inProgress

I've moved!

2007-08-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

If you're here - you should be HERE. That is if you came here on purpose!

I've switched over to Wordpress. I dragged my feet a tiny bit on this because I didn't want to inconvenience any of my blog friends...And I really hope this isn't an inconvenience to you! So....

If you have me linked anywhere in your blogs (linked in a post or a blogroll) and you are able to, please switch my address to http://kassota.wordpress.com

If you are a subscriber, I am humbled, I mean really - thanks. Here is the new feed:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/wordpress/UJJW

If you are not subscribed to this blog or my new one and would like to be, read this great post discussing how to subscribe. If you already have an RSS feeder/reader, would you be willing to add me to it?

Tell all your friends about the new address. This will be my last post at Blogger, but it will always be active in case you need to refer to this post for the addresses.

So go on over and check out my new home and make yourself comfortable!

I said it in my profile...

2007-08-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

I like change and easily get bored with routine. So...having said that - I'm considering, highly, switching over to Wordpress. I like the look and feel (of cotton) of it all.

I'd like Y'all to go check it out here. Let me know what you think. Brent is considering a change too. We want your opinion because our entire significance is based on our blogging buddies! No way! But we'd still love to know what you think.

So go over, play around, experiment and comment there with your opinion/advise.

Just curious...

2007-08-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

I don’t question God….much. There are things that are constant and unchanging about God , truth, salvation and such. What I find myself questioning a lot lately are religious/Christian intent. I think when one is passionate about God and His purpose in their own lives they move with purpose and right motives.

My problem is when you get a bunch of “us” together, our little ideals and “ways of doing things” seeps into the slightest of little cracks and you have things like…”Suits and Dresses only in church! Don’t you have any reverence for the Lord and His house?” Ummm, I’m sorry mam, but this morning while I was in the little girls room (in HIS presence) I was meditating on Gods goodness and praising Him as I shaved…naked, have I no reverence?!

“She didn’t raise her hands during our singing today, she must not have been worshiping.” Your eyes were on her…neither were you!

“Wasn’t the “worship” great today?!” Yes, worship was awesome this morning! I just stood in awe of God when Pastor spoke of His omnipresence! “No, I meant the music.” And I meant the worship.

There’s been a lot of talk about “worship” lately. Check out Mandy, Deb and Brent for great content on this. What is worship? What is it not?
What does worship mean to you? Don't be afraid to chime in here. I really would love to hear everyone's view on this...

Overboard!

2007-08-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

Have you ever got angry with yourself for carrying around things from your past; failures, guilt, regret, frustrations or fears? Some of those might be things you’re dealing with today. You wake up one morning and realize the bag of guilt-ridden bricks you’ve been hauling over your shoulder for years is beginning to cut into your flesh…leaving even more wounds.

For some of us, I suppose, the bag of guilt is our comfort. It’s all we know. It is our identity. Who would we be without it?

A few years ago Pastor Tom taught out of Acts 27 “The Shipwreck”. The ship that Paul is on inherits some trouble at sea. The crew, in their fear, made a couple poor decisions and the ship ended up in an even more compromising situation. They eventually stopped trying and gave in to the strong winds. Difficulties caused them to give up.

Jumping quite ahead here the storm continued to rage so they dropped several anchors and just waited and hoped for the best. They would come to find land one morning, a coastline that could be seen from the ship. The only way to get there would be to get rid of the anchors. They certainly wanted out of the storm and off that ship! In verse 40 it says, “So they cut off the anchors and left them in the sea.” I remember Pastor Tom saying along with this verse “release what bonds you”.

I have anchored myself for years over past failures, only to add more anchors for present failures. But it gets me nowhere, literally! If I’m trapped and stagnant because I choose to harbor and hold onto the past then I am not living fully the life God intended me to live.

Daily I have to choose to let go. It’s a flesh battle! I don’t want anchors holding me back. I want freedom to live in Christ. I want freedom to live for Christ and not myself.

So friends, do you have a bag of bricks to drop off the side of a mountain? How about anchors that need to be cut? It comes down to faith. Anchoring ourselves down says to God we don’t trust Him. Do you trust Him?

Mad Church Disease

2007-08-19T14:54:00.001-07:00

Hey friends! Just wanted to keep Anne Jacksons upcoming book "Mad Church Disease" out in front to remind you all to keep this book in prayer.

But especially keep our girl Anne in your prayers! In any way she is on your heart, pray! Rest, emotional health, physical health and strength, spiritual strength and protection. As you all know, whenever you're doing something for the Kingdom attacks will ensue. I'm sure with all this book entails there is much to be in prayer about. So lift her up friends as she also is in Publisher countdown time and it really gets down to the wire now...

This is the life!

2007-08-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the smell of bacon (the first batch was burning) but luckily we've yanked all the batteries out of our smoke detectors that the smoke alarms didn't wake us up instead! All our kiddos were in the kitchen making us breakfast in bed! Rachele is our adopted daughter (not by law - by choice =) and she got the ball rolling on this! As I was finishing reading my mans blog this morning (he paid homage to our marriage), the tears were streaming down like mad and here walks in 3 of the most adorable people in the world with breakfast in tow...aaahhhh!

Then they present a basket of goodies to us! Gift cards galore! Good & Plenty and Dutch Bro's coffee bucks for me! Starbucks card and sprinklers for Brent! They know us too well!

So this is how our 17th year has begun...I couldn't be more happy! I am so richly blessed! My coffee cup runneth over!

yes those are mine and B's Macs in the background

Round 2!

2007-08-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

I think I'm gonna puke! I mean, blow Holy Chunks...sorry...

This is the day my kids have waited for since the end of June. High School Musical 2 made its debut at 5:00 Pacific Time today! As if 1 wasn't enough. I am ashamed to admit that even I know the words and moves to the first movie.

Even though we are knee deep in a room addition - life as we know it has STOPPED! It's all about Troy Bolton and no one else...Mom who?!! So in the middle of a great scene I keep asking my kids for help - I'm getting a huge kick out of it too! This will be the first of 82 times we will be tortured with this Disney Classic. Oh my- I just peaked at a scene...over actors!

Confession: I know every word to every song from the original Grease! Although I poke fun at my kids, I must admit that was me in the late 70's. I lived and breathed all things Grease! I crushed on Danny Zuko and cried the first time I saw him sing "Stranded At The Drive-In" when Sandi bailed on their date...sniff-sniff... So I know exactly what's going on inside my kiddo's little minds and hearts. To be young again! What a time!

