Talking Can Help

There Will Never Be A Year

2011-01-20T09:56:00.004-06:00

As the end of 2010 approached I was reading on my facebook. I began reading the same thing; "glad to see you go", "won't miss this year a bit", "worst year of my life", no sadness to see this year over". Then I noticed it was coming from those individuals who much younger than me...my kids age. I realized a very important thing once again; they just have not lived long enough.

Every year has the bad in it. Every year. Every year has the good as well; it is so much harder for us to focus on the good however. Good thing s happen every day. Yes I said every day!! Many times I think we just miss it.

This past year was a really bad year for our family, yet at the same time it ooozzzzed of God's grace and provision. Never have I seen the Lord provide so much, hear his voice more clearly, learn more valuable lessons, and want to be better because of the events in our lives.

My challenge for the new year is not to look at it and say, "Wow, I hope nothing bad, tragic, or painful happens this year", but rather to say the a Mighty God, "Lord whatever I need to be more like you, that's what I want for 2011".

Happy New Year everyone, may God turn our world's in a way that glorifies Him and not what is more comfortable for us all. Welcome 2011!!!

Christmas BEFORE Thanksgiving???

2010-11-15T10:00:00.002-06:00

We kinda have a tradition in our family that you do not put up Christmas decorations until AFTER Thanksgiving. Now mind you, it can be 2 minutes after the Thanksgiving meal is over, but all in all we wait until Thanksgiving is over and we are thoroughly thankful for the blessings of the past year.

Well, not this year.... I know kids, pick yourselves up off the ground and I am truly sorry. But to my defense, it has been a crazy year and a crazy season. Sometimes a girl just has to do what a girl has to do. Funny thing, my husband went right along with this crazy plan of mine.

Sometimes you just have to do what works for you...understanding this comes with age I have decided. And I am understanding better with each passing day this "age" thing.

So, the lesson to be learned here? Let up on the crazy people who put Christmas up before Thanksgiving - after all, they may have a really good reason for their crazy behavior.

What Does Being Healthy Look Like for You?

2010-10-25T10:13:00.002-05:00

I sit day after day with individuals who in some way are looking for the answer to the question "What does healthy look like for me? Most indivdiuals haven't a clue.

Some 20+ years ago I didn't have a clue either. I had to come face to face with that question for myself. Life was unraveling and the places I looked for to make me feel good about myself or to meet my needs were just not there. You see, we as people, especially women, many times look to our husbands or other family members to make us happy. Men, well they have a tendency to look to their work and themselves. Which are you? Both?

Both answers leave a person dependent on things of this world, their own strength or the strength of others. Besides the obvious, what would your list look like? The obvious? Some of you really need this; this post is going to help you.

Sit down when it is just you and the Lord and take a piece of paper and draw a line straight down the middle. On the top left corner write "HEALTHY" and on the top right corner write "unhealthy". Begin... I know it is hard to get started but once you do...watch out, the flood gates are going to let loose. But to get you started let me list for you a couple of mine.

Healthy

1.) Talk to the Lord about EVERYTHING - bad or good.
2.) Talk to girl-friend (s) on a regular basis.
3.) Do something just for me on a weekly basis (ex.) Get a Italian Lemonaide Ice from Fazoli's, sleep late on Saturday, pick up a new shirt, or rent a movie and be lazy.
4.) Go to the movies with "the keeper of my heart".
5.) Try to help someone who is has a need.
6.) Make my husband a pitcher of tea.
7.) Spend time in the WORD.
8.) Check in on family members.
9.) Make my bed - just becuz!!!
10.)And on and on on this list can go.

Unhealthy

1.) Call my husband excessively to see what he is doing.
2.) Have expectations for my children that are not really reasonable.
3.) Stay in bed all day and think about the horrible things in my past.
4.) Write letters to individuals who have hurt me (therapeutically this can be a healthy exercise when it is done correctly).
5.) Eat a dozen donuts.
6.) Expect my husband to drop what he is doing to meet my needs or to make me happy.
7.) Make everything about me.
8.) Make everything everyone else does and says about me as well.
9.) Stay out of God's word
10.)Refuse to listen to the Holy Spirit speaking and leading me.
...and on and on this list can go as well.

Take the plunge - make your lists. See where you fall when it is all said and done. Healthy? Unhealthy? You determine who and what you will be. Don't stay unhealthy one more day - you CAN do it. Go for it.

Lie bumps ... and 1 Peter

2010-10-04T09:41:00.002-05:00

I guess if we could go back in biblical times we would see as many folk back then with lie bumps on their tongues as we do today. Now I know some of you are saying "what is a lie bump"? A lie bump is when a very small, very small, piece of your tongue gets red, sore, and bothers the heebee gebies out of you. You pick at it, it gets kinda whiteish, and seems to just stick out as if it was saying to the whole world "hey look at me, I told a lie".

I remember my mother used to say to me, Robin Leigh, what lie did you tell? I would think and think and remember more than just one little itty bitty lie. Seems like when we say something that is not true it just kinda sticks out there and bothers us until we resolve it.

Last night at Ovation, www.ovationlife.com, Andy taught on 1 Peter 2:1-3. Boy was it ever good; but boy was it convicting. Have you had a time in the Word when the Lord just says, "you have been talking way too much, and oh by the way, that was heresay, not truth that you repeated". Or, "It makes you feel better to say those things, but do you know that for certain?"

God has a way of gently speaking to my heart and drawing me to Him. It's as if I have crawled up in His lap and he says,"Is that a lie bump on your tongue Robin?"

How is your malice, slander, hypocrisy, envy, and evil working out for you? Mine, needs a little work I must confess.

And THEN, Peter says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good ". It's hard to taste the goodness of God when our mouths are full of malice or slander. Put it aside, it really is sticking out like a big ole lie bump and keeping us from the goodness of Jesus. Yep it might stick around for a little while, but eventually it will disapear and you will feel so much better.

Taste and see...

Otis and the Garage Sale

2010-09-27T16:26:00.000-05:00

Otis is the newest member of our family. He is about the size of a silver dollar and when I talk to him, he comes out of his shell (note: that makes all therapists feel like they are making a difference). I arrived home on Friday to discover that Cassie found a little turtle while settings up for the garage sell and cleaning out my garage. Andy made a little nest of greenery and placed Otis in a beautiful pink box; I think he chose that box so I would be more likely to keep him.

Turtles and Garage sales are a part of life. Whether we have a pet turtle or just know of someone who "withdrawals" into their shell; have garage sales, or know of others who have them or attend them, they are a part of life. As long as we have money we are going to have garage sells. Have you noticed that rich folk as well as poor folk have them? We all have "junk" in our lives.

Have you ever had the occasion to think about why or what causes people to withdraw or not deal with their own junk? Did you judge them, think unkind things about them? Did you ever think that they may be dealing with a bad marriage, are victims of domestic violence, or just lost their best friend? Maybe their husband or wife lost their job and without any notice they have to sell their possessions to feed their family. Maybe a sudden death has occurred in a family and instead of talking the individual just wants time to ponder the loss and their memories.

For the most part most individual don't deal with their stuff and hideouts well. Many times in the Bible the Lord gives us examples about how to deal with hard times. Check out 1 Peter or the book of James - both are a good read and you might learn a thing or two about coping with your own problems or maybe someone else’s.

Meanwhile, hunt for the turtles and be Jesus to them AND attend a few garage sales, who knows, you might find a life treasure while you are putting food on someone else’s table.

Regrets - A Deep Searching Soul

2010-09-14T14:10:00.003-05:00

Have you ever stopped to think about regrets? I mean really think about them, not just a fleeting thought, but a deep searching of your soul that teaches you something? I did this past week. I did a little "self inventory" of me and realized I have many patterns that I repeat that I need to remove from my life. I for sure need to stop repeating old patterns.

