All I Wanted for Christmas

This was taken Christmas morning, the tree was lit, the house was quiet and so was I for the first time since we arrived -- no cooking to do -- hadn't started grading the 50+ semester essays I brought with me - -just time to sit and reflect.

This year I said all I want for Christmas was to be with my family in Denver. When the budget got pretty tight -- my man said -- Denver is still a "go". Our holidays began with great start when Bethany came in Friday the 18th of Dec. for the weekend. Something about her always brings light to the moment.

We took off Tuesday morning the 22nd, at a relaxed slow pace -- weather caused the 10-hour trip to become a 13-hour drive through snow (Terry was elated!) -- so slept in Wed. morning -- (Marshall had to be at work at some horrible hour -- 4:30) -- went to Wal-Mart to stock his cabinets for the holiday "feed-out"-- how does one guy make it on dry noodles, a can of cream of celery soup --and only 2 eggs and jars of half-eaten pasta and picante sauce? I didn't see much of anything to cook WITH, either except three small sauce pans-- so stocked up on aluminum pans and lots of paper goods.


Marshall had planned all along to host Christmas Eve for the Bell / Good Clan --
When I'd ask him what he wanted to serve -- all I could get out of him was: sausage balls, green bean bundles and pies.

He did, however, have all the decorating covered -- I was impressed -- the tree was decorated nicely --he'd bought stockings for each of us and a strand of lights was up his little patio. Every time we talked on the phone he'd mention the holidays.


The snow continued Tuesday night and all day Wednesday with Terry loving every minute of it -- remembering all his days growing up in Colorado Springs and Denver. Manuvering our little PSSAT through the snow, I wishing for something a little sturdier with a four-wheel drive and that he'd toss that crazy GPS tracking application he'd just downloaded to his phone in order to help us navigate.

(another memory of this holiday will be Bethany and I wandering through the Wal-mart parking lot with him using the "find my car" feature that came with his new download. Both of us were fuming and frustrated that he purposefully did not note where he'd left the car. The application was way off and had us 450 feet from our car when we could see it.) -- it'll go down in our family stories and I'm sure be embelished somewhat.




Marshall's Christmas Eve party came off very well -- he got home from working the trauma unit at Denver General in good time to enjoy it, opened his fridge and said --it's so good to have food in here -- makes this place less depressing.




Jim and Jan brought the most delicious stone crab and we all pounded away to get to those delicious tidbits. Jim's sauce was out of sight!!






We had a great day with our kids at Mat's parents with lots of time for loving, laughing and trying to top each other's stories. Marshall was able to get off by 11:00 Christmas morning and we had a tree, stockings and lots of scrumptious food
Jim and Jan had so carefully planned and prepared.

Bethany and Terry prepared their traditional Chocolate Pecan Fudge Pie mid-afternoon. 'Not sure which of them enjoys this tradition the most!



Sitting around the dining table Christmas night sharing spiritual insights of Jesus life was a moment I believe we will all cherish.

Bethany and Mat had to leave for KC on Sunday before noon - Marshall had a long 30 hour shift so we didn't get to see him between Friday night and Sunday noon. Of course, holiday shifts at the hospital are short staffed and he was on his feet with five pagers buzzing the whole time. (I think he thrives on the excitement.)




Marshall's laundry caught up, it was time to tackle the remodel he was doing upstairs in his condo. He kept saying, "Mom, if you're bored you can sand on the wall" (partially teasing -- but needing the help) Hand sanding is one of those things I put on par with a root canal... necessary but AWFUL -- so I chose to grade those 50+ semester exam essays, instead. Tuesday the 29th was the first of Marshall's holiday so we ran errands, went out to eat Mexican food, made numerous trips to Lowe's and finished sanding, texturing and painting two walls so he could move back upstairs. (All this to remove wall to wall mirrors in his bedroom) We hung the blinds about 9 pm that night -- called the project complete and dropped into bed exhausted -- with him very excited to now be able to move back upstairs.

Wednesday morning bright and early we headed for home . . . It's the longest we've been away from home in some time and I found myself not wanting to totally unpack that night because it would mean the end to a great family time together. I just wanted to live in the glow of it all. . . Yes, I got what I asked for . . . time with my family all together!
Thank you, Lord.

Something Better

In my preschool curriculum, each lesson is preceded by a teacher's devotional segment. I have found these to be pertinent and oftentimes quite appropriate for what I was working through at the time.

