thank you Lord for your provision to me and the blessing of being able to share it with others. (Now that's fun!)

Thank you God for Heros!

What an incredible week-end I had.  I was given the opportunity to attend a conference where some of  my heros were speaking and teaching.  I originally thought they were going to be via video but was I surprised when they were all there in person: James Dobson, Josh McDowell, Chuck Colson, Lee Strobel and more! This group of mature believers who have done so much for the kingdom have not retired!  They have a genuine love and concern for all the generations and they are still actively pursuing their callings.  I pray I never grow weary pursuing the calling of God.   I feel so convicted to pray more and communicate better to those around me.  Thank you Lord for this great opportunity!

Go Crusaders

It has been so great to be here in Springfield MO attending Volley Ball games and watching a "healthy" Alysse run around the court. Attending the sporting events of our kids was such a major part of our family life.  I have missed it. I met several local parents who attend the games on a regular basis.  Part of me wants to envy them- but I know envy robs our joy.   I choose not focus on what I don't have but to thank the Lord for what I do.  It really was a gift from God that the timing, the airline points & the hotel points were all able to work together & I was able to come for no cost! (Except for the trip to the mall that Alysse immediately took me to, she had boots all picked out- I of course got them for her!)  So, with a grateful and joyful heart I want to thank the Lord for the blessings of these past couple of days.  God is good.

Happy Birthdays

Tomorrow my oldest turns 23!  I am excited because I am going to get to spend his birthday with him this year.  Something that I haven't been able to do since he went away to college.  I loved celebrating the birthdays of my children- we had huge  themed parties each year until they turned 18!  I still hope to get a few more parties in for them!  I especially remember an indian party with a tee-pee, tom-tom drums and shooting bows & arrows (age 5) Another favorite was a murder mystery! (age 15) Poor Alysse (AJ's sister had to be the dead body- all night!   Birthdays are a wonderful event  no matter what the age (It beats the alternative!)  I love to celebrate life.  I know the Lord does too.  As even this week the angels were rejoicing at the new spiritual births of those entering the kingdom.  We were blessed at Hope to witness some of those birthdays this week in a very real way!  Thank you Lord for all kinds of Birthdays!

Talking & Driving!

The miracle of technology never ceases to amaze me!  I was driving down the road yesterday talking on the cell phone to my dear fiend in Abu Dhabi in the Middle East- doesn't that just mess with your mind? I guess if man can figure out this incredible communication feat how much more we can have faith that God does talk and listen to us everywhere & everyplace-  

God is Faithful!

Many times over the years Greg & I have housed young people, invited many into our homes, and tried to  be a family towards them.  We enjoyed every moment of it- it was easy for us.  Now, as a parent I find myself on the other end of this equation and it is strange and not so easy!   With Alysse 1,000 miles away, we have humbly had to rely on others that the Lord has brought into her life.  And I am so grateful to them-they have taken my daughter to the hospital and emergency room, pulled strings for Dr. appointments, made numerous meals, done tons of laundry and gone to get her prescriptions.  I am called with updates.  I am not new to the blessings of God, however it still amazes me as we sow in one place and receive a blessing from an entirely different place.  I didn't think of it so much when the kids were little but as these instances have arisen the Lord once spoke to my heart- to  take care of those God has put in my path and God will put people in the path of my children to take care of them, and boy have I seen that promise in action- once again this past week.  Thank you for your faithfulness God!

 

Nothing gets to a moms heart quicker than a phone call from one of her children miles away needing help.  (Yes I know they call themselves adults-but they are still "kids" to me)  Alysse has had such a hard time getting healthy- especially since her bout with mono almost a year ago- she seems to get something constantly.  This past issue was getting unbearable and after a few tearful phone calls & the words "Mom I wish you were here"  I found myself on a plane by 6 AM the next day   (Thanks to those frequent flier miles!) After a few days of caring for my daughter & literally tearing apart a dorm room to sanitize it from top to bottom- Lysol & bleach my constant companion- Alysse was on the mend.  Her system is still very compromised- she came down with another infection right after I left.  Her immune system (According to the Dr.) is as fragile as that of an infant or elderly person!  But I was so blessed.  She has some wonderful folks in her life- Her room mate, Jill  & her Mom, Connie worked nonstop with me- We were treated to nice meals & I was greeted with such hospitality from several folks. It was such a treat to go to her church, and talk to people there who also care for her  It made it so much easier to leave her knowing she was in such wonderful care when I was gone. (It also made it easier knowing her dad was coming out- for work-  the following week & I would be back in three weeks)  Needless to say I came back exhausted.  I needed to go to Florida, to attend a bridal shower for my future daughter-in-law.  While I was looking forward to this event- I was so tired & not really up for the drive- but off we went.  When we arrived Greg and I had the pleasant surprise of a free upgrade with a gorgeous room - a huge balcony overlooking the Ocean- what a pleasant end to a difficult week.  Again I experienced such hospitality  from Joelle's family & truly enjoyed my time.  Isn't that just like the Lord!  He gives us strength when we need it & provides surprising blessings along the way.

The Long Way Around!

