tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39214324406053836982024-03-05T08:15:33.262-08:00Never A Dull MomentIt's not a very glamorous life, as a pastor's wife and working mom to 3. Only Jesus can take the mundane and messy and give us back His GRACE.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-62016270914289728312021-02-19T11:37:00.000-08:002021-02-19T11:37:13.892-08:00A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . .<p>A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I wrote a blog. Posts were few and far between at best. I was working 40+ hours a week at a job. There were 3 children at home with various activities and none were driving so taxiing was my side hustle (unpaid, grueling hours). The Hubs was working 50-60 hours a week pioneering a church and starting a side business. So much has changed since the last post, that I contemplated scrapping it all and starting fresh. Or should I? </p><p>Always a challenge to get all my words out, I hesitate to even write this one. But I will provide a catch-up for history's sake...</p><p>Kid #1 is graduated and trying to be a grown-up on his own in a different city. College courses, which are mostly online because of the big 'C', working almost full time and a girlfriend keep him pretty busy, but not too busy to call his mama every few days. Especially when the bank account is low. </p><p>Kid #2 is finishing up his last year of high school and living his best life between choir, worship leading for youth and theatre fun. His part-time job keeps him busy for the remaining few hours he has each week. I'm in denial that he might be leaving the nest this year.</p><p>Kid #3 is in full preteen mode with all the fashion and redecorating her room and wanting nothing that her mom suggests. It's fun. She is a great shopper though and we connect in ways that don't make me want to drink, sometimes. She is actually a treasure!</p><p>My full time job ended with the big 'C' and I rode the wave of uncertainty and unemployment until it ended in the exact spot that I have always wished for... full time employment at our church. Funny how scary it can be to land in our dream position. And what is wrong with me that I have struggled to fit in it?! There is grace for every season and I am growing into this one. I love The Hubs, love my kids and our family (even though I miss the younger days of having everyone around the table and playing), and I am thankful for our church and the things God is doing there. </p><p>Stick around and you may see me pop up again. Let's see what may come of this little blog?</p>karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-75835616136258468802020-03-14T15:03:00.001-07:002020-03-14T15:03:35.944-07:00Let's see how this goes? I can't even describe all the many things that have happened since the last time I blogged. Let's just say, there is never a dull moment around here! You know the saying about Texas weather? If you don't like it just wait a few minutes and it will change. That's a pretty accurate description of what life has been like in the world of Davidson. Across the board, our lives look completely different than they did just one year ago. If you know me, I'd be happy to sit down and explain the details of how God has shown up time and time again to move things and work things out on our behalf.<br />
Alive Church is thriving in New Waverly, in a God-given building that we could never have built on our own. A true testament to the vision and heart of our founder, Bishop Jimmy Davidson. We lost him in April of this year and that has changed the dynamics of both the ministry and our home. Sis Jackie moved in with us and we are all in a new home that we LOVE and appreciate - another testimony to the goodness of God!<br />
Nate moved to San Antonio to go to school, even though his mom was not on board - but he had a plan and has done everything he can to stick to the plan - and we have all enjoyed watching God's faithfulness in His life. The other two kids are staying busy - Caleb showed out in a school performance and is really growing as a worship leader with his guitar, and Kathryn keeps us on our toes with her dramatics and typical preteen angst. <br />
Personally, I have been challenged to complete a vision board this year, and I'm taking my life group through it as well. I'm not the dreamer in my household, I'm more the of the one who runs around trying to make things happen for the other visionaries in my world. So it really is a challenge for me to dream for myself. It's so easy for me to see my weaknesses and insecurities and let them limit what I think I can accomplish. Sure, I can believe God to do all kinds of things for and through other people. . . but for me? And it's easy to see other women of God doing amazing things with the extroverted gifts that God has given them and I wonder, what in the world?! I'm kind of at a new stage in life, without littles at home and I'm having to figure out what ministry looks like for me in this new phase. I do know that if I don't prepare myself to grow this year, then I will not accomplish what He has for me. And I'm not ok with that. <br />
One of my items on the vision board is to read a stack of books. I have several on my list, but I wonder what books you might suggest I read? What author has stood out for you? It doesn't have to be life revelation, but I do want growth in every area. And now, my lap kitty has decided that she doesn't want my fingers typing and she is trying to stop them. It's painful. . . so I will take that as time to sign off.<br />
XOXO - Karenkarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-70000383985645762782018-06-07T10:26:00.002-07:002018-06-07T10:26:21.201-07:00My Mothers Day MessageOK, so I am no international speaker, but I did have the privilege of ministering for my sweet friends, Pastors Stanley and Marquita Scott at Faith Family Church on Mother's Day. I can't stand to listen to myself - even the answering machine makes me cringe - but I thought I would share. I had another thought in mind, but I woke up early that week and this just poured out. I believe it encouraged some and hopefully it will encourage you too!<br />
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<a href="http://www.myfaithfam.org/messages?tag=What%20are%20you%20holding%20on%20to%3F" target="_blank">http://www.myfaithfam.org/messages?tag=What%20are%20you%20holding%20on%20to%3F</a><br />
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<br />karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-59187015705734526072018-02-21T10:24:00.000-08:002018-02-21T10:24:30.075-08:00What in the world is going on?!Ok, so I haven't written a blog post in forever. And there have been a few things going on in my world, so I thought it was high time to catch you up. Where do I start?<br />
Highlights:<br />
- Church building is up for sale (lots of interested parties), any day now<br />
- Looking for acreage for church but most affordable in size we need are FAR away from Spring<br />
- Let's move the church 30 miles away! Willis, TX here we come!<br />
- Laid off from job of 15 years, to throw a kink in the mix<br />
- Let's move our family first so we can 'make it home'!<br />
- But first, Christmas holidays and all the fun!<br />
- Look for rentals, find a rental house, get approved and register kids for new schools in less than a week.<br />
- Move family into beautiful, weird rental house near the lake and start taxi mom life.<br />
