Rainbows

When was the last time you experienced the aw of a rainbow?  On my last visit with my mother-in-law it had been raining.  She was weak from the chemo and most of her hair was gone.  The color of her skin had a translucent sheen.  As we sat in the kitchen, one of us noticed a beautiful rainbow forming.  My sister-in-law, mother-in-law and I gathered around the large picture window and just stood together, speechless at it's beauty.   It was the most vibrant rainbow I had ever seen.  The rainbow arched up behind the barn over the lake and into the woods.  We savored that moment, knowing that God was in control in the middle of the storm. 

At this point, I would like to be able to write about a miraculous recovery, we prayed, we believed, but the storm was in God's hands.   It was the last visit I had with my mother-in-law, my next trip to Ohio would be for her funeral. And while we mourned her loss we have great peace knowing she is with our heavenly father.  I imagine her looking out at God's indescribable beauty in heaven, speechless, healthy and enjoying the beauty of it all. 

I don't understand storms, I appreciate the beauty of a rainbow, and in truth I love the sunshine.  As I write this blog it is raining and gloomy outside, but weather changes and the sun will shine.  However, today, I'm going to find an umbrella and simply enjoy walking in the rain, keeping my eyes prepared for a rainbow.

In Genesis 9 the rainbow is a sign given from God to confirm a promise. I thank the Lord for his many promises  

More Crazy Love

As I was reading my Crazy Love book I was struck by a sentence on page  60.  "So why, when we constantly offend Him and are so unlovable and unloving does God persist in loving us? "   I spent the afternoon on Monday at the hospital.  A dear girl, that I know loves God, made some poor decisions.  A mixture of alcohol and drugs was still working their way from her system, the consequences of this action are greatly affecting her immediate and long term life plans.  However, I still see a loving God, protecting and pursing His child. As I work to remind her of this immense love, I recognize the undeserved love I also receive, and poorly reciprocate.  I may not be making the huge self destructive mistakes of this young girl, but my attention at times to my spiritual life is almost an afterthought.  It made me think,  Am I offending God?  I probably put more time and effort into my earthly relationships, making sure I don't offend those around me, but I never thought about offending God.  And yet I feel his love and His pursuit of me, I am so grateful for this Crazy Love that God has for me!

A Beach house can be a "spiritual" desire!

All of my close friends and family know I have a great love for the beach.  I have always dreamed of owning a house at the ocean.  The beach always decompresses me.  My absolute favorite place to do my personal devotions is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. How someone can believe there is no God yet be surrounded by nature at it's finest and not see the hand of God always befuddles me! In my heart of hearts I have often thought, I will never really live at the beach because I would want to spend all of my time there and God has other designs for me, however I think I am reconsidering that train of thought. It is never wrong to long to be at a place that draws one into the presence of a Holy God.....is it? 

Romans 1:20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

In our Hope Groups we have begun a study called "Crazy Love" based on a book by Francis Chan. Chapter one does a great job of pointing out the awesomeness of God through nature. You can go on line and view an "Awe Factor" video at www.crazylovebook.com  Enjoy! Worship! Admire YOUR Creator!

Hello's and Goodbyes!

In a few hours I will take my daughter to the airport. She will be flying 1,000 miles from NC to her school in Springfield, MO. I will try very hard not to cry at the gate, but I doubt I will be successful. Our summer with her went soooo fast. The "Hello" was followed by summer plans of beach trips, shopping, movies and late nights eating cheese & crackers while watching a little too much of the TLC channel. We lamented over Jon & Kate, laughed at Bridezilla and became experts on "What not to Wear!" Our "Goodbye" will be accompanied with hugs and the knowledge that we will see each other again in a few short months. My mind will be reeling with unspoken thoughts of a list of reminders...that I dare not speak of one more time...because if I do I risk the "evil eye" followed with a sigh and a "I Know Mom" So I will make an effort to not nag at all in the morning. (After all we do talk on the cell phone daily, there will be plenty of time for those reminders later!)
I think the anticipation of the shared moments, a shared future, is what makes a hello sweet and the gratefulness for those moments along with the unknown of what happens when we are separated that can make goodbyes bitter sweet.
WE CAN NEVER REALLY HAVE A HELLO WITHOUT A GOODBYE.
We need to embrace both! And that is what I choose to do!! "There is a time for every event under heaven..." Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Unplanned Events

