FRIEND and Other Important Life Issues

Some things never change....

2011-03-09T16:06:00.005-05:00

The wind is howling outside and I am working on my annual March job.....TAXES!!! Today, I took Brittney to the doctor for an ear infection and as she lay on the bed I was taken back to 13 years ago when I use to dress her up in her little dress and tights. She would have some pretty shoes to match and a bow in her hair. I would carry her in the office in her
beautiful blue and white car seat carrier all bundled up.
Fast forward 13 years. We drove to the same office today, he long, thick, beautiful, brown hair was pinned up in some crazy ponytail. She had black yoga pants and a hot pink sweat shirt on. Those feet are no longer in cute patten leather shoes, they were in size 8 UGGs. No make-up on the beautiful girl today....She is now 5'5" and I cannot carry her.....she could carry me!!
As she was laying on the table, my heart skipped a beat just like it did when she got those dreaded "shots" when she was a baby........ it was still my crazy baby that was "my only sunshine" that God blessed me with all those years ago. She played with the paper on the table, told me how she hated doctors, she wanted to go home...........it was good to know that even though she was growing up that SOME THINGS ABOUT HER HAVE NOT CHANGED AT ALL!!

Signs that summer is drawing to a close

2010-07-24T17:16:00.004-04:00

It's 95 degrees today and we got up at 7am to head to football equipment pick-up. Last Sunday we got back from vacation and tomorrow we head to the year end baseball picnic. Signs that summer is coming to a close.
I actually like this time of year because it means that fall is coming and CHRISTMAS around the corner!!
Have you had a good summer? Have you taken the time to enjoy your family? Have you stopped to read a book, spend time with a friend, sit on the deck, enjoy the sun, go for a walk, smile at the kids as the play? I have.
Now, we still have a few more weeks to go before the kids head back to school. If you have not, stop and take a minute and enjoy........The word says: "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good...". You see the Lord is good to us in so many ways and He allows us so many blessings, don't forget to take the time to enjoy them!

Spring has Sprung

2010-04-01T13:04:00.004-04:00

It's spring break here at the Wilson home and I love the sound of the kids being home. This morning everyone was in bed late and I listened to the quiet of the house as another spring break had come to our home. This one was important because my son realized that taking a bath and smelling good is important........why???? I want to know.......Is there a girl who has caught his eye? What a thought that my baby is getting older. AND some girl might be catching his attention. I know that he is cuter than pie but no girl is suppose to know that!!!! Where does the time go?

I guess it's not just spring for the birds and the bees but it's spring for my little birds and bees!!!

Part 4 -Why December 25th?

2009-12-25T16:00:00.002-05:00

For the church's first three centuries, Christmas wasn't in December—or on the calendar at all.
Elesha Coffman
It's very tough for us North Americans to imagine Mary and Joseph trudging to Bethlehem in anything but, as Christina Rosetti memorably described it, "the bleak mid-winter," surrounded by "snow on snow on snow." To us, Christmas and December are inseparable. But for the first three centuries of Christianity, Christmas wasn't in December—or on the calendar anywhere.
If observed at all, the celebration of Christ's birth was usually lumped in with Epiphany (January 6), one of the church's earliest established feasts. Some church leaders even opposed the idea of a birth celebration. Origen (c.185-c.254) preached that it would be wrong to honor Christ in the same way Pharaoh and Herod were honored. Birthdays were for pagan gods.
Not all of Origen's contemporaries agreed that Christ's birthday shouldn't be celebrated, and some began to speculate on the date (actual records were apparently long lost). Clement of Alexandria (c.150-c.215) favored May 20 but noted that others had argued for April 18, April 19, and May 28. Hippolytus (c.170-c.236) championed January 2. November 17, November 20, and March 25 all had backers as well. A Latin treatise written around 243 pegged March 21, because that was believed to be the date on which God created the sun. Polycarp (c.69-c.155) had followed the same line of reasoning to conclude that Christ's birth and baptism most likely occurred on Wednesday, because the sun was created on the fourth day.
The eventual choice of December 25, made perhaps as early as 273, reflects a convergence of Origen's concern about pagan gods and the church's identification of God's son with the celestial sun. December 25 already hosted two other related festivals: natalis solis invicti (the Roman "birth of the unconquered sun"), and the birthday of Mithras, the Iranian "Sun of Righteousness" whose worship was popular with Roman soldiers. The winter solstice, another celebration of the sun, fell just a few days earlier. Seeing that pagans were already exalting deities with some parallels to the true deity, church leaders decided to commandeer the date and introduce a new festival.
Western Christians first celebrated Christmas on December 25 in 336, after Emperor Constantine had declared Christianity the empire's favored religion. Eastern churches, however, held on to January 6 as the date for Christ's birth and his baptism. Most easterners eventually adopted December 25, celebrating Christ's birth on the earlier date and his baptism on the latter, but the Armenian church celebrates his birth on January 6. Incidentally, the Western church does celebrate Epiphany on January 6, but as the arrival date of the Magi rather than as the date of Christ's baptism.
Another wrinkle was added in the sixteenth century when Pope Gregory devised a new calendar, which was unevenly adopted. The Eastern Orthodox and some Protestants retained the Julian calendar, which meant they celebrated Christmas 13 days later than their Gregorian counterparts. Most—but not all—of the Christian world now agrees on the Gregorian calendar and the December 25 date.
The pagan origins of the Christmas date, as well as pagan origins for many Christmas customs (gift-giving and merrymaking from Roman Saturnalia; greenery, lights, and charity from the Roman New Year; Yule logs and various foods from Teutonic feasts), have always fueled arguments against the holiday. "It's just paganism wrapped with a Christian bow," naysayers argue. But while kowtowing to worldliness must always be a concern for Christians, the church has generally viewed efforts to reshape culture—including holidays—positively. As a theologian asserted in 320, "We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of him who made it."

Part 3- Gift Giving

2009-12-17T12:23:00.003-05:00

There is no disputing that Christmas giving has become a very big business: a strong holiday selling season often means the difference between a good and a bad year for a retailer. In the shopping frenzy that lasts from the opening of the Christmas buying season to the closing hours of Christmas Eve, it’s easy to forget what all the fuss is for.
It was not always like that. There was, not so long ago, a time when Christmas involved no gift giving at all, and in some countries that is still the standard. The union of Christmas and gift giving was a gradual one; actually, the full story of the bright packages beneath the tree begins in the days before the birth of Christ.
In ancient Rome, gifts were exchanged during the New Year’s celebrations. At first these gifts were simple, such as a few twigs from a sacred grove and food. Many gifts were in the form of vegetables in honor of the fertility goddess Strenia. During the Northern European Yule, fertility was celebrated with gifts made of wheat products, such as bread and alcohol.
While most of this giving was done on a voluntary basis, history has had its share of leaders who did their best to ensure they would have plenty of gifts to open. One year Emperor Caligula of Rome declared to all that he would be receiving presents on New Year’s Day; gifts he deemed inadequate of his stature were ridiculed. Then there was Henry III, who closed down the merchants of England one December because he was not impressed with the amount of their monetary gifts.
Like many old customs, gift exchange was difficult to get rid of even as Christianity spread and gained official status. Early church leaders tried to outlaw the custom, but the people cherished it too much to let it go. So the church leaders sought a Christian justification for the practice. The justification was found in the Magi’s act of bearing gifts to the infant Jesus, and in the concept that Christ was a gift from God to the world, bringing in turn the gift of redemption and everlasting life.
Even though the roots of the Christmas present extend to ancient times, the gift giving tradition we are familiar with today owes perhaps the most to Victorian England. The Victorians, who brought a renewed warmth and spirit to Christmas after it had experienced a long period of decline, made the idea of family part of the celebration. Friendliness and charity filled many hearts during their Christmas season, so giving gifts was natural. The ultimate reason for giving a gift was as an expression of kindness, a sentiment that went nicely with the historical tradition of the holiday.
The Victorians surrounded the act of gift giving with a great deal of ingenuity and merriment: simply tearing into a cache of wrapped boxes would have been to miss the point. Far more thought and preparation than that were in order during the holiday season. They had cobweb parties, which was a lot of messy fun. Each family member was assigned a color, then shown to a room crisscrossed with yarn of various colors. Each person was to follow an assigned color through the web of yarn until he or she reached the present tied to the end.
The Christmas pie was another favorite diversion, although it was not exactly edible. Small gifts were hidden in a large bowl of grain. After everyone had eaten Christmas dinner, they would gather around the pie and they took turns taking a spoonful. Whatever treat was in their spoonful was theirs to keep.
The American Christmas was greatly influenced by the Victorians, gift giving, tradition and all. America expanded on the concept with the addition of Santa Claus: the association with gifts was a natural one. Soon Santa or one of his earlier models became responsible for the presents left in an ever-increasing number of stockings.
By the late nineteenth century the simple and non-materialistic gift giving tradition had began to wither away. Christmas had come face to face with commercialism, and the new message was to buy. It was not long before shopping and the idea of gifts had made its way into the meaning of Christmas. This transition was highly encouraged by merchants who stood to benefit from a year-end buying binge. It was and still is a question of whether or not this development did more harm than good to the holiday. Some people wonder whether the emphasis on buying, shopping and getting brings more happiness or disappointment, especially to those who can afford very little. But, many others argue that Christmas, through its many culture changes, would greatly be affected by the modern consumer culture in which we live. In the end, it is likely that the best way to approach Christmas gift giving is with both viewpoints in mind. Most parents of young children are unwilling to do away entirely with what might be called the gimme Christmas, but that is no reason some of the spirit of past holiday can not be incorporated in the modern Christmas as well.

Part 2 - Poinsettia

2009-12-14T12:41:00.002-05:00

A charming story is told of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy.
"I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes," said Pedro consolingly.
Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel.
As she approached the alter, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes." She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene.
Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.
From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season.
Today, the common name for this plant is the poinsettia!

Christmas Traditions - Part 1 The Christmas Tree

2009-12-09T10:15:00.002-05:00

Ever wonder where certain Christmas traditions come from? For the next few weeks, I will try and answer some of those questions. Hope you enjoy!

CHRISTMAS TREE

The Christmas tree is a mandala, a bundle of symbols showing what creation has to offer: light and the movement of angels, the gifts of orchard and field, forest and sea, all topped off by the star that pointed to the end of the journey, the place of peace. During Advent in the XIth century, scenes called mysteries, including one about Paradise, were very popular. A tree decorated with red apples symbolized the tree of Paradise. During the XVth century, the faithful began to put up trees in their own houses on December 24, the feast day of Adam and Eve.
However, the first Christmas tree as we know it, but without lights still, appeared in Alsace in 1521. It was introduced in France by the Princess Hélène de Mecklembourg who brought one to Paris after her marriage to the Duke of Orleans. In the XVIIIth century, the custom of decorating a Christmas tree was well established in Germany, France and Austria.

In 1841, Prince Albert (originally from Germany), husband of Queen Victoria, set up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in England. From the royal court, the custom of Christmas trees spread quickly to the middle class and then to working people. For Victorians, a good Christmas tree had to be six branches tall and be placed on a table covered with a white damask tablecloth. It was decorated with garlands, candies and paper flowers.
The Christmas tree was introduced to Canada around the end of the XVIIIth century even before it became a common practice in England. The various ornaments with which it was decorated were first made at home before being commercially produced. In the middle of the XVIIth century, Christmas trees were illuminated with little candles. These were replaced at the beginning of the XXth century by electric bulbs. Other variations like outdoor and artificial Christmas trees as appeared around the beginning of the XXth century.

Signs of the Season

2009-11-30T12:08:00.006-05:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone and it's all about Christmas in the Wilson household.
Yesterday, we (poor Allen had to help) had our first job for my new decorating business. Every muscle in my body hurts today. That 12 foot tree seemed so big at 9PM last night after 6 short hours of decorating. Signs of the Season?
I must admit that as a family, we had a bit of a stressful Thanksgiving and I was glad to see everyone go back to school today. Signs of the Season?
When we arrived home last night about 10PM, our house was a living mess........decorations still out waiting to be put on our trees, dishes in the sink (our dishwasher is broke), Matthew waiting for help on his project, stuff everywhere from his project, Brittney laying on the couch in pain because of her wisdom teeth coming in, my father-in-law doing dishes for us, and to top it off.......we were hungry because we did not have dinner. Signs of the Season?
Allen and I are both getting our Christmas cold and we are about to hit some very busy days ahead again. Signs of the Season?
We can all think of all the things we need to do and get done this holiday season, there are parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, caroling out in the snow.....WAIT that's a song!!
Really, all of these things are Signs of the Season.
We need to keep in focus that the Sign of the Season is that a baby came to save the world. It was the most important single event that would give you and I everlasting life. What a gift...How's that for a Sign of the Season!!
So this Christmas season, put the stuff aside and take time to remember that there is STILL a REASON FOR THE SEASON and WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!!

What is your job?

