Leah DiPascal

Merry Christmas Y'all

2011-12-07T11:57:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that we only have two more weeks until Christmas!!

Where on earth has the time gone ~ or should I say, Where on earth has 2011 gone?

I hope that you're enjoying this time of year and not getting all stressed out with your Christmas to-do list.

I have to admit that I'm quite stress-less. But, the reason why is because I haven't started Christmas shopping yet. YIKES!! Nope, not even a single present has been bought and you think I'd been wigging out by now. Christmas shopping stresses me out so, I'm just avoiding it all together. That is until this weekend rolls around...

Actually, I've surveyed our boys and neither one of then have a clue as to what they'd like this year. Translation: They have everything they could possible need or want. We are very blessed!

If you're looking for some last minute gifts, I'd love to tell you about a way to win some great gifts for FREE. The best part is YOU get to pick them out!!

My friend, Karen Ehman, is hosting the 12 Days of Christmas on her blog this month and today's special guest is my other P31 Pal, Whitney Capps.

Whitney is offering $30 worth of merchandise from our Proverbs 31 online store.

Click here to find out more and if you have a few minutes, check out Whitney's video. She talks about celebrating Christmas Adam. Have you ever celebrated Christmas Adam> I haven't but I think it's a great idea. What do you think?

Merry Christmas Y'all,

Need A Good Laugh Today?

2011-11-10T13:14:00.001-05:00

Are you in desperate need for some comic relief? If so, take ten minutes and hang out with your kids. They're bound to say or do something that will give you a good belly laugh.

This morning I was at my hairdressers getting a well needed highlight and cut. Our youngest son had woke up hours earlier complaining of a sore throat and headache but I wasn't about to cancel my appointment.

Okay, before you send me any awful mommy fan mail, let me explain...

My husband was off of work today and the doctor's first available appointment was not until after three o'clock. So, I knew Carson would be in good hands with his dad while I hopped over to my favorite salon for an hour or two.

As I sat in the salon chair, quietly enjoying a warm cup of hazel vanilla coffee while flipping through the pages of a Pottery Barn magazine, my cell phone rang. I could see from the caller i.d. that it was Carson. My heart did a double beat as a thought flashed through my mind, "I wonder if everything's okay?".

"Mom, my hand is cramping up!"

"What? What do you mean your hand is cramping up?"

(Internal thought) "I knew I should have stayed home."

"Mom, my hand is cramping up from playing too much X-box and I just found a new controller on the internet that has this special attachment which will keep my hands from cramping. And, Mom, I really think I need to order it now! It's only $39.99 and if I order it within the next 20 minutes, they'll give me FREE shipping! Mom, I think having this new controller will really keep my hands from cramping!!"

(Calmly) "Carson, we'll talk about it when I get home. Get off of the X-box, get off of the internet and by the way...where is Dad?"

"He's taking a nap...."

Geesh!

****************************************************************************
Got any funny kid stories to share? Do tell so we can all get a good belly laugh today.

Very Expensive Perfume

2011-09-14T11:19:00.000-04:00

Have you ever given away something that was very special to you? Maybe it was a family heirloom or a pricey item that you originally bought for yourself? If so, was it hard to give away? Were you the slightest bit hesitant or felt pressured in the process? Or, did it bring you a lot of joy?

Check out this verse...

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3

In John 12:3, we see a woman named Mary, take a jar of very expensive perfume and pour it over Jesus’ feet during a dinner party. Not only that, but Mary wiped His feet with her hair. Seems strange? I’m sure Mary thought that her act of kindness would be well received. But instead, the dinner guests became very upset with her. Everyone that is, accept Jesus.

You see, Jesus knew Mary’s heart and that she was giving up her expensive perfume as an act of worship. Yes, it had cost Mary a lot – about a year’s worth of wages. But, she wasn’t focused on the perfume or anyone else in the room. Mary was focused on Jesus.

Sometimes our worship can be costly. Like Mary, are we willing to give up our time to help others? Maybe put aside our own desires for what we know will please God? Will we give something valuable away to a friend or stranger that is in need?

Let's challenge each other today with this question... How can we worship Jesus today by giving sacrificially? What can we do to keep our focus on Him and not worry about what others think?

Mary’s story reminds us what’s most important. When we give our time, talents and even our resources to other it’s a beautiful expression of worshiping Jesus. By serving and loving on those around us we are also serving Christ.

If you've done some special lately for a friend, family member, or someone you didn't even know, I'd love for you to share your story by leaving a comment. Be sure to include how this special act of kindness made you feel

Wanting more? Check out these additional Scripture verses:

Ephesians 6:6-81 Peter 4:9-11Acts 20:35

Heart Surgery

2011-08-11T09:40:00.007-04:00

Just imagine if you were told that you needed heart surgery today...

What would you say?

How would you react?

What would you do?

This morning I found out that I needed to have surgery. Not on my physical heart but on my emotional heart. Not with a metal scalpel but with a two-edged sword. Not by a surgeon's hand but by the healing Word of God.

Printed on the pages of my devotional book this morning...

"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve. Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT)

As I examine my heart today, I become painfully aware of deceitful emotions that need to be removed. Secret motives that need to be repaired. Private thoughts that need to be replaced.

Yep, surgery is required. A decision needs to be made. There is no time to put off.

Will I say yes to the Surgeon? Will I trust His delicate hands? Will I surrender myself into His protective care?

What about you? Do you need surgery too? When you examine your heart what do you see?

Joy or Jealousy

Gratitude or Grumbling

Love or Hatred

Faith or Fear

What are the secret motives that have settled inside your heart? Are their unhealthy rewards you long for? What about the hidden actions that you think no one sees?

He sees.

Yet He still loves.

He wants to repair your heart today.

Will you let Him?

Jesus, Help me to have a heart that is pure. Remove all the broken pieces of pain and loneliness. Replace all my grumbling and discontentment with thankfulness. Carve out any fear and doubt that has woven it's way into the delicate places of my heart. Repair those parts that have been damaged by hatred. And, insert Your joy and peace in all of the hollow spaces of my heart.

Please change my negative emotions and motives. And, let me actions and words not only be honoring to others but most importantly to You. Thank you for my surgery today. Thank you for a new and improve heart. Let it always belong to You...forever and ever!

Don't Make Me Count to Three

2011-05-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

Do your children always obey when you ask them to do something?

If so, call me right away because I want to know your secret!

Thankfully, my boys don't exhibit an in-your-face disobedient attitude or an openly defiant behavior. However, they have developed the crafty art of delayed obedience which basically is...disobedience. We've been trying to nip that in the bud for a while now.

Just last weekend, I had asked my son to bring his dirty clothes downstairs so that I could wash a batch of laundry. Now, I already know what you're thinking. "Girlfriend, you should have your son wash his own clothes!"

Yes, yes, I know but sometimes it's easier to do things myself and on this particular occasion I wanted to just get'r done. I wasn't in a "let's teach him responsibility for the future" mood. My washer was empty and I was looking to fill it. Just being honest here. (sigh)

Anyways, I asked him twice but he kept replying with a question, "Can I just finish this game on xbox first?" Have you heard that one before? Well, finally I posed a question back to my son.

"Do you know that delayed obedience is disobedience?"

With that, he stopped his game, silently gathered up his dirty clothes, and brought them downstairs. I didn't have to say another word accept.

This morning during my quiet time I came across a question in my devotional book:

"What does the expression "delayed obedience is disobedience" mean to you?"

I immediately thought of my son and his dirty laundry. A big smile spread across my face but then another thought popped into my head...

"That's exactly what you did yesterday with your prayer journal."

My smile quickly faded and was replaced with a puzzling frown as I remembered about my plans to write in my prayer journal over the weekend. It had been weeks since I last updated it and there was a lot to write about.

Lately, our family has been experiencing some amazing miracles in the area of our finances. I wanted to capture my thoughts on paper so I wouldn't forget them. I also wanted to write words of gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness during such a tough time in our lives.

But, although I had good intentions, I chose to do other things. A phone call to my sister, a trip to the grocery store, and those plants that desperately needed watering.

I told myself I'd get around to writing when the house got quiet and I could concentrate. But, those moments never came.

All weekend long thoughts of my prayer journal kept popping into my head but I kept pushing them aside. My strong desire to write eventually faded away and was replaced with an "I'll get around to it tomorrow" attitude.

Looking back, I honestly believe God had placed that desire in my heart this weekend. He was the one who kept reminding me about my journal but my response was similar to the "can I just finish..." answer I got from son regarding his dirty laundry.

My delayed obedience was disobedience - plain and simple.

Instead of feeling guilty, I was so glad that God gently pointed that out to me this morning. Besides, He would never want me to feel guilty to being with (Roman 8:1). I'm happy to report that my prayer journal has been updated!

So let me ask you a question.

Is there something you need to do BUT you just keep putting off? Like...

Bring a meal to a sick friend?

Send a thank you card to a co-worker?

Have a consistent devotional time each day?

Fix your husband's favorite meal although it requires a lot of extra work in the kitchen?

Volunteer in your child's class?

Run an errand for your aging parent?

If your answer is yes, maybe you'll be encouraged and motivated to do that something today. I sure hope so.

I don't know about you but there's a wonderful sense of joy, peace and freedom that comes after finishing a task or project. Especially, if I sense that it's God who's given me the assignment in the first place.

You know what? I think it's the wonderful sense of obedience...

"Mom, That's Stealing!"

2011-04-25T10:31:00.007-04:00

Would you consider yourself an honest person?

Would you go as far to say that you live a life of integrity?

I was challenged last week by my 16 year old when he caught me in the middle of agreeing to something that was not so honest. In fact, as he put it "it was stealing".

Last Thursday Brody was on Spring Break and went with several of his friends to a local amusement park. I agreed to pay half of his ticket and he would pay the difference to purchase a seasonal pass for the Summer.

Two days later, Carson was invited to a birthday party which was being held where? You got it...the same amusement park.

The three of us were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the party when Carson suggested that he could use Brody's seasonal pass instead of buying another ticket. "Mom, just think of all the money you could say. I look so much like Brody that they wouldn't even notice."

With little hesitation, I said "You know...that's a good idea."

A good idea? What was I thinking! I wanted to gobble up those words that had spilled out of my mouth but it was too late.

With the look of shock and horror on his face, Brody blurted out, "Mom, you've got to be kidding! That's stealing!!"

He was absolutely right and his words left me feeling smaller than a bed mite and stinkier than a skunk.

I immediately apologized, agreed that it would be completely wrong, and commended Brody for speaking the truth and challenging me to make the right choice in the situation.

Choosing truth instead of a lie.

Choosing integrity instead of dishonesty.

For years, we've drilled our kids with the motto "Honesty and integrity leads to righteousness." But, here my actions were speaking way louder than our family motto.

In all honesty, it's really embarrassing to share this story with you. Yet, there's such great lessons God's teaching me through this experience that it's totally worth it. If you can learn from my mistakes - more kuddos to you.

Here's what I'm learning...

Being an honest person and living a life of integrity requires a LOT of hard work. It's not something we can master all at once. It's a process.

Day by day.

Hour by hour.

Situation by situation.

Choice by choice.

The good news for you and me is that we don't have to accomplish living a life of integrity on our own. We can rely on Christ to guide us in every circumstance. He knows what it's like to live a
life of this earth with all the challenges and struggles the world offers yet do it with complete integrity.

I may have blown it big time last week in the area of honesty. But,today is a new day and my desire is to choose wisely. I'm asking God to help me live for Him so that my husband and children can not only hear our family motto "Honesty and integrity leads to righteousness" but experience it being lived out. I my life and in theirs.

Won't you join me?

Is there an area in your life where you're being challenged to be completely honest? Maybe you're struggling to be honest with someone like your spouse, your children, a parent, a co-worker, or even yourself?

If so, take a few minutes to pray and ask Christ to help you live a life of integrity. To speak the truth and make wise choices. Then trust that He will and look to Him for help in every situation that comes your way. I promise He'll be faithful to guide you and give you the strength you need.

Day by day

Hour by hour

Moment by moment.

Happy 25th Anniversary

2011-04-05T09:46:00.002-04:00

Today, my husband and I are celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary.

Gosh, I can't believe we've been married this long! The years have flown by so fast and there is still so much I want to experience with Keith.

Trips we long to take together...like a Mediterranean cruise.

Adventures we hope to share...like camping in Yosemite Park

Hobbies we want to do...like taking up golf or scuba diving.

Some of these things we've talked about and planned for years. But, either tight finances, raising our boys, illnesses in our family, or crazy work schedules have kept us from actually experiencing them.

And, time goes on and on and on.

This year's anniversary started out with a big bang at 2:00 am when the phone abruptly rang which scared me half to death. I hate those middle-of-the-night calls. My brain always conjures up the worst case scenarios.

It was a prerecorded state-of-emergency message notifying us that a tornado was in our area and included instructions to immediately take shelter in the center of our home.

I quickly ran upstairs to wake up the boys. Within 2 minutes all four of us were bundled under the covers of our king-sized bed with our Malti-poo, Chivas, curled up in a ball nearby.

At first, we laid there just listening to the sounds of the storm bearing down on us. No one said a word. Then, we took turns praying for God's protect over us, our home, and our community. By the time we finished praying, the winds had died down a bit and the lightening seemed to settle. It was still raining cats and dogs but the howling sounds had stopped and my heart wasn't racing anymore.

The boys eventually returned to their rooms and we all fell back to sleep.

Early this morning, as the sun was coming up over the horizon, we surveyed the damage outside. It was obvious that a horrible storm had ripped through our neighborhood. In our yard along, we had 3 large trees that snapped in half, a basketball goal that had toppled over, and debris everywhere.

After the boys left for school, Keith and I decided to sit for a while and have our morning coffee. I smiled at him and said, "Gee, I sure hope this storm isn't a sign of what the next 25 years of our marriage will look like!" He laughed and said "Yeah, no kidding!"

Yes, over the past 25 years we've definitely experienced "storms" in our marriage. Storms that sometimes felt like seventy mile an hour winds, furious lightening strikes, torrential rains, and tornadoes touching down.

But, in the midst of it all, we've huddled close together and prayed for God's protection every single time. And, every single time God has been faithful to see us through. Sure, there has been mental or emotional "debris" that needed to be cleaned up afterward but with God's help we've surveyed the damage and restored everything to new again.

As I look out the window right now, I'm amazed that there isn't a single cloud in the sky. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and there's a gentle breeze in the air. It's absolutely gorgeous and I'm getting to enjoy the calm that comes after a storm.

Yes, I hope this moment is a sign of what the next 25 years of our marriage will be like.

Absolutely priceless.

Happy Anniversary Honey...I love you so much!!!

We Need to Talk

2011-04-01T09:23:00.003-04:00

Do you consider yourself a good communicator?

I do but I'm always looking for ways to improve when it comes to talking with others whether it's my husband, my children, co-workers, or friends.

For me, it's easy to share a personal story, maybe a few fun facts, or something good that has brightened my day. I love to encourage others or tell them something that brings a smile to their face.

It's sharing the not-so-good news that I need help with. I normally beat around the bush or over explain myself. I tend to apologize profusely and drag things out instead of getting to the point. It's just really hard for me and I'm not good at it.

This morning I read a great article on Michael Hyatt's blog about this very topic. For those of you who don't know Michael Hyatt, he's the Chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing and a SUPER smart guy.

He shares 6 important suggestions we can follow when it comes to giving not-so-good news to someone else. I don't know about you but I need to start implementing these suggestions today!

If you're interested in reading the article (it's short, to the point, and won't take long at all) click here

Then hop back over to my blog and tell me what's the one thing you're choosing to apply today from what you've learn. I'd love to know!

Have a wonderful weekend sweet friends...

Happy Mardi Gras

2011-03-08T09:13:00.004-05:00

This morning hundreds and thousands of people will line the streets of New Orleans to celebration Fat Tuesday, better known as Mardi Gras.

As a child, I can remember the excitement and anticipation this day would bring as our family headed out to the parade routes to watch the marching bands, beautiful costumes, and massive ornate floats as they'd pass by. As my daddy would securely hold me on his shoulders, I 'd holler out, "Throw me something, Mister!" in hopes that I'd catch a beautiful long strand of beads to proudly display around my neck.

King Cakes were also a big part of the Mardi Gras season and I can remember my mother making them from scratch. Memories of her pulling out this sweet sugary pastry from our double dutch oven still makes my mouth water.

In fact, my mother-in-law surprised us by shipping two King Cakes which arrived at our front door yesterday. I've been licking my fingers all morning, trying to keep cinnamon icing from getting all over my keyboard. Just one slice with a cup of coffee....oh, so good!

In honor of my dear friends and family who still live in New Orleans, I'd like to share the story of how King Cakes were originated.

The History of King Cakes

The King Cake is believed to have originated in France around the 12th century. These early Europeans celebrated the coming of the three wise men bearing gifts twelve days after Christmas calling it the Feast of the Epiphany, Twelfth Night, or King's Day. The main part of the celebration was the baking of a King's Cake to honor the three kings.

The cakes were made circular to portray the circular route used by the kings to get to the Christ Child, which was taken to confuse King Herod who was trying to follow the wise men so he could kill the Christ Child.

In these early King Cakes a bean, pea, or coin was hiding inside the cake. The person who got the hidden piece was declared king (or queen) for the day or was said to be blessed in the coming year. The bean or coin was eventually replaced with a small plastic baby to symbolize the Christ Child. The person who receives a piece of cake with the baby hidden inside is expected to carry on the carnival festivals by hosting the next King Cake party.

To order a King Cake or find out more, check out this video from Manny Randazzo's Bakery. People stand in line for blocks just to purchase one of their cakes!

https://www.randazzokingcake.com

Happy Mardi Gras, N'Awlins!!!

Calm My Anxious Heart

2011-03-07T11:22:00.002-05:00

Have you ever felt anxious or unsettled but really didn't know why?

The other morning I woke up feeling this way. My to-do list was small, there were no major problems looming over me, and I had gotten plenty of rest the night before. But, I still felt so anxious inside. It was as if there was a car motor running inside of me that I couldn't turn off.

At first, I decided to ignore the feelings and just go about my day. But, as my day went on the "motor" kept running. My plan obviously wasn't working. So, I switched gears and decided to lay down for 15 minutes to rest and pray. As I did, it dawned on me that I hadn't exercised in days.

I normally go to the gym 3-4 times a week to keep my energy up and my waistline in check but lately I had slacked off. I had made excuses and it was starting to show.

For me, exercise not only keeps my scale happy but it also reduces my internal stress levels. With only 30 minutes of cardio, my body releases lots of "happy" chemicals called endorphins which leaves me feeling energized and stress-less.

It works for me and I bet it will work for you. Are you feeling anxious today and can't quite figure out why? Try taking a brisk walk with a friend or dust off your bike and go for a ride. If you belong to a local gym, take time to go. Make it a priority to exercise and take care of yourself. You'll be so glad you did!

Headline News Reports

2011-02-16T09:14:00.004-05:00

Does watching the headlines news sometimes leave you feeling discouraged and frustrated?

Every morning I head to the gym for a quick workout before I start my day at the office. I always take my ear buds so I can listen to the news while pounding away some unwanted pounds on the treadmill.

For me, it's important to find out what's going on in the world and stay updated on the latest headlines. Hearing about the new fashion trends is always fun too!

Although I want to stay informed, I can sometimes get discouraged while watching the news. After 30 minutes of hearing about political disputes, fighting in the Middle East, natural disasters, and another disease outbreak, I'm ready to toss a 5 pound weight through the t.v. screen and run to the nearest coffee shop for a mocha latte and cinnamon roll.

It's then that I have to remind myself that although I live in a world that is so imperfect and scary at times, I serve an awesome God who has overcome it.

In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that the world is full of troubles and difficulties. But, He also says that we should take heart (be confident, courageous, assured) because He has overcome the world.

Sure, I can't dig a hole in the sand and stick my head in it to avoid knowing what's going on in this world. But, it's important for me to keep a healthy perspective and focus on the fact that God loves me, is always with me, and promises to take care of me no matter what is going on in the world around me.

Knowing these truths helps me stay confident, courageous, and assured.

How to Change Your Teenager's Thoughts

2011-02-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

Wishing you could change the way your teenager thinks?

Below is article that I found this week which gives great tips on how to help your teenager renew his/her mind. You may even discover these concepts can rejuvenate your own thought life!

Teaching Teens the Life Skill of Renewing Their Minds.

The world is full of counterfeit truth claims, but you can teach your teen to live according to God's reality.

by Marc A. Fey

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).

The most important skill you can teach your teen is the renewing of his mind. The mistake many parents make is to try to renew their teen's mind for him. Renewing the mind is a day-to-day process of thinking biblically. You might remember in our last issue we talked about how to choose God's reality as the Bible defines it rather than alternate and counterfeit versions of reality. The car commercial that promises significance through horsepower and luxury is presenting a "truth claim" that is counter to the truth claims of the Bible.

The world is full of counterfeit truth claims, but you can teach your teen to live according to God's reality. When the mind is renewed, God's will and reality become clearer. You may be thinking, But how do I teach my teen the skill of renewing the mind?

To get started, you should first prepare your teen.

Preparation

Begin by making sure your teen has the right set of expectations. Some people approach God's Word with the wrong set of expectations.

For example, does the Bible promise that if you follow all the commandments, you will have no struggles in life? Of course not. But it's not uncommon for a person to read the Bible with this kind of faulty expectation.

When your daughter opens the Bible, what should she expect? Teach her to look for who God is and what His world is really all about.

Next, help her understand that reading the Bible is having a conversation with God. As she reads, she can look for things that apply to her own circumstances and place in life.

The next step in helping your teen to renew their mind is to give them a biblical perspective.

Perspective

Put God's Word into the context of your teen's everyday life. Many parents make the mistake of assuming their teen's world is the same as their own world.

Start by looking closely at your teen's world. Walk in his shoes. Listen to the messages he gets when he walks into the classroom every day where a biblical worldview is challenged.

Consider the effect of video games he plays or TV he watches. Your first challenge is to step back and evaluate the messages your son is getting throughout the day.

Next, help your son gain a biblical perspective on these messages. Ask:

"What did you hear today that would have sounded out of place at our dinner table?"
"What are the promises that you heard on TV tonight? Are they true?"
"What message does that video game convey?"

Speak about God's truth in contrast to the other messages. You might say: "The Bible says you and I are going to live forever, and we have a unique opportunity every day to do things that will last into eternity. What do you think we could do today that would last forever?" Or, "When God looks at you, what does He see?"

In addition to helping your teen gain a biblical perspective, you should also teach them about spending personal time with God.

Personal Time With God

Help your teen carve out regular, daily time with God to study the Bible and pray.

When I was a new Christian at the age of 17, a Young Life leader said to me, "If you read your Bible every day, God will tell you all kinds of things that will help you know how to live your life!" Boy, that got my attention.

Encourage (don't nag) your teen to commit to a specific time every day. Have him pick the time and spot.

In my own parenting, this challenge led my wife and me to talk with our 14-year-old son about canceling all the video game time for the rest of the school year to make room in his life for prayer. Commitment takes sacrifice.

Here's another suggestion:

Start out small (perhaps 10 or 15 minutes to begin). Divide the time into three simple activities:

Pray (ask God to speak through His Word and to give understanding)
Read
Reflect (ask "What did I just hear or learn about who God is and what His world is like?")

Quality Time With God's People

Learning from God's Word is a corporate activity. Your teen should learn from God's Word with other people, starting with you.

Listen to Dr. Dobson or another radio teacher on a regular basis, discuss Sunday's sermon at the dinner table on Tuesday or attend a family camp this summer.

Psychologists say your teen's peer group is important to his development as a person.

Find rich environments where your teen can learn from God's Word with his peer group. Often that will be a Bible-focused youth group, but it also might be a Bible study you start in your home, or a conference teens attend together. Continually evaluate the quality of the teaching and converse with your teen about what he is learning.

Finally, in helping your teen to begin renewing their mind, emphasize the importance of the quest for truth.

Quest for Truth

Discovering what it means to live out our faith is a lifelong journey as we integrate what we believe with every area of life.

God will be with us, which is the most important part of the quest.

Teach your teen that God desires to reveal His truth to us. God is personal. He talks to us all the time: through creation, through others, and most clearly through His Word.

We can trust God's Word, expecting that He will do what He promises: speak to us, lead us, provide for us, give us everything we need for life and godliness in Christ Jesus.

Share your own quest with your teen so he knows the power of your story. Learning to think like a Christian requires renewing the mind. Teaching your teen how to do this and live according to God's will — and why that's important — might be the best gift you can give.

Learn the art of asking great questions. Jesus asked so many good questions. In fact, He often answered a question with a question!

Start by carving out time for you and your teen to talk. Engage your teen with life questions that apply directly to your teen's circumstances. For example, you might ask, "Have you ever read anything in the Bible that might apply to that?" or "Have you looked at Proverbs to see what God might have to say about that?"

What you can't do is ask a question that has an obvious answer or that implies you already know what the right answer is, kind of a "warmer, warmer" sort of hunt for the answer. Make the question a legitimate one so your son finds the answer on his own.

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules. Recently my son accompanied me on a business trip where we had a heart-to-heart talk. I was ready with life questions to get us talking. Before I started rattling off the questions, I asked God what He thought I should focus on. His answer surprised me: "Ask him what was his favorite part of the day."

Wasn't this a great article? What is the one thing that really stood out to you in this article? Which one of these tips will you start applying to your life or your teenager's life today? Do tell....

Friday's with Robin's Nest

2011-01-28T06:00:00.003-05:00

Update:

Our trip to Canada was incredible. The weatherman said there would be snow all weekend long but we had blue skies and the sun was shining the entire weekend. God is so good!