This past week-end I was in Greensboro, NC helping at a Children's Ministry Conference.  After meeting the leadership team for dinner, it was time to find my hotel.  When I walked out of the restaurant I was looking at a Courtyard- Marriott in the same parking lot.  I knew I was staying at a Marriott, but I remembered something about an airport one.  I even said to my friends, "Too bad I am not staying at this Hotel."  After receiving directions from the locals my girlfriend & I took off to find our hotel.  It was a beautiful night so I put the top down on the car, we had a great CD playing- we were enjoying ourselves.   Strangest thing- we kept passing the airport but could not find our Hotel!  I had pulled up Mapquest directions before I left Charlotte- So we finally decided to  stop and dig them out from the bottom of several files in the backseat.   As we began to carefully follow the directions we eventually ended right back where we started!  We laughed & laughed.  It took us 30 minutes to make that trip across the parking lot!  What did I learn?  Well... First:  I had the right directions I just didn't use them.  Isn't that a lot like life? Often we have the tools we need to make proper decisions, including God's word, and we simply think we can do it on our own.  Finally,  we get so baffled that we decide to dig in and figure out the right path.   Second:  Don't trust the locals!  Not all advise is good advise (especially if you are asking the wrong questions!)   Third: Sometimes life doesn't take the shortest path- put the top down and try to enjoy the ride anyway!  

Sure I'm Optimistic!

"Who is more optimistic you or me?" Greg asked at the kitchen table today.  Well of course I am, we both agreed- then.... we sat down to watch the Panther game.  I love watching the Panthers on Sundays, but oh how they frustrate me! I was so excited as we had been winning most of the game then they let the Chargers score. I fussed & ranted,  no optimism from me. "They were going to blow this game in the final minutes!"   Greg kept saying, they can still win (Mr Optimistic!) I said, "your crazy!"  just seconds on the clock & and they waisted time- how frustrating- however they were able to get off one final play with 2 seconds and don't you know it Jake threw a touchdown pass to win the game! See 'I told you they could win- Greg laughed!" Guess I wasn't as optimistic as I thought! And He certainly was not pestimistic!  even after 30+ years of knowing each other I laughed thinking how we got it mixed up today.  I'm glad things are not always predictable. Isn't it amazing how easy is is to laugh at yourself (especially when your team wins!) Life sure is fun!

Pastor AJ!

This week-end we will load up a U-haul and move our Son  hundreds of miles into an apartment in Georgia.  It is all so bittersweet- yes the cliches do apply- I guess that is why they became cliches, " How fast the years of active parenting went!!"  I reflect tonight on a significant night many years ago while I was expecting AJ- A pastor was staying with us from Sri- Lanka, after a Bible study in our home about 10 of us were all praying in the living room and as we did, this anointed man of God began praying over our unborn baby boy- declaring  a strong character and a calling to full time ministry.  His words were very specific and powerful. My heart leapt, as I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me to remember this day.  I always did.  However, Greg & I kept this to ourselves - knowing our child would have to figure that out someday for himself.  As a teen and beyond, several career choices were discussed & encouraged- ANYTHING but ministry I would hear him say.  So when he came home from college his sophomore year and sat his father & I down to explain he  was changing  his major to Pastoral Studies & Church Ministry- thinking we would be shocked!  My husband and I just smiled & actually laughed (in private of course)  It never surprised us.  In my heart I always knew.  I marked that day- before he was born.  I shared that event with him, it was just one of many confirmations that spoke to him.  This past Sunday, 23 years after that prayer night... Pastor AJ began his "official" ministry at 1st Assembly of God in Rome, GA.   I am so awed and amazed.  Thank you God! 

New Life is Amazing!

I will never forget the day my children were at their cousins farm and the horse gave birth. They had heard all about the upcoming event, however we lived 500 miles away.  when we went to Ohio for our annual summer trip, they spent the night with their cousins.  It happened to be that night that the horse gave birth!  They were so excited that the timing worked out perfect & they were there to be part of it.  We at Hope Church get to be part of a new birth!  I feel a bit like my kids when the colt was born, amazed at the timing, and that I actually get to be part of it.  New birth is always a miracle, an event so grand it is beyond us.  Of course there is a lot of hard work, endless sleepless nights, and overwhelming responsibility, just to mention a few things that go along with the care of a new infant... But that is all going to be thought about another day... for now I am going to live in the moment and enjoy new life!  

from "I can't" to "How can I?"

Wow! the week is over and it went great.  How fun to do an outreach before we even launch Hope Church!  Lately, instead of saying "I can't do that"- (we have no facilities or church volunteers) the Lord has been challenging me to rephrase my language to "How can we do that?"  We serve a creative God who can easily answer that question!  And boy did He!  With the use of about 30 volunteers in town for the A/G Youth Convention & Fine Arts competition, I had plenty of volunteers, then the theater management was willing to let us use the facilities! Then a sponsor came along for the finances!  Goals were set up on the back parking lot, snacks brought in, fun openings and the camp began.  Before we knew it we had 60 kids learning basketball skills & cheerleading and praying during small groups all at the movie theater.  Each child was taught daily about determination and that God was determined to love them! The kids were all from lower income households, we also had several foster care kids.  What blessed me most was to know that most of these boys and girls would not have been able to attend a sports camp this summer without a program like this. Thank you Lord for letting me be  a part of giving "Hope" to the Charlotte community!