So Proud!!!

 Jared's first night as Drum Major!!!

2 of his close friends

 Heading down for half time!

nice Josie!!!

On the platform and ready to start!!

this is just the first part of their program.

I love football season!!!

Motives

One word that can make a big difference.

Knowing a person's motives can completely change how you view their actions.

the problem is...it's sometimes hard to discern some one's motives, isn't it?

It's even harder to discern our own motives at times.

Sometimes the true motive is buried deep below justifications.

This morning in my quiet time, I was questioning God about something I have been praying for for quite a while.  Then I read this in my devotion:

So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?"

Mark 10:51

It is hard to believe that the Lord would ask us what He could do for us.  However, sometimes that is the question we must answer. Bartimaeus was blind, and he knew exactly what he wanted Jesus to do for him: restore his sight.  Yet he received much more than physical sight!  he received salvation, for Jesus knew Bartimaeus's heart was faithful.  Bartimaeus immediately used his gift to become a follower of the Savior.

Jesus also asked James and John what they wanted Him to do for them.  They requested the most prominent places in His kingdom.  This time, Jesus answered that He could not give them what they asked.  Their request was selfish, and it brought dissension among their fellow disciples.

Only when we pray according to God's will is He pleased to grant our requests.  We will not see our prayers answered if we ask selfishly.  If god refrains from giving us what we are asking, we should evaluate our prayers.  Are our motives selfish? Are we asking for far less than God wants to give?  Are our requests worthy of the God we approach? Do we lack the faith God requires to give us our desires?  Is there unconfessed sin?  God delights in responding to our requests.  If we will ask according to His will, we, like Bartimaeus, will receive far more than we anticipated!

As I evaluated my prayer this morning, I had to look deep to my true motives.  I asked myself all those questions.....and believe my motives to be pure.  That gave me great encouragement to hold on and keep lifting my prayer.....looking forward with anticipation for the answer!!

If you are wondering, this devotional is from Experiencing God Day-by-Day, by Henry T. Blackaby.  It is one of my favorites and I have gone through it probably 6 times now.  It never ceases to amaze me how most days are tailored just for me!

Project 365 - Week 35

 Week 35.

Well, all the kids went back to school this week and my house became very quiet.

It ended up being a very busy week as I worked on staffing our children's department at church for the year and finished up the curriculum.  Our summer staff ends labor day weekend.  It was nice to have a block of time to really concentrate on it!!  And I feel really good about where we are!

We also got more rain...whoop whoop!!!  And the temps cooled down a bit, which was so nice!  The last couple of days have been perfect and we got some much needed, relaxing time by the pool!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

This is being documented for "future use"

parents...you understand

Tonight, I decided to go into Jason's room to see just how bad he left it and found this......a hot glue gun STILL PLUGGED IN and sitting on the carpet!!!! 

no words.

Monday

 
Took my brother and SIL down to OBU to finish building Kayley's loft bed and to say goodbye. 

Such a hard time on us parents.  

but even harder for them as they are leaving her states away.  

I am so thankful that I am close and will be able to be there if she needs it!!

Tuesday

I made this baked brie with pepper jelly for book club tonight. 

Oh.my.word.  

This was so good and the ladies completely finished it off!!  

Go here for the recipe!

Wednesday

LOUD thunderstorm this morning.

Someone is just a bit nervous!!!  She is not allowed on the furniture and it totally shocked me when she all-of-a-sudden jumped up on the sofa after a clap of thunder!! And she wasn't going to move!

Thursday

 Lily went to the groomers today and usually they send her home with a cute handkerchief around her neck....today she got a bow....on the back of her head.  She seriously looked at me like "please, please take it out!"

Friday

I decided to make fish tacos on the spur of the moment and invited our good friends Roger and Jill for dinner.  Nothing better than good food and good friends!!!

Saturday

This picture is from Thursday....I know, but I forgot to take a picture today!  We had dinner at a young couple's house from our church tonight and had so much fun!  I can't believe I forgot to take a picture.  So this picture is from the meal I made Thursday....Nutty chicken salad on croissants and pasta salad.

So how was your week:

Release...

I had a hard time sleeping last night.

