Old Friends

I mentioned in a earlier post that I am coming up on my 25th class reunion this July. It's funny because I don't feel old but the calendar tells me that I am on a downhill slide to middle age.
What is middle age? I am not really sure.
This weekend, Allen and I will be chaperoning Chardon's Prom. Now, I never got to attend my own prom (for simply old fashioned reasons)so, this will be fun because I can actually go to prom with my husband! How cool! That's the best way to enjoy prom.
Last week, I helped out at the high school selling prom tickets........these kids really look young.
Is that middle age?
My kids tell me that I need to get with it and abbreviate things like LOL (Laugh Out Loud).
Is that middle age?
I wake up in the mornings and things in my body click and clack. Is that middle age?
Today, I used Instant Message for the first time. I noticed that an "old" friend from high school had logged on to his computer (who knew...I could see that?) So, I decided to send an IM.
What fun!!! Welcome to the 2000's Mr. Banks!
Anyhow, it was nice reconnecting with Mark even in we are entering middle age!!

The View From Here

The other day, I was sitting at my sister's (and Brother-in-Law) house talking with her. As I looked out the window, I saw this sight on the house across the street. What a hoot!

Have you ever seen a goose on the top of a house like that. Of course I had to take a picture....when I went out the thing started squaaaaaaking at me. Very loudly.

I really did not mean to disturb him, I just wanted a picture or two.

He seemed so proud to be up that high looking around the neighborhood. I think I would like a view like that!

Speaking to women

Next Saturday, I will be speaking at a Women's Conference. The topic is Ressurection and I am having a real mental block.
Just thought I would put out a call for some ideas or illustrations.

She is the Champ and other thoughts

Well, it was a weekend to remember. Brittney brought home 3- 1st places, 1-3rd, and 1-4th from the Ohio State Baton Championships in Dayton. She is very excited and tired. They are testing for 5th grade proficiency this week. I felt bad that we got home so late last night but what a confidence booster a weekend of winning can be!!

Got an email from one of my friends from High School. Her father passed away over the weekend. My prayer for Holly and her family is that God will give them the strength to get through the next few days. Mr. Whitmire was 90 years old and lived a full life. I was so excited to hear that he had finally given his heart to the Lord.

Speaking of life, Allen is doing well. He returned to work today and I continue to try to not worry about him and let him live his life in peace. It's not easy!

I have had the book "In a Pit with A Lion On a Snowy Day" for at least a year on my book shelf and have not gotten to read it. I was flipping through it today and found this statement: LION CHASERS THRIVE IN THE TOUGHEST CIRCUMSTANCES BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT IMPOSSIBLE ODDS SET THE STAGE FOR AMAZING MIRACLES.
Wow.......!!!!!!!! I love that! Bring on the miracles God!
How big is your God? The God I serve is so much bigger than my circumstances. He knew that on Monday, April 20th at 10:30 AM-Allen Wilson would have an issue with his heart. He know that it would cause stress to the family and He knew what amount of strength I had to deal with the set back.
I have been so overwhelmed this past week, with the thought, of knowing Father God for His character.
What is character? Websters defines it as: The pattern of behavior found in an individual.
What is God's pattern of behavior? He will never leave you or forsake you. He Is the constant in your life.

Strength in time of need

How can you say thanks?
Our phone, email, and voice mail has been flooded by family and friends who have been praying and offering to help. We are SO BLESSED!
Thank you family and friends for your love and support.
We trust that the medicine will be the stabilizer in Allen's medical situation and that God will continue to be the healer.
Allen will go back to work on Monday. I think it will be a good thing. I will try to keep my worries to a minium and trust that we have seen the end of his health issues.

Be Still....from a friend's blog

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. - Exodus 14:14
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. - Psalm 116:7
Be still and know that He is God - Psalm 46:10

The Cleaning Cronicles

I have officially fallen off the Spring Cleaning Band Wagon.
Allen is home (doctor's orders) this week and I seem to have this need to "watch" him....much to his dismay.
Today I have to go the the high school for a few hours and I have butterflies in the tummy because I have to leave him alone.
On a good note, he is doing well and looking a little less tired everyday.
Brittney is SOOO excited. We leave tomorrow for USTA Ohio State Baton Competition in Dayton. It's nice because it has helped to take her mind of things at home.