2009-09-18T10:51:00.003-04:00

It began sometime in late July. What is "it" you ask? It is my jobs. This year is different for me because I am working outside of our home for the first time in years. Now, I am not working a "40" hr. a week job but you would never know that. I have added hours outside our home in addition to being a wife, mother, daughter, ministry manager, board member, football and baton mom, and whatever else fills my day.
Life is so busy and I find it hard to stop and smell the roses or take in the beautiful fall in the making.
Today, I need to pack for a ministry trip this weekend and catch up on things around the house. There are never enough hours in the day. Does that sound like most moms?
I was reading in the book of Job today and found this verse: 1:21....."The Lord gave me everything I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!"
Now how many people can say that they are thankful for what the Lord gave them.....I bet a whole lot could. How many can say that they are thankful for what the Lord has taken away. I believe that one is a little harder to swallow.
Around our house, lot's of things are breaking, need new carpet in family room, a new van, and all the stuff that has been let go for years needs attention.
I have to admit that I have been a crank about these things and frankly don't feel thankful for much at this point. It's not even important to ask God when anymore. My spiritman is tired.
Job had much more to deal with yet he was always faithful. He was so bold to question God's wisdom. Have you ever done that? He put God on the same playing field has himself. Have you ever done that? Yet, Job chose to worship God daily. Are you living a life of continued worship IN SPITE of what is going on in your life?
When we worship, we learn about God's character, we cling to the fact that He is God and He does not change.
The word tells us that His ways are not ours..........Oh really!?!?!
We need to continue that beautiful communion with Father that expresses worship and teaches us about WHO GOD IS.
Many times we think that we have these things figured out in life and everything is rolling along just fine. If it has not happend to you yet......mark my words.....it will........you will question God at some point in your life. You will want to know why. When you reach that point.....worship. Fill your mind with things about the Lord and KNOW HIM for His majesty, power, and wisdom at work!

Labor Day

2009-09-07T13:24:00.007-04:00

Today is Labor Day.
Did you know.......Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
Well today, I decided that we (as a family) need to contribute to the Well-Being of our home.
I made the declaration that we were not going to any picnics and declined invitations to very kind people who invited us to their homes. During the fall we are never home for more than 2 hours at a time so today......we are staying home.
Much to every one's dismay, the day began with cleaning of the playroom portion of the basement. It is still not finished but at least we can now see the floor. Big progress.
I moved everything in the formal living room and dining room and cleaned walls, baseboards and all that stuff that I used to do monthly.
As I was cleaning, I noticed that we have more weds than mulch in the front flower beds. I think that will be next Saturday.
So today we LABOR as a family and tonight we sit around like SLUGS!!!

Cheerleading..and other different worlds!!

2009-07-29T16:08:00.005-04:00

Today was day # 2 in Geneva....training......getting ready for the new cheerleading season.
Already, I am beginning to get the feeling that life in Chardon cheerleading is much different than life in the cheerleading world in Geneva.
What in the world have I gotten myself into?
It seems that for years things have been a free for all. Not so in Hilltopper land.
Tumblers and high octane cheering goes on up here on the hill.
Just beginning to wonder if these people want to strive for a #1 first class program....don't really know and thinking that it will be met with opposition.
We will see.......everyone is thrilled that they are getting a coach from Chardon but.....FOLKS....it's just little old me!
I'm not kidding when I say old either because the Varsity coach is young enough to be my daughter...
So, we will see!!
GO EAGLES

A New Baby

2009-07-22T21:04:00.002-04:00

Baby # 4 hatched today. Mommy is sitting on her nest faithfully and........funny thing....my plant is doing well these days.

We had a moment

2009-07-21T11:07:00.005-04:00

Sunday night I was having one of those nights that I could not sleep. It was only the 3rd night that week.........about 3PM I took a small trip to the bathroom and when I came out there were 2 beautiful big eyes glaring at me. LOL!! There was my little buddy Matthew smiling in my spot.
He could not sleep either. So Matt and I moved daddy over and watched TV for about an hour until he fell asleep and then I went to sleep at 6:15.
Yesterday, I wanted to take a nap SO BAD but just I was ready to wonder off into dream land...Matthew came yelling up the stairs...."COME SEE.....COME SEE....MOM"
So I headed down the stairs (my eyes ready to roll back in my head) and as I looked out of the window in my office I saw the most beautiful site.
For 2 months now, I had been upset that there were 2 birds invading my English ferns on the front porch. I had tried everything to get these stupid birds out of my plants because they are killing them.
Anyhow, we have babies......yes....the most beautiful site was 2 baby birds that have hatched and 2 more eggs waiting to hatch.
The birds obviously thought that Matthew was mom and they opened their moths for some food.
I made sure that Matt did not touch the nest but he found 2 worms and fed the birds. We talked about why he should not touch the nest and then the question came......."would you ever leave me alone mom?" The mommy heart strings were struck and I hugged him and told him all about that I would always be mom and would keep him forever if I could but there will come a time when I will need to push him off the nest so that he can fly. Can you hear The Circle of Life from Lion King playing in the background?
It was a very sweet moment.
This morning, #3 hatched and mommy bird is still taking care of her babies.
Matthew is such a "boy". He loves all the things that little boys should love .....yet......he has such a gentle side. I say he is my other daughter at times.
It was one of those "Mommy" moments that I will never forget.

Vision

2009-07-15T08:49:00.005-04:00

Vision inspires.

Vision allows you to see the unseen.

Vision gets you doing things you never dreamed

of accomplishing.

Vision creates an environment in which a team operates at its very best.

Vision pushes you to look past the obvious

and look to the supernatural.

-Darlene Zschech, Hillsong Church

Overboard

2009-07-11T14:31:00.005-04:00

Has anyone ever seen the show "My Super Sweet 16"?

Oh my goodness.....are there really people who have daughters (that they created) like this?

Now, I will be the first to admit that we spoil our daughter and there have been times that I have wondered if we have gone overboard.

This show is about girls and their Sweet 16 blow-out parties. They stomp, swear, rage, pout, whine,.....you name it.........they do it.....so that their parents will give them the party of their dreams. I had that party when I got married....what do they have to look forward to?

I had never seen this show before until today and I have been in awe of the stupidity of parents.

This one family spent $ 89K on the party alone. That was not counting the gift of a car. I don't know what the dad did for a living but their house was not really that big. You have to wonder if they went into debt for this party.

Now, I like nice things.....I enjoy many designer things......I love the smell of Sax Fifth Avenue and Nordstroms. And......we all know that I LOVE SHOES. Alright...........I am shallow but I do always buy on sale and do not run up credit cards.

I think we are a society of "overboard" thinking and that is why our economy is in the trouble that it is.

I grew up in nice homes that had one bathroom and my parents made sure that we had nice things and some really nice things. We managed to survive. My children live in a home with 4 bedrooms, rooms we only use when we have company, and 2 1/2 baths and we think we need more room.

If you can afford a over the top party......why not?.....but you have to ask yourself about these girls stomping their feet to get what they want. Who is going to marry this child and what is she going to be like when she is adult? I hope that she marries money because it will be a very hard adjustment on her part.

Enough of my ranting.....what are your thoughts. The show is on Style Network.....watch it sometime.

She came into my life today

2009-07-10T12:08:00.007-04:00

12 years ago today I was blessed to meet a girl that would change my life forever.
7:41PM on July 10, 1997, Brittney Nichole Wilson came into our lives. She was our first born....happy, easy to take care of, full of joy, full of personality, and beautiful. 12 years later, she is all of those things and more.

Brittney and I spent this morning together and I could not help but find myself thinking back to what this day felt like 12 years ago. Oh yes......it was filled with pain but the overwhelming joy when she was born is just hard to explain to someone who has not experienced it themselves.
Over the past 12 years we have certainly made some mistakes but we have done a few things right also.
First and foremost in my mind is that we have (and continue to do so) taught her WHO JESUS IS. At the age of 3, Brittney sat at a Missionette Honor Star Crowning and listened to Pastor Don Hammer preach a simple message about salvation and Brittney responded to the altar call all on her own. She followed Pastor Hammer from one end of the altar area to the other (it was funny) because she did not want to miss her opportunity.
Brittney is kind and caring. One of the things I love about Brittney is her compassion for people. I don't know what she will do with her life but I pray that God will continue to guide her and use that compassion for His plan and purpose in her life.
Brittney has a sweet spirit. There are so many young people today that are just plain "mean". One of the things that stands out about her is that people always tell us about how sweet she is. I believe that is a gentle spirit that only God gives.
Brittney is bright. I have never met a kid that loves school and spends part of their summer wishing that school would start. She gets exceptional grades and the world is hers .......she can write her own tomorrows with God's guidance.
There are many more things and qualities that come to mind when I think about my baby girl today but I think besides for Jesus in her life the next most important is that I was given the honor of being "Brittney's Mom" on this day 12 short years ago.

Don't grow up to quickly baby......I will always be here for you......Mommy loves you!!

Break it Apart

2009-07-06T16:20:00.000-04:00

"If it looks to big, break it apart."
We are often faced with obstacles that seem far too difficult for us to tackle. We will be making great progress, and then all of the sudden we run into something that stops us dead in our tracks. A common response to this is to turn around and go another way or to just give up, but there are more than two options when you are facing challenges. You can break apart the challenge in front of you and then work through it! When I am faced with challenges I have the habit of wanting to give up before I realize that if I break down the challenge into smaller parts it is very manageable and accomplishable.So how do you break apart a challenge or problem and defeat it? Here are three steps. First, you have to take a step back and look at the challenge from a distance. If you do not take a step back it is too easy to let yourselves get wrapped up in it and become overwhelmed. Second, find out how you can work on a part of the challenge at a time. By working on small parts and succeeding at fixing them you will be encouraged to keep going on; as you fix small parts you will get closer to overcoming the whole thing! Thirdly, do not lose perspective, most of the time the challenges we face are not the end of the world as we know it, remember that you can only fail if you stop trying.

Life, Death and moments with your sister

2009-06-24T11:44:00.003-04:00

Sunday was Father's Day. It was a very busy day for us.

We ministered in Garrettsville for 2 services (9 & 11AM), lunch with Pastor, and then a visit to my in-laws for a belated birthday party and Father's Day celebration. Got home just before 8PM.....12 short hours later. I was whipped. My sister came over and brought the kids some ice cream....about 9:45pm a phone call came from Trinidad...my grandfather had just passed away at the age of 97.

Saying that grandpa was 97 is all relative because back in those days...... they did not register a birth right away......so the thought is that grandpa was somewhere around 103. Wow....what a long life. He rode his bike 20 miles per day well into his 70's. He was a very healthy man until a few years ago when his memory started to go and his body began to fail.

Back to the story....I fell asleep around 11:15 and the phone rang 15min. later. It was my sister, she had found a flight for dad that was not $ 1,200, did not leave out of Toronto, Canada, in fact it was only $ 350 but dad had to be at Cleveland Hopkins at 4:00 for his 6AM flight. All this would not be that bad if your parents did not live 3 and a half hours from you.

So I got dressed and headed over to my sister's house since her husband was out of state on business. We had not had a sleepover with just the 2 of us since I got married 14 years ago.

There are some things in life that just is made better because you have a sibling.....there is someone with whom you have an exclusive history with and things to laugh about.

We also realized that we have gotten use to sleeping with our husbands because I could not sleep because she is a heat machine and moves to much. She had issues with me because I don't sleep once I have been awaken. Therefore.....I want to talk and she wants to sleep.

We got out of bed at 2AM, got dressed, and went to Wal-Mart because dad needed a few things picked up. What a hoot!!! We laughed because it was just us and the workers at 2:30 in the morning.

Picked-up mom and dad in Mayfield and headed to the airport......dropped dad at 3:55 and went to park the car. Yea....we made it!!!

We stayed with him until he did the security thing at 5:15AM. Left the airport, picked-up his car in Mayfield and was back home in my bed by 6:30AM. But the story did not end there......

After just 1 short hour of sleep...people in my house were up and very surprised that their Grammie was in their house asleep. IT WAS TOOOO FUNNY!!

The kids could not believe all this happened while they were sleeping.

Mom went back to Lima on Monday to get things straight for church while they are gone and tomorrow she will head to Toronto for a family reunion. Because my sister will be out of town and our schedule is so jammed pack, my cousin (brother) Anil will be driving here to pick her up and take her back to Toronto for the reunion.....all in the same day. She's going to spend a few days with her sister and family and then back to Cleveland before dad comes home next week.

I have thought a lot about the process of life this week and the importance of family.

I am thankful for a close family. We love and support each other even though we live all over the world. There is something to be said about being Indian and the duty we are raised with concerning family. There is a bond that we share that is strong and gives us the opportunity to ALWAYS have someone to depend on when it is needed the most.

Thanks sis!!

(I have posted some pics for your enjoyment)

Treasure

2009-06-19T17:06:00.005-04:00

I have been spending the day today cleaning out my closet.
It is NO secret that I Love Shoes.....I am somewhere between 125 and 150. Who counts anymore!!
Anyhow, for some reason cleaning the closet has caused me to think about our "earthly" treasures.
I think we all have "stuff" that we can say we treasure.
Some can say they treasure their spouses, children, cars, TV program(s), stamps, tools, clothes, motor cycle, house, SHOES..you name it. We can all put something in that spot.
The problem comes when we put our treasure before our walk with the Lord. OUCH!!
Yea, you did read correctly.
I can put my family before my relationship with the Lord, I can put my love for Shoes before my relationship with the Lord, I can put my love of summer and the fun that those sunny days bring before my relationship with the Lord......YOU fill in the blank.
When you find yourself spending more time chasing down a shoe sale, time with friends, listening to music.....it does not matter what it is. We need to be careful.
The bible has a few scriptures that we need to consider:
Matthew 6:1-34: Talks about praying, our treasure, and Anxiety
Hebrews 10:25: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Our relationship with the Lord is one of "working out" our salvation. We need to search our hearts daily and see if there is anything separating us from what God would desire for perfect communion.
I always want to keep my eyes on the Ultimate Treasure!
Finally, I want to share a song with you that was popular back in the 80's. Some of you might remember it. The title is TREASURE by Gary Chapman. Here are the words:
They say that were your treasure is
There will your heart be also
And your heart stays where you hide your greatest love
Now you can leave that love on earth
Where thieves may steal tomorrow
Or you can take it to
That hiding place above
Where there`s a treasure at the end
Of this narrow road I`m traveling
And it gives me a purpose for my life
Jesus is my treasure
He`s the reason that I am living
And he`s gonna be my reason when I die
So if you`ve been wondering where you are
And where it is you`re going
He`s left a map for you and me to use
Just read the map and follow close
Always walking where it`s showing
You just can`t miss it
It`s way too much to lose
See there`s a treasure at the end
Of this narrow road
I`m traveling
And it gives me a purpose for my life
Jesus is my treasure
He`s the reason that I`m still living
And he`s gonna be my reason when I die

Laundry, Laundry, Laundry

2009-06-18T16:34:00.004-04:00

Does the laundry ever go away?
NO......It's all about laundry in our house.
Matthew gave me a shirt to be ironed this morning.....so like any good mom....I turned the iron on and as I was inspecting the wrinkles.....THE SHIRT WAS DIRTY.
So I headed to Matthew's room and did a little inspecting....the clean clothes were mixed up with the dirty ones.
Brittney does that ALL the time but until the past few months I had at least one child that had a clean room and things were in order.
Not anymore. He has caught her sickness and his floor is not filled with clothes but Lego's and his desk chair is piled up with clothes.......clean or dirty...it's all there....just 2 feet from the laundry shoot.
I will never win!!!

