Smart Dog? Or Creature of Habit?

I know I've mentioned before that Mindy likes to sit on my lap when I'm having my quiet time, right? Well, today she has me wondering: Is she a really smart dog? Or simply a creature of habit?
I walked in the door after taking the boys to school and let Mindy out of her kennel, just like always. Then I went into the living room and got my Bible, brought it out to the table and put it down. Mindy was following me closely and although I had not sat down, myself, she was already trying to climb up in my chair.
I had to get some meat out of the freezer to thaw for dinner and one or two other quick little things and Mindy was right on my heels, as if saying, Come on, Karen. It's time. I want to get up on your lap and listen to you read!
It all made me wonder, did she see me put the Bible on the table and she's smart enough to know what it means when I have my Bible in hand? Or is she simply a creature of habit and she knows, first I leave the house with the boys, then I come back in without them, then she gets to sit on my lap?
I'm not sure, but I do know this: Mindy is a sweet addition to our family. And I am so thankful for the way God is using her to show me that it is entirely possible for Him to love me when I am doing absolutely nothing but sitting on His lap, enjoying His presence.

May the LORD bless you and keep you, and make His face shine upon you. I pray He will give you perfect peace this weekend.
Please come back Monday for another video devotion.

Never Underestimate HIM

OK. Say it with me: GOD IS GOOD!!!

Yeah, that Note to self I had in my post yesterday - something about not underestimating the goodness of God? I really need to take that to heart.

Nothing has been decided.
This all completely preliminary.
But I have a very real sense God is about to flex His muscles and bring Himself glory. Big time.
Yesterday I told you I had a free airline ticket I wanted to use. I had originally planned to use it to go to Florida, but decided not to when God put a great deal in front of me. (The ticket to Florida only cost $167!) I was thinking I would rather use it to go somewhere for which the ticket was rather expensive. I was thinking, oh, somewhere between $3-400. I've seen those prices when I have "dreamed" of going here or there. And that just seems like so much money. I wanted to be able to give away something "big" like that.

Never underestimate the goodness of God.

Well, yesterday afternoon I received an email from a fellow blogger in Oregon telling me that she would very much like for me to come and speak for the women at her church. She told me about their women's ministry (They also have a MOPS group!) and I was getting excited about the idea. Then, because I'm a bit of a control freak planner, I checked to see what a plane ticket would cost to get me there.
Are you ready for this?
It would be over $1,000!
Now that is the kind of ticket I want to get for free! I want to use it to go somewhere which would otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

Never underestimate the goodness of God.

But that isn't all.
I have also had a desire for quite some time to visit a dear blog friend who lives in Texas. Well, guess what? One of the return flight options from Oregon would require an overnight stay in Dallas. My first thought was, But then I'd have to get a hotel and I'd have to arrange for transportation. And I bet the hotel would be expensive. And I don't want to go through all that. And I'd really rather just fly home in one day. And...
And then God nudged me, Uh, Karen, who do you know that lives just outside of Dallas? You wanted to visit her. I could make that happen.

Granted, nothing has been decided yet. But it looks to me like there is a very real possibility that I will be getting a $1,000 airline ticket for free. And with that ticket I might be able to speak for the women and the moms in OREGON. And with that same ticket, I just may be able to spend time with my friend in TEXAS.
Friends, only God could make that happen.

Never underestimate the goodness of God.

Flying Free

Last summer I received a free airline ticket and was going to give it to a MOPS group in Florida, so I could fly to them for free and speak.
I say "was going to" because plans have changed a bit.
Oh, I am still going to Florida to speak (In April. Oh, how I wish it was today! I want to get away from this c-c-c-cold weather!!!) but I'm not using that free ticket. You see, the day after God sent me an email through my friend, He sent me another one. This time He masked Himself as Priceline.
I was planning to make my flight reservation that day for my Florida trip and when I saw the email "from Priceline," I decided to check it out. You know, just for kicks. I didn't expect there to really be a good deal for me.

Note to Self: Never underestimate the goodness of God.

I could not believe the price I found for a direct flight from Detroit to Orlando. I thought about it for about two seconds, er, fasted and prayed for days, er, called my manager for input. Oh, honestly, I don't think I even spent two seconds contemplating it. I just knew there was no way I was going to use a free ticket when I could buy one for such a low price. So I went ahead and bought the ticket, believing it was a gift from God and trusting He'll reimburse me as He sees fit.