Day # 2- The Doctor Stage

Today we reach what I call- the Doctor Stage. It's the stage of this thing with Allen that we seek out the doctors while they try and seek out an answer for what went wrong.
I'm tired. My body is tired and my spirit is tired.
I look forward to this weekend when we go to Dayton for Brittney's State Baton Competition. It will be some family time of fun that we need together.
The doctors appointment was basically "normal" whatever that means. Allen has some awesome doctors. They are very caring and take their time with him and his case.
The doctor's tell him that he has to wait until Monday to go back to work. I don't know if he loved that but Allen is the model employee. He is always thinking about the team and how his actions or circumstances will impact others.
I don't know if it will help anything, but I am glad that he has to be home for the next few days.
Thankful that my strength comes from the Lord.

I have learned to TRUST

Yesterday I was was writing my blog around 10:30AM. The house was quiet because Matthew was home from school with a fever and Allen had just come off 3rd shift and had just fallen asleep.
In my bog (that was not posted), I wrote this line: "sometimes we need to walk in the valley". Just about the time, I heard my husband make a loud noise and my son screaming Daddy.
Allen's heart had stopped and he was fighting for his life.
This happened to him about 6 years ago and he was on meds for a low blood pressure. About a year and a half ago- Allen was pulled off the meds and he has been fine since.
911 was called and I was in the middle of a very upset son and my husband laying on the couch needing me. Who do I help and talk to the 911 operator? I snatched up Matt and talked with the operator. Finally, I got Matthew settled down enough to go to the front door and wait for the Ambulance. To make a long story short, Allen was taken to the hospital and we spent our day there.
Now, I will get back to my blog from yesterday.
Andre Crouch wrote some years ago: Through it all.....I've learned to trust in Jesus.....I have learned to trust in God. Through it all....I have learned to depend upon His word.
I thank Him for the valleys, I thank for the trials.......
What? I have to thank Him for the Valleys and Trials? Yes, my friend we all do. How do you learn to trust God in every situation? Thank Him in spite!!! His word says that He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother, He is the God who heals, He is there in the valleys, and finally HE IS!! What more do I need?
It is a little hard to process yesterday in my natural self but I have the peace to know that FATHER has a plan and He walks every step of it all!

The Spring Cleaning Cronicles

I should have called my blog the Spring Cleaning Cronicles. I just have 2 more rooms to go and the basement. My goodness the dust is amazing!!

I wanted to just leave some thoughts and questions with you today.

-When YOU touch God, He immediately touches you back. How's that for IM?

-The trap the enemy wants us to fall into is worshiping or paying attention to things rather than the one who brings the blessings.

-When are born to be takers naturally, we must teach ourselves and our children to be givers.

-When God says-do it....you must act and not wait.

-When we give out of a heart a love and are not always looking for the direct "give back", we will get guaranteed results.

-We are to seek His face not the answers.

Read John 2:5

This was part of my original Monday Post.

Unexpected Encouragement

January 2006, Allen was part of a lay-off at Rockwell Automation after 10 years of employment with the company and 17 years in the industry. Now, they took his management position and replaced him with 2 people in a non-management role. The next 18 months he spent looking for work. The church does help us with conventions and some things like that but he does not draw a salary from them. Our traveling ministry has been cut down because we are on staff as Family Life Pastors and that was not making the bills either.
18 months and no employment........Oooooch!
It has been hard to recover and things are very tight at times.
Today, I can see the discouragement on my husband face. Yes, he is employed again but considerably less than what he made at Rockwell.
I usually don't log on my computer on Saturdays but decided to read our the blog from our General Secretary of the Assemblies of God.
My parents know him and his wife from when the pastored in the same section back in the 70's.
Pastor John's parents were two of the most Godly people I have every known in my life. I will never forgot his mother's kindness to me when I was a teenager.
Pastor John's blog was an encouragement to me today. It reminded me that God is always here with me....even if I don't feel Him!
Thanks for the reminder John!
Here is a link to his blog if you would like to read it: http://johnmpalmer.agblogger.org/