The teacher notes for "Walls of Jericho" did just that for me:

"The trumpets sounding in front of God's Ark proclaimed that God's presence was there! As the Ark moved, His glory literally, visibly, moved around those impregnable walls. And that final shout? It was a shout of faith -- it celebrated what had not even happened yet. And it came from the whole nation as one voice, in complete unity. What situation in your life seems as impenetrable as the walls of Jericho? God gives us a plan worth considering. When we are obedient, we bring His presence into the situation. Every time we "walk around it," every time we talk or think about it, we can announce by our attitude of confidence in Him that God is at work there. In faith, we can celebrate what we don't yet see happening. Our hearts are prepared to recognize His amazing power and rejoice in seeing how HE changes the situation."

Our church family will celebrate a 10-year anniversary next month and has been struggling with a-long awaited ministry breakthrough for some time . . . a dream we've begun to wonder if we would ever see come to reality. It's been a trying year with lots of reversals in our plans to build a church building on a cherished piece of property. We have looked to it as our promised land.

I love the 11th chapter of Hebrews because it's faith stories of pepole who had to wait . . .

Of Moses, it reads -- he persevered because he saw HIM who is invisible.

The people mentioned in this great Hall of Faith chapter were cited for something that they did by faith in obedience.

I don't always understand God's timetable and I'm not always the most patient person when I have to wait -- but I do understand what helps the wait -- careful obedience and a clear view of HIM.

THe Sovereignty of God is made evident in a verse from this selection that makes me pause: All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.
Elsewhere in that chapter, it says,These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

When I see that even way back then, we're mentioned --God planned something better for us --
JESUS -- OUR sins covered by HIS blood --
abundant FREEDOM now --


It puts a new perspective of whatever answer to prayer we're waiting on at the moment --

It's two days until the day we celebrate HIS birth -- let's celebrate THE Gift we've been given. The GIFT that people long ago lived in faith anticipating and believed in so strongly that they would give their lives for --- believing HIM who is faithful.

Whatever breakthrough or answer we're waiting on -- I am convinced once again to wait in faith believing that HE will do what is best for all of us so that HIS purposes can be accomplished.

Tie-Dye Angels at the Manger

Well the kids did WOW us all -- I saw the light of Jesus in so many places . . . and I think He grinned, maybe just outright belly laughed!

Images still in my mind:





Seven 7 little tie-dyed preschool angels with white organza wings sitting quietly on a bench waiting for their time to go on -- knowing they would get their "light of the world" flashlights when it was all over if they did their best. . . Cheezits crackers helped make the wait bearable. . .thank you, Jenny, for your patient teaching -- how do you do it?





>one "tired-of-it all" two year old -- having a meltdown in the back of the sanctuary tossing his wiseman figurine and wailing -- "I don't want to be an angel!"

>two precious little girls being a part of it for the first time-- with no tears!!!




>hearing four-year old Roman - say "I am the Good Shepherd -- the Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep." His great big banner almost eclipsed his precious little face!
































>watching all my primary kids say their scripture lines perfectly beforehand!














We had big kids too, (high schoolers) presenting the names -- kids whom I remember taking part in Christmas plays many years ago when they were this age. (two of whom were tiny angels that got into a struggle on stage --now grown up and beautiful!)



"RAD" CHAD REPORTING LIVE FROM LPCF BETHLEHEM


One of the sweetest parts was having our own angel daughter there to take these pictures and enjoy the children with us.




It's the same birth story every advent -- but each year seeing new little faces light up with the telling of HIS story truly carries the message "the LIGHT has come!"

'Tis the Season

It's 11 pm and the week is almost over -- at 4;30 the Christmas Season started for me!!!
To top it off our pregnant daughter is asleep upstairs in the guest room! I get to be momma again for a few hours! Her coming in got our holidays off to a grand start!

Bethany made some cookies and we three all crashed together in the den after dinner out (Mexican -- she was in the mood -- said Baby Good loves Mexican!) B & her dad worked on a project on the computer -

I'm sure we'll work in time out for coffee -- have to shop at least a little --

-- and we'll pick this up with the rest of them when we all descend on Marshall and Mat's parents, Jim & Jan Good, in Denver middle of the week -- thank you Lord for Christmas with our kids -- all of us together under one roof!

I'm READY for the holidays -- it's been a BUSY week --





My Marriage and Family living classes' mock weddings came off well, thanks to Terry's coming to officiate and teach the important parts of the ceremony.