Sooooo, I am going to Ocala, Florida on April 27. It will be an evening event. I'll be speaking twice - with a break for CHOCOLATE in between. And it's open to all women. I'll post more details in the coming months. If you're in the area I would love for you to come!
But, I am not using that free airline ticket.
Which means, I am going to use it to fly somewhere else for free. But I don't know where. This is where you come in. If you are involved in Women's Ministry or a Moms' group and you would like me to come and speak, but you know the plane ticket is outside your budget, please email me. I would like to use this ticket to come to you.
If I get more than one response to this offer, I'll probably just have myself an old-fashioned drawing. Or I'll watch my inbox to see if God sends me more emails from Priceline. *grin*

I am so excited to be able to give this ticket away. I know God already knows where I'll go, and each woman to whom I will speak. I pray He will begin now making the way and preparing the hearts. And I look forward to finding out His plans!

Why Am I Doing This???

The temperature is well below the freezing point this morning. In fact, my computer says it's two degrees. But I am choosing to not believe its accuracy.
I'm thinking back to yesterday when it was about the same - and how cold I was between 8:15 and 8:35. I'm remembering the cold legs, the frozen cheeks, and the frost on my eyelashes. I am looking at the clock which tells me it's time to start again, and I'm wondering, Why am I doing this?
I could just grab my keys and get in the van and drive the boys to school. Then we wouldn't need to leave until about 8:23. And if I went out and started the van early, we could even have a warm ride.
Yeah. I could do that.

So, why am I doing this?

Why do I walk my boys to school every morning and go back every afternoon to pick them up - in this freezing cold weather? Am I out of my mind?
Don't answer that! *grin*

I'll tell you why.
*Because Matthew always holds my hand when we walk to and from school. Always.
*Because I get to observe my sons talking to each other about teachers and activities and interests. For ten minutes (most mornings and afternoons) they aren't fighting with each other, and I cherish those moments.
*Because I get to participate in the conversation, too.
*Because every morning when we get to the play ground by the school both of my boys give me hugs and tell me they love me.
*Because the other day after school I got to listen to Joshua tell me that he sits behind a girl who is friends with a girl that Joshua's friend "like-likes." And Joshua told this girl that his friend like-likes her friend. And now that girl is going to tell her friend about Joshua's friend.
And I laughed inside because I remember being a fifth-grader, too.
*Because none of these things happen when we're in the van for two minutes - me in front, and the boys in back.
*And because I am following the stories of a couple boys on Caring Bridge who are sick with cancer. I know their parents would give anything to have their sons healthy and able to walk to school - even when it's really cold outside.

So we're all bundling up - I've got my long underwear on today! - and we're heading out the door for a ten minute walk to school.
I'll hold Matthew's hand.
When the wind blows hard in my face I'll probably get a little teary and then the frost will form on my eyelashes.
The boys will complain about their art teacher taking too much time "reviewing" and not giving them enough time to work on their project.
We'll run down the hill to enjoy the effects of gravity.
And by the time we make it to school, we'll probably be talking about watching the guys on Myth Busters blowing things up.
Joshua will hug me and we'll say our I love yous. Matthew will probably linger for a longer hug, and for a moment I'll forget about how cold I am.
Then I'll walk back home with a smile *frozen* on my face, as I think about what a blessed mom I am. And I'll thank God for my warm house as soon as I open the door!

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Last November or December I did tell the boys I would be willing to drive them to school when the weather got really cold, if they wanted me to. But both of them insisted they would rather walk. I love that they enjoy our walks to school, and I pray they will remember these times fondly in the years to come.
Do you have a special thing you do (or did) with your children that other people may think is crazy? I'd love to hear about it!

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills -
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip -
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over you will neither slumber or sleep.
The LORD watches over you -
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm -
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:1-8

Bath Time

OK, I know some of you think I'm a little crazy for letting my daughter have pet rats. Are you ready for this?

I just helped her bathe them - in the kitchen sink. With puppy shampoo. And I have the scratches on my hands to prove it!
Then we towel dried them and Elizabeth brushed/fluffed their fur while each of them took a turn sitting on my shoulder.
I wish there was a way we could have video recorded the incident. I'm sure it would have been hilarious to see.