- Work on painting and fixing up house to put on the market, done (multiple showings every day), also any day now<br />
- Kid #1 makes baseball team, kid #2 is playing golf and has already played in several tournaments in new school, hence the taxi mom life<br />
- Start mobile church at a theater just a couple miles from the house - Way to go Alive Church!<br />
- Watch God work miracle after miracle to make all these things happen and help me to keep my sanity in the midst of it all<br />
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It will be fun to look back at all of this one day and see how God put all the puzzle pieces together to work things out for His glory and our good. What a wild ride!karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-28296598916779126732017-11-11T08:06:00.001-08:002017-11-12T17:26:05.123-08:00Thoughts for todayThis morning, I was reading the One Year Bible daily reading and came across something that stood out to me. I am always behind or out of order there but I am reading! So Hebrews 10:1-3 is talking about the old covenant that God had with His people and about the method for making sacrifices. It says ‘they were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing.’ It goes on to say in verse 3 that if they could ‘they would have been stopped ... and their <i>feelings of guilt</i> would have disappeared.’ Here’s what stood out to me: feelings of guilt. Under the old covenant, the feelings of guilt never really went away. BUT. We no longer live under the old covenant. We have been brought into a NEW covenant and it is one that according to Hebrews is a single sacrifice ‘good for all time.’ This means that all feelings of guilt that remain are not because of Him. That means that we can dispose of guilt. We don’t have to carry those feelings anymore. No more mom guilt. No more ‘I blew it’ guilt. No more ‘I’m just not enough’ guilt. No more guilt! Accept the forgiveness and grace and know that He does NOT want you to experience guilt. Jesus came to carry the weight of guilt for the rest of your life! If you are feeling guilt, that’s not from Him. If you are having feelings of guilt even after you have been forgiven, then you need to remember the new covenant. He came to give us life and hope and cleanse us <i>perfectly</i>. Isn’t that amazing?!karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-88817866779766492932017-08-21T13:52:00.003-07:002017-08-26T18:53:53.240-07:00Sometimes we can't seeI tend to spend a lot more time on social media than I would like to. It's a sort of unwind method, or distraction. But I've noticed a lot more lately that when my family is talking to me, I will respond, but I do it with my head down and phone in hand, scrolling. **CRINGE** So I've started questioning myself as to why I am so drawn to it. I think it has a lot to do with wanting to be SEEN, to be noticed, to be extraordinary at something. I like to try to be funny - and succeed sometimes. And then I wait for approval from people. Who will notice, like, or respond to my little blurb? Who will validate me? And then there's the frustration of reading a passive aggressive post from people about issues that they shouldn't bring up on public forums, and the dreaded comparison game after seeing someone's new dress, weight loss, manicured yard and so on. . . Really it's pretty dumb. But why is it easier for us to face the screen than it is to face people? I took my car to get the oil changed the other day and while I was waiting, I sat with 6-7 other people, all on their phones. Even in the car, I'll look back and see my kids all with their heads down on their phones - and I'm just as guilty. So what do we do? How do we change this? Maybe taking extra time to tell people how we feel. Maybe looking my kids in the eyes and asking questions that are deeper than "How was your day?" A smile or a nod to a stranger, noticing the cashier and asking about them. Taking an interest in other people - because if I'm feeling like I want to be seen or noticed - then most people are likely feeling that way too. Sure, there is a time to 'veg' and we do have business to take care of, but when that comes before the people that matter most (all people, not just my favorite Davidsons), then there's an issue. 1 John 4:20 says "If someone says, "I love God,' but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?" And 1 Peter 4:8 says "Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins."<br />
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<i>Lord help me to see people, including my family, in a new way. Help me to remember how deeply we all want to be 'seen' and acknowledged. Help us to lean less on the need for recognition from others and lean MORE on Your attention and affection. Forgive us for not loving people the way you would have us love. We want to please You most of all! In Jesus' name, Amen.</i>karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-37230999395662132572016-09-09T18:20:00.001-07:002016-09-09T18:20:41.054-07:00The Great ReturnI can't believe my last post was over a year ago! How has it been so long? Why did I stop writing? I could make all kinds of excuses - surgeries, recovery, kids, mobile church, laundry, etc. But, I really think the only answer is. . . I just felt like I had nothing to say. I am an introvert by nature. On the DISC scale, I am an S/C with very little D/I. I will work behind the scenes and not think twice about it. But, I married a high D and as pastors, it is difficult to operate behind the scenes only and lead at the same time. Sometimes I have to be reminded that I do have things to say and share. So, share I must. When I started this blog, I was feeling the effects of working all the time and lacking a creative outlet. When I was given my diagnosis and started the treatment plan, all 'extra' things just went out the window and we focused on surviving and maintaining. It's been 2-1/2 years since the diagnosis, almost 2 years since my mastectomy and almost 2 years since my hair started growing back. I am back to working full time, keeping up with kids activities and serving in the ministry in every way that I can. My goal while healing was to not allow myself to get to the uptight, wound-up, stressed, over-worked, wrung out place that I was in when I found out I had breast cancer. I remember driving home from work and just feeling an all over anxiety and an ever-present need to rush, rush, rush. I am busy again, but this time, it's different. I don't let those things stress me out the same way that I did. Traffic is still traffic. We still have to be in 3 different places at once sometimes, but none of it is world-ending if we are late, or miss something. And I am so THANKFUL to be in that place! I had someone ask me when I was bald from chemo, would I take some pictures - and my answer at the time was NO WAY! I did <i>not </i>want to remember that mess. But now, I look back to where we were and how things felt and there are people that have no idea what we went through. It is a miracle that people can't see the effects on me - that was my prayer, honestly. For a while, that rocked my emotional world though - because I knew that I was changed (physically, emotionally, mentally) and I knew that there had been struggle and suffering - but what people <u>see</u> is that I am well and 'normal'. I think I will always refer back to this time to give honor and remember what the Lord did for me, for us! Now, I want to reflect