14 Days

Time is short. 14 days is all I have left. I never imagined time would go by so quickly. Yet, here it is staring me in the face. In 14 days it will happen.

In 14 days, I will utter a new phrase that has never left my lips. I have said each of the words contained in this particular phrase in other sentences. However, never in my lifetime have I had to put all of these particular words into this one phrase. In 14 days I will be forced to do so.

Whether I want to or not, this phrase will form in my mind. It will then pass to my mouth and be forced to leave my lips. I will not have a choice. Life is not giving me a choice.

It's not that this is a bad phrase. In fact, it's not. It is a sign of growth. It is a symbol of new things to come. It is bounding with excitement. It will usher in a new phase of life. It is a reminder that things do not stay the same. Things change. Change is not bad... just different.

Mother's too many to count have gone before me finding themselves uttering this one phrase. Many of you have already said this same phrase. Mother's will continue to follow behind me with this phrase coming forth from their lips as well.

However, for me it happens in 14 days. I will utter a phrase I have never before said in my lifetime. I will utter a phrase that will become a milestone to remember for a lifetime. My son will be providing me with the opportunity to say this one simple phrase.

In just 14 days I will say for the first time:

"I am the mother of a Highschooler."

This Moment

This moment. It has been given for a purpose. It demands attention. It allows for meaning.

This moment. It is all that I have been promised.

This moment. A gift. A miracle.

This moment. Am I using it wisely? Am I using it to His glory?

I am being reminded, challenged and encouraged to notice, celebrate, and cherish... this moment.
~~~~~

Acts 17:26b..."He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live."

Esther 4:14b.... "For such a time as this."
~~~~~

"As much as my flesh wanted relief, I knew that when all was said and done, I'd sit on that side of glory having much rather fulfilled my calling than served myself all the way to meaninglessness. I had to accept that I was not called to an easy life. I was called to a purposeful life."

"In times of greatest struggle when you make the God-ward decision over convenience, earthly comfort, or carnal pleasure, you too have come to a critical moment in the fulfillment of your destiny. A defining moment.


--Beth Moore

Head over to Shawntele's to see what others are saying about the music in their life.

Mornings, Ladies and Current Stirrings of My Heart

I've been inviting a couple of ladies to join me in my personal quiet time the last couple of weeks. As I wake each morning and grab my cup of coffee, I find them ready and waiting to spend some time together.



Beth has been accompanying me as we take off to visit Esther each day. What a delightful time I have been having visiting with and dialoguing with these two ladies as we learn about and listen to God.

I found Beth Moore's Bible study on Esther at the library. Although this means I can not physically write in the book, I am taking notes and writing in my personal journal.

Of course, God has been the central focus of our meeting times. My heart has not been disappointed in what it is He is showing me, teaching me and challenging me with.

I decided today to share five of my favorite encouraging and challenging quotes from this last week that Beth has said as we've been meeting with and getting to know Esther through this study.
~~~~~

1. "Social graces become a lost art in an assert-yourself, say-what-you-think environment where what we think is sometimes better left unsaid... and certainly unheard."

2. "Sometimes providence can be defined as times when God trumps your perfectly good plan with one of His own... then seems to disappear from it. Take heart! He's right there and He's there right."

3. "One of Satan's primary agenda's is to not let us enjoy the rest Christ has given us."

4. "Respond out of mind set rather than mood." (Col. 3:2)

5. "When we trust our lives to the hand and pen of an unseen but ever present God, He will write our lives into His story and every last one of them will turn out to be a great read. With a grand ending. And not just in spite of catastrophes. Often because of them. Don't just wait and see. Live and see."
~~~~~~

I wonder, do any of these resonate with you as they do with me?

Thanks Susanne, for not only hosting each week, but letting us change it up a bit to include a variety of favorites from our week.

What has been a favorite in your week? A quote? A verse? A thing? A moment?... I sure would enjoy hearing about it/them!

Nothing

This word brings relief today. It is a sweet sounding word. A word I have longed for. A word that I value. I do not recall the last time I have felt such freedom when uttering this word.