But before I share my list there are some things that I absolutely have no regret for. Things that I would do over and over again.

1.) Marry my husband - I'd do it all over again, and again, and again. He still is the greatest guy I know.
2.) Stay home with my kids while they were young - I only had to work for a short time when they were very young and then I did everything possible from making crafts to canning veggies to be able to stay home during those formative years. I think it paid off.
3.) Of course - this one should be number one, but it goes without saying that I would accept Jesus as my Saviour. What a ride and what safety - it is only in Him that we find true safety and security.
4.) I'd still be a person who seeks to forgive instead of choosing to be a bitter and angry woman.
5.) I would still seek to help those in need and brokenhearted - I believe it to be one of the Lord's greatest calls on a Christian life.
6.) I would still have lots of pets - I think it is one of the best ways to teach children unconditional love.
7.) I would still teach my children to love deeply and often and love Jesus above all things.
8.) I would continue to believe that family are the most important relationships we have but that they cannot and should not be "our world". We need people in our lives to be healthy.
9.) I still would not have a "perfect house" but a warm, playful home. Guest really do understand.
10.) I do not regret choosing friends; inspite of the pain, inspite of the disappointment and betrayal, inspite of the work it involves; people are worth the journey - even if you don't end up having them for a lifetime.
11.) I still would not drink or do drugs.

NOW for the regrets (in no certain order)

1.) I would have learned the POWER in tithing a whole lot earlier - you absolutely cannot out give God.
2.) I would have gotten to know my mother-in-law better/sooner. I do miss her sooo much.
3.) I would have yelled less at my kids (ok, admit it - all parents yell some, you know you did too).
4.) I would not share my deepest fears with so called friends. Only Jesus knows what to do with them; people disappoint you everytime.
5.) I would not have trusted in men instead of the Lord to deal with eternal/life changing matters; rather I would trust God more. He can handle spiritual discipline and does it so much better than man. I loath self-righteousness.
6.) I would have kept playing the piano.
7.) I would have finished my education sooner. Life is so short and by waiting I have less time to help others.
8.) I would spend less money on things and more money on people.
9.) I would read my Bible more faithfully.
10.) I would seek God more passionately - not religion.
11.) I would love deeper - especially extended family.
12.) I would not share my family recipes with people whom I thought to be "family" but kept them for family.
13.) I would laugh more and try to understand comedy and humor better.
14.) I would learn to love to read.
15.) I would not have smoked pencil shavings :)
16.) I would have learned Thai better and learn to read and write it.
17.) I would have stayed in touch with my thai family missionary family better.
18.) I would have learned to talk softer and less.
19.) I would seek the things that really matter more.
20.) I would not ever depend on other sources for financial stability.

OK, so there are twice as many regrets as not regrets. BUT, I just didn't have enough time and neither do you. Besides, somethings you just don't share (that would be regret #21).

What do you regret? Do you know what the Lord said to me while He and I were hashing this around? Life is not over.... get busy you have time.

How about you? Any regrets that you can write down?

Giving Up - Gaining Ground

2010-07-27T11:03:00.002-05:00

This past week I had several opportunities to talk with people who were close to giving up. "Life is too hard" one lady said; another said "I do not have anything else to fight with and the things I am fighting for might be better off without me".

Defeated. Ever feel that way? We all know the scripture verses that we are quoted when we feel this way - some individuals feel it is their responsibility to share them with us. You know, "God won't give you more than you can handle", or "all things work for the good", or "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". These are all wonderful promises that God gives us, just one problem, when we are in these places, the defeated places, many times we cannot receive those promises that well meaning,(or not so well meaning), friends share.

So. I have a solution!

I tried this out and it is the best thing since homemade sliced bread when it is hot and has strawberry preserves on it (can you visualize that) - yum.

1.) Tell God that you can't handle it anymore and that you give up.

and

2.) Ask Him to heal your hurts.

Sound too simple? Try it - it really works. I know. I am and have been doing it for the past 3 months now. You see, when we are hurt many times it is not an issue of forgiveness. We can forgive those who hurt us; but stop the hurting, that's a different story. But I discovered this wonderful little thing. Tell Him you can't deal with it and ask Him to heal the pain. It does really work. Be specific. Tell God, " _____ has hurt me and it is killing me. The lose of what I thought we had is more than I can bear. I can't make the hurt stop but You can. Lord, heal my hurt from ____." He will. Maybe not instantly, but He will do it. You will be driving along and realize you have not wasted any more time or thoughts on them or a particular situation anymore. You will realize that God has healed that place. If it keeps coming back, keep asking; "Heal the hurt from ____ God".

I hope this will help you. My prayer is that you too will experience a renewed and vital relationship with God. If you don't feel like you can make the journey yet, jump on my wagon, as I am beginning a new ride and a new journey with the King of Kings and my Precious Saviour. I hope you will come along on the journey.

Onward Christian Soldiers.

An UNFAITHFUL God?

2010-06-07T15:12:00.004-05:00

A few nights back I lay awake thinking about what it is that has me so angry. Finally I wrestled with the Lord long enough that together He and I figured it out. I was mad at Him. And taking it one step further, I felt that He had been unfaithful to me. That is such a strange concept for me as I have only known Him as a loving faithful Father and cannot recall one time in my Christian life of being angry at Him. I have been a Christian since I was 6 years old, I have been in church my entire life, and I have taught my own children the importance of having an active relationship with the Lord. Never the less here I was angry at the God who created me.I felt entitled to "something" for having loved and served Him faithfully for 45 years. It only seemed fair that since I had strived so hard to be a "good" Christian that it should make a difference in the outcome of my life. WRONG - we are saved by His grace and what He has done. We live our lives by faith in what He has already done - for Him, not for what it gets us.

Feelings are a funny thing. Many people try ignoring them, they feel guilty for having them, or they allow them to change who God created them to be. Me, most of the time you only need to be around me a little while and you will know what I am feeling; If you inquire just a little I will share what it going on inside. Transparency. A word that according to many people is not a good quality to have, yet I have found that it is in our transparency that we find wholeness.It is in the truth that we are set free. It is in that freedom we are able to take our life circumstances and use them to glorify Him.

So after realizing that I was angry at the Lord, that I felt He was unfaithful to me, I began a quest of discovering just exactly what it was that led me to these feelings and drastic change in my walk with Him. Soon I realized that unfaithfulness comes in many different sizes. It is not just a spouse who betrays; a betrayal of a trusted friend can be devestating, a family member or your relationship with them might change and it has a familar aroma of unfaithfulness, your children might not seek you out as times in the past and it too can feel like betrayal while in reality it is growth on their part. Many things can lead to the feeling of betrayal and unfaithfulness by those we love.Many times it is how we look at it that make the difference.

But is God unfaithful? NEVER. He is all loving, always patient, He is kind, He is not envious, He does not seek His own. He always comes through.

This is how a conversation kinda went between God and me. It is raw so just go with me.

Robin: Lord It feels like You have been unfaithful, look at the events of our life, look at what we have lost; it feels like the unfaithfulness of a best friend, or spouse. How is this in line with what You promised me?

Lord: I have not been unfaithful to you Robin, I have always sought your best out.

Robin: It feels the same God.It hurts so deeply like years ago - 16 to be exact.

Lord: Really? I mean really Robin? Look a little closer. I was doing exactly what you asked Me for and more. I was protecting you, and making you into my image. I was giving you the desires of yours and Andy's heart. Again, I was protecting you.

Robin: It does not feel like good or protection Lord. It doesn't feel the same as times past when you were growing me into your image.

Lord: I know - it will. You will see. You will see my goodness in the lose of those you loved. You will see my protection as future days unfold. I protect my anointed, I always have. The words and ideas of men are not what you stand on but rather my words - my WORD.

Robin: Though they slay me yet will I serve thee Oh Lord.