back on it! All of that to say, my 'silence' is broken and I will challenge myself to pour out again in this way. Funny stories? Maybe. Spiritual lessons? Hopefully. Kid memories? Probably. It is what it is - it's my blog and I'll write what I want! Happy reading. . .karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-80097753498071233682015-05-31T14:53:00.000-07:002015-05-31T14:53:19.189-07:00Life LatelyWell, it's been a while! Sorry for the drought, but there have been a few things going on. Let's see . . . cancer diagnosis, chemo treatments, mastectomy, radiation, Christmas holidays, rest from all that for 5 months while going back to work, then reconstruction surgery. Throw in a few bajillion baseball games, band concerts and various other kid related events, as well as church functions (ALIVE Conference) and that brings us up to speed. It's been a full spring! I am rounding out my days while on short term leave, recovering from reconstructive surgery. It was a little more challenging than I thought it would be, but in some ways it has been better than I expected - purely by the grace of God. I am back to sleeping flat in my bed again, praise Jesus! And can mostly walk upright - just a slight lean from the tightness of my abdomen where they stretched the skin tight to close up where they removed 'blubber'. I am looking forward to being able to join my family in the pool soon. Right now, I feel like a spectator for many things - something I'm not very good at anymore. I'm surprised at how quickly and easily I have settled into the hermit/couch potato status. I'm trying to identify if this is a physical thing only or if I have some other weird issue going on - since I am finding it more difficult to re-engage into the world - as in ministry, cooking, keeping a schedule. . .<div>
I am truly enjoying days by the pool, napping after kids get off to school and keeping the laundry caught up at all times. Just as each phase of this 'journey' has been a reminder of seasons and how quickly things change, I have to remember that this season of rest (laziness?) will end too. Hopefully, I will be able to walk in discipline to remember my limits, to keep a sabbath day and put everything in the correct perspective/priority order so that peace and trust will rule and not busyness and fret! It will be time to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty again soon enough!</div>
karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-80320639857070410792014-09-30T10:34:00.001-07:002014-09-30T10:34:43.886-07:00MilestonesDuring this whole 'journey', there have been some challenges and some victories. At one point, I received Dodie Osteen's book "Healed of Cancer". I dug into it very quickly and have highlighted these 40 scriptures that she used - they have become my own. I have them printed out and on index cards. It's amazing how much the Word has been a source. My favorite scripture is Jeremiah 30:17 that says 'I will restore your health and heal your wounds, says The Lord". I have quoted that many times over the last few months. Especially when my hands and feet were numb or when I was feeling queasy. My prayer when I started this was that I would not look tired and sick. I did not want my children to have to see me in the worst of the worst. I did not want to look sick. Thankfully, although I have felt sick many, many times, I have not really looked sick. I did lose my hair. It began to fall out two days after my second chemo treatment. My scalp was so tender and I could barely run my fingers through my hair without having a handful of hair left in my hand. I was surprised at how quickly it happened. I noticed it on a Saturday evening and I was still able to wash and style my hair for Sunday church. But Monday morning, I washed it but couldn't dry it so I wore it with gel and curly to work that day. The next day, I was afraid to get it wet because it would fill the bathtub drain, so I wore a scarf to work. That afternoon, The Hubs met me at a wig shop and we picked out a wig. That was not fun. I wanted something a little different (shorter looked better and I felt would transition better for a hairstyle change). They offered to shave my head that day, but I wasn't mentally ready then. By Friday, I was sick of losing hair so I went in and had it shaved down with an 8 - leaving about 1-1/2 inches of hair. It changed textures completely when I was no longer about to really use hair product or blow-dry. It looked gray and flat against my head. A month later, I had my sister help to shave the rest of it off. My mom was there too and wondered if I was traumatized by it, but I had already been dealing with the 'trauma' for a while so it actually made things a little easier. I have not enjoyed wearing the wig as much as I thought I might. It's not uncomfortable, just gets old. Scarves and hats are more comfortable to wear but I'm not completely comfortable with wearing these out very often. I don't really get stares just sort of pity-looks.<br />
At one point, my boss gave me a book she had seen on Oprah with the author called "Silver Linings." I really enjoyed reading this one - written by a woman who was a hospice nurse that was diagnozed with breast cancer around age 39. She gives practical wisdom along with medical wisdom and each chapter ends with a list of the silver linings that she looked for and found. What's funny is that I had already done a similar exercise for each stage. You can't help but look for the good in things that you have no control over. Otherwise, the heaviness can be overwhelming. So, although I hated losing my hair, I definitely enjoyed shaving 25+ minutes off of my get ready time in the mornings. And not having to shave my legs or anything over the summer was nice. I did miss a lot of summertime fun activities but then I didn't have to look for an excuse to not go out in my swimsuit. It's all in how you look at things! Since my treatments happened every other week for 4 months, we got a pretty good feel for what would happen when and how to deal with it. I have to say, my kids and my husband were real troopers! I also had incredible support from family, neighbors and church people who brought food and drove kids to activities. I was able to step back from a lot of responsibilities at church and hand them off to able-bodied and willing leaders - probably something I should have done months/years before. It was nice to be able to count down - like 'I've done 3 out of 8 treatments', 'I've done 7 out of 8 treatments'. I was completely done before the last one. We did another ultrasound just before the 8th and final treatment - it did not show significant change in the size of the tumor. I was very much aware of the the size from the first ultrasound. I saw the black spot in the middle of the screen and I watch the ultrasound tech measure it. So, lying there watching the same thing months later after enduring so much medicine and iv's and blood checks, I was done. I called and left messages asking to not have to complete the last treatment. I told people I was not doing anymore. I got to the oncologist's office the day before my scheduled treatment and had already discussed with a nurse over the phone that I would probably be required to complete it. I was an emotional mess. I cried the day before. At work. At home. I cried in the office with the oncologist. I cried in the car on the way home. The dread of having to do it again was just more than I could handle. But I