Our flights were great too and as for the women of Calvary Baptist Church in Oshawa...well, let me just say they are some of the most precious and tender-hearted women I've ever met.

Thanks for your prayers, words of encouragement, and great scripture verses! I'll be sure to include them in my new spiral index scripture memory pack for 2011.

As for the winner of the Starbucks Gift Card... it's Chef Diane!!! Diane, please email me (Leah.Proverbs31@gmail.com) your mailing address so I can send that gift card out to you this week.

Please stop by again to say hello, share another scripture verse, or even a prayer request. I'd love to stay in touch and pray for you.

Sending cyber hugs your way!
Leah

If you've hopped on over from Robin's Nest, I"m so thrilled that you're joining us today.

I'm on my way to Toronto, Canada this morning with my dear friend and ministry partner, Renee Swope. We'll be at Calvary Baptist Church in Oshawa, Ontario. I've never been to Canada before so I'm very excited to say the least. The weather will be way to frigid for this southern gal but I'm taking lots of coats, scarves, boots, and gloves .

I'm tell you a little secret about myself...

I really don't like flying. Actually, I'll go as far to say I h-a-t-e flying. So, whenever I board another plane and travel to another city to tell another woman that Jesus loves her, it's out of complete obedience to God. I may turn gray a few years sooner than I had planned but He's totally worth it. Besides, there's always Clairol, right?

I told Robin that it would be so much fun to have a give-away. The prize? A Starbucks gift card. All you have to do is leave a comment with your favorite scripture verse below and if you'd like to tell me something about yourself that would be awesome too.

I'll have the drawing on Sunday night so be sure to check back Monday morning to see if you won!

Until then, have an awesome weekend and know that I'm praying for you.

Hitting the Bull's-Eye

2011-01-10T12:24:00.021-05:00

Last week Keith took our oldest son, Brody, skeet shooting.

Honestly, I was a little stressed out about the idea. Seeing my son hold a 20 gauge shotgun in his hands was a wee bit too daunting for me. It didn't take long for that imaginary movie reel to start playing in my head, displaying frightening full color images of the "what if's" that could happen during what appeared to be a pretty dangerous outing from my point of view.

I almost threw my hands up and shouted "NO WAY"! Instead, I hit the stop button on my "what if" thoughts and reminded myself this was a trip they had been planning for months . Plus, Keith and Brody would be shooting at target posters and clay pigeons at an official shooting range so it wasn't like any blood would be shed. At least, I hoped not.

Keith did a lot of hunting with his dad when he was young. Now it would be Brody's turn for that same rite of passage experience with his dad. Ya know, one of those father-son bonding things.

Here is my precious 16 year old son with a shotgun in his hand. He was SO pumped up!

Someone is getting feisty. Keith thinks he's Wyatt Earp

I'm not sure who's more excited about the trip - Keith or Brody?

They are such great buddies. I just love this picture :)

Here are their target posters. Keith's is on the left and Brody's is on the right.

This was Brody's first time shooting a 35 caliber and take a look at the bull's-eye on his target (right). Brody's second shot landed smack dab in the middle of the target! When he walked in the house with the poster in one hand and a big smile plastered on his face, I wasn't sure whether to be excited or a little freaked out. Now, that is what I call precision shooting and where on earth did Brody get such accuracy? The only target practice he's had is on Xbox 360.

It makes me think of the targets in my own life...

The personal goals I'm hoping to achieve.
The adventurous moments I'm waiting to experience.
The pie-in-the-sky dreams I'm longing to fulfill.

I looked up the word bull's-eye in the dictionary and here's the definition:
1. The small central circle of a target
2. A direct hit.
3 . The precise accomplishment of a goal or purpose

What if I could know for sure that I would hit the bull's-eye every time I set a personal goal for myself? What if I could aim my life along a specific course and be guaranteed a direct hit? Or, set out to accomplish something big in my life and have 100% assurance of knowing I'd meet my goal or purpose with complete accuracy?

I often wonder if my own fear of failure or lack of confidence keep me from trying in the first place?

What about you? Have you ever set out to accomplish something in your life but half way through the process you became discouraged and weary? Maybe your target appeared to be moving away from you instead of closer like you had planned. Or, what started out to be an important goal has been reduced in your mind to "not that big of a deal anymore". Maybe you tell yourself, "This is way to hard and it's just not worth it". I know I do.

There are times when I loose confidence in myself or want to just give up on a particular goal I've set. Do you ever feel that way too? When that starts to happen I'm reminded of what I should do next.

Here are a few scripture verses that I've memorized over the years. When I start to feel discouraged or begin to think that I'll never obtain my goal, I pause then shift my focus off of my feelings and onto God's truth. His Word tells me....

Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up, do you not perceive (see) it? Isaiah 43: 18-19

For I am God's workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus, to do good works which God has prepared in advance for me to do. Ephesians 2:10

Blessed is the woman who perseveres under trials (difficulty), because when she has stood the test, she will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

You may be feeling discouraged today. Maybe you don't see any progress in a certain area of your life and it totally frustrates you. I can so relate!

Let's look at the Truth together and not be swayed by our feelings. How about we shift our focus and allow God to remind us that our perseverance will be rewarded and that He is doing a new thing in our lives. That God has hand picked special assignments for us which have been prepared before we were ever born. Let's look for that new thing that He's doing in your lives today.

As for the skeet shooting trip, they had a blast. Now Carson, our 11 year old is begging to go. It's time for this momma to throw up her hands and shout, "NO WAY"!

What's Your Favorite Christmas Decoration this Year?

2010-12-31T10:42:00.010-05:00

Have you started putting away your Christmas decorations yet? Before you do, let me ask you a quick question. What has been your favorite Christmas decoration this year?

Is it your tree filled with all sorts of ornaments or the beautiful wreath on your front door?

Maybe someone gave you a holiday platter loaded down with lots of Christmas cookies this year. Now that the cookies are all gone you've decided to display it on your kitchen counter in hopes that someone will fill it with cookies again.

Or, maybe it's that special angel or star placed on top of your tree. The one that is a priceless family heirloom or holds special childhood memories.

My favorite Christmas decoration is our family nativity set. It reminds me of my mother. Growing up we didn't have a lot of money. In fact, mom would use lots of candles during Christmas time because they were cheap and gave off such a beautiful scent in our home. I'd always help mom set up the nativity which was, besides our tree, the main decoration that always brought her such joy.

When I got married she gave me a nativity set for our very first Christmas. I had it for years but during our family's move to North Carolina, it was accidentally dropped and shattered in what seemed like a million pieces. I was so upset and decided to replace.

There was only one problem. I had a really hard time finding a nativity set that I truly liked. As I went from store to store, I saw shelves filled with Santa Clause, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph trinkets instead of nativity sets. The ones I found were so small and basic. Until this year....

I approached my search for a nativity a little differently. This time I prayed first. I told God how much I longed to have a nativity set again. One that my children would remember when they grew up. Not something small and basic but a nativity that would be glorious and reflect the true meaning of Jesus' birth. A nativity that would take my breath away. It was two days later that my prayer was answered.

Take a look....

Honestly, the pictures don't do it justice. I wish you could come to my house and see the nativity set for yourself. You'd find it sitting right next to our breakfast table off of the kitchen which is the main hub of our home.

Each ceramic piece has so much detail. I love the palm trees and animals. Especially the camel. It is absolutely beautiful!

Once again, I'm reminded of how God really does care about the intimate details of my life and the desires in my heart, no matter how small they be.

I learned years ago to ask God for any thing - no matter how small and significant -then thank and praise Him regardless of His decision.

I know that He loves me unconditionally and promises to work all things together for my good.

Because I trust Him, I have peace and confidence whether His answer is yes, no, or not now. I DO love it when He says yes though!

Every time I look at this nativity set, I think of my wonderful mom. Oh, how I wish she could see it now. It would definitely take her breath away too!

One last note...sorry about the formatting of this post. I still don't know how to transfer pictures into blogger without them getting all messed up. Maybe finding out how should be part of my New Years Resolution! Speaking of, have a wonderful and safe New Years celebration.

Sweet blessings,
Leah

Merry Christmas Everyone

2010-12-25T10:21:00.009-05:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!!

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”, which means “God with us”.

Receive the gift of His almighty presence today...

Are You Ready for Christmas?

2010-12-20T08:57:00.005-05:00

Should I even ask?

Are you ready for Christmas?

Decorate the tree ~ check!
Buy & wrap presents ~ check!
Bake cookies ~ check!
Hang Christmas wreath ~ check!
Send out Christmas cards ~ oh well....

I can't believe Christmas week is here already. It seems like only yesterday that I was packing our suitcases and heading to Houston, Texas for Thanksgiving with my parents. We celebrated Texas style with all our siblings, nieces, and nephews. There were 25 of us in all and it felt like Christmas day even though it was a month early.

Being gone that week put a wrench in my Christmas shopping & decorating but I wouldn't trade that trip for anything. I'm going to tell you a secret. I just started shopping this past weekend and finally hung our wreath on the front door yesterday afternoon. This year is different though. Although I'm way behind on my Christmas preparations, I have such a inner peace and joy in my heart. It feels unexpected but wonderful all at the same time. I think it's because I've been mentally and spiritually preparing for Christmas for two months now. Let me explain...

Two weeks ago I was privileged to speak at The Cove Church Ladies Life Christmas Brunch. For weeks I had been preparing and praying over what message God wanted me to share with these precious women. I finally landed on the story of Joseph's visit by the angel Gabriel found in Matthew 1: 18-27. As I pondered and prayed some more, I was drawn to the words "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means "God with us".

As if a huge light bulb went off in my head, I suddenly realized this was the message I would focus on for Christmas 2010. I wish I had time today to share everything with you but in a nutshell...

If finances are tight and gifts are few - God is with us!

If loved ones are no longer here and we feel alone - God is with us!

If marriages are struggling and family members aren't talking - God is with us!

If children are rebellious and hearts are wounded - God is with us!

If sickness is upon us and we're weak in our bodies - God is with us!

If depression is looming and hopelessness is calling - God is with us!

No matter what our circumstances this Christmas season we can be certain of one thing. God is with us and will always be with us no matter what. He is our constant companion and our source of strength. He is our ever-present help in time of trouble. He will never abandon us or refuse to listen to us. He was there in our yesterdays and will be there in our tomorrows. The Lord always has time for us. Even His name proclaims His presence.

Immanuel, God with us

I'm pretty certain I won't be winning any neighborhood awards for best yard decorations on my street. Martha Stewart probably won't email me for my famous cookie recipes. And, I can guarantee I won't be mailing out any Christmas cards again this year. But, ya know what? I'm totally fine with it. I have peace, joy, and contentment which is the absolute best Christmas gifts I could possibly receive this year. And, it's all because I know that no matter what, God is with us.

Do you have that same assurance this Christmas season? Oh, I hope you do. If not, please write and let me know so I can be praying for you. I would love to!

Smack Dab in the Middle of Mundane

2010-12-06T08:02:00.001-05:00

Would you consider yourself an adventurous or cautious person? How about daring or conservative?

I've always been a rule follower. I'm not one to step out of my comfort zone and do something "on the fly". Yet, I admire people that have an "out of the box" approach to life. Their life seems so exciting and adventurous to me. In fact, it kinda makes me want to be a little more daring too.

As I sit on the sidelines, watching these people take big risks, I'm amazed at how much fun they're having. I want to have fun too! So why am I so hesitant?

I've always associated risk-taking with fear, stress and problems. I'm sure that goes hand in hand with adventure but problems and stress can certainly be constant companions to someone living smack dab in the middle of mundane. Trust me...I know.

God's been challenging me lately to live a more adventurous live. As I spend time in His Word, God's showing me that my unwillingness to take risks is really a form of unbelief. What I'm really thinking is "will God come through for me" if I step out in faith and do something radical for Him.

He's showing me that if I really want to follow Him I need to surrender my tendency to always play it safe. I have to trust that He is always with me and no matter what He will see me through whatever comes my way.

What about you? Is God asking you to do something really adventurous for Him today? Is this something WAY outside of your comfort zone and just thinking about it makes you sweat? Is God stretching you emotionally, mentally, or physically in ways you never imagined?

I dare you to step out in faith and allow Him to lead you step by step though this adventure with Him. If you stay focused on Him, I bet your fears will be replaced with joy and excitement. Why don't you give it a try and see. Then be sure to write and let me know what's happening in your life.

Remember, God promises to always take care of you - to never leave you! So really...you have nothing to lose.

One Hundred Crashing Jetliners Today?

2010-11-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Did you know that 26,575 children die every day of largely preventable causes related to their poverty?

Let that soak in for a minute...twenty six thousand, five hundred and seventy five children died yesterday, today, and will die tomorrow. That's equivalent to one hundred jetliners crashing every single day! At that rate almost ten million children will die in the course of one year.

I remember the day I read this gut-wrenching statistic in Richard Stern's book, "The Hole in Our Gospel". At first I thought it must have been a typo. That number seemed impossible...but in fact it's a painful reality in the world we live in.

As I pondered and cried, I resisted the temptation to ask "why?". Then it dawned on me that God knew my thoughts - even if I didn't verbalize them - so why not be totally honest and ask Him...

"God, why would you allow so many children to die every single day?"

"God, I know you care for them. This makes no sense to me."

"God, why won't you allow manna and quail to fall from the sky or fresh clean water to burst out of rocks like you did for the Israelites when they lived in the desert?"

" God, you can fix this problem so why don't you?"

I know these are really harsh questions to ask an Almighty God and I wish I could say He gave me some specific answers. I've come to realize that God chooses to keep some things hidden from us. After all, what kind of God would He be if we knew all His business? Why would need faith?

What is the truth in this situation:
God is all sovereign. He is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present. Nothing has or ever will happen outside of His plan. He sees everything and nothing escapes His reach. He is a loving God and each one of these children belong to Him.

What is the real challenge we face:
We live in a broken world with broken people. We face an enemy every day who's mission is to kill, steal, and destroy God's children. Our world is full of greed, jealously, and corruption. Our broken world is a result of original sin.

What do we need to focus on:
Our limitations in contrast to God's unlimited power and control of all the world's events. God is alive and in complete control of world hunger, poverty, disease and even death. We can't see all that God is doing and we can't see all that He will do. But we can be assured that He is God and will do what is right. Knowing this can give us confidence and hope in a very confusing world.

So what can I do?
I can pray for these children and their families. I can let others know what I've learned through Richard Stearn's book about world poverty. I can do my part by asking God how He wants me to help others locally, nationally, and globally. I can trust in my loving Jesus and rest in knowing that He has everything under control - even if it doesn't make sense to me.

" Twenty six thousand, five hundred and seventy five children die every day of largely preventable causes related to their poverty." Richard Stearn, The Hole in Our Gospel

Now that you know this statistic...what are you going to do?

Community Series-Week Three (Learning Together)

2010-09-27T14:46:00.008-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope y'all are enjoying all this rain we're having. I'm tickled pink! My flowers and bushes were begging for water and now they're all pump, perky, and happy again. Rainy days make me want to curl up with a blanket, a great book, and a large mocha latte. What do you like to do on rainy days?

This week's theme in our Community Series is "Learning Together". If you didn't get a chance to make it to one of the weekend services, log onto the Cove Church to view the video.

Our family went to the Sunday morning 9:00 am service and it was filled to the gills! Almost every seat was taken and silently I was thinking to myself, "Gosh, all these people must be going to the Panthers game later on today!" It was really neat watching everyone get so pumped up about being in church! Looking at all those people also reminded me of why we need to be in a life group....so we can stay connected.

I hope everyone is enjoying life group and looks forward to Wednesday mornings as much as I do. I've loved getting to hear your individual stories and making new friends. Let's be sure to introduce yourselves to someone new this Wednesday so that we can continue to get to know one another better.

Here is the study guide for this week:

Study Guide:Learning Together

Be sure to complete the questions and bring them with you (along with your bible and pen) to group on Wednesday.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave a post below.

See ya soon!

Community Series-Week Two (Everyone's Invited!)

2010-09-20T11:08:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone,

Below is the link for this week's study guide questions:

http://www.covechurch.org/static/Community_Week2.pdf

If you didn't get a chance to make it to church this weekend, you can watch the services online at www.CoveChurch.org. Christian Chapman was our guest speaker and his message was incredible! It was taken from John 4 - the story about the woman at the well. I'm not sure if the video is up yet. If not, check again tomorrow.

Please be sure to read John 4, complete your study guide questions, and pray over last week's prayer requests to prepare for Wednesday morning's discussions.

If you have any questions or comments, please post them below.

See you at Libby's Wednesday morning. Remember we'll start at 9:30 sharp! Here's her address again if anyone will be joining us for the very first time this week.

Libby Cline
134 Shelter Cove Lane
Mooresville, NC 28117

Directions: Down Hwy 150 from Big Daddy's Restaurant. Across from Jokers, (The Catawba Queen). The subdivision name is Pinnacle Shores. If you get lost, call Libby at 704.662.6801

Cyber Hugs and prayers,

Community Series - Week One

2010-09-13T12:08:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone,

I'm so glad you'll be joining me this Fall for the Cove's church wide study series on "Community". Mike's message this past weekend was a great reminder to me of just how much we need each other. Life gets crazy sometimes and it's comforting to know that we have each other to count on.

If you didn't make it to church this weekend, you can view Mike's message on the Cove's website at www.covechurch.org

Below is the link for this week's study guide questions. You'll want to print them out (only 2 pages) and answer the questions before coming to Life Group on Wednesday morning.

http://www.covechurch.org/community

We'll be meeting at Libby's house on Wednesday morning from 9:30 - 11:15. Be sure to bring your competed study guide questions, bible, pen, and a smile. Here is Libby's address:

134 Shelter Cove Lane
Mooresville, NC 28117
Directions: Down Hwy 150 from Big Daddy's Restaurant. Across from Jokers, (The Catawba Queen). The subdivision name is Pinnacle Shores. If you get lost, call Libby at 704.662.6801

If you have any questions or comments about this Wednesday, just scroll down past my name below and click on "comments". Fill in the box and click the "anonymous" tab to post your comment.

I can't wait to see all of your precious faces on Wednesday!!!

On the Road Again

2010-09-06T10:46:00.002-04:00

How are you spending your Labor Day?

Are you have family over for a cook-out? Are you spending the weekend at the beach? Maybe you're headed to the park with a picnic basket and frisbees? Or, maybe you headed to the mall for some some Labor Day bargains?

Our family is spending Labor Day packing. Yes...packing. Again...packing. Oh boy...packing. Hooray...packing!

It's been 11 months since we moved into this wonderful place we call home. Our family loves it here and we were hoping to stay for a while. Just last year we signed a contract and moved out of our dream home on the lake. It was a really tough move but the home we're in now has been the perfect fit for our family. It's warm, cozy, and just the right size for us.

We've become friends with our landlords which is often times an exception to the rules. They are the sweetest family and have bent over backwards to make us feel at home this past year. They've recently decided to move back into the home we're renting so we've been house hunting the past 3 weeks. The process has included a few anxious moments and sleepless nights but we know it's all a part of the process. Being married to a General Contractor comes with an automatic oath of willingness to move frequently. I've actually enjoyed the adventure and variety of living in many different places. We've always owned our homes but with the economy so unstable we feel that it's best we lease for now until the housing market settles down a bit.

We found an awesome house in our same neighborhood which is such an answer to prayer! Our boys won't have to make new friends, change schools, or join new sports leagues. We also won't have to change our phone number or zip code. The best part is our new home will only be 3 miles down the road so that means less moving expenses. I've learned that you can shove a lot more stuff into those gigantic Hefty lawn trash bags when you're only going a short distance from House A to House B.

Our new place will have a view of the lake, an English garden, and a big front yard. Yes, we feel very blessed! We are excited about the new adventure God has us on and believe that although we weren't planning to move so soon, He's known about it all along and is providing a new place for us to call home.

I Have a Dream

2010-08-22T10:05:00.006-04:00

Do you have a dream?

Think about that for just a minute...

Maybe your dream is to finish school or get married. Maybe your dream to is have children or advance in your career. Maybe your dream is to take a trip to Europe or start your own business. Maybe your dream is have your own home or get your kids through college.

Whatever that dream may be, do you think it will ever come true? Do you sometimes feel like life is taking you in the opposite direction from your dream and you find yourself father away from it's reality than maybe a year or two ago?

I have a special dream that I think about every single day. My dream is always in the forefront of my mind. At times, the eager pursuit of my dream causes me to make certain decisions, spend my time a certain way, and even connect with particular people on a very regular basis.

Often, I become frustrated and think my dream will never come to fruition. I sense the urge to just throw up my hands up and shout at the top of my lungs, "Oh, just forget it! This is all just a big waste of my time!!"

I was feeling that way this morning.

Something recently happened to me that seemed to push my dream further away. It was like I had approached an unexpected dead end along my path that completely took me by surprise. It has left me feeling discouraged, frustrated, and foolish for even having this dream in the first place. "What am I doing? There's no way my dream will actually come true!"

While I was having my pity party this morning, I decided to sit down with a nice hot cup of coffee and read a devotion from one of my all time favorite books, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. And this is what I read:

"Wait with Me for a while. I have much to tell you. You are walking along the path I have chosen you. It is both a privileged and a perilous way: experiencing My glorious Presence and heralding that reality to others. Sometimes you feel presumptuous to be carrying out such an assignment. Do not worry about what other people think of you. The work I am doing in you is hidden at first. But eventually blossoms will burst forth, and abundant fruit will be borne. Stay on the path of Life with Me. Trust Me wholeheartedly, letting My Spirit fill you with Joy and Peace."

I don't know about you but this is SUCH an encouragement to me!

The hard road I travel in pursuit of my dream may be hidden from others but it's never hidden from God. The decisions I've made, the time I've invested, the prayers I've prayed, the money I've spent, all to pursue my dream will one day produce an abundant harvest with loads of blossoms! It may not look exactly like I had originally planned or envisioned for myself but it will be what's best for me. As long as my eyes are focused on Him, then His perfect dream for me will be fulfilled.

Lets stay on the path. Let's keep pursuing God while we pursue or dreams and watch what He can do through us. Let's never give up and continue to trust Him every single step of the way. Let's keep going when things get tough or when we feel our path is headed in the opposite direction.

I'm in this for the long haul! What about you? Are you with me? I can't wait to see what God's going to do. And when He does it, lets give Him all the glory!!!

The Demon that Swallows People Whole

2010-08-18T11:14:00.004-04:00

This morning I received an email from my brother telling me that Uncle George only has a few weeks to live. He was diagnosed with Melanoma last year and the doctors say it has already spread to his lungs and lymph nodes. He has also developed some type of Leukemia which is associated with prolonged exposure to benzene, a product he used to clean clocks for many years.

My Uncle owned a clock shop in Munich Germany where he would sell and fix all sorts of clocks - from pocket watches to grandfather clocks. I have one sitting in my foyer that he gave us years ago. My grandfather originally owned the shop and when he died, Uncle George kept it going.

His dream was to one day sell the clock shop, move to the United States and retire in Florida. He did exactly that about four years ago. He also got married to a wonderful woman, Susan, whom our family has grown to love so deeply. Life seemed wonderful...until the demon arrived.

Can I just say I HATE CANCER! Is that o.k. to be so blunt? It's like a demon that has swallowed up whole so many people that I love. My dad has struggled with Lukemia for almost three years now. Just last week my sweet friend had to shave off all of her hair because it was falling out in clumps from the chemo treatments she is undergoing. A nine year old boy who lives in our community gets daily visits from hospice and cries to his mommy because he's in so much pain and is afraid to die.

I've had friends and loved ones loose their hair, their breasts, their dignity, their ability to have babies, their mental capacity, their very lives because of this demon we call "Cancer".

Where is the hope in all this? For me, my hope is in the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. I may not understand why cancer attacks one person and not another. I may not know if cancer will one day swallow whole my children, husband, or even myself. I don't understand why cancer is becoming more and more prevalent but...my hope is in the Lord.

The bible tells us in John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world."

Now, Jesus doesn't say we may have trouble or that we could have trouble. He says we WILL have trouble. Yet He doesn't leave us there, in a pit of despair. He tells us to "take heart!" (notice the exclamation point?) "I have overcome the world". Although cancer is big in our world today and seems to be everywhere you turn, it's certainly not bigger than Jesus! This is where my hope comes from.

Do you have a friend or loved one who is struggling or even dying of cancer right now? Maybe you're the one struggling with cancer? Please leave a comment and let me know so I can be praying for you or your loved one. It would be such a privilege and honor to do so.

Folly Beach and The Mailbox

2010-08-16T10:05:00.003-04:00

Our family is at the beach right now, relaxing in the sun and celebrating our last week of Summer.

I can't believe how fast this Summer break has flown by. I've really enjoyed sleeping a little later each morning, not having to pack lunches or check homework, staying up late with the kids to watch movies with popcorn, and just having everyone chilling at home during the day. Brody and Carson have been so low maintenance this Summer. They've stayed busy just playing with friends in the neighborhood and not having to be entertained every single minute of the day. We're all dreading August 25th when they go back to school again.

Being at the beach is the perfect time to read "The Mailbox" which is written by my friend, Marybeth Whalen. This nonfiction book is centered around a real landmark on the coast of North Carolina. It's filled with love, romance, betrayal, faith and contemparary issues that affect every woman. I don't consider myself a fast read but I started yesterday afternoon and I'm almost finished.

Well, I'm going to put my swimsuit on and head out to the beach! With my cute little beach bag in one hand and my copy of "The Mailbox" in the other, I'm looking forward to another relaxing day with my family. Surf's up and the waves are calling!

Way To Go Williamsburg!

