Chicago!!

Aug and I had a delightful day in Chicago yesterday.

I am generally not excited about shopping, but when I am with Aug, I love shopping! We had lunch in downtown Chicago, then went out to the "Magnificent Mile" for some intense shopping. We were not the only ones to have the idea of shopping yesterday. There were huge crowds. I really would love to see people get as excited about Jesus as they do shopping on Michigan Avenue.

Aug did find some really cute stuff. It was just so great to spend a whole day with her!

Here's a pic of Aug--if you have extremely good vision you can see the street sign right above her head says Michigan Avenue--otherwise, you will just have to take my word for it!

Why I believe in/follow Jesus

Phil got me to thinking about this from his most recent post. Yes, I believe in Jesus, but it's been a while since I have made a list as to why I believe in/follow Jesus. I have been tossing it around in my head today and this is what I came up with:

1. I believe in Jesus, because I believe I was created for more than this world. I believe there is meaning to life and Jesus is the One that gives my life meaning. I believe because of His life, unjust death and resurrection--I have a life here that He wants to use to point others to Himself, then after my death I will likewise be resurrected to life I am truly created for--to give glory to God throughout eternity. I believe in Jesus because He gives me hope.

2. I believe in Jesus, because this life has many cares and worries--and He has offered to carry all that baggage for me as I trust Him. It's much easier for me to follow Him than carry all the stuff that hurts and makes no sense. He has shown Himself so faithful to carry my burdens for me.

3. I believe in Jesus, because I NEED unconditional love in my life--and He is love. I have wonderful loving people in my life--but God's love never disappoints--He truly does love me even when I am wrong. Amazing.

4. I believe in Jesus because I see Him work in lives of people that I know. I am talking about things that could only happen by power of a Supernatural Being.

5. I believe in Jesus because I have had peace in this world when it makes no earthly sense why I could have even a bit of peace. I believe in Jesus because I experience His peace every day.

6. I believe in Jesus because three times I have held newborns a few seconds after they made their entrance in this world. I know they are a miracle that Someone had to create for some reason.

7. I believe in Jesus, because I have walked on beaches and looked at an ocean that seems to never end. I believe in Jesus because I have seen mountains that are taller than I can see. I believe it is much easier to believe that Someone created all this than to believe it just banged into being. I believe the One Who created is worthy of all my life and my worship.

8. I believe in Jesus because I believe historical records prove He lived and died. Accept Him or reject Him, He is not an imaginary Being--He did live and walk on this mud ball we currently call home.

So how about you? Why do you believe in/follow Jesus?

Hope you have a blessed weekend!

Doing what we were made to do

I go to church with Byron Nelson. I've come to understand that Mr. Nelson is one of the best golfers of all time. He holds several golfing records. I think it would be fair to say that God gifted Mr. Nelson with great ability to hit a little ball into a little precisely placed cup. I can hardly play putt-putt--so even though I don't know a lot about golf, I am truly impressed.

However, I don't think God made Byron Nelson just to play golf. God made Mr. Nelson to bring glory to Himself. In Mr. Nelson's case, he's had opportunities to honor God in public ways because of his golfing abilities.

I never got to see Mr. Nelson play golf (he's in his 90's now and doesn't play much any more). However, I get to sit by him in assemblies and see him praise God. I get to witness how he worships God with his whole life by allowing God to use him in places that people will listen to Byron Nelson. I get to see how his charity furthers the Kingdom of God. I believe that's what God really made him to do.

We all have talents. Some of us are more talented than others, but whatever my talent, whether it's playing golf or baking apples pies, the reason God gave me the talent was not to make me look good, but for Him to shine through me so that the world can understand Who He is. When I do this with a heart to give glory to my Father, I am doing what I was made to do.

"Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God."
I Corinthians 10:31

Turn the air conditioner off!

