Disobedience, Consequences, and Lessons Learned

Question: When is it a good thing for your sons to blatantly disobey, and then to boldly lie about their disobedience?

Answer: When you follow through with swift and firm discipline, and see wonderful results.

Last weekend Joshua and Matthew were lighting smoke bombs with their friend. Brian and I had specifically told the boys NOT to play with the smoke bombs, but Brian smelled the evidence. He went to find them and was first told by Joshua and then Matthew that they had not been lighting the smoke bombs. It was their friend who finally admitted the truth - though Brian already knew, from the smell and the boys' guilty faces.
The two of us spent some time discussing the consequences of the boys' actions, and settled on good ol' fashioned grounding. No leaving the yard, and no electronics for a week.

Honestly? I was afraid of our decision. While Matthew took the judgement with ease, Joshua was livid. Didn't want to talk to Brian or I Saturday night. I couldn't imagine what it was going to be like living with him for the next seven days. And Sunday morning, he was still angry.
(How timely that the sermon Sunday morning was about discipline, as God acted severely among a people who would not listen to Him. See Malachi 2:1-9. I think Joshua may have been listening.)
By Sunday afternoon, he was inviting friends over to our house.
Monday they all came over again. And had lots of fun.
We played games together as a family.
When I came home from work Tuesday night, I found that Joshua had warmed dinner and set me a spot at a candle-lit table. He scooped ice cream for dessert with a cherry on top, and even cleared my place for me, rinsed the dishes, AND put them in the dishwasher. A little later we all played Rummikub together again. And when Joshua was tired he 'let' me come in and sing to him and rub his back/legs before saying good-night.

Joshua was hanging out at home with his friends. When he was 'bored' he did sweet things for me. We were playing games together as a family. Oh, yeah. I'm lovin' it!

But, alas, by Wednesday Joshua was changing his tune. Complaints of boredom were increasing. He started to accuse Brian and me of being too severe with his discipline. Said if we wanted him to like us, we shouldn't make his grounding last for a week.
However, I asked Joshua what he was going to do the next time we told him not to play with smoke bombs. He told me he wouldn't do it. I asked why, and he said because he didn't like being grounded.
Ahhhh, my son! You see? That is exactly why we chose a swift and severe punishment. So you would learn that obedience is always a better choice.

Soooooo, while I was not pleased with my sons' actions last Saturday night, I am thrilled with the results which have come from the consequences. God has a habit of taking that which was 'bad' and using it for good - and I see Him doing it here, too. Trusting Him to continue pouring grace on this family of mine. Oh, how we need it!

My prayer for you today is that you may trust in Him, too, watching for evidence of His hand at work in your every moment.

Hey gIRLfriend!

I know I mentioned this a few weeks ago. But it bears repeating.

What are you doing September 24-26, 2010?

I am registered to attend the first-ever gIRL (girlfriends In Real Life) Gathering, in Black Mountain, North Carolina. I know a few blogging friends who are planning to attend. (Looking forward to spending time with Lisa and Leah, and rooming with Heather!)
And I would absolutely LOVE to meet you there, too.
So, will you come?
There are still some spaces available.
Please check out the details here, and consider it.

*********************************************

For those of you in west Michigan, what are you doing the weekend of October 15 & 16? I am speaking at a women's retreat and would love for you to join me there. Click here for details.

What I'm Still Learning

Oh, how the LORD brings these lessons home!

It was last Friday. I had just finished recording yesterday's devotion, talking about loving well. I was fully convinced that imperfections and unfulfilled plans could be overshadowed - even wiped out - when we love well. When we let the love of God flow through us onto the people we're serving. Though I was tired, I was still on a high from the great week I'd just had and I felt like all was right with the world.

Until...

Joshua and I had an unpleasant encounter.
He was angry with me for making him come home from his friend's house so I could take him to mow a lawn. Never mind that he knew ahead of time he needed to mow the lawn Friday afternoon. Never mind that he gets $20 every time he mows this lawn. He was having fun with his friends and he didn't want to come home.
But I insisted. He made a commitment and we were going to fulfill it. So in his eyes, I was responsible for - and I quote - "ruining his day."
At one point I asked Joshua why he seemed to prefer his friends so much over his family. (Yeah. That was a dumb question. An invitation for lots of words I didn't want to hear. *sigh*) I got an ear full with his response. And I began wondering if this is simply part of a phase he's going through.
Or if I am doing something terribly wrong as a mother.
I wanted to know what I need to do differently.
Wanted to understand my son and make this situation 'all better' so he would be happy and I would be peaceful.

Because the trend we were on was clearly not the course I had planned.

I thought about the lesson I learned in VBS, the words I'd just spoken in the video, and I asked, God, how am I supposed to love him well when he doesn't even want to be here? How can I possibly love him well when he's pushing me away so hard?
And the key Bible verse of the week rang through my mind:

If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask of God who gives to all generously and without criticizing and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

Yes, LORD. I'm asking for wisdom - because I lack it. I do not know what to do. But I know YOU know this boy. You created him - You knit him together in my womb. You know everything about him. Please show me how to love him well. Even when things aren't going the way I planned.

What I Learned

Pharmacy Notes

Two refills until 8/6/10.

Do you know what it means when a person is running out of refills on their prescription?
It's time for them to re-visit their doctor - to find out if they still need the medicine. There needs to be an evaluation. The doctor and patient need to determine if the medicine is still serving its intended purpose. They need to discuss if the current plan is the best thing, or if there is a better alternative.
In short, when the refills are running out, it may be time for a change.

Well, friends, there are only two refills left of Pharmacy Notes, because a change is coming my way.

At the beginning of the year a friend of mine (Pat) was telling me about her job. I remember thinking it sounded like something I would love to do. But I wasn't looking for a job, and the job wasn't available. So I just let the thought go.

Fast forward to two weeks ago.

I was at another friend's house and she mentioned that Pat had recently quit her job. She looked at me and said, "Karen. You would be perfect for that job!" And that thought from the beginning of the year rushed back.
I would love that job!
So I called Pat.
And she called her former boss (Laura).
Then she called me back and told me to call for an interview.
Which I did.
And the next day I went in for an informal interview.
The following day, Laura left for vacation - and I spent the next 10 days thinking about the job and asking God to lead us in the direction we should go.
This past Tuesday I went back for another interview, and yesterday Laura called and offered me the job.