My house was so quiet as I had sent the last one (my niece) off that day.

My mind whirled with all the worries I have for them:

will they be safe

will they have good friends

will they study

will they make good choices

why did they leave their rooms so messy

could they just not learn things the hard way

what will they be doing

are they worried/scared

will they need me

...over and over in my mind

until I had to start singing praise songs to get my thought process off my anxieties and on to the One who knows them better than I do.

Then this morning, this is my devotion for today.....

Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care.  They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands.  If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one--as well as yourself.  Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac.  I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship.  Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions.  I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love. 

When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand.  As you entrust others into My care, I am fee to shower blessings on them.  My Presence will go with them where ever they go, and I will give them rest.  This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me.  Watch to see what I will do.

I so needed to hear that.

I just love how He knows me so well.

Project 365 - Week 34

Week 34.

I am late getting this posted this week.  My brother arrived last night...after dropping his daughter off at a college near me! yea!  And we were having so much fun getting caught up that I forgot to post this last night!!!

This week was full, fun, sad, great.....all in one.  I really didn't expect my youngest's last 1st day of school to hit me so hard...ugh!

Here's my Week:

Sunday

 Two teenagers were baptized today after the service.

Can there be anything better to watch?!!

Monday

 I had to work the FAC table during back-to-school and I conned, well begged, Jason to help me since I was the only one to volunteer!  

Tuesday

My last 1st-day-of-school EVER....

 The obligatory picture!

 I always do something fun for myself the first and last days of school.  Today a friend of mine went to a Brazilian bakery for some amazing coffee, pastries and lots of laughter!!!

Wednesday

Quesadilla's for dinner

Thursday

I do not have a picture today and for the life of me....I can't remember why or what I even did on Thursday right now.  sheesh!

Friday 

Played cards with our good friends Kenny and Tracee tonight.

The girls DOMINATED and it was AWESOME!!!

Saturday

Of course we had to have one last game of settlers before Jason leaves for college tomorrow!!  We've actually played more cards this summer than settlers.

Hope everyone is getting back into the swings of school...if not then enjoying the last of your summer!!!  Link up and let us see!!

Letters of Intent

 Joining Foursons for Letters of Intent today.  

Go on over there and check out some more rantings!

Dear Mother Nature, Summer or whoever,

I know I have said some ugly things about you at times, like here.  However, our weather has been glorious lately!!  And just in time for everyone to go back to school.  I know the kids at schools with no air conditioning (yes, that exists in AR) are thanking you!

But I just want to apologize for all the bad things I said when our weather was 114 degrees and burning up everything in site.  I didn't realize what you were doing.....

....acclimating us so well to the heat that 94 degrees feels like winter! 

Brilliant, really! 

Sincerely,

The woman that feels like we have had a weather reprieve this week, when really we haven't.

Today....

Today, starts my first "last".

Today, is my youngest child's 1st day of his senior year.

Today, is the last 1st-day-of-school I will ever have.

Today, is the last time I will pack a special lunch for the 1st day of school.

Today, my heart is full and heavy at the same time.

Today...

..how did you get from here....

...to here...

so quickly.

Project 365 - Week 33

 Week 33.

Steve and Alyssa drove to Kansas this week to visit Steve's family.  I stayed back with Jared since he had band camp.  I thought I was going to have tons this time on my hands and planned to get done all the things I have been putting off.......because no one will need me, right?

Ya, you know how that went.......the week was so busy and I was lucky to get my house cleaned.

Ok, if I am honest, not getting much done wasn't just because it was busy.....I have been sucked in to a book I am reading and can't put it down!!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

 We had some of our great friends from Indiana visit this weekend.  Jason taught Marv one of our favorite napkin games at lunch....and Marv beat him!!!!

 Monday

Marching band camp started today.

It is exciting and sad at the same time because this is our last year.

Tuesday

More peach jam today!

I found peaches at Walmart that were cheaper and better than the ones from the peach orchard!  Oh my, this jam is GOOD!

Wednesday

This was probably the best tasting guacamole I have made in a while!!

and it got eaten quickly by the kids at our last youth swim party of the summer.

 

Thursday

It was a Betty Crocker kind of day....

...more peach jam and banana bread.

