Howdy from Hawaii

What can I say? Maui is Aug's favorite place and she goes off my company benefits in just a few days--so we are getting in one last trip. I travel a lot, but usually not this much! Maui is my favorite place, too--especially with Aug along! It's breath-taking here and we are having a GREAT time!!!

It was so **WIERD**

Yesterday was the first time either Perma Honee and I could remember NOT getting up and going to "church" on Sunday morning--without being providentially hindered or anything. We just didn't go! We still love God and want to be in a corporate worship each week--it was just our first week on the new schedule of our home church family. We had been doing three assemblies on Sunday morning--but it was a traffic jam every Sunday getting in and out. So, our leaders have started having the third Sunday service at 5 on Sunday evening--it's the very same as the two morning assemblies--there's even class afterwards and everything. It's really nice for people who aren't morning people.

We haven't been able to attend the Sunday evening assembly until yesterday, even though it's been happening for a couple weeks now. Traffic jams are greatly reduced and attendance has been higher than last Easter--so I think the plan is working. One of the goals is to serve more people and NOT have to spend money on more building. That's something I can really support!

It was still really, really wierd to not "go" on Sunday morning!!!
What will the neighbors think??

The "Little House on the Prairie" Principle

I think I have seen every episode of "Little House on the Prairie". It was out in syndication about the time our kids were born and I took it in most every day for a diversion or something.

During this time of my life I used huge numbers of disposable diapers. It made me think, how did Ma make it with all those "cloth" diapers? I had an automatic washing machine and an indoor toilet to swish or whatever with--and I still couldn't stand the thought of cloth diapers. I enjoy eating, but I decided early on, if it was food or Pampers, I would take the latter.

Currently, it's hot in Texas. I know I shouldn't complain with some monster hurricane approaching our neighbors to the east, but I have been thinking about Laura and her family again. How did they survive during hot weather, without an air conditioner? I know they lived much further north, but it gets hot there some. I do believe this part of Texas was populated during that era, too. How did they survive?

Is there anything you don't see how Ma, Pa and the family did without?

I know, I know, those were those the good ole days???

Let me mention how thankful I am for air conditioning today!

It Baleen!

This is a piece of baleen.

Congratulations to Chris who guessed what is was. I was trying to think of a great prize for her, but it seems she already has "Moby Dick".

Big thanks to Molly (who lives in Alaska) and PE (a sweet friend that reads my blog and emails comments)--they confirm that Chris is correct.

I learn something every day. I would have never thought a piece of whale was hanging around where I was staying! I really do love learning about new parts of this world we currently live in. Just way fun!

Answered prayer!

I really believe God answers all my prayers. On the occasions that I get a "no" or a "wait and be patient", I believe He is sovereign and He has a reason that may be more than I can comprehend, but I will trust is good, because I know He loves me.

When He answers prayer, He some times gives us more than we ask for. I have seen this happen twice this week for two ladies in the fab five.

Miss Gayle needed a job. We believed God would bless her with one. She started her new job this week--and she works in my building! This is not just a job, this is a very good job where I will get to see her more often!!!

We have been praying for another of our friends to get pregnant. We found out a few weeks ago that she was pregnant. She found out this week, she has TWINS!! I've already gotten to see pictures of both baby "A" and baby "B". They are sooo cute! (And so small right now!)

I am praising God today--as I pray for Gayle's transition into her new job and a safe preganancy for both mom and 2 babies!!!

Can anyone tell me what this is???

Last week in Alaska, we rented this condo--it was great--very nice and all--but the decor--honestly, we didn't know what it all was. For instance, this wall was decorated by this thing--does anyone have any idea what this is? Was it on something living at one time? The only clue we have is that it had printed on it "Barrow, Alaska".

What do you think???

YAY

Today was a great day. I talked to a couple of friends at work that just left their third child at college (both boys, too) for the first time and they both were saying things that I used to say! I remember how they felt, but I really, really feel like I am movin' on! Thanks for putting up with me!

It was so hot on the way home I stopped at Sonic to get my favorite surgary drink--a lemon berry slushee. Either it melted on the way to the car or the machine was giving out--because it was all melty by the time it got to me. When I got home about 6:30 it was still 102 degrees. It's finally down to 93 now at 10 pm.