It's supposed to get to 66 degrees in Texas tonight! I think that's about 20 degrees cooler than normal for this time of July! I usually have to get in a plane and fly 2 or 3 hours to get this kind of weather in July!

Thank you, Father, for the incredible blessing of cool weather in Texas today!

Letting Go Part 2

I fumble and stumble--I am far from perfect at it--but I still think my job as a parent right now is to let go of my kids. I still say bossy things to them and wonder why I do. I think they really understand in my heart I want them to be all God has called them to be, whatever that ends up meaning.

The other day at church we had a lesson on raising kids. Preacher Rick's last point was to let them go after we get them "raised". So, I suppose he agrees with me. I probably should have shouted "amen" or something to let him know he agreed with me!

I was sitting next to a friend, well actually her daughter Emily was sitting between us. Emily is three days older than Aug/Crittermer, so they spent some time together growing up. What made the letting go point really special is Emily is moving to Portland, OR tomorrow. She will be an intern working with the Micah project. My friend will be letting go.

Preacher Rick left us with this poem. I am so thankful for Emily and how she's willing to let God use her--and for my friend who can let her go!

"Little one,
you belong to yourself and God,
you are not mine;
I am only the port
that looses you into the bay,
the tide that hears you out
on your own adventure.

I am your sea legs,
your swift tack astride the wind;
I teach the bare mechanics of your craft.

But one day,
in the furor of a squall
or in the awful silence of a calm,
you'll find I'm not beside you at the helm;
and if I've done my job right,
you will not be alone.

--Karen Livingston Raab

Yet, another tag!

What I was doing 10 years ago:
The five of us went on a trip to Yellowstone. Aug and Crittermer declared "once you have seen one geyser you have seen them all." We saw lots of buffalo and one bear. We had a great time!

What I was doing 5 years ago:
I was getting ready to send Aug/Crittermer to college at Oklahoma Christian. I was shedding a few tears here and there.

What I was doing 1 year ago:
I was getting ready to send Aggie-ed to Texas A&M. A few more tears here and there.

Yesterday:
Perma honee and I heard a very unique lesson on marriage/divorce/remarriage from preacher Rick. Then, we met Aug and a friend for lunch at Chili's and it was way fun!

5 snacks I enjoy:
Chocolate chip cookies, cheese, chocolate candy, Blue Bell Ice Cream and Diet Dr. Pepper.

5 Things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million:
I would give it to Jesus honoring ministries.

5 Places I would like to run away to:
Kauai, Maui, Knoxville, College Station, Denton

5 Bad habits I have:
Spending too much time online, eating too much chocolate, taking things for granted, letting my housework go, arguing for fun

5 things I like doing:
Walking on a beach and talking about God with Perma honee or Aug or Crittermer or Aggie-ed or any combination of them

5 TV shows I like:
I hardly ever watch tv, but in the last year I have watched all of these shows at least once:
7th Heaven, Dr. Phil, Oprah, Extreme Makeovers-Home Edition, Some random hotel show on the travel channel

5 things I hate doing:
Being unfaithful to God, saying good bye to my kids after a visit, cleaning most anything around the house, most any kind of shopping, eating way too much chocolate

5 biggest joys of the moment:
Knowing God loves me no matter if I mess up 5 or 500 times

Bumper Sticker

I BELIEVE IN THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND HATE

I almost had a wreck getting close enough to read this one--and then at first I didn't get it--and then I got it--and I got almost sick--someone would think there would be a need for such--but there is.

God Knows Best!

I have a quirky, quantitative mind--that remembers--quirky, quantitative things.

Twenty-four years ago today I was 28 weeks into my first pregnancy. I had grown up wanting to be a (computer) scientist and a teacher. I really did not think much about having children. When perma honeee and I began to get really serious, we had the "children" talk--and he did want children. So we compromised--I would have one child, and decide about more after that. So, 24 years ago, I had held up to my end of the "deal". The first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant was a back baby carrier. I had way too many great plans for God to stop my life. My plan was to have the baby, put it in on my back and continue on with my great plans for God.

