We're Home

Every place you set your foot you will be on land I have given you.  Joshua 1:3

After  Twelve years and 7 moves all over Tulsa, Life Park Christian Fellowship held it's First Sunday Celebration in our new home at 5700 W. Union Ave.

Saturday it was exhilarating to be leaving the shopping center sanctuary for the last time. We all toted boxes and emptied out the remainder of our collective church "stuff" (Where did we get all this junk?), stashing it in the back portion of the building -- That area we hope to complete in the near future.

As we got to our new facility and discovered it was ready for services today it heightened our excitement.  Many had worked for days cleaning and shining the surfaces to make it ready for this special day. 

Terry and I were awake at the crack of dawn -- eager to welcome this wonderful event.

Those of you who have been with us on this journey remember some of the places we've been -- a converted hardware store, a downtown warehouse, 2 different schools, a beautiful church campus that was gifted to Life Park and the West Highlands Shopping Center -- twice.  We had to continually remember we weren't home yet -- We paralleled this journey we were on with the trek of God's people headed to their promised land with Moses.   At times we wondered if we were going to wander for 40 years like the Israelites.  But God kept moving us forward on HIS schedule. Terry used to say "we are following the cloud -- when it moves, we move.  When God opens doors, we go through them.  When he shuts them, we wait."

I like what Ron Butler White said in his communion message this morning-- "we're not finished"  the work has just begun -- we have a whole world to reach!

I want to give a special tribute to Pastor Cecil Henninger, who all the while he was living on the property to oversee the construction and ensure safety, was continuing to do ministry to people in the neighborhood and the workers at the site.  Cecil -- we couldn't have made it to this point without you!!!   Nobody knows what all you have endured in this undertaking.

Cecil's right-hand praise man! (Grandson, Jaylon)

In Bible class Thomas recently shared his concept of the church as a place where people would be baptized.

    

What a day for praise!!!

So many have sacrificed, working so very hard, giving of their time, gifts, talents and energy to get us to this place.  Thank you Dana for the administrative gifts you give to this ministry.



AND NOW, FOR THE TOUR:

A work of love -a special- thank you to Tim, Brenda & Mat who made the beautiful pastors office possible

Nursery

Joel's staining makes all these floors look awesome!

Looking out at our 200 yr. old "Life" Tree

Toddler's classroom

Coffee Bar

Foyer

God is sooooo very good and we are  richly blessed.  Thank you, Father, for bringing us to our new Church home. . . we realize we have another HOME much more splendid that this -- but for the time being --- this one is perfect!!!!

Happy Birthday to My Man

Terry is the one who always says we have to have a week (or month) celebration for my birthday -- but his year -- his actually did span a week.  Marshall and Katie came to town hoping to be here for the Church's First Sunday, but inspections put that off for a few days.  .  . last Sunday they helped him blow out his candles and enjoy his German Chocolate B.Day cake.


Yesterday on his 63rd birthday, we were given the Letter of Occupancy stating that we were now able to move into our new Church home.  As we were enjoying a dinner at Red Lobster ,  I reminded him that God could have done it either on Wednesday or today-- but He made it happen on his birthday.
A dream that Terry had hoped for over a long period of time.  How like God to be in the infinite details to pour out his love and affirmation.

Later that evening his birthday was made complete as we circled with our youth group behind the Church building for a night of praise and saw the most beautiful angelic praise dance in the light of a full moon.

Hanging with the Washingtons

We've been together three months and had such fun hanging around the table telling stories and getting to know each other.  We've shared our stories, shared our dreams and shared our hearts.  Terry and I believe that God sent this special family into our lives at just this special time.

Today we all did outside chores - closing up the pool, getting the yard ready for winter and James moved the chiminea up closer to the house so we could enjoy it's warmth on these cool fall evenings.  I decided it would be fun if we began our last week together with a hot dog / smores roast.

I looked back through my most recent blogs and they were all about Campbell Hope.  Only because we have gotten to see her LOTS this Fall!!!  So with a few days off for Fall Break -- guess where we headed!!!

This weekend we got to keep C  overnight while Mommy and Daddy went with their friends to the OSU game.She had changed so much in just a few short days -- she repeats EVERYTHING you say -- and understands it ALL!   Holding her sleeping in my arms at Church this morning -- looking at that those cherub cheeks --- she looked just like her mommy 31 years ago.