2010-07-19T10:09:00.004-04:00

We just returned from Williamsburg, Va this past weekend. Honesty, I was very excited about getting away with my family but Williamsburg was certainly not my first choice...or my second...or my third. I really wasn't expecting there would be much to do once we got there but boy was I wrong.

The colonial area of Williamsburg is incredible. It's really like stepping back in time. All of the people who live there dress, eat, work, entertain and raise there families as if they are actually living in the 1700's. We watched a two hour re-enactment of the historical events leading up to the revolutionary war - right in the streets of Colonial Williamsburg where these historical events actually took place. It was so incredible.

We purchased a bounce pass from Busch Gardens that allowed us unlimited access into their theme park, Water Country USA and all the museums of Colonial Williamsburg. And, did I mention the shopping? Oh my goodness! I could have gotten in a lot of trouble but actually did really well in restraining myself :) I purchased one "souvenir" which was a pair of Brighton hoop earnings at the outlet mall. So cute!

I think my favorite part of our entire trip was just being together at the condo. We played cards, watched movies, laid out by the pool, took walks together, and at times just sat around talking. It was wonderful.

Although I wasn't expecting much out of this vacation, I have to say it was one of the best trips we've gone on. It certainly was the most relaxing.

I've learned another life lesson through this vacation to Williamsburg. Sometimes less is more. So much more than we ever expected.

2010-07-03T11:36:00.004-04:00

Planning a vacation is not an easy task.

Last year our family wasn't able to take a summer trip because of our finances. Although we're still on a very strict budget, I'm determined to have some sort of get-away for our family before school starts in August.

There is so much to consider when trying to plan a family vacation. First I gathered everyone together to see where they'd like to go. Brody, our laid back teenager wanted to take a cruise. Carson, our super social busy bee wanted to go to Las Vegas or New York. Keith, my exhausted and over worked husband wanted to stay home and just "relax". Ya, right...

We had to explain to the boys that all though a vacation was certainly in sight, we'd need to consider somewhere closer and...well...cheaper. A cruise, Las Vegas, or New York City would not be considerations this Summer. Needless to say, the boys were disappointed. Keith still just wanted to stay home. I was trying to stay positive and not get frustrated with everyone!

Since we'd be taking the car instead of flying, our choices would need to be within 5 hours of driving distance from Charlotte. Too many times we've started out our vacation by driving 12 to 13 hours straight which is NO fun at all.

After looking at the map, we decided to visit Williamsburg, VA. I was a little hesitant at first because I've never been a fan of American history (I know, shame on me) but after checking out the visitor's bureau I'm thinking this will be a great place for us to go. There's lots of historical sights, Busch Gardens Amusement Park, and beautiful beaches nearby.

I put a comment of Facebook asking for suggestions about places to stay and got tons of ideas from friends and family. They really made the research a lot easier and less time consuming

We haven't finalized a place to stay but we're leaning towards a cute condo right outside of town which has a huge pool and lots of amenities.

More than anything, I'm really looking forward to just being with our family, experiencing new places together, and creating great memories that we'll treasure for a lifetime.

Now that I think about it, planning this vacation wasn't difficult at all.

Are you taking a Summer vacation this year? If so, where are you going? Do you have a favorite vacation sight that your family goes to a lot? What has been your favorite vacation so far?

Cooking, Event Planning, and Bible Study

2010-06-30T10:51:00.004-04:00

I have two exciting things I'd like to share with you today.

First, one of my dear friends, Wendy Blight, is doing an online Summer bible study that I want to tell you about. If you're like me, your schedule for the next 8 weeks won't allow you to meet at a specific time each week your bible study girlfriends. Now that my boys are out of school I have realized that my schedule has to be much more flexible. How about you...can you relate?

That doesn't mean we have to stop studying God's Word all together. Doing an online study can give you the flexibility that you need and create a new way to meet a whole bunch of new friends. In fact, over 1800 women from all over the world have signed up for this study on Ephesians. That's amazing!!!

I'm personally doing Wendy's study as my summer selection. If you'd like to join me just click here for more details.

Secondly, I want to tell you about another good friend of mine, Leann Rice. Leann just launched a new website called "She Cooks". I've known Leann for years and boy, can this woman cook up a storm! Leann will be sharing ideas on event planning, party ideas/tips, and wonderful recipes each week and I don't want you to miss out. I've tried several of her recipes for my family and their delicious!

Click here to hop over to Leann's website. I just hopped over myself and Leann is featuring great recipes for different marinades. Umm, Umm, Umm

Before you go, please leave me a comment or prayer request. I'd love to hear from you!

Testify in the Big Apple

2010-06-22T10:34:00.001-04:00

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City with Testify. The entire week I got to watch over 100 teenagers share the love of Christ through song, dance, and drama to people of all ages and stages of life.

I certainly experienced a lot of "first time events" while traveling with these incredible teens. Here are only a few...

1. It was my very first time to New York City and I absolutely LOVED it!

2. It was my first time traveling with Brody and not having Keith and Carson with us. I loved getting to experience the Big Apple with Brody. We both love the raw energy and excitement of a big city. Keith on the other hand...not so much.

3. It was my first time going on a mission trip with teenagers. I typically stick to small children or adults when it comes to ministry stuff. I was really apprehensive as to whether or not these teens would connect with me. I was so wrong in my thinking.

4. It was my first time sleeping in a Motel 8 and The Loft hotel. Very different and sometimes strange but it sure created lots of funny moments and memories for all of us.

Here is part of the group practicing before one of their performances. Here is Brody and his friends goofing off from practice was over.

Having fun inside the NBA Store.

Waiting for the Staten Island Ferry to arrive.

N.Y.C. skyline - one of my favorite photos :)

Here is a picture of Brody with some of his friends in Rockefeller Center. Right below the wall they're leaning up against is the ice skating rink that you see on t.v. all the time.

These were my precious "daughters" for the week of tour. I had a family group of seven fabulous girls who all called me mommy, accepts for Barbara. She's exchange student from Germany and called me "mum". This was a dream come true for me since I'm a mother of two boys. We were getting ready to see The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway (another first for me). I just love these girls!!! Left to right: Caroline, Barbara, Ally, Madison, Hailey, Lauren, Natalie.

Goofing off at Grand Central Station.

Some billboards in Time Square...just incredible!

Brody and mum on the Staten Island Ferry.

I've always wanted to go to NYC and will remember this trip for a lifetime. What made it so special was traveling with Testify. They are a vibrant joyful group of teenagers that are not ashamed of the Gospel and love Jesus with all of their hearts.

Wow! What an experience it was...I'm ready to do it all over again!!!

Brain Food

2010-06-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

Do you have a good memory? I sure don't. In fact, my sister and I often joke about how neither one of us have many memories of growing up together. My brothers on the other hand have incredible memories and can tell you what they wore to school the day their second grade photos were taken. Not fair at all.

Well, Today I'm going to tell you what types of food you can eat to help sharpen your memory, keep your brain healthy, and working at optimum proficiency.

Yesterday I talked about a t.v. show I watched over the weekend that just made me so darn smart. If you didn't get a chance to read Monday's post, be sure to check it out first so that this all makes sense to you.

O.k., here goes...

Did you know that your brain is about 80% water? Drinking more water throughout the day not only helps with loosing wait but it also helps you to think more clearly and remember things better. I don't the taste of plain water so I often times squeeze an orange (instead of lemon) in my glass to make it a little sweet. I also buy Vitamin Water when it's on sale. It has zero calories and is loaded with vitamins too. What a deal!

Now that we know what to drink lets talk about some of the foods that are good for keeping our brains healthy. Here's a list of brain foods that you should include in your daily and weekly diet. Not just for you but for your entire family too. We certainly want smart kids and husbands, right? All of these items can easily be found at your local grocery store so no excuses!

Brain foods
Avocados
Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Cherries
Broccoli
Low fat dairy
Eggs (DHA)
Oranges
Oats or Oatmeal
Peaches
Plums
Olives/Olive Oil
Yogurt (Dannon has a lite yogurt that tastes good and has a lot less sugar)
Walnuts
Almonds
Turkey
Chicken
Soy
Salmon
Tomatoes
Red Bell Peppers
Green Tea
Apples
Bananas
Spinach (Did you know that spinach consists of 50% protein?)

Check back tomorrow cause I'll be sharing about what types of herbs are good to cook with, what your body mass index should be, and more.

Brainology 101

2010-06-07T07:00:00.002-04:00

Friday afternoon someone asked me, "So what are your plans for the weekend?" and my response was, "not a whole lot". Ha! That sure was an understatement.

Although I didn't have a lot of specific plans for the weekend, each day some how became gobbled up with everyday mom stuff... cooking meals, running errands, washing clothes, running more errands, cleaning the house, making beds, going to church, running more errands. Get the idea?

By the time Sunday night rolled around, I wanted nothing more than to:
1. Get my shower.
2. Plop into bed with a remote in one hand and a big bowl of rocky road ice cream in the other.
3. Find a romantic comedy that wouldn't require any brain power or sharp thinking skills.
4. Veg out for the rest of the evening.

I flipped through the channels and to my surprise there wasn't a single romantic comedy on t.v.. What on earth is wrong with this picture? I would think that surely the local t.v. station big shots would know that showing romantic comedies over the weekend is critical for some of their viewers and an absolute must for me.

I continued to flip from one station to another, almost giving up, when I came across the P.B.S. channel. Yes, they were having another one of their fundraiser marathons...(yawn). I had my finger prominently placed on the off button when something the broadcaster said grabbed my attention.

It was something like this: "Next up we have Dr. Daniel Amen who is going to tell us all about how we can better take care of our bodies and especially our brains". This certainly sounded nothing like a romantic comedy but it piqued my interest. Yes, I know, strange but true.

For the next two hours I was glued to the t.v.. Now hear me when I say I'm not an advocate for Dr. Amen and I'm unaware of his biblical views but I have to say that from what I could tell the guy is pretty smart. He explained, in layman's terms, how a person's brain works and what each of us can do to keep our brains working at optimum proficiency.

I wrote a whole bunch of stuff down and decided that I'd share it with you all this week. It's a lot of information so I'm going to break it down over several days.

I hope you'll check back tomorrow because I'll be sharing what types of food you can eat to help sharpen your thinking/memory and keep your brain fit.

I think you're going to be really surprised about what I found out.

Too Many Choices

2010-06-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

Life is filled with tons of choices.

Is it just me or do you agree? From the moment my alarm goes off each morning, I'm faced with a slew of choices that require a quick decision...

Should I fix my boys cereal or eggs for breakfast?

Do I want to pack healthy lunches or let them buy school lunches?

Should I go to the gym first thing this morning or wait until after I get some work done?

Do I need to put on make-up today or can I go without it?

You get the idea? Here's the problem though. By nature, I'm very indecisive. I think it's because I over analyse everything! Some times my choices are major and yes, I need to think through them very carefully. However, often times my choices are pretty basic and don't require major cross examination. I'll give you an example.

On Tuesday mornings, I teach a women's bible study and often times run some errands afterwards. Last Tuesday was no exception. I had about 3 hours to get everything done and make it back to the house before Carson got home from school. I had a long list and was determined to scratch off each line item before 3:00 pm.

With this mission in mind, I didn't take time to eat. Around 2:30 pm a nagging headache began to spread across my forehead. It dawned on me that I hadn't eaten a thing since 8:00 that morning. Fortunately, I was driving down a major highway with plenty of fast food places to choose from. You think it would have been a no-brainer. Not for me. As I passed Burger King, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's, and Pizza Hut, I did a mental survey of their menus, thought about which places might have some healthy options, calculated calories in my head, wondered if I had enough cash and so on.

I slipped into my "paralysis by analysis" zone and before I knew it I was five miles down the road with nothing to eat and hunger pangs rattling around in my stomach. I became totally frustrated and started reading myself the riot act. "Honestly, Leah, how hard can it be to choose something to eat? This really isn't a tough choice. Just make a decision and get on with it!"

Instead of choosing, I got mad and went home - feeling stupid, incapable, and yes even defeated. I know it seems ridiculous now but looking back I allowed my indecisiveness to completely change my attitude and plans.

What about you? Can too many choices overwhelm you? Would you consider yourself an indecisive person? Do you find yourself often in the valley of "paralysis by analysis"? If not, would you consider yourself a very decisive or sometimes impulsive decision maker? Can you think of a time when making a quick decision backfired on you?

Hello Summer

2010-06-01T08:57:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it's June 1st already.

It seems like just last month our family was celebrating Christmas and ushering in the New Year. Where have the weeks and months gone? Time is just flying by so quickly and I'm having trouble catching my breath as each day slips away and a new one begins.

There is a buzz in our home right now. It's the wonderful sound of "school's almost out and Summer is finally here". I asked Carson yesterday what he's looking forward to the most about being out of school for the next 11 weeks and he quickly said with a shout "no school work!".

Personally, I'm looking forward to sleeping past 5:15 am every morning, not having to pack lunches, or help with school projects. Although I'm really looking forward to Summer, I"m feeling a little bit anxious too. Brody's last day of school is Friday and Carson will be finished next Thursday. I had so many projects on my list that I really wanted done by now such as...

1. Finish my personal and business taxes (yes, I filed an extension again this year).

2. Take an online creative writing course (I'd love to go back to school if I had the time).

3. Schedule a day with my girlfriends and go to the outlet malls (I've has this on my list for the last 3 years).

4. Do some Spring cleaning (ya know, clean out all the drawers and closets that have some how gotten filled with miscellaneous junk).

I can still do these things once the boys are out of school but I really wanted to have them done by now. Especially my taxes. Oh, those taxes! Just thinking about it stresses me out. This project requires more brain work and concentration that I think I can muster right now.

What about you? Do you still have any projects or items on your "to-do" list that you wanted to accomplish before Summer break. Are you feeling frustrated and anxious that you haven't gotten to them yet? Are you looking forward to your children being out of school and at home for the Summer?

Anxious E.O.G.

2010-05-18T10:18:00.003-04:00

This morning our two boys woke up very anxious. They were both stressing out about E.O.G. (End of the grade testing) week which officially began today.

Over the past four weeks they have been preparing for the E.O.G. through online practice tests and in the classroom. They know the material and both are so darn smart but this morning you still they were anxious.

I overheard our youngest son, Carson, asking Brody if he was "a little nervous". Brody said yes and I could see Carson breath a sigh of relief just by hearing his older brother admit that he was feeling the same way too.

I prayed with each of them as they headed out the door and gave them one of my "you'll do great" chants as I waved good-bye.

It's been a long time since I've taken a school E.O.G. but I'm well aware of feeling anxious about other "testings". I often find myself faced with an assignment that I've been preparing for and know full well that I'm familiar with the material. But, I still fall into the trap of wrestling with the thing while experiencing a knot in my stomach, sweaty palms, and a clenched jaw.

Just as I reminded my boys this morning, I remind myself over and over again; "Don't be anxious about anything but pray about everything." This has become my motto in 2010. I have encountered so many situations over the past 12 months that would have given me plenty of opportunities to worry. Yet, all of these circumstances were completely out of my control. Worrying about them wouldn't have solve a single thing.

For a woman who's lived most of her life anxious and worried just about everything, I've learned that stressing out is a complete waste of time and can only make my situation worse. My biggest problem has always been a need to be in control of my circumstances and those around me.

My prayer is that Brody and Carson will learn while they're young to approach each testing that awaits them with confidence - knowing the solution is not to become anxious first but to pray first.

When a situation arises in your life do you tend to become anxious right away? Even if you've had time to prepare for a project or test, do you still find yourself in the trap of worrying about it? Is your first response to pray about the situation or take control?

If you have any great suggestions on what helps you not worry so much, I'd love to hear them!

Frappe Love

2010-05-04T12:59:00.003-04:00

I never thought I'd be saying this but...I love to go to McDonald's!

I know what you're thinking and I use to think the same thing. Spotting the golden arches use to bring a frown to my face and a sour feeling in my stomach but not anymore.

Did you hear about the new Mocha Frappe? Oh my goodness...it is incredible!

Last week I promised Carson we'd go to McDonald's after school so he could get one of their hot fudge sundaes. As we approached the drive-thru lane, I noticed a brand new sign that totally caught my eye. There it was. A picture of this creamy, dreamy, delicious mocha concoction with whipped cream and drizzled hot fudge on top.

My mouth began to water. My eyes began to sparkle. My heart began to pound.

With all the excitement I must have blacked out because the next thing I remember was that Carson and I were heading home with my window still rolled down. He was chowing down on his hot fudge sundae and I was slurping my mocha frappe with whipped cream on my nose.

Over the next three days, we faithfully made a trip to Mc D's for our afternoon delights. I never thought I could get so addicted to something so quickly! I can't stop drinking them. I've become a Mocha Frappe Maniac! Yesterday I gave up lunch just so I could drink one and not feel guilty about the caloric intake. I'm thinking that if this keeps up I won't be able to fit in my jeans by next week.

The only downside I've discovered is that these frappes aways give me a brain freeze because they're so incredibly cold and I drink them way too fast!

Next time you see the golden arches, head for the nearest drive-thru lane, and pick up your own Mocha Frappe. By the way, they also come in caramel for those of you who don't like chocolate (can't even imagine that). Be sure to let me know what you think. I bet you'll get hooked too.

I asked one of the McDonald's employees just yesterday if this was a promotional item or here to stay. I told her how sad it would make me if they stopped selling mocha frappes now that I'm addicted to them. She smiled and assured me not to worry.

I think these things may start a revolution!

Loving Houston

2010-04-22T17:59:00.004-04:00

I've visited a lot of cities but one of my favorites is Houston, Texas.

Although I'm in Houston this week under real difficult circumstances, I'm still enjoying the energy that this city produces. I'm a city girl by nature so being in such a fun city makes my heart race with excitement.

When I was in college I had grand plans of moving to the great city of Houston with my best friend, Gail. My plans were interrupted when I met my husband, fell in love, and decided to stay put in Louisiana. I seldom got the chance to travel to Texas but now that my parents and sister live here, I find myself rubbing elbows with friendly Houstonians much more often then I ever dreamed possible.

Some of the things I love about Houston is....

1. K.S.B.J. Radio Station - I just love listening to music on K.S.B.J.. So much so that I listen online while I'm working from home in Charlotte, NC. They play a great mix of contemporary Christian music that compels me to tap the top of my steering wheel while driving up and down Hwy 1960. The great d.j.'s and fun commercials keep me entertained while sitting at all of those traffic lights.

2. Retail, Retail, Retail - I've never seen so many shopping options in all my life! I'm almost positive there is a mega-mall every 5 miles. It's a good thing that I don't live here because the cute boutiques and fancy stores would be way to much of a distraction and definitely not a good choice for my bank account.

3. Pappasito's Restaurant - For three years I've been hearing all about Pappasito's but never had a chance to eat there. Finally, this trip I made a point of setting aside one night to meet my sister and brother-in-law for dinner. It was so crowded and a bit noisy...well...really noisy, but the food was to die for. I got a dish called Green Chili Chicken which sounds sort of gross but it was delicious!

4. Blue Bell Ice Cream - No trip to Houston would be complete without a healthy heaping bowl full of Blue Bell Ice Cream. They have a creamery in Brenham which is also on my "to do while in Texas" list. You can see how the ice cream is made and get lots of samples too :) This week I had Chocolate Moo-llenium Crunch. Whoever created this flavor must have known what my love language is. Here are the ingredients:

Rich chocolate ice cream with a combination of dark chocolate chunks, creamy caramel chunks, roasted pecan halves, chopped almonds, walnut pieces, and peanuts.

Yummy!!! Are you hungry now?

The thing I love most about Houston is the people. They are so warm, friendly, and inviting. I've met several Houstonians this week and every single one of them have greeted me with southern hospitality at it's finest.

Do you have a city that you love to visit? If so, what do you like about it? Maybe your favorite place to visit is back home where you grew up or where you lived for a while. Maybe your favorite city is where you're living right now. I'd love to know...

Feeling Overwhelmed

2010-04-19T20:21:00.005-04:00

A good friend of mine told me that she wants to have the following statement engraved on her tombstone when she dies:

"Here lies ______. She is no longer overwhelmed"

We both laughed about it, but now that I've had time to mull that statement over in my mind a while, I'm realizing just how much truth lies within it.

Lately, I have been feeling extremely overwhelmed. One indication of that is my lack of blog posts. You can always tell when my life is throwing a bunch of curve balls. Days or even weeks will go by and you don't see anything new on my blog.

Besides traveling a lot with work, I've also been taking care of my parents who are both extremely ill right now. My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease over 20 years ago but the last 5 years have been absolutely brutal. She now has Dementia as a constant companion and lives in a skilled nursing facility because our family can no longer properly take care of her at home.

My dad has always done an outstanding job taking care of my mom. They have been married for fifty seven years. With each anniversary, their love for one another keeps growing stronger. The decision to put her into a skilled facility just about ripped my dad's heart out but he was diagnosed with lymphatic leukemia over two years ago and all of those chemo treatments have completely depleted him also.

In January, his oncologist announced he was cancer free after receiving the results of his pet-scan. There was not much time to celebrate because he woke up the next morning with a very bad outbreak of shingles. They had appeared all over his face, forehead, and even in his eyes.

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. On top of the shingles, he got bronchitis, a stomach virus and the flu. Within 2 months, he lost 25 lbs. His blood pressure started to go crazy and every time he would stand up, he'd become dizzy, often pass out and fall. We also noticed he was very disoriented and was having trouble formulating sentences at times.

Last month he ended up in the hospital and after running a slew of tests they determined that he was having mild strokes which are called t.i.a.'s. The doctor said that often times these t.i.a. strokes are warning signs that a larger stroke is about to happen.

Sure enough, last Tuesday my dad had a stroke and this time it was major. He couldn't speak, couldn't walk, and the left side of his body (from his face to his foot) was drooping. Back he went to the hospital and has been there ever since.

Because of work, I wasn't able to see my dad until yesterday. He looked so thin and frail that it almost took my breath away. Aside from my dad's physical illness he is also slowly grieving the near and inevitible loss of my mom. I forgot to mentioned that the weekend before my dad's stroke, my mom developed pneumonia which is often times the final stage of Parkinson's patients.

I can't begin to put into words how hard it has been having both parents so sick at the same time. Life can be challenging enough but now I find myself living in a season of sandwich parenting. I'm having to take care of my children and take care of my parents all at the same time.

When I've shared my current situation with others they always say "How on earth are you able to handle all this at one time?". Honestly, I can't, I won't, and am well aware that I'm not able to on my own. The only way I'm finding the strength to deal with all of this is through my faith in Jesus and prayer.

I know that God has a good plan for my parents. Plans to prosper them and not to harm them. Plans to give them a hope and a future. I know that although their circumstances look grim that God is completely in control of the situation. I know that He sees all things, knows all things, and is with them when I can't be. I also know that He promises to work all things according to their good and ultimately for His purposes and glory.

This is how I find rest in the midst of feeling so overwhelmed. This is what gives me the strength to move forward with hope and not fall into a pit of self pity or shake my fists at God and become angry. This is how I receive encouragement when the future looks so grim.

Do you feel completely overwhelmed right now? Are your current circumstances more than what you can handle? Does life seem completely out of control? Are you wondering why God would allow certain situations to take place in your life?

How do you find strength in the midst of your personal struggles. Where do you go to find peace and encouragement? What do you do when you're completely overwhelmed with life's circumstances? I'd love to know.

Photos of FRC Regional Competition

2010-04-09T15:07:00.009-04:00

Here are some photos from the FRC Competition last weekend.

This is the challenge area. It's a giant soccer field where the robots compete.

This is part of the viewing stands. There were 44 teams represented with lots of fans!!!

Here is Team S.P.O.R.K.

Here is Brody with the trophy for "Best Website Design" Award. He designed the team website along with 2 other teammates.

The Robot

Going home...

F.R.C. Regional Competition

2010-04-07T12:21:00.003-04:00

Our family celebrated Spring Break last weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina by cheering on Brody in his first ever F.R.C. Regional Competition. Brody attends Pine Lake Preparatory and their team received two awards and will compete in the World Championship Competition in Atlanta, Georgia on April 14-16, 2010.

Brody's main contribution to the team was working with two other team members to design their own web site. It certainly paid off! Below is the area publication that was posted this week about the F.R.C. Regional event. Later on this week I'll post some pictures and video of the event. It was incredible!!!!

Congratulations Team SPORK

Robotics Win Rookie All-Star & Best Website Awards

Ingersoll Rand & Pine Lake Preparatory’s Award Winning Team Proceeds to Robotics World Championship

April 3, 2010

Pine Lake Preparatory’s Upper School robotics team, named Team SPORK and sponsored by Ingersoll Rand of Davidson, NC, won the Rookie All Star and the Best Website Awards at the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) NC Regional Tournament April 2-3, 2010 in the Dorton Arena in Raleigh. The Rookie All Star is the highest honor available for a rookie team and earns the honor of competing at the World Championship in the Atlanta Georgia Dome on April 15-17. Over 1800 teams from 12 countries began this season; only 297 teams will compete in the Championship games.

Forty-four teams from across the nation and Brazil competed at the NC Regional. Only six of these teams earned a merit based qualification for the World Championship. Team SPORK was the only one from North Carolina to do so.

Students are given six weeks to design, build, and test an autonomous and remotely controlled robot using standardized and fabricated components. This year’s mission is for the robots to control and kick soccer balls into goals on a 27’ x 54’ field with bumps, ending the game with the 160 pound robots suspending themselves from 7’ towers.

Team SPORK students and mentors have enthusiastically dedicated over 200 hours after school and on weekends during this intensive season, which began on January 9 with the NC Kick-off at Penske Racing. Team SPORK is also dedicated to mentoring other students in robotics, math, and science. More information can be found at www.teamspork.com.