So... that's just a little insight into my prayer life...raw, but true.

God is always faithful, always knowing, and for those who seek him, ALWAYS, protecting and preparing for the things that will glorify Him.

We see deamly... now to make up for lost time.

Making the Decision

2010-06-02T14:14:00.002-05:00

I was recently talking with one of my many doctors about pain and how adults cope with it and he told me an interesting fact. He said that studies are showing that it takes an adult almost 10 years to learn to cope with a chronic condition that produces pain. WOW, 10 years. Now, this is in the physical so it caused me to consider how long it takes an individual to deal with emotional pain.

Studies how shown that upon the loss of a loved one it takes 5 years to have significant recovery for the average person. They say that because all the fads, clothing, styles, smells, cars, etc... cycle through and change within that 5 year period. You don't see the same things anymore - things that cause you pain, things that cause you to think about or remember what you have lost.

Emotions are a funny thing. We are able to control them a whole lot better than we think you know. For instance. You put a 3 year old in timeout, they cry and cry as long as you are watching, but the minute you aren't paying attention, they are picking at the carpet. Or the teen ager who is so tired and can't clean their room, but then a phone call comes in and her bff wants her to go to the mall. What about when your husband asks what is bothering you and you respond with "nothing". He gets up, comes around to the side of the bed and gently wraps those big strong arms around you, the tears begin to flow... Emotions...funny things they are.

In the Bible it talks about taking every thought captive, about being new creatures in Christ, about a transformation that occurs when the living God dwells within us. How about you? Been taking any thoughts captive? Not just sinful thoughts, but discouraging ones, the ones that rob you of having a full and joyful life. What difference is Christ making in you? Are you a new creation - daily? Ouch! Or did your job get the best of you today, or your kids, spouse, best friend, or maybe the pain of life not quite going like you planned.

Pain comes in many shapes and sizes. It takes on forms of deep strong emotions and sometimes just light hearted loses. But it still is painful. How long does it take you to let Jesus heal your pain? How long do you hold on to it for the sake of holding on?

One other quick thought. Only JESUS really heals our hurt. We cannot do it, no matter how hard we try. So gird up. Take those thoughts of discouragement and loss capitive and let the living God who indwells you transform you through your pain into the image of His Son. You can do it - and with Him, in a whole lot less time than the way the world looks at things. Ask Him to HEAL your hurt and pain...He's waiting.

Time has past - a new perspective

2010-05-01T22:38:00.003-05:00

Isn't it funny how letting some time pass gives you a new perspective sometimes on life? Have you ever thought that hard times and hurt would never go away? Have you ever thought that things would never get better?

I have - recently. But the clouds are lifting and let me just say, it is nice. Tonight we were in church at a local house of worship and the Pastor read my mail. I thought, "Man, did someone tell him we were coming"? Duh, yes comes the answer. The Holy Spirit.

As I am writing, one of my Maltese dogs wanted a new perspective. She hopped up on the bed and that just wouldn't do, so she jumped off and climbed up on a pile of folders on the floor. They were a whole 4 inches off the floor? Andy looked over at me and said, "what is she doing"? I replied, "getting a new perspective". Sometimes it just takes looking from a different point of view to see what is going on.

Personally, I am not sure what has changed in my own life, other than my willingness to move on and let go of the hurt. Funny how that just gives a new perspective. Nothing has changed, the painful reality of lost friends and a lost dream are still there; I am just looking from a different perspective.

Forgiveness has never been hard for me. God has given me an incredible faith to believe Him to forgive. After all, He already did all the work there. But hurt, that is different...until tonight. I just needed a new perspective.

"Lord, heal my ...". "Lord,heal my hurt over the loss of...". It is that simple. Really Just 4 inches off the floor, but a whole different perspective on the Grace, Power, and perfect work of a Mighty God.

Do you need a new perspective? Sometimes it really isn't as tall a climb as you might think.

A Kitchen that never closed

2010-02-10T23:19:00.001-06:00

The last time I talked to my mother-in-law she told me how very much she loved me and that she was proud of me. I did not know that those would be the last words she and I would share.

Today at 12:26 p.m. we released her to heaven. The night and day have been a fog. It’s hard to think straight, hard to imagine, going home to the farm without her waiting to welcome my arrival. She made coming home so inviting. I won’t get to the farm until late tonight, but I know what I want to do first. I want to clean and straighten up for her. She always had her home ready when guest were expected and there will be a flood of guest “fixin” to land upon that place; coming to show their love and support to us - her family and to honor this woman who has loved the Lord, her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grand child passionately.

Let me tell you about my mother-in-law. As could be expected we did not always see eye to eye about life, her son, and the grand yungins as many a daughter-in-law and mother-in-laws are known to do. We were not the exception. It would even be fair to say that we had many a heated interactions in those early years. But as I grew up I came to admire and cherish this woman who raised two incredible kids who love the Lord and who grew to love me as one of her own. She paved a solid foundation, with no apology or excuse, for a life lived committed to Jesus. She took great pride that all, yes all, of her children, in-law children, and her grandchildren loved and were serving the Lord. Her own two children passionately, not perfectly, served Him with great fortitude. Neither giving up to the call on their lives to tell the world that Jesus is the Son of God Most High.

When we would be driving from Texas to Alabama and slowly get closer and closer to seeing the lights of the Wood family farm, the homestead, excitement would build in the car. The kids would be so tired from the 17 to 22 hour journey, many times we would awaken them when we pulled down the drive in the wee hours of the morning; but they always were excited to get to the farm. We were never disappointed. Not once did we arrive at that house that it was not filled with home cooked goodies, clean crisp linens on the beds, and something cooked in the kitchen waiting our arrival. She would fix ALL our favorite dishes throughout the visit; let me say that no one, no one, makes home made biscuits and cream corn like my mother-in-law, my two favorites. She was constantly in that kitchen, from early early early morning to late at night; she made sure we always had plenty to eat. And on are trips home, she would always hand me a bag of the leftovers for our journey home, sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruits, cakes, and more. Even on our trip back to Texas we were reminded of the one who labored for hours in her kitchen. She was one amazing cook!!!

But maybe the thing I loved about her most was how much she loved us. She never missed a birthday, never missed a Christmas. She was always apologizing and always wanting to do more. What she didn’t know was that her just remembering was the greatest present of all. Year after year. For 27 years I had her in my life – not near long enough. I look with great anticipation to sitting at the feet of Jesus, singing his praises together with her in Heaven. Mom, I will miss you. I will miss your kitchen and sitting at the table talking about our lives, I will miss watching you love on my children, and I will miss being loved by you. You were an amazing woman and I am richer for the hours we shared together. I love you Mom, I love you!

Finding The Right Words

2010-02-07T18:02:00.002-06:00

The past 42 days have been quite interesting - to put it mildly. So here it is - I hope not to disappoint. If talking can help, really help...then it's time to talk. Prepare yourself, this is not pretty and it surely is not what you have been use to reading from me. If you want warm and fuzzy you might want to skip this one.

My husband and I have lost the church we founded seven years ago, founded on our testimony of grace to individuals who should know better.I have lost the ability to trust men whom I believed I could trust, who claim to be God fearing and God seeking only to realize that they do not know how to interpret God's word, but who do want to use it to ease their hearts.

I have lost the ideal of what I thought real friendship to be. Friendship in the bible is always about putting others first but allowing people to be human, mess up, share their souls, and love inspite of. It is about others before self in ALL situations. Not seeking ones own. Some how along the way I thought that if I could be that kind of a friend, that it was enough. It didn't matter what others said about you, or others, that holding on and loving enough would win out in the end. I believed some people were worth it. WRONG. Some people believe friendship to soley be about themselves, about their hurt, their feelings. Wrong again. Good bye ideal - hello God's word; it is always important to seek the Master plan, not what we hope others to be or use random scripture to fill our own guilty hearts.