Rain and summertime

2009-06-17T13:37:00.003-04:00

It's raining today. Now, I truly enjoy it when it rains.........if it thunderstorms.......WOW!!! My favorite day. If only I had an all glass sunroom....my life would be complete.
Rain and summer does not go well with the rest of people who live in this house.
Matthew started his day by falling out of bed at 9:45AM. That must have been some good sleeping he was doing. Anyhow, he has been stir crazy since then because he cannot go out and play. I think boys just need to run sometimes.
The summer pirate ship has been set up on the deck. Every summer my kids turn our deck into the hand made pirate ship. It's really funny. They have the best time turning my nice deck into their playground. They had to bring the sail and flag in because of the rain. So it looks like a ship with no "mates".
I have decided to make this a day where we help mom do some cleaning.
Can you just hear the joy they displayed when they heard they were going to help clean the laundry room?
I am inclined to be OCD and since I had surgery in April....my entire house is out of control. So, I am trying to get control a little bit at a time. Starting with the Laundry room. I will post pictures of our progress.

Memories

2009-06-16T13:47:00.005-04:00

Today, I had a doctor's appointment in Geneva. It's funny....I only go to Geneva for doctor's appointments or to see friends during the holidays.
Do you have better memories as time passes?
I cannot help myself as I drive into the town but to remember my days in Jr. High School and Geneva High School.
I still remember the first Sunday we were at Geneva Assembly of God (my dad was the new pastor) in 1978. I met Holly Whitmire that day, she was there to introduce me to people at Geneva Jr. High since it was the middle of the school year. Although Holly and I did not remain close in High School, we still maintained a friendship and do to this day. I will never forget riding to Youth Convention in the back of (I think Kitty's truck) and Holly's mom being in our room. We got lost and made it to the service when it was almost over. Sis. Whitmire was a hoot back in those days and I am sure she still is.
I can think of so many people that I have been blessed in my life to meet. They have all had a part of shaping who I am today.
I think about my days in Marching Geneva....even though I was a BQ....it was different in Geneva for some reason. There is something about that band.....there is an Alumni Band today that performs for Grape Jamboree and there is a Marching Geneva FB page.....what does that have to say about a bond that you all share?
I laugh about sleepovers with Holly Euype (my HS Bud), Birthday parties with MB Emigh, trip to Kings Island with Kelly and Amy, Youth Convention, Tiny Bubbles (my name on the back of my band shirt), the glass enclosure.....great talking took place there, to boyfriend or not with Mark Tamblyn (enough said by the name), Studay Hall 100, senior doughnut sales, cookie grams........there are so many more memories.
The other day, I found Mr. Stand (our band director as freshmen). He was one of those teachers that taught me valuable lessons outside of the classroom that I did not even know about at the time.
The one thing I can say is that 26 years later, I am thankful for the friendships. Some have been renewed over the past few years and all have a common bond.....Geneva High School.
There was a little song I learned in elementary school that I want to share with you:
"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."
Thanks......all of you GOLD friends!!

Summer

2009-06-15T09:40:00.002-04:00

Summer is in full swing at the Wilson house. They problem is.....the kids are sick. They have been sick off an on since last Wednesday. What's up with that? Today, children are coughing everywhere.
Every year I look forward to the kids being home. I have such great plans....they include.....cleaning the basement, their rooms, closets, scrubbing floors......Oh Yea.....going to the pool, park, and a host of fun stuff.
I sure hope they get better soon so that we can enjoy my plans for the summer!!!

It was just yesterday

2009-06-10T13:59:00.005-04:00

This morning I woke up as the mother of a 7th and 4th grader. I simply cannot believe it.
I spent the weekend handing out diplomas to graduating seniors. Went to 2 - 5th grade promotions and shook 240+hands at 8th grade promotion.
For some reason I felt very emotional. I always think that I am ready for the different stages of my children's life but the older I get........I AM NOT READY!!!
Was it not just yesterday that the strip turned pink and I found out that I was going to be a mom?
There are moments in my children's life that feels like it was yesterday.
The day that she was sick for the first time and I worried about her being healthy. BTW....she is sick today and running a fever....the feelings have not changed.
The day that I walked into Munson Co-Op with my sister and "checked-out" Miss Amy and her school. How do you say THANKS to one of the MOST EXCEPTIONAL teachers and people that I have ever met. This woman has exemplified (to this day) how teachers should be. She simply loves her job and her students. She has always gone above and beyond what is expected of her.
How about the first day of Kindergarten when my little girl wore her orange bow, striped top, jean skirt and her sandals. She seemed so small walking into that big building.
3rd grade came along to quickly and my heart broke everyday that she cried because she had to go to her home school. You see the school of choice was full and had no room for another 3rd grader. It all ended up part of God's great plan for her but those tears everyday was more than mom could handle at times.
5th grade came along and what can I say..........the drama began. There were some lessons that were encountered and the tears flowed. I would have given anything to take away the pain.
This past year we have started to deal more with hormones, boys, friends, clothes, make-up, victories, and disappointments.
Raising boys are a different story for me. In our case......it seems to be......steady as he goes.
His greatest battle is just building himself up to TAKE THE CHANCE.....He just might like whatever he tries.
He also had Miss Amy.....she changed his diapers and helped us conquer potty training. She was there to help in the reading during the summer. Then he went to Pre-K at the same school that I was teaching K thru 8 Music. I could go and see him when I had a break. Then came Kindergarten, Matthew had no adjustment problems to being there all day. It has always been......BYE MOM!! He thinks he's tooooo cool for mom.
Both kids are very blessed and do very well in school. They both have their sports and activities that they enjoy and do well at most everything they try. They seem to have no shortage of friends and are very social (Brittney more so than Matthew). He is a chick magnet.......it's really funny because he cannot stand girls.
How does mom deal with all these changes in their lives? Prayer.
I can teach my children so many things but the greatest thing I can teach them is the power of prayer. I can live an example that shows them what a difference God can make in their everyday lives and be the BEST FRIEND that is always needed.
Now, none of that changes the fact that I love it when they are home under our roof. We take every new school year and adventure one step at a time......knowing the fact that we have 18 short years to build the foundation and after that.........the parenting changes.
I look forward to everyday with the expectation of watching them grow and change......even when I am not ready for it!!

Words

2009-06-02T13:40:00.007-04:00

For sometime now I have had a real problem with Christians using words that I feel do not honor the Lord. We use words like: crap, dang-it, sucks, screwed.....etc.. and we think it's alright because we are not actually cussing. The bible has much to say about our tongues and our hearts. James 3:10 "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing." Now, please don't get me wrong, I don't judge someone because it's not my place to judge. I can tell you that it grinds my nerves.
I think everyday we need to ask Father to search our hearts and help us to see what is unpleasing to Him.
Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Texas wrote a blog about "The Cussing Pastor", I thought it had some great thoughts. You can view it and read it on his blog and post your thoughts here or on his blog......I would love to know what you think.
Here is the link: http://www.edyoungblog.com/2009/06/the-cussing-pastor.html

Thinking about friends

2009-06-01T11:52:00.002-04:00

Today, I have been working in the office, trying to fill our ministry schedule for the rest of the year. I never knew that I would be a booking agent when I went to bible school. In fact, there were a whole lot of things that no one ever taught me in bible school that I have learned about ministry.
1) Guess who gets to do the jobs around the church that no one else does?
2) Painting 101
3) Trash dumping 101
4) Sunday School teaching for ages 0-99 at the drop of a hat
5) Construction in various forms
6) Keeping awake when you have been up all night with a hurting soul
7) What to do when the bride has "lost her grip" the day before her wedding or the wedding food is "frozen"
8) Did I mention Toilet Cleaning 101
9) How to start a church and make sure it is running 500 in 3 short months....debt free
10) The value of ministry friendships
These are just some things that I have been thinking about today.
Now, it's funny I know but you think about it......did they teach you those things?
The main thing on that list I want to talk about is my "ministry friends". I have been so blessed to have made friendships with people all over this country whom I met during my years spent in Springfield, MO. Now, I have not seen some of them in years but because of modern day technology I can re-connect with them and it's like time has not passed ....... we have just added new people to our family.
I am thankful for those who we have kept in contact and we have enjoyed ministry High and Lows......Marriage......Kids.....Sports.....Ballet.....Diapers (some of us Doug)........Pool time.....Summer......Winter.....you name it. It's all part of being Friends!!!
It is wonderful to know that although we are living out our "callings" in various cities and towns within the path that God set before us....I can always pick up a phone, send an email, or text and there will be a friendly voice on the the other side to listen and say a prayer.......I am truly blessed!!!
Today, I am thankful for my Friends!!

One Goal

2009-05-29T09:58:00.007-04:00

It's now the eve of game 6 and there is still ONE GOAL.
Yes, I am talking about the Cavs!
You gotta love those Cavs for knowing that your heart is still pumping and working the way it should. I mean really.........You never know what these guys are going to do until the last 2 min.. Why watch the whole game?
Well, because the journey is all to important.
See, this team started years ago on a basketball court somewhere. Were they stars then???Maybe....but I bet not. They had to make the journey of disappointments and victories to make it to the NBA (even when someone thought they could not). Then there have been years of disappointments....filled with loosing seasons. Yes, there have been stars along the way but none quite like King James.
Then we come to season 2008-2009. They seemed unstoppable at home and were having a storybook season. The critics still said that the Lakers and the Celtics were the best teams in the NBA.
Well, this One Goal team has made the entire country a Witness to their journey.
Life is very much like the Cavs season. There are so many victories but.......let's face it folks....life is filled with disappointments and people who will say: You can't do it!!
The christian walk is a journey also. There is a road that seems right to men but His ways are not our ways.........we need to have ONE GOAL. Are you focused on your goal......Are you focused on the prize?
My life goal is to live a life that honors the Lord in everything I do and say. It's a daily relationship with Christ. It's the ULTIMATE ONE GOAL!!!

Are you a mom.... How much are you worth?

2009-05-05T08:00:00.005-04:00

Well, Mother's Day is almost here and although my husband thinks this is one of those Hallmark holidays, I truly enjoy Mother's Day.
Why? because it reminds us that there is a special person in our lives who gave us life. She knew us 9 months before everyone else on this earth did. Now, I know it does not compare to how the Father knows us because He knew us before our parents even had a thought about us.
You may say how did your mother know you before everyone else did? I can truly say that there are ways my children move and things they do that I felt while they were in my womb.
These past few weeks I have been having some health issues and my mom has been......just that....a mom. Yes, I am 44 years old but I am still her child and she still loves me like the moment that she brought me into this world.
I am sure there were times that she felt like she was overwhelmed with the task of being a mother and that she was simply underpaid for this job that she did not interview for.
Mom, the scriptures tell us that your value is better than gold.
If you are a mom and feeling a little under appreciated today......take heart.....you are working on a pay off that lasts a lifetime. Those "paydays" may come few and far between but there is a big pay day. When they are fully functioning adults who find someone to share their lives with and are contributing to society and changing their world you will see the big pay off. It's the MOTHERHOOD buy out plan.
If you want to have a little fun click on the link below and take the quiz to see how much you should get paid. I guess I am worth $ 167,000 per year. I would enjoy that pay day!?!?!
Finally, let me say.......Happy Mother's Day!!!

http://swz.salary.com/momsalarywizard/layoutscripts/mswl_newsearch.asp

Cashew Chicken

2009-05-04T11:16:00.006-04:00

For the last week I have been thinking about my life in college back in the 80's at Evangel and CBC.

Those were some great days and memories that bring a smile to my face when I think about it. My freshman year I spent at Evangel College on N. Glenstone. I still remember for weeks hearing people talk about "Cashew Chicken". I had no idea why this dish was so popular and why people were obsessed with it. College food was enough of an adventure for me...much less to try any new food. But one Sunday night I was desperate. I had been sick all week, had no car, and missed the favorite of the week in the Cafe on Sunday after church and had enough pizza. So I walked across the street with some friends to this little dive that served Chinese food. I really don't remember what the name of the place was but it was about the size of a box. I gave in and tried Cashew Chicken and was hooked.

It has been years since I have been to Springfield and had some Cashew Chicken. Our Evangel and CBC students at church have always brought some home for me when they could and I am thankful but it's been a long time since I had some and that sounds really good right now.