Perhaps I should have stayed in Alaska another week. The high up there was about 70. Wait, I have to go into work some or I don't get to fly!

The good news is, it's the end of August. It just can't be hot that much longer, can it???

"Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. "
Psalms 106:1

I Survived!

One year ago today, we moved Aggie-Ed into Dunn Hall at Texas A&M University--and we officially had our "empty nest".

Many told me I would love it. I don't know if they were just trying to be encouraging or if I had an exceptionally hard time, because I have not loved it. As I reflected on my year in the last 24 hours, I am not proud of this, but I think I mostly survived it. It's been easy to get confused and think this is all about me, when it's really not.

We moved Aggie-Ed into his 3rd dorm room in a year yesterday. It was much easier this year. He was so excited yesterday to be back with his friends, to be in Aggie-land doing what God has for him to do right now, it is impossible to NOT be excited for him.

As my role as a mom continues to evolve, I've come to understand that I need my children more than they need me now. I still can't say I love the "empty nest", but I can see I am embracing that role. I do love having adult children--and in my case that means not seeing them every day or even every week. I am learning to enjoy every minute I DO have with them. Just as important, I am learning to enjoy every minute I am not with them.

"You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence."
Acts 2:28

Breath-taking!

Mountains, rainforests, streams, rivers, glaciers, mudflats, wildlife...and best of all, enjoying it with family!

Greetings from Girdwood!

We are escaping the Texas heat in Alaska. Aug had commitments in Texas, so I am here with Perma Honee, Crittermer and Aggie-ed. I love wearing a jacket in August!

Girdwood is a resort town about an hour southeast of Anchorage. Yesterday we rode the Aleyska tram about a mile about a mountain, then hiked the rest of the way to a glacier. I loved "playing" on the glacier.

It's hard for me to believe someone could see the beauty here and not believe in God. It's so beautiful that is hard to come up with adjectives to describe it. So, in our family we just use the word breath-taking to describe there really are not words. Seems like this just has to be the work of God.

I pray you all have a blessed week!

Graduation!

Aug is an official graduate now.

Graduation is such an emotional time--it's been emotional each time since the first "graduation" in Kindergarten. It's such a happy time--my child has done something worth celebrating and is ready to move on to another phase of life. But, it's a sad time--she's leaving a time of life that I have learned to love and I don't want to give up.

So, I hold a tissue in one hand, confetti in the other and try to figure out how to take many pictures to remember this day!

Since the five us our not together all that often, I had to have a picture of it! Our graduate is in the blue!



"Father, it astounds me right now that as I was looking at a newborn almost 24 years ago You knew this day would have her walk across a stage and into a new phase of life. You also know right now, I would love to keep her my little girl. I know, however, that she is Your's and she's been Your's all along. Thank You for allowing me to be the witness of so many miracles and blessings in her life. Thank You for allowing me to be her mom. I pray now that you will use her in incredible ways for Your glory, in Your kingdom."

And the Celebrating Starts!

Crittermer arrived today. She's taking a break from job-hunting and thesis-writing to spend some time with the fam. The old home place is bursting with activity tonight!

We are just starting! If Jesus doesn't come back and the Lord wills, in the next few hours, Aug will become a diploma totin' alumni of the University of North Texas. Yep, she's graduating!

Aug has been teaching ever since she could toddle and talk. She started out on her care bears and dolls. In first through fifth grades--she wanted to be teacher. In middle school and high school she wanted to be a teacher. She never wanted to be a veterinarian, attorney or ballet dancer. She's always wanted to be a teacher. As she matured, it was obvious that her passion--working with young children--was also her gift.

Aug had a couple detours and a brick wall or two on her way to graduation. I saw that she learned was that God was with her, leading her actually every step of the detours. I saw she learned that God was more powerful than any brick wall one could hit--and He smashed through them for her. I don't believe anything happens by accident. I believe that she will have children in her classrooms that have detours and brick walls in their lives. She will have the training with the One who can overcome those and any more obstacles that she or her students may experience!

We are thrilled that she now has come one step closer to her dreams!

I might be prejudiced, but I think she will be an incredible teacher--I can hardly wait to see how God uses her now!!!

Let the parties begin!!!