White Carpet and Other Spring Cleaning Issues

So, my blog has been filled with Spring Cleaning stuff for the past week or so. Today is no exception but this one has a little twist.
We built our home almost 9 years ago. Allen and I were the general contractors and did as much as we could on our own. For 2 people not knowing what in the world they were doing, we did not do to bad. It was a labor of love and desperation for our own home. Until that point we had our Home, Sweet, Apartment.
I did not want to be tied into a color theme in the house because I knew this was my one chance for at least 10 years or so to have things the way I wanted it......boy, was I right...we have not changed any color scheme since then.
We installed off-white carpet all over the house besides for the kids bedrooms. That was just fine and it has worn well because we do not wear our shoes in the house. Our Formal Living Room has all white furniture and most of the walls are off-white.
We planned to get a cheaper piano for me to teach students in the basement (it's finished) to keep the traffic out of the house. Like all good plans....we hit a snag......and God's plan........we went back to ministry and Allen kept his day job during the week. The money was gone for updating and re-decorating.
It's now 2008 and I teach the piano lessons in my formal living room with my white furniture. Enter, John.....(we'll hide his name for all concerned). John is a strong will boy who is not to keen on listening. It has been a struggle that NO ONE EVER TAUGHT ME ABOUT AT CBC!!!! I'm going to write a book about all the things I did not learn at CBC.
John loves to run in my house, put his feet on the furniture, run up and down my stairs with his dirty shoes.............I think I will stop there....you get the picture.
Now, I spent time cleaning the living room and started working on the stairs in the entry way.
Today was one of those typical days that John did not feel like listening. He sneezed on the piano keys and went running up the stairs while his baby sister was laying on the couch drinking her juice. So much for spring cleaning.
I would have gotten my hind end blazed for that when I was little and my children would have the same fate. John's mom says she cannot get him to listen to her.
I was feeling so great about that "clean" smell of the 1st floor of our home but now must disinfect and re-clean areas that I already cleaned.
All this just goes to prove that cleaning only lasts so long......then......people come over and your family comes home...time to start again.

Spring Cleaning Cronicles

For those of you that have asked. The wood care stuff I was talking about is made by Howard and is called: Restore A Finish. I use it once a month and it works miracles on the woodwork and cupboards.
I found it at an Antique Shop but they also have a website.

Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania

Who would think that there would be so much discussion about the Pennsylvania.
Our daughter Brittney is sick so I stayed home from church last night to be with her and caught some of the Obama vs Clinton Debate.
I have many friends who live in Pennsylvania that are great people but I am really tired of hearing about the people of Pennsylvania.
It makes me want to write a Blues Song that goes something like this:
I'm running for President
It's 2008
I eat out of a cardboard box
In the land of PA
These people are middle class Appalachian mountain people
And they ain't got no class
Cuz' I'm down and out in PA
My boy Bill
Was the greatest president who ever lived
Now I'm running to fill his shoes
Got no experience as president
But I think I do........
Because I lived in the White House
For 8 long years
Cuz' I'm down and out in PA
I know......enough already.........you can write your own song.

Last fall I ran for school board here in Chardon and in just 3 short months, I was tired of myself. I did end up winning. Maybe if I did not win, I would have felt different about this issue.
Do you think these people are tired of themselves?
It seems to me that Mrs. Clinton loves to talk about herself and her husband. It is my perception that Mr. Obama does not realy talk about himself to the degree that Mrs. Clinton does. Enough already!!
I would love to know if the people of PA are tired of their state being in the limelight and hearing about these candidates. Maybe my PA friends could send me your comments.
November cannot get here fast enough for me so that this political process can end for a while.
I am a naturalized citizen and find it an honor to have the opportunity to vote for a president but I would love to just have 2 debates on the issues, a 6 week campaign, and then we vote.