I found the recipe and the story behind Cashew Chicken and thought I would post it. When I feel better, I think I will make myself some. Enjoy!!

CASHEW CHICKEN STORY
A particularly notable version of the dish, using breaded, deep fried chicken rather than stir-fried, is closely associated with the city of Springfield, Missouri. Springfield-style cashew chicken was first served in 1963 at the Grove Supper Club in Springfield. David Leong, the chef, who moved to the United States from China in 1940, struggled to gain acceptance for the foods of his homeland so he began searching for a dish that would appeal to local residents' taste buds. His famous cashew chicken recipe was so popular he soon opened Leong's Tea House in Springfield. The dish became exceedingly popular in the Springfield area and is often cited as the unofficial "dish of the city".
Borrowing from the local love of fried chicken, David Leong came up with a combination of fried chicken chunks covered with Chinese oyster sauce, a handful of cashews and chopped green onions--an immediate hit with the local crowd. As word spread about the dish, so did the recipe. Leong's Tea House closed its doors in 1997, but Springfield-style cashew chicken is still being served at over 70 Chinese restaurants, as well as many non-Chinese restaurants, in and around the Springfield metropolitan area, and elsewhere in Missouri and other states.

Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken:
Serves 4.
4-5 chicken breasts, chunked in 1" pieces
1 cup all purpose flour for dredging, more if needed
Salt and Pepper
Olive or expeller pressed canola oil
Hot cooked rice
1) Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Put flour, salt, and pepper in gallon sized baggie and shake to mix spices around. Put all of the chicken chunks in, seal, and shake around to cover. Let sit 15 minutes.
2) Saute chicken in batches in heavy, oven-proof skillet in a 3-4 Tbsp Olive or expeller pressed canola oil. As chicken browns, transfer to a paper towel covered plate and let drain. When finished browning all of the chicken, empty and wipe out any excess oil from the skillet.
3) Place the chicken back into the skillet and bake for 20 minutes on 375 degrees.
While chicken is baking, prepare the sauce (rice should already be prepared or in the process of steaming at this point).
For the sauce, in a small saucepan, combine:
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup water
2 tsp Sugar
2 tbsp Oyster sauce
1 tbsp Soy sauce
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1) Bring to a simmer until thickened, whisking the entire time to prevent lumps from the cornstarch.
To serve, layer chicken and sauce over rice and garnish with:
Cashews
Green onions

Dream

2009-04-13T07:47:00.003-04:00

Some people dream of success... while others wake up and work hard at it. ~AuthorUnknown

I have a lot of dreams, and goals that I think would be awesome to accomplish! I have challenges in my life that I would really like to be able to overcome, and slowly I am learning how to overcome these challenges and accomplish these goals. The most important component of achieving ones goals though is deciding to work at them instead of just standing around dreaming of them. Often the only thing that separates a successful person from a failure is that the successful person simply chose to would work on achieving their goals. It is so easy to simply become an observer in life rather than become an active participant who changes things they see as unfit. If you want to overcome the challenges you face in life, the first step is to decide to work at it!
Are you a dreamer or a sitter? Do you watch or run? Do you encourage or discourage? Are you a dream builder or dream killer?
It's never to late to begin......the choice is yours! God does not forget your dreams!!!
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord in the Lord with all your heart.....and He will give you the desires of your heart."

The Honor of Serving

2009-04-08T13:33:00.005-04:00

It's no secret that I really enjoy teens. They are full of such hope and energy that I don't have...(the energy that is).
I serve the Chardon Local School District as a member of the Board of Education. It has truly been an honor to serve the students, parents, teachers, and voters of this district. I did not really enjoy to campaign process but since I have been on the board, I have found it an honor.
Today I got to do one of the fun parts of the job.
The Chardon HS Cheerleaders are 3 year National Champions. This morning they left for Orlando to see Mickey and bring home another National Championship. Yes, girls.....YOU ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!
I enjoyed talking with parents and the girls. They even let me take a group picture with the Champions.
Today, I am thankful for the many opportunities that God has afforded me in this life. He has taken me to places I have dreamed of and allowed me to meet people that are His children and that He loves.
Today, I am thankful for the honor to serve and be a servant.
I want to say Good Luck to the CHS Cheerleaders........We are very proud of you girls!!!

Blonde for a day - part 2

2009-04-06T12:36:00.004-04:00

Enough already. I am glad you are all having a good laugh at my expense because that's all a person could do was laugh.

And now......by popular request.....the pictures to prove the blunder. Enjoy!!

God is God - Steven Curtis Chapman

2009-04-03T13:49:00.004-04:00

This song has been on my mind all day.
Sometimes we all need to be reminded that God's ways are not ours. His plan is perfect and He....YES......HE alone sees the entire plan!

GOD IS GOD
And the pain falls like a curtain
On the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don't know
And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust
CHORUS:God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture
He's paintingGod is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God
And the sky begins to thunder
And I'm filled with awe and wonder
'Til the only burning question that remainsIs who am
ICan I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without
God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass
CHORUS: Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for to Him and through Him and from Him are all things
So let us worship before the throne
Of the One who is worthy of worship alone

Old People Polish

2009-04-02T08:51:00.006-04:00

I am blond! Yes, you heard me folks.....I am a blond now.
Yesterday I decided to do something for myself. I should say......I let someone do something for me that I normally do myself. My son calls it "OLD PEOPLE POLISH."

I have started to gray around my temples and have had a hard time covering it for any length of time. So I decided to spend the money and go to the beauty shop and get my hair highlighted and the gray covered........BIG MISTAKE!

Now for years, I have done my own hair and managed just fine. You would think I would be content but NO!!! I have to try the commercial way and get my hair done. SO.....I spent 24 hours as a blond.

Do they have more fun? Not in my 24 hours. All I wanted to do is hide my head and happened to have a day where I needed to be out in public. O Joy!!?!?!?!
The look on my husband's face was priceless; my children were not amused and in fact....laughed.
They are all such supportive people!!!

Anyhow, today I went back to the salon and WASHED THAT BLONDE RIGHT OUT OF MY HAIR.

Moral to this story....Why spend the money and let someone mess up what you can mess up yourself???? Next time, go out and get yourself some OLD PEOPLE POLISH and do your hair yourself and save at least $40 bucks.

Challenge

2009-03-20T14:03:00.003-04:00

Challenge: a call to engage in a contest or fight
A call to engage in a contest or fight is one of the definitions to the word challenge.
Have you ever engaged in a challenge?
From the time we are little children, we are offered challenges. I think that most of us would look at a challenge as: sitting up, walking, climbing stairs, running, eating with a fork, playing a sport, cooking, not making the laundry pink, changing a tire, going to work, getting up in the morning, going to church, reading your bible and having devotions........these are just a drop of the challenges that we face in life.
Maybe you are facing the challenge of not having a job or having more month than money. Are you facing the challenge of a teenager who has turned away from the Lord? Some might be facing the health challenge of your life.
Whatever the challenge.....know this day that God was in the future of your life and He knew exactly what you are facing. He is Jehovah!
He is:
JEHOVAH: LORD in our English Bibles (all capitals). Yahweh is the covenant name of God. Occurs 6823 times in the OT First use Gen. 2:4 (Jehovah Elohim). From the verb "to be", havah, similar to chavah (to live), "The Self-Existent One," "I AM WHO I AM" or 'I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE" as revealed to Moses at the burning bush, Ex.3. The name of God, too sacred to be uttered, abbreviated ( . . . . ) or written "YHWH" without vowel points. The tetragrammaton. Josh., Judges, Sam., and Kings use Jehovah almost exclusively. The love of God is conditioned upon His moral and spiritual attributes. (Dan. 9:14; Ps. 11:7; Lev. 19:2; Hab. 1:12). Note Deut. 6:4, 5 known to Jews as the Sh'ma uses both Jehovah and Elohim to indicate one God with a plurality of persons.
JEHOVAH-JIREH: "The Lord will Provide." Gen. 22:14. From "jireh" ("to see" or "to provide," or to "foresee" as a prophet.) God always provides, adequate when the times come.
JEHOVAH-ROPHE: "The Lord Who Heals" Ex. 15:22-26. From "rophe" ("to heal"); implies spiritual, emotional as well as physical healing. (Jer. 30:17, 3:22; Isa. 61:1) God heals body, soul and spirit; all levels of man's being.
JEHOVAH-NISSI: "The Lord Our Banner." Ex. 17:15. God on the battlefield, from word which means "to glisten," "to lift up," See Psalm 4:6.
JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: "The Lord Who Sanctifies" Lev. 20:8. "To make whole, set apart for holiness."
JEHOVAH-SHALOM: "The Lord Our Peace" Judges 6:24. "Shalom" translated "peace" 170 times means "whole," "finished," "fulfilled," "perfected." Related to "well," welfare." Deut. 27:6; Dan. 5:26; I Kings 9:25 8:61; Gen. 15:16; Ex. 21:34, 22:5, 6; Lev. 7:11-21. Shalom means that kind of peace that results from being a whole person in right relationship to God and to one's fellow man.SHEPHERD: Psa. 23, 79:13, 95:7, 80:1, 100:3; Gen. 49:24; Isa. 40:11.JUDGE: Psa. 7:8, 96:13.
JEHOVAH ELOHIM: "LORD God" Gen. 2:4; Judges 5:3; Isa. 17:6; Zeph. 2:9; Psa. 59:5, etc.
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU "The Lord Our Righteousness" Jer. 23:5, 6, 33:16. From "tsidek" (straight, stiff, balanced - as on scales - full weight, justice, right, righteous, declared innocent.) God our Righteousness.
JEHOVAH-ROHI: "The Lord Our Shepherd" Psa. 23, from "ro'eh" (to pasture).
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: "The Lord is There" (Ezek. 48:35).
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts" The commander of the angelic host and the armies of God. Isa. 1:24; Psa. 46:7, 11; 2 Kings 3:9-12; Jer. 11:20 (NT: Rom. 9:29; James 5:4, Rev. 19: 11-16).
He is God! He will walk with you during your challenge!!!!

Endure

2009-03-16T10:32:00.002-04:00

This email came to me from friend.

Endure: To undergo without giving in during hardship

In our lives we go through challenges that are very difficult, and cause pain. Through all our struggles though, we always have the choice to learn from them. When we are faced with the challenges that are thrown our way we can either give up, or we can press through them and allow them to make us stronger. When I think of the word endurance, I think of a ridiculously long path that I am supposed to travel on a scorching hot day. As I look at the journey I am supposed to embark on it is very easy to become discouraged and weary. I have learned that in order to endure the challenges I face I have to learn how to set small goals for myself so I can see my success along the way. If I do not set small goals and see myself accomplishing them then I easily become distracted and depressed by the large task that lies ahead.

Teenagers

2009-03-12T09:57:00.006-04:00

I love teenagers!
Now, don't get me wrong, I live in the real world and every once in a while have issues with my pre-teen but generally, I love teenagers.
Why? I know, you think I am crazy. No, not crazy....I just think the are part of our society that people take for granted and just think they are a bunch of hormonal, irrational, crazy kids running around. They are all of those things and so much more.
Every Wednesday night, our church halls echo with teens running and yelling. What?!?!?! Do they not understand that this is God's house and we are suppose to be quiet?
Then (at least in our church) we have the challenge of trying to teach a bible study over the incredibly loud music they are playing. If that is not enough they have to yell and scream in the sanctuary for their youth service.
Believe it our not, all these things are actually good things.
I am the Student Liasion for Chardon BOE and have interaction with teens a few times a week. There is a whole lot of energy in the halls of any High School in America.
Teens bring life to your church and community. They need adults to let them know that we are truly interested in them and WHO they are and not there to pass judgement. They help you as a parent to keep you young. They challenge your thinking and you should challenge theirs.
I have some very special teens in my life that I find enrich my life because of who they are.
So this blog is dedicated to some of my favorite teens: Katlin, Meghan, Tori, Brittany, Dave, Jim, and Hannah. Thanks for being a teen and braining joy and a little crazy to my life !

Taxes and other things that are out of my league

2009-03-11T13:52:00.004-04:00

Have you ever worked on taxes?
Or should I say.....have you ever worked on taxes and you are not an accountant? I HATE THIS STUFF!
Today, I determined in my mind that I was going to give myself a headache and work in preparing our taxes to send to the accountant. No, never mind that most times I really feel like sending him a box full of stuff and tell him to figure it out.......NO....we cannot do that.....because we have to save a dime.
I handle the finances for our ministry and do a pretty good job. I make sure that everyone gets their tithing reports and all that stuff in time and have only had one mistake over the past 7 years but IT's STILL ALL OUT OF MY LEAGUE.
No on to parenting, my wonderful husband and I are trying to raise 2 God fearing, upstanding, polite children and very often feel that.....I'm out of my league.
I serve the 88sq. miles of Chardon Local School District and.....I'm out of my league very often.
I have been married for 13+ years and there are many days that I feel......I'm out of my league.
I have so many wonderful friends and they all add something to my life but there are times......I'm out of my league.
My husband and I serve the body of believers at Chester Christian Center and....I am often out of my league.
I wonder many nights.....What in the WORLD am I going to cook for dinner?....Out of my league.
I try to help my kids with their homework and YOU GUESSED IT........I'm out of my league......even with the 3rd grader.
No all of this can make a person wonder.........What exactly is My League?
I said all that to say........Ladies, do you ever feel "Out of Your League?" Just remember, the following:
1) Take a minute and step back
2) Breath, sit, and have a cup of tea or your favorite drink.
3) Take time to focus
4) Remember that Father accepts us just as we are and........HE IS NEVER........OUT OF OUR LEAGUE!

