A Quick Update

I haven't been around here a whole lot lately. Many reasons... life is busy, taking time to rest, and taking the time to listen to God and what he would have me share here with you, to name a few.

We've had a great January, February, and so far March is looking pretty good, too. Fun times with church and school activities, Cub Scouts, family time, as well as being completely swamped at work. Swamped at work is good as it keeps me busy (I mean, really, who wants to go sit in an office and just twiddle their thumbs all day long?), but it keeps me moving so fast that I leave mentally exhausted just about every day.

So, by the time late evening comes and the house is quiet, I struggle to sit down and type anything even slightly intelligible. And, really, it's been good. It's given me some much needed quiet, downtime in the evenings. Time to think and pray and determine exactly what God would have me to share.

I have started a great Bible Study about experiencing God in the workplace. One thing I really like about this study is that even if you don't go to a formal office everyday this can still be applicable to your life. Wherever your workplace is (office, home, school, etc) this is a great study. It deals with realizing that whatever you do and wherever you are that you are part of God's plan. It deals with your relationships with others and how to live well in an environment that is very often more in line with the world's agenda rather than God's. So far, I've really enjoyed it... and, I'm guessing that you'll probably hear more about this from me in the future. :)

We've just started off our Spring Break fun for this year. A great time we have together as a family each year and a great time to take a break from the day to day routine and just relax and enjoy.

Once we're back in the normal routine I plan to back around here a little more. I have lots of posts floating around in my head.. just awaiting some clear direction as to where to start.

Until then.....

A Winter Surprise

I read somewhere yesterday that 49 out of 50 states had snow on the ground over the weekend.  It's not been a "normal" winter, has it? 

This picture is what we woke up to Friday morning.  We'd already had several inches of snow on Thursday, but when we went to sleep Thursday evening had no idea we would wake up to even more snow.  This is the 10 inches or so that we recieved as seen from our front door.

I know that for those of you that see snow on a regular basis, it can get a little old after awhile.  After all, it's cold, harder to get around on the roads, etc.  But, for those of us in Texas that don't see snow quite as much, this was a special treat. 

For me, it brought back many childhood memories of snow days.  The kids were just beside themselves with excitement, which is always so fun to see.  They were in and out of the house for two solid days... playing in the snow, coming in to get warm, building a snowman, coming in for hot chocolate, going out for a snowball fight, coming back in to warm by the fireplace.  All in all... a really great couple of days.

So very unexpected, but such a wonderful diversion from the normal day to day!

His Paths are the Best Paths

Throughout my late elementary and teenage years my father served as music and youth minister at several churches. As a teenager this caused me much angst as I always feared the day when Dad would be called to serve in another church in another city. (There was also the angst that went along with the fact that my Dad was my youth minister, but that is a whole other post... and something that we joke about in our family from time to time. :) How great to be an adult and realize that, in reality, I was really quite fortunate... where is that wisdom when we are teenagers?!) Anyway, to move along, I was way too focused on what I wanted and not so much on what might be good for my entire family or, more importantly, on where God might be leading.

I remember the spring of my jr year in high school my parents talking to us at dinner one evening about a call they had received. It was from a church in Idaho that was interested in speaking to Dad about being their music and youth minister. As you can imagine, this what not what I wanted to hear. How could I be asked to leave my friends, my school, and right before my senior year in high school??

I don’t remember exactly what I said to my parents that night, but I do know that I voiced many of these thoughts. As I voiced my feelings -- feelings of how it wasn't fair, how could God send my parents somewhere but not care about what I wanted, etc -- Dad reminded me that God just doesn't work that way. God would never lead him somewhere that would not be the right place for ALL of us. When God calls us, he doesn’t just call one of us. As a family, he has a plan for EACH ONE OF US. Yes, we must all be open to that plan… but it is there.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

God cared very much about what I felt. The problem wasn't with what God was asking. The problem was with me. And, I must admit, that it took several more years for this to sink in.

In that particular instance, we did not make the move to Idaho. However, the fall after my senior year my family did move to Kansas City where Dad began seminary. That was a difficult move for me… primarily because I made it that way. I will say, though, that it has been in looking back over that move that I see the truth in Dad’s words.