What's your favorite movie and why?

Happy Anniversary!

2007-08-16T17:46:00.000-07:00

Friends, this Saturday the 18th, Brent and I will celebrate our 16th Anniversary! I won't get mushy here - but if you're hankering for a warm fuzzy go here.

We have no major plans for Saturday. In fact, we don't have one plan at all to celebrate our big day! But...we get to spend the entire weekend together as a family building Dakota's bedroom, painting the girls' room and just "being". I like that! I love to do things like this.

Each day with Brent (i'm gettin my cheesy on) is awesome! But it's true! We just love to be together and I can't think of anyone else I would rather spend my days with. Then to have the whole family a part of our Anniversary makes me realize all we have accomplished together and how far we've come. Hmmm...sounds like a song =)

How do you all celebrate milestones in your relationships? Wedding anniversaries, dating anniversaries, it's been a month since our 1st kiss anniversary...Anything you can think of! I'd love to know?

Rise and Shine!

2007-08-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning Blog Family!

Thursday typically, for me, is the oddest day of the week. It's the ultimate teaser to Friday, way uncool! Not quite enough to get excited about and far enough into the week to realize just how exhausted I am. Sounds horrible - but it's just my own take on it. I love all days I get to wake up to find I'm breathing - let's get that straight! I'm a glass 1/2 full girl!

I guess that's it! Just wanted to say "Hey!" Good Morning! Have a fantabulous day! Live like you mean it! Move with purpose in your step! And remember, if you travel, paper your toilet seat!

Road Trip!

2007-08-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

So we're heading back home this morning. My father in law will probably go home in a couple days. We will continue to keep all of you up to date on his progress..AND we are trusting there will indeed be progress!!!

So, although I won't check blog land until after I get home tonight, I have to ask you all a question...How do you deal with long road trips? We have 2 kids 10 & 13, and they do very good actually. But it's me!!! I can't read in the car...I will blow Holy Chunks if I try. If Brent has his ipod I'm usually forced to listen to cheesy 80's rock and ballads! If Kass has her ipod playing I have to listen to the same Paul Wright and Toby Mac songs over and over and over until one wished horrible things on someone else =o Then Kota, he sits directly behind me and insists very 3 minutes I turn around and look at what he's drawing or reading...again, Holy chunks! I love road trips - but just not with these people!

How do you make the best of the road?

Glorious?

2007-08-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

How is God glorified in me? I heard once this quote, “Unless you see Me (God) as glorious how can I be glorious through you?” Those words penetrated to the deepest part of me.

I think an easier question for me to ask myself is what doesn’t bring glory to God? I ask this because it takes discipline and obedience to live a life that honors God, two things that I struggle with. How many of us live a life of mediocrity concerning bringing glory to God?

I realized I do not take God as seriously as I should. I don’t really know Him the way He wants me to. I haven’t even scraped the surface of the beginning. I think I know Him at times – usually in the best of times – when life is great! But really, I have no idea just how big and sovereign He really is!

For instance I noticed the other day while I was praying for someone that I asked God to “be with her”. Why am I asking God to do something He is already doing? “God go with her today?” “Child, I AM, I am already there!” He is with her and me and you. How can He be anymore with her than He already is? It would be better for me to pray for her and her very own awareness of His omnipresence. It would be better for me to thank Him for already being there and even going before her! This is how little I really know my God.

I wonder if my ignorance shields what should be illuminating from within me. Sure it does! It would be like advertising and pitching a new hair color. Say I was promoting the new blonde shade and talked it up to everyone I met. Telling them just how beautiful it was, how soft my hair felt, how long the color lasts but yet my hair was still dark brown and lifeless. I had never used it and furthermore would be unable to answer any questions about it. It wouldn't exactly speak well for being a representative of the hair color and it certainly would not effectively promote the product. All I’d be doing is speaking meaningless words with nothing to show for. All my efforts only high light my ignorance. And possibly turn prospective clients away, permanently. I do not want to be that kind of representative for Christ! Not to say I’m “selling” Christ – but I am His representative.

What brings Him glory? What turns all attention directly on Him and only Him? When my attention is fully on Him! How often it is not. Even in the simplest of things. Driving and seeing the most beautifully landscaped yard and wanting to thank the gardener instead of the Creator! I forget that He is everything! That He holds everything. He knows everything. I know so much more about my best friends whom I see a total of maybe 8 hours a week than I do my Creator who is by my side and living within in me every single second of my life. To bring Him glory I must actively seek Him and His ways. I must believe He is God – I cannot promote something I do not believe in. Everything about who God is must penetrate my very soul and I must meditate on each and every detail of His being and His word. I will then, and only then, see how beautiful, majestic and Glorious He truly is – as a result He will be seen as Glorious through me.

Update...

2007-08-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Kimball is out of surgery and is doing good!

Let me first give the Doctor Details... They found massive vasculitis. All major native cells are clogged, this is where all his pain is coming from. But the vessels they harvested 3 years ago during his quintuple by pass, 3 of those have excellent blood flow. So that is fairly good news. The bad news is, they couldn't do anything for him today.

The good news is they do not feel the condition of his heart at this time puts him at risk for another heart attack. The docs will have him on Nitro for his vessels and pain management. They suggested doing another Angiogram down the road. Kimball still has pneumonia, his lungs are still full but not getting worse - that is very good!

We will work on getting him healthy to preach his last sermon at First Baptist on September 30th. He then retires and will move down to Southern Oregon to be with us and the rest of the family. He will likely continue on in ministry. That is his passion - he could never retire from doing the work of the Lord! I guess the Lord has much more work to do through Kimball - for that we are so incredibly grateful; for us personally and for the Kingdom!

We are also grateful to all of you for your prayers and concern! You know how I feel about you all, or "y'all", beings most of you are Southern Gals! I wish I could personally thank each of you for your outpouring of prayer and concern...I love you all!

Psalm 33: 20-22 "We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone." Praise the Lord!

What a day!

2007-08-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

Kimball, my father in law, is having surgery first thing in the morning. He should be in recovery by 8:30 a.m. I do not know how soon after I will be able to post - but I will try to asap.

I saw him last on Friday. He looked terrible to be perfectly honest. Very gray and yellow in color - lifeless. Today I walked in his room and he was pink! It was the most beautiful shade of pink I have ever seen! And it was on him!