did it. All 8 chemo treatments. I got to ring the bell when it was done, with nurses gathered around cheering with me. I told them 'thank you' but I hoped that I never see them again. They were very kind, but I am ready to turn the page on this chapter!karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-73835827396508982192014-06-16T18:46:00.002-07:002014-06-16T18:46:48.341-07:00And the rambles continue. . .April 3rd - that's the day I sat in the doctor's office and listened to her tell me that I had 'Invasive Ductal Carcinoma'. Jimmy and I were just shocked. There's nothing you can ask or say in a moment like that. She explained that this is not an area of specialty for her so she read the report and then recommended a surgeon that she wanted us to meet with - who would be able to explain more. I drove home - we were in separate cars - and cried and prayed and called my parents who were waiting to hear. I stayed home the rest of the day just trying to figure myself out. The peace of God was definitely there, but there were so many unknowns that we had to work through. I called and scheduled an appointment with the surgeon for the following Monday.<br />
We celebrated Kid#1's 13th birthday that weekend and it's always good to have a busy family weekend to keep your mind off of things. So thankful for my family through all of this!<br />
Monday meeting with the surgeon was a 4:30 appointment. I stopped to pick up my slides from the biopsy, mammogram and ultrasound so that the surgeon could review. He also wanted to do an exam. I have always seen female doctors, so this particular exam was very awkward for us, but he came highly recommended. After the exam, he took us into a conference room and spent the next hour and a half explaining options to us. We learned that the tumor was about 2.5 cm in size and not aggressive. He felt like he would be able to operate and get a clear margin around it - a lumpectomy - but that he wanted me to see an oncologist to review everything in case they recommended other treatments. I have learned so much about cancer now - I'm disappointed in myself for not asking more questions when my mom and mother-in-law dealt with similar situations. They are both doing well after removal of lumps - by the way. I do not have a family history of breast cancer in my family, especially at so young, so we know this is unusual. I have lived an exceedingly blessed life but I know that I am not immune to sickness or rain. God's word never promised that we wouldn't go through things, it promises that He will be with us as we go through things. And He has been with us through this whole journey.<br />
The surgeon refereed us to an oncologist and so we left planning to schedule an appointment. As we talked about what we had learned from the surgeon it became very clear that the Hubs was not comfortable with this surgeon. His mother recommended that we go see the oncologist she had used at MD Anderson so I called and scheduled an appointment with their oncologist and surgeon. It was a completely different experience. Every doctor, nurse and radiologist has been a young woman. They are informative and understanding. My oncologist has recommended things that she saw her own mother use. Because of my age and the size of the tumor, it was recommended that I use chemotherapy treatment to treat my system. The surgeon did not feel like a lumpectomy was the best course of action but she understands that this would be my preference. We decided to use chemo first to try and shrink the tumor and then see if a lumpectomy would be possible - before we consider a full mastectomy. None of these things were in my plans. We have prayed for God's healing and believe that He is already at work. Do I understand why there hasn't been immediate healing? No. Do I believe that God could do the miraculous? Yes! I want to be the one that crazy miraculous things happen to! More to come. . . the story continues.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-75024851660886319562014-06-16T17:21:00.001-07:002014-06-16T17:21:30.257-07:00Not so rambly rambles. . .Ok, so most of the people who read this silly attempt to blog already know what is going on in my world lately. If not, this will not be a pleasant start to a post. I may not even post this but just use this as a way to gather my thoughts - they always seem to become more orderly in my head when I write them down.<br />
Series of unfortunate events:<br />
- Middle of February - after a 7 day cruise with my hubby, discover a lump in my left breast. It feels a little like contracted muscles - tight and a little uncomfortable when pressed. Agree to get it checked out.<br />
- Early March - celebrate my 39th birthday and call to schedule appointment with ob/gyn. Doctor is out of town for the following week (Spring Break) and appointment would be pushed to April so agree to see Nurse Practitioner instead. Pay large amount of money (unmet deductible) to have her tell me that I have a lump and need to get it checked.<br />
- Mid-March - schedule appointment for mammogram and ultrasound. It was a Tuesday. Laid on the gurney and could see the ultrasound and the large black spot on the screen. Radiologist goes over the spot again and says we need to schedule a biopsy. She is also concerned about the lymph nodes under my left arm. Nurse walks me out and explains that I shouldn't be worried, God is in control. She tells me that she gets on her knees every morning and prays for her patients - and has for the last 15 years. I thank her - such a sweet lady! They want me to schedule appointment for the next day, but I had jury duty scheduled for the next day. So, we set it for Friday morning.<br />
- Wednesday of that week - I drive downtown for jury duty and come seriously close to getting selected for a murder trial that will take at least 14 days of court room time. When they ask if anyone has any medical reasons or trips planned, I raise my hand and explain the biopsy scheduled. Desperate prayers are sent up as I sit throughout the day and wait for their decision to be made - thankfully they were able to come up with 12 people out of the 80 and it did not include me!<br />
- Friday of that week - my parents drive in the night before so that they can help over the weekend and mom can go with me to the appointment. I have already requested my husband to go - since I don't know what all will transpire. Mom and Hubs wait while I am poked. It was much more painful than I had anticipated, but overall the recovery was pretty quick. I tried to watch Frozen with little bit but couldn't stay awake. I had committed to going with several of our women to a women's conference that night and the next day - and since only two of us knew the way, I knew I would be driving. I kept ice packs in proper places and some extra in the car to trade out as needed throughout the night. It was a great service - absolutely felt the peace of God! Was worn out that night so didn't stay for fellowship (even though I would have loved to) and headed home. Up the next day and back again. I had a crazy feeling during the service, as she preached on Esther, as if the Lord was placing a huge heavy robe as for a queen upon my shoulders. It was strange because everyone else was shouting and jumping and praising, and I was worn out but feeling the weight of the robe like a warm blanket. It was like grace and peace and the only word I could use to describe it is 'regal'. I don't know what it means or how it fits into this 'journey', but I believe there is some significance. Both boys had games that day, but in different places. So we finished out the day at games and eating out with the parents. That weekend was the busiest we have had in a long time - and maybe it was like that so that my mind was occupied with family and other things - but I was completely covered in peace! <br />