However, on this day 24 years ago, I was laying on a table with some goopy jelly on my fat tummy, and some tech lady told me, "There's 2 heads and....4 arms, 4 legs---they are not siamese--can't find any more, but when you are this far along, another baby or two could be 'hiding'--so you will just have to wait and see." So, as they cleaned the ooze off my tummy, I was in shock. I was having at least 2 babies!

I was a real grump the first several days. When people congratulated me (us), I usually said, "do you want to help me take care of them when they are both sick?" I have no idea why I commented that, because I didn't even know how to tape on a pamper!

I ended up spending 10 weeks in bed before giving birth. The first 6 because my doctor didn't want me to go into pre-mature labor, the last 4 because I was so huge I couldn't drive or fit in a booth at a restaurant. When I did get out, I suppose I frieked people because they gasped and made funny noises at me--so it just wasn't worth it. (I gained 82 pounds, mostly in my tummy.)

At 42 1/2 weeks--18 days after my due date--I gave birth to beautiful twin girls. I immediately fell hopelessly in love with them. BTW, did I mention perma honeee really needed to have a boy--and we had twin girls??? I do believe God has a sense of humor--and He found a way to communicate a more perfect plan for my life than all the things I had "planned" for him!

Father does know best!

I do it again and again---

And LOVE it every time! I am so thankful for emails--and phone calls--crittermer even has a wonderful blog--but I love the days when I get to spend the afternoon with her face to face. We can talk for almost 5 hours non-stop--but I leave so content and thankful for the way God blesses me through her!

When I do my day trips to Knoxville, I spend just almost as much time in the plane as I do with crittermer. I love my plane time, too. I got most of a book read, ate, slept and listened to a hurting mother reeling after a divorce she never wanted.

Texas is rather dry this time of year--but Knoxville is still very green--I love green. I only saw the Smokies from the plane, but I love them too!

I thank my Father for a blessed day!

AND, I did wave to all my blogging friends that live in Nashville as I was flying over! Did anyone see me???

Psalm 139:5-6

"I look behind me and you're there
then up ahead and you're there, too--
your reassuring presence, coming and going.

This is too much, too wonderful--
I can't take it all in."

I am so thankful I can look back and see how God has been with me throughout my life.

I am not sure how I could get through some days without knowing He was with me right then.

But, I am reassured that He is going ahead of me--since I don't know what's there--and I know I can trust where He leads--and that is too much, too wonderful!

BAM!!!!

I have been working on a report at work. It's not really hard--not like you would need a rocket scientist to work it--but it is kind of complicated--and can take a lot of time.

As I started on it this time, it was really easy and going fast. So, I had this little thought, "JettyBetty, you are sooooo good, you are probably practically a genius, because you get this report and the whole world might really be impressed if they knew how absolutely wonderful you are at this report". (touch of exaggeration here, but you get the idea--I think I am great!)

Then, what happens the very next thing--I cannot get a thing to work--nadda--I can't figure out anything--nothing seems to fall into place--within 30 minutes of my thoughts on my own wonderfulness I am ready to run the whole report through a cross cutting shredder so many times it is confetti--yes, confetti!!!

God is using these times to teach me some about some of my pride. Occasionally, I even think I am learning. Since I had the thought I mentioned here, I started to have another one--but allowed the Holy Spirit to stop that one before I actually promoted myself to president of the company. I most likely will do the pride thing again (I know my own history too well) and then bam--God will let me fall again!

"Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."
Proverbs 16:18

What's on my nightstand

This is a tag from Gayla.

On my nightstand are:
A phone
A pen
A clock-radio
My prayer notebook

On a shelf below are about 8 Bibles (different versions), my journal, and the current books I am reading:
"A Prayer for Owen Meany"
"Mere Discipleship"

I am just too exciting! You are tagged if you want to tell me what is on your nightstand!!!