I think I should share with you all very quickly here why Kimball means so much to me. My real father (whom I refer to as sperm donor - just being honest) left when I was 3. It's a much longer story than that - but for sanities sake that's all I'll say. There were other "father figures" in my childhood that were extremely abusive. I never had a positive male figure in my life. Then all in one year, at age 19, I met the most amazing 3 male figures - The Lord, my husband and my precious Kimball. The Lord is my Father - Brent is the father for my children I always wanted and dreamed of, Kimball is the picture perfect dad I longed for my whole entire life! He is my dad! And no one can tell me any different! He is a man of integrity, class, compassion, respect, godliness, discernment, wisdom, knowledge, gentleness and love. He has always considered me his own and has treated me, from the very beginning, like his special little girl. And I love him as my own dad... Sorry, that wasn't quick...

As Kimball heads in to heart surgery this verse comes to mind. It's actually out of our favorite Psalm....Psalm 73:26 "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart, he is mine forever."

God is our hope!

Monday, Monday - La-la-la-la-la-la

2007-08-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

Did you sing along with my title up there? Mama's & the Papa's...

Anyway...it's actually Sunday night. Brent and I are sitting next to each other in bed, each on our laptops, spending quality time with one another, talking to other people on their blogs. It takes a secure relationship to do this hours on end...

We leave tomorrow for Eugene to be with B's parents. Dad's surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. I will keep you all posted the minute I can, I promise! Thank you all again and again for your prayers, thoughtfulness, concern and kind words.

I was checking my blog tonight to find yet another comment regarding my father in law and became very overwhelmed. Not just "overwhelmed" but "very overwhelmed". I cannot believe the relationships that have been created and built on in such a short time. I have been blogging now for only a month and a half and have found some of the most genuine friendships with some of the most incredible people. You all have blessed me in so many ways. I did not know what to expect when I started blogging - but I do know I didn't see this coming! I am so grateful to have found you all! I truly feel like my life has enriched as I read your blogs, your personal thoughts, your confessions, your wisdom, your thoughts on God and Worship, your view on life. Thank you for sharing - thank you for inviting me in!

Philippians 1:3 - Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God!

Calling All Prayer Warriors!

2007-08-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to post that my precious Father-in-Law has come down ill again. The seizure he had a couple weeks ago caused him to come down with pneumonia. In the process of discovering this, doctors have also come to the conclusion that he will need an angiogram/plasty to possibly put stints in his heart to open up his arteries.

All these health problems have been caused, primarily, from lupus. That being said, this makes him a much more special case as his immune system is very low. We do not know how well he will fair through this next procedure. He is expected to have surgery no later than Tuesday. All the family is going up to Eugene to be with him and Lynda, my mom in law.

Kimball, my dad in law, is only 65. He is retiring in 6 weeks. They are moving down here to Southern Oregon to be with the rest of us and the Grandkids. He is planning to minister in any way he can here for as long as the Lord will allow. I pray the Lord will choose to give Kimball many, many more years!

I know you all will be faithful to pray...so thank you ahead of time and Lord Bless You All! I will keep you posted as often as I can...

Much Love to you!

What is that about!

2007-08-09T18:28:00.001-07:00

We don't have an ice maker in our freezer. We are forced to use those wonderfully and well thought out created little ice trays. No big deal, I know!!!

But why is it whenever it's time to empty the trays into the bucket I am always the one who seems to find it "first"? Hmmmm!

Then, why is it that I can twist and turn and pound said tray on counter, run hot water on it and still ONE CUBE will refuse to come out?!!! It happened with all three trays just now - like always! And I will not let those pesky little cubes win! Not a chance! I filled all 12 slots - I'm gonna get me all 12 cubes!

That's 7 minutes I will never get back!

What silly little thing gets YOU going?

Tagged!

2007-08-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

So I get a heads up from Mandy last night that Brent and I are getting a Marriage Tag and she felt strongly to tell us both not to compare answers..."Yes Mom" AND...we didn't! Yay! I haven't read Brent's answers yet but it's on his blog too!

Thanks Mandy - it was lots of fun! You have to check out her answers folks - GREAT stuff!

OK - so, NO, B and I are not comparing answers! This oughta be fun!

1- In 9 days, August 18th, we will be married for 16 years! Makes us sound old but we’re not! We’re both 36 and feel, and hopefully look, a lot younger! We have a 10 yr old son and 13 yr old girl.

2- He asked me to marry him on October 10th 1990. But if I have to be honest here - I actually asked him this…”So when are you gonna ask me to marry you?!” We’d been dating 2 months…SLACKER!

3- Our wedding cost 500 big whopping dollars! His father married us, his brother was his best man, HIS mom was my best woman! I designed my own dress (I can still fit into it - yay!!!) We had 600 people at our wedding, 8 of which we knew. And our pictures will show Brent sporting a Mullet! And I STILL married him!

4- Our song was Steven Curtis Chapmans “I Will Be Here”… I still tear up when I hear that!

5- I love and enjoy being with Brent more than I do anyone else on this planet! I can not think of a better person to spend my time with…”He completes me!” Oh my gosh - that is even funnier to type!!!

6- God could call us to the furthest corner of the world and it would be “home” and “right” simply because Brent would be there!

7- I have no idea what B’s answers will be - but I bet he will be more deep than me…It’s all about brownie points with him! Hee-Hee! But I’m not wasting #7 on that remark…

7a- We very seldom argue or fight. Less than a handful of times. But boy can we have a deep and intense discussion???!!!! We’ll “intensely discuss” anyone to their knees in despair =o

8- 8 already! I became a Christian, literally, days before we started dating. B knew the pit from where I had come from. He knew the life I had lived. He knew “most” things I had done. And yet he saw me as the “New Creation” I was. He showed me, from the very beginning, what it meant to have the character of God…he showed me grace and mercy… I will forever be indebted to my husband for choosing to love the “new me” and never holding the “old me” against me! I love you B!!!!

Lets Get Serious

2007-08-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

So I have been frequenting Friendly Christians Blog. He used to be "From His Pen" and had very good reason and cause to change his title. He explains it here. Anyways...Since Friendly Christian started this week it has received quite a bit attention! I mean A LOT! The Friendly Atheists Blog inspired Bill to start FC. So you probably get a good idea just from that what it's about.

But I encourage you to go check it out...really! It has raised so many different emotions and feelings in me as I read comment after comment on questions like, "Does the word "Christian" make your stomach turn?" Much of the comments are heart breaking, confusing, thought provoking, and very convicting. I think it's great to look, think and go outside our bubbles and see into the thoughts of those who want nothing to do with our bubbles! Please take time to visit FC...Tell me, and Bill, what you think...