While Momma was busy packing, I just boxed myself up for the trip to Tulsa

Campbell figured out this ice chest could get her up to all sorts of places -- I found her standing on it right in front of the stovetop --

Forget my baby doll -- I want to ride in this stroller.

Teaching Papa about Daddy's ipad.

Campbell now helps in the kitchen

She thought the banana muffins needed some help.

We wore her out this weekend and she slept through most of Pappa's sermon

Little Miss Independent!!!

OK, Mom - I got this covered . . . .

I can brush them myself --

These Boots Are Made for Walkin. . .

OK -- so it never rains in T- Town -- it does in KC!!! Papa and Nana decided this little lady needed some rainboots --

My quiet time these past few days has kinda been on the run . . . . it has a lot to do with getting to be Nana on the spot 24-7.  .  
 I had a special "God-moment" this morning when I was hovering over C as she was climbing on borders and over rocks in the yard... As she was teetering over a leaf-shaped rock --I thought "gotta keep her from cracking  her head open". . . the verse "to Him who is able to keep you from falling" popped in my head.

I thought that's just what God does with us, standing close to keep us from cracking OUR heads open.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— Jude 1:24 (This verse became precious as my Mom's health worsened and she struggled to walk)

A Whole Lotta Love Under This Roof

Our granddaughter and daughter are sleeping upstairs -- my downstairs bedrooms are full with special friends who are with us for a while. It's been an awesome week -- a God-special kind of one -- There's been so much laughter -- so much love -- making so many memories. .  . I fell asleep the other night thinking -- There's a whole lotta love under this roof!


Lots of special times . . . and Campbell was at the heart of them all.

Listening to Papa preach on Sunday

Why not forget the child-proof gate and come up the side bannister?

Campbell's a busy gal right now -- her world is full of wonders to be explored!

We all follow her through the house -- close behind her up the stairs -- steadying her down them-- pulling her down from the couch and kiddie table top so she won't fall -- - steadying her so she doesn't bust her head standing on top of the kiddie chair . . .

hmmmm "wonder what this car seat is doing in this box

Perfect fit -- I'll just sit a spell

 

And of course -- there are lots of wagon rides!!! Campbell proudly stands in the wagon like she's in a parade..


She's really taken to the Washingtons and even though she was exhausted yesterday --she still thrilled at Jeremy blowing bubbles for her-- and was fascinated with Niia's building block project --

It was special last night at supper, listening to Jeremy's special prayer thanking God for Campbell and our big family and having him come in from football practice looking for those chocolate chip cookies Bethany made earlier.

"See my favorite duckie, Niia -- It's from my great-Uncle Ward"

We love hearing Niia's giggles as she relates parts of her newest find from the library, 101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents
















It's a treasure to watch Bethany carefully meet all her baby's needs -- being patient -- calming fears-- soothing feelings -- keeping her secure.
.

Papa thrills with every new antic --  making up games and stories just like he used to for our kids -- turning our upstairs bedroom into a zoo.


We're looking forward to Campbell's first meeting with her great Uncle Allen and Aunt Sandy on Sunday night.


Yep--to these empty nesters, this house feels like home again -- full to the brim!!!

Look Who's Coming to Nana and Papa's . . .

At the mechanic . . . getting the car ready to come see my Nana and Papa's

On the Move!!!

We've been in the midst of something HUGE these past weeks -- getting prepared to move into our new Church Home.  We have the usual day-to-day commitments -- but on the horizon is our upcoming transition into the new building.  So many have stepped up to do SO VERY MUCH -- a small group have single-handedly packed up our Children's Center and put it in storage, one man and his son, professional painters, are painting the entire complex -- another stands waiting to tile and stain the floors.  Pastor Cecil has lived on the property for months overseeing the construction -- Another man has stepped up to stay there for a time.   We are seeing God unfold a dream.  During these past 5 years, in some of our studies, we've gone to the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy and watched the ways in which God guided, kept and nurtured the Israelites in their time of waiting. I was drawn to this portion of scripture today,

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors. ² Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. ³ He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. ⁴ Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. ⁵ Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

 ⁶ Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. ⁷ For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; ⁸ a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; ⁹ a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

 ¹⁰ When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.   Deut. 8


GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!