Jason has been helping out with band camp this week, working with the woodwinds.

Friday

Last day of band camp.

We had a family potluck and the kids performed what they have worked on so far.  It is going to be a great year!!

Saturday

My neighbor brought me a whole bag of okra out of her garden this afternoon...guess what we had for dinner?  Yum!!!

For a lot of us, this was the last week of summer.....how did you spend it?

Prayer request...

 **update**
Mark made it out of surgery and it went well!!
He didn't lose his eye and they think they got all the cancer!!!


Praise God!!!
Thanks so much for the prayers!


I am asking all my prayer warriors out there to please be praying tomorrow (Thursday) for my friend, Mark.

Back in the spring, Mark got what he thought was a sinus infection.  But it wouldn't go away.  They tried several courses different antibiotics before they decided to do a CT scan where they found cancer...

... a mass in his left maxillary sinus.

Mark is having surgery tomorrow and the surgeons are basically removing all his sinus bone, part of the roof of his mouth and some of his cheek bone. They may have to take the eyebal too.

The surgery starts between 11:30 and 12:00 noon and will be 6-7 hours long.

Please pray for the doctors and nursing staff that they would have wisdom and clarity as they work on Mark.  Pray they would get all of the cancer and that he would not lose his eye.  And please pray that the cancer is contained.  

Pray also for Mark's recovery...he will be off work for 3 months.

Thank you so much, friends. 

I heart faces - friendship challenge

I am fortunate to know what true friendship looks like.

God has blessed me with some amazing friends in my life.

true friendship looks like this...

I have known these ladies for 21 years.

We met in the first church Steve and I served in...in Minot, ND.....and there are 3 that are missing from this picture.

Life, the military and ministry have taken the 9 of us all over the world since then. But for the last 18 years, on the last weekend of February, we all make it to one place to spend the weekend together.....to laugh, cook, eat, cry, pray......to be friends.

These ladies know me.

They know my heart.

and they love me fiercely.

and on this day that the picture was taken, they came together...some driving 12 hours....to celebrate with me as I turned 50.....cause they know this girl loves a party!!!

....so grateful for friendship.

Joining in for Friendship Week at I Heart Faces – head on over!

Understanding vs Trust

I have been going through Sarah Young's Jesus Calling.

If you don't currently have a good devotional..this is one you would want to get.  

I am really enjoying it.

Today's devotion just hit home and I wanted to share it:

Understanding will never bring you Peace.  That's why I have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your own understanding.  Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives.  But the world presents you with an endless series of problems.  As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you.  The relief you had anticipated is short-lived.  Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking Me (your Master).

The wisest of all men, Solomon, could never think his way through to Peace.  His vast understanding resulted in feelings of futility, rather than in fulfillment.  Finally, he lost his way and succumbed to the will of his wives by worshiping idols.

My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze.  Actually, you are always enveloped in Peace, which is inherent in My Presence.  As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace.

Isn't this true?

Sometimes I think that if I can just understand a situation or why I am having to go through something, then I will have peace about it.  

But what truly brings Peace is trust.  

Trust in a Savior that knows me and knows my situation perfectly.  

Trust in a God who's promises never fail..ever.

This is the Peace I want.

Peace that is available to me just by being in His Presence.

Project 365 - Week 32

 Week 32.

I am posting early today because tomorrow is going to be a very busy day for me.  We have friends visiting and they will leave after lunch tomorrow and then we have a new comers dinner here tomorrow night with a full crowd.

This week brought a big change for all of us....Alyssa moving out on her own.  She is still getting settled and unpacked but seems very excited about her new home....although she has been home every night around dinner!!  hmmmm.....

Here's my week:

Sunday

 This was our snack for children's church today....isn't it cute?!  The kids loved it!

It was Andrea's last night with us, so we went out to dinner.  This picture cracks me up.....don't touch me!!!!

Monday

Jason is an awesome waffle maker and Alyssa asked him to make them this morning.  As I ate mine, I thought it had a funny flavor to it.  This is our converstation:

Me: Jason, what did you put in the waffles?

Jason: the usual, why?

Me: it tastes different

Jason: what does it taste like?