I have lost something else. I have lost confidence in the concept that being a Christian for 45 years assures confidence in God. When life shatters and people disappoint, really disappoint, it is hard to believe what you have always believed. Being human assures of that. It is hard to believe, to have faith, that the God of Heaven has better plans. It's hard to find the right words to forgive, move on, believe better days are ahead, and believe that He can make something good out of the messes that men and women make.

I have lost the willingness to move past, I have lost the ability to always forgive. I have lost the joy that comes in watching and believing that the best is yet to be in friendship. I have lost the hope that God will make a better tomorrow, that friends will seek forgiveness, that men will do the right thing, that I have just not lived long enough, and that somehow all of this will work for the good.

I am lost! (for now).

The Goodness of the Lord

2009-11-09T00:41:00.005-06:00

It has been a long week; a very long week. So, I decided to soak in a hot tub, get my pj's on, and unwind with a little tv before putting the period on the end of the weeeeek. So I did just that, or almost. The Lord stopped me somewhere right after getting in to the pj's and bed and turning the tv on. He said, "pick up my word, I have something to say to you". So I did. Oh was it sweet.

But before I share what he said, let me share a few other thoughts. I mentioned it had been a long week. Well, as I was reflecting on that these thoughts came to mind.
1.) I accomplished so much in the week.
2.) God healed my computer - a few times, got me out of some major jams.
3.) I wrote 3 500 word papers and 6 250 word repsponses.
4.) I completed a Power Point Presentation for a major project
5.) Played with my grandbaby and got to give her a bath (our special thing) for 5 straight nights.
6.) Loved on 2 of my 6 kids
7.) Talked to all my kids, every sibling I have, and my parents and in-laws.
8.) Worked a 50 hour week.
9.) Had therapy sessions with 32 small individuals and 2 larger ones.
10.)Wrote and Annotated Bibliography and Outline and submitted them on time.
11.)Contributed to family income in xtra ways.
12.)Helped my husband with multiple tasks that we had been wanting to accomplish.
13.)Shared in the arrival of my second great niece via internet, texting,and phone.
14.)Helped my sister arrange furniture in her new house,kinda.
15.)Fly to Denver by way of Dallas and Tulsa.
16.)Visited with a Air Force Captain for 3 hours on a flt. was young enough to be my son.
17.)Read 3 chpts. in 1 month to live by Kerry and Chris Shook.
18.)Emailed my husband some new dreams and thoughts for our future.
19.)Shared some dreams with my kids.
20.)Prayed and listened to God speak.
21.)Attended the first of three Residencies for my Ph.D. and understood most of it (so far).
22.)Realized I will never be the Faculty Chair for Human Services at Capella University.
23.)Realized I got started way to late at an area of my life that I have only dreamed about in the distant; but that it was so worth it to be able to raise kids who all three have turned out to be AMAZING!!!
24.)Had somethingoscopy of almost every part of my human body.
25.)CT of my kidneys
and on and on the verrrry long week went.

And then, the Lord said, "pick up my word, I have something to say to you".

Ready?

Hear it is.

"Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandment makes me wiser
than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my
teachers,
for your testimonies are my
meditations.
I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through your precepts I get
understanding;
for therefore I hate every false way.
Your word is a lamp to my feet,
and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
I am severly afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to
your word!
Accept my freewill offerings of praise
Oh Lord,
and teach me your rules.
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
Your testimonies are my heritagae forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform your
statutes
forever, to the end.
Ps. 119: 97-112

Now, that is the feeling of accomplishment. Not the enormous amount of stuff that I accomplished, but to know that the very eye and hand of my God has been on my every thought, need, want, and desire. That is accomplishment and brings the greatest satisfaction.

Oh how I love Jesus, oh how I love Jesus, oh how I love Jesus, because...

Not Talking/Learning to Listen

2009-10-20T23:37:00.004-05:00

So, this morning I woke up and was hoarse. Besides being sick, I hate not being able to talk. You can ask any member of my family, I love to talk.

I never really thought about it much, but when I started seeing patients I soon realized just how many words I was using everyday. Believe it or not, I was just glad to be able to get home and NOT talk. To veg out a bit.

The older I get the more I realize that what we say needs to matter. Not to talk just because we can. To bad it takes so long to gain such wisdom in life.

Our family has been going through some tough days lately as we have two members who have been experiencing bad health, beyond just the flu, and I have noticed that some individuals are needing to talk, while others just can't talk.

Remember, there is a time for everything! Talking falls into that category. Just because I am johnny on the spot, and can talk when called upon, does not mean everyone is that way. If you have those in your life who are not talkers, just be ready to listen when they do talk. Listening is the flip side of the coin to talking and we talkers need to flip that baby over way more than we do.

On a lighter note, my granddaughter LK is learning to talk - and oh how much fun that is. She takes after her mother and grammy. hehe.

Psalm 19:14 (American Standard Version)

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer.

One Month To Live

2009-10-19T23:39:00.003-05:00

One Month To Live by Kerry & Chris Shook is a book that you need to read - TODAY!

I picked it up after my husband had told me that the staff and elders at the church were reading it and working through it. I figured, being the pastors wife and all, I best stay up with the troops and be knowledgable. So I asked my dear sweet husband if he had an extra copy in the service this past Sunday (perfect time for discusseion about the newest book out - NOT).

As I was out running errands on Sunday afternoon, preparing for my week, I climbed into my car and there in the seat was the book. The Lord gently spoke to my heart, "Don't you think this would be a good book to read through at work". I so gently replied, "Lord, this is work, Texas Tech, why would they want to do this book there? He soooo lovingly said, "Because I have something to say to them too". Ugh! Need I say, I put the book immediately in my brief case upon my arrival back home to take to work the next morning.

Upon arriving at work I was talking with one of the doctors and told her what the Lord had said; she immediately asked to see the book and said she would go pick it up and read it. She is kinda like the "boss" so I figure the Lord is doing His thing; you know like the Holy Spirit does when he wants to accomplish His perfect work in our lives. Yeah - I think we will be doing the book at work. Hehe, isn't Jesus so cool.

So, now... I am blogging to you, yes you, so you can run purchase it and so you can get in on the H.S. work. It is going to be good. You won't want to miss this one. I know, I know... you are way too busy! Hello, are you farming on fb? Are you working on YOUR Ph.D? Are you in labor? Are you working 50 + hours a week, or seeing 50 small humans in therapy a week? Hello - get the book. If I can - you can. Get the book. You will be glad you did.

Happy Reading.

May you be blessed beyond all measure and experience the amazing grace of a Mighty God.

Robin

Your Desired Haven

2009-08-31T22:41:00.004-05:00

It has been way too long since I have had a moment to post but this scripture touched my heart so I thought I would share it with you.

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Ps. 107: 29

Do you ever feel like life is just more than you can handle? Some days are like that; they just go bad from the time you brush your teeth - you know, you are brushing away and trying to hum at the same time and the tooth brush slips and rams into your upper gum and blood is everywhere. On top of that your mouth hurts for days.

Or maybe it is one of those days when you think you are getting a really good raise and you find out it is only 1/2 of what you were told it would be - and then the Lord gently puts someone in your path who just lost there job, or worse, hates there job, or even "worser" they are hunting for a job and can't find one.

Or maybe you are the one who wants more than anything to love someone and be loved by someone and the Lord is making you wait. And it just hurts. You are so lonely in a very busy world.

Or maybe you really have pain and your husband left you for another woman and after over a century of being married you find yourself in a small apartment - alone.

To all the above. "He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven." Ps. 107: 29

Remember, the Lord knew you while you were being formed in your mothers womb and His plans for you are good. It may not seem like it today, but God has you in the palm of HIS hand and is guiding you to your desired haven. WOW!!! What a promise.