Just when I thought life was calming down, a series of unplanned events took over! A funeral
-an unplanned event -A dear saint that I worked with for many years went to be with the Lord. I went to her calling hours on Friday night. And while we will miss her she was so ready to join her Savior in heaven. This was followed by dinner with old friends
-an unplanned event -I spent a fantastic 3 hours evening with pastor friends that I used to serve with. We talked about the past & the future and laughed & laughed, it was great medicine for the soul. As I was leaving I got a phone call that my husband, Greg was in an accident on the farm.
-an unplanned event- This began a long chain of phone calls and updates. There was an explosion on a burn pile Greg was tending. He was transported from one hospital to another one, that was a burn center. His lungs were clear and all burns are second degree. It could have been much worse. He is very blessed. However, he will be uncomfortable for a while. As this unplanned week-end continued, I found myself on a plane headed for Ohio. Then a long drive the next day back to NC (Greg can't drive due to the pain meds)
A planned event -My daughters boyfriend had flown into town from Kansas City. I had planned events for us to do to get to know him better, groceries were bought for special meals... (now all going uncooked) as the unplanned quickly took over the planned.
A planned event -I had plans for church, guest coming, a missions presentation to give... again the unplanned took over the planned...
-an unplanned event- I took a nice nap today (I very rarely nap) It was a welcome unplanned event!
I am thankful that I can trust in the Lord who knows all of my planned and unplanned events and gives me strength for all of them! Read James 4:14.... How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?

Out of Sorts!

It has been a strange week. After returning from three back-to-back trips I find myself a bit out of sorts...
Today I had less things to take to church than any other Sunday since we began Hope. I usually trudge in with 2 pull along crates, clothes etc.. Today I had only a couple of folders and can you believe I forgot 1/2 of them at the house! It was also my first Sunday after our move from the theater at Hope church to the school. I didn't know where anything was. Everyone did a fantastic job while I was gone, but still I'm out of sorts.
Right before my travels I had to put our dog of 13 years to sleep. And as much as I thought I was prepared it was still hard. I have found myself all week looking at the door waiting on my dog, but she is not here... Out of sorts....
After no TV for at least 2 weeks, I think it is all a bit depressing! Four celebs died while I was out of the country, scandals hit the news and John & Kate are separating! And I am out of sorts...
Greg is out on a trip, my air conditioner broke and Alysse started a big project upstairs and we have been painting and re-doing furniture and the upstairs feels like a bomb went off My home is out of sorts & so am I ...
A lot happened in a few days. I know I will get back into the swing, but for now I am out of sorts. I talk a lot about unconditional love, grace & mercy (for others) But I must admit, I am a performance driven gal and I am so glad that the Lord loves me when I'm on my game and when I'm simply... out of sorts!

Chow!

You know you are in another country when… a group of 11 enter a crowded church service and the entire first row jumps up and insist you take the best seat in the house…. You watch 10 people hop into a small 4-seater cab… When a pedicure cost $6.00

Hola! Sunday was our last day in Ecuador. Today brings a full day of travel. Sunday we had a wonderful time shopping, having lunch on a river bank walk, playing cards and a sweet, sweet time of communion as a team with our missionary host.
However, one highlight was being able to attend a large Ecuadorian church. We listened to 1,000 voices worship followed by an anointed message on “Turning your problems into opportunities.” This message touched me deeply. As the pastor spoke (and I understood bits and pieces!) all I could think about was the various communities I had visited and how hard it has to be to stay positive, yet this was a very uplifting and joyful Sunday celebration from the music and dance to the words that were spoken. Our sprits joined in even if we didn’t speak the language and the presence of God was thick around us.