Me: cumin

Jason: what is cumin?

Me: a spice that looks a lot like cinnamon

Yep, someone needs to learn to read the labels!!

Tuesday

 These are the trucks leaving our house, loaded with all Alyssa's belongings.....she moved out today....wahhhhhhhh.

Wednesday

We are melting in the south!

It actually got up to 114 today...ugh.

Thursday

This actually happened yesterday.

I spent the day helping check band kids in at school and fitting them with their uniforms. 

Friday

Even though it is Friday, our date day, I didn't feel like going out for breakfast.  So we stayed in and I made biscuits, eggs and ham.

Saturday

Made these delicious rolls for breakfast.  It's an Ina Garten recipe...soooo good.

It has been so hot here, but I couldn't wait any longer to can jam..the fruit won't wait.  So Alyssa came over early to learn and help me.  She learned it's a lot of stirring! ha!

 She's very creative!

Always love to hear the pop of the jars and when you are done, it is such a feeling of accomplishment.  Canned 3 batches....more to come next week.

That's it for me. Link up and share your week in pictures!!

Just plain.....

....HOT.

Like record breaking hot.

with a bazillion % humidity.

I seriously can not concentrate, or make myself do more than what is absolutely necessary.

And blogging requires that my laptop, which puts off heat, must sit on my lap...

I am sitting here in my family room....which faces the afternoon sun....that is ALL windows...and there is sweat dripping down my face..

...in.my.house.

They say that you can only expect your a/c to cool things 20 degrees off the outdoor temp.

it is was 114 yesterday.

it is 104 today.

You do the math on the temp in my house.

I think I am getting cranky.

My trip to Jackson Hole

I finally finished my digital scrap book of my trip to Jackson Hole, WY!!   My eyes are a bit bleary, but I love how it turned out!!  

Click here to view this photo book larger

Reaching the generations

One of the best seminars I attended at She Speaks was called Bridging the Gap....how to build a multi-generational women's ministry

It was fascinating!!

We learned about the different generations and why it is hard to unite them.

Here is just a "sampling" of what I learned:

Builders

1901-1942

They experienced the great depression, WWII, they are rule followers.  They are loyal, team players and respect authority.  Their challenges is that they desire respect.  Their communication is done person to person, face to face and hand written notes.

Boomers (I am a boomer)

1943-1964

This is the 2nd largest generation.  They experienced Vietnam War, rebellions, woodstock.  They are 1st with TV and 1st to be marketed to.  They are a sandwich generation, they have both their kids they are raising and their parents they are taking care of.  They tend to be liberal, nurturers and have a goal of leadership.  Their challenges are that they are helicopter parents.  They have a strong desire to buy and desire respect and public recognition. Their communication is face to face, email, txting

Gen X

1965-1979

This is the ME generation.

They experienced the end of the Cold War, 1st black presidential candidate, internet, political distrust.  Their challenges are a hazy sense of self identification, prefer to work independently, judgmental of boomers style.  Their communication is mass email, blogs, FB, txting

Gen Y

1979-1996

Millennial generation

Largest generation today

They have experienced about everything as a Y, 2 parents working, divorce.  They are tech savy and optimistic.  Interested in open feed back and peer oriented.  Love teams and groups.  Their challenges are tech overloaded, their "flexibility" complicates.  They need constant feedback and everyone needs to win. they are their 1st and main priority.  They are loyal to people not companies/church.  They communicate by Fb, tweet, skype.

Gen (Z)

Next generation, not named or completely born yet

The seminar went on to help us plan and meet the needs of a multi-generational ministry.  This is something that has always been a challenge, but even more so in our current day and age.  But it doesn't make it less important or change the fact that God commands us in Titus to bring the generations together.

Some ideas they gave us....

*have a woman from each generation on your planning committe

*be intentional. plan events that specifically appeal to each generation

*start a mentoring ministry

*Unite the women behind a cause that has jobs that appeal to each generation

ie. ministering to a shelter, public garden together

*techy class - younger teach older, cooking class - older teach younger

*dinner - each person must invite someone from a different generation

*secret sisters

Aimy Steele was our speaker and you can visit her blog for more information about generations: www.aimysgeneration.blogspot.com