I have been repeating it in my mind as though it must be a dream. It feels so far from being reality. It seems almost too good to be true. This word has seemed to elude me lately.

I'm sure this is a small part of what has led to my feelings of exhaustion. I'm convinced not having this word in my vocabulary lately has contributed to my sense of being overwhelmed.

There is plenty to be done. I am so far behind on so many things and in so many areas.

However, other than getting my son to and from school, this one word is what my schedule demands of me today. This word is what is on my mandatory "to do" list for today. This word defines the deadlines I must meet today. This word engulfs what I am required to face today.

Nothing.

If I am so inclined- if my body, mind, soul and spirit demand it- if I can't bring myself to do even one more thing or go one more place today... I am not required to.

Nothing.

Today I get to live it. Today I am allowed to embrace it. Today I will encounter it head on. Today I am permitted to bask in the fullness of it's meaning.

Today this word is perhaps one of the most powerful, beautiful and relief bringing words I have heard in quite some time.

Nothing...

What's on your schedule today?

Holding my Legacy

The cover is cracked and worn. The spine binding is loose and frayed. The pages are yellowed from age. It must be handled carefully.


At first glance, one might just discard it as an old, worthless book. Not me. From the moment it was given to me, I have treasured it and hold it very dear.

It signifies where I've come from, physically and spiritually.


It is a book. Not just any ol' book.

It is a Bible. Not just any old Bible.

It is a Bible... in German.


The hand scrawled lettering on the first pages are still perfectly readable.

The inscription contains:

The name of a family member now gone.

A geographical location...Manchester, Oklahoma.

UPDATED to ADD: The house in Manchester where they lived was built on the land secured by my great-grandpa and his dad (my great-great grandpa) during the Great Oklahoma Land Run.

A date... Dec. 25, 1909. A Christmas Gift?


Regardless of the occasion it was obtained, it was apparently considered a great treasure to the recipient, and to the family members through whose hands it has passed... as it has lasted all of these years.

A gift passed down through generations... through the heart and hands of my family. And now to mine. What a great treasure to me.


As I flip through the pages picking out familiar passages, I am reminded that I am holding a piece of my legacy. One rich in the things of God. I am blessed.

May I be so careful and intentional in passing the legacy on to generations to come. Not just the legacy that I hold in my hands, but a legacy of the heart, rich in eternal things and the things of God.



Head over to Sandy's where she is hosting as we all share about ...

Home Is... a family heirloom.

Let's Chat

A warm welcome and hello to you. I'm so glad you've chosen to stop by. After the events and schedule of the past few weeks, the thought of having a few moments to just sit and chat delights me to no end.

I have set up chairs outside on the back porch.

In addition to brewing coffee, there is also lemonade and ice tea. I have not added sugar to the tea but please feel free to add some. I do prefer a good sweet tea myself. If none of that sounds inviting, please help yourself to whatever else you would like.

The weather this last week has been so welcomed. Sunshine and 70's. Yes! A couple of the mornings were warm enough for me to venture to my favorite personal quiet time spot... right here where we are sitting... on the back porch.


The coolness of the morning required the use of a blanket to keep the chill off, but the warm coffee cup in my hands, the smell of spring and the quiet (except for the company of the birds) made it so worth it!

I have started to notice and enjoy the sweet smell of the lilacs as they are beginning their bloom. Even now as we are sitting here together, if the breeze turns just right, you will notice it too.

I worked more than my usual 10 hours last week as my husband took some time off to get outside work done around here. Since he has a commission only based salary, when he's not working there is no paycheck. I am so thankful for a job that let's me put in additional hours as I want. I know it won't always be this way, but for now it is a great blessing.

It was a nice change. One day found me pouring over policies and thinking clinically, while the next day found me working the technical part of my brain learning a new system in the water treatment room so I can go out to the units and educate the staff. (Dialysis requires pure water. We have mini water treatment plants in each unit to achieve that standard.)