Shout to the Lord

Darlene Zscsech tells this story in her book: ExtravagantWorship.
Some years ago, Darlene went to England with her pastor to minister in music. At that time the world did not know the name of Darlene Zscsech. After that service, the host pastor told Darlene's pastor that she did not have a good voice and really should consider not doing anything in worship or music.
Fast forward to April 10,2008, Fox Network, Idol Gives Back and then again the next night.
A group of 8 American Idol Finalists sing the very song that made Darlene a household church name.
Now, millions of people around of world who did not know of her music have had an opportunity to experience the beautiful words that God gave Darlene.
The word tells us that He will honor the humble and give you the desires of your heart. I love it......God has the plans for our lives.....He moves kings in and out of places........only HE can take a Darlene Zscsech and make her a household name. Only He can make His name known on a program that reaches 55 million people on a given night.
I serve a God of the impossible!!!!!! If you did not see it...here is the link: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=uyj1FAQdPzg

Time for Spring Cleaning

Mom use to tell me that a clean house really showed what was going on in your heart. She always told me that a pastor's home should always be clean.

My mom is a wonderful woman and I can only hope to be half the woman she is. She has managed most of her married life to work a full time job, raise kids, be a great cook, is Martha Stewart (the Indian version), and keep a home that you can eat off the floors. Girls, she is a CLEAN chick!

She has passed this demented gene to my sister and I. My sister does a better job at it because she still has no children and crazy schedules that we keep around here.

As I think of Spring Cleaning, I get REALLY excited about things looking and smelling clean.

I use my Windex on stains, Mr. Clean on the counters and hard surfaces, a special cleaner from the Antique store for my woodwork and cabinets, and my most favorite..........Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

I am telling you.....the Mr. Clean eraser is amazing. It cleans those wonderful shower floors, walls, vinyl windows........I could go on but I won't.

When I think about spring cleaning my husband is not always happy until I am done because he says that I have to blow up the room before I can clean it. Now, he thinks that because he (bless his wonderful heart)wipes off the counter where he spilled the sugar and does not ever see the sugar that has fallen behind or next to the canister.

I have been a christian since the age of 4. I have no great stories to tell. I have loved the Lord as long as I can remember but there are times that I need to do a little spring cleaning of the heart.

I have had times in my christian walk when it has been winter. Although the snow is beautiful and it covers a multitude of sins.......IT'S GOING TO MELT! Yes, when that snow melts the ground that is left under always looks so grungy. It needs a good power washing.

I find myself needing a some Mr. God magic eraser to wipe the grunge clean and make all things new.

A few year ago, Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song "All Things New". I leave you today with the words to that song. Is it time for you to do a little heart spring cleaning?

You spoke and made the sunrise, to light up the very first day

You breathed across the water, and started the very first wave

It was You You introduced Your glory, to every living creature on earth

And they started singing, the first song to ever be heard They sang for You
You make all things new

You make all things new
Then the world was broken, fallen and battered and scarred You took the hopeless, the life, wasted, ruined and marred

And made it new
You make all things new

You make all things new

You redeem and You transform You renew and You restore

You make all things new

You make all things new And forever we will watch and worship You
You turn winter into spring

You take every living thing

And You breathe Your breath of life into it over and over again
You make the sunrise, day after day after day But there's a morning coming, when old things will all pass away

And everyone will see
You make all things new

You make all things new

Come redeem and come transform Come renew and come restore You make all things new You make all things new

And forever we will watch and worship You
Now and forever

You are making all things new

You're making all things new

Cleaning

Last week I confessed that I was a clean freak and truth be known........I think about cleaning and keeping my house clean all the time.
Today I had planned to clean all day but have to go to the Board meeting tonight and have not read any of my materials, so I must get that done.
Tomorrow, I want to talk more about this cleaning and getting our house in order for Spring!