Trust in the Lord.

Getting caught UP

2009-08-03T10:45:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2009-06-04T13:45:00.002-05:00

I LOVE my birthday! June the 4th every year is probably my favorite day of the year - it is a toss up to Christmas - my kids swear I love my birthday most. I told my mom that June the 4th 1958 was a wonderful day - she agreed. What was so neat about it was that the God of Heaven allowed me to be apart of something amazing. He allowed me to be apart of His plan.

You see "In the begining God created..." He knew that I would be born on this day when He first formed the earth. WOW - and I get to be apart - everyday - of bringing Him glory. I wish I could say that everyday I have brought Him glory, put I honestly can say that this year my passion in life has been to daily reflect who the Christ in me is. It has been a passonate quest - and not an easy one. I have definitely discovered that the Lord does indeed care more about our character than our comfort.

This past year I have learned to love the Lord not only deeper but in a new way. He has called me to a desperation for Him that is new. How about you? What has the Lord called and required of you for this year of your life? John 13:32 says "God's glory will be on display. In glorifying Him, he Himself is glorified - glory all around. I believe the Lord longs for us to come to a place in our lives that nothing is more important than our lives glorify Him.

John 12:20-29 says, There were some Greeks in town who had come up to worship at the Feast. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee: "Sir, we want to see Jesus. Can you help us?" Philip went and told Andrew. Andrew and Philip together told Jesus. Jesus answered, "Times up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is, destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal. "If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you'll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment's notice." The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me. "Right now I am storm-tossed. And what am I going to say? 'Father, get me out of this'? No, this is why I came in the first place. I'll say 'Father, put your glory on display.'" A voice came out of the sky: "I have glorified it, and I'll glorify it again." The listening crowd said, "Thunder!"

THUNDER oh Lord!!! Bring it on. May you be glorified through me.

Happy Birthday to Me - and May you Jesus, be glorified.

Trust In The Lord

2009-06-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

I don't know how your mind works; especially when fear is involved. Mine - well, sometimes it just takes me on a journey that is about as much fun as a trip to a pig farm (before someone gets their feelings hurt - I love little piggies - it's just not a trip I want to take often - most would have said "trip to the dentist", but I love going to the dentist). Anyway.......

This past week I began thinking about something in my life that is extremely painful and I literally worked myself into a stew. It affected my tempermant, my feelings, my reactions to people, and my sleep. Since I don't like anything affecting my sleep I knew this had to be resolved. As I lay in bed last night the Lord gave me a talkin' to. He just unveiled my heart and I didn't like what I saw. I realized that I was oozing, (as my husband would say), just a little bit. But more importantly, it has affected my communication with the Lord. He just gave me a talking to about where my trust was. Was it in me? In my abilities? Or was it in Him? Oooch!!!

So, I asked the Lord about what I was afraid of and we had a wonderful conversation. But He didn't just come out and answer the question of my fears. We talked about it and He ended it with...Wait! Don't you love it? He still is wanting me to depend on Him. He could have so beautifully answered the fear of my heart, but instead He said "Wait". It really wasn't too bad. He was tender in how He handled my feelings but he was more concerned about my dependency on Him than in my fear. You see, He already knew my fears. What He was looking for in me was TRUST. Trust in Him! Total trust, not 98.9%, but total 100% trust that He has a plan and a purpose just for me. As I surrendered my fear to Him an incredible peace came over me. I slept like I had not slept in weeks. I rested in Him.

So, when I read Beth Moore's blog this morning she recommended Psalm 112:7. It was perfect for me, perfect for today. Is that not just like our Lord? He is so tender in His love for us.

Trust.......in Him.

Read for yourself and see if it speaks to you as it did to me.

Ps. 112:7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. (NIV)

Headed Home

2009-05-17T18:43:00.000-05:00

This week Andy and I finalized plans for our trip to Thailand; a dream of 25 years. When Andy and I married in 1983, it wasn't long after our first wedding anniversary that Andy said that we would return to Thailand for our 25 anniversary if we had not been earlier. Through the years there always were more urgent needs that monies went to - a trip to the other side of the world was not a priority. Back a few years ago I had the awesome opportunity to go back and serve the Lord during the horrific Tsunami disaster. Having been raised in Thailand as a missionaries kid, I still consider it home. I have to tell you, I LOVE that country and the Thai people.

Andy called me on Friday and informed me he had taken a check to the travel agent. It was official - I am headed home. When I went to bed on Thursday night I begin thinking about our trip. I started to imagine taking Andy from one childhood memory to another. I got so excited I got up three times to tell Andy about what I was thinking. I also started praying - in Thai! What is so amazing about that is that I cannot remember praying as a child there; at least not in Thai. I got so excited praying in Thai I could hardly stand myself.

Do you have a place you call home? For Andy it is the family farm in Alabama. My kids love going there. In fact, my kids would rather go there than come to my house. It is just home for them.

When I think of home it is more than a house. It is all about the memories. I have enough memories from Thailand that will way out last the time we are there. I already know the time will pass way too fast and we will be headed back to Texas. I plan to pack every minute full; I would imagine that I do not sleep alot while there.

So, all this to say. If you have kids, if you are apart of a family - make memories. It doesn't matter if you are 5 or 50 they will last a life time. What may start as an adventure may be a memory that will be passed down for years to come.

Head for home - make some memories. I will let you know how my trip "back home" goes. I can assure you that MANY new memories will be made. Be praying - we leave July 2 and get back on July 16 AND we will be back with a vision and an assignment for a return mission trip. Want to go???? Think 2010; we will head "back home" again.

Where Do You See God?

2009-05-11T00:20:00.000-05:00

This morning I was getting dressed for Sunday church when once again my eyes fell on a scripture verse that Carrie, my daughter, has placed in the bathroom that we guest share with Laura Kate. It is one of my favorite verses out of Psalm 139 and Carrie has taken it to a new level. She has taken a little note card and written on it "Laura Kate is fearfully and wonderfully made. God's works are wonderful(Ps. 139). It is held by a little flower and sits in the bathroom for those who enter to see.

This Mother's Day I find myself thinking soberly. As I watch my daughter on her first Mother's Day I am so thankful for a daughter who is 100% sold out to Jesus. I watch as she loves her baby and can't help but wonder what exploits Laura Kate will do for Jesus because of the little, and big, things that her mother does to teach her about the power of having a personal relationship with Jesus.

No greater gift can a mother have on Mother's Day than to see her children loving and serving The Lord, The Giver of Life. Not just serving, but putting into action what my heart for my children has been since I became a Mother. Where Do You See God? I see Him in my kids - all three (6) of them. Every Sunday when they call and check in to see how Church at TPCC went, or to tell their dad how their church of service went. I see God in the faith they walk, the words they share with the world, and the incredible blessing of hearing them voice their prayers to God. No greater gift could a mother receive.

Thank you Jesus that some how they got it, they really got it - they got YOU! Thank you Carrie & Kyle, Cassie & Curtis, and Joel & Ashley for letting me be your Mom. I am so blessed to have you all in my lives and I am so proud that I see Jesus in and through you. Keep pressing on - He has so much more in store for you all.

And Carrie, takes for Laura Kate. Besides the 3 (6) of you, she is the brightest thing in my life. I can't wait for more - really everybody. I have no doubt that all six of you will blow my mind with the ways you teach your babies about our Jesus.

2009-04-17T21:45:00.001-05:00

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from Heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples me. God WILL send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness.

What have you been THINKING?

2009-04-15T12:15:00.000-05:00

This week has been all about thinking. Thinking about theorist like Freud, Piaget, Ellis, and many many more. I have dedicated this entire week to thinking, memorizing, and begging God for clarity.