My son had his bi-county track championship meet last week. It was a great meet. He jumped a personal best in the long jump (not sure of his placement yet), placed 2nd in the 400 and took 1st place in the high jump clearing a height of 5 feet.

For his first ever season at track, I don't think he did too shabby... if I do say so myself. He is thinking he'd like to try tennis next year, but it's nice to know if that isn't what he chooses to stay with, potential in track is apparently waiting.

There is much to get accomplished on my list today. I have no doubts that you can relate. However, I wanted to slow the pace and take a minute to just chat. It seems it's been awhile since I've intentionally slowed the pace. I have been reminded of how important that is.

I hope you will be encouraged to do the same. Slow, if even just briefly, to relax, refresh and regroup.

And if you have just a minute... let's chat. Oh how I would enjoy that...

Our Favorite... God's Favorite

"Our favorite parts are stones of remembrance of great things. God's favorite parts are the lines in between where we choose to walk faithfully without answers and visible evidences."


"We often want the mystical while God often insists on the practical. We may want a constant dose of dramatics, but God enjoys seeing the perseverance and proven faithfulness of simple daily devotion."


-- Beth Moore

Fact, Faith and Feeling

Fact, Faith, and Feeling were sitting on the wall. Feeling fell off and grabbed on to Faith, pulling Faith down. Fact grabbed Faith and held Faith up. Eventually, Fact pulled Faith back up which then eventually brought Feeling back up.
~~~~~~~~~~
There are times when I can not trust the feelings (or lack thereof) to dictate the state of my relationship with Christ. It's in those times when I don't seem to feel God and His presence that my faith becomes based strictly on the facts of what I know of God, who He is, and His promises.

I have to believe that holding on to what I know to be true in my mind will once again resound loud and clear in my heart. That once again I will feel the presence of God, feel His love, and sense His moving, working, and leading.

It's in the times that I don't experience all of the feelings that my faith becomes a conscience daily decision. Perhaps that is even more of a sign of my submission and commitment to Him than when things are going well and feeling right.

For now, it's "just the fact's ma'am." That is what is holding my faith up.

To Be Needed

Mothering...

Sometimes I forget that it is...

More than just my job.
More than just my title.
It is my primary ministry.



This ministry is extended to more than just women who have physically delivered a child.

My sister directs the children's department of an inner city church. She has not been married nor had children of her own. However, when I look at all the children she has "mothered" over the years, I am reminded that impacting the heart of a child goes far beyond the birthing process.

You are needed. It is a ministry. There is none greater. It matters.

To all women who are making a difference... in the life of your child, another child or others to whom you are giving of yourself...

Happy Mother's Day

Blessings in the Not So Fun

If you've been hanging out here this week, you know I've been largely occupied by one thing, pain and healing.

Thankfully, I am feeling so much better with each day!

As I have been thinking back over my week, I discovered blessings in the middle of it all.

Here are five favorite things that surfaced from my not so fun experience of this past week.

1. Home: I am so thankful I was home when the pain hit. Exactly one week earlier I was away on a trip. How miserable that would have been to experience in the 4 walls of a hotel room.

2. Canceled Track: The make up meet from last weeks canceled meet was once again canceled due to weather. There is no way I would have made it. The cancellation made it so I didn't have to miss one of my son's track meets.

3. Prayers: During this time my thoughts turned to friends enduring experiences so much more painful and difficult. I found myself increasing the intensity of prayers for them and their situations. I also found myself encouraged and inspired in greater measure by their consistent faith in the midst of their journeys.

4. Snuggled Reading: The little guy is normally busy, busy, busy. He started a new routine this last week. As I was laying on the couch, he would bring me a book and ask to be "up". I would sit him beside me and we would read. One evening I dozed off while reading. When I stirred again a few moments later, he was still sitting right there, turning pages. Ahhhh...

