Never A Dull Moment

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors." Luke 2:14 That's the message of the angels as they appeared to the shepherds announcing the birth of Jesus. Peace to all whom God favors.  Wow!  How do I get added to that list?! The notes at the bottom of that page in my Bible also word it like this "peace on earth for all those pleasing God." Oh that this would be a season of rejoicing with the angels in heaven! My spirit is in full rejoice mode - but my soul and my flesh lean more toward the busyness of this Christmas.  May our heart's cry be like David's in Psalm 84:2 - "I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God."  I will take time this season.  Time to rest, time to laugh, time to be with my family - but most importantly, time to shout joyfully to the living God. . . "HE IS HERE! Glory to God!" And in that...

Today is my mother's birthday - Happy Birthday Mom! So, to honor her, I would like to share with you all some quotable quotes from life in the Crowder household.  I owe all my mothering gifts to my mom - and I'm not being silly - she's been a great example! "Because I said so!" Yes, I use this one too. "I don't want to hear another word out of you.  Do you hear me?  Answer me!" This one brought on much laughter afterwards. In response to my whining about why I had to do some housework- "Why do you think I had kids? So I could have some help around here." When heading out to the store and both my sister and I wanted to go - "One of you is moral support, but the second is hassle." And then we would argue over who was who. When walking through Wicks and Sticks (remember that one?), we had to have our hands behind our backs with our thumbs tucked into the palm of the other hand so as not to touch anything. After going through ...

I think it's safe to say. . . I've. Been. In. A. Funk. Dragging, Knocked down - but not out, Been whooped, Beat up, Kicked around, Wallowing, Not in a good mood. Surprised? I know, I'm supposed to be the nice one - always smiling and sunshiney. Keeping things running smoothly.  Ever the peacemaker. But I'm not feeling it.  At least not lately. So, what am I going to do about it? Well, for starters, I'm not going to listen to the lies anymore.  You know the ones.  The ones that come through your mind when things aren't the way you think they should be. The ones that make you question things like your job, your ministry, your spouse, your family, your world. . . I'm going to kick back.  I'm going to walk/run/push until I can feel/see/taste/smell a change - especially in my attitude.  I'm going to pray harder than ever.  I'm going to speak the truth - quote the Word. Do everything to stand and stand firm! I'm going to take time for myself...

My Daddy used to sing a song in church - I don't remember all the words, but I remember the chorus. "He's been faithful, faithful and true." This week, we're having VBS every night at our church. I had set my sights on potentially having 40 kids. I figured we would have around 25 and maybe we could encourage the kids to bring friends. The first night, we had 42 kids! We have had great adult volunteers who are excited to be there.I know that some incredible things are going to happen this week in these kids lives! I can't wait until tomorrow's lesson in learning to trust Jesus! I'm so thankful because I know that we couldn't do any of this in our own strength but He is making all things possible! The only way that any of this is possible is because He's been faithful. Faithful and True!

Let's see. . . in the past few months, we have worked, been under construction (church building), rested, played, swam, cooked, worked, entertained, mentored, and kept ourselves busy and out of trouble.  Oh, and did I mention we worked?  I have to admit, I have felt completely spent lately.  Nothing much left for creative writing. I did some painting for a couple of gifts in the last few weeks and man, it felt good to let the other side of my brain function for a bit. We're gearing up for vacation bible school next week - and I'm looking forward to setting things up and decorating - let the creativity flow! I was reading some blogs yesterday and came across one that had a list of books they had read.  One that caught my attention was called "Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives." I'm still debating whether to spend the $9.99 to download it to my phone.  How sad is that?! I did download a sample and read the f...

Man, oh man does life happen!  I'd like to say that it's happened and I've come through with grace and dignity - but it would be more appropriate to say that it has happened and we're still standing!  I'm so thankful for the truth of God's word and how it fits and covers every aspect of our lives.  I know what it means in Ephesians 6 when it says "and having done all, stand."  After all the battles and busyness, we can still stand - firm in Him!  I know this is short, but things are slowing down and life will return to some level of "normalcy" - at least that's what I get out of bed for everyday.  Smiles!