Sooooo, yours truly is the new Activities Director for Edgewood Retirement Center in Lansing, MI.
And I am so excited!
I wasn't looking for a new job. I didn't go out seeking it. Rather, it kind of found me.
In so many, many ways, I can see God's hand in this change. (HE is the Great Physician, after all. He knows when my prescription needs changing. *wink*) And I am eager to be used by Him to bring hope and joy into the lives of the men and women who call Edgewood their home.

A new job.
A new ministry assignment.
The same God will go with me, and I will continue to trust Him with every step I take.

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you back here Monday!

A Thankful Heart

I've been doing VBS this week. It's been good and I'm loving it, but I come home tired every day - wanting just to sit down and chill for a bit.
However, when I got home Wednesday, 'sit down and chill for a bit' was not on the agenda. I was met by Joshua telling me he was going to the movies and the mall with his friend - which was OK with me. But moments later he told me he needed $4 to go to the movie. Apparently, he forgot the 'money' he was originally counting on in his wallet was in the form of a gift card. So I gave him the last of the cash I had in my wallet. And I was a little grumpy.
Then I noticed Joshua hadn't unloaded the dishwasher yet, and told him he needed to take care of it before he went to the movies. He grumbled under his breath, and I thought, It isn't like this is a new thing, my son. Unloading the dishwasher is your job every day.
And I became a little grumpier.
I was making myself a sandwich, and as I put something in the trash I was reminded it needed to be emptied. Something I had asked Joshua to do the night before. I said, "I almost hate to say this because I know you aren't going to like it, Joshua. But you need to empty the trash, too."
Any guess as to his response?
Yeah. He grumbled.
And I became more irritated.
Finally, his friend arrived to pick him up and on the way out the door, Joshua dropped the pizza he was going to eat for lunch.

OH, was he hot!!!

It made a mess on the floor and splattered on his shorts. I cleaned up the floor and Joshua wiped his pants, as I tried to console him by pointing out that the movie theater would be dark and no one would notice his shorts. "Yeah, but I'm hungry and now I don't have anything to eat," he retorted. Joshua's voice was shaky and I could tell he was near tears.
But sitting on the counter in front of me was the yummy fried egg sandwich I had just made for myself. So I wrapped it in a napkin and said, "Here. Take this." And I sent Joshua on his way.

He was happy, and now it was my turn to grumble.

I came home to un-done chores. He took the last of my money. I listened to him complaining about things he knows he needs to do. And now he has my lunch, too. Grrrr.
Oh, I could list my son's offenses. I could keep track of every thing he did that bothered me. I'm pretty good at gunny sacking.

But I found it was only serving to increase my irritability factor.

So I started giving thanks, instead.

*I thanked God that my son is able to make plans to go out with his friends.
*I thanked God that his friend's mom was able to drive them.
*I thanked Him that I had money in my wallet I could give to Joshua.
*I thanked Him for His perfect timing. That my sandwich was ready right when Joshua needed it. God knew the pizza was going to fall, and He worked out the timing so Joshua could eat my sandwich.
*I thanked God that there were more eggs in my refrigerator, so I could make another sandwich for myself.
*I thanked Him that I had the opportunity to serve my son, without even knowing that's what I was doing.

I discovered that one thought of thanksgiving quickly gave birth to another. I could keep right on thanking Him for lots and lots of things. And I realized my grumpy heart was no longer grumpy. Giving thanks had changed it.

And that change made me even more thankful!

How's your day going? Feel like grumbling about your circumstances? Try giving thanks, instead!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

(A More Real) Love Story

Oh, wow. I love Anita Renfroe!
Just saw this the other day, and I laughed so hard I was crying. ('Course, the tears might have been helped along by the part when 'Romeo' made Date Night happen. What a guy.)
Enjoy! *grin*

In Remembrance

My Grandma emailed this to me last week.
I enjoyed it too much not to share it with you! (I'm just sweet like that. *grin*)

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community.

The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.

Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flakey at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

Who's Your Trainer?

Pharmacy Notes

*BIG sigh*

We made it!

Yesterday we 'went live' with a new computer system in the pharmacy. There has been a lot of anticipation for this move, and I was nervous as I approached the doors. Usually I am praying that God would use me to be a blessing, that He would help me see things, that I would be His instrument. Yesterday I was praying I would simply survive the day!
Honestly, the transition wasn't as bad as I had expected.
Several 'trainers' were available (And I think they'll be around for a week, or so. *whew!*) to answer questions and show us how to navigate the new system.
But at one moment - when I was in a particularly stressful situation - God reminded me that the One I really need was with me. And I remembered that He'll stay with me for all of eternity - not just a week, or so.
What happened?
Well, we were attempting to figure out what happened to a prescription, trying a couple different approaches on the computer, unable to ignore the long line of customers waiting for assistance - when I got to the point in the transaction where I needed to verify the person's birth date. I saw the date on the screen and smiled hugely as she chimed, "Eleven eleven."

I love it when God encourages me like that. Love that HE works in the pharmacy, too.

It Takes Time

Matthew, my 10-year-old, knows how to tie his shoes. But it takes him a while. He uses the two-bunny-ear-method and always double knots them so they're more secure.
But every now and then, when he's in a hurry or just doesn't feel like taking the time, Matthew asks me to tie his shoes for him. "Because you can do it faster, Mom."
Each time Matthew seeks my help in this way I try to convince him that he could learn to tie his shoes using my method, and then he could be a fast shoe tie-er, too.
This last time, I thought I had won him over. I thought he was honestly going to try to learn my method.
I sat down next to him and started to tie his left shoe, so he could try the right one at the same time. Seemed to me this would be an easy way to show him step-by-step how to tie his shoe 'the faster way'.
And for a minute, it was working.
Until Matthew decided learning was taking too long and he had better things to do. (Read that: He would rather be outside playing.)
Before I could finish my monologue about The merits of investing time now, in order to learn a skill which will ultimately save lots of time in the future, he was out the door.

I sat on the floor wondering how I can convince this child it would be good for him to take the time to learn this skill.
And I realized I have the same tendency. Would rather get to the end, and skip the 'means'.
Hmmmm. I wonder where Matthew gets it. *sheepish grin*

Disregarding the Forecast

And another thing about our trip to Cedar Point?

I almost cancelled it for us.