The team is coached by Audrey Cundari, who teaches calculus, physics, and robotics at Pine Lake Preparatory. The web team is mentored by JD Mills of Utilipath.

Ingersoll Rand has been a major corporate partner for Pine Lake Preparatory’s FRC robotics team this year, offering the use of a manufacturing building, fabrication tools, and over sixteen employees, who have joined other community engineers in mentoring the 23 students of Team SPORK. Other major sponsors of Team SPORK are NASA, Newell Rubbermaid, and Lowe’s Home Improvement, which have donated funding, equipment, and tools.

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an international challenge for high school students. Its mission is “to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.”

Ingersoll Rand is a global diversified industrial firm providing products, services and solutions to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and enhance industrial productivity and efficiency. Driven by a 100-year-old tradition of technological innovation, we enable companies and their customers to create progress. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.

Congratulations to all and gratitude to John Moloney for creating the collaborative PLP/Corporate partnerships!

Come On Summer!

2010-03-29T08:45:00.006-04:00

It's right about that time again. The t.v. channels are filled commercials chanting those "Summer is almost here" jingles. The stores are loaded down with beach towels, swimsuits, suntan lotion and new garden supplies. It's not even April 1st but every one's gearing up for Summer... especially my boys. Unfortunately, they have two and a half more months of school and they're not very happy about it.

This week Brody (our oldest son) is off for Summer break but Carson's (our younger son) Summer break doesn't start until until next week. I know, it sort of stinks, but unfortunately our boys go to two different schools which means different schedules and different vacation days. We'll have to give up the idea of a Spring vacation for the second year in a row but honestly, what my boys enjoy most about Spring break is staying up late, not having a set schedule, sleeping in, and not having homework. Basically, not going to school for a whole week!

This morning Carson woke up so grouchy. He knew that Brody was soundly sleeping in his room next door and the idea that Carson had to go to school was more than he could bear. He grumbled through breakfast, fussed his way up the stairs when I told him to go get dressed (for the third time) and whined his way out the door to the bus stop.

At first, I was trying so hard to be compassionate, sympathetic, and understanding but by the time he left the house I was completely spent and wanted to hit somebody!

Carson wanted what his brother had. He desperately longed to stay home from school like everyone else. He was totally frustrated and wasn't shy in letting me know about it. Carson was feeling left out and unhappy with his circumstances. Carson's heart was aching and he wanted someone to fix it. Bottom line...Carson wanted someone to give him permission to stay home too. Well, that surely was going to happen, not today that is.

When he walked out the front door I said "I love you Carson" but there was dead silence until I heard to door slam shut. My heart sank as I watched him walk to the bus stop with his head hung low and his backpack dragging behind him in the wet grass. I watched from the window to see if maybe he would talk with the other children while they waited for the bus but he didn't. He just stood there, motionless, quiet, and very unhappy.

As I sat quietly, looking out the window with my warm cup of coffee in hand, I began to pray for Carson. As I did, God whispered in my heart "sometimes you act like that too". It wasn't in a condemning tone but sort of like "I'm just bring this to your attention" tone. I had to agree with Him too.

Sometimes I do long for what someone else has. I can become totally frustrated and not shy about letting everyone else know how about it. I can feel left out and unhappy with my current circumstance. My heart aches and I desperately want someone to fix it. I want someone to give me what I long for but that doesn't always happen.

Yes, sometimes I do act the same way that Carson acted this morning and ya know what? It doesn't look pretty, impressive, or cute.

I'm so thankful that my heavenly Father does a better job at parenting than I do. He's always patient when I throw my little temper tantrums. He never stops encouraging me with words of affirmation and love. He is always compassionate and understands what I'm going through. He may not always give me exactly what I ask Him for but His decisions are always based on what is best for me.

What about you? Now lets be honest, o.k.?

Do you ever want what someone else has?

Do you sometimes feel left our or imagine that everyone else has it so much better than you do?

Are you unhappy with your circumstances and want to take a "Summer Break" from life for a while?

Do you become frustrated at times and wear your emotions on your sleeve so that everyone can see them?

Do you have days where your heart aches and you long for someone to fix it?

If so, I'd encourage you to take your concerns to Jesus and let him help you process them one at a time. He can handle it and wants to encourage you today. Jesus longs to spend time with you and show you how much He loves you.

He will never become impatient and tired of listening to you. He will never be too busy or interrupt you because He has something more important to take care of. He probably won't give you everything you ask of Him but His decisions are always based on what's best for you.

Jesus is that someone who we can take our aching hearts and mend them. He is full of compassion, understanding and gives us the mercy we need. He grants us His grace, love, perspective and peace in the midst of our trials. All we have to do is ask Him.

Jesus longs to be that someone you so desperately are looking for. Will you ask Him for help today? He is patiently waiting...

When Really Good Friends Hurt You (Part 2)

2010-03-23T11:02:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was sharing with you about a past hurt that had resurfaced earlier this week. Once again, I found myself taking my broken heart back to God and asking Him to mend it for me.

O.k. Lord, what am I suppose to do with this now?

I thought this situation was all behind me.

Will I feel this pit in my stomach every time I hear that person's name mentioned?

I don't want to hold a grudge - it makes me weary.

I don't want to be angry - it's too stressful.

What should I do?

As I sat very still and tried to quiet my thoughts, almost straining to hear God speak to me (not in an audible voice but a sensing in my heart or a thought that is placed into my mind which lines up with His Word or His character), I was reminded of Peter's conversation with God in Matthew 18. It says...

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me, seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times".

I had read this passage so many times before but today I gleaned something new from it. I realized that maybe when God said "seventy-seven times" he was referring to those moments when the original hurt would resurface in your mind... days later, weeks later, months later, years later. Each time that wounded memory would show up again, my part would be to forgive that person all over again.

So that's exactly what I did! As I quietly forgave the person who had hurt me, such a peace came over me that I couldn't help but smile. If God was willing to extend grace to me each day for all the things I had done which hurt Him deeply, who am I to hold a grudge against anyone else?

When Really Good Friends Hurt You. (Part 1)

2010-03-22T11:41:00.004-04:00

Have you ever been hurt by a really close friend?

Not a little hurt but really hurt?

Have you ever found yourself asking these types of questions...

Why would she say something like that to me?

How could they have done that. I thought we were friends?

He knew that I was struggling. Why didn't he help me?

This morning I'm licking some emotional wounds and asking those exact same questions.

About two months ago, a situation presented itself, things were said, and feelings were hurt. And, yes, those feelings belonged to me.

At first, I decided to go and talk with my husband, Keith. We are polar opposites in many ways, which can sometimes be good, because he helps me see things from a different perspective. Besides, the situation effected Keith also and talking through it helped us process the hurt we were both experiencing. Later on that day Keith seemed to be fine but I was still struggling...really struggling. So then I went to God.

I laid it all before Him. The good - the bad - the ugly. I told him my thoughts (even though He knew them already), shared how hurt I was by the things that were said, and actions that took place. I let Him know I was still struggling A LOT and asked Him to please take away the hurt. I felt as if I had a big open gash in my heart that was bleeding profusely and slowly becoming infected.

I wanted His peace to invade my heart and mind.

I wanted some closure to the situation so I could forget and move on.

I wanted to forgive but I just couldn't yet.

My struggle continued for a few weeks and every time the situation would come to my mind, I'd just hand it back over to God. He was so faithful to remind me each day of the mercy and grace He extends to me. Eventually I was no longer angry and hurt. Finally, closure had come. Or, so I thought.

I'll share the rest of my story tomorrow but I'm wondering if you've had a similar situation.

Maybe you're in the middle of something right now where a close friend has really hurt you without even knowing it. Or, maybe they said something, knowing it would hurt you, but said it anyway.

Maybe you thought a past wound was completely healed and that you had closure on the situation. All was fine and dandy, then when you least expected it, something happened, you're reminded of the encounter, and the pain comes rushing back like a flood.

There you are, left with a reopened gash in your heart. Your feeling hurt all over again, rejected, angry. Where did the peace go? What about the closure you once had?

If your feeling this way right now, can I pray for you today? I don't need to know the details if you'd prefer not to share them. After all, God knows the specifics and that's what really matters.

I want to experience peace and forgiveness in my situation but I also want you to experience it too. Let's agree to pray together over our hurts and burdens. Let's hand them over to God so that He can heal your broken hearts and restore peace to our days. All we have to do is ask Him and I know He will be faithful.

Hugs & prayers,
Leah

Taxi Cab Mom

2010-02-25T08:48:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you felt like a volunteer taxi cab driver who pulled a double shift?

That was exactly how I felt yesterday.

Although I'd consider myself real organized and a well planner, I ended up with way too many appointments on my "to-do" list that were with of high priority and required a lot of miles on my Toyota Sequoia.

My day started real early as I headed out the door for a weekly women's bible study that I teach at my church. I returned home around noon only with enough time to throw some ground beef, hot Italian sausage and Prego in a crock pot so my family would have something to fill there bellies with when dinner time rolled around.

Carson had a dentist's appointment for 1:20pm so I had to dash over to his school, check him out early, and head across town so we wouldn't be late. Carson's tooth had been bothering him and he was scared to death that he'd have his very first cavity. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no fond memories of getting cavities filled when I was a little girl so the "C" word was off limits to both of us.

After the appointment, I met Keith half way home so he could pick up Carson just in enough time for me to swing by Brody's school and pick him up. Brody had a dermatologist's appointment in downtown Charlotte at 3:30 pm. It was raining outside and I knew the traffic would probably be bad...and it was.

The week before I had noticed a couple of moles on Brody's back that popped up from out of no where. One of them looked very suspicious so I thought it would be best to have it checked. I'm so glad I did because the doctor agreed and they did a biopsy right on the spot. We won't get the result for another 10 days but I'm so thankful that I took him right away and didn't procrastinate as I'm known to do at times.

We were late for the appointment and had to wait longer than normal to see the doctor so by the time we headed back home it was 5:15 pm...rush hour...in downtown Charlotte...while it was raining...you get the picture?

Surprisingly, I made it home by 6:25 pm only for Carson to tell me that his end of the season basketball pizza party started at 6:30 pm and we were going to be late! Oh ya, I forgot to write that down on my calendar. Thank goodness I had the mind to use the crock pot today.

Off we went (once again) in the wild blue yonder to Brooklyn Brother's. My phone was ringing as we pulled up to our final destination and it was my sister. We had been talking on and off throughout the day about my dad. He has been sick for a while now and we were both very concerned.

As I stood outside in the cold rain, looking at all the people inside eating pizza, laughing, and appearing to be having a great time, I talked with my sister about the possibility of admitting my dad into the hospital (more about that in another post). This day really wasn't going the way I had imagined and I couldn't help but think about what tomorrow would bring. Would I have to jump on a plane and head to Houston to be with my dad? I was starting to feel really overwhelmed.

Carson and me returned home around 8:30 pm. As I cleaned up the dinner dishes and barked orders to my kids about finishing up their homework and getting in bed, I realized how completely frustrated I was about my day.

I thought about all the mail that was stacked up on my desk which never got opened, all the bills that never got paid, all the emails that were never responded to, and all the calls that I was suppose to return and didn't. The thought ran across my mind "You didn't get a single thing done today".

I walked over to my favorite chair, plopped myself down and began to silently pout to Jesus. I was rehearsing the verses of that well known "wow is me" song which is on my top ten list and asked Him to please give me a new perspective on the day....and He did.

He reminded me that although I didn't get anything done at my office, I did choose to take care of the important things that matter. He reminded me that family comes first and that I had made the right choices. He also showed me that in the midst of all those errands and running around town like a crazy women, several amazing things happened and special moments had be sprinkled throughout my day that I didn't even notice:

The women in my weekly bible study had really been encouraged by the class that morning. They had a great time visiting with one another and several of them had some great ah-ha moments while we studying God's Word together.

I was able to hug on and comfort Carson in the waiting room of our dentist's office while he whispered to me, "Mom, I'm really scared" and then witness the huge smile on his face a few minutes later when the dentist said "Great job Carson, no cavities!"

Keith and I got to squeeze in a mini-date at Dairy Queen when we rendezvoused half way from home so he could take Carson the rest of the way for me. We also celebrated Carson's no cavity announcement over a chocolate extreme blizzard, chocolate dipped ice cream cone, and hot fudge sundae with nuts and whipped cream.

Brody and I sang silly songs on the way back from the dermatologist's appointment to pass the time and keep our attitudes positive in all that traffic.

I got to hear from one of the mom's at Brooklyn Brothers pizza joint how God is using her to serve in the youth ministry at a local church.

Yesterday certainly felt like a volunteering-taxi cab driving-double shift day but oh the blessings that our family experienced because of it were amazing! I'm so thankful that God changed my perspective and helped me see the day through His eyes instead of just my own. What a huge difference it made!

When you're having one of those volunteering-taxi cab driving-double shift-I'm getting nothing accomplished days, I'd encourage you to take a moment, pause, ask God to change your perspective, and show you the many blessings He's sprinkled throughout your day. I'm quite confident that He will.

What's Shared at Panera Stays at Panera

2010-02-22T10:28:00.005-05:00

I was in such a rush to get the kids off to school this morning. The school bus doors were barely closed as I headed inside to take my shower and get dressed. I had a very special appointment at 9:00 am and I didn't want to be late. The location of my appointment was a local Panera Bread and I was meeting my good friend, Lisa. The two of us had been planning this get together for over two weeks and I couldn't wait to see her sweet face and give her a big Southern hug. I was in desperate need of some great girlfriend time!

I've known Lisa for many years. We are busy moms that work full time and are super involved in women's ministry. With our demanding crazy schedules, we rarely get a chance to see one another. For years we would always talk about getting together but never did. Last year we decided to get intentional about spending time together. So, once every three months we clear our schedules and meet for a few hours.

We always start off talking about life's everyday experiences.

Kid stuff...

Husband stuff...

Work stuff...

Ministry stuff...

and of course, the need to eat better and exercise regularly!

Yet, it never fails that our conversations always end up heading towards a familiar direction - sharing our personal struggles, dreams, concerns, and pray requests with each other. Lisa knows that whatever she shares with me will remain confidential. I know that whatever I share with Lisa will remain confidential too. Our motto us:

What's Shared at Panera Bread Stays at Panera Bread.

I have a lot of friends that are special to me but very few that I can trust with my deepest personal thoughts. Although women don't mean to, they are sometimes prone to "share" or dare I say gossip when a good juicy story comes a long. Please don't misunderstand me. Not all women are this way but with my past experiences it seems as though gossip is often times built into some women's DNA.

Do you have a girlfriend that you can share your personal stuff with? Someone that you can trust and know she'll keep your conversations confidential? If not, I'd encourage you to pray for one.

When I moved to Charlotte four years ago I had to start from scratch developing new friendships. It was hard and took a long time. I prayed for months that God would bring women into my life that I would connect with and He did. I also prayed that He would bring a confidential friend that I could trust my heart with and He brought me Lisa.

Who is your special friend?

Can you really trust her?

Have you been intentional in setting aside some time out of your busy schedule to be with her?

If not, I can recommend a great place to meet and don't forget...

What's shared at Panera Bread stays at Panera Bread.

Hey W.O.W. Girls!

2010-02-18T11:30:00.001-05:00

Hey Wow Siestas!

I wanted to share so many details about next Tuesday's class that for fun I decided to do a video for y'all. Call me crazy but I thought it would be silly for a change....

Here's the link: http://vimeo.com/9577156

Love you all!

Turning 15

2010-02-17T09:03:00.007-05:00

Today I'm celebrating my oldest son's birthday. Brody is turning 15 years old today. I just can't believe it! He's grown into such an amazing young man and we are so very proud of him.

As a mom, I'm feeling a little melancholy today. The reality that Brody only has three and a half more years until he goes off to college and starts his own life is a very sobering thought. I feel such a sense of urgency to create a "to-do" list of all the things I'd like our family to experience before he graduates from high school.

There are trips I want to take him on, places I want to show him, people I want him to meet, and experiences I want him to have. More than anything I want him to continue his journey with God and develop a stronger more intimate faith life of his own.

Ever since Brody was a little boy, we've taught him about Jesus. He's had a faith which has been constructed from the faith of his parents. He knows God's Word and would debate someone to the final end if they claimed otherwise. But having a knowledge of God is totally different than having a relationship with Him. I know that Brody has a relationship with God and I'm praying that this year it will grow even stronger.

I'll be honest with you, I almost hesitated to type those words because as I reflect on my own personal journey I realize that my biggest spiritual growth spurts with God came during a seasons of great difficulty or major trails in my life. No parent wants their child to experience trials and difficulties!

I'm trusting God's sovereign plan for Brody's life. He knows what's best for Brody and what will draw him to the very heart of Jesus. As much as I love my son, it pales in comparison to the love his Heavenly Father has for him. I'm choosing to rest in that fact today and the many nail-biting days to come.

Happy Birthday Brody! Love, Mom

Feeling Invisible Lately?

2010-02-15T09:00:00.003-05:00

Have you been feeling invisible lately?

Do you have days when you ask yourself, "Does anyone really notice all the work I do around here?" I sure do!

Each day I dedicate hours of my time making beds, washing clothes, running errands, preparing meals, scheduling appointments, returning phone calls, replying to emails but...

No one seems to notice.

No one says "thank you".

No one seems to really care.

I often wonder to myself what would really happen if I stopped doing all these things. How long would it take my family and others to notice? Would they begin to appreciate me then? Would they pitch in and help? Would they say thank you every once in a while?

Honestly, deep down inside I know that my family loves and appreciates me. And, there are many times that they tell me so. I can't allow my thoughts and attitude to be so self focused that I fall head first into a huge pity party while singing the "woe is me" chorus on my way down.

I need to remind myself that I'm not doing these things to win the approval or attention of others. I'm doing these things because it's what God has assigned for me each day. Honestly, I need to rejoice and thank Him for giving me the mental capacity and physical capability to accomplish what I perceive as mundane tasks instead of whining about it all the time.

This morning someone sent me a video that totally changed my perspective on God's assignment for my life.

My assignment as a wife.

My assignment as a mother.

My assignment as a friend.

My assignment as a woman in a world that seldom notices.

I'm praying that if God lead you to my blog today He will also prompt you to take a minute out of your hectic day and watch this video clip below. I'm trusting that He will change your perspective as you listen and watch a woman who believes she's invisible sometimes...just like you and me.

Click on the words below to watch the video...
The Invisible Woman

How do you feel now? I'd love to hear from you :)

Who Dat Celebration

2010-02-08T07:28:00.003-05:00

I've never been so proud to be a Cajun girl from New Orleans in all my life!

Last night my family sat around our big t.v. screen surrounded by Chinese food, hamburgers, french fries, and Pepsi as we watched the nail biting first half of Super Bowl XLIV. We were all very excited but quite leery about the outcome of this year's game.

Our hearts were for the New Orleans Saints since my husband and I both grew up in the Big Easy. We had watched many games over the years with hopes of singing the "Who Dat" chant at the end of each game but often times our hearts were disappointed with another loss.

Game after game...

Season after season...

Year after year...

When the half time show started I realized that my stomach was hurting and it wasn't because of all the Chinese food I had devoured. It was because I was so tense and nervous about the score. I had to laugh at myself because I'm really not a big football fan. Most of the time I have no idea which teams are headed to the playoffs but this year I had a vested interest. This year I was a committed fan. This year it would be personal.

As the last 60 seconds counted down and the Saints were pronounced Super Bowl XLIV Champions my husband and two boys laughed hysterically at me as I video taped my t.v. screen during those glorious moments. I told them that this was most likely a once in a lifetime victory and I wanted to capture it on film.

My guess is that the mayor of Who Dat Nation has declared today an official holiday. As New Orleans fans celebrate in the streets of the French Quarter, I'd imagine that many of them will be throwing Mardi Gras beads, sipping on cafe au late, and eating fresh king cake while singing the "Who Dat" chant until their throats are sore.

Congratulations New Orleans! It's been a very long time coming and you've fought hard to win this victory and claim your prize.

Are you prepared?

2010-01-25T09:39:00.001-05:00

Don't you just love weddings? I sure do.

Last year, a girlfriend of mine announced that her daughter was getting married.
Over the past 12 months, I've had the privilege of hearing all about the special wedding plans, checking out the registry list, going to the much anticipated bridal shower, and viewing the beautiful invitations.

It has been a couple of years since Keith and I have been invited to a wedding so last Friday night we eagerly slipped on our very best wedding attire and headed for the church.

As we entered the elaborate sanctuary, my eyes were immediately drawn to the illuminescent candelabras that lined the main isle leading up to the front altar. Crisp white linen runners boarded the side isles and beautiful potted trees with delicate flower filled vases cascaded gently over the front altar to create the most exquisite backdrop I had every seen.

As soft music played in the background, you could hear the quiet rumble of voices as people entered the church ,waving to friends, and anxiously awaiting for the grand procession to begin.

As the lights were dimmed and the music began to play, every head turned to welcome the grand procession of the bridesmaids, signally the soon to arrive bride. As the first bridesmaids appeared, I was taken back by what she was holding. In her hands was a beautiful decorative lantern which held a single ivory candle. The illumination of its flame blossomed all around her as she glided up red satin runner. The scene was so magnificent that it took my breath away.

My thoughts quickly shifted to the parable in Matthew 25 about the 10 virgins that were waiting for their bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish virgins took their lamps but forgot to bring oil. The wise virgins took their lamps and remembered to bring extra oil. The bridegroom took a long time so virgins became tired and fell asleep. At midnight, the bride arrived. The wise virgins had plenty of oil to light their lamps but the foolish virgins didn't. While they were away buying oil the bridegroom arrived so the five wise virgins got to go into the wedding banquet with him and the door was closed behind them. When the foolish virgins returned with their lamps and oil the door was shut. They asked to come inside but were refused.

As I reflect on this story, my heart breaks for the five foolish virgins. They were so eager to see the bridegroom and waited so long for his arrival. They remembered to bring their lamps but forgot the oil to keep the lamps burning. Although they had great intentions they just weren't properly prepared.

I believe many of us have great intentions. We eagerly await for something amazing to happen in our lives and often times have to wait longer than we originally anticipated. As time passes we become weary and often "fall asleep" to the circumstances around us. We loose sight of what we were waiting for in the first place and become distracted by so many other things. When that long anticipated moment finally arrives, we may realize that we simply aren't prepared like we thought we were.

I don't know about you but I don't want to be left out on what God has in store for me - in this life or in heaven. I want to be prepared. I don't want to just have good intentions. I don't want to miss out on my calling or an opportunity God has in store for me because I became weary and distracted during my time of waiting on Him.

Have you ever become weary and tired of waiting on God? Maybe you've been praying for something to happen in your life and it just feels like your prayer will never be answered. Maybe you think that moment will never come. Maybe you're starting to believe that God will never show up and rescue you from a tough situation.

Let me encourage you by saying that God answers every single one of your prayers. Sometimes
that answer is yes. Sometimes that answer is no. And, sometimes that answer is not yet.

May I suggest that while we wait on Him we make sure we're fully prepared. Let's remind ourselves that it's more than having great intentions and ask ourselves, "what else should I be doing while I wait on the Lord?". Most of all, lets not become weary or distracted by the world and "fall asleep" as the five foolish virgins did. We don't want to miss out when God shows up in the midst of your circumstances. We don't want the door of opportunity to be shut before us because we weren't prepared. We want to be ready.

So let me ask you... what should you begin doing today to be prepared?

I Love Technical Support

2010-01-15T17:57:00.006-05:00

I'm writing today's post with a big smile on my face and I can't wait to explain why.

Last February I started getting serious about setting up my blog. I really wanted to have my own domain name so I decided to purchase one. I wanted to keep it super easy and super simple so I logged onto blogger.com and made my purchase directly through their site.

It was really inexpensive and the steps were so easy. I couldn't wait to type in my new domain name and have it go straight to my blog. The only problem was it never worked. For some reason unbeknownst to me a glitch happened when I was setting everything up. Go figure! Is it just me or do you suffer from unexpected computer glitches too?

I asked my blog design friend to help me but she couldn't figure out the problem either. After days of troubleshooting I finally gave up. I had come to the conclusion that I owned a domain name that I would never be able to use.

Every time I would log onto my blog I'd think about my unusable domain name and I'd get frustrated all over again. That was until today.

I received an email this afternoon from a friend who had a blog question. She sent the email to several friends and they began responding back and forth. As I read each email I began to long for my little domain name that I never was able to use. I decided to send out one final cry for help. Maybe one of my bloggy friends would have the answer.

Sure enough Rachel did. She emailed me back right away with a clever help link that would hopefully lead me on a short journey and solve all my domain problems. At first I was hesitant. I had failed in the trouble shooting area many times before and the thought of wasting more time on this quest for domain victory was feeling quite unappealing at the moment.

Then all of a sudden this overwhelming sense of "you can do this!" sprung up like the automatic water sprinklers in my flower garden. I didn't know where it came from but I liked the momentary thoughts of confidence and absolute assurance that swirled around in my head.

I stared at the link that Rachel sent me and whispered quietly "bring it on!".

One link lead to another then another and lo and behold I landed on the glorious sight of what I had been longing for. It was the number for technical support! I LOVE TECHNICAL SUPPORT!!!

I quickly grabbed my phone, punched in the toll free number and within fifteen minutes the man on the other end of the phone had fixed all my computer glitches and my wonderful domain was up and running. Just like that.

Thank you Rachel for taking the time to send me that link. Your small act of kindness made a huge impact on me. Although it may have seemed like nothing to you it was huge to me. I will forever be your fan.

I've learned a valuable lesson through this experience. I shouldn't underestimate the significance of small things.