I was asked to say a few words to the congregation. With the help of The Holy Spirit (and my trusty interpreter!) I greeted the congregation and explained we were from a church called “Hope” Our goal is to bring hope to our Charlotte, NC Community. What a privilege and a joy to be in their country bringing hope to the boys & girls of Ecuador as well. Every Sunday at Hope church we have a scripture that is a blessing that we pray over our people as they exit. (I went on to read that scripture as a blessing over this church body as well.) Ironically, it was probably at about the same time that our Pastor in Charlotte was reading this scripture over our Hope Church… Isn’t it wonderful that we are all part of the same church body! How God must love Sunday’s as he receives the praises from people of many lands and languages

Romans 15:13 I pray that the God of hope will fill you completely with joy & peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confidence hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Chow….

Anticipation!

You know you are in another country when... You eat at a high end restaurant over looking the ocean and a dog runs in and out and curls up by your table... you see guards, traffic patrol and various men walking around with machine guns... some people burn their yards rather than mow them! (I know several of you have had that thought at one time or another!)

Hola! I had been telling the team that I had a special surprise for them on Saturday. Some team members tried to pry it out of me all week long, but I had fun keeping this surprise from them. Watching their The anticipation of the surprise day was fun! Finally last night the word was released: Whale Watching! I wanted to reward them with a fun, fun day. And it worked! We had a fantastic time that included whales, water and a fabulous restaurant spot overlooking the ocean. This team has worked so very hard this week with NO complaining and I so anticipated sharing this time with them.
Our heavenly father is also planning a special blessing for His "team members" One that we are in anticipation of, but really can not imagine how wonderful it will be. As his tired servants are rewarded. Oh, how much fun I have anticipating what that day will be like. And I imagine the Lord is anticipating it with great joy as well. Chow.

Dessert... my favorite part of the meal!

You know you are in another country when... you count iguanas during car rides, the goats are on leashes but the dogs run free, you see a baby crawling on a dirt floor with chickens walking around him inside a small home!

Hola! Have you ever made a special dessert that came out just perfect? As the cook you may even taste tested it. However, the best joy comes when you get to serve the dessert to your family and friends. Hoping that they like it as much as you do. Waiting for their expression as they exclaim "This is sooooo good" That is the feeling that I have as a missions team leader. Of our 6-person team only 2 of us had done missions trips in the past. As we shared our memories from the week, I know each team member is forever changed, touched and challenged by their experiences this past week. Today was our last full day of ministry and many laughs were shared, hugs were given and photos were taken. I so enjoyed watching each team member inhale this "dessert" set before them, and I could tell each of them thought is was "one of the best desserts they had even eaten." Hopefully, we will all be able to taste it again someday, but we will have the memory of the flavor to enjoy for a lifetime.... Chow!

Be Greatful!

You know you are in another country when...you are told to shake your shoes & clothes before wearing them in case a scorpion crawled in, the dogs are thinner than the cats, and you watch a funeral procession complete with men carrying a casket walking through the city streets about 5 miles to the cemetery!

Hola, Today we were in the poorest of the poor communities in Ecuador. Along with doing our program twice... (half the kids go to morning school and the other half to afternoon school) between the two programs we helped in the soup kitchen and fed approximately 60 children. I received more kisses in this one day than probably in the past couple of months combined. We loved on dirty babies and scared children, then we left them in their impoverished community, returned to our beautiful surroundings, took a dip in the pool, showered and then went out for fruit smoothies and pizza. How can I wrap my mind around a day like this? While I can go to bed clean, full & refreshed there are so many children hot, dirty and hungry. We can never understand the unfairness of life. However, I can be grateful for the life I have been priviledged to lead.... Chow

Indescribable

Hola! You know you are in another country when... You can't rinse your toothbrush in the sink... when cows freely roam along the roadside... when a drive thru is a man in the middle of the road selling bags of cut up fruit or cold bottles of water!

A week ago today I was blessed to stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon the sight was truly indescribable. Greg & I took several pictures but it just cannot capture the beauty of it all. That is how I am feeling at this moment about my day. I do not have the vocabulary at present to explain it, even though I try. My next thought is: about this time last week I was walking through the Las Vegas Strip where people were mindlessly inserting coins into slot machines hoping to strike it rich. Sad thing, is from where I stand today, they are rich, very rich according to the standards of 75% of the world and don't even recognize it.