Thursday I was looking at the weather forecast - 50% chance of thunderstorms for Friday. I was so discouraged. I pictured us driving 3 1/2 hours to the park and having a rainy, yucky day - with no rides to ride and no fun to be had. I imagined the severely disappointed kids who would come with that scenario.
But when I suggested the idea to my husband, he insisted we go through with it. (Said things were looking up, since the last time he had checked the chance of thunderstorms was 60%.)

As it is, we arrived at Cedar Point under dark and gloomy skies. And just as we were getting parked, the skies let loose with buckets and buckets of rain.
But my brother was checking the radar and he said it was going to pass soon.
(And, of course, I was praying to the God of creation - Who can stop the rain with His Word! *grin*)
The rain did pass.
And we went into the park.
Throughout the day the rain came back a time, or two. Only kept us off rides once, though. By the end of the day, everything was absolutely beautiful. And as you will recall from yesterday's post - we had an amazing day at Cedar Point.

More than once, the thought occurred to me, What if I had persisted in my idea to call this trip off? What if I had allowed my fear of what-might-have-been to keep us from enjoying this day together?
I was so thankful my husband didn't agree with me!

And it made me wonder, how many delightful experiences do we miss because we give in to our fear of things not working out as we hope they will?

So Worth It!

Friday morning the Hossink's all got up early and were on the road at 6:30. On our way to Sandusky, Ohio - for a great day at Cedar Point. We joined my mom, brother, niece and nephew, and had an absolutely wonderful day together.
I could tell you about all the rides. (MaXair is the bomb! And I have a new favorite: Skyhawk.) I could tell you about God's graciousness in taking care of the weather for us. Would love to share with you the fun I had teasing my brother.
But the best, absolutely BEST, part of my day at Cedar Point was seeing the joy in my kids.
They smiled.
They laughed.
They talked non-stop about this ride and that thrill. And, Wasn't that fun? Can we ride it again? Let's go there next! I'm having the best day ever!
I can't count how many times throughout the day I gave thanks to God for blessing us with the opportunity to go to Cedar Point - as I was hearing or watching the kids fully enjoy themselves. Oh, I was having fun, too. No doubt about that! But the joy in my children was the greater delight.

As we were walking out of the park Friday night, I told Brian how pleased I was that the kids had such an amazing day. He smiled, did a little calculating in his head, and replied, "Was it worth $XXX?" I smiled back, figured out how many weeks at the pharmacy that totaled, and said, "Yes. It was so worth it!"

Then - because this is the way I operate - my mind turned to Jesus. I imagined Him looking on us in love, as we enjoy the fact that we have freedom in Him. Considered His joy as He watches us living fully, because of what HE did on the cross for us. And then I pondered God the Father looking at Jesus - delighting in us - and asking, "Was it worth Your Life?"
Because I know what our Jesus would reply.

Yes. It was so worth it!

It's NOT About Me!

Pharmacy Notes

Working in the pharmacy has afforded me the opportunity to learn a lot about human interaction. About how to treat people kindly even when they aren't being kind. How to encourage a person by simply smiling and using their first name.

But that isn't all.

Here's some advice I'm sure everyone can use at some time in their lives:

*If you're going away on vacation, or
*If you're leaving the country for two months
DON'T wait to go to the pharmacy - where you expect to pick up your extra supply of prescriptions (for which you need to make PRIOR arrangements with your insurance company) - until the night before you're leaving.
It might not be ready.

I'm just sayin'.

*wink*

I'm Just Wondering

I am going to be speaking at a women's retreat in the fall, and am making preparations this summer.
Been thinking about the topic quite a bit - Delighting His Heart. And I'm just wondering...
Do you believe God delights in you when you're simply being you? Or do you think He delights in you just a little bit more when you're doing something in service for Him?

Chutes and Ladders

When was the last time you played Chutes and Ladders?
If your children are still quite young, it may not have been too long ago that this board game was laying out on the floor waiting to be played. At my house, however, we haven't seen this game in years. So, you can imagine my surprise last week when Elizabeth approached me and asked, "Mom? Do you want to play Chutes and Ladders with me?"
Elizabeth proceeded to lead me outside to show me the 'board' she had drawn on our driveway with sidewalk chalk. There it was - all 100 squares, numbered, with chutes and ladders every which way. She had a dice in her hand, and she was ready to play.
So we began to roll the dice and walk through the game board, when we (read that: Me!) came up with a fun idea.
You know how on the 'real' game board there are pictures of the bad ideas and good ideas associated with the chutes and ladders, and the resulting consequences at the bottom of the chutes and the tops of the ladders? Well, in our version of the game whenever we landed on a space at the bottom of a ladder we made up a scenario of a wise thing we did, climbed the ladder, and told the consequence of our action. And whenever we landed on a space at the top of a chute we made up a scenario of a foolish thing we did, traveled down the chute, and told the consequence of that action. It really was fun!
Before long, Brian came outside and we invited him to join us. So there we were, 39,38, and 14 - playing Chutes and Ladders - for the whole neighborhood to see. *grin*

Do you have some sidewalk chalk at your house? You really should get it out and play this game - no matter how old your kids are!

Heart Check

Last week I made plans to take my kids to a park. We were going to meet some friends there, have a picnic together, go swimming, fishing, play on the play ground. Whatever. My kids always enjoy this park and I was looking forward to taking them there. *Read this: I was happy it was my idea to go. Was anticipating their pleasure in me arranging this outing for them.*
The morning of our outing to the park arrived and I busied myself making sandwiches and packing our lunch while Joshua and his friend flooded the yard searched for worms to take fishing. I was singing and happy to be getting ready - when Matthew told me he really didn't want to go.

What???

I don't even remember his reason for suddenly being against the idea, but I remember my disappointment. And how quickly I became irritated. I'd made these plans. My plans were supposed to bring enjoyment to my kids. And now my son was saying he didn't want to go? Had he forgotten all the times in the previous week he complained to me of his boredom?
I reminded Matthew of his boredom complaints and told him I was leaving for the park in two minutes. If he wanted to come along, he needed to be ready and in the van.

Then Elizabeth told me she really didn't want to go, either.

Grrrr.

Seemed she had also forgotten about the recent, 'There's nothing to do,' comments. So I reminded her of them and reasoned with her that she should come to the park with us.