Small acts of kindness.

Small words of encouragement.

Small glimmers of confidence and hope.

I think more times than not it's the small things in life that really make a difference. Just like Rachel took the time to help me today I want to make a conscience effort to take the time and respond to others when they need help. Even though it may feel like a small thing to me. Who knows? It could have a huge impact.

It's kind of like being technical support for each other. I just love technical support, don't you?

So Long 2009

2009-12-31T10:28:00.000-05:00

Where did the time go? I can't believe 2009 is over and tomorrow begins a new year.

This past year has been filled with many highs and lows but if I had to choose one to describe the last twelve months I'd definitely say it has been a year of great moments sprinkled with many blessings.

Although our checking account is much smaller now and we no longer live in our beautiful dream house on the lake, our family has witnessed God's faithfulness in amazing ways.

Our children have thrived at their schools and had accident free sport seasons of football and basketball. We've all remained extremely healthy and survived the swine flu epidemic even without getting flu shots. Keith and I have grown closer together and our marriage is stronger than ever before. While my friends have lost family members in 2009, we have lost no one in our immediate or extended family. Yes, I'd say we definitely have a lot to be thankful for.

This morning I sat down and made my New Year's resolution list. It looks a lot different than last year's list which consisted of several specific goals I wanted to achieve. Typical things like eating healthier, taking daily vitamins, exercising more, a committed daily time with God, and consistent writing in my blog. I haven't been so good with the consistent writing though. My resolution list for 2010 looks like this:

1. Asking for God's will in every situation and not going to Him with my never ending wish list hoping He'd say yes to every request.

2. Thanking God in every situation whether it's good or bad. It's taken me some time but I've slowly learned that He does work out every circumstance for my good no matter what it looks like at first.

3. Bring glory and honor to God in everything that I do. This will be extremely challenging but I know that all things are possible through Him.

Sure, I still want to eat healthier, exercise, take my daily vitamins, and continue bogging but I know that if I seek Him first then all these practical things will taken care of too.

Now for some wonderful news that I received today. My dad has battled with cancer for the last three years. He was diagnosed with a form of lymphatic leukemia which basically means he develops cancer in his blood which attacks his lymph nodes. This past Summer he went through a radical round of chemo treatments. He returned last week for a thorough pet scan to see if the cancer returned. He called me today and told me that the results shows he's cancer free!

I have my P31, face book, and W.O.W. friends to thank. I sent out an email to them this morning and within 20 minutes I had almost 30 replies saying "I'm praying for your dad". Prayer is so powerful and we've certainly witnessed this first hand today.

Yes, 2010 is already starting off great. There is so much to look forward to and believe God for. I'd love to know what you're hoping for in 2010. Do you have any New Year's resolutions? What happened in 2009 that you're thankful for? How would you describe this past year in a few words?

Happy New Year sweet friends. You have been such a blessing to me and I am so very thankful for each one of you!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T16:03:00.002-05:00

The gifts have been opened, the pictures have been taken, the Christmas meal has been eaten, and the Christmas story has once again been read.

As our family enjoys a cold rainy day indoors, we relish in the pleasures of just being together on this very special day. When I think of all the hours we spent shopping for gifts, decorating the tree, hanging up lights, wrapping presents, attending holiday events, baking cookies, volunteering at church, celebrating with friends, and watching Christmas specials on t.v., it's hard to believe that all those preparations have culminated just for today.

I never did get our Christmas cards ordered and mailed out this year. We did get the family photos taken last week though. Right after a snow storm passed though our area. I'm thinking a Happy New Year's card would be nice for family and friends to receive from us. Our boys have changed so much these past 12 months that many of our relatives wouldn't even recognize them if they passed them on the street... hence the reason to send out cards.

Keith bought Brody and Carson air soft guns this year. Since they can't go outside to play (it is still raining), Keith has decided to set up a bull's eye target in the center of our fireplace so they can do some practice shooting. (I'm not kidding). I have little yellow pellets all of the floor. Some body's gonna be picking them up this evening and it's not going to be me.

Carson just came in holding his forehead. He tried to hit the fireplace target with his gun but the pellet missed and hit one of the ceramic logs instead. It ricoshed back and hit him between the eyes. I'm thankful that he didn't take one out. I seem to remember seeing safety googles in the packaging but for the life of me I can't undestand why no one is wearing them.

I bought Keith an air soft gun too so he could play along with the boys. He is such a big kid at heart. He's already used up all his pellets so I'm sure we'll be making a run to Wal-Mart tomorrow for more.

I just love Christmas time and it really has nothing to do with the presents. To me Christmas is all about spending time with my family, making special memories, and celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This morning I woke up extra early so I could enjoy our beautiful Christmas tree while I sipped a cup of warm coffee and read through the Christmas story in Luke 2. As I sat all snuggled up in my favorite blanket, I thought about Mary and how she lacked the comforts and basic necessities that first Christmas night as she held her new born son in her arms. Humble beginnings, miraculous moments, and eternal results.

As night falls and everyone gets ready for bed, we plan to watch the Nativity movie together. I can't imagine a better way to end our special Christmas day. We have so much to be thankful for.

Testify this Christmas

2009-12-11T13:45:00.004-05:00

Here are the photos I promised. This is a picture of my family. My husband's name is Keith and our two son's are Brody (14 yrs) and Carson (10 yrs)

Here is a not so good photo of the entire group. As you can tell, I'll lacking in quality picture taking capabilities.

This is Brody with some of his friends; Caleb, Alex, and Kerry

Wishing you all a great weekend filled with fun moments with your families.

Many blessings,

Leah

A Cradle That Rocked the World

2009-12-09T07:09:00.002-05:00

I just love this time of year. Christmas is fast approaching and before long I'll be writing 2010 on all of my personal checks. I've been busy decorating my home but haven't bought a single Christmas gift. My husband and I have asked our two boys, Brody and Carson, what they would like for Christmas this year and they honestly do not know. We are so blessed and truly have more than we really need. Besides, my favorite part of Christmas is not wrapped up in the those gifts. It's really the way we celebrate as a family and the special memories that are created each year.

I'll tell you about one of our favorite annual events in just a minute. First let me welcome you if you're joining me from my good friend, Karen Ehman's blog. Karen is interviewing me today as part of her 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. If you haven't met Karen yet, be sure to check out her blog. Karen is an incredibly talented writer and speaker. Plus, she's one of the funniest gals I know. Just thinking about her makes me smile. Karen is celebrating this month with her blog readers through her special Christmas giveaway and today I'm giving away a Proverbs 31 t-shirt to someone so be sure to pop on over and register. You don't want to miss out of this one!

Now, back to one of my favorite holiday celebrations. Each year my son, Brody sings in a city wide teen choir called Testify. After months of long practices, they perform Christmas concerts at local churches, children's homes, and civic centers. It is so amazing to see over 140 teenagers worshipping God and proclaiming the birth of Jesus through songs, dance, and drama. As a mom, I couldn't be more proud of him.

This year their theme is "The Cradle that Rocked the World". When I really stop and think about that statement, I am easily brought to tears. To wrap my mind around the fact that God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to live a life of complete humility for the redemption of man is an overwhelming thought. To think that Jesus left his heavenly home, completely filled with almighty power, only to empty himself and be wrapped in human flesh which probably consisted of no more than eight pounds is so incredible.

Yes, Jesus eventually grew out of that little cradle. He grew in stature and favor with God and man. He healed the blind, made the sick well, and performed many miracles. He died on a wooden cross for you and for me. Yet, on the third day He conquered death itself and rose from the grave. Now that is something to celebrate!

Yes, that cradle certainly rocked the world and will continue to rock the world until Christ returns to this earth once again in all of His glory and majesty. My prayer for you this Christmas season is that while your busy decorating, shopping for gifts, baking all those yummy Christmas cookies, and celebrating with friends and family that you'll set aside some special time to be with Jesus. To thank Him for all that He's done for you and to celebrate His presence in your life today.

Yes, the cradle that rocked the world - yesterday, today, and forever!

I wanted to post some pictures that I took this weekend at my son's concert but for some reason my computer isn't cooperating with me this morning. Please stop by tomorrow and I'll have them up for you.

Over the summer, Testify will travel to different states with another production so if you'd like to host them at your church, please write and let me know. They are an awesome group of teenagers who love the Lord and are passionate about spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thanks again for stopping by. If you have a minute, please leave a comment and introduce yourself. That would mean so much to me.

Merry Christmas!

Unexpected Surprises

2009-12-07T07:06:00.004-05:00

We have an unexpected guest staying with us this Christmas season. His name is Nicholas and he's from the North Pole :)

My son, Carson, came home from school last week all excited and eager to share with me about something that was taking place in his classroom. Several of his classroom buddies had received elves from the North Pole. Carson referred to it has having an "Elf on the Shelf". I hadn't heard anything about these elves. Then again, I haven't watched the news lately.

Carson really wanted an elf and said we needed to place saltine crackers, a small glass of water, and one of his shoes by the fireplace for the elf to arrive. That evening Carson carefully arranged everything near the fireplace but in the morning there was no elf to be found.

He was so disappointed and with tears in his eyes said "I'll be the only kid in my class that doesn't have an elf this year". He suggested that maybe he did something wrong and that's why the elf didn't arrive. I assured him that the elf most likely got detained by some big important assignment at the North Pole and not to get discouraged.

The following evening we placed out the crackers, water, one of Carson's smelling tennis shoes and sure enough, the elf appeared overnight! Carson was so excited he could hardly stand it. He quickly began writing a letter to the elf that was filled with lots of questions. He wanted to know all about his new friend, especially what his name was.

Well, since last week we've found out quite a bit about this little guy. First off, his name is Nicholas. He is nocturnal and gets into a lot of mischief at night when we're sleeping. He loves saltine crackers and water but leaves crumbs all over the place. He likes to dig in sock drawers, toy bins, and the kitchen pantry. During the day, he carefully watches what goes on in our house, making sure that Carson is being a good boy and obeying his parents.

Carson just loves his new friend Nicholas and is so proud of him. Just this weekend, Carson invited several of his neighborhood friends over the meet Nicholas. In fact, Carson wanted you to meet Nicholas too and asked me to please do a blog post this morning. I told him I would as long as I was able to post a picture of him and Nicholas together. He gladly agreed.

Here they are. I kinda think they look a lot a like too!

Merry Christmas,
Leah

Overwhelmed by Your To-Do List?

2009-11-30T08:52:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel completely overwhelmed by your to-do list?

I sure do! If fact, more times than I'd like to admit. I've already sensed that today would be one of those overwhelming days.

Our family was out of town last week visiting my brother and his family for the Thanksgiving holiday. We had such an incredible time and what made it so special was that we just "hung out" the entire time. Our boys were completely content playing with their cousins. They had no interest in going to local attractions or doing any sight-seeing. I know... amazing, isn't it?

We returned home over the weekend and this morning reality slapped us all in the face at 5:45 am when it was time to get everyone ready for school and work. After Brody & Carson hopped on their buses, I snuggled up with a delicious cup of hazelnut coffee and my bible to have some quiet time. With so much on my plate today, I knew the best place to start was with Jesus.

I've been studying about prayer lately so I took some extra time to pray specifically through some situations that had been bothering me. When I was finished, I felt so encouraged and rejuvenated.

I grabbed a notepad and began jotting down my "to-do" list. One page turned into two pages and then three. With each turn of the notepad sheet, my encouragement turned to discouragement. I had so many items on my "to-do" list that I had to create subsections!

All that rejuvenation which held me only moments ago quickly disintegrated and I was left with a complete sense of frustration and wondering what on earth I should do first.

Am I the only woman on planet earth who can get so easily distracted and frazzled by a little piece of paper with line items on it?

Honestly, what would really happen if I didn't complete my to-do list. Well, for starters, the bills wouldn't get paid, the laundry wouldn't get done, and we'd have no food in the house.

Are you wondering what I did with that to-do list? Well, I wanted to burn it, crawl back into bed, and sleep for two more hours. Instead, I mentally handed my to-do list over to God. Since I've been studying prayer lately, I thought maybe God would help me out with my dilemma.

I told Him the things I felt were a priority for today but asked Him to show me what daily assignments He had chosen for me instead.

One by one, I went down the list and as I did, I realized something. Some of these things really
didn't need to be done today. In fact, they could wait until tomorrow or even the end of this week. I also noticed that some of these items could be delegated to other family members.

The most amazing thing was that God actually added some items to my to-do list. One was to send an encouraging email to a friend whose father just had open heart surgery last week. Another was to call my mom and wish her a "Happy Birthday" ... I COMPLETELY forgot it was her birthday today! I'm so glad Jesus reminded me. Another addition to my list was to tell my husband three things that I love about him and let him know how much I appreciate all that he does for our family.

Wow! God had given me three new assignments and I hadn't even had breakfast yet.

So what has this little exercise accomplished for me this morning?

For starters, I no longer am discouraged. If fact, that overwhelming feeling has been replaced with joy and a wonderful sense of peace. Also, my list has been condensed in a way that is realistic for my day. But most importantly I made a conscious decision to take my concerns to God right away instead of trying to figure things out on my own. He responded to my plea for help by showing me what's really important and what matters to Him today.

Do you have a long "to-do" list right now?

If so, I'd like to challenge you to take that list to God. Prayerfully ask Him to show you what items on that list needs to be accomplished today. I bet He'll prompt you to scratch off some things and delegate others to family members. He may even add some other daily assignments that you didn't even think about.

Oh, I sure hope He does! If so, please let me know. I'd love to hear how He's working in your life today.

Being Thankful

2009-11-26T10:02:00.002-05:00

Our family made a last minute decision to visit my brother and his family in Florida for Thanksgiving this year. I'm so glad we decided to throw our cares to the wind and do something totally spontaneous for a change.

My brother has a condo right on the beach that happened to be available this week. I've never packed three suitcases so fast in all my life. After a ten hour drive filled with movies, lots of reading, and only two pit stops we arrived safely with smiles our faces. My husband has a tendency to drive with a heavy foot so the fact that we made it to Florida accident-free is something to be thankful about.

Speaking of thankfulness, I just wanted to say "Happy Thanksgiving" to all of you!

As I sit at my laptop, I can't help but be distracted by the view out my window. I'm completely captivated by the beautiful white sand, crystal blue sky, emerald green water and those gorgeous pounding waves. There's a light breeze allowing the palm trees to dance and the only words that comes to my mind at this very moment is "I am so thankful".

Although this year had been tough... I mean REALLY tough for our family when it comes to finances, I can't help but reflect on how many wonderful moments we've had and how blessed we really are.

Today our family will celebrate Thanksgiving with extended family for the first time in five years. My nieces and nephews have grown so much since the last time we've seen them. I'm really looking forward to seeing my uncle and his new bride now that they've moved to Florida from Munich, Germany.

I hope that you have the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family today. Whether that's extended family, church family, adopted family or friends that have become your family.

Many blessings and prayers to all of you this Thanksgiving season!

With much love,

Chocolate Chip Waffles and a Downey Dryer Sheet

2009-11-10T10:05:00.004-05:00

My alarm went off at 5:50 am this morning. This is my normal wake up time during the week which is why I love weekends so much.

Here's the deal. I don't climb out of bed until 6:00 am but having those extra ten minutes is a real luxury to me. I use that time to enjoy the warmth of my cozy soft blankets, the sound of complete stillness in my home and a quiet conversation with God.

First, I say good morning to Him. Then I thank Him for a safe and restful night of sleep. Before the grandfather clock in our foyer strikes 6:00 am, I mentally run through my to-do list for the day and ask Him what needs to be the priorities and what can wait until the next day.

This morning Carson (our youngest son) was up earlier than normal. It's because he fell asleep on our sofa, while reading last night, at 7:30 pm. We let him sleep there until 9:45 pm then carried him up to bed. He was obviously exhausted from our busy weekend and slept almost twelve hours long!

I fixed chocolate chip waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast. Yum, yum, yum. I know this won't win me the most balanced breakfast award but my boys love chocolate chip waffles so once a week we just go for it.

The waffles were a big hit and before Carson headed upstairs to brush his teeth, he asked "Mom, will you stick my shirt and jacket in the dryer?" He had a big ole smile plastered across his face and I knew exactly what he meant.

Carson didn't want me dry his shirt and jacket because they were damp. Or, because they were wrinkled. He wanted me to place them in the dryer so they would be warm and soft when he put them on.

Now that our weather is cooler and mornings greet us with lower temperatures, Carson has been asking me to warm up his jacket and shirt every morning. It's become our special little routine that puts a smile on his face every single time. As he slips on his Downey scented, warm, and soft shirt, he response with a resounding "aahhh, that feels SO good!". His reaction always puts a smile on my face too and I respond by wrapping my arms around him with a big bear hug.

As he bounced out the door and ran for bus stop this morning, I couldn't help but feel good inside. This morning I was seeing myself as a "good mom".

A mom that fixed her children chocolate chip waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast.

A mom that packed their lunch boxes and included a small pack of Skittles as an extra surprise.

A mom that got their backpacks and shoes together by the door so they wouldn't forget anything.

And yes, a mom that even put her son's clothes in the dryer so they would be warm when he put them on.

Do I do this every morning.... No, sirree (not sure about that spelling).

Often times, I'm pushing my boys out the door with a granola bar hanging out of their mouths, shoes in one hand and an open backpack (with it's contents spilling out) in the other.

Aahh, this morning was special and I'm relishing in the memories of it.

Come to think of it, I believe it's those small things that we do for our children that mean the most to them. Things that don't cost a lot of money or require much sacrifice. Just the simple things that say " I notice and I love you".

Maybe tomorrow I'll whip up some french toast (from the freezer, of course) and do it all over again.

Why Do Shells Stick to Hard Boiled Eggs?

2009-11-08T13:20:00.007-05:00

This morning I was craving homemade chicken salad like you wouldn't believe.

Now, I want you to know that I rarely have cravings for food. Eating is more like a necessity than an enjoyment for me.

When our family lived in New Orleans I would often crave Cajun boiled shrimp, crab meat au gratin, or spicy jambalaya but once out of the Big Easy, food seemed to be much more bland, boring, and not worth craving. Not today though. Today, I wanted homemade chicken salad like no body's business.

While I waited for my boiled eggs to cool, I decided to chop up the chicken, celery and mixed it all together with some Hellman's light mayo and herb seasonings. I couldn't wait to enjoy my little creation!

My excitement slowly turned to frustration when I began to peel the hard boiled eggs. Some of the shells came off so easily and without a fight but others hung on for dear life as if they were holding onto a life preserver in the middle of a raging storm. When I was finally done peeling all the eggs, half of them looked perfect and the other half appeared to have just be a fight with a chicken... and the chicken won.

For years I have struggled with successfully boiling eggs ( pretty lame, huh?). Am I the only person who can't keep shells from sticking? With all the difficult tasks that a woman faces in her daily routine, are boiled eggs going to defeat her? I decided to settle this dilemma once and for all! What did I do? I googled, of course and here's what I found out.

Tips on cooking boiled eggs:

1. Place eggs in very cold water

Well, I messed up from the get-go. I always use hot water because I want the eggs to hurry up and boil really fast. I figured hot water comes to a boil a lot quicker than cold water, right?

2. Cover the pot and wait for water to come to a boil.

O.k., second mistake. I never put a lid on my pot. No wonder why my eggs come out so lousy. I'm doing this totally wrong!

3. Once eggs come to a boil, remove from heat and let sit for 10-12 minutes.

Alright, now I feel like a complete idiot. I would never think to remove them from the heat once they start boiling. Isn't that when they just begin to cook? I normally boil the heck out of them for 10-12 minutes. Poor little things. Now I'm wondering why they haven't turned to rubber all these years.

4. Empty the water out and replace with fresh water and ice cubes. This is called giving your eggs an ice bath.

Nope, I don't do this either. I normally just drain the water and let them cool. An ice bath sound sounds kind of fun though.

Well, thanks to the Internet, I now know how to boil and peel eggs perfectly. Hopefully, you do too after reading my post. If you have any other helpful tips for me about boiling eggs, I'd love to hear them. Actually, if you have any other helpful hints about anything related to cooking, I'd love to hear them. I'm not the best when it comes to culinary craftiness.

Before I sign off, I'm leaving you with a really awesome way to peel eggs. I'm going to try this one out next time. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETgWdRfRY2U

Rise & Shine Conference

2009-10-30T22:38:00.003-04:00

I'm in Cedar Falls, Iowa this weekend with my good friend Renee Swope. I work with Renee, at Proverbs 31 Ministries, as her assistant. One of the many special perks of my job is getting to travel with Renee to her speaking events.

We are here for the Rise and Shine Women's Conference at Orchard Hills Community Church. This is their very first women's event and I can say without a doubt that these Midwest girls know how to put on an event! Approximately 250 women attended and they all had big smiles on their faces. It was definitely an atmosphere of excitement and great anticipation.

During the closing session, the women were asked to write down their doubts and burdens on an index card, bring them up to the front, and lay them down at the foot of the cross. In place of their index card, they were given one of God's promises, which was a scripture verse, that they could take home with them. It was so wonderful to see these women respond to the promises they had received.

My heart is very full as I reminisce over the many special moments these last two days. I will really miss these sweet women. They are truly a group of girls that love Jesus with all their heart!

Now what do I do?

2009-10-27T08:44:00.003-04:00

It was time to come to grips with my shopping addiction.

First, I had to realize that my decision to shop excessively was nothing shy of sin in my life. My wonderful husband was working so hard to put money into our checking account and I was spending it faster then he could make it. Deep down inside, I knew it was wrong but I continued to rationalize with every single purchase I made.

On September 15, 2009, I wrote in my bible the following words, "60 day shopping fast".

I had decided that the only way to beat this thing was to go cold turkey. That morning I made an oath to God that I would not purchase anything for myself or for my house (accept for food and cleaning products)during the next 60 days. I wrote it down in my bible as a way of holding myself accountable. I told my bible study friends about my 60 day plan and encouraged them to check out my shopping cart if they ever saw me in Target. I emailed my family and close friends and asked them to pray for me. I also told my husband and of course, he was thrilled!

It's been 42 days since I made that agreement with God. In all honesty, I'm totally shocked that I've gone this far. I truly didn't think I'd last 3 days!

Has it been easy? No way! It's been incredibly tough. I've had to pray my way past the clearance racks, shoe section, and accessory stands of my favorite stores. I've put away all my Ballard Design catalogs and haven't stepped foot in a Kirkland's Home store.

The good news is that I've stuck with it. How? It's totally been by the grace and strength of God. There is absolutely no way I could have done this without Him. Every time I think about cheating, He reminds me of the commitment I made on September 15, 2009 and it keeps me going.

What I'm realizing through all of this is that my desire to shop was my way of filling an empty place in my heart. I'd shop when I was angry or down about something. I'd shop when I was stressed because "I needed a little pick-me-up". I'd even shop when I was bored because it brought a little excitement to my day. Bringing home a new sweater or pair of earrings always put a smile on this girl's face. That was... until the guilt set in... and it always did.

Now, when I'm angry or stressed, instead of running to the store, I run to God. He's teaching me so much about myself. He's helping me with my struggles and showing me healthy ways to deal with my problems.

Through it all, I'm feeling more content with my life than ever before. I'm way more productive, now that I'm not wasting hours at the mall. Best of all, I'm not afraid to open up my credit card statements each month to see the balance due.

I'm learning that there's more to life than shopping.... way more!

What Shopping Problem?

2009-10-22T11:00:00.001-04:00

Do you remember last month, when I shared about my ah-ha moment? Maybe not or maybe your new to my blog so I'll quickly give a recap...

I was standing in the middle of our family's storage room. You know, the space where everything goes when you don't have a designated "place" for it? I had started the tumultuous job of packing up all our belongings as we prepared to move to our new home. I decided to start in the storage room because it was the most cluttered room in our house. I had procrastinated long enough and my plan was to clear out the entire room before my boys got home from school. Ha!! Ya, right :)

Well, it didn't take me all day to clear out our storage room. It took me days. Yes, days!

There were boxes, boxes, and more boxes. All filled with stuff, stuff, and more stuff.

What on earth was I thinking when I took all those pictures on our family vacation to Nevada? How many snapshots does a girl need of the same mountain? Besides, who has time to put family photos in pretty little memory albums, anyway?

What about that box of silver serving platters and bowls that my mom gave me. They had been in boxes for years. I couldn't stand the thought of giving them away but honestly, I couldn't see myself polishing off all that tarnish and actually using them either.

Oh, yes, then there were the three boxes of school yearbooks (K-12th grade). I had forgotten how dorky I looked back then... not to mention the other kids in my class!

Along with the real old stuff was much newer stuff.

The winter coat I had bought last season. The sofa table I purchased while shopping with friends. They said it would go great in my living room. All those silk flowers that I purchased to make a beautiful flower arrangement for my dining room table. Oops... I never got around to taking that flower decorating class last year.

Oh, I almost forgot... ah-ha moment. Sorry, I can get easily distracted at times.

My ah-ha moment came when I realized that my unhealthy love for shopping had grown into a super sized bad habit. Actually, I'll go as far to say an unhealthy addiction. O.K., I said it.

Unhealthy addition.

At first I thought my ah-ha moment was some crazy random thought. I really didn't have a shopping problem, did I?

As the days followed and I began to tackle the other rooms in my house, I would find a Target bag here and a Stein Mart bag there, filled with things I had bought and crammed into closets, dresser drawers and kitchen cabinets.

But wait a minute. Doesn't a girl have the right to do a little shopping every now an then?

A new top or a cool pair a shoes always seemed to make me feel good. You can never have enough decorative throw pillows, candle sticks, or area rugs to spruce up your house while you try to keep up with the latest HGTV designer shows.