It is always a good thing once we are open to what God has for us. And, once I was open to that, God definitely showed me all the good things he had planned for me. As I look back I see very clearly how our move to Kansas City led me and each member of my family to where we are today. Could God have gotten us to where we are today without that move? Maybe... but I don't believe we would be the people we are today. We learn from every experience and if not for that move we would not have those experiences and those particular building blocks from which we grew.

God’s plans are ALWAYS good. We can always count on the fact that He will never lead anywhere that would harm us. He might lead down rocky roads. He may lead us thru difficult and painful times. We can always be assured, though, that the end result is for our good. We can always be assured that we will not have to walk those roads alone. And, as I began to learn that day back in high school, His plans for us as individuals never leaves our families and loved ones exempt. He brought us together for a purpose and that purpose is all part of His plan.


What is holding you back from fully following God and His plans for your life? It it fear? Concern for how it will affect your family? Uncertainty of where following God today will lead you to in the future? Whatever it is, I can tell you from personal experience that God will take care of it. He will take your fears and replace them with security. He will guide and hold close each member of your family. He will take your uncertainty and replace it with assurance.

Earlier this week I decided, along with my mother and sister, to make a trip to Northwest Arkansas to spend some time with my aunt and uncle. Over the course of the summer my uncle has been hospitalized 3-4 times, has had at least 2 surgeries, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, has undergone one chemo treatment and almost lost his life more than once.

At this time, we don't know what lies ahead or the length of time we have left with him. Due to the fact that his body has not yet recovered from all that it has been thru in the last few months and diabetes that they have struggled to keep under control, the one chemo treatment he had just about did him in. The doctors have decided there will be no more chemo unless he can build up his strength quite a bit more than it is now. They are not sure he can reach that point and, in the meantime, the cancer is left to grow.

It was so good to see him today. At this time he is doing well... particularly considering that where he was just one week ago was very scary.

My grandmother also lives close by and we were able to bring her over for awhile, as well. We were able to take my aunt out to lunch and have a great visit with her. We have had a good day... one filled with laughter and smiles, along with tears.

Many would say it was a bittersweet day. And, I guess in many ways it was. However, at the same time, I see it as a very good day. Yes, my uncle's health is not good. Yes, we don't know how much longer we will have him here on earth with us. And, yes, my aunt is struggling so very much.

At the same time, we were able to be together as a family. We were able to laugh together and we were able to cry a bit together, too. We had a great visit with my uncle who is up and about, he is laughing and he is determined to beat this thing that has taken hold of his body. More than once today I could see and feel God's presence. He is and will continue to be with them throughout this journey... regardless of where it ends.



You prayers over the last few months are appreciated more than I can find the words to express. I'm so thankful for each of you and for your prayers and the concern you have expressed over the last few months. I love you all!

Here's Something We Really Enjoyed....

Last week I mentioned we would be fixing some salmon around here over the weekend. I don't know why, but I always seem to have problems when it comes to cooking fish... it always comes out overcooked, undercooked, or in some other not-so-good form. However, I'm happy to report that this salmon came out just perfect. And, even better, we had a great time getting it that way. I must admit that cooking with a 7 year old and a 4 year old can be a bit chaotic, but all in all we had a good time doing it all together.

We enjoyed the finished product so much I decided I'd share the recipe with you. Several of you left comments about how much your family enjoys salmon... maybe you'll enjoy this recipe, too.

It is from an episode of the The Next Food Network Star and was published in a recent Good Housekeeping magazine. You can find it on Good Housekeeping's webiste here.

Here's a peek at what ours looked like.... YUMMY!

Have a great weekend!

Hi, Ya'll!

So… uhmm... Hi! Remember me? I know... I know... it seems I kind of disappeared for awhile there, didn't I? No, no... just taking a much needed break. While I do enjoy this great blogging community we are all a part of, I must say that this was a much needed break. A time to focus on other areas that needed focus, a time to think about what direction I want my blog to take in the future, a time to relax and enjoy some good ‘ole family time, and a time to just be quiet and listen.

As I logged into my reader earlier this week, I realized that I am WAY behind in my reading and have a lot to catch up on. You guys have been busy and been having fun it looks like. I’m hoping over the weekend to get caught up a bit with you all and see what’s been going on while I have been on a break.