Slip Sliding Away!

I am always thankful for rain in Texas in July--even though it can be humid afterwards--I love the break from the heat!

We have had rain this morning--I needed to go out for a bit--and was happily and somewhat recklessly bopping around when I needed to stop rather suddenly. I did not stop suddenly--I slid quite a distance and I was quickly reminded how little control I have of a car--especially in the rain. (I didn't hit anything--just a quick heart stop!)

Then, I quickly was reminded how often I think I am in control of my life--just bopping around not thinking all that much--until I get a reminder--something happens that I know I don't control.

"Lord, I will follow you, but.."
Luke 9:61

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."
Mark 9:24b

Jumpin' on the bandwagon

Everyone else is doing it soo.. here I go!

A is for age: 50 (really)
B is for booze: Cherry Vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper
C is for career: Jesus lover, wife, mom, pensions administrator
D is for dad's name: Bill
E is for essential item to bring to a party: chocolate
F is for favorite songs at the moment: "Show Me", "Blessed Be The Name"
G is for goof off thing to do: walk on the beach
H is for hometown: Shawnee, OK
I is for instrument you play: took piano for a few years, played violin through MS/HS
J is for jam or jelly you like: blackberry jam
K is for kids: 3
L is for living arrangements: house
M is for mom's name: Joyce
N is for name of good friend: too many to list!!
O is for overnight stays in hospital: about 10
P is for phobias: mice, rats
Q is for quotes you like: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
R is for longest relationship: Debbie, almost 40 years
S is for siblings: one brother
T is for Texas: Home
U is for unique traits: I love the smell of jet fuel
V is for vegetables that you love: everything but brussel sprouts
W is for worst trait: ditziness
X is for X-rays you've had: no clue
Y is for yummy food you make: double baked potatoes, chicken enchiladas
Z is for zodiac sign: scorpio

Mom time

My mom came in (from Oklahoma) yesterday for a quick visit.

She came here, because I haven't been to see her in soooo long! I really forget that my busy schedule does not decrease her need to spend time with me. I will never get too old, too independent or too far away--I will always be her little girl--and I am so thankful that she will make the effort to spend time with me-- even when I am running in my proverbial circles.

What a perky plant!

I suppose someone "watered" it!

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yield fruit in season."
Psalm 1:3

What else am I missing?

I've been thinking about something since our Park City trip.

A big part of the reason we went to Park City was to see a spectacular fireworks show some place other than Texas. After we got to the show, we realized because thousands of other people had driven out to this show, there would be a huge traffic jam as soon as the show was over. So, because Perma Honee and I get to drive in traffic jams all we care to, we decided to leave the show during the grand finale and miss the jam.

Aggie-ed was quite respectful and quite shocked--we left before we saw what we came to see--all over missing a couple (thousand) cars.

I think I will do it differently next time. We did miss the traffic jam. We also missed the best part of the show. We missed time with Aggie-Ed--all of you with older children know "car" time is the best time--they are rather "confined" with you. The 3o minutes (or 3 hours???) we were waiting in traffic could have been a great time for conversation (like wasn't that a great grand finale??)

I am finding other places in my life that I am missing out on blessings God might have for me because I am too busy, too hurried, too fearful to roll with the punches and sit in a traffic jam if I need to.

The last few days I have truly been trying to experience the showers of blessing God has for me. I don't want to miss them!


This is NOT the finale--obviously!

"I will send showers, showers of blessings, which will come just when they are needed."
Ezekiel 34:26 (NLT)

Spiritual drooping

My spiritual life must look something like this on days I don't spend time allowing God to water me.


"If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within."
John 7:38

States I Have Visited

I got this from Jenni's blog--I would LOVE to go to all 50 states! Is anyone surprised???

bold the states you've been to, underline the states you've lived in and italicize the state you're in now...

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C. /

Go HERE to have a form generate the HTML for you.