Mother and son bonding--excitement style

Aggie-ed is finished with summer school, so I flew from DFW to College Station this morning. A bit before we took off in one of those cute little planes with propellers, the pilot told us there was a nasty storm between DFW and CLL. We flew to Louisiana on the east and way South Texas to avoid it. I won’t be asking to go to Six Flags for a while—I got several bumps and drops on my flight. We landed safely.

Aggie-ed picked me up. About the time we started to the car with our first load the nasty storm parked itself on top of Aggie-ed’s dorm. No counting between thunder and lightning—it was simultaneous. We were at T-3 hours and counting to his time he had to be out. The rain slowed. We had large trashbags. We forgot about what we looked like. We made mad dash after mad dash and got all the stuff in his car. My shoes were still full of water, when the sun came out as we pulled out of College Station.

As we started driving through Riesel, TX a psycho-semi driver tried to run us off the road, not once, but at least twice. Another time Aggie-ed took a quick exit to avoid Mr. Psycho. The only reason we could think that Aggie-ed upset him was he slowed down to 55 mph in the speed trap capital of Texas, Riesel. I believe God must have been protecting us, as Aggie-ed was able to get us out of the path of this person each time. I know God protects us many times and we don’t notice it, but this was easy to notice!

We are back at the old home place now. “Stuff” is scattered all over the house. Aggie-ed is asleep on the couch just a few feet from where I sit. It is so wonderful to have him here for a few days.

Indeed, it was an exciting day!

“I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
Psalms 23:4

What's to know?

I remember when I was a young 'un of about 9 or 10 asking my mom why the older people at church still had to read their Bibles. I had already mastered a few books and the Bible just didn't look that thick or difficult.

Now, I am an older person and I am still reading my Bible. I do not have the material mastered.

A few things I do have figured out. God sent His Son, Jesus. He lived a perfect life. He died on the cross, not for His sin, but mine. God raised Him from the dead. Now, God asks me to repent of my sin, and follow Jesus. This is all wrapped in grace. God gives me what I don't deserve and could never earn.

Things like politics, the environment, psychology, philosophy, social issues and everything else I don't have figured out. I don't even have figured out how as a follower of Jesus how much I need to figure out.

I read and hear things people write that think they have things figured out--but more all the time I begin to doubt anything where the person believes they everything figured about anything.

I am still reading my Bible. I know I bring the sum total of everything that has ever happened to me to that reading, so I know I am biased. I still read. I want the Word to speak to me. I know I won't get it perfect, but I want to get all God has for me. Then, I will trust His grace.

"O LORD, what great miracles you do! And how deep are your thoughts. "
Psalms 92:5 (NLV)

The weekend

This has been such a great weekend.

Aug came down for most of Saturday. When she comes down we feed her, and try to pamper her so she will keep coming back--so far it's working. I always enjoy her visits.

A good friend, that has been looking for a job, got a job offer!
Another good friend that has been trying to get pregnant, is!!!
I am so excited to be able to witness God working in the lives of these 2 precious ladies!

We had rain showers both afternoons--the kind I really love--gentle thunder and pounding rain--I have no idea why, but these are some of my favorite sounds. The rain cooled the temp, too. What a blessing!

Perma honee took me out for my new favorite food--avocado enchiladas--Abuelo's--so yummy!

Chocolate is still a close second, however.
Both of these foods and a couple dozen others are keeping me from joining this fine adventure though.

A kick in the seat of the pants!

Have you ever been praying (and stewing some at the same time) about what you need to say/do to someone you has hurt you, not revenge really, but---along comes this thought that pierces your heart about what YOU need to say/do to honor God in this situation--like you see where YOU need to change--confirming God can handle the heart of the other person??? That just happened to me (again!)--light bulb moment--I believe it's a Holy Spirit thing.

And it's a kick in the seat of MY pants!

"If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives."
Galatians 5:25

Intelligent Design?

It seems an old debate is back in the news again. President Bush even answered a question about it this week. How should we teach life science to our kids--that God did it (The Intelligent Designer) or that "natural selection" (evolution) explains why we have life here on earth?

This just seems like a weak debate to me. I personally think I could get my machine gun out and shoot holes all through the natural selection theory and I am not even a scientist.

After I read David's post last night (his comment on this is toward the bottom of his post)--I had to ask God for forgiveness for having that attitude. It is my natural reaction, but I don't think it is right.

So what if I get my machine gun out and shoot holes all through those theories, what did I win?