A woman and her daughter, standing 5'5" and 5'4", struggle to contain a seven inch rat in the sink. (We only attempted one at a time!) One fills the cup with warm water while the other speaks kind words to the rat, trying to calm it down so it stops pooping.
With the rat thoroughly wet, the daughter squirts shampoo into the mother's hand, who then tries massaging it into the rat's fur.
**Note: Rats are not particularly fond of bathing. And rats with shampoo in their fur are slippery.
**Another note: Even though the rat's fur is slippery, it's claws remain sharp. Be careful!
Daughter gets raisins to give the rat - which don't have the calming effect intended - and Mom starts rinsing. The rat claws climbs up Mom's arm, as she squeals, "Elizabeth, help me!"
After a few more attempts to rinse the rat, Mom and Daughter call it good and wrap the critter in a towel. Then they massage the rat and congratulate it for doing such a "good job."

And as I re-read the account of my evening activities, I think I may be beginning to agree with those of you who think I'm just a little bit crazy.
But the rats smell and look much better now!

Shower Talk

Each of my kids has this "thing" with having either Brian or I come into the bathroom and talk to them while they're taking their showers. When I say, "It's time for your shower," the very next words spoken are sure to be, "Will you talk to me?" Sometimes I honestly don't want to stop what I'm doing to talk, but I am reminded there will come a day when they won't want to talk to me as much. I know I need to cherish this time. Blah, blah, blah.
Seriously, this shower talk can be very precious. We've had some good conversations over shampoo and conditioner.
And the other night, God got in on it, too. Used the very words I spoke to Matthew to speak to me. See if you can catch it.

Matthew: I'm almost done.
Me: That's great, Matthew. See? When you do as you're told, instead of messing around, you get things done quickly.
Matthew: Yeah.
Me: You're doing a good job.
Matthew: Thanks.
Me: Hey, Matthew, since we're talking about it, you know what I'd like to see?
Matthew: What?
Me: I'd really like it if you would do things the first time I tell you. Tonight I had to tell you lots of times to get ready for bed, didn't I?
Matthew: Yes.
Me: I shouldn't have to tell you that many times, honey. Once should be enough. I should only have to tell you one time to do something. And if you would do it that first time, things would go a lot better, wouldn't they?

Oooh! Right there!

I heard myself saying those words, but God - Himself - was speaking to me. I leaned my head against the wall and prayed. You're right, Lord. I am sorry for not listening and obeying as I should. Thank You for Your patience with me. Please help me to extend that same grace to Matthew.

What's on Your Mind '09? - Anchor Verse

This week's topic of conversation for What's on Your Mind '09? is anchor verses. Not sure what an anchor verse is? Well, according to Elaine it's a verse one chooses to have as their focus - on which they rely, and to which they cling during difficult times.
Sounds like a good idea, don't you think?
I will admit, I have yet to sit down and consciously choose an anchor verse for 2009. But as I thought about this concept it occurred to me that perhaps God was choosing one for me. Because I have noticed His habit of repeating things to me when He really wants me to "get it." And He seems to be repeating Himself again.
I am in the process of going through Psalm 121 and am convinced of one thing as I am taking this journey.

God is watching me.

Read this, and see if you agree.

I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
Psalm 121:5

That's as far as I've gone, but I have looked ahead and noticed that "watch" shows up again in two of the remaining three verses in this psalm. It seems to me that "watch" is also implied by the facts that God won't let our feet slip, He doesn't slumber or sleep, and He's at our right hand.
God is convincing me again of His care for me as I spend time in this psalm. He is near to me, and I know His eyes are ever on me. How He can simultaneously pay as much attention to you - and the rest of the universe - while He's concentrating on me, is beyond my comprehension. But I trust Him. And I believe He can do it.
Yes. God is watching me - when my feet are on slippery surfaces, night and day, wherever I go. I think I might hold on to this entire psalm as my anchor this year.

To read about more anchor verses, visit Shane!

What Are You Waiting For?

Before you click the "play" button," please grab your Bible and open up to Matthew 14:22. I'd like you to read along!

Our Help!!!

I have just a minute before I need to go pick up my grandma to run errands and see the doctor, but I wanted to share a thought from my time in the Psalms this morning.