School Board in the Boardroom

This past November I was voted, by my community, to hold a seat on the Chardon Board of Education. I have been involved with the Chardon Schools for the past 18+ years in various ways and had attended board meetings on a regular basis.
Today is Board Meeting # 4. It has been an good 4 months. We have had a hard decision to make in the past few months. Besides that one event, things have been pretty quiet.
The #1 question everyone asks me is: "Is it what you expected?" The easy answer is yes. There really have been no surprises yet.
I am mind full with every decision and discussion that we do can have an effect on people's lives. I am thankful for a Superintendent who seems to have not forgotten what it's like to be a parent but still makes his decisions in a professional and educated manner.
On a side note: You might want to drop your Superintendent a card or short note. Let him or her know that you are praying for them as they work with your local district. They deserve our prayers and could also use the encouragement.
I work with a board of people who have different views on any given issue.
On the board, my portfolio consists of Student Liaison. Each month I do a small presentation of our students accomplishments. This month, I was very proud to be a part of a district that has such pride.
The district's motto (so to speak) is: "A Legacy of Pride...A Future of Promise"
I truly believe that it is that pride that helps our students have a future of promise.
Speaking of Pride......Brittney won 1st place in Novice Baton Solo yesterday at the Pre-state competition. She was SOOOO excited! We are very proud of her and look forward to the State Competition in 2 weeks.

It's not Spring until the Maple Festival is OVER!

It's Saturday, day 3 of the Maple Festival. Just 1 more day to go.
Yesterday, the temperature was 72 degrees and sunny most of the day.
We helped out our Park Elementary PTO and parked card in the thunder and lightening.
Today, there is a chance of showers and......yes folks......maybe snow.
I love living in NE Ohio. I think it's the only place in the world that you can experience all 4 seasons in just one day. Now that's variety!!
Please continue to pray for Susan. She is still in the ICU and in critical condition.
Have a great weekend and make sure you find a place to worship and hear God's word on Sunday!

Safety and Society

The Great Geauga County Maple Festival started last night. This is the only time of year that I don't like living in Chardon. We dismantle our town for 4 days every spring for Maple Syrup??? I don't get it.
Anyhow, Thursday is Family night and the rides are discounted. The grease is at it's best on the first night. Love those hogies, bloomin onion, and elephant ears! Now we have to not eat for the next 3 days to make up for what we ate on Thursday.
Our friends, Brenda and Mike Morris have the honor of their son being the 2008 Maple Festival Prince. He looks so cute in this picture. Last night some older teen boys were making fun of Connor, they punched and pushed him down. Connor has a goose egg on his head and did not have a great night.
You know, I cannot believe it! We live in a nice little town that has about 10,000 residents in the Village. It's a place where you can leave your door unlocked and feel safe.
What kind of world do we live in that teen boys would openly make fun of a little boy and try to hurt him? We don't live in downtown Cleveland, Detroit or New York City.
Everyday, before our kids go to school, I stop and pray with them before they leave our home. I pray protection, favor with others, and that God gives them wisdom during their day.
No parent wants to have someone pick on the child. I feel for Brenda and Mike today. I know that they will have a very busy weekend and I pray that they will be able to enjoy Connor's time a Maple Festival Prince.
Connor, " I pray that God would give you favor with all you come in contact with and that He would protect you in your coming and going." Coach Wilson and I are proud of your accomplishment. Have a great weekend!

The ICU

Yesterday was a difficult day. We spent a great portion of the day in the ICU with someone from our church.
Susan is around 45 years old, has a husband who loves her, and 2 teenage daughters. Susan also has Chrones Disease and Cancer in her bones.
On Tuesday, she bent over and felt something pop in her back. Susan began experiencing great pain. Her husband called 911 and she was taken to the hospital. Susan seemed to be doing fine and about 4 am on Wednesday morning, she went into Cardiac arrest.
Now Susan lies in the ICU hooked up to 6 different IV poles, a machine breathing for her and various medicines. There are doctors and nurses in her room frequently.
As I sat and talked with Susan's husband, the hymn "Wonderful Peace" kept going through my mind. After some time I got up and leaned over Susan's bed and sang:
1)Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight. Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm; In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls O'er my soul like an infinite calm. 5) Ah! soul, are you here without comfort or rest, Marching down the rough pathway of time? Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark; oh, accept this sweet peace so sublime. (Chorus) Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above, Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, In fathomless billows of love.
As a christian, I know that when I face life's struggles and even death, I have a hope. A hope of a brighter tomorrow with a PEACE that only Jesus can give.
Rest in that peace today Steve, Susan, Becca and Anna!