How can I keep from singing Your Praise

2009-03-06T12:49:00.006-05:00

I guess spring days like today help to make us stop and enjoy nature.

Today, I had to go to the store to pick up some things for laundry and cleaning. I decided to take the back way to Target so that I could take in the sights and leave my window down while I drove.

I cannot wait until spring really comes and I can see things begin to blossom. My favorite is a Cherry Blossom tree. I hope to have two or 3 of them in my yard someday.

Enough conjecture.......This weather does make me want to sing praises to the God who made all of this beautiful land for us to enjoy.

The song: "How can I keep from singing Your praise" came to mind. If you don't know the words here they are:

There is an endless song

Echoes in my soul

I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come

I am holding on To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes

In the darkest night

For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You

Knowing You'll see me through

And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times

Sing when I win

I can sing when I lose my step

And fall down again

I can sing 'cause You pick me up

Sing 'cause You're there

I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord

When I call to You in prayer

I can sing with my last breath

Sing for I know

That I'll sing with the angels

And the saints around the throne

You see, no matter what life brings my way, I should always sing His praise because Father is the "SPRING" in my days and nights.

Fireproof Part 2

2009-02-19T10:24:00.003-05:00

How do you build a Fireproof marriage?
God
Love
God
Being "Spouse" centered
God
Kindness
God
Gentleness
God
Joy
God
Peace
God
A dash of the unexpected
God
Anything sound familiar? I don't know how people truly have a exceptional marriage without the Lord. He is the steal cable that wraps the 2 of you together and makes your marriage strong.

Fireproof

2009-02-16T13:03:00.007-05:00

We are in the process of putting the final details together for our annual couple's conference.
The weekend is called "FIREPROOF". We have scheduled a wonderful pastor and his wife that are counselors to speak at the conference. Sunday, we are tag team preaching on a Fireproof marriage.
In preparation for the conference, we viewed the Fireproof movie. What a movie!
The premise of the movie is a couple that have lost sight of each other and are on the brink of divorce. Neither one are Christians, the wife is about to have an affair with a young doctor, and the husband is having an issue with Internet porn and anger. So there is a whole lot going on.
The movie reminded me on how simple things.....over time....can break a marriage down.
You start out with a love that is new and exciting and as time goes by........everything becomes habit.
A heart can be wounded and then you guard it from the very person you are suppose to share it with.
In Philippians, the scripture tells us about guarding our hearts.

Philippians 4:7 (New Living Translation)
7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Couples, we should guard our hearts from "stuff" and remember that only then we can experience true peace.
Want peace in your marriage?
1) SHOWER your marriage with prayer. That's right, pray for that wonderful person God sent for you to share your life with.
2) CLEAN up the junk. What's the junk you have allowed to get in between you and your spouse?
3) GUARD your heart from outside pressures.
4) REMEMBER what made you fall in love with that person in the first place.
5) ROMANCE is a daily choice.
6) LEARN new habits to make your spouse feel special.
7) KNOW that fires will come to your marriage but you can make sure that your marriage is FIREPROOF. Never leave your spouse behind!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

My First Born

2009-02-10T14:58:00.005-05:00

As promised, info on MY FIRST BORN.....My baby girl!!
1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?No, it seems that nothing I do is ever planned.
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?Yes. I got pregnant 1 year after we were married
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?I was very happy and uncertain all at the same time
4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?Are you kidding me? NO WAY!
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? OLD.....32
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? The wonderful little test called EPT
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Allen and then called mom and dad and my sister. You should have seen the look on his face. It was truly priceless.
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Never, I think the surprise is SO much better
9. DUE DATE? July 23, 1997
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? 9 months....all day long...any where...any time.
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Green Beans and coke. Although my mom tells a story about how I never have been a cookie lover and she had purchased some Mrs. Fields cookies for Allen. 2 Doz. to be exact.....and I sat in the JC Penny furniture section while she shopped and I ate 1 and a half doz. of the cookies.
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? People telling me how big I was. Good grief...I am 4'11" tall on a good day. Where did they think this child was suppose to go?
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? A very healthy girl
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? No, I always wanted a daughter. They are much more fun to dress.
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? I lost 21. You cannot be sick for 9 months and gain any weight.
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yes 3, given by my best friend Patty and our church. I also had a shower given to me by my dad's church that he pastors in Lima after she was born. The third shower was in Toronto, Ontario Canada given by my family. The 4th shower....just kidding!!!
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? I don't remember
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? You BET!! I developed a rash that was very much like chicken pox. I itched ALL the time and it was worse at night. I slept 1-2 hours a night. I cannot even believe that I made it through all of that.
They did find out that I was allergic to the placenta. Oh yes, only 1 in 2 million women get that.
I felt SO honored. And, as I said, I threw up for 9 months. It was a real joy. I was not good at being pregnant.
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Chardon, Ohio. They very hospital my husband was born in.
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? 7 1/2 hours. It really was not bad. It was the best part of the pregnancy. I was induced and it was very controlled.
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Allen
22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? The nurse, my doctor, Allen in the room and my dad listening with a glass up to the outlet in the waiting room next door. My mom, sister and Allen's parents were in the waiting room also but it felt like dad was in the room because he was trying to hear what was going on. He told everyone when he eard the baby cry.
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? Are you kidding??? I had Stadohl first and that was not good. I saw 4 of my husband talking to me and NO ONE needs to see 4 of their husband. They gave me my epidural around 2PM and the rest was cake. I felt my labor on the right side and that helped me a whole lot.
27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 6lbs15oz.
28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ? July 10, 1997 - 7:41pm
30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Brittney Nichole Wilson
31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 11 going on 17!! we are so very proud of her but she is till my baby girl!

My Friend Mary Beth Bradshaw and her first born

2009-02-06T08:39:00.005-05:00

This was a post by a friend from college on her blog. It's a great story, I will post my story on Monday. Maybe you want to tell me about your stories.

My first fun survey. Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself!Let's see how much you remember!1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?Yes... but I miscarried in the first tri-mester so THIS is about my Second planned pregnancy. :-)
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?Yes. 3.5 years.
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?So happy... but I cried. I was fearful I would lose this one too.
4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?Are you kidding me? NO WAY!
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?23.
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?Went to the doctor.
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?Steve of course. Then my mom and dad.
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?No. Wanted to be surprised.
9. DUE DATE?February 25, 1988.
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?ALL DAY sickness. For 5 months, thank you very much.
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?Frosted Cherry Poptarts. The ONLY thing I could keep down.
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?People telling me how BIG I was and asking, "Are you having twins?" or "Aren't you EVER going to have that baby???" I wanted to punch 'em.
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX?A wonderful, strong, perfect, healthy Boy.
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?Nope. We really wanted a boy first.
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?46. Yep. I really WAAAAS large... just didn't want to hear other people comment on that fact.
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?Two. One at our church in Arkansas. And a video shower from my church in Adrian. THAT was a blast.
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?No suprises.
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?Do you really want me to go there? Where do I start?Partial bedrest at 7 months. (pre-eclampsia)Full bed rest at the beginning of my nineth month (slow bleeding and pre-elcampsia)...Labor induced. Hemorrhaged with first contraction. Lost half my blood. Had blood transfusion...4 units... Almost Died. Really.Had a rare thing called Placenta Acreta...along with a placenta abruption.Was in ICU for 3 days with a nurse at my bed around the clock for the first 36 hours. They didn't know if I would make it. People prayed.God knew Steve couldn't do it alone. And my baby needed a mommy.I am still here today thanks to Jesus and some skilled doctors and nurses he sent my way.
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?Camden, Arkansas.
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?0. I have never had a labor pain.
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?Steve
22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?OB staff. Steve was not allowed in becuase it was an emergency.
23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?Emergency C-section.
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?Was totally out for surgery. After...Yes. Don't remember much the first couple of days. After that I was pushing the button for meds every 3 hours. My hips were sore for MONTHS from all the shots.
27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?9 lbs. 12 oz.
28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ?February 26, 1988. 11:04 a.m.
30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?Stephan Weston Bradshaw
31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY?

Age and other things that head south for the winter!!!

2009-02-05T09:46:00.002-05:00

This past December, I turned 44 years old. Now you would think that is YOUNG, VIBRANT, AND FULL OF LIFE!!!! HUH!! Some days I think it's more like.....OLD, STUPID, and FORGETFUL!!!
What happens to the brain? Does it go south for the winter like the birds? Does it freeze like the -9 degree temps we have today in NE Ohio? OR does it just get stupid?
I find myself these days making lists and forgetting where I put the list, forgetting to save it on my computer, or just plain forgetting that I made a list. Isn't that a teenage disease also?
I look at the calendar and my household "TO DO" list and am overwhelmed.........what is going on?
I am really enjoying Facebook these days. It has been a wonderful thing to reconnect with friends from those CBC days. It brings back such good memories of when we were all young. Now, you guys all still look great but I wonder if your brain has checked out also? OR maybe it's just that I am old??? What do you think?

Do This In Rememberance of Me.....

2009-01-30T04:16:00.002-05:00

During the last 2 nights our neighborhood lit luminaries in memory of our neighbor who lost his life this past weekend.
Last night as our family drove down the road (there are only 16 homes in this development), I was struck by how beautiful it was to see all of those candles in the night.
I bet that God thinks it's a beautiful sight when we have communion in remembrance of Him.
In the past 2 nights everyone in the neighborhood talked about how beautiful the candles are and mindful of George they are.
Do you take communion for granted? We are to be mindful of the Lord at all times but especially when we are taking communion to represent His Body and Blood......broken and shed for our forgiveness. It's the ultimate sacrifice made by a Friend....for a Friend!!

His ways are not my ways.......

2009-01-26T09:34:00.004-05:00

As I look out the window of my office, I look at a very beautiful setting of glistening snow on the ground and just enough snow to dust the trees and make them sparkle.
We live in a quiet development where people mind their own business and wave every time we pass someone in the street.
Last night we returned home to the news of one of our neighbors had been killed in a tragic accident while promoting a Monster Truck show in Wisconsin.
George Eisenhart was a good man. He was a supportive man in his community and neighborhood. You would see him from time to time at different events quietly supporting his wife and girls.
I cannot begin to imagine what Donna and the girls are feeling today. I am sure that when she begins to work all this out in her mind in the coming weeks and months, the question of WHY? will be asked many times.
I do know that the bible tells us that "His ways are not mine...." How do I figure out how God thinks? Why is He not on my schedule? Why does He allow 2 little girls to grow up without their dad? It's all overwhelming if you think about it.
I also know that when I don't understand His ways the most, I must remind myself that HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!!
What? That the answer? !! When I reach the point that I understand that God is ALL I need, I finally understand that He fills my life with His grace. He gives strength to me and fills me up like no one else can.
I am praying for Donna and the girls today that God's grace will get them through this time.

It was a wonderful day!

2008-12-26T14:15:00.005-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of Jesus! We came downstairs at 7:36AM and joined in a family prayer and opened gifts.
Although there was less to open this year, I cannot remember a Christmas day since our oldest was very little that the kids enjoyed their presents SO much.
Brittney's big gift was a new cell phone and she hugged it all day until she made it to her Grandmother and Grandpa's house and the new pink iPod Chromatic showed up and she told them for over 1 hour plus how much she wanted that and loved it.
Matthew scored with his Star Wars clone helmet and money. He loves getting money so that he can purchase what he wants. It's just to funny.
I was thinking as I listened to Brittney thank her grandparents for the iPod how much we should be thanking God for His gift that was truly priceless. Jesus did not come to this earth in much grandeur but He was the most priceless gift that could be given. We should be thanking God often for the gift that was given to us.
Yes, it was a wonderful day watching the kids receive gifts. But it was also a wonderful day thinking about the gift that I am most thankful for.

Christmas is in the Air

2008-12-03T16:22:00.004-05:00

Oh yes!!!!!! It's the most wonderful time of the year.
I love all the music, TV specials, lights, decorations, the malls,
well......I could go on but I won't.
What I love the most is that there is no other holiday that is
recognized around the world like Christmas.
Even those who choose to only believe that this holiday is all about
Santa don't realize that the whole Santa and the spirit of giving stems
from the fact that YOU and I were given the greatest gift of all so long ago.
The older I get, I enjoy watching people receive a gift. Sometimes,
I think that I am so much more excited about the gift giving than the
person receiving it.
Did you know that our Heavenly Father is So excited about giving us
the greatest gift of all........Jesus Christ, His only Son.
The gift is free and the best FRIEND you will ever have.

Insomnia Chronicles

2008-09-23T00:29:00.002-04:00

It's another issue of the Insomnia Chronicles. Here it is 12:21AM and I find myself sitting at this computer with my mind racing. Should I clean my office? Yes......Should I watch Chris Rock on Letterman? Yes (he's funny). Should I read my bible? Yes......I did not have time today.
Should I be a better wife? Yes.....We all could do a better job. Should I be a better super mom? Yes.....everyone else does it all, why can't I. Should I fold that laundry on the guest bed? Yes. Should I put the laundry away? Not right now....there are some people sleeping in this house. Should I be a better daughter and sister? Yes.....I fall short of being the ideal everyday. Should I keep my house cleaner? Yes. Should I provide for my family better than I do? Yes. Should I have 24 hours to get things done on my "list"? Yes. Should I...........??!?!?!?!?!?!
Do you ever find yourself up at all hours of the night wondering what you should do?
The word says that we are to cast our cares on Him. Do you think David was up in the middle of the night blogging Psalms?
When you find yourself with the 12AM Should I's, read the 91st Psalm and find rest. I will try to do the same.