Have you ever wanted something really bad - so bad that you thought of a million ways to make it happen but none of them really lined up with what God would want you to do. Nothing about studying, memorizing, or test taking seems like it is from God. BUT, I have learned differently. In my quest to learn the 100's of theorist, assessment tools, diagnose, research data and more I FOUND God within the pages. Not in particular theories, as most of them are void of any admittance that God plays any part in who we are (of course we know they were wrong on that point), but rather in the purpose of the heart.

I have told my kids and many others the statement that "God is more concerned about your character, the final outcome than He is about..." (ie. a test, a boyfriend, a new outfit for a special event). Don't get me wrong, God does care about every, and I mean every little itty bitty, tiny aspect of our lives (note to son-in-laws), it matters, checks do just come in the mail, or people bless us unexpectedly. ALL to meet His divine will for our lives. But, God cares the most about who we are in HIM.

This has never been more evident for me than is preparing, taking, not passing, retaking, and retaking my boards for counseling lisencure. God has called me to a new transparency, a new desperation for the things of Him. He cares about my goals, my dreams, but mostly He cares that HE and I have a relationship that is God based, God dependent, and God driven.

Do you have that? Is everything you do, say, want, and need based on a relationship with this Mighty God? If not - you need some re-thinking in your walk with HIM. This life is so NOT about us, but rather all about Him. Do your actions, thoughts, feelings, needs, wants, hurts, pain, money, lack of money, children, work, romance, etc... etc... etc... bring HIM glory? Is HE the driving force behind who you are.

If not, like me... He will take you back to the basics. He is so patient and willing for us, His children, to learn the most valuable lesson of all. To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and MIND.

Have You WALKED in His Shoes?

2009-04-04T10:45:00.000-05:00

This week I had the opportunity to have lunch with a "new" Pastors wife. We were discussing some of the hard stuff, the stuff that is not so much fun about being a Pastor's wife, and the Lord brought several thoughts back to my heart.

He reminded me that being married to a man who shepherds sheep can be a frustrating journey at times. We share them with so many, on levels of intimacy that at times is not fun. To just sit and watch and ALWAYS have a "clean heart" can really be hard. Like at the end of the service when that pretty size 4 gorgeous woman wants to pray with my man, or when that "needy" family needs some of his wisdom, or when on holidays he always, yes always has one more thing that takes him away from the celebrations at our house.

He also reminded me that sometimes it is hard for the Pastor to keep His priorities inline. You know, God, Marriage, Family, and then the Church. I think this is one of the most difficult concepts and task for our men; learning that wife and family come before the church. It is hard for the Pastor AND hard for the church. Seperating "the church" from God seems a bit odd. But being seperated from your husband because of the church is not a good feeling either. AND we are to love, and grow in our walks with the Lord and his bride all the while? Ladies, that is hard!

The daily task of a man in ministry is a job like no other. It has a routine, a discipline that many a Pastor does not do well. My mother has a hard time with this one. She just does not understand how a man can be working when he is not at the office. To stay home to study, to get away from the busi-ness of the church office, it requires a quite place - mama just doesn't get that. Preparing for meetings, praying, writing materials, praying, reading, and oh, did I mention praying, requires some solitude. AND then there is that thing about HEARING from the Lord and what HE has to say to HIS people THROUGH my man. It requires some solitude to do all these things and much more - without interruption. That means WITHOUT a wife or children too. AND then you have to deal with those individuals who just don't get it. To many it is not considered work but rather "wasting time". What more important work is there?

I love it when the Lord is speaking to me. Directly to me!!! - AND, at the same time I am so glad that I do not have to weekly receive HIS words to deliver from a pulpit. What about if you don't get a word, what if it is something that you don't want to preach on, what if it stings when spoken? What if it makes the people mad (God forbid)? All this and more are his task - week in and week out. Yep, I think I will take just being the wife.

A wise Pastor's wife asked me the following question and I want to share it with you; but first let me prefice it with a little inside information. You see, my husband does NOT like to put his shoes in his closet - I mean he very seldom even thinks of taking his shoes off and putting them in there. SO..... I find them all over the house. I trip over them, step on them, they just are part of the decor most of the time around our home. But as I was complaining about this to my wise and older Pastor's wife, she said, "Have you walked in his shoes"? "What"? She said it to me again, "Have you walked in his shoes"? I asked the obvious question, "What do you mean"? "Have you taken the time to think about where those shoes have gone; to the hospital, to the funeral home, performed a wedding, beside the young man struggling with pornography, the mother whose daughter has an eating disorder, or in the home of the family who does not have enough money to pay their electric bill. Have you walked in his shoes"? She went one step further, she said, "slip your feet into his shoes, AND while you are WALKING IN THEM, (back to the closet) PRAY for your husband".

WOW!!! That stopped me in my tracks. Ladies, have you walked in your husband (Pastor's) shoes today? PRAY, pray hard. The task od his work may be emotionally sucking him dry and the one thing that might get him through the day is the prayers you offer up to the Father on his behalf. Prayers he never knows about, but prayers that sustain him through the day. Pray and pray hard AND while you're praying, walk those shoes back to his closet, he'll know how they got there and love you for it. AND if you are not a pastors wife, your husbands shoes need praying in too!!!

He Is SOOOO Worth It...

2009-03-16T11:02:00.000-05:00

"God's works are so great, worth A lifetime of study - endless enjoyment"! Ps. 111:2

Is that not the most awesome scripture? Think about it a minute, really. Re-read it. "God's works are so great, worth A lifetime of study - endless enjoyment"! Ps. 111:2

So many of us try to find our enjoyment in things, people, money, etc... The bible says that "endless enjoyment" comes from the study of the works of God. That little word "study" tries to ruin that entire scripture for me.

You see, I am at the point in my life that I am just down right tired of it - study, not God or his word, but study. I am tired of it. But then I ran across this scripture today. Wow, studying the works of God. Now that is something I think I can hitch my boat to.

What do the works of God look like? Are they different for you than for me? I think maybe they are. When I start to focus my time on God, I think about all the Mightiness He encompasses. The strength that I have because He dwells in me, The Hope that I have because of what I have received from Him because of a personal relationship with Him. I think about the endless times that people have disappointed me; but He has never not once let me down. He is ever constant, ever giving, ever wooing me to Him. He never is more than a thought away or a prayer whisper from my lips. He holds me in His invisible arms which are stronger than any mans. He loves me when I am unlovable and always, yes always, is wanting to bless me. I am the apple of His eye, the desire of His heart. He never asks me to do anything that He does not give me the strength to do. He wants me to succeed and encourages me all the way. He has been with me from the very first day I met Him and He has never left me - that has been 44 years and counting. I can't begin to imagine, comprehend, or study enough all the ways God has been so amazing in my life. So, study the works of God - you betcha!!! Enjoyment, here I come.

Tap in dear friend and prepare to enjoy the Works of an AWESOME, AMAZING, Jesus!!!

Mixed Swimming?

2009-03-09T15:41:00.000-05:00

I didn't think I would ever forget the humiliation that I felt the day that the Pastor, my boss, asked from the pulpit in front of the entire congregation "Is this youth swimming event a mixed swimming party"? I thought I would die. He continued further to attack me right there in church; he told me that no church group of his would be having boys and girls swimming together, "it would be a cold day in hell" were his exact words. I remember thinking, "is this 1978??? - you would think we were living in the 50's".

I remember driving home that night crying the entire way. Wondering how I, the new Youth Director, could have possibly known that he felt so strongly about this. How would I ever be able to go back to that place? How would I be able to face the kids, the parents, what was I going to say to him? We thought so differently, his views on youth ministry and mine were so totally opposite and here I was in his church and responsible for the spiritual well being and the activities of these kids - all 15 of them. I just wanted to quit, to find a new job, do anything other than have to meet with him the next morning.