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2

Did you see that?
The Creator of the universe is our help!
Why, oh why, do we ever doubt???

A New Reading Plan

Yesterday I finished my first-ever journey through the Bible. On January 15, 2008 I began reading through the Bible chronologically, and yesterday I came to the end.
And guess what?

GOD WINS!!!!!

God bestowed so many blessings on me over the past year as I have been following this reading program.
I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again anyway. If you have never read through the Bible, you really ought to do it! I'm sure there are lots of great reading programs, but I am particularly fond of this one because it lets you pick your start date (the first or fifteenth of any month) and the way you want to read. (Genesis to Revelation, chronologically, historically, etc.) You can even set your homepage to be your reading schedule. It's very cool.

Now that I have completed my first journey, I am going to take some time in the Psalms - going through them slowly: one verse at a time, one day at a time. I started this morning on Psalm 121.

I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?
Psalm 121:1

I know where my help is supposed to come from, but that's in verse two and I didn't want to jump ahead. So this morning I spent time asking God to show me the "other" places I am looking for help. I considered the hills to which I lift up my eyes.
*ADHD medicine
*Lists and schedules
*Words of affirmation
I know each of these things can be used by God for good - and I believe He is using them for good in my life. But I also knew I needed to spend time confessing that sometimes I loose sight of Him and lift my eyes up to these "hills" for help, rather than to Him, alone.
So that's what I did. I confessed.
Then I simply sat quietly in His presence - so I could just "be" with Him. Like Jenni encouraged me to do last week.
And that's my new reading plan. I'm going to go through Psalm 121 - and a couple others, I think, because 121 is very short. I will ask Him to speak to me through His word, and I know I am going to delight in what He says because His words are like honey. Each day I'm going to spend time being with God, and I look forward to receiving His love.
And in another month or so I am going to begin my second journey through the Bible. I can't wait to be reminded of God's glory and goodness and power, and to find treasures I missed the first time through.

How about you? How are you finding fellowship with God today?

What's on Your Mind '09? - God in the Ordinary

What's on Your Mind '09? is a new blog carnival which Shane at Heart Reflections began to challenge writers and encourage conversation. I am pleased to play hostess this week!
So what's today's topic of conversation?

We have all heard from God when we read our Bibles, listened to sermons at church, or gone to Bible study, right? But is God limited to our “spiritual” activities? Or does He show Himself in the middle of our everyday activities, too? Share about a time when God spoke to your heart in the midst of the ordinary.

I remember an ordinary morning, not too long ago, when God met me in the van. It was early and I was on my way to work out with my trainer.
For some reason I was thinking about some of the places I would love to go and speak. God had put particular people and places on my heart and I was praying about them, telling God how much I want to go, but pointing out the obvious. (As if He didn't already know!) God, I know the distance isn't a big deal to You, and I know You have the resources. But the distances are big for us, and plane tickets are expensive. Lord, You know I would love to go to X, Y, and Z, but...
At just about this point in my prayer, I turned the corner and saw a train crossing the road. I sighed, and for a moment I stopped praying. I hadn't planned for a train to slow me down. I needed every second I had to make it to the studio on time. Trains don't usually cross my path on workout mornings, so this one caught me by surprise.
OK, honestly, it wouldn't be a big deal if I was a minute or two tardy. (In fact, it might get me out of a few reps of torture.) But the Type-A freak in me was not liking the prospect of being late. So I continued on, hoping - somehow - I would be on time.
That's when God showed off. Before I reached the railroad tracks, before I even had to apply the brakes, the end of the train passed and the gates raised. I breathed a sigh of relief, drove over the tracks, and wondered, What was that all about???
Really, in the 13 months that I have been getting up at 5:35 (A.M.!!!) to go into the studio to workout, I can only think of one other time that I've seen a train. On this otherwise ordinary morning, this train was not ordinary, and I wanted to understand why it had crossed my path.
At that very moment, God spoke to my heart. It was as if He said, Karen, dear, do you think it was too difficult for Me to arrange for that train to cross your path this morning? I've only done it once before, you know. Nah, it was easy.
The timing was pretty good, don't you think? I worked that out for you at the same time I was managing the rest of the universe, too, darling. I can do that.
And do you know what else I can do? I can take you anywhere I want you to go to share the message of hope I have placed in you. I can do it, Karen. No distance is too far, and no expense is to great. I can do it.
And I will.
Watch Me!