Change of pace here!

2007-08-07T12:59:00.001-07:00

Doesn't life just feel this way sometimes? HA!

Am I Really Here?

2007-08-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been caught in the middle of something that escalated from completely innocent to high drama? I just have! And it sucks! Can I say that? Already did! It sucks!

I shared a story with a friend this weekend at church to draw a comparison of "then and now" when asked about someone's story. Totally innocent...so I thought. The next day - BOOM! I'm backed into the corner wondering what dimension I just landed in...Jr High possibly??? I ended up on a phone tree having to call all these people to fix a mess that should never have become a mess. In the end, I apologize profusely for the confusion and for causing any hurt only to be told I do not seem sincere. I wish you all knew me better...I'm very real and sincere (with a comedic edge - except for tonight)

So here I sit devastated that I am responsible for unintentionally hurting another person and not being able to do anything about it - and not being understood. I'm devastated that my flesh wants so badly to defend myself even though I have nothing to defend. Christ didn't fight for His last rights. I know - nowhere near the same - just an example.

So...Friends, have you ever been in a situation like this? How did you handle it?

Addendum - Now I'm mad cause I keep rubbing off all my expensive eye cream from these stinkin' tears!

Birds & Bee's Update - Part 2

2007-08-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

My husbands account of the infamous, most memorable camping trip with our son, is finally on his blog! Go check it out if you're curious too - HA! Also, if you have nothing else better to do and wanta see my son in action with the video camera then check this out too. When he refers to his love, Sadie's photo, you'll understand all the more why this talk was so important!

Distracted? Ooooo, look at the bird!

2007-08-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like God is miles out there and out of reach? I’ve heard it said often, “I feel like God is so far away”. I’ve learned what causes at least me to feel that way…I get too distracted.

Let’s face it, there will always be distractions. Ourselves, impressions we make, or don’t make, our appearance, accomplishments, possessions and failures just to name a few. Then others and their appearance, accomplishments, possessions and failures can also be a distraction. I’ve been diverted by all of these and more. I get frustrated when I realize how distracted I’ve truly become. So I’ll find myself feeling required to lock myself in a room to pray and regain my ground.

I sit and begin the “effort”. Before long I am quickly distracted, usually by a child or a ringing phone. I feel a combination of irritation and relief as I tend to the matter. Then I find my way back and begin again. I say, “Lord, I’m back”, and then it hits me like a ton of bricks… “I feel like God is so far away?!” I laugh as I repeat myself once again…”I’M back!” I pick myself up off the floor after being pelted by this revelation that God isn’t far away, He hasn’t gone anywhere! It’s me who’s been doing the running, entertaining all my distractions and even sometimes hiding.

Can an Omni-present God ever leave? How far away can He really be? Could it possibly be me, a mere mortal who loves and accepts upon condition, who is very self focused by nature, is it me who is so far away? Yet God is so patient to wait for me. Psalm 46:10 says “Be still and know that I am God”. Often times it takes a crisis for me to be still. How sad that God isn’t the only tenant of my heart. How sad that I allow the temporal to override the Eternal. And yet He stays, does not move, does not change. He patiently waits for me to jump my biggest obstacle, not distractions, but myself.

Birds & Bee's Update

2007-08-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

So my little guy called tonight. He said he and dad were having lots of fun fishing and eating junk food...but not eating fish. Brent said the fish would just swim up and stare at them!

But this was my conversation with Kota...

Kota - Oh-uh, yah, we had that "talk" mom.
Me - Oh you did! How did that go? (teeth clenched, beginning to sweat)
Kota - Um, well, ya know it, it really wasn't what I thought.
Me - Oh, really (uncomfortable silence...duh-duh-duh-duh...)
Kota - Yah, um it was kinda awkward...
Me - I understand son... So have you been brushing your teeth????

Discovery...

2007-08-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

I'm alone for the next 2 nights. Don't feel bad for me - it's not all that terrible. I've been able to catch up on a lot of things. Cleaning, listening to music, cleaning, laundry, writing, working, cleaning. In the course of my day alone I have discovered several things...

I have discovered -

1-Ants were sneaking in through the floor vent in my living room!
2-Not diluting toxic bug spray can burn your lungs when sprayed while standing in front of a fan!
3-The movie I took back to Blockbuster didn't have the dang movie in it!
4-A box of Whoppers from Blockbuster is only 1 serving - Yoo-Hoo!!!!
5-I hate the T.V.
6-I cut my elbow and didn't even know it.
7-I don't like not having my family near me =(
8-Newborns are fascinating to watch - I saw my niece, Ava, tonight!
9-I have a callous on my left hand from sweeping!
10- I found this under my daughters bed. To be young again having this topping the worry list...

63
x24
____
252
1260
____
1512 ...... Hours left of summer!

Cuz I'm A WOMAN!

2007-08-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Ya know why I'm so stinkin' happy today? Brent and our son just left for a 2 day camping trip! Cool in and of itself. But my man is doing something with our son that I ain't doin'. That's right friends, it's Birds & Bee's time! And because I am a woman (hands raised in the air rejoicing my brilliant God) I don't have to have this talk with him!

I thought about my single mama friends and what I'd do if I were also a single mom...HIRE SOMEONE! I've no shame! I highly recommend it in fact.

I had no problem talking to Kass about this - but there's something about me and my little boy...I can't explain it. I would be cracking up the whole time! And I just can't draw all that well. Besides, Kota would be making jokes and would likely walk away with a lot more questions than answers. Brent can command attention much better than I can, and so I pass the baton to him!

So they'll do some fun guy stuff... fishing, f**ting, eating lots of junk, burping, scratching...good bonding-like things. Brent will cleverly sneak the "talk" in there and hope for the best! And they'll come home enlightened - hopefully Kota more than Brent!

Keeping it real

2007-08-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

My man wrote a post today that really got to me! He quoted something from a book he is currently reading by Irwin McManus. It says, "God formed us in his image and then breathed life into us. God's life in us is sustained by character. When we lose the character of God, we lose the life of God in us. But to have his character, we must first die to ourselves, because to become like Him is what it means to really live."

Wow..."When we lose the character of God, we lose the life of God in us". Let that twirl in your mind for a bit. What do you think about that? How does that affect you?

It reminded me of a poem from Marianne Williamson. Now I know she is a New Age-y gal but this particular writing from her has so many truths that I wanted to share it with you all...

Our Deepest Fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

So how does this speak to you?

I did it again!