At this point, a significant portion of my excitement about taking my kids to the park was waning. I had really expected them to be happy about going. Usually they are asking me to take them here or there. But this time I was volunteering to take them, and I thought - somehow - that should make the outing more special to them. I thought they would reason, Hey, Mom is doing this for me. And she's made a picnic for us. This is going to be so fun!
But instead, I had been met with resistance. And I was irritated.

To top it all off, as I finally got Elizabeth and Matthew in the van with all our necessary things, I realized Joshua and his friend were still busy flooding the yard gathering worms. I thought, Great. Now we're going to be late to meet our friends, too. *humpf*

And I started the van - to signify to Joshua that I was serious about it being time to leave.

But before I went a step further, God grabbed hold of my heart.

This song was playing on the radio:
The chorus was playing and I couldn't ignore the revelation God opened up before my eyes. I quickly became aware how full of me I was at that moment. This day was supposed to be about my kids, and suddenly it had become all about me.

I was upset because my kids weren't responding to my efforts the way I wanted them to.

As the tears welled up in my eyes, I joined in singing the chorus.
Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with You!

And as I waited for the boys to get the rest of their worms, I prayed and asked God to help my children and me have a nice time together at the park. So thankful that He had spoken to me about my heart - to get me off the irritable track and onto His.

Oh! And the reason I knew I needed to pay attention to that song on the radio?
When I turned on the van and looked at the clock - it was 11:11.

*wink*

HE Knows What We Need

If you didn't read this post last week about the flood in our basement and the lesson God showed me about the noise, you may want to check it out before you watch this video.

Pharmacy Notes

OK, so I have come up with a new game I'm going to play while I'm at work on my ministry assignment.
It's called, I'm Going To Be So Nice To You That When You Reflect On This Interaction, You Will Be Ashamed of the Way You Treated Me. And it's inspired by an interaction I had with a customer last weekend.
Oh, this man was mad.
And rude.
And irrational.
But, thank God, HE calmed my racing heart, kept my tears at bay, and helped me get through the situation. And God reminded me - this problem at the pharmacy was likely not the first thing to go wrong with this man's day. It was probably one circumstance in a long list of things which was upsetting him, and I just happened to be the *lucky one* to take the brunt of his frustration.
So, in preparation for the next time it happens, I'm turning it into a game. Cuz if I'm playing a game, maybe I won't feel like crying.
*wink*

Note to Self

Saw this on Heaven's blog.


Can I get an Amen?

What's That Noise?

This past weekend we had a little flood at our house. Saturday night the water source to the refrigerator became disconnected and all night long water ran through the floor and into the basement. Directly into Elizabeth's bathroom and on out into the carpeted rec room. What a soggy mess!
The good news is it's being dried up.
The better news is, God is using even this circumstance to speak to my heart. (I love that He doesn't waste anything!)

A little background.
Our dog, Mindy, seems to be part chicken. She's scared of everything. Mindy barks at the vacuum cleaner. Matthew's Nerf gun makes her run in the other direction. (I'm sure that has nothing to do with the way he has tormented her in the past...) Even when I bring the broom into the kitchen to clean something up she growls and the hair on the back of her neck stands up.

So, you can imagine Mindy's reaction to the big fans, de-humidifiers and lots and lots of tubing we have strewn around our kitchen right now. It's noisy, and she doesn't like it one bit. (This is the only area of our house which isn't carpeted. And remember? Mindy isn't allowed on the carpet.)
As I sit here typing, Mindy is sharing the chair with me and I can feel her trembling. Poor thing.

And how has God spoken to my heart through this circumstance?
I'm so glad you asked! *grin*
Tuesday morning I sat outside to have my quiet time. It was a bit cool, but I chose to do that so Mindy could be outside with me - a little farther away from the noise and the scary machines. And as I sat there petting Mindy, speaking calmly to her, and reflecting on God's faithfulness, HE gave me a comforting picture.
You see, I know what the noise is all about in our house. I understand the machines. I know they are present in order to clean up the mess from the flood and to (hopefully!) prevent further damage. I even opened the door to let the guys in who brought all this equipment. I allowed it to happen.
But Mindy? Is scared. She doesn't understand and she just wants it all to be the way it was before.
In the same way, I realized God has full knowledge and understanding of the scary things in my life. I experience circumstances and situations which make me tremble, which I wish would just go away. But God knows why they're there. He knows the 'mess' in need of cleaning. In fact, God has allowed the 'scary things' because He knows what's best.

So, as I sit here typing with one hand (I'm using the other one to rub Mindy's tummy.) I am reminded that - just like I long to comfort Mindy in the midst of the noise and machines - God wants to comfort me when I'm scared. Just like I understand the reason for the equipment around the house, God knows why He has allowed these circumstances into my life. And in the same way I know Mindy is going to be just fine, so will I be - as I trust in my Father who loves me so much.

Is there a scary noise or machine in your house today? Stay by your Father. He'll protect you!

Say What???

Had a little episode this past weekend with Joshua. See, Joshua wanted me to take him fishing and I didn't want to. But God changed my heart when I thought of a resolution I'd made to myself previously.
I wrote an article about this idea a while ago, and decided to post it here today. Hoping it will encourage all my mommy friends. (And anyone else who is prone to saying NO too quickly!)

Say What???

"Mom, can I have a snack?"
"No. It's almost dinner time."

"Mom, will you take me to the playground?"
"No. I'm folding laundry right now."

"Mom, can I get a new Barbie?"
"No. You don't need any more dolls."

"Mom, will you put my toys away?"
"No. That's your job."

"Mom, can I go to bed early tonight?"
"No. Er, what?"

Do you find yourself saying, "No," more than you say anything else? When your child approaches you with an inquisitive look on her face, (or angelic, if she's trying to manipulate you) do you already feel your lips puckering up for the big N-O? Do your kids think you don't even know the word "YES" exists?

If you answered "Yes" to these questions, well, that was a new experience, wasn't it?! Seriously, if you answered "Yes" to these questions, you're probably a lot like me. My kids pepper me with questions all day long and, in all fairness, many of their questions should legitimately be answered, "No." But there came a time when I realized I was saying, "No," to everything.
If a question was asked, the answer was, "No." I wasn't even thinking anymore. My answer was as reflexive as my knee when the doctor taps it.