Besides, Keith wasn't really complaining when I'd come home with something new from the mall. Well, actually that isn't completely true. Here's the honest truth... if I thought he may be a little upset, I'd just conveniently keep my bags in the trunk of my car then bring them inside when he wasn't home.

Oh, don't even say it! I know some of you have done the same thing too...right?

I knew my shopping had gotten a little out of control but an actual addiction? Could that be possible?

Yes, Mam. It could be possible and it was starting to look like I had a major problem on my hands and it had nothing to do with packing and moving.

O.k, it's time to share.

Have you ever had an ah-ha moment sort of like mine? It may have nothing to do with shopping but some other "thing" in your life that you recognized as an unhealthy habit?

Maybe something that you've been doing for so long that it feels completely natural and makes total sense to you.

Maybe something that you've known deep down inside, in your little soul wasn't right, but you rationalized it anyway, just like I did.

Maybe thoughts like "I deserve this" or "It's no big deal" have been part of your vocabulary lately.

Can you relate?

Drum Roll Please.......

2009-10-17T10:24:00.002-04:00

Congratulations Doreen! You're the winner of my birthday give-away. I hope you enjoy the $10 gift card to Target.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your birthday stories. I really enjoyed reading each one of them and getting to know you better.

This give-away was so much fun! I'll definitely do it again.

Have a great weekend and please stop by next week. I'd love to visit again.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers: 4
Timestamp: 2009-10-17 14:21:33 UTC

Happy Birthday Give-Away

2009-10-15T08:05:00.003-04:00

Today is my birthday and I've decided to celebrate by giving someone else a gift.

Here is how it works...

Please tell me what your absolute favorite birthday gift was from a previous birthday. If you can't think of a favorite gift, then tell me what your favorite birthday memory is? Be sure to share why this gift or memory is so special to you.

Leave me a comment with your full name and email address. That way if you win, I'll know how to get in touch with you.

Oh ya... I almost forgot! I'm giving away a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

That way you can invite a friend for coffee or buy something for yourself from their great gift stands. I just love their mugs and the handles don't get hot when you put them in the microwave.

If you're not a fan of Starbucks (which I can't even imagine), I'd be happy to give a $10 gift card to Target instead. Everyone loves Target!

I'll select a winner on Friday night (October 16) so you have plenty of time to leave me a comment and/or tell a friend about my give-away. The more the merrier.

I'm really looking forward to reading about your special birthday gift or memory!

Where Have You Been?

2009-10-12T09:38:00.005-04:00

Last week, I really needed a break from unpacking boxes from our recent move. So, I convinced my husband to play some tennis before our boys got home from school. He was all on board with the idea (I think he needed a break too) so off we went.

When I walked into the tennis shop, I heard someone yell out "Where have you been?!?!" I turned around and saw one of the tennis pros who was standing behind the counter. I smiled and thought to myself, "Gee, how much time do you actually have for me to answer that question?". Instead, I said "I've been in therapy!" He responded by saying "for your head?" (now that sounds like something a man would say) My response... "No, for my foot!"

At that moment, I realized it had been exactly four months to the day that I limped off the tennis court, drove myself to the sports orthopedic doctor, and found out that I had Stage 3 ligament damage in my left foot (from rolling over a stray ball). This would be my very first day back on the courts since my accident.

In all honesty, I was a little nervous and anxious as I began to slowly maneuver run around the court. I kept looking down at my feet, searching for any sign of stay tennis balls that might be near me.

My husband throws a wicked serve and he was having no mercy at all :) After about thirty minutes, he had me pacing back an forth, totally out of breath, and sweating like a crazy woman.

The more I ran around the court, the more comfortable I began to feel. I was so excited to actually be playing tennis again after such a long break. By the end of the hour, I felt my confidence coming back.

As I sat down to write this morning, I thought maybe some of you might be asking, "Where Have You Been?". I just checked and my last blog post was almost a month ago. That is just unthinkable in the blogging world and I owe you all a huge apology.

I didn't plan to go this long without writing. In fact, I've thought about writing each day. So much has happened over the last few weeks and I can't wait to share some things I've learned through the process. This is our fourth move in four and a half years. A girl is bound to learn some things about moving when it becomes an annual event for her.

Even though I wanted to write, the busyness of our move kept getting in the way.
All those overloaded moving boxes kept staring at me every time I went in and out of our garage. My husband was also "encouraging" me along. He was chewing at the bit to park his dual cab truck in the garage and all those boxes with my nice little decorations were in his way. Come to think of it, I'm not sure if I was more motivated by the idea of having everything unpacked and in its proper place or by the fact that Keith was driving me bananas about that doggone truck of his.

Now that we're all settled in, my goal is to blog 2-3 times a week. I wish I could blog more but quite honestly, writing doesn't come easy to me at all. I always thought that since I'm rarely at a lost for words when talking that writing would be super simple. That is surely not the case.

Just like stepping on that tennis court last week, I'm feeling a little apprehensive about writing. A little nervous and anxious about my content and choice of words. Hopefully, I'll become more comfortable with time and practice. Hopefully, I'll begin to enjoy it like so many of my friends who write regularly.

I'm curious about something. Does writing come easily for you? Do you have a blog of your own? If so, please send me your link as I'd love to check it out. How long have you been writing? Does writing get easier the more you do it? Everyone keeps telling me that I have to "find my own voice". Well, it's safe to say, that I haven't found it yet...I'm still looking.

Any of your suggestions about blogging would be great. I'd really love to get your feedback on this.

Me and My Stuff

2009-09-17T08:30:00.009-04:00

The last 10 days can be summed up in very few words: boxes, trash bags and strapping tape.

We finalized the contract on our home and found a new place to live. While our boys are in school, Keith and I have been busy packing up our belonging and getting ready for moving day.

On Monday, I tackled our storage room. This is an unfinished area in our home that was originally planned to be a home theater. We never got around to actually doing the renovations, so instead we used it to store all of our "stuff".

I've dreaded having to deal with this space more than any other room in our house. I knew it was going to take the most effort so I decided to tackle it head on.

When I opened the doors, boxed stacked almost to the ceiling, greeted me. I immediately felt overwhelmed just by the sight of it all.

Where would I start? How long was this going to take? Who was going to help me?

Christmas decorations, office supplies, old books, baby keepsakes, unused printers, and family photo albums were spewed all over the room. I could see them but couldn't actually get to them because I had furniture and decorating accessories in the way.

Back in April, when we put our home on the market, I went through and did a little staging, in hopes that our house would sell quickly. I went through each room and put away extra candle sticks, silk plants, area rugs, flower arrangements, picture frames and even furniture. Everything went into our storage room. I could just close the door and pretend that they didn't exist. Out of sight, out of mind.

I could no longer pretend anymore. One by one, I went through each box, sorting, organizing and deciding what I would keep or give away. Two hours into the project I was in tears. Even with all my hard work and good intentions, the room didn't look any different. There was still stuff everywhere.

In total frustration, I yelled at the top of my lungs, "I have too much stuff!"

As I looked around the room at all my pretty decorations, I thought about how much fun it was when I bought them. How excited I was to bring them home and proudly display them throughout my house. Oh, how my little decorations brought me so much joy!

Now these same decorations had become a huge burden. Like little nooses around my neck, weighing me down. I didn't want to be bothered with them anymore. They seemed of no use to me. I now resented them. I didn't like my stuff. If fact, at that moment, I wanted to light a match and torch everything.

In all honesty, I've known for a long time, that I have an unhealthy love for shopping. Nothing gets me more pumped up than a early bird sale at Kohl's with an additional 20% off coupon. How about those buy one, get one free specials. Boy, do these deals make my heart race!

I've rationalized buying things because I could get them for less. I'd often tell my husband, "Honey, I only buy what's on sale so it saves us money." His response was always "Don't buy anything and then you'll actually save us money."

As I stood alone in my storage room, with all my stuff, I had one of those ah-ha moments. I realized that my unhealthy love for shopping had grown into a super sized habitual addiction. One that I thought I could control, but in reality, I couldn't and I still can't. There's more to tell you, but not today. This post is too long already.

Can I ask you something though?

Do you have an unhealthy love for shopping too? Are you tempted by those 50% clearance racks? Do you often times find yourself in the clothing department at Super Target when your original plan was to only pick up eggs, milk, and a loaf of bread?

Has shopping become an addiction for you?

Maybe you've had an unhealthy love for shopping in the past but have learned to do without. Maybe you can now say "no" to those want (not need) items. Maybe you can now make a trip to your local TJ Maxx and not feel like you have to buy everything in site.

I'd love to hear how you've been able to say "no" to unhealthy shopping and how it has made a difference in your life.

I'll tell you more about my ah-ha moment tomorrow. But, for now, I've got to get back to packing.

September is Taxing

2009-09-04T07:59:00.008-04:00

I'm celebrating this morning. Why? Because I've finally completed my 2008 personal and corporate tax returns. Yaayyyyy!!!!!

Honesty, here it is September 2009 and for the past 3 days, I've been fumbling through medical receipts and personal expense forms, that are dated well over a year ago. Is that not insane?

When I posted a comment about this on my face book page, I received several responses. The comments ranged anywhere from "I haven't completed my taxes either!" to "Are you serious? Oh my goodness!"

I'm sure you're wondering why I've waited so long. Well, it's because I loath doing my taxes each year. I could of chosen the word hate to describe how I feel but loath sounds so much more intense. Yes, I loath doing my taxes.

Gathering all that information and putting it into the computer is so tedious and incredibly time consuming. Each year I procrastinate and then find myself in crisis mode trying to get everything finished before the dead line. I absolutely dread it. In fact, I'd go as far to say that I'd rather have a root canal done than file my taxes. Now, that is pretty bad!

I was on the phone yesterday with my C.P.A.. She asked why I didn't just put all of my tax information into a simple excel spread sheet. She told me that the majority of her clients submit their taxes that way and it's completely acceptable. It would take a lot less time and would be so much easier.

I explained to my C.P.A. that I have a Type A personality and everything has to be done just so. Putting my tax figures into my fancy accounting software package and printing out all those nice clean impressive reports looks so much better. It actually makes me even feel better. Weird, huh? Yes, I know.

O.k., I have issues, but you probably know this already. Really, who cares about how the information looks on a sheet of paper. Just as long as the information is correct. That's what matters. Well, I tell myself this but that's not what I end up doing. If you're a Type A personality person, I know you're nodding your head up and down right now and saying "yes, yes, yes!"

Plus, I think it's sort of a generational curse. I can remember going with my dad to drop off his personal tax return when I was a little girl. He also would wait until the very last day to file his return. I remember him driving us to the city and going to the main post office, just to make sure his return would be postmarked correctly. I was around 9 years old, it was dark outside, and I was in my pajamas. He really did wait until the last minute to file his return! He also has one of those Type A personalities. See, I told you it was generations.

The good news is that I've already begun compiling my tax information for 2009 and even started putting some entries into my fancy accounting software package. Obviously, I haven't dealt with my Type A personality issues and still love seeing all my tax figures printed out on those fancy reports.

My goal is to have my 2009 tax returns completed and ready for my C.P.A. by the end February 2010.

We shall see :)

Missing Him

2009-08-31T09:09:00.004-04:00

My husband, Keith, was out of town last week in New Orleans, Louisiana. We both grew up in Cajun Country so it was like returning home for him. I would LOVE to have gone, but with school and football season back in full swing, it was just impossible. Besides, I was excited about attending Lysa TerKeurst's book launch this weekend at Southbrook Church in Weddington, NC.

Keith would call several times a day and tell me what great meal he was having, at one of our favorite restaurants. It was driving my taste buds absolutely crazy! New Orleans is known for their delectable dishes and delicious desserts. My mouth would actually water while he described the sauteed jumbo shrimp with lumped crab meat stuffing or the homemade bread pudding with butter sauce and whipped cream on top.

He mentioned about all the friends and family members he was getting to see. How the aunts and uncles were appearing older and acting feistier than ever before. How the nieces and nephews were barely recognizable because they had grown so much.

As we talked, he would say something hilarious and I would laugh until tears were streaming down my face. When it was time to say good-bye, I'd hang up the phone and instantly feel an emptiness inside which accompanied a twinge of sadness. It was then that I realized...

I missed hearing his voice.

While Keith was gone, I didn't sleep very well, at all! I kept waking up at night, hearing little sounds that would startle or frighten me. I'd check the doors several times at night, making sure they were locked. One morning as I was coming out of a deep sleep, and reached my hand over to the other side of our bed, expecting to touch his arm, but then realized he wasn't there.

When Keith is home, I feel safe and secure. I know that if anything goes wrong, he will handle it. I don't worry about the doors being locked or the strange sounds that I hear at night. While Keith was away, I realized ...

I missed his protection.

Saturday night, Carson had his first scrimmage game of the football season. He was really nervous and had a mini meltdown while getting dressed for the game. I tried calling Keith so he could encourage Carson and calm him down. I was doing my best to pump Carson up with "you can do it" cheers but he wasn't buying it. I knew that if Keith was home, he would be able to motivate Carson in a way that I couldn't.

By the time we arrived at the field, the stadium was packed with people. I saw several friends and met new ones during the two hour scrimmage. But, with all those people around me and with all the great conversations, I still felt lonely inside. I wasn't sure why but it finally dawned on me that I missed Keith.

He wasn't there with me to cheer Carson on to victory. He wasn't there to answer one of my numerous ditzy football questions (after four years, I'm still trying to learn the rules of this game called football). On the ride home, I thought about all the great tackles that Carson had. Tackles that Keith didn't get to see. It was at that moment I realized....

I missed his presence.

Keith returned home this morning and I was so glad to finally see him. Although it was really nice to have a break from cooking those big meals, washing those extra loads of laundry, and
not having to share the t.v. remote with anyone, I'd much rather have Keith back home with us.

I'm so thankful that he's returned safely and our family is complete again. I really missed him while he was away and so did the boys. I know he missed us too.

What Would You Rather?

2009-08-26T07:29:00.006-04:00

Our youngest son, Carson, doesn't like to read. If fact, I'd go as far to say that he actually hates reading. As a mom, this breaks my heart because I know how important fundamental reading is when it comes to Carson's educational development.

I read once that children who read a lot are more likely to score higher on tests and have higher grade point averages than children who don't. This really concerned me so I needed to take action and get real creative on ways to make reading fun.

Just last week, I found a new game at my local Target store called, "You Gotta Be Kidding!, The Crazy Game of Would You Rather..?" It's made by Zobmondo and looked like a great family game. After reading through the brief description on the back of the box, I decided it would be a fun way for Carson to practice his reading, plus, it would create a special interaction time for our family.

Here's how the game works:

Each person picks a card, reads aloud one of the four choices available, then gives time for each player to make their own selection as to which answer they would choose. I'll give you an example below. This was one of the cards Carson picked last night while we were playing.

Would you rather...
Choice #1. Be stuck on an island for 2 years with 20 friends of your choice.
or
Choice #2. Be stuck on an island for 2 years with 20 famous people of your choice.

My choice was #1 and Carson's choice was #2. When I asked him to name three famous people that he'd like to be stuck on an island with he said:

" the famous chef, Emeril, so he can cook my meals."
" Lebron James, so he can play basketball with me"
" Beyonce, because she can dance really good"

Let me tell you what, you can learn a lot about what your kids are thinking by playing this game!
After the game was over, we headed up to Carson's room, and I tucked him into bed. We talked about how fun the game was and Carson said he couldn't wait to play it again, but next time he wanted Keith and Brody to play too.

As Carson dosed off to sleep, I started to think about how my life is full of choices. Everyday I'm faced with situations where I need to make a decision when given two or more options.

Sometimes I'm faced with a really good vs. really bad option so the choice is obvious and easy to make. Other times, I'm faced with two good options or even two bad options so the process of choosing is much more difficult.

Sometimes, other people in my life make choices and then I'm forced to live out those choices, whether good or bad, which ultimately effect my reality, not to mention my already busy schedule.

In fact, just yesterday Brody's teacher made a choice to hold his class 20 extra minutes after school ended because the pick up line traffic was really bad. My son rides a transportation service van home each day. The van has 14 other students that were eager to leave (along with the driver) so the van left without him. Because of that teacher's choice, I was forced to leave work, go pick up my son, and bring him home which ended up taking over an hour and a half. I wasn't able to finish the project I was working on which really frustrated me.

Life has so many choices and my decisions to these choices impact not only my life but others around me.

The key is to choose wisely.

Even though I know this, I often find myself rushing through my decision making. I've learned the hard way that it's never good to make a decision in a hurry. Hasty decisions almost always result in not so good choices which leave me faced with unfavorable circumstances to deal with.

Sometimes my choices are based on pleasing others. Oh, this is a big one and I could write a week's worth of blog posts about being a people pleaser! A low self esteem and desire for others' approval can often times skew my thought process and result in bad choices that are based not on what's best for me and my situation but what I think will make other people happy.

If only I would pause, place, and pray.

Pause:
Pause and really think through my choices. Ask myself what would be the best decision based on the facts, current circumstances, and how this decision will effect me and the people that I love.

Place:
Take my choices to God and place them before Him. Tell Him what I'm thinking and how I feel about the choices I have to make. Let Him know what I believe would be the best decision and why.

Pray:
Then pray and ask God to reveal His will in my situation. He knows my past, present, and future. He knows my personality, weaknesses, and strengths. He knows what ultimately would be the best choice for me.

Yes, if only I would pause, place, and pray before making my choices. Then I believe that the God of the Universe would pause, even in the midst of all His creation, just for me, and place His desire, for me and my circumstances, in my heart. And, if I quiet myself and listen to His voice, then act on what He tells me to do, I can make the right choice with confidence.

What about you? Do you struggle like me? Do you have trouble when it comes to making the right choice? Do you hurry through your decision making then end up with messy circumstances that need to be dealt with? Do you make choices in hopes of getting someone's approval?

If only we would pause, place, and pray.

High School ... here we come!

2009-08-24T08:32:00.008-04:00

So much has happened this weekend and I can't wait to tell you all the details but I'm dedicating today's post to our oldest son, Brody.

Today is a very special day in the DiPascal family. It's one of those milestone moments that you have to capture with photos and journaling. So, even though my to-do list is a mile long and people are requiring things of me today, I'm choosing to pause, reflect, write and memorize this special day.

Today is a milestone moment because it's Brody's first day of High School!

I can't believe my little boy is no longer little. I can't believe he's a Freshman this year. I can't believe he's starting to shave his slightly noticeable mustache. I just can't believe it!

We woke up extra early so Brody could organize his new school supplies and get his backpack ready. Plus, I had to allow plenty of time for taking photos. :) Brody bounced out of bed but I was moving rather slowing because I didn't get much sleep the night before.

Last night, I was abruptly awoken by a terrible lightning and thunderstorm. It passed though our area quickly but I couldn't fall back to sleep. After laying in bed, wide awake for 15 minutes, I decided to get up and check on the boys. It was in Brody's room where I decided to linger for a while. After checking his covers and picking up dirty clothes off the floor (yes, even in the middle of the night I'm doing chores), I felt a nudging to kneel down by his bedside and pray. I still remember to this day, my mom praying by my bedside when I was a little girl.

I prayed that God would bless Brody with an awesome first year of High School That He would surround Brody with Godly classmates and teachers. That He would protect Brody while he was on campus and in route to and from home. That He would give Brody favor with his teachers and administrators and that his freshmen days at Pine Lake Preparatory would be filled with wonderful and milestone memories.

My whispering prayers accidentally woke Brody up. He raised his head, looked at me, patted me on the forehead, smiled, and passed out again. He didn't ask what I was doing because he knew already. Ya see, Brody has found me several times, kneeling by his bedside, and praying. My heart's desire as a mom is that he too will remember these special moments just like I did with my mom. That one day he too will kneel by the bedside of his children and pray over them while they sleep.

God had taken what first seemed like an interrupted thunderstorm and turned it into a special milestone moment between a mom, her son, and her God.

When it was time for him to leave, I could tell that he was a little nervous but excited in a really good way. Instead of riding the bus, I let him ride to school with his best friend, Caleb. Caleb & Brody have known each other since they were two years old. As they stood together, laughing at each other, I couldn't help but remember them as little toddlers, playing with balls, Legos and Lincoln logs.

Yes, time has flown and my little boy has grown. Today is certainly a milestone moment that I will remember for a lifetime.

We'll miss you, David

2009-08-20T21:40:00.011-04:00

This morning, our nephew, David, packed up his things and left for college. All year long we had been planning for him to spend the Summer with us and what a Summer it has been!

It seems like just yesterday when he pulled into our driveway with his brand new candy apple red Dodge Ram pickup truck. He would also want you to know that it is a dual cab, with standard drive, and has an rockin' stereo system.

David has been an amazing mentor for our two boys this Summer and some how has miraculously kept them from fighting with each other. He taught Brody how to wake board and Carson how to play spoons.

David has also been a great workout partner for my husband, Keith and finally got him motivated enough to return to the gym. I'm seeing muscles on Keith's arms and chest that I haven't seen in years!

David has been an awesome encourager for me. He loves to eat my home cooked meals and is always ready for left overs. Some of his favorite Summer dishes were cole slaw, brownies, and homemade guacamole with chips.

Although David stayed with us for a very short time, he has left his memorable fingerprints on one of us. Memories that will last a lifetime.

Get ready Louisiana Tech... here he comes!!!

We love you, David and miss you already.

It's Official

2009-08-18T07:39:00.005-04:00

It's official...

We received a contract on our home yesterday afternoon. Although I had been preparing myself for months, seeing the contract in black & white literally took my breath away.

Now it's time to pray, pick, purge, pack, place, and pleasure.

PRAY - Originally the buyer's agent requested that we be out of our home by September 1st. That would be 14 days from now.... not realistic at all. We've negotiated a date of October 1st. I'm asking God to help us through this very stressful time of transitioning from one home to another. I could spend my time worrying, over analysing, and second guessing the details or I can choose to rest in His plans, provision, promises, and presence. I'm purposefully choosing to rest in Him.

PICK - This will be our fifth home in the four years we've lived North Carolina. With all this moving experience, you would think finding a new home would be second nature to our family but it's not. It's still VERY stressful, especially when it has to be done in such a short period of time. Several of the homes we've looked at over the Summer are no longer on the market so we'll have to start from scratch. We need to find a home quickly in the midst of school starting, my traveling schedule in September, filing my 2008 tax returns (the extension we requested is up September 15th) and hurricane season (my husband is a Catastrophic Claims Adjuster and this is the busiest time of the year for him). I've questioned God's timing in all this but I really need to trust Him even though it makes absolutely no sense to me.

PURGE - Ahhh, the joy of cleaning through closets and drawers. This is when I'll find that cute little tennis jacket I've been looking for or my son's portable hard drive that he misplaced last year. Purging takes time and a lot of patience. However, when it's over with there's a wonderful feeling of freedom that follows. Having gotten rid of extra stuff make me feel a little lighter and much more organized.

PACK - We do all our packing & moving... ridiculous but true. I've given up on moving boxes a long time ago. Instead, I've purchased plastic bins from our local Target & Wal-Mart stores. I can reuse them over and over again. Plus, they stack and store so easily. The only good thing about not hiring a moving company and doing it ourselves is I'm always guaranteed to loose those extra pounds that have some how accumulated around my waistline. I lost 14 lbs during our last move and I still ate whatever I wanted.

PLACE - It's amazing how you can take your stuff, put it in a new spot, and it looks completely different. This is the fun part of moving for me. I like mixing up decorations and having new spots to hang pictures and paintings. It helps me to enjoy them in a whole new way.

PLEASURE - Once we've prayed about the move, picked a new house, purged our old things, packed our belongings and placed them in our new house, it's time to find pleasure. Finding pleasure in our new home will start with prayers of thanksgiving. Telling God how thankful we are that He's provided a new place for us to call home. Asking Him to fill every room with His presence and give us many wonderful new experiences that will be treasured for a life time.

Yes, It's official... we are moving. Although I've dreaded this day and prayed that it would never come, I have to constantly remind myself of the passage God gave me several weeks ago. It was on that very unusual day, when this particular couple, who is now purchasing our home, knocked on our door unexpectedly and asked to see our house. After they left, I sat in my favorite chair, feeling all alone, and questioning God's plan for our future. During those few moments, God brought me to an unfamiliar place in scripture but revealed a very powerful and personal truth to my heart. A truth that I needed to hear then and would tightly hold onto for the weeks and months to come. Yes, He is so faithful!

The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you.
2 Samuel 7: 11

See-Saw Summer

2009-08-17T08:36:00.007-04:00

One week from today our Summer break will be officially over. By 6:00am my children will be tumbling out of bed, my husband will be getting dressed to take them to the bus stop, and I'll be in the kitchen making breakfast and packing lunches. Just thinking about it makes me a little sad. The last three months have gone by so fast and as I take time to reflect, the best words to describe our Summer break would be a wild seesaw ride.

When I first think of the word seesaw, I instantly imagine two children alternately riding up and down while seated on opposite ends of a plank that is balanced in the middle but Webster's dictionary has some other definitions for seesaw:

1. an up and down, back and forth movement or procedure.

2. to keep changing one's decision, opinion, or attitude; vacillate

Our family has experienced moments this Summer that have been exciting, joy-filled, and left us with wonderful lasting memories. I call these our see-saw Ups. We have also had some situations and circumstances that have been extremely difficult and challenging. Ones that have left us discouraged, fearful and questioning God's plan for our lives. I call these our see-saw Downs.

Here are just a few...

Up: Our nephew, David, decided to come live with us during his college break. He's been such a joy. Somehow he has this amazing way of keeping Brody and Carson from getting on each others' last nerve.