2007-07-31T21:16:00.000-07:00

My Manic Monday started with lots of errands. Bank, Gas (took out a loan for that), quick stop at Target, typical things I guess. I go back home to p/up Kassidi, my daughter, to run yet more errands. On our way back out we throw some left over pizza and their boxes and a bag of trash into my Jeep to dump in the big cans at the end of the driveway. We end up at church with my Hubby recording some music, meet my in-laws there, decide to go with them to lunch. Mom in law drove, I discreetly pop some prozac, we had a fabulous lunch and a few hours later Kass and I get dropped back off at church to get my car.

I fish for my keys, walk toward the car and can't make out a figure in the back seat. I open the door and nearly pass out!!! Something died in here Kass!!! We DO have skunk problems - did one get in here, get stuck, ooze and die?! She looks in from the other side, turns green and says "Mom, you forgot AGAIN!" There sits my trash and pizza! Did I mention it was 97 degrees outside and that I failed to crack any windows! For THREE HOURS!!!

We hop in, she covers her mouth, I try to convince her it's not so bad "I mean Kass, you DO share a room with your little brother." We start for home breaking all posted speed signs, all the windows down, people from behind suddenly backing off, I was Queen of the Road. Then the Caesar Salad's dressing started reintroducing itself and now I'M green! We arrive, dump the toxins, take our pulse and proceed to spray a full bottle of Febreeze in the Jeep!

Friends, I have the memory span of a Goldfish! 5 minutes max! It only takes 40 seconds to get from my house to the trash cans - but 1/2 the time I forget! I have too much on my mind! I read a great post today on Anne's blog re: prioritizing and I quickly became very convicted... So it got me thinking, what do you all do to stay on task? Do you have lists? I tend to fly by the seat of my pants and am finding that's not working too well. Read Anne's post and let her and me know!

Oh The Power!

2007-07-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

So one cannot dispute the Power of Prayer or the Power of our Faithful God! My father in law, Kimball, just arrived here in town. My mom-in-law, Lynda, drove down from Eugene today (165 miles) Kimball had to be the passenger for the first time ever. The Doctors took his license away yesterday. I would have loved to be a fly in that car! But did you catch it??? HE'S HERE!!!! Totally amazing! He looks fantastic!

The docs ran a couple CT Scans yesterday and failed to find any clotting in his chest, heart and lungs, or brain. The next step is an MRI. They feel the grand maul seizure could be blamed on one of his many meds or complications from the Lupus. Either way, questions need to be answered and a solution would be wonderful. But having said that...HE'S HERE! I mean really, to what could we possibly attribute his arrival today outside the fact that so many of you are praying for him and God is, yet again, proving Himself to be bigger and badder than I sometimes give Him credit for!

Now, regarding my opening sentence, I must ask my own self a question...Would I be praising God the same right now if the circumstances were different? As God would happen to have it lately in my life, He has been speaking to me very loudly regarding this exact issue - and I have to say my answer is...Absolutely! God is not only faithful, He is just! He is all knowing! His thoughts and ways are higher than ours! I cannot and will not always comprehend His will or orchestration of things. But I do know, that right now- this very moment, is all we're promised! I am sure of this because I'm in this moment. Kimball is here, this moment, this is what we have and know and can count on! I will praise God for this! And only He will get the glory and to Him only it belongs!

We will continue to put our hope in the Lord. We will continue to pray for healing...however, or wherever, God chooses to heal. We trust that His perfect will will continue to unfold...and we wait in expectation...

Thank you for praying for our family! Please continue to do so as you feel lead and know that we are so very grateful!

Here's a face to put with your prayers. This is Kimball and Kota 3 years ago in Maui 3 months after Kimball's quintuple bypass surgery! He's a medical wonder I tell ya!

Please pray...

2007-07-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

My father in law, that I mentioned in my Painting and Twila post ,who is retiring from First Baptist just had a major seizure. He was taken by ambulance and is at the hospital now. I will keep you all updated as I get updates. Thank you so much!

I've Been Tagged!

2007-07-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Aahhh, I feel so special! Really! Mandy Tagged me - thanks girl...

Here's how it works. I answer these questions and tag 5 bloggers to do the same. Here goes...

5 things I wanna do before I die:

1- Live
2- Learn to play the guitar
3- See my mom and family come to know the Lord!
4-Know that I have completed the ministry He has given me
5-Eat shrimp again!

5 things I can do:

1-Pop my hips out of joint
2-(long, long pause before coming up with 4 more things) make mean Molasses cookies! (husband groans, oh-yah!)
3-make people laugh! (husband amens!)
4-be a good friend (husband laughs....really!)
5-slap husband and get a way with it!

5 things I cannot do:

1-Not ask someone if they're OK when it looks like they're not.
2-Play guitar...yet
3-the splits
4-go a day w/out dusting or sweeping
5-keep my mouth shut when I see a child being demoralized in public

5 things that make a man attractive to me:

1-SENSE OF HUMOR!!!
2-his smile
3-boldness in his faith
4-plays like a kid with kids
5-when he can laugh at himself

5 celebrities I crush on:

I don't know if I crush on them but they are cute to me
1-Harrison Ford
2-George Clooney
3-Ryan Seacrest
4-Harrison Ford
5-Harrison Ford

OK - that was exhausting! But fun! Thanks for the tag Mandy!

Here are the 5 bloggers I am tagging... Have fun!!!

Solace Girl

God's Gal

My Man

Gretchin

In a Foreign Land

Boycotting Painting and Twila Paris

2007-07-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

I used to really love painting the insides of our homes. It was always the cheapest upgrade. In fact, Brent and I painted the interior of one of our homes so many times we joked that we were losing square footage as the walls were closing in on us!

This week we have been painting my in-laws house, which is near us, getting ready for their arrival in October. My father in law is retiring from the Senior Pastor position at First Baptist Church in Eugene, Oregon. They have purchased a home here and are slowly remodeling it. So the fam and I have spent the last 4 days painting away. I haven't painted quite like this since I was diagnosed with Lupus a couple years ago. After holding a paint brush for an hour I couldn't straighten out my poor little knuckles for at least another hour... I wasn't very fast or effective I'm afraid.

Anyway...in the midst of our painting monotony I found my thoughts sitting idly on worthless things. Like, worry. That was a big one for me this week. Maybe partly because I had gone without my hormones for 6 days and I was a little..."blue", but I hid it well - I hope! Oh my goodness - Lupus and taking Hormones - I sound old!!!