5. Well Wishes: Last but certainly NOT LEAST: The prayers and well wishes from each of you have definitely been a favorite! I have returned to the comments and e-mails often, re-reading each one. They have been like cards lining my window sill as an encouragement to my own heart. Thank You!

Have you had a not so fun event in your week? Have you taken the time to find a blessing in it? If not, I encourage you to do so. It is a great exercise for bringing perspective into focus.

What favorite thing has surfaced from your not so fun experience?

Thanks to Susanne who hosts favorite five each week, challenging us to find favorites regardless of what the week has held.

Where I've Been.. Where I'll Be

I should not have taunted Monday. When I said, "Bring it on", I should have added, "Within reason". I should have set guidelines. I should have made my challenge a bit more clear.

Sunday I was in pain most of the day. I rested. I took it easy. I started to feel slightly better that night. When early Monday morning came I was thinking maybe I was on the road to recovery. But that was short lived. It was apparently the calm before the storm.

The pain returned again later Monday morning with a vengeance. A trip to the doctor revealed the diagnosis: kidney stones.

Sunday, Monday and yesterday are pretty much a blur. I am feeling much better today, Thank the Lord! I am a bit sore and quite exhausted. I am trusting the worst is over and I can actually stand straight and get some things done.

Between my business trip last week and these last three days, I feel like I have lost 2 weeks of my life. My poor family. I have so much to do and get caught up on.

Please excuse me as I load the dishwasher with the sink full of dishes, get some laundry going, clean up some of this clutter and get school going again for my daughter. Perhaps I can even squeeze a nap in there somewhere.

The coffee is on. The muffins are out. Help yourself. Kick off your shoes, put your feet up and stay as long as you'd like. I will pop in as I can. In the meantime, please talk amongst yourselves.

I am also providing pitchers and pitchers of ice water. Do you know how good it is for you? After these last few days water has become one of my new best friends.

Be assured that I head into today lightly and gratefully. No taunting. No challenges. Just trying to get done whatever I possibly can in the full knowledge and acceptance that whatever I don't get done today... will be there waiting for me tomorrow.

Now, off to start my tasks. But first... a big glass of water.

Monday Morning: Bring It On

While watching "Leave it to Beaver", I commented (perhaps with a bit of sarcasm and maybe even a touch of jealousy) on how amazing June Cleaver was.

Have you ever noticed she is always in her best dress, complete with jewelry and high heels puttering over dinner or some other household task... not a hair out of place?

Then it happened. I couldn't believe it. I thought I had heard wrong. I asked my family to clarify and confirm what I had just heard. I was shocked.

In one of the episodes she tells Ward that she has hired a maid to come in 3 days a week to help with the cleaning and laundry.

So, let me get this straight. She is a SAHM in the 50's who has a maid 3 days a week to help with laundry and cleaning?!?

Now I've got this burning question. I can't seem to quite figure it out. Maybe you can help me...

What did June Cleaver do all day?!?

I know what it is I do all day! Since I don't live in the 50's, I don't have a maid and I certainly don't putter through my days in heels, jewelry and perfect hair... I need to find other ways to get my days and weeks going.

Here is a song that has helped to do just that in a fun way lately. You may find you enjoy it as much as I do.

My hair is up. My tennis are on. My music is cranked. I'm ready to go.

So Monday morning, bring it on!


Love and Laundry
By Point of Grace

Here I go again it’s another messy morning
Walk around the clothes that are covering the floor and
Take my kiss and my coffee to go
Then put on my mascara while I’m driving down the road
I thought that I could do it all
Turns out I was crazy
Man I need an iPhone and a cleaning lady
We haven’t had a date night in what seems like forever
It might take a miracle to get myself together

Chorus:
Oh I wish that there were more than
24 hours in a day
I haven’t found it yet but there’s gotta be a way
And I keep praying that
I can get everything done
And still have time for love
And a load of laundry

I’d sure like to relax laying in a bubble bath
But then I’d have to clean the tub and really who’s got time for that
There goes my day dream I’m just wishful thinking
Oh shoot I’m running late, I gotta make it to a meeting

CHORUS

I’ve been waiting for this moment all day, just you and me
The lights are low, next thing I know
We’re both drifting off to sleep

CHORUS



Head over to Shawntele's to see what others are saying about the music in their life.