We painted at the orphanage then did another kids' program for the boys, we then went to another location and did our 2nd day of programs for them. The smiles and hugs and kisses were endless, they were so happy we had returned. They knew all the songs and clapped as the van approached. When we left I gave the Pastor a stack of color sheets. He was very excited, We had given the children crayons. He announced to the boys & girls as they left, "Come Sunday, we have color sheets from the Missionaries", "Remember to bring your crayons!" And the 150 boys and girls will do just that! What they accomplish with no supplies is truly amazing.... no it's indescribable!

Who needs a building to have church?

Hola! You know you are in another country when... You can't flush toilet paper, Five lanes of traffic fit on a road made for three, and you watch the garbage being picked up by a man on a bike, he would carry one large black bag then several minutes later return and carry away another one until the entire pile had been removed!

Many countries are full of extremes and Ecuador certainly fits that category. The host home we are staying in is very nice (even by American standards) the gated community is complete with armed security & a beautiful tile pool surrounded by tropical plants. After our team meeting we had time for a relaxing hour of swimming and tanning, then the vacation ended and the missions' trip began!

Our first stop today was at a boys' orphanage. The children range in ages from 5-12. The circumstances that lead to their arrival is unspeakable. They attended our program in their very best clothes, as they were informed that we were taking their pictures. Their housemother did not want them to play or get dirty until the shot had been taken. We had a fantastic program, made crafts, took pictures and then "tried" to play dodge ball. Please note the word "tried" Every time a boy got a ball they immediately began to play futball (soccer!) We will return to this location tomorrow to paint, do another program and make frames for their pictures. However, the most important thing we are doing is giving one on one, kind touches and hugs to loved starved boys (Oh how I'd like to put one in my suitcase!)

Our next stop was at a "church" This church was one-year old, about the age of Hope. When we arrived the Pastor was in the process of standing on a "stick ladder" hanging a beautiful silk backdrop. What makes this interesting is the church consists of a water dispenser, outhouse, back wall, and partial tarp roof. (They knew their priorities, in that heat you need water, and of course a bathroom! No walls, no floors, no roof! I had picked up a couple of paint tarps in the States, and I was glad I did. The neighboring home brought over several plastic chairs and we put down the tarps, music began to play and over 120 boys and girls jammed into a space no bigger than my garage. Again the team did a great job and we left with lots of kisses and hugs. We will return to do another program their tomorrow with a surprise. We have given gifts at every location but we have clothes for these children in addition to those gifts tomorrow. When you see a group of people reaching an entire community with so little resources, it sure makes one hesitate to complain about any of our facilities or setup and teardown.

The heat was intense, we returned hungry, dirty (very dirty) and oh... so tired, but it is a good...good tired. Chow

Peanut butter, Pinwheels & Prayer

Hola! You know you are in another country when peanut butter is $8.00 per jar and gas is 1.49! Considering the average wage is 1.25/hr that means one would work  just a little more than 6 hours for one jar of peanut butter!

This morning we had a great team devotion and then drove about 1 1/2 hours to a village by a river. The small church had 65 kids gathered for the special surprise promised by their pastor...us! While the program went great & we had a blast, the first day of ministry can often mean adjustments to the plan... such as: Why did we think we could explain to the boys & girls how to make pinwheels in Spanish? Most of the team couldn't even explain it to each other in English! (needless to say, we will be bringing home several pinwheels) Another funny glitch was during the game time.  While Greg was giving the explanation of "capture the flag" one little guy ran, grabbed the flag, and yelled, "I won".   All the boys laughed. Then the game proceeded to be a free-for-all wrestling match...time for a new game.  

Have you ever seen a magnet on a desk with a box of paper clips? That's what it looked like when team member Krystal started handing out dimes, a huge circle of kids uncontrollably drawn to her, we knew Krystal was in there.... someplace!

We were priviledged to spend this evening with over 50 area pastors. They traveled, mainly taking busses, from a radius of 2 1/2 hours. They do this every Monday night. No one is in a hurry for the service to start or end. For them it is all about relationship and time together.  Most of their churches can not support them, so they all have side jobs as well.  I had the priviledge of being their guest speaker and encouraging them in their calling. God gave us a wonderful service together.

Hundreds of pictures were snapped, our day was filled with hugs, laughter, smiles and heat. Today was a great day and the best thing is I know that it will be followed by another one! Chow.