Hello all!  What's new? We've been a little busy around here. . . This is what we did after the busiest Easter Sunday service and luncheon ever. You're never too old or too young to enjoy some driveway chalk hopscotch! And then there was this. . . We thoroughly enjoyed the $20 seats that came with a hot dog, a drink and a free hat!  Supermom didn't think to bring any sunscreen - but the smart mom with a big "mom bag" in the row in front of us shared.  Too bad the Astros lost! And of course, you can't leave out this. . . A much needed date night out at Kemah with some great friends! Who are those two smiling, free-spirited people? We had to "breathe in the smell of relaxation" after we parked the car.  We've been a little wound up! We've done some exciting things. . . while The Hubs was away at a conference. Supermom took the kids to Chuck E Cheese and won the "Best Mom Ever" award for bringin...

Sorry I haven't been here in a while. . . I know you'll be surprised to hear, but I've been busy. Shocking! I asked my friend the other day if I just had issues with being extraordinarily busy and handled it poorly or if everyone was this busy - because I often find myself overwhelmed. I started to make a list here of stuff that fills my brain, but that is totally not fun (for me or for you) so I won't go there.  But lately, the Lord's been reminding me of the story of Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus had gone to visit his friends and when he got to their home, Martha was busy with preparing the house and the meal.  Mary, however, just sat at His feet listening.  Martha got all bent out of shape and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her out.  His response?  I love it and cringe in the same passage. . . in verse 41,"But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one ...

I've done it. I've officially fallen for the iPhone. He said I would love it; that I could do all kinds of stuff with it. "I don't need all that. I just need to be able to make phone calls and send texts and occasionally take a picture or two!" Stupid, stupid woman! I didn't know about Angry birds then. I didn't think about the joy in searching the Internet at a moment's notice. (Got a question? I can Google it!) I have music at my fingertips and Facebook and email! The whole world has opened itself to me. I can even post to my blog from this thing! I know you are 'oohing' and 'ahhing' over this great feat! I was going to attach a picture of the great shoes I'm wearing today but I couldn't figure that one out. Give me some time, I'm sure it can be done! Oh well, don't tell The Hubs he was right! Happy Friday!

So, I am attempting to grow something. In a pot.  Outside. (For those of you who are deeply curious, I have planted a gladiola bulb, the tulip bulbs from my birthday flowers and a small pot of impatiens in a large pot just outside my garage.) Anyway, it's got me thinking. Isn't it interesting how different women are?  My mother, my buddy and my neighbor can take anything green and turn it into a garden full of flowers or veggies and make it greener.  I can barely keep an ivy alive. My sister can paint and sew cool costumes and make custom cakes.  I can order from the Walmart bakery and buy stuff.  My MIL and a work buddy can take some pictures and colored paper and make lasting scrapbook memories. I have stacks of old photos in boxes and huge folders of photos on the computer waiting for me to do something. Some ladies use eyeshadow and blush and look gorgeous. I feel painted if you can "see" my makeup.  Some mothers have toddlers that can read and write,...

So, what have we been up to over the last few weeks? Where do I begin?! After the AMAZING Women of Excellence Conference (really, the best one yet), we had a quiet week (except for the whole run-out-of-gas fiasco) to get back in gear and get ready for baseball. My parents came and left and then came again (God bless them!) and kept the kids for us to go to The Remnant Pastor's conference in Baton Rouge with our church staff.  I still have a lot of processing to go through all my notes from that conference. The teaching was powerful! The Hubs got to shake Reinhard Bonnke's hand and got him to autograph his book.We got to spend some quality time with our staff too! Oh, I've had a birthday since the last time I posted.  It was exactly the kind of birthday I like to have - a day full of well wishes and people just making me feel special! It started a day early with not one, but two homemade pies waiting for us when we got home from Louisiana (Thanks, Mom!)  I had to get b...