Messy House Ministry

Last night at baseball practice, some of the moms were talking about cleaning and I found this article today for you to read. It is written by Jennifer Dyer.

I looked like a mess last night because I had spent the whole day scrubbing my laundry room and washing all the rugs in the house. I went to baseball looking like a mess and my family was not very happy with the state of my hair.

I must confess that I struggle with the need to keep my house perfect. When I read the article, I felt better that others struggle with the perfect house. Enjoy!

The other day I heard a knock on the door and froze. I glanced around my living room. It looked like a toy store after a hurricane. How could I let someone see the house like this? After all, the house reflects the person inside—at least, that’s what the home decorating magazines say.
I considered diving behind the recliner, but resigned, I waded through the sea of clutter and opened the door to my neighbor. Strands of dark hair hung loose from her ponytail and her face looked tired, probably just like mine. With a weak and apologetic smile, I invited her inside. She waved aside my embarrassment and said she simply wanted to talk to someone who could understand what she was going through, since we both have children with special needs.
We shared a lot of pain that day and have become good friends since. It was through this I learned an important lesson. By being willing to let her see my messy life, I gave her a way to connect with me on a real level. I’d done more than invite her into my home. I’d extended her an invitation into my heart.
High standards
Sadly, this wasn’t the first time I hesitated to let someone see me when I’m not at my best. For a person who used to alphabetize her pantry, I’ve come a long way. Of course, my alphabetizing days were before I had a husband and young children. So, why do I hold myself to the same rigid set of standards that are not only unrealistic but also binding? What is the big deal with a little mess (or a big one, as is the norm at my home)? I suppose it’s because culture tells us external things are of supreme importance. Jesus, however, placed a high priority on people and spending time with them. I doubt he ever left a house because someone had left socks out (or Legos or Barbie’s winter wardrobe).
Under the best of circumstances, of course I would want to have my home in order with a homemade bread bowl filled with steaming dip made from artichokes I grew in my own organic garden. Who wouldn’t? There is nothing wrong with trying my best and taking care of my home. However, when my idea of perfection becomes more important than people it has moved past its proper place in my list of priorities.
Believing I must be perfect before I reach out to others leads to misery of my own making. I’ve even shied away from friendships because other women seem to “have it all together” while I can’t remember to put on lipstick. It seems this sort of comparison is one of the most difficult things for women to overcome. I do it without realizing it, and in doing so, heap trouble on myself. When I compare my situation to others, I live by the extreme standards of the world and lose sight of what is most important—people. I can’t take stuff with me when I leave this earth. Why then should I spend time worrying over things that are not eternal?
I’m not suggesting a national avoid housekeeping day—I’d probably get the date wrong anyway—but I’ve learned not to let something like an explosion of Lincoln Logs keep me from others. So what? I tell myself, as I sweep them out of the way when I walk past. Hospitality doesn’t have to look like a magazine spread. It’s more about the heart than anything else.
Perfection belongs to God
Just like I learned that day with my neighbor, I believe people want someone to be real and open with them so they feel comfortable enough to do the same. I often remind myself that perfection belongs to God. Jesus died on the cross so I don’t have to be perfect. It’s a gift of inestimable worth. So why should I hold myself to impossibly high standards?
My friend Amy suggested that I make a wreath for my front door out of those small and painful-to-step-on toys, and put a sign on it that says, “Welcome friends, but wear your combat boots.”
So, raise your glass—if you can find one that’s not filled with Play Doh—to the freedom we’ve been given from perfection. In doing so, you might find a good friend and one day discover her house is just as messy as yours—not that you’re comparing …

Spring and things that bloom

Don't you love spring? Things are starting to bloom. There are buds on the trees and the flowers are starting to pop their heads from the ground.
Yes, spring has sprung and so have my children. It was yet another Monday morning disaster avoided....for now.
Who knew that feet could grow a whole size and a half? Brittney not only did not have any shorts to wear today but she had no spring/summer shoes that fit. Why does this girl have size 61/2 feet? So, to avoid the impending gloom that was going to happen, I helped her find something to wear until I could go to the store today and spend some of dad's hard earned cash.
I breathed a sigh of relief when we found an outfit to wear only to hear....."Mom, none of my shorts fit." Was that Matthew's voice I hear? Oh yes! one more child in our home that had nothing to wear to school today.
Why must these children bloom like the flowers? I am thrilled that they are not going to be 3 feet tall for the rest of their lives.
I am really glad to smell spring and am enjoying the sunshine! Now, it's time to shop!