We Were Scanned at the Airport!

Hola! It is such a blessing to be a part of the first ever "Hope Missions Team" Our day started with the team meeting at 7:15 AM in the Charlotte airport (currently it is 2:30 AM so I hope this blog makes sense!)  It was a smooth day of sitting, eating, playing cards; listening to I-pods, and of course talking and texting on the phone until the last minute!
A new experience for me was being scanned at the Ecuador Airport before we were allowed to enter the country. Due to the swine flu, they had each person stand in front of an infra-red scanner of some sort, it could tell if you had a fever. Just watching it made me need to cough! What if they thought I was sick and I wasn't, my tired brain was on overload!
I know we are going to have a great week of adventure as we bless the boys & girls, our missionary host and each other. Keep watching the blog as I will share our daily adventures...Chow!

28269

What is 28269? The zip code of Hope's new location....Mallard Creek Elementary School! Moves have many adjectives used to describe them: exciting, exhausting, packing, loading, dings & scratches, decisions, joy and a lot of pizza! All of theses can be used to describe this move as well. I look forward to making this move with my Hope Church Family. It is certainly a part of a bigger plan that God has for us. How fun it is going to be to look back six months from now, as we settle into our new community, and see that plan continue to unfold before us. I don't think we can even begin to understand the plans God has for 28269! Matthew 5:14-16

My Village

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. Hillary Clinton once said it takes a village. There is a lot of truth to that statement. We met two close families for lunch after church. All the kids (now adults) actually came home, except my son. It was so great seeing everyone, but it quickly became apparent that lunch was not going to be long enough for our daughters and plans were made to meet back later in the evening for pizza and games. Peer pressure was administered and those planning to leave for their various apartments across the state were convinced to stay until Monday. When we met back, the setting was ideal, as we sat on a beautiful porch, three moms and 5 daughters, the weather outside was perfect. The girls were laughing as they reminisced about the past and told of future plans. They were all completely comfortable with one another, I recognized the rarity of the moment. I caught my friend with a tear slipping from her eye, she looked at me and said "Isn't this wonderful?" and it was. All these young women, no conflict, easy, fun. (It wasn't always like that when they were all running around and in elementary school!) The noise level was still considerable, but totally enjoyable. I am so glad that we are part of this village. Colossians 2:2

5K- It was hard!

Last Friday I ran my first 5K, it was hard! My only goal was to not walk at all, I made my goal, but as I stated earlier " It was hard!" Even though I had been preparing, working out 5 miles most every day this past month, it was actually harder than I anticipated. Isn't that just like life? We can prepare for many races: parenthood, retirement, marriage, ministry, careers but they are often harder than we anticipated. The scripture has allot to say about perseverance, hanging-in-there, finishing the race.... I know when I rounded the corner and saw the finish line my stride had a new energy, friends were cheering me on. We also have a God who is cheering us on, giving us cool cups of water, and rejoicing with us. While life can be harder than we anticipated, even when we prepare, remember we have a God who strengthens us for all our races, we are not alone. Hebrews 12:1-2...Let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith...

Happy Birthday to You....de-ja-vu

I just celebrated a birthday this week. I had a great day & ate b-day cake, my favorite dessert! Funny but true, for 8 months this past year I thought I was the wrong age! I told several people I was 47 when I was only 46. So this birthday was like de-ja-vu for me... after all I lived most of last year as 47. In my twisted way of thinking (see if you can follow this thought- it is challenging) I thought I would continue on with the wrong age until 49 and then fix it..... staying 49 for two years! I thought that was an awsome plan! However, when I explained this plan to Greg... well lets just say, he thought I really was suffering from dementia! So... 47 it is. (Proverbs 16:31)