- Results week - I was told 3 to 5 days, and it took the full 5 days for results to come back, but they went straight to the ob/gyn's office and they were closed on a late Friday afternoon. So, I called repeatedly the next Monday (over 1 week later) and could only get the answering service. I called the clinic that did the work to see if they could make a suggestion or if they had a back number to the doctor. The 'nurse navigator' assured me that they could not give results, they had to come from the doctor, but that she would help me find out what I needed. I finally got through the next day, Tuesday and scheduled an appointment for Thursday to go into the office.<br />
- Thursday - almost two weeks after the biopsy, we wait in the waiting room for over an hour and are ushered into an exam room. The office is undergoing some transition so they are in an upheaval (hence the day and a half of no phones), so the nurses begin to prep me for an exam and I assure them I am only there for results. The nurses quickly get the doctor who comes in and hugs me. I've known her since she delivered little bit over 5 years ago. She begins with shaking her head and tells me she does not have good news. . . (To be continued)karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-38813070235565189042014-03-11T16:09:00.000-07:002014-03-11T16:09:48.250-07:00How is it mid-March already?!Somehow, time has flown in such a way that one-fourth of the year 2014 is almost over. . . let that sink in for a minute. So, here's what has happened so far this year (or at least since I last blogged):
<br />
- Christmas came and went. It was glorious! Great gifts, baking bonanza, time off with the family. Could not have asked for more.<br />
- New Year's Eve - fellowship and games, and prayed in the New Year with some of my favorite people. All prepped for a great year of promise!<br />
- January included some work travel. Who goes to Calgary in January? This girl. Nothing like standing at the window in your hotel room on the 23rd floor of a strange city, looking out and seeing life happen - to remind you how small we really are! So thankful for grace and home and snow boots.<br />
- February - the month of LOVE. Took a 7 day cruise with The Hubs. Can you say 'Fabulous?' It was! Especially since about 75% of the crowd was over 60 - I felt young and like I looked very good in my swimsuit! One of the waiters asked us if we were on our honeymoon - we laughed and shocked him when we told him we had been married almost 17 years. And admitted that yes, we were married in our pre-teens. The house got a good cleaning because the parents came and kept the fort standing while we were gone. I really like those parents!<br />
- March - started with a bang (as in birthday bang) - I am now just a few (as in 12) short months away from the dreaded 4-0. Oh well. Beats the alternative. Had a great time with my gang - family, friends and church. Got two cakes (the white cake with strawberries and whipped cream icing from HEB is the winner - sorry, Sam's chocolate cake). Gained pounds that I don't want to talk about. But had an all around great time! Got a new vacuum (hello Shark!) DISCLAIMER: I did not get a vacuum cleaner from my husband for my birthday. It was simply because we needed a new vacuum cleaner and I was whinier around my birthday.<br />
And that leads us to today. March 11th. The middle of Spring Break for the boys - they are getting geared up for Intense - woohoo! The windows are open and I am avoiding cooking dinner because - what should I cook?! All in all, this year has been good to us and I am truthfully looking forward to the rest of it! <br />
Much lovekarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-48567645598538850882013-12-11T08:30:00.001-08:002013-12-11T08:30:04.679-08:00He is. . .Found this list of names of Jesus and who He is for us, and had to share. Let Him be these things to you! He is. . .
<ul>
<li>Alpha and Omega – Revelation 1:8</li>
<li>Blessed Hope – Titus 2:13</li>
<li>Bright and Morning Star – Revelation 22:16</li>
<li>Captain – Hebrews 2:10</li>
<li>Comforter – John 14:16-18</li>
<li>Christ – Matthew 1:16</li>
<li>Counselor – Isaiah 9:6</li>
<li>Creator – Romans 1:25</li>
<li>Crown of Glory – Isaiah 28:5</li>
<li>Deliverer – Psalms 40:17</li>
<li>Dwelling Place – Psalms 90:1</li>
<li>Everlasting Father – Isaiah 9:6</li>
<li>Faithful and True – Revelation 19:11</li>
<li>Fountain of Living Waters – Jeremiah 17:13</li>
<li>Gift of God – John 4:10</li>
<li>Good Shepherd – John 10:11</li>
<li>God With Us – Matthew 1:23</li>
<li>Gracious – Romans 16:24</li>
<li>High Tower – Psalms 18:2</li>
<li>Holy One of Israel – Psalms 89:18</li>
<li>I Am – John 18:6</li>
<li>Immanuel – Isaiah 7:14</li>
<li>Jehovah Jireh – Provider – 1 John 4:9</li>
<li>Jehovah Nissi – Banner – 1 Chronicles 29:11-13</li>
<li>Jehovah Shalom – Peace – Isaiah 9:6</li>
<li>Jehovah Tsidkenu – Righteousness – 1 Cor 1:30</li>
<li>Jehovah Shammah – Present – Hebrew 13:5</li>
<li>Jehovah M’Kaddesh – Sanctifier – 1 Cor 1:30</li>
<li>Jehovah Rophe – Healer – Isaiah 53:4-5</li>
<li>Jehovah Rohi – Shepherd – Psalm 23</li>
<li>King of Glory – Psalms 24:7-8</li>
<li>King of Kings – Revelation 19:16</li>
<li>Lamb of God – John 1:29</li>
<li>Life – John 14:6</li>
<li>Light of the World – John 8:12</li>
<li>Lord of Glory – 1 Corinthians 2:8</li>
<li>Lord of Lords – 1 Timothy 6:15</li>
<li>Master – Matthew 23:10</li>
<li>Mediator – 1 Timothy 2:5</li>
<li>Merciful – Hebrews 2:17</li>
<li>Mighty God – Isaiah 9:6</li>
<li>Name Above Every Name – Philippians 2:9</li>
<li>Omnipotent – Revelation 19:6</li>
<li>Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6</li>
<li>Portion of Mine Inheritance – Psalms 16:5</li>
<li>Redeemer – 1 Corinthians 1:30</li>
<li>Resting Place – Jeremiah 50:6</li>
<li>Rock of My Refuge – Psalms 94:22</li>
<li>Same Yesterday, Today and Forever – Hebrews 13:8</li>
<li>Shepherd – Psalms 23:1</li>
<li>Shield – Psalms 84:9</li>
<li>Strong Tower – Proverbs 18:10</li>
<li>Treasure – 2 Corinthians 4:7</li>
<li>True Vine – John 15:1</li>
<li>Victory – 1 Corinthians 15:54</li>
<li>Way – John 14:6</il>
<li>Wonderful – Isaiah 9:6</li>
<li>Worthy – Revelation 4:11</li>
<li>Exceeding Great Reward – Genesis 15:1</li>
<li>Excellent – Psalms 8:1</li>
<li>Yes and Amen – 2 Corinthians 1:20</li>
<li>Zeal of Your House – John 2:17</li>
</ul>karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-91841953793126415502013-12-10T14:48:00.001-08:002013-12-10T14:48:31.575-08:00Like drinking coffee from a china teacup<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I did it. It was my turn. Everybody else gets to. So, I did it too. I went and had a great big emotional breakdown. Boo-hoo! It doesn't happen very often, but it probably should happen more. Why do I think I have to be the one holding it all together?! I don't expect other people to. Anyway, now that I have shared that and released all the pent up frustration (from unmet expectations, mostly self-imposed). . . I can provide a healthly list of things to do to keep this from happening again anytime soon.