I am trying to make decisions on how I live my life by running it through "what would Jesus do?" After reading David's post, reading my Bible, praying and reflecting, I am not sure Jesus would get out a machine gun.

The only time Jesus got really indignant was when there were money changers in the temple. If I apply this situation here, I am now the temple of Jesus--and I think who He might run out of this situation is me and my machine gun.

I believe at this point in our country's history the evolutionists expect a fight. What if we didn't give it to them? Can I stand firm in what I believe, let them believe what they are going to believe, but show the love of Jesus, act like Jesus would act and actually shock the socks off them?

What if I decided it was not my place, but God's to convict someone else they were wrong on this? What if I set about "being" Jesus in front of these people by my compassion and love not only to them, but everyone in my path?

I believe God created the world. Period. I don't think I have to compromise that belief to love an evolutionist.

I just can't see Jesus with my machine gun.

What we teach our kids here is very important. I think it's important they understand God created the world. I think it's more important that we teach them to enter this debate with love and humilty--then, God may be able to do more than we can ask or imagine.

I am NOT a morning person!

I am not sure who came up with the 8-5 schedule of life--but I am against it. My body is against it. My body clock tells me it should never get out of bed before 9 and there should be no major events scheduled before 10.

My ideal bed time would be about 1 am. I can get so much done from about 10-1. I love those hours!

My first profession of teaching college was a wise choice for my body. I volunteered to take all the 4 pm classes, so I tried to arrive just in time to run to chapel at 10. I had more than a few students who preferred a 4 pm class instead of those nasty 8 am classes that are also offered.

I feel so blessed that all of our children are evening people, too. I was thrilled they didn't think it was funsies to wake up for thier day at 5:30 am. Back in their day, kindergarten was just half a day. You won't find it hard to believe that all three did afternoon kindergarten. In fact, most days, we woke up in time for lunch and then school. It was great for us. Poor perma honeee still had to haul out and be at work at like 8 or something. He's an evening person, too so I felt really bad for him as we all slept in. First grade was really hard though, they expected the kids to be in by 8:15.

I have a really wonderful supervisor at work now. As long as I get my work done, she lets me work really flexible hours. I am extremely appreciative of that. However, the world still is made for morning people. Evening activities are all scheduled assuming people work an 8-5ish day. Big bummer!

My home congregation is doing something really bold and wonderful next week. I am sure there are several of us evening people who will be rejoicing in the aisles. There will be three services, all basically the same, 2 in the morning and the other at 5 pm!!! We can "go to church" and actually be awake! This is soooo great. I am thinking we may need to put a sign in our front yard explaining to the neighbors why we aren't leaving on Sunday morning any more, however. I wouldn't want them to get worried about dedication.

Today I am not working. I haven't been up long and feel great! It's almost noon, and I am sure I will be ready for breakfast some time in the next hour!

"On the first day of the week, we gathered to observe the Lord's Supper. Paul was preaching; and since he was leaving the next day, he talked until midnight."
Acts 20:7

Joy, Charity and Patience

I recently had these 3 pre-school girls on one of my planes. Patience was about one and her mom took care of her a few rows in front of me.

Joy and Charity sat with their dad in the row behind me. Joy feel asleep a bit after take off (this has to be the dream of every parent traveling with a little one). Charity sat right behind me and was so precious. She had little "dog ear" pony tails sticking out each side of her head. She sucked her thumb and held her blankie during take-off, never made a noise otherwise. She was so short her feet barely came to the edge of her seat. She told me she was three.

After Joy went to sleep dad put Charity in his lap and looked out the window with her.

Dad: "Did God or man make the clouds?"
Charity: "Gawd did"
Dad: "Did God or man make trees?"
Charity: "Gawd did"
Dad: "Did God or man make this airplane?"
Charity: "Gawd did"
Dad: "Awwwww, I think some men made the airplane"
Charity: *Giggle*
Dad: "Who made little girls?" (while giving Charity a huge hug)
Charity: "GAWD DID!"

I am so blessed to read the blogs of many of you raising precious children. Today I would like to give a salute to all of you who have days filled with never ending activity, sounds and love of children.

This is not an original quote, but one of my favorites. "Parenting is the hardest job you will ever love."

I think Charity's (and Joy and Patience's) dad modeled my favorite scripture on parenting so well:

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
Deuteronomy 6:4-9