Since that time, I have been on staff in 4 more churches - before meeting my husband and becoming a pastors wife. Oh for the days and problems of "mixed swimming parties". BUT, I still am in ministry and I still love serving the Lord some 30+ years. It is easy to want to quit, give up, change professions. But there is this little thing about "a calling". For some of us, the Lord set us apart for something unique. He annointed us, which personally I think means He gives us the extra special "something" that we need to handle "situations" like "mixed swimming parties".

But there is something else. We don't give up on the church. We do not let the opinions and views of others in ministry, who do not line up with ours, sway us from what the Lord has called us to do. Do we want to quit? Do we want to just change professions and do something else? Absolutely - sometimes monthly, for some weekly, daily. But I think maybe, just maybe the Lord might get frustrated with us as well.

Do we serve Him, not men, with our whole heart? Do we talk to Him, listen to Him, serve Him, and work for Him so wholeheartedly that nothing else matters?

Sometimes!!! Check your heart before you quit, He may have something really good around the corner...and remember, we only see now, He sees forever.

Are you FIXED on Jesus????

2009-03-02T09:48:00.000-06:00

Over this past week I have encountered countless individuals who are not just burdened about the circumstances occurring in our country, but are struggling with allowing the Lord to be their "enough". As I have prayed for these people during the week and over the week-end, the Lord brought back to my heart the time in my own life when he asked me the question, "If you loose everything, even your children, will you still love me and still serve me"? WOW - that was a big one!!! My greatest fear at that time was a common fear of young mothers, that they would loose a child; and here the Lord was asking this question of me. I have to confess that I did have a struggle on my hands - I wrestled with Him about the question. As our sweet Lord always does, He waited patiently as I "grew" to the place He was trying to take me. He wasn't trying to tell me that one of my kids was going to die, He was not telling me that something awful was going to happen. What He WAS asking was "Robin, are you FIXED on ME"?!!!

These are hard days and the phone conversations that I am having with many, yes many wives, is that their husbands are burdened, some almost paralyzed by the fear (and yes it is fear whether they want to use that word or not) because of what they are hearing, reading on the internet, and listening to in the news. Ladies, rise to the occasion. Jesus wants you to be FIXED on Him even when your man is not, you need to be (hint - many a man thinks that he is fixed on the Lord and truly trusting in Him; if that was really true they could not be consumed with worry. Remember, worry is sin). I have a few suggestions for you on how to help your husband, your children, and maybe it will even help you. The Lord will work in and through your man...and yes, he may use you to do it.

1.) Are YOU on your face before the Lord...or on the phone? Don't waste your words - turn them into prayers for those you love. We all make excuses about not having enough time to spend with the Lord in prayer- but we all spend excessive time on the phone. Let's turn our "talk time" into "prayer time" for our men and kids.

2.) Let's try to lift the load they are carrying - what are the little things you can do that will make a difference in his day? My man, (he is so precious) has a tendency to leave his shoes in the den, wherever he takes them off. I am continually tripping over them (size 12) and it makes me so mad. I remember a very wise pastor's wife told me "unless you have walked in his shoes that day be very careful what comes out of your mouth. Instead, slip your feet into his shoes and as you walk those shoes back to his closet, pray for him. Pray all the way". Girls, sometimes I have four pairs to prayer walk with!!! What an opportunity - and it does make a difference in him!!!

3.) Try NOT asking for things that seem beyond his scope of possibility right now. Remember, many people truly are living in fear of loosing their jobs, not having enough income to support their families; all the you may be wanting new jeans, or shoes, or highlights in your hair it just does not seem really - " urgent" to those who are worrying about the future. Give God time to work on their "worry mentality".

Reality is that our God is in control...of everything. He is in such control that whatever is going to happen is going to happen no matter how hard your man worries or not. What God is looking for are a few good men and woman who will be so fixed on Him that no matter what circumstances come, however bad they may be, that Jesus is the focus of their gaze.

Psalm 116: 1-2 says, I love the Lord because He has heard my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live".

Ladies, or gents, "Make the call" and set your thoughts on Him. Be fixed on the only thing that will bring security in this world.

Jeremiah 17:7
Psalm 22:4
2Chron.14:11
Job 8:15

and then there was hallelujah!!!

2009-01-22T21:58:00.000-06:00

Today a husband and wife decided God was not big enough and decided to divorce - they have two small children.

Today a mom decided to let her ex-husband have custody of her 7 year old son - while he sat weeping in my office to stay with her.

Today a 10 year old little girl turned her mother and grandmother in for physical abuse to CPS - falsely, her mom irons her pants ever morning and warms them on a small heater so they are not cold when she slips into them each morning.

Today a little girl is scared because her daddy was in a wreck with her and she is scared to be near him now- it wasn't his fault.

Today a 6,8, & 9 year old told me that they can't stop cussing - that is how they talk at their house.

Today a woman told me she couldn't take her child to church because the only ride she has always goes out for breakfast afterwards - she has no money.

Today a mother asked me what to do about the devil, satan - her 11 year old sees him in her room.

Today my day started off with the most precious words texted to me by my daughter...

Mom,
LK (that would be Laura Kate, my first and only 8 month old grand daughter), said "hallelujah". She really did. Laura Kate already loves Jesus.

Those words have more than sustained me through a very hard day.

Praise you Mighty God for Jesus. Thank you for so invading my childs life that her greatest desire is that her child will love You ... and then there was hallelujah.

HALLELUJAH.

Putting Him off...

2009-01-16T09:54:00.000-06:00

It's in those times when you have a 1000 things to do that sometimes a person needs to just ... put it off.

Like when you have 2 weeks of laundry and you hate even the thought of doing it. One should just lay on the coach and ponder.

When school is screaming at you and you just can't get motivated - one should go to Wal-mart and shop.

When your garage is full of leaves and you know you need to rake it out - watch your favorite tv show.

Sometimes, now I know I am the only one who ever does this, but sometimes we as humans "procrastinate"; what really is convicting is when we do that with the Lord. We need to pray, we need to be in the word, we need to be seeking Him...but we put it off for another day. Aren't we so glad He doesn't do that to us. That He is ALWAYS available - 24/7 - 352 days. He never leaves, never fails, never even procrastinates a little; He is always on time.

Jer.24:7 (NASB) says, "I will give them a heart to know Me for I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with their whole heart".

How's that New Year's resolution going - you know, the one to walk closer to the Lord, stay in the Word, share His life giving power with others?

Somethings it's ok to put off... but putting off the God of Heaven? ... not thinking that is one of those "I'll get to it tomorrow".

Dig in, dig in deep to what the Lord has for you; He is waiting to talk just to you...and me.

Every have an Itch?

2009-01-12T00:06:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, about 13 to be exact, I started itching. Not just a little itch - I MEAN REALLY ITCHING - all over. It was horrible, I itched in places I didn't know that I even had. So being from the medical family that I am from, I began investigating. What could it be? It must be something I am eating, it must be a new soap, detergent, something? Nothing made it better. Some said it was, the weather, dry skin, others said it had to be what I was eating. I promise, nothing, nada, no, not a thing has changed... then I thought, rootbeer. Yep, that had to be it - I have become a lover of the new diet drink (it's a friends fault, she introduced it). Anyway, so I stopped drinking this delicious new beverage, with no calories or caffeine - for 3 days. Did the itching stop? No. Did the rashes go away - Nope. Still there.

Now, like any woman of God - I finally resorted in what we all would think - no, I did not go to the doctor, I FINALLY prayed about it. Well, I even went a bit further (I mean, I have really been itching bad), so I asked 4 women whom I trust deeply to pray about this silly rash that was consuming my thoughts - guess what, it got better. So then, one day after work, I asked another godly woman if she would pray over me - she did and I mean she prayed. WOW!!!! The rash improved - greatly. Today, I asked the women of Desperate Housewives - (not the TV show - the Women who are Desperate for Jesus) to pray. I expect it to be gone by tomorrow evening.