The Easter Dress

I always loved seeing the little girls come to church on Easter, so proud of their pretty new dresses. We had a family in our church who had three daughters. Their mother always made them spectacular Easter dresses. You can imagine my joy when early one spring she came to me and wanted to bless me by making my daughter an Easter dress. This would become my all time favorite dress. With her help, a pattern was picked and material was decided upon. Alysse would occasionally go to their home for measurements. Initially this dress seemed like any other... that is until the very end. When others would have been done, and would of had a nice solid dress, this seamstress kept going. She added a special eyelet peek-a-boo slip, a matching hair bow, trimmed socks and even a matching purse with a little bunny! The collar was full of special details. This was no longer an ordinary dress, it was an extraordinary ensemble. What made this dress go from ordinary to extraordinary was all the little details added at the end. This concept continues to challenge me. I want to go from ordinary to extraordinary and I know it is in the details. The small stuff that adds up. The little extras that are performed when others finish their job. Jesus lived the life of an extraordinary example for us. Always going the extra mile, loving the unlovable, showing kindness to the ungrateful. Help me Lord not to be satisfied with the ordinary but to pursue the extraordinary! (Read: Matthew 5:38-48)

King Tut!

I recently went to the King Tut exhibit in Atlanta. I was in Awe! One thing that really stuck with me was the fact that as soon as a person became Pharaoh or King they began making preparations for their after-life. They would have miniature items of people & things prepared to be buried with them. They believed these items would come alive or magically become the appropriate size once they passed and would be of great use to them. They also had elaborate jewelry, golden masks, containers & jars and the list goes on and on. While I think their belief system was greatly flawed it does make me think! I can be so caught up in the here and now that I rarely think about the after-life. Am I truly preparing to live this eternal life I so greatly believe in? After all, I will only be on Earth 100 years, just a blip compared to eternity! Am I generous, faithful, forgiving, and full of grace? Help me Lord to store up true treasures. Matthew 19:21

Yea for cross generational friends!!

Yesterday a friend came to help me with a home improvement project. I am turning my son's old bedroom into a guest space / exercise room.  However, the current condition of the room is beyond bad.  Somehow, it became the, I- don't- know-where-to-put-it-I'll-stick-it- here room!   As we carried boxes, moved furniture & prepped the room to paint, we chatted non-stop.  She is an extraordinary young girl, just searching for God's perfect will for her life.  The neat thing is I am old enough to be her mother- but ours is a cross generational friendship.  I so enjoyed getting her perspective on issues and I so value any time we can spend together.  I love to hang-out with people from every generation, I can gain such value and wisdom from the varied perspectives.    By the time the walls were spackled to prep for painting we laughed as they were totally polka-dotted! I will say my dreaded project was off to a fantastic start.  Have you ever noticed how some projects don't even seem like work when you do them with a buddy.  Now who wants to come help me finish??

My 100th Birthday!

March always means getting those important tax documents together, filing away last year and vowing to be more organized for the current year.   As I was gathering this information I kept coming across various stashes of cards... thank you cards... birthday cards... friendship cards... farewell cards...  get well cards... cards that over the past few years I just could not part with.  So, I gathered them all and placed them in a large file-storage box of their own.  The box is labeled "My 100th Birthday Party Decorations"   I know it is silly, but I have always said I was going to live to be 100!  I told my daughter, of my special box,  I knew she would laugh.  Her responsibility at my party is to decorate my room with all my cards and read them to me one by one.  "Mom" she said, "do you know how old I will be....73!  My eyes won't be able to read all those cards!"  Sure you will, you will have some great glasses or eye surgery by then.  Now, in my closet is a box that for the next 50+ years I will continue to add more memories to.... cards & color sheets from grandchildren not yet born... cherished words from friends & family who would have gone on to be with the Lord....  It will be full of laughter & tears & evidence of Gods continued faithfulness.  What a great 100th Birthday I am going to have.  Now, I guess I should go back to organizing those, not-so-important tax documents.  No one will want to read those in 100 years!   Psalm 34:12  Who is the man (or woman) who desires life, And loves length of days that he (she) may see good?  I am!!

5410 Jimtown Rd

My last visit in Ohio I drove by my child-hood home.  It looked bad.  I think it looked nicer when I lived there... but I am not sure.  When I told Greg what happened ironically he said 'The only thing that can help that house is a good fire!"

I learned last night that my childhood home burned down.  I couldn't help but think back to my days growing up in that house.  I was  around 4 yr. old when I moved in and lived there until I was married.  It was an old house, coal furnace, brown shingles and the floor was so uneven that we could drop a marble and it would roll from room... to room... to room... until it would finally rest under the couch or in a corner.