Football, fall, and fanatics

2008-09-22T10:43:00.002-04:00

It's football season around our house. Our son plays for the 8 & 9 year old team and our daughter cheers for the 11 & 12 year olds. It is also parade season for baton.
Now, I don't know about your town but this town is serious about their football. They don't take it lightly and the season can be very demanding.
In August, we had practice 5 nights a week until school started. When school started, the boys moved to 2 practices a week and a game day. Our cheerleaders practice 2 nights a week (not necessarily on the same night) and have a game at a different time than our son's game.
Allen and I both coach. We have Baton practice on Thursday nights before football.
If all that is not enough, you add our church activities into that mix.
This weekend was a good one.......Friday night was Brittney's first Middle School dance. It was fun watching the kids just have a very innocent....fun time. Saturday, we started our day at 7AM with Baton and came home again just 12 short hours later. Sunday, it was church 9AM, home for about hour and a half, then a game. We got home again around 7PM.
It's fall inside our house. Why do I say "Fall"? because it seems that everything has fallen on the floor and the place is a mess.
You would think that for as much time as we physically spend in the place that it would be spotless. No way! It's a mess. Today, I try and conquer the first floor. We will see how that goes.
Fanatics........I guess you could say that we are fanatics about our children.
I was thinking about the kids today and how time is flying by. They are both growing up so quickly.
I am trying to enjoy each stage of life and growing that they are both in. I asking the Lord to give Allen and I the wisdom to enjoy them and their lives without forgetting that we were a couple long before Brittney and Matthew came into our lives.
How's your spouse today? Do you treat them like they are a priority in your life? Do you remember that your children find security in a peaceful and happy home? Do you remember that your children want you to enjoy each other?
So many people today are having issues in their marriages...take time today before it's to late to make sure that your home is in order and you are fanatics about your marriage.
Remember to always.........Love, Honor, and Cherish!!

Seasons Part 4

2008-09-12T08:09:00.004-04:00

So, it's Monday....2 weeks later. I am a little behind in my work.

Winter.....it's my favorite! Well, I should say that snow is my favorite. I don't really enjoy the cold but give me a great snow storm and I love it. I guess that's why I live in Chardon where we go over 100in. of snow every year.

Winter is an interesting time because (at least on my street) we are like bears, you don't see anyone until everything thaws in the spring.

Winter is a time when you turn inward as a family and hibernate. You catch up on all of those things that you missed when everyone was out and about.

Winter can be a time in your life that can be very frustrating. It appears that everything is dead and it seems that you feel that God is distant.

If you take time to sit and listen, winter is actually a time when you can hear God's voice the clearest. Stop and listen, the quite and the cold is really a time of re-grouping.

I'm SO busy!

2008-09-05T12:33:00.002-04:00

School is back in session and I thought that I would get so much accomplished because the kids were gone......wrong!!!
We are 1 month into football season and these people don't mess around.
Allen is an Assistant Coach for the Bulldogs and I am the Head Cheerleading Coach for the Oilers. Now, that might all be find but these teams are in different divisions because of our kids being different ages.
We spend every night out between football, church, and football. Throw in a few board meetings, Open Houses, and other school stuff and we should rent our home and let people live there when we are not there. I bet we could pay for the mortgage that way!
Monday, I will finish my blogs on Seasons. Hope you have a great weekend!

It's the first day of school!!

2008-08-26T16:31:00.002-04:00

I was a mess today.
Brittney started Middle School. I knew she would be great but I sure had a hard time.
You know, you birth these kids and it comes as a surprise when they begin to grow up??!?!
How crazy is that? Then Matthew had to become a 3rd grader and acts like he does not know
me when he is around his friends. I'm not a bad looking girl.........I wonder if I stink?
Well, I made it through the day and picked up Brittney and the first thing she yells to me is:
"I LOVE MIDDLE SCHOOL!"
She said that walking in the halls and introducing herself to everyone was a lot of fun.
I guess she is going to be just fine!!!

Seasons Part 2

2008-08-21T09:59:00.007-04:00

It's almost Fall, my favorite season. I cannot wait to see the beautiful colors this year will bring us. I think it should be a good one. The rain should help those trees be spectacular.

Fall brings another season here in Northeast Ohio and usually another season in our lives.

It's that time when we feel like things are changing and beginning to die.

My husband is always telling me that it's a sad time of year because kids have to go back to school and everything looks bad.

When you think of fall, what do you think of?

Sometimes, in our walk with the Lord, we experience times when we are coming down from the mountain.

Can you imagine what Moses felt like? He is on a mountain and has experienced God. Yes, this was a true experience with God like no one had. He had been to his "own" revival and did not even have to share the experience with any other person. Then he comes down from the mountain. I am sure he looked just like Charlton Heston did in the Ten Commandments. He had the Ten Commandments and was about to give the sermon of his life. Well, you know the rest of the story.

The interesting thing I find in that story is that when you experience God in very real ways, Satan is always there to bring you back to reality.

I look at fall as a time that is necessary to prepare us to do some soul searching and help us to experience God in our daily lives. It's not the heat and fun of summer but a time in which we begin to turn inward and find out where we apply God's word and revelation daily.

Seasons Part 1

2008-08-20T14:08:00.004-04:00

Tropical Storm........what's her name? I think it's Fay. Fay is not being a nice girl and she is pounding the beautiful state of Florida today.
I am a girl who would do well living in Florida during hurricane season. I love storms!
My parents have a 3 season room in their home. I love to be at their house when there is a storm. I sit outside and watch the lightening and love watching the storm with all of those windows. Crazy.......don't you think?
There have been times in my life when it's been Hurricane Season.
Hurricanes are interesting because with all of technology that is available today.........these people STILL cannot tell you exactly when, where, or what a hurricane is going to do.
I have had seasons in life when I did not see the storm coming but have also had seasons when my spirit knew the storm was on the horizon and I did not know the when, where, or what.
Have you ever doubted God in the midst of the storm?
Jesus talks in Matthew 21 about doubting God and having faith. Even in Hurricane Season.
The word says: "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done."
Speak to your mountain (hurricane) and speak in the name of Jesus. There is no other that can calm the storms of life.
And remember that Hurricane Season only lasts for a while. The SON (sun) will shine again into your life and the winds will subside.

Welcome Back Readers

2008-08-19T15:06:00.002-04:00

I'm back.
It's been a very long time since my last post and I have heard the complaints from those of you who read my blog. Who knew someone was interested in what I had to say? You should be around my house.......no one pays any attention to me.
Fall is in the air. Can you feel it?
My son has been at Football practice for the past 2 weeks and the evenings are starting to have a chill in the air. I trees have begun their process of changing.....I have seen a few of those beautiful red leaves. My husband says I am crazy but I am telling you....look around, you will see those beautiful leaves.
Tomorrow, I want to begin a few blogs about seasons. How God allows seasons in our lives to help us to grow. Keep checking back!

My wonderful husband is 42

2008-08-09T12:31:00.005-04:00

Finally.........Allen turned 42 on Thursday. I say finally because until December 27th, we are only 1 year apart in age; even though my brother-in-law keeps telling everyone that I am turing 50 in December. Today, I am getting ready for a small party in his honor.
As I was out shopping for this shin dig, I also decided to help my children out since they tell me everyday "THERE'S NOTHING TO EAT IN THIS HOUSE".
I knew it before but for some reason really noticed it this week...........It is very expensive to eat!
Lemons for 50c each and a Kiwi was 89c. The white cherries that we like, were $ 6.99 per bag....ooch!! Much to Brittney's dismay, I did not buy them.
Have you read the book of Revelations lately. We should not be surprised by anything that is taking place in our world today. God knew it long before you and I were ever here.
The good news is, I have read the end of the book and I have the great assurance that I have asked Christ into my heart and He dwells within me. I have a hope!
Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."
Did you know that we are all called to serve God? He wants all of us to have ever lasting life. It is as simple as asking Him into your heart and asking forgiveness of your sins.

Facebook

2008-08-01T09:55:00.005-04:00

Do you know what Facebook is?

Well, I love the thing. It has been so much fun connecting with people. I am hooking up with people from the different phases of my life. It's become the ultimate to me in being a social butterfly.
Or maybe I'm just nosy and want to talk to people....whatever it is.....I sure do enjoy this thing.
My husband would say it is my need to always be with people and talk to them. Who knows?
I do not have as much time as some of my cousins, who seem to be on the thing all day, but it's still fun when I get time.
You can join for free. There is a link to Facebook on right of my blog.
Why don't you join and let's become FRIENDS!!!

What is going on!!!

2008-07-30T14:02:00.005-04:00

I got the following email today:
JOIN AARP Today and get free Travel Kit.

What is that about? I understand Junk email but since when am I old enough to be sent a AARP email. Can you say Sr. Citizen? NO WAY!!
My own husband realized that I was turning 44 this year and found himself in shock.
How old does this man think he is? He is no spring chicken either.
But back to the point.......I am just not old!
Do you think these people know that I just celebrated my 25th Class Reunion?
Yesterday, I went for a little skating party in our front foyer and hit the floor. My whole body hurts today. Allen does not know why........he says that I did not have to far too fall. ABUSE, ABUSE I tell you!
They are all against me. What's wrong with being in your 40's? I thought 40 was the new 30?
Someone should let AARP know that In Style Magazine says I am just hitting my 30's rather than needing AARP.
I know, maybe the people that sent the email about "40 and still hot" should let AARP know that
tidbit of information!

25 Years

2008-07-28T09:08:00.006-04:00

We celebrated being old all weekend. It's been 25 years since I graduated from Geneva High School.
Friday night, we met at a Restaurant for dinner. It was fun meeting with a few of our classmates and then wondering who some of the people were.
Saturday, we went to a wedding and about died in the heat. The wedding was outside and it was beautiful but I did feel like I have never been so hot in my life. Then we changed and went to the major part of the reunion. I had such a good time!! I made sure that every time a camera was taken out......I was in the picture. Seems that 25 years later, I am still the social butterfly that I was in school. It was cause for laughter among my classmates. Enough fun for me, we had to leave early to the reception. So we got on I90 and headed to Willoughby. Got there just in time to eat......oh good.....we did not have to starve for the evening. The food was good and the evening finished much to early. I forgot in my old age that we had kids that needed to be picked up from the sitter. I do love a good party!
Yesterday, we went to the Family Picnic. Almost everyone has kids that are older than our kids. I mean..... teenagers or older. The kids were complaining that there was no one to play with.
Matthew has figured out that the "old lady paste" was for the reunion.
What is "old lady paste" you ask? Hair color. I did my hair last week and he had a good time making fun of me.
We followed the picnic with football equipment pick-up and then Allen went to a football coaches meeting. Next thing we knew, it was 10:30 and the day was finally over.
All in all, it was great to see friends. It's funny how time seems to make those memories just a little bit sweeter. Maybe the my memory is going after 25 years also?!??!

Gotta Get to the Point

2008-07-23T11:11:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we took our family pilgrimage to Cedar Point. We had not gotten to the point all year and as of tonight, we no longer have any evenings open until school starts. It's football season now.
Anyhow, I am not sure if it's because it's the week of my 25th HS Reunion or the fact that I'm a 43 year old trying to hang with kids. I must confess, I do want to be the cool mom.
I rode most of what our kids wanted to ride yesterday but at the end of the day.....came the real test........I was tired but I always have one more coaster left in me. I had not been on the Raptor in a few years because I mostly rode with Matthew in the past years because he was to short to ride the big stuff. That all changed this year, we ALL rode the Maverick......what a great ride!
Cool mom rode the Power Tower with Brittney because Cool dad does not like that thing.
We got on the Raptor at night. I love riding at night........EXCEPT.....for the bugs. Don't scream boys and girls or you will add protein to your diet at the cheapest cost in Cedar Point.....FREE.
So, I got my protein early, and still screamed. This event followed by my feet and legs that are still in pain today and I really don't have a voice today.
I am the coolest mom on the planet though because I surprised Matthew with a glow light saber when he was not looking. I have never gotten a THANK YOU MOM like that one! It's one of those priceless moments that I don't think I will ever forget!
Overall, yesterday was one of those priceless days spent as a family making memories!

Talking Baseball

2008-07-16T13:41:00.008-04:00

Oh yes.....2 wonderful days of baseball. The highlight of the baseball season for me is All-Star week. I love it! I made my family watch the Home Run Derby, Old Timers Game, The Parade and the game (part of it), I was the only one who stayed up the entire 4 hrs and 55 min. for every exciting minute.
I do have a question for you Pittsburgh people. What happened to the Pirates uniform? I hate to admit it but I used to be a Pirate fan years ago when they had their signature black hats with the yellow stripes and the P in the front. The days of Willie Stargell. The Pirates are like the Dodgers, Indians, Yankees........the uniform is recognizable very easily. This new uniform is really........YUK!!!! How do you Pittsburgh people feel about it?
Matthew (my son) is a pretty good baseball player. I have dreams of him playing Major League baseball and him getting his mom and dad Club Seats to watch all of his games. Did I mention that he would lead all of MLB to the Lord and help to start a revival in America's past time?!??! He does have a dream to play MLB but I don't think it's as big as mine!!
How is your uniform? If you were to wear the uniform of a christian (whatever that is), would you be recognized or would you be mistaken for a non-believer?
Do people know you are a christian when you are a traffic and someone cuts you off, do they know by your speech, can they see Jesus lives in you?
I pray that my uniform does not change with the times but that I can always be known to have my Jesus (Yankee)pinstripe on.