<ul>
<li>Recline on the couch in pjs and stare at the fire in the fireplace, no tv and preferrably no children present (husband optional) </li>
<li>Drink coffee from a china teacup (tried this at our last women's fellowship and enjoyed it immensely)</li>
<li>Read a book - any book</li>
<li>Watch a girly movie - the tear jerkier the better</li>
<li>Sleep - more than 5 hours </li>
<li>Smile more (smiling's my favorite)</li>
<li>Yell less</li>
<li>Forgive more, then try it again, then do it again</li>
<li>Screw up, take a bow and then laugh about it later. Rinse and repeat.</li>
<li>Do something strictly for pleasure - <strike>make</strike> eat cookies, color a coloring book, paint something, dance around the house to silly music, drive to see something pretty, look for something pretty in the regular sights, buy some special candy or gum, wear crazy socks under your boots. Whatever floats your boat. </li>
</ul>
This is not an exhaustive list, just a list of things I plan to make myself do and often over the next few weeks. . . </span>karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-36527449293564354692013-08-27T07:17:00.006-07:002013-08-27T07:17:56.397-07:00CommunityThe Hubs and I were talking yesterday over dinner about how our "small" church has become just what we have hoped. . . a community. See, I take someone's son to school every morning when I take my own. His mom adopted someone else's dog that didn't fit into their home schedule anymore. One lady waits with her son and someone else's two children as they get on the bus so that the other mom can get to work early. One family picks up a young man to bring to church with them every service, while others help those with car situations get rides to places. Dinners are prepared and delivered to families in need. Prayer requests are texted and testimonies are shared the same way. People need people. We need a hand, a shoulder, a hug, an encouraging word. I read this post today and loved the idea of how just having someone present in your life can make such a difference! <a href="http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/2013/08/when-youve-forgotten-words.html">http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/2013/08/when-youve-forgotten-words.html</a> Lord, help me to be your hand to someone today!karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-49561859978148100292013-08-16T09:52:00.002-07:002013-08-16T09:52:33.029-07:00UnsatisfiedEver have an itch you can't scratch? That feeling that there's something missing? I'm feeling that way today. I think it's partly because I'm on the edge of one thing and about to move into something else. School is about to start, so we're getting things ready for that. School supplies, school clothes, schedule changes. And I'm in transition for my job - leaving one position and moving into another. I've got that itchy feeling of standing on the edge, being ready to jump into the new, but not quite sure if it's time, or if I'm ready, or if it's safe. I want to jump. I think I'm ready, but maybe not yet. Not fully satisfied with where I'm at either. What do you do with those days? I read about having a "restless soul" today on the Proverbs 31 devotion (good one to read!) <a href="http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/quiet-my-soul/">http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/quiet-my-soul/ </a>And I never really thought about how restless I am. I know my nature is to stay busy, but my soul has the same struggle. Oh that I could just chill my brain, my heart, my soul sometimes! Just wanted to see what my friends do when you feel this way. . .karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-25322527091457895192013-06-26T12:48:00.001-07:002013-06-26T12:48:15.086-07:00I'm a Mess! It Ain't Pretty. . .I've had a little heaviness lately - not a bad heaviness, just a contemplative one. Been reading some great blogs that have commented on things that make me go "hmm" - so I thought I'd share some of them. . .<br />
- I am a mess. Not like I have a quirky personality or am someone who gets into things, but just a mess. Not everything in my world is tied up neatly with a bow. I don't have it all together in most areas of my life. I've tried to ignore this, but it is what it is. I am a mess. And I have a feeling that you are too.<br />
- I am so glad that we have been given permission to fail. Did you know that? We don't HAVE to have it all together. We don't have to be the example of the perfect mom, the perfect wife, the perfect Christian. Not that I want to fail - I want to be the best of all of those things. But I can't (see the first point). And that's ok. <br />
- Jesus is my redeemer. In all of those areas where I blow it, He redeems me. He IS. So that I don't have to be. In everything. What a relief!<br />
- Bad things happen. Sad things. Terrible things. Things don't make sense. I still don't think any of it compares to His suffering - but He gets it. He understands.<br />
- None of these struggles are new. Time after time, generation after generation has struggled with the same issues we struggle with (minus the technology). You can find lists of things in both the Old Testament and the New. But, He has provided a way out in every temptation. He has rescued us from our enemies, walked through the floods and the flames and will continue to do so. He never changes.<br />
- Joy comes in the morning. Mercies are new every morning. The sun rises and the sun sets. Every breath is another chance. In Him we live and move and have our being.<br />
<br />
Just some ramblings. . . from my messy world to yours. . .karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-34761671295739656822013-03-22T09:51:00.001-07:002013-03-22T09:51:28.822-07:00Behind the scenesI read this post today and thought "Yes! That's exactly how life is. . ."<br />
<a href="http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/2013/03/from-distance.html">http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/2013/03/from-distance.html</a><br />
<br />