I am a Promise! I am a possibility.   I am a Promise,   With a capital 'P'. I am a great, big bundle of potentiality!     And I am learning to hear God's voice. And I am trying to make the right choice. I am a promise to be anything He wants me to be! (My future scientist, artist, engineer and vet are courtesy of the Houston Children's Museum.)

Ok, so have you ever had one of those days where things are just messed up?  That was me today. I stayed up too late last night so it was hard to get up this morning.  Had to be at work for an 8:00 meeting and caught EVERY red light between my neighborhood and work.  No big deal, they weren't ready to start when I walked in (with my supervisor) at 8:05.  But, in order to get there even close to 8:00, I skipped making a stop at the gas station to fill up.  I did the math all the way to work - when did the light come on? How many miles had I gone since then?  After work, I planned to stop at the nearest gas station - but, you guessed it, I didn't make it.  Nothing like running out of gas in rush hour traffic! I sat there, embarrassed, trying not to look at the people glaring at me as they passed me - I was stopped just shy of a major intersection.  The Hubs was close by so he came to my rescue - but my car keeps the radio and lights running for 10 m...

Where did the night go?  I was working on some things and looked up and it was 9:30 and my children hadn't even had their showers yet! So, my list of things to get done tonight is NOWHERE near done. . . My parents are coming to visit and my house is not in spic and span condition. I have tried, in vain, to get some badges printed and ready for the conference this weekend. And, I don't have all my notes typed out and in a presentation-ready state.  But, God is faithful and it will all get done!  The Hubs helped me finish up the 4 loads of laundry that were done (I love my new washer/dryer set - is that weird?) and spread across the bed. And he spent some time looking over my notes and helped me organize my thoughts better.  I am thankful for my helpmate! Speaking of my Valentine, I have to brag on him for a minute.  We planned our date night for Friday night, and I must say he planned very well.  I won't give all the details, but it included dinner, a movi...

Tomorrow will be a glorious day!  It's Friday, payday and date night! Somehow all the stars and planets have aligned to make all three of these things happen at once. And to add to the gloriousness, The Hubs cleaned up the kitchen after dinner tonight - even started the dishwasher! I'm a lucky woman, I am! This weekend looks to be VERY busy.  We originally only had 1 basketball game and a baseball practice - but it has now transformed into 4 basketball games and a baseball practice. Oh, and a worship practice in preparation for the WOE conference - all between the hours of 10:00 am and 8:00 pm. Hopefully, we can fit in some meals and a nap for Little Bit too. The Hubs and I had a hard time figuring out when we could schedule in our Valentine's date night.  Does it mean we're getting old since we'd rather go on Friday night without the crowds? Um, old and cheap. . . I used to think I could NEVER have someone come and clean my house for me. I mean, do I really want so...

It's late and I'm winding down.  The lunch boxes are emptied and sitting on the counter to be filled in the morning.  The kids are in bed, towels are folded and put away, kitchen sink is empty and counters have been wiped.  I can relax. But now, I've got to get my thoughts together for the upcoming Women of Excellence Conference.  I have my topic and I get 30 minutes - I can totally do this! Gone are the days of getting nervous at the mention of having to stand in front of a group of people. I guess college, years in ministry and work presentations have loosened me up a bit. God's calling has something to do with it too! My biggest fear is that I talk out of "me" and my own thoughts and not through the urging of the Holy Spirit.  My tendency is to under-spiritualize things - to keep it real and simple/explainable and down to earth.  But that doesn't always leave room for the inexplicable. So, I pray. And I take notes and do research.  And I pray....