In return, I thought I’d give a brief update on what’s been going on around our household as of late. So, here we go… the bullet formatted short edition (or, at least I hope it’s short… I have been known to ramble unnecessarily from time to time…).

√ Family – we’ve just been having a grand ‘ole time as a family since summer officially began for us with the end of the school year. No homework, no need to get up quite so early in the mornings, and lots and lots of play time. The kids have been enjoying the weather (no… they don’t seem phased at all by the heat… unlike their mother!), the water and all things summer.

√ Extended Family Time – a couple of weeks ago we took a long weekend and drove to Kansas City to spend time with my parents, sisters, brother-in-law, and nieces and nephews. This was the last time we will all be together in one place for quite some time as my sister and her family will be leaving for Prague later this summer to serve as missionaries. Please remember them in your prayers as they embark on this journey. They will leave for training with the International Mission Board in Richmond, VA, mid-July. They will spend 6 or 8 weeks there for training and preparation (for some reason, I cannot remember the timeframe… I’ve only asked them about a million times and STILL cannot remember… sigh). Following that time, they will fly directly on to Prague.

√ Work – Oh. My. Goodness. Back in May I was talking here about how wonderful summertime would be with more free time and a let down in the schedule. Oh, it was going to be heavenly (and, really… it still is). However, I do believe that someone forgot to remind the company I work for that summertime is here.  We are swamped and I am going non-stop during work hours!

√ VBS – can I just say here and now that VBS is one of my favorite things that our church does? Yes, we do many great things, have great programs, missions, etc. But, VBS is just one that is close to my heart. Maybe, in part, because I have two children that absolutely LOVE VBS (they start asking about it each year in around Feb/March). However, I think another part is just being involved and seeing so many children being taught about God and seeing their love of learning more and more and being so EXCITED about it all. So, anyway, this week is VBS at our church and it has been great as usual! I am completely exhausted, but it has been nothing but a fun and powerful experience.


I’ll be around more in the weeks to come and plan to pick up next week with posts from my study of Colossians. When I left off I had just finished the first chapter, so I’ll start off next week at the beginning of chapter 2.

I hope to get around and start visiting you all again over the weekend. I look forward to catching up with you and seeing how you’re enjoying your summertime. We’ll “talk” soon and, in the meantime, have fun and stay cool!! :)

Prayer Request Update

UPDATE LATE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON:
So much to be thankful for this evening as my uncle came thru the procedure and transport just fine this morning. When Mom called me earlier today, he had been awake and talking for a bit of time... even laughing a bit as he was still loopy from the anesthesia. She said the laughter in his room was so nice after the last few days having been so tense... particularly for my aunt.

From here, the doctors are going to let him take a few weeks to recover from all his body has been thru these last couple of weeks and then proceed with treatment for the cancer. And, let me tell you, his body has really been thru alot. The doctor told my aunt that during this time they have given him about 30 units of blood... can you even imagine?!

Thank you all again for your prayers!!

Over the weekend, I asked that you remember my uncle in your prayers. Today I wanted to share with you an update and ask for your continued prayers.

He has been recovering well from his surgery over the weekend. However, today they are performing a procedure that can be very dangerous. They need to go in and seal off the artery that was bleeding so much earlier. In addition to the procedure itself being dangerous, they also must move him to a nearby hospital for this procedure. There is fear that he may begin bleeding again during transport.

Additionally, the biopsy results have come back and he does have pancreatic cancer. He has a long road ahead of him as he will begin treatments for that once he recovers from all his body has been thru over the last couple of weeks.

As I had mentioned earlier, my parents are there with them as well as several other family members and their own friends. I am so thankful they are not alone! And, on top of all of the people that are with them, we know God is with them and for that I couldn't be anymore thankful.


I thank you again for any and all prayers. You are some of the best prayer partners out there!



"For where two or more are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them." Matthew 18: 19-20

Prayer Requests

I'd like to take a moment this afternoon to ask your prayers for two dear family members. They are both so very special to us -- we love them dearly and desire so much for them to make it through this difficult time in their lives. If you feel led to pray for them, I ask that you pray that God would heal their bodies. However, I would also ask you to pray that they would feel God's presence in their lives in a very special and very real way. A way in which they could never deny His presence and His love for them. I so want them to feel God's presence in such a way that they could do nothing but want to feel that presence with them each and every day.