That's my story of God in the ordinary. What's yours?
If you have a blog, I hope you'll share your thoughts and use Mr. Linky so we can all come and read. (Aren't you proud of me? I figured "him" out all by myself! OK, there were step-by-step instructions on his website. But I carried them out all by myself. *grin*)
And if you don't have a blog, that's OK. Please share your experience of God in the ordinary in my comment section.

What's in a Name?

If you're intereseted in learning more about Jan Johnson, you can do that here.
Please come back tomorrow, as I am hosting What's on Your Mind '09? I look forward to reading your thoughts!

HE Helps Me Understand

Yep. HE laughs, HE runs, HE forgives, HE emails. And, HE helps me understand. HE sure is busy!
Yesterday I was meeting with my mentor and we were talking about the fact that God loves us just for us. OK, Jenni was talking about it. I was sitting there thinking, Yeah, I know this in theory. But, really, do you think? When I'm not doing anything, even then He loves me? Really???
She was encouraging me to think more about being, and not focus so much on doing. And that's a challenge for me. There are always thoughts running around in my head about what I can "do." A talk or a devotion to write. A prayer to be said for a friend. A blog post to compose. Not to mention all the "stuff" of caring for a family.
And the thing is, I LOVE doing all this stuff. I feel as if God and I are running a course together and sometimes I think I feel closer to Him when I am ministering than at any other time. So to honestly consider that He loves me when I am sitting and doing nothing was hard for me.
But Jenni encouraged me to press on and try to understand. And she gave me some practical suggestions. (She knows me well!)
Then she closed our time together in prayer. And as she prayed, HE helped me understand. Right on time, as always.
As Jenni prayed, I remembered earlier in the day when I was having my quiet time. Mindy, our puppy, came to sit on my lap. (She does this often when I'm having my quiet time. Sits on my lap and I read the Bible to her. I figure it's just a matter of time until I have her barking out a prayer for salvation. *grin*)
Anyway, I remembered how much I enjoyed having Mindy on my lap. She just sat there and let me rub her back. She wasn't being particularly "puppy-ish." Wasn't playing with the kids, or running around the yard, or chasing any of her toys. Nothing that would make a person think, Now, that's what a dog should do. She just sat on my lap, doing nothing. And I loved her.
It was as if God were saying to me, Do you see, darling? Just like you cherish Mindy when she is doing nothing but sitting with you, so I delight in you. Just you, dear one. Come and sit with Me a while. I love you.

And do you know what?

I believe Him.

Do you?

HE Emails

If you were reading here last summer, you may remember I "accidentally" got started on a mini series about God. It started with HE Speaks. Then came HE Laughs, HE Knows What We Need, HE Forgives, HE Comforts, HE Runs, HE Watches, and HE Gives Hope.
Goodness, I didn't realize the list was that long. Please do not feel obligated to go and read each one. But you might enjoy picking one or two! *grin*
Anyway, today God showed me something else HE does.

HE emails!

I have mentioned previously that I am speaking at a women's conference in Holland, Michigan on February 28. For one of the sessions I'll be giving my talk, Confessions of an Irritable Mother. But for the other session, I am writing a new talk.
I have had the concept for this talk in my mind since last spring and now have the opportunity to flesh it out. Over the past few weeks I have been making notes about ideas I wanted to include, but when I sat down to write it just wasn't flowing well. So last night I decided to send an email to my prayer team and ask them to pray for me as I write. (Brilliant, I know. Ask your prayer team to pray. OK, I'm a little slow sometimes!)
Anyway, this morning when I sat down to write - and even before I began - I could sense God leading me. And I was so thankful.

But then He went a step further.

Yes, the talk seemed to be "flowing" and I was glad for that. But in the back of my mind I was still having doubts. Should I really say this? Is anyone going to relate to this thought? Will I touch someone with that statement?
And then God emailed me to put my anxious thoughts to rest. Well, He used my friend's fingers and email account, but I am just sure the email came from Him.
As I was writing, I saw on the corner of my computer screen that an email had just come from this friend, so I clicked over to read it. Her husband bought her a copy of Finding Joy for Christmas (What a guy! *grin*) and she was emailing me to let me know how God had been speaking to her through the devotions, and that He had timed things perfectly.
She finished her message by saying, "I just wanted to share with you how your words are being used. Isn't it amazing that God knew when and where I would need to read that devotional and those words? I love that!"