It bothered me greatly when I realized I was saying, "No," so much. I felt incredibly negative, and I wondered if my kids were picking up on it. But what could I do about it? I certainly wasn't going to allow my children to have snacks five minutes before dinner, to watch three movies a day, or to stay up late whenever they wanted, just so I could avoid saying, "No." It seemed just as unlikely they would stop asking me the questions which required a "No" answer.

What was I to do?

The answer came to me one day, in the middle of a barrage of questions. My daughter called out, "Mom?" Instead of answering, "What?" as I usually did, I said, "Yes?" Then my son wanted something and he called, "Mom?" I replied, "Yes?" Moments later, son number two needed me and said, "Mom?" I came back with, "Yes?" All of a sudden it hit me. My kids call out "Mom?" so often that if I always answer back with, "Yes?" it will sound like I'm saying "yes" all day!
Saying, "Yes," may not be so difficult after all.
Yes, I think I can do this!
I'd like to say this little discovery was all it took to end the frustrations and difficulties I encounter each day. But that would be a lie.
I'd also like to say this little discovery was all it took to solve my saying "No" problem. But that would be shallow.
What really happened is this little discovery led me to start saying, "Yes," to more than just, "Mom?"
As time went on and I was allowing that word to pass from my lips a little more often, sometimes it slipped out when my daughter asked, "Mom, will you sing me another song?" Occasionally it found its way out when she asked, "Mom, can I have a piece of your gum?" Once it managed to get out when my son asked, "Mom, will you take me fishing?" ("No" found its way back quickly when the same son asked if I wanted to put the worm on the hook!)
My kids seemed surprised when I started saying, "yes," more often to them. They also seemed to be smiling a little more frequently. I noticed a definite skip in Joshua's step when we were walking to the fishing dock. This "yes" thing was making a positive difference for all of us.
I am still unwilling to give my children everything they desire. We need to have limits and boundaries. I am the adult here, and will do my best to maintain order and a sense of moderation. Being the adult, however, I realize I am also the one to be an example for my children.
I have found that saying, "Yes," also affords me the opportunity to be a model for them.
My kids are pretty good at being selfish. They don't need me to model that trait for them. I realized, however, modeling that trait is exactly what I do most of the time I say, "No," to them.
No, we can't go sledding because, honestly, it's cold outside and I don't want to be cold.
No, you can't spend your birthday money today because that would require me to change my plans and take you to the store, and I don't want to change my plans.
No, you can't play a game on the computer because I want to check my e-mail now.

Selfishness isn't very attractive when it's laid out so plainly, is it?

Having come to this understanding about the impact of that one little word, this is the decision I have reached regarding all future questions these children will pose to me: If the object of their question will not bring them harm, if it is not an unreasonable request, and if I cannot think of an unselfish reason to say, "No," my answer will definitely be, "Yes!"
How about you?

What Do YOU Want?

Pharmacy Notes

Monday could have been remembered as a really bad night at work. *Our communication with insurances went down so everything was taking longer. And most customers weren't happy about that problem. *There was the man whose daughter's doctor (apparently) called prescriptions into two different pharmacies, whose wife tried to (angrily) solve the problem with one of the pharmacies, which resulted in him driving all around town looking for said prescriptions, while his little girl sat at home with a fever - waiting for her medicine. (His rendition of this story was not as calm or kind as mine. LOL!) *Let's not forget the pregnant woman who let me know how angry she was because we were out of the pre-natal vitamin she needed. I didn't bother to ask why she waited until she was out of vitamins to come get her prescription refilled. (Oh! Did I really just say that out loud? *grin* I mean, I understand 'pregnancy brain' but when did that involve being unkind to me???) *And, there's also the point that we were too busy for me to take my break. Not necessarily a big deal, but in the midst of it all - 15 minutes to sit down and have a snack would have been nice. However, as the closing hour was getting near and a customer's amount due came to $11.11, I smiled and thanked God for carrying me through the difficult evening. But it wasn't until after 9:00 when I was closing the window that I understood God wasn't just saying, I carried you. He was also saying, I Am not finished yet. Just as I was about to get the window closed (It had given me some trouble closing. Guess Who was behind that???) a woman came around the corner, asking if we were still open. I apologized and said we were closed. And my co-worker gave her two options for 24-hour pharmacies, which - unfortunately - weren't very near to us. This woman looked quite frazzled and the pharmacist told me to ask what she needed. I asked, and the pharmacist said she would get it ready for her. When I came back to the counter, I saw tears in the woman's eyes and I went to get her a tissue. Upon returning, I asked if she was OK and that's when she let out her stress and the fears which had been piling up the past two days. She told me about her son's accident and hospitalization, about her responsibility to watch over him now that he's home, and her fear that she wasn't going to notice if something goes wrong. As I listened to her, I was so glad the pharmacy was 'closed'. There was no one else there who needed my attention - no customers waiting in line - no one. I was able to give this dear mother my full attention, and I was so thankful. She thanked me for my kindness, and I told her that everything about me comes from my faith in God. And I asked if I could pray for her. That's when she told me her faith is also in God. So we approached Him together - there in the pharmacy. We said, "Amen," I gave Karen her son's prescription, and promised to continue praying for them. And I am. I will likely never see Karen again, here on earth. But I know God has His eyes on her and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a brief part of her life. God is good!

You Don't Have to Tell Me Twice

Those of you who know me well ought to be laughing after reading that title.
If you've been around here long enough, you know God often repeats Himself to me. And it's in the repeating that I finally learn.

I am reading a book during my quiet times called Spiritual Disciplines Companion, by Jan Johnson. And I am currently in Section Seven: Simplicity and Fasting. Jan talks a lot about how we can grow spiritually, how our character is strengthened, and our trust in God increases as we fast (from food, and various other things) and find our fulfillment in Him. She gives lots of encouragement for us to find ways to slow down and put our focus on God rather than on the stuff of this world.
And that was all good.
I agreed with what she wrote.
It made sense.
I even gave thought to how I might incorporate simplicity and fasting into my life regularly.