Little House on the Prarie

2008-07-14T16:00:00.003-04:00

Do you ever watch Little House on the Prairie? I watched it off and on when it was on TV originally but it was not one of those regular shows that we watched.
Well, the kids and I have really enjoyed watching it on the Hallmark Channel these days.
Today, it was the Christmas special when they talk about all of their memories. Matthew says that is his favorite episode. That cracks me up!
Why don't we have shows like this anymore. Now, I know it can be a little Corny at times but I never have to worry about what my kids are watching because it is just good, clean, and wholesome TV.
It bugs me, although it's funny, that shows like Wipe Out are hits. I don't get what is so great about watching people fall on a big red ball every week.
We have movies like High School Musical that are mega hits and yet the story is modern and you don't mind your kids watching it.
They say the Nick TV and other stations like that are doing extremely well. My kids would rather watch Boom TV with the old cartoons rather than Cartoon Network.
I wish we would voice our opinions more of what the family wants to watch and maybe things would change and Hollywood would get the message.
What's your opinon on TV watching these days?

Friends and Late Nights

2008-07-11T10:20:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been a weeks of friends. The house has been buzzing with the sounds of children, we have had them in various sizes and ages this week.
Last night, it was Brittney's turn......it was Jr. High girl night. They went to the mall, had more food to eat than the boys, laughed and TALKED a whole lot. My daughter was the queen of the talkers.
It is an interesting thing to watch friendships evolve and grow.
I remember those days in Jr. High school when you are trying to find your space and place in this world (even though you don't know it). Now, I find myself appreciating my mother even more.
I pray that Brittney will choose her friends well. I pray that she will be a good friend. Most important, I pray that she will always know who her Best Friend is. He is the the friend that promises to stick closer than a brother and the only friend that will never let her down.

It's Brittney's Birthday Today

2008-07-10T17:41:00.004-04:00

It's almost 7:41PM, the very moment Brittney Nichole Wilson came into this world. This picture is Brittney at one month old, it's one of my favorites. It completely reflects Brittney's personality. She is a child that has a WHOLE lot of energy and loves life. She loves a good party and loves to laugh.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter. I am blessed to have had the honor of being your mom. Love you baby!

11 years ago today

2008-07-09T12:02:00.003-04:00

This morning my mind has been thinking about where I was on July 9, 1997.......Yes, 11 years ago today I had lost 21 lbs., threw up all day long for 9 months, and had a nasty rash.....I itched all day long for 9 months. I would spend most nights awake and pray a whole lot. I cannot believe how time flies. I remember those thoughts of wondering what type of mother I would be, if I had what it took to take care of a baby that would be dependent on Allen and I for all of their earthly needs.
Here we are 11 years later and I still wonder on some days if I have what it takes to raise a daughter who will love God (First and Foremost) ,a woman of honor, one that is confident yet gentle. A woman who can love others with a open heart but not be taken advantage of. I wonder if she will change her world for Christ. I wonder about who will steal her heart someday....will he be an example of Christ's love to her, will he be her hero, will he do all the things that he will promise on their wedding day. I do know that I have many of the same questions that I had 11 years ago today. Tomorrow, we will celebrate 11 years of being Brittney's parents!!! I look forward to all the years to come

Steven Curtis Chapman

2008-07-07T18:28:00.003-04:00

How does a parent deal with the loss of a child and the fact that one of your children is responsible for this awful accident.

Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife have been amazing with all of what has happened during this mist sorrowful time in their lives. You realize that even though this man is one of the top christian music artists in the world.....he is still a human. Into every life, there are times of sorrow, pain, grief, joy, laughter, smiles........God never promises that He would allow us to have no pain but He did promise us that He would be there to walk with us. Actually, He goes before us to make the way clear.

I just wanted to give you the information if you have not heard that the Chapmans' will be talking about their tragedy in August. See the information below:

Chapmans' to appear on Good Morning America
We've just confirmed that Steven and Mary Beth, and potentially the Chapman children, will appear on Good Morning America the week of August 4th.
Seen nationally, ABC's morning tradition, Good Morning America began airing in 1975 and reaches a huge audience of approximately 8 to 10 million each morning.
Let the redemption of this tragedy begin. : )

The Staycataion Update

2008-07-07T16:53:00.003-04:00

The staycation is now over and we did a few things but did not get the list completed. Story of every one's life!
We painted, cleaned out the woods, cleaned the garage (somewhat), and spent most of the week being referees.
My sister and I are 10 years apart in age. We did not fight, what is there for a 16 year old to fight with a 6 year old? My children are very well mannered kids but they loose their minds at home. The want to be at each other for everything.......I mean EVERYTHING.
She called me a name, he is a little brat and gets on my nerves, she won't play my game, he is just a pest,.......MOM......MOM.....!!!!!!!! Why do they call me? How come they never call their dad? You boys have it easy because these kids love to yell their mom's name.
Summer is only 1/2 over. Will I make it until August 26th? I can tell you that I will but my kids might not. At this rate, they are going to think going back to school will be a picnic.

Late Nights and Early Mornings

2008-07-06T06:59:00.004-04:00

Insomnia: Some people think that it only means not sleeping for days on end. But that’s not entirely true. Insomnia simply means you have trouble sleeping. Whether it’s trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, waking up earlier than you want to, or not feeling refreshed when you do wake up—just having one of these symptoms is enough to say that you have insomnia.
There you go, the definition of Insomnia. I seem to have this issue in my life. Last night, I finally fell asleep around 1AM......oh yes.......wide awake at 3:15AM. That really stinks. It's not that I'm not sleepy because I really am right now. The problem is my mind.
This happens to me a few times a week. I really hate the TYPE "A" personality. What can I fix at 2AM??
I lay down and my mind starts to process all the things that (I feel) needs to get done around here. NUTS!!!! yes, I am nuts.
This night, I have done some paperwork in my office, read some blogs, red the bible, and asked God to talk to my spirit. He is either not saying much or I'm just toooooo tired to hear His voice.
I think there are times in our lives that we have spiritual "late nights and early mornings" those are the times that we simply do not hear His voice.
The Father always is there and ready to speak life into us but we are mentally not ready to hear Him. We simply need to find REST in the Almighty..........He is the one that will give direction, peace, assurance, you fill in the blank for what you need.
Ask Him to help you when you have those late nights and early mornings. He is there to meet you.
As for me, I think a Sunday afternoon nap is in order!

Staycation

2008-07-01T11:46:00.002-04:00

We are are having a staycation this week. It seems to be what lots of folks are doing these days.
Now, I am not sure how much resting we are doing because Allen and I both have a list of things that we want to get done this week. I have big aspirations of getting the laundry room and our bedroom painted. We will see??!?!? Allen is cleaning out the woods in the front and that's a big project.
I will blog more later about this great project.

Concerned

2008-06-23T17:08:00.002-04:00

I was watching the news today and saw a report about an abduction in a town just a few miles from here.
We live in a really great and typical "middle class" American town. We have been hearing as of late about a man driving around and approaching children.
Does it seem like when we were kids that you almost never heard about stuff like that happening or it only happened in big cities.
I miss the days when we would go out side to play in the morning and not come back home until 5ish when it was dinner time. I would never think about sending my kids out like that now.
Our children grow up in a much more protected world than we did.
I miss those days!

My favorite thing in the whole world!

2008-06-20T14:12:00.006-04:00

Today is a day of spending important money to keep our home in order.
I must confess.....in these times when everyone is cutting their spending and looking for ways to save money.......I continue to be addicted to Clorox Wipes.
Yes, I know..........what did I do before they put those things on the shelves? I used cheap paper towels like everyone else and made my own spray stuff to clean.
But now, I JUST CANNOT DO WITHOUT THEM.
Today, I spent $ 9.98 on 3 canisters for each of my bathrooms. I have taught Matthew to use them if necessary (I won't go into the rest of that) and I clean those toilets and sinks everyday (if possible) so we are germ free. That's what the package tells me!
I have a travel pack in my purse, one in the van, and make my kids put a package in the desks at school. Now, I don't know if they use it but it makes me feel better.
Nuts! you say! Yes, I admit it....I love the stuff.
I have thought about taking out stock in the company because these things are so great.
I have tried the Target brand and other off brands but they just are not the same and I don't feel like they are cleaning anything. You should try them sometime!!!

What an opportunity

2008-06-19T12:00:00.003-04:00

When I was in High School the Grape Jamboree was a big deal in Geneva. We used to have a Band-O-Rama that drew bands and people from all over Ohio.

One of the highlights of the parade and show was the Shaw High School Marching Band. The band was from East Cleveland. They brought their own brand of soul and spirit to our little town.

This morning I saw on the news that Shaw High School Marching Band raised $ 500k to travel to China for the opening ceremonies for of the Olympics. Wow! What an opportunity for that group of students.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to say Congratulations to the Shaw band and their parents for the hard work that they did to reach such and accomplishment.

Ever Been Cold........?

2008-06-18T11:14:00.005-04:00

It is day # 3 of football camp and like a true football mom, I sat in the COLD rain and watched. The head football coach at the high school told me that I was being an excellent football mom. But here's the problem.........I'M COLD!! I had a fever 2 days this week and my glands are swollen and I am cold. Enough whining!
On Monday, I heard Tim Russert's son talk about his dad and the importance of parents. He talked about his dad always being there for his practices. He talked about the fact that when he was little that his dad would run home from work when it was time for him to come home from school. Tim would stay for only 30min. many times but dad was there. He said his parents always worked their schedules so that they did not miss a practice or game if at all possible.
How awesome!! I am sure that was not easy for the Russerts in their high powered careers.
Tim's son said that his dad did everything to keep his travel schedule as little as possible so that he was not gone all the time. He talked about that there was not a day that went by when dad made sure that he told his son that he loved him.
I think sometimes fathers think that providing for their children is all they need but listen dads......it's so important for you to TELL your children that you love them.
This week has been special for my husband because he has been able to move around his schedule at work to be part of the coaching staff running the camp.
Do you have children? I would like to challenge you. It is never to late to show up to those practices and games that can be OH SO VERY LONG. Let that laundry go for another day....it will be there believe me.......and take advantage of those moments with your children that only come along once. Before you know it they will be gone and you will have missed the window of time.

We Are Healed

2008-06-17T14:43:00.004-04:00

Today I have been preparing for our concert on Sunday in Bellfountain. I was listening to the song: By His Wounds.
I thought about the fact that Christ sacrificed His very life. His body was beaten, bruised, and bled just so that I can have eternal life.
It also means that By His Wounds, Christ, being the Holy and Spotless sacrifice is there to meet me where I am.
What a thought that someone loved me and you so much that he gave His very life.
"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our sins. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him. And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed. We are healed by Your sacrifice, in the life that you gave. He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our sins. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him. And BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED."
Need healing today? By His wounds and sacrifice.....be healed !
If you want to hear the song, log on to my face book, scroll down to My Play List and the song is called: By His Wounds . The link is below or on the right of this page.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1314416053

It takes discipline!

2008-06-16T15:09:00.008-04:00

This morning, bright and early, we headed to Memorial Football Field to start football camp. It really was a beautiful day for the camp. The temperature was only around 70 degrees and the sun was out.
The high school coaches started with the some basic football warm-up drills. It was interesting to watch these 3rd - 6th grade boys do their drills. You could tell the boys who were use to the routine of football and those who were having their troubles learning how to karaoke and do some of the drills. Some of the feet were not really going the right way.
Matthew seems to excel in these sports type events. He does not love the "getting there" or having to get up early to go to practice but really does well once practice has started.
As I watched today, I thought about life and how we all start out laying around, rolling over, crawling, walking and then running.
I thought about the discipline it takes, even at Matthew's age, to play football. These boys (at least in football crazed Chardon) work hard. They practice 5 days a week before the season and do many of the same drills over and over and over and over again. Then if it's still not right, they do it again. Some kids bail out before the reward of a game begins.
Did you know that real friendships and relationships take discipline?
We are a society of fast everything these days. Many kids are being raised in a thought pattern of instant gratification. If they don't get what they want out of a given relationship, they move on easily.
Sometimes friendship takes a little extra work to make them work. Sometimes it requires us to go the extra mile even when we think we have been wronged.
How is your discipline factor today? Do you take the extra time to make the phone call, send the card, share a hug, or say a prayer for those in your life?
I always want to be known as a person who loves people and be called their FRIEND!

For the Love of Dad

2008-06-15T17:03:00.008-04:00

Today is Father's Day.
I am actually a little sad today because dad is 3 hours away in another city. Now, I really have no reason to be sad because dad is healthy and lives a full life. I still miss him extra on days like today.
My dad has always been my hero. He has been the perfect "girl" dad. He has done crazy things like letting me paint his nails, give him a facial, or have a water fight in the house.
He has always been available to listen and offer advise. He has said "sorry" when he felt he wronged me. He has gone to bat for me more times than I can count.
Dad is also a pastor. He embodies what a shepherd should be to his flock. I have watched him in good times and bad. He is always understanding and loves people no matter what. He preaches God's word and is a student of the word also.
Many pastor's children struggle and end up hating the ministry. My sister and I have been blessed to see a man preach the word and live what he preaches.
Dad taught me so many things about the ministry and how a pastor and his family should be.
He loves our mother and treats her like she is the queen of the home. He has never said a bad word about her or put her down in front of us. She is his queen.
He has always modeled to us what we should be treated like and how we should have our home.
Now that I have my own daughter, it is so much fun to watch him be Pa Pa. My daughter brings that wonderful smile to dads face when she does crazy things to him like I did.
He bursts with pride for her accomplishments just like she is his own daughter.
The day I was in labor with her, dad was in the waiting room next to my room. Everyone told me that he had a glass up to the plug trying to hear what was going on during those 20 min. of pushing. The moment finally came and he got to see his first grandchild.......I will never forget the look on his face.
There are so many more things I could say about dad.
I will say that I thank God for giving me the father that I have. I have the honor of being his daughter. (the picture is a nervous father on my wedding day)
Happy Father's Day, dad......I love you!