Back to the point of all of this. The only Christian music station we could get on the stereo was our local station. In their attempts to please the whole wide range of their listening audience they played every single style of music out there. Hillbilly, opera, country, blues ( very into that this week ) disco, good ole hymns, some modern worship stuff and of course...your traditional contemporary! A lot of that! I heard my fair share of Michael W. Smith and Twila Paris. Enough to last, well, everyone's lifetime! As the 38th Twila Paris song began this afternoon I found myself painting shot guns and guillotines on the wall. I have no opinions on music. Then I started listening to the words of "God is In Control". I know every one of you just sang that melodious title in your head, didn't you??!! Well I can't get it out of mine, thank you very much! But...I'm rather glad about it. She, Twila (we're tight now), kept saying over and over "Why do you worry?, God is in control". Shut up Twila, I'm sulking here! Then I realized, God was actually trying to get my attention here. I mean really, why else would a station play 38 Twila songs if there wasn't some divine intervention going on? That's not really a question...

Normally I don't stew over things or dwell on situations that are way out of my control. Hmmm, maybe I'm wanting to control our situation because I think that God doesn't have control of it. Is it estrogen related? Or lack thereof? When has He not provided for any of us? Are any of us living in poverty? Likely not, we're reading each others blogs on our spendy computers. What is wrong with me? Deep down I know - it's a trust issue. Faith issue. But if I know that - then why is it too often a struggle? Ok, I know that too. Eeewww - I'm just unwilling to believe Him aren't I? What I need is 3 more solid days of hormone therapy.

I feel better just writing it out actually.... Thanks guys! But honestly, who here deals with the same thing from time to time?

What a sight - What a sound!

2007-07-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

My daughter and Shell (our, basically, adopted 19 yr old) just walked out to our front porch with guitars in hand. It's after 10 pm, Monday night. The air outside is warm. It's a beautiful summer evening! I am sitting here in the dining room listening to the most beautiful worship music and singing come from underneath the starry sky. There they sit in and under God's enormous and marvelous creation singing to Him a couple love songs! Life doesn't get much sweeter than this!

Shell leaves tomorrow to Indonesia on a missions trip with FCA - Please pray for the lives that will be touched and changed there... And for Shell - she's nervous!

Here's a song Kass, my daughter, and I wrote - "Lead Me On". She wrote the music then we co-wrote the lyrics. She blesses me! Sorry about the wind chimes in the back ground =o

Check'em out!

2007-07-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday friends! Wanted to let you know I've added a few great blogs to my list!

First is Solace for the Soul, my friend Amy. We've been friends for 15 years now??? We live 2 1/2 hours apart but have one of those relationships that can go a year w/out seeing each other and instantly pick up where we left off - love it! She's real, genuine, passionate about life and her Creator, and adores her family and ministry. Visit her site and be blessed!

I also added another dear friend of mine who is a new blogger. God's Gal. Deb, is one of my favorite people in the world! Hysterical lady! Deep and goofy wrapped up more perfect together than I've ever seen it! So in love with her God and her family! Has a twisted sense of humor - I like!!! Stop by and say hi!

Then we have From His Pen. This is Bill. You HAVE to check him out. Authentic! Real! Hilarious! Thought Provoking! Why are you still here?.....

Last one for today is my Canadian Beauty, Cheryl at In a Foreign Land. We were actually neighbors 2 years ago for about a year and have talked more since we started blogging just a month ago - so sad. I love her thoughts on life and the wisdom she shares!

I know adding 4 blogs might be a bit much. But I realized today that each morning I go check out all of these sites and am totally blessed and thankful I did. Why am I not sharing them with you? Enjoy!!! Thank me later =)

What Came First?

2007-07-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

I spent part of my muggy hot Sunday afternoon hangin' at the County Fair with my Hubby. He's running sound for one of the concert stages this year. Each year Sunday is Free Admission day - so the kids and I said a prayer and headed for some serious over stimulation! First off - are "fair" goers (excluding my family) created in some mad scientist lab on another planet? I go 51 weeks each year without the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with these folks! Which brings me to my second thought - What came first, the Trailer Park or the Tornado? I don't want any hate comments on this one! I am a trailer girl! I lived in a single wide in Missouri far too long and believe I have earned my right to question such things =o Third mind boggling wonder - Am I bad mother for letting my daughter ride the scariest roller coaster at the fair that was assembled in 2 1/2 hours with "6 Finger Eye Patch Jack" at the controls? Or am I just stupid for riding with her?! We blew 40 bucks on 2 rides, one basketball toss, 2 lemonades and 3 teaspoons of mint chocolate chip ice cream in a 16 oz cup! The 4 year old little boy puking on the Tea Cup...priceless! Good times...

Another Head Scratcher

2007-07-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

I'm done with the news. I resign to the fact that if something is of life or death mentioning that I should know about, I will eventually find out on the street.

It seems every time I check the news more and more ridiculous "headlines" are making top mention! Today's featured piece..."Prince Charles gives Camilla a Sheep." Oh my goodness! Some one give me oxygen! I can't believe he did such an amazing thing! If only every husband were so thoughtful and in tune!

I'm sorry for the people in Britain who must hear about these jaw dropping details of Royalty's life...I'm sorry a pathetic birthday gift in London made news in my small town...I'm sorry for the sheep.

Sorry for the rant

Divorce could be genetic?

2007-07-20T12:20:00.001-07:00

Really now! Everything is a "disease" these days. I saw this on Yahoo's homepage this morning. I kind of skimmed through it, there was an incredible worship song playing in the back ground. But I got the jest of it anyway, I think. Seems the verdict isn't completely in on whether divorce is circumstantial or genetic. They may be leaning more toward circumstance but here's a quote from the article... "It's also not known whether assortative mating is genetically driven and how that might affect children's genetic propensity for stable or unstable marriages." What?!?! I have to admit I needed to look up "assortative" - not proud of that. It's still suggesting divorce could be innate. Let's just label it what it is - a choice. I know, I know - there are factors such as a myriad of abuses, I am aware of that and a child victim of such abuses. But doesn't a man have a choice to not beat the tar out of a woman? Doesn't a woman have a choice not to have an affair? Doesn't a parent have a choice not to abuse their children? Is it really a genetic flaw that our newborns might be inoculated for some day?

I am willing - but not

2007-07-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

This afternoon as I sat in a meeting that I barely had time for, didn't find out about until yesterday, struggling to pay attention, when one question posed caught my ear and convicted me immediately. Question: What am I not willing to do that the Lord is asking of me? Doh!