This message came in the midst of me feeling insecure about whether the words I was writing for the conference would be "right," and whether or not "I" would reach the hearts of these women. God showed me through my friend's testimony that He used the words I wrote in Finding Joy in just the right way, and at just the right time. And I was certain He was saying to me, See, Karen, it isn't about you. It's about Me. I will give you the words to say and I will work out the timing in the lives of each of the women who listens to you at that conference. Quit worrying, little one. Just trust Me.

God sent me an email today, and He delighted my heart!

Who's In Control Around Here???

Shane at Heart Reflections is beginning a blog carnival called What's on Your Mind '09?. It is designed to challenge writers and encourage conversation, as we will be discussing various topics from week to week. And the question for today has really had me thinking.

How much of your life is in control by God and how much are you in control?

Now, there's the easy Christian answer - God is in control of everything and He will work out all the details perfectly.

God scores 100% control.

Then there's the I'm-a-selfish-control-freak answer - God can do what He will do. He can set things up to work out perfectly. But I have the freedom to choose what I will do, and He can't make me do a single thing.

Aha! Karen scores 100% control.

Anyone else see a problem with this equation?
God's 100% + Karen's 100% = Conflict 100%

One hundred percent conflict. That's really how it could be.
*God can open doors, but I can refuse to go through them.
*He can close doors, but I can spend all my time and energy trying to figure out how to open them myself.
*God's Spirit can prompt me to do and say things, but I can ignore these tugs on my heart and go about my (selfish) merry way.
*God can speak to me through His Word and clearly show me how I am to live but, again, I have the freedom and ability to walk in the opposite direction.

How do I know this equation so well?

Because I have lived it.

And in the living, I have also learned. I have learned God does know what He's doing, and His ways are best. Always.
Through exercising my own will contrary to God's, I have discovered what it means to live without peace.
God has used this state of 100% conflict to teach me about His patience and graciousness and unconditional love - as He has repeatedly demonstrated lessons for me, picked me up when I have fallen, and welcomed me back into His control no matter how far I've wandered.
But the best thing I have learned is how God and I can both be in control - without the conflict. I know His way is always best so I choose to submit my 100% to His. That is, I take the control I have and ask God how He wants me to exercise it. The submitting is rarely easy - I mean, I want what I want! - but it always results in peace, and it is always the best choice. Always.

So the answer to the question, Who's in control around here? That would be God. By design and by choice.

If you'd like to read others' thoughts on this control issue, pay Shane a visit!
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Oh.my.word. It took me sooooo long to write this post, as God gave me opportunity upon opportunity to submit to His control. Some would simply call it a very long series of interruptions, but I have the keen sense God was speaking to my heart and asking me to say "No" to myself and "Yes" to others.
At any rate, I'm glad I got an early start on this post so I had the chance to complete it, and I pray God will bless you through the thoughts I've shared.

What's On Your Mind?

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

It's a New Year!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a fun time ringing in 2009.
I fully enjoyed spending time with my family Christmas day. Got to see my sister and her family who were visiting from North Carolina, as well as my little brother (He's almost 30 but I still like calling him "little brother." *grin*) who was in from Boston.
New Year's Eve was fun, too. We hung out with my siblings again, and their kids. Watched the ball drop and were on our way home about 12:05. Party animals, we are! LOL
And now I'm back to blogging. I've enjoyed the holidays, but I've missed you!
Nonetheless, I need to keep this brief, as I'm a little sleepy from being up so late last night. ha!
I have hung my 2009 Dream Calendar and want to encourage you once again to order one for yourself if you are still in need of a 2009 calendar. The kids are precious, and the cause is so worth it!
I'm also excited to tell those of you who live in West Michigan that I'll be speaking in Holland on February 28 at Central Wesleyan Church. Their Kaleidoscope Women's Conference is that Saturday and I will be doing two Focus Groups in the morning. Click on the button in my sidebar for more information and to register for the conference. I would love to see you there!
I need to sign off now. But please come back Monday. I recorded a devotion for you and will be posting it Monday.

Love to you,