School is done.....oh yes! It's summertime.

2008-06-08T10:43:00.002-04:00

You can drive around any neighborhood and see people out in their yards. They are working, playing or just relaxing.
I am so glad to have my children home. I am one of those moms who really like it when my children are home in the summer. Now, we have already started our daily fight. I still don't understand why these people have so much to argue about.
This week is garage sale week. I will keep you updated on our progress.
Until tomorrow, have a great day and be blessed!

Sometimes I need a good laugh...at myself

2008-05-28T14:56:00.000-04:00

Do you think God has a sense of humor? I do!
A few weeks ago, I was late getting the kids up and ready for school. I ran around and did not take a shower, I put my hair up in a ponytail, threw on a t-shirt and capri sweats. After dropping the kids off I noticed that our gas gage was really on empty(it is not working to well these days).
So, I head off to the gas station to pump gas.
Now that I am on the school board, I hate going out in public in Chardon. I see people I know and people who I don't know but know me EVERYWHERE!!
I jump out to hide between the van and the pump and realize that....Oh Joy....the card reader is not working. So, I must take my card in the station and pay for the gas.
Now, things were just not going my way because the reader inside was not working and much to my dismay........I see 2 people I know. I would have to be at the Get Go. I think it's the busiest place in Chardon
Finally, I swipe the card and pay. In a hurry, I walked out and left the card with the girl at the desk.
I pumped my gas and realized that not only did I leave the card inside but I was freezing because I live in NE Ohio and it's cold even in June. The date was in May but the weather was like early March.
To be cleaver, I get in the van and drive up to the door of the Get Go. I got out and went in to get my card. Fly back out of the store and YUP......I locked the keys in the van with it running.
I check all my doors with all of those wonderful Chardon residents looking at me.
Now, I must contact Chardon Police to get the door open.
As I go back into the Get Go, the male clerks are laughing at me. Glad I could brighten their day.
I called the police and about 5min. later Chardon's finest show up.
"Hello, Mrs. Wilson. How does this officer know my name?
Now he is working on getting into the van and asks me how things on the school board are going?
Oh JOY!!! Down and out AND famous in Chardon, OH. Sounds like a book title for losers doesn't it?
The door was finally opened and I was on my way.
Life is never dull around the Wilson house. We are a group of goofs and sometimes just have to laugh at things that happen to us.

Thankful

2008-05-23T10:34:00.007-04:00

It's Memorial Day weekend. Many people think this is the weekend to kick off summer and have a big party.
I think that we should not fail to remember that this is really a weekend to remember those who have sacrifice their lives for our freedoms.
There is a little girl in my daughter's class that her mother has been Iraq for the past 2 years. Mom has missed many major events over the past 2 years because she made a commitment to fight for what this country was built on.
Jordan counts every day the number of hours until mom comes home.
This memorial day why not take just a little time out of your day and go to one of the memorial day services in your town and give honor to our veterans.
Here is a little history about Memorial Day.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

The Chapman Family

2008-05-22T13:43:00.006-04:00

Last night Maria Sue Chapman, adopted and youngest daughter of Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman, was killed in a tragic accident in the family driveway. She was Life Flighted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital but for only reasons God can explain she went home to Him... not back to Franklin as we all so desperately wanted.

This was a quote from Steven Curtis Chapman's email sent out this morning. I heard about the news on every news cast I watched this morning.
I don't even know these people, I have only met Steven once when he was singing at GL Mall in Mentor and I feel such a loss. It is a tragic story. I cannot imagine how the family feels, much less her brother, who was driving the SUV.
What do we do when the pain of life becomes more than we can handle?
Some people, turn to a bottle to drink away their sorrows, some shop and build debt, some eat, others beat their spouse or children. You can fill in the blank of what you might do.

I am sure that the pain the Chapmans are (and will) experiencing is far more than they feel that they can handle. The one thing they do have is a hope.

How can I say they have a hope? Because their hope is in Christ. He IS the only constant. The world is a very cold and cruel place. My God has not changed. He is my Hiding Place. He is the peace that passes ALL understanding. He is the Solid Rock. He is the God of a bright future. He is the God who is in the midst of the Storm. And He is the God who holds your hand.

Today, I pray that God will give the Chapmans a peace that passes all understanding. The story is still being written in the lives of the Steven Curtis Chapman family. I am sure that God will reveal himself for who He is. The God of HOPE!!!!!

It's Time to Sleep

2008-05-21T08:40:00.003-04:00

I have the 2nd part of a sleep study today. I am suppose to sleep from 9:30-5PM. This is going to be a good one. I don't sleep well at night and now I have to sleep during the day.
After I sleep today, Brittney and I will head to the Middle School for Orientation. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing.
It's exciting to watch her grow but as she enters Jr. High School, it brings her another year closer to doing more grown up things.
I have to say that have enjoyed every stage of my kids growing up so far.
I think I will give her a few more hugs along the way and be there when she needs me for an ear to listen. Most important, I want to be there to wage war in the heavens for God's perfect will in her life.
Back on the human level, I am proud of the young lady that she is becoming. Brittney has a very tender heart and always looks for the child who is left out.
Yesterday, she told me that she might want to be a missionary.
Whatever she does end up becoming, I know that she will Rock Her World for God!

Times are changin'

2008-05-20T10:44:00.003-04:00

The church world is changing. I think I have reached the point of my walk with the Lord where I am one of the "old" thinkers and struggle at times with forward thinking.
Our district superintendent said a few years ago that we should question everything we do (Church speaking) but never change the message.
I see the struggle today that people have over sanctuaries turned into multi-purpose rooms, to wear a suit and dress up on Sunday or to wear your shorts. We struggle over singing, standing, length of service, and a host of other problems.
I do know that if we are going to reach the world today for Christ that we need to take a look at not being stuck in our ways. Are people getting saved? Are we ministering to the individual and the family? Are we reaching a lost community? These are the questions that we should be looking at.
Remember the people that Jesus hung out with? They were not the "religious" people of the day.
I bet Jesus would have gone where the people are and not try and conform them to our world.
If you have been around the church world for a long time like I have, you probably have struggled with some of the changes in the church world.
To have pews or not to have pews does not really matter, try and put those ideas aside and look for the lost who need to see a "REAL" Jesus in you!

I'm Back

2008-05-15T14:51:00.003-04:00

Hello blog world....I am back!
We have been in Columbus all week for our annual Distinct Council for the Assemblies of God.
It was nice to get away, spend time with the Lord, friends, and my parents.
What a hoot!! We laughed together and talked about those nasty gas prices. I am very blessed to have the heritage that I do.
My parents are first generation Pentecostals and they have paved a road for my sister and I to walk in.
On Tuesday night, we joined as 9 candidates were ordained into the ministry. It was very moving to watch a couple that I had known the wife since she was a young girl. There was another couple that the wife was ordained after ministering with her husband for years.
What a blessing to watch as God's call on their lives were affirmed in such a profound way.
On Wednesday, the Ohio Distinct voted it's very first woman presbyter. Now, I am not much of a women's lib type girl but it was a really great moment.
I have known Donna for years, served with her as we were the only women on the youth rep. committee and spent time with her talking about the ministry when we were both young ministers.
I think it is a wonderful thing that she will bring a different insight to the presbyters and their meetings.
I want to offer my prayers to you Donna as you minister in a new capacity in the Ohio District.
We have come a long way in the Ohio District!

It's about Mom

2008-05-09T12:24:00.004-04:00

It's Friday and I have been living at my children's school. This schedule has been overwhelming. I have thought about updating my Twitter and decided that if I "twittered" it would most likely block me out because I have had so much going on.
I do want to not forget to wish all of you moms a Very Happy Mother's Day.
Here is my final installment on my mom.
1. Mom is a woman who displays God's abiding love.
2. Mom is a prayer worrier.
3. Mom LOVES my dad.
4. Mom is beautiful.
5. Mom is kind.
6. Mom is loyal.
7. Mom is funny......I love it when she gets tickled and laughs!
8. Mom is real.
9. Mom is a great cook.
10. Mom is a hard worker.
11. Mom is dependable.
12. Mom is very clean.....she keeps a great house.
13. Mom is a wonderful decorator.
14. Mom loves her children and grandchildren.
15. Mom does not differentiate between her children and son-in-laws.
16. Mom is a creative person.
17. Mom is an exemplary Pastor's wife.
18. Mom loves people.
19. Mom is a giver.
20. Mom is my friend.
These are just the first 20 things that come to mind about my mom. I could go on but I think I have made the point.
Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

The Busy Mom

2008-05-07T14:09:00.002-04:00

This week has and is a week of meetings, lunches, dinners, and just plain being busy.
It's National Teacher Appreciation Week and since I am the Hospitality Chair for Park Elementary school, my committee and I are very busy at school everyday this week. As if that was not enough, I have some pressing things with an upcoming School Board meeting and I am also speaking at a Women's Conference on Saturday. Did I mention that all of that does not include my children's schedules?
We had the All Chardon Schools 5th grade Skate on Tuesday, church tonight, Brittney and Matthew's Spring Concert and Grandparents day on Thursday. 2 Baseball games this week.
Finally, we must find time to eat and sleep.
Is your week like my week?
It seems that, if you have kids in today's world, you are going to be busy. I admire those who have full-time jobs and keep up the same schedule that I do.
I just want to make sure and remind you to take some time for the Lord in your day and a minute for yourself also.
Yesterday, after I got done feeding the teachers lunch, I took a minute to lay down on the couch in the teacher's lounge. It was great to close my eyes for 5min. and rest.

Sometimes I'm a Dope

2008-05-02T12:24:00.004-04:00

The "Woman" in my life - Part 2

2008-05-02T11:13:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I told you about mom's childhood.
Today, I want to talk about the example she has given my sister and I about commitment.
As I mentioned, mom left a very comfortable life to be married to a pastor. When she met dad, he said his weeks pay was what she had in spending or play money. Her wedding ring cost $ 27.
I am sure in the material sense of the word she had some adjusting to do.
In 1969, dad felt God calling him to the United States. So, they packed up what they had and me and we moved to Toledo, OH. Now, there were a few bumps along the way. Mom and I did not have a Visa for the US at first, so we had to live in Toronto, Canada with my aunt for a while.
I am not sure I have what it takes to pack up my family and move to another country. I am 3 and a half hours away from my parents and I miss them very much.
Those first few years required discipline and commitment to re-build and make a new life for themselves.
There were many nights, I remember being put in the car late at night from my sleep because dad had to go pick mom up from work because she was working second shift. That way someone was always home with me.
In 1974, I was almost 10 years old and my sister Kimberly came along. Mom and dad had recently purchased their first home in the United States.
In 1975, mom and dad left their jobs to pastor a small church in southern Ohio. Again, it would require sacrifice and commitment.
I have watched mom (and dad) sacrifice my entire life. They have shown commitment even when others would have bailed out.
We live in a society that wants everything and wants it the easy way. Thanks mom for showing me that sometimes, you have to hang on a little longer and be committed to what I have put my hands too. I know the Lord will reward you greatly for the many sacrifices and commitments that you have made and kept in your life.

Tribute to "THE WOMAN" in my life

2008-05-01T10:51:00.007-04:00

Mother's Day is quickly approaching and I thought it fitting to blog about Mom for the next few days.
First, I will give some background.
Cynthia Samlalsingh was born on October 1, 1941 to Polly and Samuel in Trinidad W.I. She is the second of 3 children. Wonder if she had the middle child syndrome?
I am sure that she was a child who loved to play and did well in school. At the age of 10, her mother passed away due to complications during child birth. What devastation! 3 children left without a mother. Before her death, my grandmother would take mom and her sister to the local Nazarene church. That foundation would be an important foundation in a little girls life.
Mom and her sister went to live with their aunt when their father re-married.
They would be raised by a loving aunt who became Mom in every sense of the word.
Let me take time out to say that I have the priviledge of having an aunt who is more like a mother than an aunt. She is the second most important woman in my life. She is an example of strength and gace. She (along with my uncle) raised two sons and now they have 2 daughter-in-laws. I'm so glad they finally have daughters of their own!! Girls ROCK!!! (My aunt is in the yellow. She is pictured with her daughter-in-law and grandson)
Fast forward to years later. Mom gave her heart to the Lord and met dad (whom she did not like at first) and they were married. She went from a life of having everything she needed to the sacrificial life of a Pastor's wife.
Today, I thank you mom for the example of love in the way Christ gives it in our lives.
His loves comes unconditionally. Mom's loves comes to my sister and I.......unconditionally. I am sure there have been times that I have let her down and been less than she desired for me.....yet she loved me unconditionally. Her arms were (are) always open waiting to be my cheerleader, friend, and mother.
Having a daughter entering her teen years, I pray that I can be understanding, loving, and Brittney's biggest cheerleader. I understand a different aspect to being a mother the older my daughter gets.
Tomorrow.......more on "The Woman" in my life.

Old Friends

2008-04-30T10:58:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-29T14:16:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-28T14:56:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-28T10:50:00.005-04:00

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

2008-04-25T11:21:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-24T14:25:00.001-04:00

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

2008-04-24T10:16:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-23T12:57:00.005-04:00

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

2008-04-22T14:19:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-21T09:45:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-19T14:30:00.003-04:00

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/