It was only a two bedroom home (better than the one bedroom we moved from!)  My brother and I- yes I said brother- had to share a room! He was 19 mo. younger than I. When we reached Jr. High age the conflict was massive- we pushed every stick of furniture we had back to back- then we nailed a sheet to the ceiling to create a separation and thus created our "own" bedroom.  However, we could still lay in bed at night and talk with one another, and we did. After a few years my dad built some walls and  nailed some paneling up.  This created two very tiny bedrooms and a hall  (To this day I have never seen smaller ones!) The register was in the hall- so neither room had heat!  But we were so happy to have bedrooms with doors!  

As I began to expand my friendships beyond my family I noticed most people did not live like we did.  Our home was very clean & always had fresh paint.  It was inviting with sturdy furniture. But if trying to explain that you shared a bedroom with your brother wasn't bad enough we didn't have kitchen cabinets!  And I was so embarrassed to have my friends over.  A large metal sink with a free standing stove- metal table & chairs and one tall white cabinet that held all of our dishes & food.  Everything wobbled- (remember the floor!)  This was the 70's not the 50's!  

When I was entering High School the "Big Re-model" took place!  We were getting a whole new kitchen, cabinets, counters & even a dishwasher!  the floors were being fixed and to top it off we got shag carpet for the living room!  Not to mention a shower in the tub- my parents must have gotten quite a loan because they purchased a color TV as well to watch our three channels on.   Oh the luxury!!  A furnace & siding was installed a few years earlier.  I thought it was the most beautiful home! My ultimate dream of getting to move into a double-wide trailer was no longer necessary!  Now it would be acceptable for my friends to see, and I had friends at the house all the time.  

When I look back,  as an adult, I see how very little material things we really had-we always bordered on the poverty level- we were the working poor.  But we laughed and played and sang and loved in that house. We cried and mourned and struggled as well... but I choose to remember the former. 

Many hours were spent on the porch swing- every boyfriend I ever had swung with me on that swing! many deep conversations with mom took place late into the night on that swing... one of the last memories of my Dad is he & AJ swinging together.  That house is truly only a memory now. - I talked with my brother today- he too was sad- he said, "We really can never go home again" and that is true.  But I am grateful that I got to grow-up in such a "beautiful home" It never really is about the "house"  

Setter to Coach

I got to go to Springfield, MO this past week for a conference.  While there I stayed over & spent time with my daughter in college, Alysse.  She is coaching a club volley-ball team.  On Saturday her team was playing.  It was sooooo strage watching her as "Coach Alysse"  I was used to seeing her in the role of  "setter"  - but as her parent I see how "Coach" really fits her.  Isn't it great that our heavenly father see's our changes & growth for the future as well.  Peter was a fisherman.... Paul was a tent maker....  David was a shepherd....  Matthew was a tax collector...  and just like the Lord saw who they would become he see's that in us as well.   Humm.... Father, what do you see for me??     

Bliss # 39- Final Bliss...Lets share the bliss!

I began my series on "Bliss" by sharing about an unexpected final cup of coffee I got to share with Alysse when I took her to the airport after Thanksgiving break.  The ticket agent offered to give me a pass to go to the gate with her. I never knew that was an option.  I went to the airport again this past Thursday.  A  dear friend was flying in from Abu Dhabi.  She & her husband had a layover and I went to pick up some of their luggage and bring them coats while they were in the states. They got off their international flight and had to be re-ticketed to continue on to New Orleans. We have kept in regular contact through skype- but it was great to see them in person.  The same ticket agent was working.  I did NOT ask him for a pass- I had already asked another agent and was turned down.  He walked over to where we were and his first words were "Tell me your story."  As we did he quickly offered a pass.  I graciously accepted.  Then I told him he had given me a pass at Thanksgiving and that I was blogging about bliss.  I explained how I had  blogged about him! How his generosity allowed me a final cup of coffee with my daughter.  He said it's the little things, like that extra time that makes a difference in our days. It turns average days into good days!   He was so happy to hear how he had made that difference for me- and now he was doing it again.  I was able to enjoy a nice 2 hour lunch with my friends.  They will be back in a week- but still it was an unexpected moment of bliss.  However, this ticket agent  challenged my spirit.  There is a wonderful scripture that says something to the effect that when it is in our power to do kindness to someone- we should do it.  I want to be a person this year that provides opportunities of bliss to others.  When it is in my power to do so, I don't want to let the moment pass or by being so busy or self indulged that I don't recognize the opportunity.   It is a good challenge for me for 09 and I challenge you to do the same.  Let's spread moments of bliss to as many as possible.  