I guess you are wondering why I am telling you this tale? I do have a point. First, after being a Christian for 44 years, I looked to the world first not the Almighty God who heals ALL our sicknesses. I'm not proud of it, it's just fact. Second, the enemy - he just isn't very creative. He continually attacks me in the same ole ways - the stupid thing is that I forget that. Hopefully, my little itch will help you remember too, where does the enemy get you? Be alert, be wise dear sisters and brothers - we serve an awesome God. He is the Creator of the Heavens, The One Who Spoke existense into being - He can, does, will, wants to, and is waiting to answer the prayers of His children.

Ask - before you itch.

Pinkie Promise

2009-01-07T00:17:00.000-06:00

Do you remember the days of pinkie promises - well I am here to tell you that you are never too old for a good ole BFF pinkie promise.
I used to think that the best years of my life were when I was in my 20's and 30's.
NOT.
I think 50 - 60 is going to take the cake. That used to seem old - now it is really quite young.
Ok, back to the 20 to 30 stuff. Yeah all the crying babies, the worrying about money to buy diapers and formula; how to care for the "three little blessings who came within 2 years of each other(twins - and they said I wouldn't be able to have babies- go figure), and fevers, and overdosing on dimetap (can't believe I wrote that) and "will they love me if I don't let them?" ideas; and sharing the excitement of going to school that first day, crying when they graduated from H.S., and then of course weaping when they marry off and they truly are no longer "yours". Yep, those were the good ole days all right. I remember listening to them all gang up together and see which one was going to take the blame for the mess that they had gotten themselves into - oh, that was fun. Or the time when my precious little boy came home from Sunday School and proclaimed that he had learned to "shoot the bird" - let me say that always goes well when your daddy's the preacher. All wonderful times - things a mother ponders in her heart and never forgets. Oh, and two more - the time one, whose name will remain annonymous, "rocked the goldfish to sleep" and the other twin brought her offering back home from church "because Jesus didn't come today". GREAT DAYS!!! And I am so glad I have the memories and lived to tell about them all AND am through them and now am getting to remember them all and THEY are getting to experience them. - If you ever wonder if there is a God - just wait til your own children get married and have to "do" life. It's one of the joys of being a grammy too!!!!
But tonight, I got to have a very nice, quite (did I say quite) dinner with my dear dear friend and we laughed, ate, cried, talked, and talked, and talked. We shared our hearts and our Jesus stuff with each other and... we pinkie promised at the end of the evening. All at the wonderful age of 50ish. :)
The next 10 years - oh what a delight they will be loving on those grandbabies and givin them back to their own mommies. I love you all my precious little grown up babies!!!

Where Are Your Shoes?

2009-01-05T10:42:00.000-06:00

I have never been very good at wearing my shoes. Having been raised in Southeast Asia as a child, wearing shoes was not a common practice. Every year my mom would give me and my siblings hookworm medicine to prevent us from getting the awful things - or at least kill them if we had them (Oh how I hated that medicine - she disguised it in Tang - can I just say, "I hate Tang" to this very day!). But even now as an adult I hate wearing shoes and I am continuously taking my shoes off - my pedicurist hates that.

However, being raised in Thailand also left another lasting impression on me. Before a Thai person enters into the Buddhist temple or into another house, they remove their shoes. This is an act of respect, of not bringing that which is dirty into a place that is clean, or holy. I lived this ritual as a child. Whenever entering our home or another home we always removed our shoes. When we would take visitors to see the temples, we took our shoes off in respect of the customs of that culture as we entered in.

I also learned and observed something else. Whenever in the temple or in the presence of the King of Thailand, the people always had their shoes off. They also bowed very low - all the way to the ground. The further down a person went the greater the respect.

In my quest of desperation for the King of Kings - for the Lover of My Soul - My Heavenly Father, The Almighty God, The Prince of Peace, The Risen Christ - I find myself on my face...and you guessed it, with shoes no where to be found.

Desperate for Jesus

2009-01-05T00:35:00.000-06:00

I set this blog up one year ago - I blogged 1 time. It has been quite an interesting year to say the least. In this past year I have married off two children, and had my first grand child (the highlight of my life so far),graduated with my MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, and gone back to work full time. But, it is true, grand babies are "the best" - Laura Kate's arrival has been the best gift of the year.

About 2 months ago the Lord began working in my heart. Drawing me to something fresh. He was calling me to be desperate for Him. You see, not only have I not blogged for a year; but I have sat on the sidelines of my Christian walk for maybe the first time in my life. I set my will against His for the first time as a Christian. I have been a Christian for 44 years and not once in that time can I remember making a conscious decision to set my will in an opposite direction from God. Oh I did not choose sin - just stubbornness. I was tired. Tired of the fast paced "pastors wife" life, tired of being at church every time the doors opened, tired of smiling when I didn't want to, and tired of being hurt and disappointed by Christian friends whom I trusted over and over year after year. I was just tired. So I took the year off. I went on vacation from "service" to the Lord. Did you know that as Christians that is not an option. Not really. When we are saved, truly changed for Christ, no matter what our age, we are His. That means He decides what course our lives go - not us.

Well, He was patient, he was loving. He never stopped talking to me, or wooing my heart. He kept pursuing me. He never gave up. A funny thing about a personal relationship with a life changing God. He doesn't grow tired of loving us. His love is the ultimate in unconditional love. That's what captured my heart. One day I was worshiping in church and His love just grabbed me. It literally took me to the floor and that has been where I have wanted to be ever since.

I am on a desperate quest for the lover of my soul. When I am in His presence I just want to be on my face. I want to take my shoes off because I am in the presence of a King. I want to bow before Him and gaze into His holiness. I want to see Him - to feel His presence in my life. I am so desperate for HIM that if the church was open and praise and worship was going on 24/7 I would so be there.

Jesus I love you and I am desperate to be near you. I am desperate to seek after the things of Your spirit, Your truths, and Your ways. Show me the path.

What Lies Ahead

2008-01-01T18:11:00.000-06:00

I have thought all day about what 2008 will be like. My only son will marry - that will change things a bit, my second daughter will marry, AND I will have my first grandchild - Laura Kate!!! While all of these events bring so much joy to our home and to my life - things will certainly be different. Joel will stop coming home as often - as it should be; Cassie will not call as frequently - that has already happened, and Carrie and Kyle will be very busy taking care of Laura Kate - whom I am sure will be a handful. I will graduate with my Masters and will start my own Private Practice and I hope to substantially increase our household income taking some of the pressure off the keeper of my heart.

I will also have more alone time - more time to grow - more time to reflex.

Speaking of reflecting and what lies ahead for this year my naturual thoughts turn to Andy. Andy and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and while that sounds and is wonderful - it has happened so fast; which means the next 25 years will also past very quickly. I want to enjoy these next years more - I want to learn from all the things that I did wrong, and I want to make the next years memories sweeter and have more passionate moments of loving this man. Many people think they know him, understand him, "get him" - I think really, only his mom and I do and maybe a kid or two or three (don't want to leave anyone out) every now and then, but more important is that he knows how incredible he is. Because the world and the people of the world and the Prince of this world hurl lies and discouraging thoughts at him all the time. But when the day is over, the sun sets, work is complete and all the phones have stopped ringing - he needs to know that he is what matters the most to God and to me. There never has been or in my humble opinion ever will be a wife who loves a man as I do mine. He is cute, brilliant, funny, selfless, incredible with words, passionate about God and shepherding his people, a wonderful father, a masterful director of people with stress filled lives, an unbelievable boss, and a loyal friend. But best of all - he is mine, I love that - so much - more than anyone will ever know.

What lies Ahead? I do not know. Better than this past year? Most likely; and as long as it's with my crazy man - I am ready. Baby, buckle up - it is going to be a ride.