I have pondered this in my head all day and have come to a realization. It would take less time to state what I AM willing to do than what I AM NOT willing to do. Is that pathetic or what? Maybe it's just where I am at today, but maybe not. But here I tried to balance the two...

I am willing to hear God - but not always willing to listen
I am willing to seek God - but not always willing to be found
I am willing to surrender - but not always entirely
I am willing to serve - but not always unselfishly
I am willing to sacrifice - but not always everything
I am willing to trust - but not always believe
I am willing to risk it all for Him - but not always...

I guess I'm willing to be honest....How about you?

Work with me people!

2007-07-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

It has been brought to my attention, but unfortunately I have already noticed, that I get more comments on certain posts than others. I think this is funny! I get more comments on my random thoughts than on deep thoughts - I'M DEEP PEOPLE!!! Kidding! Well sort of...

So, here is some deep info for you all...

1- I have nothing....

2- This is gonna take awhile....

3- Got something!

4- I have been widowed...really

Deep question for you?

1- What is your most impossible (nothing is with God) dream?

Deep Thoughts - At least for me...

2007-07-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

So I just picked up a book today by Bill Myers titled Eli. I was at the bookstore with my husband who has become an avid reader. He is reading 10 books in 10 weeks. He's blogging about his adventure along the way - cool stuff. I was just browsing behind him when a cool shade of green caught my attention...I pulled the book off the shelf and read this on the cover... "What if Jesus had not come until today? Who would follow Him? Who would kill him?" I had to get it! I can't get those questions off my mind. It's hard to even think about them. OK - so I've just sat here for about 3 1/2 minutes staring blankly at the screen trying to offer some sort of weak, at best, answer but I can't! First of all - to put my mind in the mode of not having had Jesus already and to be introduced to a Saviour for the first time in this world today - yah, see, that thought didn't even make sense! How about this - How would YOU answer those questions? I can't wait to read this book!

The Itch You Can't Scratch?

2007-07-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

Eeewww! Just saw a "feminine cream" commercial for, duh, women. They were kind enough to remind us feminine kind that some itches you can't scratch...OK tell that to all the masculine kind! I guess we don't want to embarrass ourselves by scratching so we'll just go in to Target and by some cream! That's not humiliating at all!

Here she is!

2007-07-13T21:09:00.001-07:00

My beautiful little niece has arrived. On July 3rd Ava Mayree entered our world! She is stunning!

Little Elliot loves his sissy and has taken on his big brother role rather easily.... Here he is introducing her to God's word - priceless!

Skim off the fat

2007-07-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about certain relationships in my life this morning. How some totally bless my socks off, some make me want to commit a crime, some challenge me, and so on... I remember one morning listening to a study by Beth Moore. She was talking about 3 different types of friendships. One's that make you want to be a better person - they inspire you, build you up, are honest, hold you accountable, are godly. Then there are one's that when you're in their presence there's almost an oppression hovering over - somethings just not right, there's never any Godly discussion (even with your prompting) you walk away feeling less of a person, dark, just "off". Beth Moores opinion on that kind is run for your life! Then there is the 3rd kind - the one that I actually found myself running from mostly. The one that, like I mentioned in the beginning, make you want to commit a crime. The relationships where you find yourself saying, "they just bring out the worst in me." Well get ready - and Praise God! You've got to be kidding right! Unfortunately this makes so much sense. You have that friendship in your life right now don't you? The one that causes you to think terrible things, leaves you impatient, gossiping, you know! Good - consider that relationship a gift - take all those bad things it brings out, recognize them, pray over them, deal with them, conquer them and be a better person because of it. It's like boiling fatty chicken. The longer it boils the more fat and impurities come to the surface. In order to get the best juice and stock you need to skim off all the impurities that have risen to the top. That's what we need to do in these situations too... see it for what it is, skim it off and enjoy some chicken...just a thought!

Are you regular?

2007-07-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

My son just informed me he heard that people over a "certain" age who eat french fries stay regular. I asked, "what age?" "Ummm, it rhymes with nerdy" Gee thanks dude! Fries anyone?

Prayer in the Journey...

2007-07-12T09:53:00.001-07:00

Hey friends and family! I need your help. Some of you know that I am in the process of writing a book. I have been at it for 4 plus years now. It's on a very sensitive subject - please email me for details if you're interested (I have a good reason for this) but I'd love to share about it with you! I'm asking you all to pray over this venture & for me in this journey. This is a project I am passionate about completing and know it will minister to many women and young girls. The prayer needs are endless. Those of you who are writers understand this I'm sure! I just want to submit this entirely to the Lord. Lay it at His throne and have Him direct and lead as he sees fit. I want to be faithful to "complete the ministry he has given me" 2 Tim 4:5.

Thank you all - I will give updates along the way!

A Front Porch View

2007-07-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

We had an incredible Thunder Storm last night here in the Valley! Lightning strikes so fast and furious that when Brent was attempting to photograph them he would miss them by a fraction and as the camera was processing another awesome wonder of God would shoot down from the sky! Which made me think of a verse...

Job 36:32 "He fills his hands with lightning bolts and hurls each at its target."

Some things I can't even wrap my head around...

Hugz Are Still Free

2007-07-09T20:30:00.001-07:00

Ahhh...These are the days I cherish! He still holds my hand. Loves to "nuggle". Can't wait for bed time prayers. Is sure to tell me often that he'll never leave me or ever break my heart. He tells me I'm pretty. And when he gets rich he's gonna build me the biggest house ever! He loves to make me laugh. Hugz me in public and reassures me he always will.... I hope so....

The Birds & the Bee's...and Wrestling?

2007-07-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

I thought long and hard for 2 minutes on whether or not I should share this. My conclusion...I should!

Ten year old boys just know everything about everything these days! It was one of the funniest moments of my Mommy-Hood life. And scariest. The kids, a family friend and I were watching T.V. when a sexually suggestive commercial came on. I clammed up on behalf of my son, Kota, as I sneaked a glance over at him just in time to catch him sinking into the couch with his face buried in his hands. I giggled and asked if he was ok. "No mom! That's gross! It's sex!" "Well Kota, no, they're just showing a little affection toward each other." Trying to make light of it. But while we're on the topic...I peek over to see the look on my friends face that was screaming "Please don't ask!" I asked anyway..."So Kota, do you know what sex is?" Oh my goodness, I was so not ready for this one! He instantly gave me that HELLOOOOO look and nonchalantly replies..."Yah, it's rubbing and preferred wrestling". Off the chair I go!!! You couldn't have paid my friend or I a million bucks to stop laughing. To add to his disturbing reply, he actually motioned the rubbing! Which, by where his hands were placed, it appears the outside of a womans shoulders are very appealing to boys his age. What have playgrounds turned into! Perplexed by our reaction he chimed in between our outrageous laughter to say, "Dad really needs to talk to me about the birds and the bee's mom." In walks Dad....