I know we are all prone to comparing and looking longingly at things, people, positions and thinking "Man, I want that!" But what we don't see is all the stuff going on behind the scenes. In ministry, we often get to venture into the behind the scenes moments in other people's lives. And most of the time, it isn't pretty. This example of the ship can illuminate several layers of life and expectations. It reminds us to keep in mind the details and the small things that make up the whole - I feel like I kind of live in the details of keeping our ship running, whether it be church, home, kids, whatever. So, maybe I need to pick my head up and enjoy the view a little more. It also serves to keep us grounded when we put others on a pedestal. Either way, what a powerful image to stir some thoughts. Where are you on the ship?karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-52273836922454569112013-03-07T08:42:00.002-08:002013-03-07T08:42:35.567-08:00We did it! And other things. . . Whew! We did it! The 2013 Women of Excellence Conference was great! The church rallied and worked and everything went off without a hitch! I think one of the only things I did not get done was filling some centerpiece vases with water and putting flowers in them. A dry vase with rocks still works as a centerpiece - right?! What an incredible group of women came through our church. . . and each one was gracious and forgiving as we offered a third restroom with no lock on the door and the only lighting was a yellow construction set standing in the corner. What could have been detrimental (finding out the day before the conference that our lunch venue was double-booked) worked out to be the best situation. Now our challenge is finding a bigger location for next year! I wish I had some pictures to share. . . stay tuned or watch for notes on facebook. I do have a picture of my little Woman of Excellence In Training:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eiQjqyxyWuRWiD2yP5XDe4YUIzFv1Qrom86B11Kmq2OpNCCju4sHgHMATloAI6JncUkPdUIB331eexGz8iQD4aDf_DHyKfOfcPzeSQpzHogr6pxTJ9uvWznWVcQAp9gc5rA8E5dUu2I/s1600/WOE+in+training.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eiQjqyxyWuRWiD2yP5XDe4YUIzFv1Qrom86B11Kmq2OpNCCju4sHgHMATloAI6JncUkPdUIB331eexGz8iQD4aDf_DHyKfOfcPzeSQpzHogr6pxTJ9uvWznWVcQAp9gc5rA8E5dUu2I/s320/WOE+in+training.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In other news, next week is Spring Break for my boys. I'm a little jealous that I don't get a Spring Break. But I'll be shipping all three guys off for camping at Men's Intense for the latter part of the week, so that's kind of vacation time for me. One of my three hoodlums is a saver in regards to his cash. Both boys received quite a bit of money from us and family members for Christmas. Kid #2 still has most of his. What does it say about us when he says "I don't really have anything I want to buy"? Spoil much? That is, until he saw this at Academy the other day. . .<br />
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Somehow, this is not what I had envisioned my home life would be like. But then I didn't grow up with brothers. All I can say is, in our house, you better look carefully before exiting a bedroom. (This is why we can't have nice things!)
I celebrated another birthday recently. In preparation for the conference, I had my nails done - tried the shellac thing. I thought that would be my answer to not being able to keep polish on. Wrong! I chipped one of them the first night. Almost every nail had a chip or crack by day 4. Then, when I tried to remove the stuff, I could not get it off! So, on my birthday, I went back to the nail place with a plea for help. As she was removing the horrid stuff, I told her I wanted my nails to look nice because that day was my birthday. She asked if I was 40. What?! No! (No offense if you are 40 or above!) I am 38 - not even close to 40 yet! How dare she ask that! I still gave her a tip. . . but I had to stew on it a bit. I had quite a bit of cake for my birthday - so March is know going to be known as my fat month. Here's some of the beauty:<br />
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There's not a lot of other news right now. Actually, there may be alot more, but that's all for sharing today. I'll leave you with this joyous picture to cheer your day:<br />
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karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-59647979105380199572013-02-12T07:43:00.003-08:002013-02-12T07:43:43.540-08:00It's Coming!It's coming! It's almost here! The 2013 Women of Excellence Conference - hosted by our church. . . Someone at work reminded me this morning that we have a long weekend ahead - and I rejoiced and then panic set in. I had to pat my chest to relax the flutters and take some slow, relaxing breaths to calm myself. It's the last weekend before the conference! So much to do! So many things to check off my list! So many things to remember! And yet, I have a feeling that if none of those things were done (don't worry, they will be!), ladies will still come and we WILL meet with Him just the same! This year's conference theme is Winning the Battle. From the start, I've had a running list of the places that women battle - our mind (usually number 1), our emotions, our marriages, our children, our schedules, our dreams, our futures - and many other areas. What is it that I am battling? What is that pushes me to the place where I know that I am winning? How do I fight? Have I been fighting or just being beaten? Have I ever lost? What does it mean to lose? What does it mean to win? I think these are all questions that will be covered in the next weekend. So, we'll continue to work and prepare. We'll scurry and shuffle and rearrange and decorate and all the other things that ladies do. But the most important thing of all, we'll listen. Listen for Him. Listen for His direction and instruction. And in the listening comes the peace. Peace that makes no sense in the flurry of preparation. Peace that comes as we WIN.<br />
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<div class="search_results">
<em>The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Psalms 29:11</em></div>
karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-29936455569804482562013-01-29T09:45:00.001-08:002013-01-29T09:45:02.775-08:00Too many cares?So yesterday was one of those days where I let myself get maxed out. It wasn't one or two big things that pushed me there, just a bunch of little things. Lots of things to care about. I was doing fine carrying each of these 'cares' until I had a conversation with someone very close to me (no names will be used to protect the innocent). . .<br />
It was not meant to be a finger-pointing conversation, but a comment was made that I "need to be passionate about <em>SOMETHING</em>." That went all over me - and not in a good way. I got quiet and the conversation ended. I hung up the phone and sat there. How could I care any <em>MORE</em> about anything?! Don't they know that I care about everything?! And I began making a mental list of all the things that I <em>HAVE</em> to care about. (Come on, you do this too sometimes, right?)<br />
- I <u>have</u> to care about the laundry.<br />
- I <u>have</u> to care about homework.<br />
- I <u>have</u> to care about work (I don't know, something about getting paid for a job well done)<br />
- I <u>have</u> to care about so-and-so in the hospital.<br />