Down: Two days before school let out, I hurt myself playing tennis and tore a bunch of ligaments in my foot. I spent the first four weeks of our Summer break on complete bed rest, crutches and visits to my physical therapist.

Up: Our oldest son, Brody, went on a mission trip with Testify (a city wide youth choir). While on tour, he had some incredible life changing experiences and spiritually grew closer in his relationship with God.

Down: My husband, Keith, didn't get the big construction project he had worked so hard on. The potential client picked someone else which meant no income for us.... again.

Up: Our son, Carson, went on his very first away camp to Look Up Lodge. Although he was very hesitant about being away from us, he returned home with a huge smile on his face and says he wants to go back next year.

Down: We have a couple from California interested in buying our home. Now I know that your thinking "this is an Up not a Down" but not really. This was our dream home and secretly I prayed that we would be able to stay here for many, many years. Our family has so many wonderful memories living on the lake. The thought of leaving instantly brings me to tears.

Up: My sister is flying in today for a week long visit. I'm really excited and looking forward the time we'll have together.

Down: We had to cancel our family trip to Washington D.C. because I wouldn't be able to walk around on my injured foot. This decision left me with serious mommy guilt that I've had to work through.

Up: We rented a mountain cabin with friends and went to the Biltmore Estate instead. We had a fantastic time, relaxed with friends, and saved a LOT of money too.

Yep, I can honestly say it has been a see-saw summer for our family. We have certainly had our Ups and Downs experiences. We have gone back and forth on many big decisions that will drastically effect our future. We have been guilty of changing our opinion about certain people and certain things. We've had good and bad attitudes and vacillated multiple times on what direction we should go.

Yet something wonderful has come out of this See-Saw Summer. Through all the Ups and Downs, I can honestly say that we did see the hand of God move in our lives this Summer. We have watched as He has orchestrated our circumstances for good. In the center of this crazy ride, we saw doors open and situations unfold which confirmed His love for us. God's daily provision has guided us through some very rough waters.

Although we changed our opinions about people, went back and forth with our attitudes and emotions, and vacillated a lot; God never changed His opinion about us and never vacillated about he plan for our future.

Yes, it certainly has been a See-Saw Summer.

One that has brought our family closer together.

One that has strengthened our marriage.

One that has drawn us to a place of dependence.

One that has lead us to the feet of Jesus where we have found rest, renewal, and strength.

One that our family will never forget.

Lord, who am I am what is my family that you would have brought us this far?
2 Samuel 7:18

When the Load is Heavy

2009-07-27T07:59:00.006-04:00

Just last week I had decided that it was time to clean out my office. I had collected way too many telephone books, pamphlets, magazines, books, and office supplies over the last year. If you'd look at my office, it would appear very tidy and clean... from a distance. What you wouldn't see is plethora of stuff hidden underneath my desk, in cabinet drawers and my office closet. Hidden but still there.

I went to the kitchen to retrieve a huge black trash bag, the 30 gallon hefty size, and returned to my office. It took about an hour to completely fill the trash bag. Through the process, I was amazed at how much stuff I had collected. Papers that were once considered very important to me where no long useful or needed. Books that I thought I'd want forever but no longer cared to keep. Pamphlets and magazines that I just had to have but were now dust collectors. Just STUFF that was taking up space.

I felt such a sense of freedom when I tied the knot on my completely full trash bag. It was as if I had shed 10 pounds of weight from my life. I went to carry the bag out to the trash but when I went to lift it up, I realized just how heavy it was. My office is in my basement, which meant I'd have to carry the bag up a long flight of stairs. This was not going to be an easy task.

As I headed for the stairway, Carson came running down the stairs to see where I had been for the last 60 minutes. When he saw me lugging the trash bag, he quickly say "Mom, let me get that for you."

A Good Idea vs. A God Idea - Part 2

2009-07-21T09:35:00.010-04:00

Yesterday, I shared with you about the unexpected guests that showed up at my door the other day. It was a Realtor and potential client that were coming to view our home, which has been on the market for several months. I had no advance notice that they were coming and our home was in no way shape or form ready for this surprise showing.

After their little visit, I plopped down into my favorite chair and began asking God a bunch of questions. I sat and prayed for a while then pulled out my bible and began to read some scripture verses that had become my favorites over the last couple of weeks.

I started to think about all the stories I had recently heard from friends and relatives who were trying to sell, refinance or buy a new home. I wondered if we would be able to get financing since Keith is self employed. I wondered if finding another house meant our boys would have to switch schools. I thought about all the hard work involved in moving. The more I thought, the more discouraged I became.

I glanced back down at my bible and flipped through several pages in the book of Psalms. I some how ended up in 2 Samuel 7. It was there that I read a story about King David and how he longed to build a house for the Lord. It would be the permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. When I read verse 11, it was as if a light went off in my head;

"The Lord declares to you that the Lord Himself will establish a house for you"

This verse in my bible was already highlighted, which meant I had read it before but today it had an entirely new and personal meaning to me. God was confirming in His Word that He would establish a house for us. I didn't need to wonder why God has allowed this untimely visit. I didn't need to worry about where we would live next. I didn't need to know all the details. All I needed to do was trust that He would take care of us. Here was my confirmation, right smack in the middle of 2 Samuel, that He would establish a home for us to live in.

What about your current situation? What area in your life are you asking God to establish for you? Here, try filling in the blanks below;

"The Lord declares to __________ that the Lord Himself will establish a ______ for you.

Maybe it's a new job you've been looking for.

Maybe it's a restored marriage.

Maybe it's a better relationship with your child.

Maybe it's a financial miracle.

Maybe it's your calling.

Whatever your situation. No matter what struggles you are facing. Trust God and know that He is establishing something good and everlasting in your life. You don't need to know all the details. Walk in faith, one step at a time, confidently knowing that whatever He establishes cannot be taken away or destroyed.

A Good Idea vs. A God Idea - Part 1

2009-07-20T09:39:00.005-04:00

Well, our house has been on the market for three months now. When we originally listed our home with a realtor, I told my husband, "Don't expect it to sell overnight." At that time, I had no idea how true those words would be.

In the past, when we would decide to sell a home, we never used a realtor. We'd just stick a sign in our front yard and within two weeks a contract would be signed. Assuming the same thing would happen with our existing home was a big mistake.

Although I absolutely love our home and would like nothing more than to stay here forever, our finances or lack there of, has required us to make this difficult move.

Last Friday, we received an unexpected knock at our door. My husband had fallen asleep on our bed and I was folding a mound of clothes that some how ended up on my laundry table. The kids were out playing with friends and I hadn't gotten around to making my bed or straightening up around the house.

As I walked to the door, I could see two women standing on my front porch, peeking in through the glass windows. As I opened the door, I noticed that one was wearing a badge with her name on it. At first, I thought they were selling something but as the introductions were made, I could feel the muscles in the back of my neck begin to tighten.

These two women were actually a realtor and potential client that wanted to see our home... at that very moment! No notice. No advanced call saying that they were coming over. No scheduled appointment. Just a knock at the door and a simple request. Well, actually, it wasn't simple at all. I politely asked them to walk around the yard and give me a few minutes to tidy up. Then I flew into the bedroom, woke up Keith out of what appeared to be a very deep sleep and started shoving everything that was misplaced into dresser drawers and closets. Keith ran upstairs, while scratching his head in confusion, only to find that the kids hadn't made their beds either and the game room was an absolute mess!

While panic and pandemonium set in, I kept telling myself, "Just stay calm, just stay calm, just stay calm." The doorbell rang again and there they were, peeking through my windows again.

As I let them in, I apologized profusely and explained that I hadn't gotten around to cleaning up yet. I had a smile on my face but deep down inside, I was completely mortified. No woman wants unexpected company when their house is a wreck... at least, not this women.

The showing only lasted about 20 minutes but it felt like a hour. As I showed them around, the potential client peeked inside all of our closets and storage space. She even had a camera and was taking pictures.

As they left, I thanked them for coming and politely waved good-bye. I then calmly closed the door, walked into my kitchen, looked up to my ceiling with my hands waving and said "What was that for?" I walked over and plopped down into my cozy prayer chair. It was time for God and I to have a talk and I planned to do most the talking

"I just don't get it," I told Him. " You know that we're trying to put our best foot forward to sell our home. We want it to look perfect whenever a client or realtor comes over. We know that each showing is critical and could potentially be the sale we've been waiting for. Why would you allow someone to come over, totally unexpected, when our house is a mess? Is this what you wanted?"

Tomorrow, I'll share with you what God shared with me, after my little temper tantrum. But for now, let me ask you, does God ever do things so totally unexpected that you raise up your hands to Him and say "What was that for?"

Do you often times feel like you have a good plan or idea, one that is all perfect and tidy. Yet, along comes God, only to throw, what seems at the time, a wrench in everything?

Could it be that your good idea is not a God idea? Could it be that what seems to be His will is not His will at all? Could it be that your plan doesn't line up to His plan for you at all?

I'd love to hear what you think...

Table Talk - Part Two

2009-06-29T12:25:00.004-04:00

"Slow down, your eating to fast!"

I was shocked as I watched my youngest son, Carson, scarfing down his food as if he hadn't eaten in a week.

Once again, it was dinner time. I had spent the last two hours preparing a southern style, home cooked meal, if I say so myself. Keith and I were still in the kitchen preparing our plates with all those delicious sides when I turned to see Carson "in motion". His fork was moving so fast, from his plate to his mouth, that it looked like some sort of new aerobic bicep exercise.

He spotted my glaring eyes, which by the way, my family calls the "burn a hole right through ya glare" and immediately smiled with that "oops, I'm busted" look on his face. He quickly put his fork down and by this time everyone was at the dinner table waiting for me. So, I returned to the task at hand - fixing my plate and heading towards the table.

As I got closer, I spotted Carson's plate and it was completely empty. We hadn't even said grace yet! Needless to say, I was completely frustrated. I asked Carson why he had eaten his dinner so fast and he said, "Mom, there's this great show on and I want to watch it. Can I be excused now?" I looked at Keith to see his response. Surely he'd say no. Instead, Keith gave Carson the nod and off he went to watch his t.v. show.

At that moment, I decided this wasn't a battle I was willing to fight. Although I didn't agree with Keith's decision, I realized this request was an exception and not the norm. Still, I felt a little sad all through dinner. I really wanted Carson to spend time with us as a family. This was our table talk time and I had been looking forward to it.

When dinner was over with and I was cleaning up the dishes, God whispered in my heart " Leah, I know your disappointed that Carson rushed through dinner so that he could watch t.v.. It's like when you rush through your quiet time with me to start on your to-do list for the day." Ouch!

Although it hurt, it was completely true. Often times, I do rush through my devotion time to get other things accomplished. I'm so anxious to move onto the next task at hand, as if my time with the Lord is a line item on my to-do list that needs to be checked off. To think that the God of the Universe sets aside time to spend with me and I'm so "busy" that I don't have time to be with him.

Do you find yourself rushing through your quiet time too?

Is your mind easily distracted with other thoughts when your trying to read through scripture?

Do you ever drift off into la la land while praying?

I'd love to know if you struggle with these things too.

Table Talk - Part One

2009-06-28T14:37:00.007-04:00

One one my favorite things to do as a family is eat dinner together. With our crazy schedule, we rarely have breakfast or lunch as a family but dinner is different. We make it an absolute priority to be together around 6:00 p.m. every evening. It's become a wonderful tradition in our home that everyone looks forward too. In fact, even when Keith is traveling, the boys will ask just to make sure, "we are going to have dinner together, right?"

This dinner tradition is so important to us that when sports season rolls around, we often delay dinner until practice is over with. Many times this means eating at 8:00 or even 9:00 at night. My kids don't mind. They like staying up later on school nights. They think that's really cool. Now that we're in summer mode, I don't mind either.

There is just something special about sitting around the dinner table and talking about what everyone did that day. The most amazing conversations can be stirred by a simple question such as "What was the best part of your day?" or "What part of the day didn't you like?".

As parents, Keith and I have found ourselves in unexpected yet thankful moments when one of those questions will burst open a conversation where our children express their hidden dreams, secret hurts and even lingering fears about a particular topic. All this via a simple dinner conversation.

I once read a statistic which stated that families that ate together on a regular basis had better relationships and their children were more likely to stay out of trouble. This is not the reason why we have dinner together as a family every night but it sure is very encouraging.

When we've finished eating, most of the time we pull out a book which I purchased from Focus on the Family years ago. It kid friendly questions about the bible. Our boys take turns reading a question and then ask everyone at the table what they think the answer is. After everyone has gotten a chance to share their answer, one of our boys reads the correct answer and corresponding bible verse.

This produces even more question like "Well, what about this..." or "That's not what so-and-so thinks!" or "I thought the bible said this...?"

It's a lot of fun and we consider this our family devotion time. After all, we're all together, enjoying food and each others' company. I think it's the perfect setting for teaching God's principles to our children.

When we've completed our discussion on that particular question, one our boys put the date next to it as a reminder that we already covered it for future reference. One day this book will be completely filled with dates. Now that will be awesome!

There are some things I LOVE about our dinners together or what I like to call table talk. Tomorrow I'll share with you what I don't like about it.

What Now - Part Two

2009-06-22T13:34:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I shared with you my question to God about my accident.

"Lord, what are you trying to teach me?"

His response was simply this, "Surrender."

"Surrender what?"

As I sat still, God whispered in my heart that He did want to teach me about resting in Him but in order to do that successfully, I needed to learn how to surrender first.

Surrender to the fact that I my routine would have to change for a while.

Surrender to the fact I would not be able to accomplish as much as I had before.

Surrender to the fact that I'd have to rely on my boys to pick up after themselves and not pick up and straighten their rooms for them.

Surrender to the fact that I wouldn't be able to serve my husband with home cooked means but that he would be the one serving me has he cooked and cleaned up after dinner every night.

Surrender my time.

Surrender my plan.

Surrender control.

There was that word again.... C-O-N-T-R-O-L.

Something I have struggled with all my life. I have feeling God is going to teach me a lot over the next few weeks while I ice, elevate, medicated, rest and surrender.

What about you? Does surrendering come easy for you? Are you a controlling person like me? What has God shown you in His word or taught you through life experiences that has allowed you to relinquish unhealthy control patterns in your life. I'd love to know.

What Now - Part One

2009-06-19T13:44:00.001-04:00

Well, it's been 11 days, 2 hour and 36 minutes since my foot injury (not that I'm counting).

I headed back to the Dr. office yesterday for my follow-up visit.

The first question my doctor asked me was "how are you feeling?" My response was, "The strangest thing has happened."

I shared with him how I had been so good about icing, elevating and medicating my foot. How I was following ALL the rules. I proudly displayed my foot and boasted about how the swelling had gone way down. The only problem was that the pain in my foot had increased significantly and I didn't know why. I was experiencing more pain than on the day of my accident. The doctor started asking me some questions and it didn't take long for him to figure out what was going on.

Although I was icing, elevating, and medicating, I was also spending way to much time walking around on my wounded foot. Sounds ridiculous... I know! Although I was instructed to "take it easy and stay off of my foot", I was having a hard time actually doing it. I didn't mind all the icing, elevating and medicating but I didn't want to give up some other things that were important to me. I was still attempting bible study, meetings at church, picking up around the house, fixing dinner, driving my boys to sports activities, and even a secret trip to the grocery store. All on my injured foot!

Since I couldn't be trusted, my doctor ordered crutches for me and gave strict instructions to actually use them - everyday - all the time. Just when I thought my routine had been limited to the tenth degree, here was just another restriction and it was a big one.

This morning I poured out my heart to God in total frustration. I already knew that He was trying to teach me the art of resting through this whole accident and healing process. I really was trying to rest as much as I could. I thought I was doing a pretty good job. I had cut way back on my normal responsibilities. Why wasn't it enough!

Now, I would have to have to tote around these cumbersome stupid crutches. People stare at you when you're using crutches. I didn't want anyone noticing me, let alone staring at me! It's almost been two weeks and I'm in worse shape than when I started!

I wasn't a happy camper by any stretch of the imagination.

Fortunately, God allowed me to blow off some steam. I'm so thankful that He's full of grace and mercy. After all, He could have fried me for acting like such a spoiled little brat.

After I had my little moment, I got real quiet and asked again, "Lord, what are you trying to teach me?"

I'll tell you what his response was in tomorrow's post :)

Pretty Feet

2009-06-16T16:40:00.003-04:00

Oh my goodness!!! It has been eight days since my injury and my foot is still black & blue! I took some pictures of it but have no idea how to transfer them onto my blog. If anyone is reading this and knows how to post pictures on a blog site, I'd love it if you could help me :)

Today was my first trip to the grocery store too. As I shuffled down the store isles, I couldn't help but feel like I was regaining some sense of normality to my life. It's strange how something as simple as going to the grocery store can take on a whole new meaning when you've been out of pocket for a while. Especially for me. Shopping for food in general is an absolute labor of love for my family and cooking that food is an even GREATER labor of love.

Just a short while ago, I was sharing with a friend about my trip to the store. She commented to me "it's amazing how much we take for granted" and she is absolutely right! Sure, my routine has drastically changed over the last eight days but within a few weeks I should be back to status quo.

However, there are people in my life who have been in accidents which have resulted in multiple surgeries, weeks in the hospital and months of recovery. Other family members are dealing with months of chemo treatments and still others that will never recover from their illnesses.

The fact is... life is full of pain and with pain comes great trials.

Below is a quote from Charles Swindoll which some sweet person posted as a comment to my blog. I thought it was so profound I decided to share it with you.

"Life and pain are synonymous. You cannot have one without the other. Pain is a fact of life in this fallen world, and we cannot escape it. In fact, the goal in life is not to get away from the pain of it, but to endure through it, in fact, to triumph over it, while learning the lessons only pain can teach us." Charles R. Swindoll

I always thought the goal was to live a life that is pain free but we all know that is impossible. Many of us endure pain but to triumph over it? How can we triumph over pain?

When I read this quote I was reminded of Paul's letter to the Romans where he talks about how we should respond to trials that can bring pain into our lives. Take a look at it and let me know what you think.

³ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. ⁴ And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)

I believe that the only way I can endure pain and trials in my life is through Jesus Christ.

He is the one that helps me persevere through life's difficulties

He is the one who strengthens me when I am physically, emotionally or mentally weak.

He is the one that molds and shapes my character as He carries me through rough times.

He is the one who reminds me just how blessed my life really is.

It is only by His almighty hand that I am able to triumph over the pain in my life and be victorious.

What about you? Has God brought you through a painful experience, that once arriving on the other side, you were able to see how He had made you stronger for it? Has trials shaped your character for better or worse? Do you experience God's strength when yours is depleted?

Please write and let me know. I'd love to hear your story.

Doubt is the Flip Side of Faith

2009-06-09T14:10:00.005-04:00

I'm writing today while propped up in bed with my feet gently placed on two king sized feather pillows. Now, don't jump to any conclusions. I'm not a lady of leisure who sits around all day watching soap operas and eating Dove chocolate bars. In fact, I'm quite the opposite. I'm a person who loves activity. I'd go as far to say that I thrive on it. My idea of a great day is not laying in bed with my feet propped up but a day filled with lots a things on my to-do list. The more items on my list that get checked off the better.

So why am I in bed? Well....

This morning I twisted my ankle while playing tennis, hence the propping and feather pillows. Fortunately, one of my tennis partner's is a physical therapist and quickly diagnosed my problem while I laid on the tennis court holding my foot and trying to keep from throwing up. Another tennis partner had a connection with an orthopedic doctor and was able to get an appointment for me within an hour's time.

My husband drove me to the doctor's office where I athletically hopped on one foot to the receptionist desk, still in my tennis skirt and one tennis shoe. Secretly I wanted to cry but I decided to play it cool - like I had it all together. I figured it was just a bad sprain which has happened numerous times before. A couple of days in bed and I'd be back to normal. All I needed to do was stay positive, think happy thoughts, and everything would be honky dory.

When the receptionist finally called my name, I assured my husband that he didn't need to come into the room with me. I'd be just find and he could stay in the waiting area and watch their big flat screen t.v.. I told him that I'd be out in a few minutes, or so I thought.

After completing more paperwork and answering a few questions, I hopped my way down the hall and into the x-ray room. My x-rays were taken and now I just had to wait for the results. I intently studied the technician's facial expressions as she viewed my x-rays, trying to determine whether or not she could see if my foot was broken. She quietly mumbled a couple of "hummmms" and then escorted me back to my room without saying a word. Guess I was going to have to wait for the doctor to give me the results.

The wait was much longer than I had imagined and while I waited my happy thoughts and positive attitude began to diminish. Those familiar "what if", "what now", and "why" thoughts started to float around in my mind.

What if my foot was broken? What now that school is over and the kids would be home? Why did this have to happen to me? What if my foot is broken? Will I need a big cast and crutches? What about our family vacation next month? Will I have to cancel our plans?

All these thoughts began to swarm around in my head like bees hovering around a bee hive. As I sat staring at the floor with my foot throbbing and my hands cupping my face, two words popped into my mind. Those two words were "look up".

Look up?

Again, those two words popped into my head. "Look up!" So, I did and four feet away from me was a huge frame on the wall. In the center of the frame was a beautiful pastel patch work art piece and the words below it read

Doubt is the flipside of Faith

As I read those words, God whispered into my heart. Leah, what are you going to choose? Doubt or Faith? You can't have both.

I read it again.

Doubt is the flip side of Faith

How could I have missed that frame when I came into that room? I had been sitting there for over 15 minutes, the art piece was huge, and it had been there the whole time! How could I have missed something so obvious?

All of a sudden, the answer was clear. For I had become so filled with fear and doubt that my eyes were blinded to the truth. Although the truth was right in front of me, it had been hidden by a blanket of "what if's" and "why me" questions. Now, God was asking me to make a choice. Would I choose to doubt him or have faith in Him.

Doubt is the flip side of faith

When I realized what had just happened and how God chose to reveal himself to me in such a real and personal way, my heavy heart was replaced with joy.

I whispered back to him "God, I choose faith!"

I started rehearsing in my mind all the scripture verses I knew about God's faithfulness and provision. I began to tell him how thankful I was that my accident wasn't worse and that I'd trust him no matter what the test results would reveal.

When the doctor finally came in, he said my x-rays showed there were no breaks or fractures in my foot. Although I had torn some ligaments and my recovery would not be a quick one, there would be no need for a cast or crutches. Only a light material boot cast would be needed for me to wear.

As I hopped my way back to the reception area, I did so with a smile on my face. I couldn't wait to tell my husband what had happened and how God showed up in my time of need. He challenged me to choose and choose I did because....

Faith is the flip side of Doubt.

Here I am to Worship

2009-06-06T12:40:00.000-04:00

I just love to read! There is just something thrilling about stretching open the tight binding of a brand new book, scanning through those crisp pages that often times stick together, and taking in that unusual scent of writer's ink.

This morning I started a new book called "The Air I breathe" by Louie Giglio. The caption on the back cover says "Everybody worships something. What captures your time and attention?"
When I read those two little sentences for the very first time (at my local bookstore), I can assure you they immediately captured my attention.

In his book, Louie doesn't waste any time and gets right down to business in the very first chapter. He states that "worship is simply our response to what we value the most. Worship determines our actions, becoming the driving force for all we do."

Those words really made me think. It gave me a whole different perspective on worship. I grew up to believe that worship is basically singing songs and hymns to God. Worship is something I do at church with other believers once or twice a week. Or maybe when I pop in a great Christian CD while I'm running errands in my car. I sing at the top of my lungs when my boys are with me and they just roll their eyes and say "oh mom, people are looking at you!"

But that is not how Louie describes worship at all.

Instead, he explains that it's not just the religious crowd who worships but everybody on planet earth. "Everyone responds to what they value the most. Everyone has an altar. And every altar has a throne."

He then goes onto share that " if you follow the trail of your time, affection, energy, loyalty and yes, even money, you'll find your throne. Whatever or whoever is on that throne is what or who you worship. " After reading this, I began to ask myself these questions...

How do I spend most of my time and energy?

Who or what am I committed to?

Where does most of my money go?

What do I value the most in life?

Who or what do I truly worship?

These were really tough questions! I have to tell you that the answers were painfully revealing and quite sobering, to say the least. Yet through this process, God specifically showed me areas in my life that need some adjusting. Subjects of focus that I have no business focusing on. People in my life that are getting to much of my attention. Energy spent on worldly things and loyalty in all the wrong places.

I decided to do a bible search on the word worship and discovered that it appears over 300 times. Luke 4 captured my attention as I read about how Jesus responded to the devil while he was in the wilderness for forty days. Christ's response to Satan sums up our answer to whom we are to worship.

Jesus answered, "It is written, 'worship the Lord God and serve him only.' " Luke 4:8

There's our answer! Now that we know the truth, I'd encourage you to ask the same questions that I asked myself.

How do you spend most of your time and energy?

Who or what are you committed to?

Where does most of your money go?

What do you value the most in your life?

What or who do you truly worship?

I pray that God gently reveals to you, as he did to me, the areas in your life that need some adjusting. Maybe some commitments that you've made to others which have been unhealthy. How about that one thing which captures your focus and energy throughout the day. What about the purchases you keep making that the worlds says will bring value and contentment to your life.

You and I were created by God and made for Him alone. We exist to worship him and reflect back to God his matchless glory. He alone should be the focus of our attention. He is the One and Only that we should worship. And, when we seek and worship him alone, he promises to take care of everything else in our lives. Now that's good news!

Mom vs. Xbox

2009-05-28T17:17:00.005-04:00

There it was!

Staring back at me as if to ask "What are ya gonna do about it, huh?" A big fat zero on my son's math homework assignment... again. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs but instead I immediately started rubbing the back of my neck, which is exactly what I do when I feel stressed. Let me tell ya, stressed? Oh yes!