My father-in-law has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, this is not his first time to go down this road. Shortly after I met Jeff about 15 years ago, his father was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. Several years later it was liver cancer, followed by colin cancer, and lung cancer. Each time he has gone thru rounds of chemotherapy and each time made a full recovery. Almost two years ago he passed that magical three year timeframe where they declared him cancer free. However, about 6 weeks ago they found a tumor on his spine that was determined to be cancer. Last week he started radiation treatments that will last about 8 weeks. Neither my father-in-law or mother-in-law speaks of their feelings much in times like this, but I know it wears heavy on them and they could BOTH use our prayers.

My uncle is also in need of prayers this afternoon. Last week he was diagnosed and treated for a bleeding ulcer. While it was very serious for a period of time, the doctors were able to treat him he was back home after a brief hospital stay. However, yesterday he collapsed at home and was rushed back to the hospital. Early this morning, my aunt was called to the hospital as things had become quite serious... so much so that she had a police escort to get her there quickly. The ulcer had begun bleeding into his small intestine and, at that time, they had been unable to stop the bleeding. Since then, he has been through surgery where they were able to bring a stop to the bleeding. However, while in surgery the doctor felt it necessary to do a biopsy for pancreatic cancer. At this time, we are waiting to see how he recovers from the surgery and awaiting the biopsy results. Also, this has been incredibly difficult for my aunt (as one would expect) and she is so fearful that he will not make it through this. I know she could use prayers during this time, as well.

In closing, I would also ask that you say a prayer for my parents as they are traveling today from Minnesota to Arkansas to be with my aunt (this is my mom's younger sister). It is a long drive for them and, of course, they are worried as they travel. They are keeping in touch with all of us (my aunt and also updates to my sisters and I and other family members) via cell phone as they travel.


I thank you in advance for any prayers you may say for my family. I feel so privileged to know that I can ask this of any of you that read here regularly and know you will bring these requests before the Lord.

I love you all and will keep you updated.

Serving God is AWESOME!

Sunday morning on the way to church we were listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's "Speechless" CD. This is a favorite of mine and my son absolutely LOVES the song "Whatever" that is on this CD. I've lost count of the number of times over the last couple of months that we've been in the car and he has requested this song. This morning was no exception... we hadn't even gotten to the end of our street before he made his request.

As the song began to play, the following conversation took place:

JOSH: "Mom, this is a really great CD, isn't it?"
ME: "Yep... one of my favorites!"
JOSH: "Aren't these all church songs?" You know, all songs about Jesus, right?"
ME: "They sure are... every one of them. This song talks about how we should always be willing to do WHATEVER God wants us to do."
JOSH: "Wow, Mom... that's pretty awesome, isn't it?!"


Yea... that IS pretty awesome, isn't it? Every one of us has the opportunity to serve God is so many ways! But, how often do we really see it as awesome?

Sure, I know I need to be willing to do whatever God wants. Sure, I know that I should be willing to do so no matter how difficult the task. But, do I really realize how truly awesome it is that God gives us the opportunity to do so very much for Him and for the furtherance of His Kingdom?

For me, personally, I must admit the answer is "No". I am willing but I don't actively think about the "awesomeness" of being able to do so. I'm thinking that if I actively DID think about it in that manner that it might completely change how I go about serving God and how I go about following His will for my life and the lives of my family. It probably wouldn't change the direction the Lord leads, but I'm guessing it would change my attitude and that I would be a more positive testimony to those around me.

As I type this post, I am making a very real and very conscious decision to regularly remind myself and thank God for the awesome opportunity He has given each one of us to serve Him and to follow His will for our lives. I'm excited to see the change it will make for me in the way I follow and seek the Lord.

In closing, below are the words to the chorus of the song "Whatever". I pray you would join me as I seek to follow the Lord's will no matter the task. In doing so, I pray that we would never fail to communicate to others how awesome it is to do all this for our Lord and Savior.

Whatever, whatever You say
Whatever, I will obey
Whatever, Lord, have Your way
'Cause You are my God, whatever