- I <u>have</u> to care about baseball or basketball (and the little people who love it so much).<br />
- I <u>have</u> to care about who likes what type of cereal.<br />
- I <u>have</u> to care about whose turn it was to rotate in certain positions at church.<br />
- I <u>have</u> to care about my part in the upcoming conference and all the details and those coming.<br />
And it went on. My sad little pity party. All these cares that I <em>have</em> to have - and when do I get to care about the things I want to care about. My stuff, my way, me?<br />
Lovely. Just pure loveliness and warmth radiating from me. Boo!<br />
That's when the verse came to mind - 1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."<br />
I've heard it before, quoted it, given it to other people. But yesterday, it was mine. It was made real. All of those cares (and they are all good ones, by the way), brought to Him and what does He do?<br />
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Take care of me. </div>
So, I will continue to accept the responsibility of caring for others - and the next step of taking those cares and laying them out before His feet - and know that He's caring for me. He's got my back! Love. . .karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-85983594300805744592012-12-31T09:15:00.002-08:002012-12-31T09:15:28.367-08:00Epic fail!Wow! So I totally failed at the daily giving thanks blogging thing. Not because I'm not thankful but just because. I am so thankful for so many things! So let's see if I can list some here: (and in no particular order)<br />
1. My life - waking up every day<br />
2. Peace that passes all understanding<br />
3. My fun family of five<br />
4. My extended family and time with them<br />
5. Coffee with my fave creamers<br />
6. Holidays and decorating and all things Christmas<br />
7. Warm blankets and fireplaces<br />
8. My church family!<br />
9. God's calling and anointing<br />
10. Kid messes (I will miss them someday)<br />
11. God's provision in every area<br />
12. Lessons learned (some easier than others)<br />
13. Technology<br />
14. Healthy children<br />
15. Ability to make choices<br />
16. My home<br />
17. My partner, husband, friend, and love<br />
18. Shopping (shallow much?)<br />
19. Friends who get me<br />
20. The opportunity to paint/write/create<br />
21. My washer and dryer<br />
22. Reliable transportation<br />
23. Freedom<br />
24. Salvation and the promises that accompany<br />
25. Memories<br />
26. A little girl who loves her mommy<br />
27. Boys that will unload the dishwasher and vacuum<br />
28. Chocolate<br />
29. The word of God<br />
30. Second, third, fourth chances. . .<br />
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Here's to another year of many things to be thankful for!!karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-23361454858705429122012-11-03T11:47:00.002-07:002012-11-03T11:47:57.720-07:00Day 3Day 3: I am so thankful for cleaning products! I can't imagine not having running water or the ability to wipe things clean. I am thankful that I am healthy and my family is active and busy and dirty. And even I though I get gripes about always having to clean up after five people, I am thankful that I have these four people to clean up after! Happy Saturday!karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-40271249770789169722012-11-02T12:29:00.001-07:002012-11-02T12:29:24.920-07:00Thankful - Day 1 and Day 2I'm not a huge "jump on the bandwagon" kind of gal, but I really like the Thirty Days of Thankfulness that people do in November! So, to go with the flow, here are my Day 1 and Day 2.<br />
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Day 1: I am so thankful that I am loved and that I married a man who likes to remind me of this fact! If I were really smart, I would have taken pictures of the pretty fall bouquet that he brought me, but I am working on "post-Harvest Festival/Kid #2 birthday/plan cycle" brain here. . . The flowers, they are lovely and look something like this, minus the large peachy roses.<br />
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Day 2: I am so thankful for Pay Day Fridays! Especially when they fall on a weekend with few plans. God's timing is always perfect and He is our great provider! Even in providing a weekend of rest and downtime.</div>
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What are you thankful for?</div>
karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921432440605383698.post-35416709018820993812012-10-02T10:49:00.001-07:002012-10-02T10:49:07.583-07:00In between <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I remember the feeling very vividly. . . I was on a fifteen passenger church van with some other teens for a Bible Quiz trip. There was wrestling and playing around involved (why weren't we buckled?!) and I fell to the floor, on my back, beneath the seats. It was overwhelming! I had to get up and quick! In the same van, on the same trip, the only thing that had changed was my perspective - and panic set in. What a miserable feeling to feel stuck in between those high van seats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> What is it about the "in between" that makes us so nervous? In between jobs, in between projects, in between point A and point B. I know it's the questions and doubts: How long will it take? How bad will it be before I get there? From mountain top to mountain top - how deep does this valley go? Or from valley to valley, what obstacle will I have to climb? Can I hold out for that next thing? What if I never get there?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> A few weeks ago, I taught on "What to Expect When You're Expecting". How we are all faced with things while we are waiting for that next thing. We're going to face frustrations. We're going to want to quit. People will have opinions. But the "in between" is up to us. What we do with it. How we see it. How we carry ourselves while we are waiting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Some of us are worriers. Some of us overcompensate the unknown by trying to control anything and everything else we can. Some of us wallow in the misery and whine and complain so that everyone gets to "enjoy" the journey with us. Some of us set our course and plow through. This morning, I read Phillippians 4:6-7 "<em>Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> That's a great reminder - that He is still here. Ever the Father ready to take hold, or never really letting go, and gently reminding "I gotcha". On the same road, in the same shoes - it's just your perspective that has changed. But you're not alone in the "in between". . .</span>karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15416861041080665610noreply@blogger.com0