But it was when I got to church Sunday, and heard this sermon (It's about 50 minutes long. Sooooo worth your time!) that I knew God was calling me to action. Or, rest, as the case may be. *grin*

My Rest Plan? Well, my kids are spending a few days at Grandma's right now. So today I am unplugging the internet. Won't check email, won't read blogs, won't update Facebook, won't click on Google to look for anything.
Instead, I am going to be silent today - except that I'll likely spend some time singing. I'll probably take a walk, or two. And I am going to be spending time in prayer and in His Word.
I just want to connect with God. I want to draw close to Him, un-distracted by the stuff of 'regular' life.
My intention is to make this a weekly thing. Not sure how I'll work that out when the kids are home, but I trust God will make a way. In fact, He's shown me before that I can connect with Him while I'm connecting with my kids. Yeah. I'm sure He'll make a way.
After all, He's already told me twice that He wants me to slow down. And I'm catching on a little quicker these days. You don't only have to tell me twice. *wink*

How about you? Is God tugging at your heart to slow down, too? Please accept this encouragement to watch the sermon in the link above. It's good stuff.
Have a Jesus-full day!

Are YOU Talking to Me???

On Sunday Brian and I took the kids to a county park (sort of) near our house. They wanted to play with Mindy in the dog park, and Brian and I wanted to nap in the sun. (We settled for a 'nap' in the clouds. *sigh*)
As I was laying there, I couldn't help over-hearing an interaction between a woman and child which must have been occurring only 10 feet away from me. It was time for this family to leave the park, and the child did not want to go. I resisted the urge to open my eyes, roll over, and watch the scene. But - based upon what I could hear - I'm guessing the child was less than two years old. As the child protested, the mother said, "C'mon, now. You're trying to embarrass me. Stop it. Let's go."
And that statement she made, "You're trying to embarrass me," hung in the air like a bad stench.
Everything in me wanted to get up and go say to her, "Your child is not trying to embarrass you. She has simply had fun here at the beach and she wants to stay longer. She isn't being vindictive. She's being a toddler."
But I know better than to get in the way of an Irritable Mother (LOL!) so I kept my eyes and my mouth shut.

However, the little conversation I had in my head with the irritable mother? God brought it back to me later that evening.

Joshua wanted to play with some friends and was eager for me to get dinner ready (earlier than usual). When we got home, I changed my clothes and started preparing dinner. Then Joshua came into the kitchen to ask how long until dinner was going to be ready. I told him, "About half an hour," hoping that would be quick enough to satisfy his urge to play.

I absolutely did not expect the response he gave me.

Rather than being upset that I was taking too long, he protested that I was not giving him enough time to do the things he wanted to do before dinner.

What???

I responded with something along the lines of, "I thought you wanted to have dinner early so you could play with your friends afterwards. Now you're mad because I'm making it too soon? I can't win with you!"
He got sassy back, and I got more irritable.
Joshua stormed off in a huff and I stood in the kitchen. Baffled by my son, frustrated with his attitude, and wondering why he so frequently takes me to this place of angst.

And right about then, God brought back the words I had wanted to say at the park. I thought of how - as an outsider - I could see the woman's child wasn't really trying to upset her. Because I wasn't in the midst of her circumstance, because I wasn't frustrated with her child, I was able to view things from the child's vantage point. I was able to remember the child was, well, a child!
Looking in on her moment, I was filled with compassion and wanted to say, "Dear Mother, she's just being a toddler. Won't you extend her some grace?"

That's when I could almost hear the words in my own heart.

Karen, he's just being an adolescent. Won't you extend him some grace?

I had to pause and look heavenward, asking, "Are YOU talking to me???"

I Have a Dream

When I began blogging nearly four years ago, I had no idea I would meet so many precious friends online. I did not realize God could put a deep and sincere love in my heart for women I have never met face-to-face. Didn't know my heart would go out to others, that I would find myself praying earnestly for needs which are not my own, or that my life would be so richly blessed by a community of women I didn't even know existed.

But that is just what happened.

As time has gone by I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet a few fellow-bloggers in person, and that truly delighted my heart.
And put a dream in me.
I began thinking, Wouldn't it be amazing if a bunch of us could get together, in one place, in person - to encourage one another, to worship God together, to actually hold hands as we pray for each other?
And my mind raced with the possibilities. Though I reasoned it would likely never happen. I mean, really, how could something like that be pulled off?

Oh, me, of little faith!

Last week I was reading Leah's blog and she talked about an event coming up in September in North Carolina. She described an event at which women who have made connections on one side of the computer screen will gather on the other side of it to meet God together. And I just knew God was making my dream come true.
The group is called gIRL. (That would be girlfriends In Real Life!)
Their website is here.
The event details/registration are here.
I am registered, have purchased my plane ticket, and unless God says otherwise, I'm going to be there. September 24-26, 2010. (Just two days after my *first* 39th birthday!)

I hope you can come, too.
(But please note, space is limited. So don't dilly-dally! *grin*)

Even the Darkness Will Not Be Dark

Pharmacy Notes

Sometimes things happen in our lives and we wonder, God, was that You?
And other times He is so blatantly obvious we cannot deny His hand at work, and we simply have to give Him thanks and praise.

Such was the case at the pharmacy this week.

A little background...
I think I might go blind working at the pharmacy. Looking at all those little letters and numbers when I am locating and confirming prescriptions sometimes makes my eyes go nuts. And more than once I have looked (and looked again!) for a prescription and been unable to see it. Only to have a co-worker walk over and pull it off the shelf for me. Right where I had been looking.
I hate when that happens!

So, back to God being blatantly obvious.
Tuesday as I was going into work I was praying. I specifically asked God to help me see things clearly. I didn't want to have trouble finding prescriptions and need to ask my co-workers for help. I wanted help from God.
Well, rather than waiting on customers, my manager wanted me to work on some computer-based-training for a while. So I moved into the back office and got started on the computer. And before too long, God made Himself known to me.
I heard a customer asking if we had any surgical lube behind the counter. My co-worker thought the customer was asking for surgical tube and said she didn't think we carried it. But the customer was certain she had purchased surgical lube before - in a tube.
At this point I stepped out of the room I was in. (Don't ask me why. I had no idea if we had surgical lube. I had not seen it before. But I thought I could at least clarify that the customer was asking for surgical lubrication.)
So my co-worker and I walked over to the shelf where we keep all the special behind-the-counter products. I looked up at the top, right corner and saw it. A box full of tubes of surgical lubricant. I said, "There it is."
Then I remembered what I had prayed on my way into work, I got a HUGE smile on my face because I knew God had just done this for me, and I thanked Him for His faithfulness in every.little.thing.