Enemies

This is the verse that keeps coming to me as I pray for the people in London.

"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you."
Matthew 5:44

I am praying for those responsible for what happened in London. What they did in London was wrong. But, when I pray for them, I get a less of a us verses them feeling. I am clearer that I am not perfect and there might be things I could do that could help spread more understanding and a little love.

And we all need Jesus.

More London

I have been pretty upset about London all day. It makes me so sad we live in a world with people who would kill other people in the name of their religion. To me, their actions are evil turned on innocent people.

I think I am upset because we were just there less than 2 months ago and I left with a feeling of connection for the people--and today I have hurt for them.

I believe God is sovereign. Evil was introduced into the world all those many years ago and it will be with us until He comes back again!

But I hate what was inflicted on my friends in London today and will continue to pray for them.

"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart--I have overcome the world!"
John 16:33

London

My heart goes out to the people of London this morning--you are in my prayers.

the focus

I read this quote in the July 4 "Newsweek" about Billy Graham.

"Graham won't talk politics. 'At my age I have one message: that Jesus Christ came, he died on a cross, he rose again, and he asked us to repent of our sins.'"

I get the point (he's 86) but, I think that's the focus I should have at my age, too.

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
II Corinthians 2:2

Chillin' in Park City

Whenever the temperature gets to 100 degrees and stays a few days--there's something that usually comes to our minds here in the JB household--escape to the mountains! We long to go to where the air is crisp and clear--the day time high temperature is 75 and you need a jacket at night. So--my two favorite men in the world joined me, and we headed to Park City, UT.

One of the things I love to do is to go hiking in the mountains. I love hiking--it's great exercise--and then it's rather a spiritual experience for me--not just the incredible wild flowers, tall trees, sweet smelling air that remind me of my Creator--but the climb up the mountain, too. I have to watch each step I make because of the rocks, ruts, and roots in my path--my lungs burn, and I can hardly breathe--and I am thinking of seasons in my life where I can only take one step at time--with my body aching. Then, I reach the top--and I feel a sense of victory. I try to remember that feeling while I am in the step-by-step seasons of life--knowing God is leading my steps--even the most painful ones--He's with me all along and when I get to the end of that season I will sense the victory He has given me.


The view from the top!


We are honored and humbled to accept the gold medal in snow ball throwing.


In Texas, we turn both traffic lights for one direction the same way. It seems they do this differently in Utah.

Yes, and it's still 92 degrees and it's bed time here. I already miss that cool mountain air!

" Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to walk in Your ways
And step by step You'll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days."
--Rich Mullins

HAPPY JULY 4!!!

"And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

What I Am Learning About Myself From Blogging

My gift is not writing. Some of you write so well! I am so encouraged and challenged by what I read. I would rather leave comments on someone else's blog than write a blog!

When I find a blog that I do not agree with, I some times leave a comment with what I believe. I don't really expect to change anyone's mind. I really do want to understand other points of view. What has surprised me is that several times bloggers have attacked my belief. What shocked me even more was how that affected me--I felt disrespected. Soooo, I am really trying to re-think my comments--I will comment only if I believe it is with respect and love to my brother or sister. Aren't we all on the same team trying to show Jesus to the world?

I really enjoy reading GenXer blogs--they think a little different from me--that doesn't make them wrong at all--that makes them fascinating and wonderful--I have learned oodles from them! So, hope you all don't mind an older lady lurking around your blog!

I don't like labels, I really want to be just a Christian as basic as that sounds--but the labels that I had picked out for myself--don't really fit with the blogs I read--either for politics or religion--it's been an eye-opening experience!

I am a romantic optimist--I basically believe God is in control and if things don't go my way--God must have a reason--and I know who wins in the end!

I love making new friends whether by blog or person--and if I never see some of my blog friends in person--that's okay because some day some day I will see you at the throne of grace!

"And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us." I John 3:23 NLT