What? It's NOT about me!

2007-07-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever cried out to the Lord, “Why me?” I’m certain you have a time or two. Have you ever gone through a tough circumstance and wondered what its purpose was? Are you still wondering today? Have you ever considered it might not be about you at all? So many questions, so little space to write…

I certainly don’t have all the answers to life’s tough questions but I have learned often times God asks me to endure opposition or hardship for another’s benefit. Well why would He do that when He can speak directly to that person if He wanted to? Well He is…through me.

There have been times in my life when a friend has come to me to say how much God had spoken to them through what I was going through at that time. It usually isn’t until that moment I can see what the Lord was doing. All the questioning comes to a stop and all I’m left with is Praise. This brother or sister in Christ needed to hear from or see God in some way but maybe wasn’t quite ready personally to “get it” on their own. So God used me. I think about all the complaining and stubbornness that had poured out of me and in an instant turns into humility. I realize it is an honor that God would see fit to use me, to speak through me, to count on me to be open and willing to work through me to reach someone else.

Who am I that I should not endure a little discomfort and be used by God? Jesus endured a lot for me. He certainly didn’t have to die a brutal death and could’ve escaped it all if He wanted to. He could’ve walked away and never looked back. But He couldn’t get me, or you, out of his mind. He saw the big picture and though it was for the benefit of the lost, still He gave up His rights for us. Those are footsteps to follow. I have to remember sometimes not to ask “Why me?” but ask “Who for?"

2007-07-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hey friends and family. I am very excited about this book that is in the works! The author is Anne Jackson. She is writing about church burnout. How it can and does effect Pastors, their families and volunteers. There is a place on the website to take a survey. I took the survey as the wife of a Pastor. It is very in depth and somewhat personal - but the info. is crucial to Anne's research. I am asking any of you who run by this post to check it out and share it with anyone you know who is related to ministry in any way. And please take the survey if it applies, Anne needs more family members to take part in the survey. Thanks alot!

Autograph Please...

2007-07-06T10:59:00.001-07:00

Hey friends! I have an autograph book for you all to sign. I found it on a new blogging friends site this morning. You'll find the link somewhere below my profile there on the right. Wow - now that was technical for ya! Have fun with it!

Personality Test

2007-07-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

This test was great to take. I found it on a great blog! I have taken the DISC personality test before but, in my opinion, this is much better - and the results were definitely me. However, I certainly don't feel quite as manly as it stated - clearly they're measuring something I'm not aware of (no pun intended, really!) But they're the experts! Here's the link. You should be able to see my test results. If you wanta take your own simply click on the DNA logo at the top left. Have fun!

I want her crib back!

2007-07-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Where did she go? My little girl? My first born? When did this happen? I must be coming out of the longest blink in history! My daughter, 13 years old, just left for 2 weeks to camp. She's been to camp many times before. But for some reason this time is really getting to me. Maybe because I'm too aware that I'm getting closer to 40 and she's getting closer to High School. Very sobering. I stood on our front porch as she drove off with the Grandparents as I bawled like a lost child in the supermarket. We live on 2 acres and have quite a long driveway. I was waving furiously as they turned on to the road repeating to myself "Please let her see me - Please let her see me." They started around the curve of the road, the car just out of view and my heart sank. Then the most beautiful sound...3 taps on the car horn. Three taps as if to say "I" "Love" "You"... She saw me!

My nephew has something to say...

2007-07-04T13:21:00.001-07:00

I have a new baby sister! She came yesterday, July 3rd. She's small, 6lbs 6oz and 18 1/2 inches. My name is Elliot. Sissy doesn't have a name yet!

Update: Sissy got a name tonight...
Ava Mayree!

ADORABLE!

2007-07-04T10:41:00.001-07:00

They're the best!

Moved To Tears

2007-07-03T23:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been moved to tears by a piece of music? I certainly have. Being a writer I am extremely vulnerable to uncontrollable outbursts of tears. You know the artsy person syndrome. My daughter is also a very creative little gal. There isn’t anything she attempts that she cannot figure out and do well. She expressed interest in the guitar two and a half years ago after having taught herself to play the piano. She has now taught herself to play the guitar…quite well I must say. She’s even giving me lessons! Not a day goes by in the Hodge Household that there isn’t music playing. Our son will be beating the drums to his own tune and Kass will walk around like Neil Diamond serenading us in any room we’re in…often.

One evening before bed Kass wanted to show me one of the songs she had written. Naturally I say yes. So she sits on the edge of the couch crosses one leg over to rest her guitar on and begins to play. Instantly the melody catches me; sends shivers of blessings all over. Then her lyrics rang out…so deep for such a young one. I marveled as I witnessed this gift from God with a talent so big you cannot dispute that there is a Creator. I began to cry. I was overwhelmed with the depth of this child. What really caught me was her appearance. She wore unmatched jammies, the bottom of the foot of her crossed leg was speckled with several shades of dirt…well earned from a hard days play. Her hair was ratted from just being let out of a pony tail and there was a bit of dried toothpaste on the corner of her mouth from having just brushed her teeth. All the while, singing a praise song to Jesus. It was this entire picture that captivated me and compelled me to tears. From this little child, who is not the least bit concerned with her outward appearance but very aware of and attuned to the God who lives within her, sings to me a love song for her Creator! All she wanted to do was express her gratitude through the gift of music. To share it with anyone she could. To be a good steward of what the Lord has given her. She ministered to me and didn’t even know it. Wow! Moved to tears by a piece of music and later to my knees in awe of the Giver.

Uh-Oh! Part 2

2007-06-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

Never mind. I didn't just create a link! I have a lot of learning to do! Try again - Husbands Blog

Uh-Oh!

2007-06-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness I just created a blog! I don't know what just got into me. Maybe it'll come out in this thing somewhere down the line.... I know my husband is on his blog ( I can't believe I just created a link!!! ) daily - he loves it - I love it - so why not have my own, right? I guess I have fought it for so long because I don't want to be responsible for someone wasting part of their day reading a strangers blog - hmmm... I guess that's up to them now huh? I'll try to come up with something profound to write this weekend... Stay tuned! I say that as if someone will actually read this.