Don't know what you're looking for today, but I know Who can help you!

So, it's me, the village, AND the Village?

OK.

I would like an answer.

Just one, please.

Because variety confuses me. Especially when the answers each make sense, but they don't seem to go together.
Does anyone know what I mean???

So, my question. Whose responsibility is it to raise my children?

One camp says it is the parent who has the primary responsibility to raise the child. And it doesn't take much explanation for that option to make sense. I had the child, and I should influence and raise said child.
OK.
I get that.

But then there's this other camp which says it takes an entire 'village' to properly raise a child. I just started reading a book which points to other cultures where, quite literally, the entire village participates in the raising of each child. The author sings the praises of such community involvement, and while at first I was hesitant to agree with him (because it seemed like a cop-out to the parents being responsible) after thinking about it for a while, I agreed with him, too.

And then there are those who argue - we can do whatever we will, but ultimately our children are God's responsibility.
And I cannot argue with Him!

But where does that leave me and my question?
I have one question, with three good answers.
How does that work???

I spent some time discussing the matter with my Voice of Reason (a.k.a. my husband) and he helped me come to the conclusion that those three answers are really all part of one answer. That, actually, they're all the answer.
*As the parent of my children, I am the one who has the primary responsibility to raise them.
*There are countless individuals (teachers, camp counselors, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, etc.) who are - and will be - a significant part of my children's lives. These people are going to take on responsibility to influence my children for good.
*God in His wisdom and perfect knowledge is going to orchestrate the events of my children's lives, and is going to use a variety of people (even me!) to shape them into the people He has created them to be. Ultimately, it is all up to Him.

And I?
Am satisfied with that answer. I am the Mom. But I am not in this alone. And the other day as I was praying about it, I started thinking of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit as the Ultimate Village with Whom I am raising my children. I like that!

How about you? Are you trying to do this parenting thing on your own? Or are you accepting help?

May I Brag?

OK. I know bragging isn't a godly thing to do. But if I am not bragging about myself, that's acceptable. Isn't it?
Because my daughter brought home some artwork from school last week, and I cannot help but boast about her talent. I only hope these pictures will do the real thing justice.

First, there's this picture. Elizabeth looked at a picture of herself and drew this one. Then shaded it in with little patterns.
Here's a closer view.

I think this one is amazing, too. Elizabeth admits to tracing the original picture. But then she filled it in with all these little dots. And I am so impressed.
Here's a close-up of this one.
And one more bragging point. Because I'm sure you'd love to see a real picture of this talented young lady.
Right?
*grin*
My little artist got all dolled up Friday night for the big Eighth Grade Dance, and I think she looked gorgeous. Do you agree?

So, that's my girl.
And I love her so much!

Under Construction: Please Note the Progress

So last week, one of the things which was keeping me so busy was the work I had to do at one of our rental houses. I had to prepare some walls for painting and repair cracks in one of the ceilings.

I hate repairing cracks.

Because after you take care of the big ones, the smaller ones - which weren't so obvious in the beginning - suddenly look enormous. And how can you leave them alone?
So I put tape over the smaller cracks and mudded them up.

But then the really small cracks looked bad.

So I...
Said, "Forget it. I'm done!" After three mornings of repair work I'd had enough. I decided this would just have to do. And I came home.

When I pulled into the driveway I paused for a minute, looked at the weeds by the garage, and decided I'd dig them up before I went inside. But as I did that, I saw more weeds around the corner. So I went after them.
Which led to the backyard.
Where there were more weeds.

I'm sure you know what I did.

When I was finished and made my way back to the garage, I noticed a few more weeds which I hadn't seen before. So I stopped and dug them up.
And all of a sudden little tiny sprouts were catching my eye and I thought, This will never end!
Thoroughly frustrated, I said, "Forget it. I'm done." And I came inside.

But once I got in, I realized God wasn't done. Because I couldn't let go of thoughts about my tendency to never be satisfied. And I began to ask Him, God, why can't I ever be happy with progress? Why do I constantly see the thing that still needs to be fixed? What is it that keeps me from enjoying the work which has been done?
I thought about my kids, and my propensity to notice the things they leave un-done.
I considered how miserable it must be to have me as a mom some days.
I wondered when I'll ever figure out how to get it right with this mothering thing.
And I was all ready to have a beat-myself-up-for-not-being-perfect session, when God stepped in and handed me grace.

He reminded me of this post Leslie wrote last week - encouraging me to stop and notice the fruit He is producing in my children. And I felt as though He were saying to me, Karen, this isn't time to beat yourself up. I don't like it when you do that. I know there are still cracks in you and in your children which need repairing. I know there are some weeds that still need pulling. But darling, I want you to stop looking at them. Look at Me, and let Me remind you of the progress we've made.

Ah, yes!
I know I am not yet the woman God intends me to be.

BUT...

I am also not the woman I used to be.

And for this, I give Him thanks and praise!

Do you struggle with noticing the progress, too?

Category of the Month - Video Devotions

OK. Being honest...Last week was just really busy and I didn't have time to record a devotion for today. Soooo, I decided to make June's category of the month Video Devotions, and I'm posting this one from January of 2009 for you. If you'd like to watch more videos, please click on the link in my sidebar. I pray God will speak to your heart through them!

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

Pharmacy Notes

So Tuesday afternoon I was walking into work, praying and asking God to make me sensitive to His Spirit - asking Him to help me honor Him in the pharmacy. I worked every night this week and, honestly, I didn't have the best attitude about it. I would rather have been home so I could eat dinner with my family. I would rather have been home so I could walk Matthew home from school. But I am trusting that God has a plan with this whole thing we're going through, and I knew I needed to be in communion with Him - that He might change my heart.

So I prayed.

And with one of my very first customers, God reminded me He's in this circumstance and I can trust Him with the results.
It wasn't anything this particular customer said to me. There was nothing extraordinary about our interaction.
God spoke through the change.
That is, the customer's items totaled $28.89 and he paid me with $40.
Do the math.
When I put his money in the drawer and looked up at the screen, this is what I saw:

Amount paid: $40.00
Amount owed: 28.89
Change due: $11.11

I got a huge smile on my face as I counted out eleven dollars and eleven cents to give to my customer. And as I handed it to him, it was almost as if I could hear God saying to me, Trust Me, Karen. I will make the necessary change in you.