Honestly, I really was feeling hopeful as I logged onto my son's school web site that day to check his grades for the week.

Yes, his grades had been slipping the last couple of weeks.

Yes, Keith & I had taken appropriate steps and removed some of our son's privileges as a consequence.

Yes, we told my son that we are so proud of him and he could do so much better.

Yes, he was sorry and apologized.

So what's up with the big zero? It wasn't as if he did the assignment and got a low grade. He didn't even turn the assignment in! I thought he had learned his lesson this time. What about that long talk we had regarding poor choices and consequences to actions. I thought he understood.

As I continued to rub my neck, I began thinking about that dang Xbox which has been occupying way too much of my son's time and attention. All if his friends play too and it's become a (slightly addictive - in my opinion) social networking activity. What ever happened to "come on over and let's play football in the yard"?

It was time this "stealth" mom to take action.

I called a close friend who's son plays Xbox with my son and confided in her about our little problem. She confessed that she was having the exact same struggles with her son. Together, we came up with a plan to limit the amount of time our boys could play Xbox and agreed to pray for one another. When my husband came home from work, I shared with him too all that had transpired. We prayed together and decided to talk with our son later on that day.

When our son came home from school, we all sat down and talked about his grades, our concerns about Xbox and the new rules of play moving forward. We allowed him to ask questions and explain his side of the story. Most importantly we told him that our decisions made after much prayer, discussion and the fact that we loved him and wanted the very best for him. We told he that he may not agree with our decision but that he would have to trust our love for him.

Amazingly, he understood and agreed with us about everything! God was definitely at work and we were so thankful that this situation brought us closer together as a family and didn't cause division or anger.

I'm so glad that God allows the little inconveniences like Xbox and incomplete assignments to help mold and shape us into the loving and obedient family He longs us to be.

Home Sweet Home

2009-05-25T08:55:00.003-04:00

I woke up this morning in a cold sweat.

It wasn't because my husband turned up the thermostat too high or that I'm having premenopausal hot flashes. It was because I had a bad dream.

Actually, many people would consider it to be a really good dream - but not me. I dreamed that we sold our home.

About a month ago, my husband and I made the difficult decision to put our house up for sale. When we purchased it two years ago the our grand idea was that it would be a great investment opportunity. Our big plan was to fix it up, stay in it for two years and then sell. Sounds really good, right? I totally was on board with the idea from the get go.

There's just one problem though.

As much as I tried not to. As much as I told myself "Leah, don't get attached. " As much as I worked at staying focused on our big plan, something unexpected happened. When we began to spruce up our new investment, it no longer was just a house that we were living in. It became our home...Home Sweet Home.

Fun family activities began to take place.

Special conversations and wonderful life moments occurred.

Great memories were created.

God's presence filled each room, nook and cranny.

Home Sweet Home.

In the back of my mind, I whispered to myself and to God. Maybe our family business will continue to grow and we can actually stay in our home. Maybe God, you'll do something amazing and we can live here until our boys go off to college. Then I'll be ready to move,I promise! But, not just yet, God. Not just yet.

While I secretly dreamed and planned of staying, uncontrollable events began to happen. We were greatly affected by the economical down slope like so many of you. Instead of our family business thriving it became stagnant. Instead of our bank accounts and investments increasing, they started to decrease.

The decision time came.

The moment I dreaded.

Our home would be put on the market for sale.

Home Sweet Home.

Have tears been shed? Absolutely! Have I become more emotional? No doubt! Have I pleaded with God? You know it!

Something I've noticed through this process is how differently Keith and I are reacting to our current situation. He is excited and ready for the next house, the next move, the next experience. Yet, I'm sad, discouraged and desperately holding on to the past memories and our home. I'm not interested in moving or make any changes. I'm totally frustrated, thank you very much!

I've asked God to show me the reason why I'm reacting so differently than Keith is to the sale of our home. He's revealing to me through His word that the difference is found in our attitudes and thoughts. Although that has been really hard for me to accept, it's the absolute truth.

Keith is always ready for a new adventure with God. He always believes that if God chooses to take away something, He does so only to give us something better. Keith has the right attitude and thoughts.

I, on the other hand, struggle with doubt. Although I know that God's plan is good and daily read promises about his faithfulness to those he loves, I still struggle. I secretly think that God is some how holding out on us. Even though I know better, the thoughts still come and find residence in my mind. I have the wrong attitude and thoughts.

Remember that dream I was telling you about and the cold sweats this morning? My first reaction was to quietly climb out of bed, grab my bible and head for my cozy prayer chair in our family living room. It was there that I cried, questioned God's plan once again and ask Him to give me a verse that I could hold onto.

I flipped through my bible and ended up in Isaiah 43 where the following words jumped off the page.

Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert & streams in the wastelands.
Isaiah 43: 18-19

God is doing a new thing in my life. The key is that I need to stop dwelling in the past and perceive what He is doing today. I need to change my attitude and thoughts.

God is doing a new thing in your life too. Are you dwelling on the past like me? Do you want to hold onto things as they are right now? Are you afraid of change and doubtful that God will make something new for you? He is making a way in your desert and streams in your wasteland. Now it springs up, do you not see it?

Let's commit to trust Him together. Let's decide that today we will keep our thoughts focused on His goodness and promises. That our attitudes would be pleasing to him. Let's keep our eyes open to the new things that he is doing for us. I don't want to miss it, do you?

I want God to not only be a part of my life but to be my life. That he would fill every room of my body, soul and spirit. Every nook and cranny.

That He would be my home.

Home Sweet Home.

Farewell to Clark Rogers

2009-05-04T22:16:00.001-04:00

Today Clark Rogers received the ultimate healing and went to meet with the Lord face to face this morning.

I was stunned when we got the news and although we had never met Clark, I grieved as is he was a good friend of the family. Honesty, he was a good friend of the family - the family of Christ.

I spent this morning trying really hard to busy myself with other things but as I folded clothes in my laundry room, still shocked from the news, I began to ask God why.

I started to reminisce about Friday's service and how awesome it was, Over 800 people showed up and the atmosphere was one of celebration not sadness. Over $25,000 was raised within 3 hours, which would go towards paying Clark's medical bills. The praise and worship was awesome.

I thought about the video clip we saw of Clark & Lisa which was taped just that morning. Although Clark looked very pale and thin, he was smiling from ear to ear and had an obvious sparkle in his eyes.

I told God " ya know, I thought we were attending a healing service" and he responded by saying "Leah, you attended a farewell party".

A smile came to my face as I thought about Clark's bigger than life personality. He wouldn't have wanted to say good bye any other way. I have no doubt that his celestial celebration in heaven is beyond our wildest imaginations.

Will Clark Rogers be missed?

Absolutely!

Did Clark receive his ultimate healing?

Absolutely!

Is Jesus Bigger than cancer?

Absolutely!

Jesus is Bigger than Cancer

2009-05-02T10:10:00.006-04:00

Last night our family went to a benefit for Clark and Lisa Rogers. No one in my family actually knows Clark and Lisa. In fact, up until last night, we had no idea what they even looked like. Yet, we felt drawn to go to this event anyway.

Clark Rogers was involved in youth ministry at our church long before we joined The Cove. He is described as a very gifted man who is passionate about Jesus Christ. Last year, Clark was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer and has been in a battle for his life ever since. Clark refuses to give up the fight and when asked what he thinks, his response is "Jesus is bigger than cancer". What a powerful and truth filled proclamation!

Five churches in the Charlotte area hosted the benefit. The evening consisted of a silent auction and concert that lasted 3 hours. All to help raise money for Clark's medical bills. Almost 1000 people showed up. At one point, a video of Clark & Lisa was shown which was taped earlier in the day from his hospital room. While we all enjoyed the concert, Clark was in surgery.

One by one, people got up and shared how Clark's love for Christ had made a profound impact in their lives. How their lives had been radically changed and how God used Clark to lead each one of them to Christ.

At one point, a pastor asked for people to raise their hands if they knew someone that had been diagnosed or died of cancer. Hundreds of hands went up, including mine and Keith's.

Keith's dad died of lung cancer in his early forties. He worked in an asbestos factory for many years and his life was cut short by this dreaded disease. He left behind a loving wife and two teenage boys.

My dad is currently fighting lymphatic cancer, Just this week he had to undergo a pet-scan, cat-scan, and bone scan. He has been told that the cancer is back and has spread to other parts of his body.

Do you know someone who is battling cancer or maybe who has actually died from cancer? I bet you do.

Guess what? God knows the cure for cancer. He knows what causes cancer and who will be diagnosed with cancer. Over a half a million people in the United States alone will die of cancer this year. He knows each one of them by name

God is bigger than cancer!

I understand now why Clark Rogers has impacted so many peoples lives. As we watched the video of him, I was blown away by the indescribable joy that radiated from his weak pale face. It reminded me of a scripture verse in Proverbs 18: 14 which says "A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? "

Although Clark's body is being crushed, his spirit is not.

Although Clark's body is weak and frail, the power of the Almighty God dwells within him.

I have no doubt that if you'd ask Clark Rogers what he would rather have:

A Jesus-filled life with cancer (or)

A cancer-free life without Jesus, he would definitely say,

A Jesus-filled life with cancer!

Why?

Because Jesus is bigger than cancer!

http://www.weloveclarkrogers.com/

Roller Coaster Ride of Emotions

2009-04-16T12:35:00.002-04:00

Have you ever wondered why God gave you so many emotions? I sure do.

I often find myself on a roller coaster ride of emotions and I’m amazed at how quickly I can shift from one extreme to the other. Today is one of those emotional days.

As I type, I’m sitting in an airplane at 38,000 feet in the air. Renee and I are traveling to California for a women’s event which has been in the works for almost a year. I’ve looked forward to this day for so many months and spent the last week planning out all the details for my time away.

Today should be a day of nothing but joy, excitement and big expectations. However, there’s more that lies beneath the surface of my smiling face. My emotions of excitement and expectation are forced to share their space with others in my heart. Ones called uncertainty, sadness and regret.

Although I’m headed to California today, my 80 year old father is headed to the hospital for a Cat-Scan. This test will determine how much cancer is in his body. My father was diagnosed over 2 years ago with Lymphatic cancer. All last year he went through treatments. He has had 6 months of remission but today the doctors will check to see if the cancer has returned.

Although I’m headed to California today, my 76 year old mother is headed to a nursing home where she will become their newest residence. She has been sick for a very long time and my father has lovingly and sacrificially taken care of her each and every day. Although their love for each other has sustained them though many challenges in their marriage, it’s not enough to free her from the disease that holds her body and mind in bondage.

Although I’m headed to California, my husband is headed to Florida for a long week of work. Due to the bad economy, he has been without a steady job for over a year. We have prayed that God would provide some work for him in our community but that has not happened yet. Instead he will be away while I’m away, leaving our two boys with friends for the weekend.

My mind and emotions are so torn. Although I want to be right here, on my way to sunny California, a part of me really wants to be home with my two boys since my husband is away.

I also wish I could be with my father, driving him to the hospital and sitting with him as he has his test and gets the results from his doctor.

Then there’s my mom. I long to be with her too. To comfort her during this very difficult and confusing time. To calm her fears and hold her when she cries.

So many thoughts and emotions are swimming around in my brain. I feel very overwhelmed yet I know exactly what I need to do with all those thoughts and feelings.
I need to take them to Jesus and ask him to help me - to process each emotion separately. I need to surrender my thoughts, fears and concerns to him. I need him to remind me that there is nothing the two of us can’t handle together.

He knew in advance that I would be in California this weekend, ministering to a large group of women. Although these unexpected events were a surprise to me, they were not to Him.

I can rest assured in knowing that he ordained this day and weekend for me before the foundation of the world. That he is taking care of every detail and although I can’t be with my family right now, He is!

Believing these truths places such peace in my heart. I don’t have to worry about the what if’s and the whys and the unknowns? He has gone before me to make the rough paths smooth. (Isaiah 42:16)

I have learned that I can only find true comfort and peace in him alone. He is my source of strength and stability. He is my rock and my shelter when I need to find refuge from life’s storms.

This doesn’t mean that I dig my head in the sand and pretend like all the circumstances of my life will go away. It doesn’t mean that I turn my back on loved ones and think that they don’t need my help. It means that I walk in confidence knowing that Christ has carved a path before me and that he is by my side every step of the way.

My Interstate Angel

2009-04-12T16:55:00.002-04:00

I remember it as if it was yesterday…

I was 9 months pregnant with our youngest son and on my way home from an appointment which was in downtown Tampa. I was traveling on Interstate 75 at a high speed and following a open bed dump truck. Something from the back of the truck flew out and was headed right for my car. I didn't have time to react. All I could do was brace for the impact and pray that this flying object wouldn't hit my windshield. Thankfully it didn't but instead it hit the ground and I ran right over it.

The result was a major blow out. I was able to hold onto the wheel long enough to pull off to the side of the road. After I gathered my thoughts, I looked up and realized I was in a very bad section of town. The closest exit was about 4 blocks away. I would need to cross over 4 lanes of cars, at racing speeds, just to get on the right shoulder of the interstate.

I decided to stay put and call my husband, Keith at work. He was about 45 minutes away but I felt it would be safer to just wait for him and not try to find a pay phone. I reached for my purse to get my cell phone. A wave of fear came over me when I realized I didn't have it with me. No phone. No Keith. No rescue.

Plan B was now my only option. I got out of the car and waited for what seemed like an eternity to cross over to the other side of the interstate. I kept thinking to myself "how on earth am I going to make it to the other side with my big 9 month belly flopping around in front if me!" The cars were flying past at top speeds and way too close together. I began to loose hope in crossing over at all. With tears welling up in my eyes, I silently cried out to Jesus and said "I need you.... RIGHT NOW!. Please come and rescue me!"

Less than 60 seconds after I whispered those words, a beat up utility truck pulling an open bed trailer pulled onto the shoulder of the road right across from me. A middle aged man got out, grabbed what looked like a large old tool box and ran across four lanes of traffic. As he came towards me, I noticed that his trailer was full of tires.

Upon his approach, he asked me where my spare was. I showed him and he immediately began to change my shredded tire for the brand new one that was securely stored away in the trunk of my car. He didn't say a word as he worked and I didn't either. I was still in shock as to what had all happened and still wondering how he was able to cross the 4 lanes of traffic so effortlessly.

When he finished I offered to pay him some money for his efforts. He responded with a simple "no thank you." I told him that he was my miracle that I had prayed for and said "you must be an angel". He just looked at me, smiled, and said "you have a nice day now."
With that, he darted back to his truck and drove off. I was to never see him again.

As I drove off, I thanked God for answering my prayer. For sending this unlikely stranger at an unexpected time to rescue an unnerved me!

I'm so thankful that he's my constant source of stability and strength. That I can rest secure in him because he shields me all day long. This story could have ended a lot differently. In fact, when I think about all the possibilities, it gives me a funny feeling in my stomach.

What about you? Have you ever been in a situation where God rescued you from a really bad situation. I'd love to hear about it.

Tennis Tizzy

2009-03-14T20:28:00.004-04:00

I absolutely LOVE tennis! I've only been playing for a year and a half but I'm completely hooked. It's the perfect sport which delicately balances great cardio, social connections, suntanning opportunities and fashion sense (those tennis outfits are so cute).

In January, I did the unthinkable. I signed up for a U.S.T.A. League. This meant I would actually play competition style tennis against women I didn't even know. No more playing the same girls in doubles week after week. This was the big leagues... or so I thought.

I joined a local team with 18 other women from my area. Several of them I already new so this league thing was getting off to a very good start. I purchased my team outfit, bought a new racquet (on clearance) and some new tennis shoes (clearance too). I was ready, armed and dangerous.

After weeks of anticipation, I received my very first league email that listed the line up for that week. I couldn't wait to open it up and see who I was partnered with. To my surprise, I wasn't even listed to play that week. "Bummer", I thought. I was told at sign ups that each player was guaranteed at least 4 games in the season. "I guess this is my off week", I reasoned in my head. Oh well, surely next week.

The following week's email came and once again I was not on the list. Wait one cotton picking minute! Something isn't right. Surely I should have played this week? Before I knew it, they all showed up at once... Doubt, Insecurity, Anger, Negativity, and Frustration. Where did ya'll come from? I refuse to listen to anything you have to tell me. I'm not interested. Hit the road and don't come back.

But to my surprise, they all came back, throughout the entire day and the entire week. Although I tried to fight it, questions swarmed through my head like bees in a beehive. "Did the team leader not like me?" "Was my tennis really bad and no one told me?" "Was joining this league a big mistake?" "Should I drop out now and avoid any further humiliation?"

Week three came. The email arrived. Once again, I'm not on the list. I'm so disappointed.

Up until that time, I had contained my feelings through a cherub like demeanor but not anymore. Now I was really ticked off. So I did what every female tennis player would obviously do. I emailed my team captain who had been sending out those horrible emails each week. I was polite and precise in my questioning and she responded with perfect answers that made complete sense.

So why then was I still feeling horrible inside? Why did I have this big lump of doubt and insecurity sitting on my shoulders? What would I do with all these feelings of frustration and anger? Well, I took them all to the Lord. I told him what happened (even though he already knew) and handed over all my hurts to him. This really wasn't about tennis and not getting to play. It was about my idea of being accepted by others. It was about my insecurities and past hurts. Although it seems foolish, even to me, God took my hurts and replaced them with His peace, perspective and love. When Friday rolled around (the day of our team's tennis match), I would certainly find out why he kept my name off the line up roster for that week.

Thursday morning I woke up feeling out of sorts. I had a bad headache and a slight sore throat but blamed it on the sudden weather change and went about my daily routine. By 3:00 pm, I was in bed with a heating pad and when Friday morning rolled around, I was as sick as a dog. The same Friday morning that I would have been scheduled to play my very first USTA league match.

As I lay in bed with a high fever and pounding headache, God whispered in my heart "This is why you weren't scheduled to play this week". At that moment, it all became clear to me. What I had perceived as an unfair decision was really God's way of protecting me. If my name would have been on the roster that week, I would have had to forfeit the game or tried to play while being sick. Neither choice would have been good. God, in his awesome love for me, kept me from having to make that tough decision by keeping my name off the roster all together.

Did I learn my lesson? You bet I did! Things do happen for a reason and if you are a child of God, I can guarantee it's with your best interest in mind. Nothing happens to us outside the Sovereign hand of God. He knows what he's doing and my job is to trust him even when it doesn't seem like things are going my way.

I'm not worried about next week's email and roster line up. Whether or not I play is irrelevant. What matters is that I put my complete trust in God's perfect plan for my life each day, regardless of the circumstances or outcome.

Dirty Laundry

2009-03-11T18:53:00.003-04:00

If I could change any room in my house it would be the laundry room. It's not that I think the space is too small or lacking anything. I just don't like the location of it. When the previous owners designed the house we now live in they placed the laundry room right between the kitchen and our side garage.

Although we have a beautiful front porch, everyone seems to enter our home through the side garage door which leads straight into my laundry room. This absolutely drives me bananas! My foyer is always clean with everything in just the right spot. On the other hand, my laundry room always seems to look like a tornado just ripped through it.

My children throw their shoes, backpacks, lunchboxes and toys on the floor. My husband is forever leaving his handyman tools on my folding table and dirty laundry is piled up everywhere. It's one thing if my family sees the mess but for heaven's sake I don't want everyone else to see it!

Several months ago I purchased two beautiful wicker laundry hampers with the ivory clothe lining to spruce up my laundry room. I thought this would be a decorative way to hide my dirty laundry. The only problem is that no matter how hard I try there is always more laundry then space in my pretty wicker hampers. Dirty socks, shirts, shorts and yes... even underwear are always oozing out of the top of the hampers. My family has mastered dirtying clothes faster than I can wash, dry, fold and put clean clothes away.

I have repeatedly asked my husband and our boys to please bring guests through the front door. For some reason, my request has fallen on deaf ears because no one seems to listen. On top of that, nobody seems to be remotely bothered by the fact that their friends and our neighbors can see our dirty stuff! What is wrong with these guys!!!

I think that my dirty laundry is sort of like my dirty sins. I don't want anyone to see them. I'd rather hide them in pretty containers or redirect others to keep them at a distance so they have no idea my dirty sins exist. Maybe if I do good deeds and acts of service when others are looking, they may think I'm practically free from sin but that's not what scripture says.

Isaiah 64: 6 says "All of us have become like one who is unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

I may be able to hide my "dirty laundry" from others but I certainly can't hide it from God. He sees everything. The good, the bad, and the ugly. There is good news though. Actually, it's great news! If I confess my sins (expose my dirty laundry), God is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I don't know about you but I don't want to have unconfessed sin in my life. I don't want anything to get in the way of my relationship with the Lord. Of course, he already knows about my sins but if I don't share my weaknesses with him then I won't be able to ask for his help in overcoming them.

If my family didn't bring their dirty laundry to me, I wouldn't be able to wash, dry, fold and provide them with clean clothes to wear. Often times I complain when more clothes end up in the hamper but thank goodness God doesn't respond that way to me. He doesn't grumble and complain. He's always ready and willing to replace my filthy rags with clean ones.

I still have those pretty hampers in my laundry room along with my children's toys, backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes and of course, my husbands tools. And yes, my family still has friends and neighbors enter our home through that side garage door but it really doesn't matter anymore. I'm not into hiding my dirty laundry these days. I think keeping it exposed has lots of advantages. What do you think?

The Bachelor Boo Hoo

2009-03-04T14:34:00.004-05:00

Did any of you watch The Bachelor Finale this week?

First, let me say that I haven't watched this show in years.... HONESTLY! I confess that I did watch the very first season but quickly became bored with it. I'd rather read a good book instead of watching t.v. any day.

The other night was different. I had had an extremely busy afternoon and used up all my brain power. I was looking for some mindless entertainment right before bedtime and wasn't up to watching something that would require me to think too deeply.

After flipping through 9999 channels, I came across the Bachelor. It was towards the end of the show and Girlie Contestant #1 was anxiously walking down the beautifully paved beach side path to Mr. Wonderful. Mr. Wonderful took her hand, quickly dumped her, escorted her back to the limo then returned to his mansion balcony for a quick boo hoo session.

At this point, my husband (who was watching t.v. with me) left the room mumbling under his breath "what a sissy!" I however was hooked. The remote was in my hand and I promise you, I tried to change the channel but I couldn't bring myself to do it. It was as if I was in some sort of t.v. trance or something. I had seen this happen to my husband many times before, even while watching children's cartoons (he's obviously very prone to t.v. trances). I just had to find out what would happen next.

During the commercial break, I jumped up and fixed myself a huge bowl of ice cream which included but was not limited to hot fudge, caramel sauce, and toffee coated pecans. Oh yes, this was going to be a hour of indulgence! I got back just in time to see Girlie Contestant #2 walking down the same beautifully paved beach side path to Mr. Wonderful. I smiled to myself while shoving spoonfuls of rocky road in my mouth. The suspense was almost killing me, not to mention the brain freeze that suddenly gripped my head. Which by the way, is surely the only down side to eating ice cream.

Mr. Wonderful embraced Girlie Contestant #2, promised her a lifetime of happiness, got down on one knee, pledged his forever love to her, and proudly slipped a humongous chunk of joy on her finger. She giggled, he giggled, she cried, he cried, they embraced again and again. Then the show cut to a commercial break. Ah, they lived happily every after...Nope!

To my surprise, this was a two hour special. Now, "The Bachelor, After the Rose" show was coming on. "You have got to be kidding!" I wasn't planning for a two hour commitment. So I did what any other Southern girl would do. I went and refilled my bowl of ice cream with hot fudge, caramel sauce and toffee coated pecans, thank you very much.

Upon returning, the host explained that this would be the most shocking "After the Rose" show ever. Something that had never happened in the history of this show. So traumatic that they wouldn't even allow a live audience. "WHAT'S HAPPENING" I blurted out! This was not what I signed up for. I was looking for a show that was mindless and required no thinking what so ever. I should have known better than to get sucked into The Bachelor. Not only would I be exhausted the next morning but I'd go to bed with a major stomach ache from all that darn ice cream.

Well, let me tell you somethin'. Mr. Wonderful is not so wonderful at all!!! He's Mr. Wishy Washy. Remember that big down on one knee production he performed only moments earlier. Well, let's just say he changed his mind. He was having second thoughts. His feelings had changed. He wasn't certain anymore. He was confused. He was blah, blah, blah....

The show paused for another commercial break while I slowly slipped into a sugar induced coma. It was those toffee coated pecans that put me over the edge.

The remaining 45 minutes consisted of Mr. Wonderful dumping Girlie Contestant #2 then hookin' up with Girlie Contestant #1. What happened to his oath? What happened to his commitment? What happened to his promise of a lifetime?

Well, let me say that I did wake up VERY tired the next morning and still bothered by the chain of events that I had witnessed on The Bachelor the night before. It bothered me that the words "I love you" are tossed around so easily now a days. What good is an oath if it's broken? How can you trust someone who says "I'll promise you a lifetime of happiness" then changes his mind only days or weeks later? As I pondered all of this, I felt the Lord tug on my heart and say "my promise is forever and my word is never changing". Then the following scripture verse popped into my head.

I'll will never let you down, never will I walk off and leave you. Hebrews 13:5b (The Message)

God is so good! He reminded me that no matter what, He will never leave or forsake his people. We can stand on his word and know that it has staying power. He won't say "I love you" one minute and then change his mind the next. God's words are forever and amen. We can rely and trust in him above all else. He will never walk away from us.

As for Girlie Contestant # 1 and Mr. Wishy Washy, who knows what will happen next. As for me, I've got my Mr. Wonderful. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!