Women and Ministry

Don't forget to read the post under Women in Ministry and send me your opinions.

One is Silver and the other Gold

It's been 5 years now that I attended my 20 yr. class reunion. Well yesterday I got the notice about our 25th Reunion. Oh, joy........an email reminder that.....if I did not already know......I am firmly implanted in MIDDLE AGE.
When the Class of 83 had our 10th reunion, everyone basically ended up back with their same groups that they hung out with in high school. Fast forward to the 20th and it was a lot of fun.
A smaller group came to the reunion for whatever reason and we ended up in a big circle talking about memories, friends, families and new friends.
At that reunion, I reconnected with some people that were friends in high school but we had really lost track of each other.
Over the past 5 years, the emails go back and forth every once in a while and we keep in touch a little better.
College was a little different. Because of the ministry, I see people that I went to college with once in a while at conventions and when we are out ministering. Those friendships have been a little easier to keep in touch.
I am thankful for all the people that have crossed my life over the years. Elementary, Jr. High, High School, College, and beyond.......there have been people that have added to my life.
Friendships often experience seasons. If you are in a season of winter with an old friend, why don't you pick up the phone, write a card, or send an email and re-connect.
It's like the old song: Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.

Friendship and my Daughter

I'm a mom going experiencing puberty for the 2nd time. Oh Yes!! I don't know if I'm up for it the second time like I was the first time.
My daughter is almost 11 and in the 5th grade. She is a gifted student and God has blessed her with many wonderful attributes.
God, fashion, school, and friends have been her world. Until this year..........Do you hear the music in the background? Yes folks, my beautiful, smart, carefree daughter now has hormones and is experiencing girls (and their claws)in 5th grade. We ride the emotional coaster every once in a while and most of the time, it's not bad. But those days when "the twins" are on her case, my sweet little girl turns into a grouch.
The kids have been back in school from Spring Break for 3 days and these 3 days have not been the best. Yesterday I spent over an hour on the phone with her teacher about the situation.
I pray for her daily that God will being her out of this school year stronger so that, when she goes to Middle School, she will be able to deal with the catty girl situation better.
There have been some valuable lessons this year about how to choose your friends.
As a mother, it's been hard for me to not offer all of my advise and let her work this thing out on her own.
Quality friendships are a lot of work. I pray that Brittney surrounds herself with friends that will build her up and that they will be friends for life.
A few years ago, I reconnected with 3 girls that were friends in high school. This year we will attend our 25th class reunion. Tomorrow, I want to talk about the seasons of friendship.

Friendship, Love and other Working Relationships

Yesterday was Monday. A Monday that I was glad to pack up.
You know those days...........you wonder did you wake up in your house, with your life, and your family. The day proceeded with the realization that YES! it was my life but get on for the ride.
Last night, we received a phone call that was a little unsettling. I realized that an unedited article was sent out in our Family Life News to "our" church world.
Oh boy!! We felt really bad. Mostly me because, I had been working on taxes for the past couple of weeks and had a little much going on and did not check the article when I converted it to a PDF File.
It caused another staff member to be bent out of shape about the article and my husband had to make his apologies.
Mistakes can be very hard. They are not always perceived in the best light and the forgiveness is not always accepted and forgotten.
I tend to believe in the best of everyone. I believe friendship offered to me comes unconditionally and I give my trust and friendship in the same matter.
After some sleepless hours last night feeling bad for the entire situation, I thanked Father God that He forgives us with no strings attached. He looks past my mistakes and sins and loves me for who I am. His friendship is unconditional.
Today is a new day and I trust a better day that I can still be called "A Friend of God."