Love, love, love it when He does stuff like that!

Food for Thought

Are you hungry?

Chew on this one for a while!

The point of prayer is not to get answers from God, but to have oneness with Him. If we pray only because we want answers, we will become irritated and angry with God.

~Oswald Chambers

Two More Days

That's all the time I have left.

Two more days to be "the lady who walks her son to school."

(That's how I am known to half the population in Okemos. Seems every time I meet someone at school for the first time they say, "Oh, aren't you the lady who walks her son to school? I see you walking every day..." One of my first customers at the pharmacy said, "Aren't you the lady I see walking her son to school?" Even the teller at my bank asked me, "Didn't I see you walking your son to school?" And I smile, "Yep. That's me.")

But that'll only be me for two more days.

Friday is the last day of school, and next year Matthew will be in a different school. And he'll be riding the bus.
I won't be walking with him.
And when he gets to school I won't be there to say, "Remember, Matthew: God created you. He loves you. And He has a purpose for your life."

And even though part of me is saddened by this thought, I know there is no use in dwelling on it.
My baby is growing up. Yes.
I will no longer have any children in elementary school. True.
If I look, I'll probably find several more grey hairs on my head. So what!

Just because we're all getting older, and just because my children's wings are growing a little bigger doesn't mean I have no purpose.
I may have only two more days to be "the lady who walks her son to school," but for the rest of our lives I will be the mom.
I will speak words of life to my children.
I will pray for them and point them to God in the midst of their struggles.
I will worry about them when I don't know where they are, then remember that God is in control.
And I'll pray some more.
I will trust in God for all I do not understand, and give thanks for His grace which carries me through every single day.

And maybe I'll still take a walk every morning up to the elementary school. Unless it's really cold. In that case, I'll drive. Er, no. In that case, I'll stay in bed. *grin*

Sometimes You Have to Restrain Yourself

Last Friday afternoon I watched my son run in the Chieftan Challenge. It's a one mile race which is held at the end of every school year – in which the kids from the two middle schools in Okemos compete against each other. Joshua has been looking forward to this race all year, and I was excited to watch him run. He'd been hyping himself up about it for weeks, talking about how much he hoped to break the 6-minute mark. And I had offered up several prayers for him through the day, asking God to help Joshua do his best.

I arrived at the race before the kids started gathering and just stood there waiting. Before too long I saw Elizabeth with several of her friends. She came right over to me and gave me a big hug. I said hello to her friends, then was quickly left to watch a purse, coat, and camera which belonged to one of her friends, so they could run off and talk to other girls. I really didn't mind. I remember being a teenage girl. Besides, I was still contemplating Elizabeth's warm greeting – in front of her friends. How sweet was that?

Then I saw the boys coming and I turned to look for Joshua. After just a minute I saw him, and my heart skipped a beat. Oh, if you could have seen the smile on his face. He was so excited! I saw him high-fiving his friends and even body-slamming with one of them. Everything in me wanted to walk right over there and hug high-five him, too. I wanted to whisper to Joshua that I was praying for him, wanted to wish him well and let him know dear ol' mom was there to cheer for him.
However, when I looked at my almost-teenage son, rousing it up with his almost-teenage friends, I knew he would be humiliated if I did any of that in front of his friends.
(Oh, sure, at bed time he wants me to rub his legs and back. But I better not talk to him in front of his friends!)
So I stayed where I was, keeping my eyes glued on him, hoping that for an instant he might look my way and be able to hear me thinking, Hey, Joshua. I've been praying for you. I know you'll do great. I'm here to cheer you on! But I couldn't get over how hard it was to control the urge I had inside to go over and give my boy a hug.
(At this point, I think it was helpful to have an extra coat, purse, and camera to hold. Gave my arms something to do. *grin*)

And for just a moment I contemplated the incredible difference between an adolescent boy and girl.

But soon it was race time and I got myself into position at the finish line so I could capture this picture, just after he crossed the finish line.


Joshua's finish time was 5:59.
He broke six minutes and he was soooooo happy.
And this momma was proud!

The Darkness Will NOT Hide Me

Pharmacy Notes

"Followers of Jesus don't have jobs. They have ministry assignments."

Marvin Williams
Senior Teaching Pastor
Trinity Church, Lansing, MI

The previous quote comes from the following video. This is the sermon I heard last Sunday, right before I went to my job. Er, my ministry assignment. God spoke to my heart regarding the time I spend in the pharmacy, and I invite you to stick around here a while and watch it.

Work in HD - Marvin Williams from TrinityWired Productions on Vimeo.

Thanks. I needed that!

This quote was on the end of an email I received recently. Blessed my heart, and I hope it does the same for yours!

May you always be overwhelmed by the grace of God, rather than by the cares of life.

I'm Feeling...BUT God

OK.
Honestly.
I'm sitting here with a desire to write. My longing is to share something which will encourage and uplift you. I want to come up with some profound spiritual insight which will be an 'Ah-ha!' moment for you.

But, ya know what?
I'm just not feeling it.

Instead, I'm feeling rather blah. I'm not particularly upset or disappointed about anything. Not really anxious or worried.
But not very inspirational, either.

I'm just feeling kind of...blah.

Have you been here?

However, as I sit here in the midst of my blah-ness, I am reminded of a very important Truth.

God is good. All the time.

God's goodness, His power, His faithfulness, His wisdom, His grace and mercy - everything about Him is perfect all the time.
And it encourages my heart to know that even though my feelings may change like the wind, God is always the same.
How thankful am I that I can count on Him to always love me, to always care for me, to always know what's best for me, and to always bring it about.

Today I'm feeling blah. BUT God is good. He is faithful. He is trustworthy.
And tomorrow, regardless of how I'm feeling? God will be the same.

So today I'm going to praise Him. I'm going to thank Him for loving me based upon His will to love me - not based upon my feelings or behaviors. And I'm going to trust that He will use even this blah feeling of mine, and the lesson He's teaching me through it, to shape me into the woman He wants me to be.

How are you feeling today?

I Want to Share this Ticket

I have enough frequent flier miles with American Airlines for a one-way ticket.
And I'm looking for a church or moms' group who can use it.

That is, I would like to donate it to someone who wants to host a Moms' Night Out event - to bring down the cost of my travel.

Please email me if you're interested or have questions.

Thanks!