Well, I think we're going to make it. The threat of 5 inches of snow is now past - and we've not missed a single moment of electricity or heat. The biggest dilemma at our house is that the Xbox won't play right now.  Kid #1 continues to ask "What are we gonna do today?" and we finally answered with "Nothing!" I do need to introduce you to the newest members of the family. . . The two tetras have been around for several years and just got upgraded to a bigger tank. They have now been joined by 2 beautiful guppies and a molly.  None of them have been named yet, but I'm putting in my vote today: the black one should be 'Vader' (as in Darth), and I think the guppies should be Phineas and Ferb.  The tetras would have to be 'Peat' and 'Repeat' since you can't tell the difference between them.  What do you think?  (Which is funny that I ask, because a. you probably won't respond and b. they're not my fish to name) I...

I wore the leopard print shoes to church on Sunday and got lots of compliments from all the women - but not from my feet! They're a little stiff (the shoes, not the women).  Didn't make it through kid's church with them on, but thankfully we had tables set up and the kids didn't notice me breaking the rules by kicking off my shoes underneath the table.  I don't think those 9 boys fully appreciated my glam anyway! I am amazed at how my daughter is picking up my non-frufru habits without my intention.  Don't get me wrong, she is VERY girlie. But, she has to be persuaded to put on her tutu or tiara and then after about 10 minutes she lets me know that she is "done." Here's Exhibit 'A' to illustrate how she feels about dressing up: I know, baby, that's how I feel about wearing pantyhose too! (Thank you for not judging me on the after-Christmas mess in the darkness behind her. . . )

I was reading my daily Bible reading today and read how God had given Moses the instruction to go back to Egypt (Exodus 3 & 4). Moses questions the Lord, repeatedly, and each time is given a firm answer. He came up with some lame excuses to avoid doing what God was instructing him to do. God gave him specific instructions and made a way, despite Moses' fears and questions.  He wanted this done! So, Moses resolves to do what he's been asked, packs the family up and heads out.  But somewhere along the way, something happens.  They stop for the night and the Lord has suddenly had it with Moses and decides to kill him.  What happened?!  In verse 23, God is telling him what to say and then only one verse later, He's furious with Moses.  What did Moses do?  Was it his attitude?  Was it all the complaining and questioning? Was he too slow to get on the road? Even when he was in the process of obeying God, the Lord became angry at him to the point of ...

So, my sister asked for a picture of the shoes. . . and I could not disappoint. Rockin', huh? $12.99! I'm not sure when I'll be brave enough to wear them - outside of the Women of Excellence Conference in late February (with an animal print theme). The Crowder women are not known for drawing attention to ourselves, and those don't exactly blend in to a room. In other news, we're watching Potty Time with Bear and the Big Blue House right now.  Maybe The Hubs will learn something - just kidding!  He's been trained for a while now. I thought I would share the why's of what made me decide to start a blog.  I tend to internalize most things, holding in feelings and frustrations. I have no trouble expressing myself when I write though. I also enjoy reading other people's blogs and am surprised how often the Lord speaks to me through their posts.  One of my requests of the Lord for this year is to grow in my personal ministry.  I'm hoping that I will ...

Three GREAT things happened yesterday. . . 1.) We got the loan to start building the second phase of our church building! 2.) I purchased some rocking leopard print heels for $12.99 at Ross! 3.) My daughter discovered light-up shoes! Now, I know that to some these may seem like trivial things.  But for me and the other "never dull Davidson's", these are monumental events! We've been praying and working for over 18 months to get the funding we need to add offices, a rest room, a foyer and a parking lot to our sweet church - and yesterday was the day it finally came to pass. The hubs was giddy most of the evening - and you know that never happens! On the shoes, you know I never dreamed that I would wear animal print, much less purchase animal print. But who could pass up $12.99?! I know, I'm walking on the wild side. . . (hee,hee) And for baby girl, she needed some variety in the shoe department and I found some cute shoes (albeit pink) and didn't even k...

Well, here goes. . . I've talked about it, thought about it, read about it, read other people's and now, I'm finally taking a step into the unknown. I have started a blog. Lord, help me!