This is My All-Time Favorite!!!

Moving on UP

Pressing on to reach the mark of the high calling . . . the Apostle Paul said -- well our little lady had a busy Friday as she discovered she could reach new heights   Bethany heard her in her room talking  to herself and thought she was "reading books" -- but discovered she was "crowing" about her new accomplishment.  

They've decided to celebrate her success and to keep a cautious look-out. 

Campbell has discovered she can also climb in the tub . . . .aren't we glad that our little ones have Angels  who are always talking to God in their behalf?  I'm thinking her's are gonna be doing lots of talking!

Toddler Time in KC

This week I start back to school -- my classroom is still in shambles -- I want to be able get in my room tomorrow or Wednesday -- and am HOPEFUL that the AC is working and that all the dust and grime will be cleaned up before I try to unpack all the boxes and find my furniture.

Where did the summer go???  

The older wedding guests loved having a cardiologist as the second shooter

Right before school opens, Terry and I always try to work in a few days away.  This year it was a workcation  for Terry (to use Bethany's phrase).  We got to spend four days with our kids.  Spoiling Campbell  and giving her folks a bit of a break were the two main objectives of our getaway. 


We found out that to keep her alive and well while her mommy and daddy were away Saturday "shooting" Bethany's first gig as Wedding Photographer,  it helped a great deal to think like a 14-month old.  

After we got into her head -- things went pretty easy.

Campbell's view of things:


1.  If somebody in the room is eating -- they automatically want to share it with me.


2.  Raising my right arm and pointing in the general direction of something I want starts a guessing game of them trying to figure out what I need and usually gets me more than I even wanted.


3.  They finally figured it out --swinging my arm from left to right or batting something away means I don't want it!


4.  Approaching these two with my arms up and tapping their legs gets me extra cuddling and lets me see what's going on up high.


5.  Screaming loudly from my crib and reaching between the bars like a teary gal in jail for a nap when I toss out "Mr. Duckie" gets a quick response because they hate to see me cry.


6.  Wagon rides are something grandparents like to give you if you're having a rough day -- just sit in back and act like you are the "Queen Bee" and they'll take you further.

7. Nana and Papa will read "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" ten times or more since they never get to read that book in Tulsa.


8.  Talking to myself with all my jabbers and jibbers keeps them making those funny faces.

9.  If you say the word "Go" -- I automatically get energized, despite how tired I am.

10.  Just like my Nana and Great- Nonni  -- I love to people watch, especially kids -- just put me in a crowd and I'm a happy girl!






Now to get into the heads of my High School Juniors and Seniors ~ 

When the pump is dry --it's time to prime it.

It's been a summer of renewal. I was not only worn out at the end of the school year -- I was dry . . . I had trouble putting six words together to finish a sentence or complete a thought.


I've always heard, "a change is as good as a rest"  Well, this summer I tried both.


I've cleaned closets and our house more thoroughly than I usually do, read three books and picked up a Beth Moore study I'd started two summers ago -- time drinking from the true Water  always helps to end my personal drought.


T & I have talked about how many relationships God has reconnected us to these past four months.  What a blessing -- enjoying  family, old friends from ministry and getting to spend more time with our kids.


As some of my posts have indicated,.I have walked down memory lane pretty far this summer as I sorted everything from the past 60 years in the attic and closets--   Enough of the past -- I'm ready for the new future God is opening up for us as our Church family moves into our new home in a couple of months.


I have had some impressions I heard in my mind so strongly this summer --I believe they were God-given --  
                              they're right from His Word:

He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion

and

Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

One of my special Super Kids, Luke McGlothlin, recommended "Heaven Is For Real" by Todd Burpo to me this Spring-- telling me his favorite parts of the book. With extra time this past week, I finally decided to "Kindle" it to my iphone.  It was an impressionable read.

My favorite lines from the book: 
 
his continued stressing to his parents:

  JESUS LOVES THE CHILDREN SO MUCH

and  

Jesus says if you come to Heaven you get a new body!!!  WHEW!!!

and

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL!

Something I've prayed is -- Lord help me live my life in such a real way that people are hungry for you!