Bliss #38

Returning home.  Sharing one final lunch with Alysse before taking her to the airport.  Getting all the Christmas decorations down and the house clean.  Getting back into our routine and knowing I am so blessed

Bliss #37

At the reception I danced with my brother to 'We Are Family"  I love my brother.  

Bliss #36

With the wedding being over 600 miles away from Charlotte we did not expect anyone to make the trip.  But we were wrong.  Two of my dear friends & their husbands came from Charlotte.  WE had friends and family from WI, PA, OH, NC, SC, IN  How blessed we were.

Bliss # 35

As I was sitting at the reception AJ walked behind me, gave me a quick kiss on the top of the head and kept going.  We had really spent very little time together  the past few days, as you can imagine the busyness before the wedding,  But it was his way of acknowledging me.  It was very sweet.  For me it was a moment of bliss!

Bliss 34

I am sure every parent feels unexplainable emotions when their child gets married.  It is an ending and a beginning.  The end of  being an active parent and the beginning of enjoying our adult relationship.  As AJ & Joelle  shared their beautiful vows- vows they wrote for each other-  I was not sad at all.  AJ was SO happy.  This has been his dream for many years, as I watched his dream become a reality it was bliss... 

Bliss #33

I looked from Aj to Aysse- as she saw AJ's tear,  tears began to escape from her eyes as well.  She was happy for her brother.

Bliss #32 "The Tear"

I watched a tear escape from AJ's eye as he saw his bride walk down the isle 

Bliss # 31 3AM

About 10 guys went out after the rehearsal dinner for a "Bachelor Party"  AJ lived with 3 other young men for the past 4 years.  They were all in attendance.  They had decided to sleep in the same room one last time together.  When they retunred to the Hotel it was about 1:30 AM.  I know this because we were in the room next to theirs.  The noise & laughter emitted from that room lasted for hours!  It reminded me of  one of the many sleep-overs AJ would have while growing up. Usually about 3AM I would lose patience and stomp in his bedroom and warn them to quiet down and go to sleep...  But this night I just laid in that bed and listened to the noise, one last time.  I knew it would be one of the many thing I would actually miss.  I am thankful for that one final moment.   Bliss...

Bliss # 30

At the rehearsal dinner AJ surprised his groomsmen (and me!) by giving them each swords as his thank you gift.  Not plastic toy swords but real swords!  Then he gave his Dad & Mr. Fenton canes, not just regular canes but canes that contained a dagger!  My memory immediately flashed back to the time when theses men were boys playing together with plastic swords and now here they were all grown men, professions, still together and still getting excited over swords!

Bliss #29

Greg gave the most beautiful "blessing" at AJ & Joelle's rehearsal dinner.  He talked about "that look" that I give him... not the bad one-- the good one...  and how it was his prayer that Aj & Joelle would share many of those wonderful "looks" together through out their years of marriage.  I am not doing it justice but it was a beautiful moment and i am sure I was giving him "that look" at that very moment. ... Bliss

Bliss # 28

Bliss # 28  All our immediate family made the trip to Florida for AJ's wedding.  He had his sister, all his Aunts & Uncles & first cousins & Grandparents.  Everyone traveled... from 600-1,000+ miles.  What a blessing!

Bliss #27

Bliss # 27  Laughing so hard on New Years Eve with my sister-in-law that we couldn't even drive.  After an unusual series of events that included the police shining a spot light on us (We didn't know the beaches closed at dusk-oh well)  It will certainly be a New Years that we will remember forever!

Bliss # 26

Bliss #26    Taking my 14 year old niece to the ocaen - her first time ever- then later in the week 

     my 17 year old newphew- For his first time ever.  They immediatly responded WOW!