--by 4:00 I had the bridal gowns taken back to the shop in Collinsville (THANK YOU SHERRY CAMPBELL of ALL DOLLED UP -- you're a doll!)



--BTW the students made unbelievable wedding cakes!



--my finals in three classes are graded and their semester grades already in the computer

-- my classroom is cleaned and ready for the big move when Marinelle and I switch rooms on the first day back after Christmas vacation
-- the banners for Sunday are almost done--

--there's practice for the Christmas presentation in the morning
--a few more shirts to tie-dye for the preschoolers
---a powerpoint presentation of the kids activities all year to complete --
---the banners to fully finish --




--I'm praying the children will WOW!!! the whole church with their sincerity and insight -- and that people will see Jesus from the eyes of a child.

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Tie-Dye Angels????

Sometimes I wonder where do I get some of these crazy ideas??? I talked through my set-up and prep steps with my accomplished tie-dyer and elem. teacher, Bethany. All morning long her warnings kept ringing in my ears -- "Mom you need at least three people to help you paint those t-shirts with your kids." Marshall's words from several years ago, when he would come home from college to help me with children's ministry, also rang loud and clear - "You can sure come up with the messiest projects for these kids."
I mentioned that to Fran, my co-teacher and she certainly didn't disagree. She worked frantically trying to keep up with all the demands and wipe up dye sprayed all over their work trays and tables.

We had 10 kids all clamoring for more rubber bands or whining because they didn't want to put them all on -- A few of my quiet regulars waited patiently for Ms. Jan to cut holes in plastic bags to make them smocks to protect their clothes (I should've gotten that all done last night) -- Others knew exactly what they wanted to make and got to work -- using up lots of dye from those who were waiting on me. Thanks Luke and Mason for being so patient! (Should've bought more bottles of dye.)

We didn't get any songs practiced -- my head was hurting so badly -- that every song I pitched too high or simply in my pain fog forgot the words. . . but they all left excited -- one wondering if he got a flashlight like everyone else to sing "Light of the World" - the rest anxious to try on their red and green ball caps to wear with their shirts --


Tie-dye angels???? I think it brings more light into Christmas. This year at our house, I turn on all our Christmas lights every day to brighten up the dull drab den --reminding me that HIS coming brings light into the darkness. (The outside of our house sort of resembles a used car lot with all our white lights.)

I think in their brightly colored shirts and ball caps -- some with angel wings and all with a song in their hearts they are going to bring light to every person, reminding them that "Their LIGHT has come".

DOES ANYBODY REALLY LISTEN?

So often Bethany and I spend drive time at the end of our teaching day on our cell phones discussing our latest theories about why kids in classrooms all over the country act as they do.

The other day we coined a new phrase about the level of inattention students today are demonstrating and tried to determine the cause -- Our theories ranged from -- too much computer time -- always looking at some sort of screen -- to media over-stimulation -- or maybe it's not enough adult conversation with the child in his (her) early years.

It is puzzling to both of us that you can give oral instructions to any class (k-12th grade) two or three times and they invariably will still ask you a question that you just answered!!! It's as if they were deliberately tuning you out. Kind of like those cartoons where the parent starts to talk and their speech just becomes a honking sound to the children who have turned deaf ears.

How to tell when your students are not listening:
> a glazed over look in their eyes
> the clueless expression after you finish talking
> the conversation that is going on around them is louder than your instructions
> they are fidgiting with something in their lap or jacket pocket -- sure sign they are text-messaging
> you can hear music coming from their head (you can't see the earplugs -- but you know they have to be tuned in to their i-pods or else their cranium is sending out radio frequencies)
Maybe I need to create long-distance learning lessons -- put myself on a screen and tune them into monitors -- and teach from a distance.

TECHED OUT

It has been a week of sitting in front of my computer every spare minute I could -- trying to make it work. I found out late Sunday night from an HP tech in India who ran a test on my machine-- that the hard drive on my 4-month old laptop had crashed. He explained that they would overnight me a new one and that probably I had lost EVERYTHING I had on my computer. Luckily, I was able to save some pictures and documents to a flash drive.

By Tuesday night I was loading my new hard drive into the underside of my computer -- At this point I was way beyond my computer skills, and still had no way to log on and boot up- - - This required another phone call to India and several minutes later -- was told I needed to install an operations disk and then another long call and a few e-mails later found out that I needed a driver download to correct another problem. By Thursday night I still didn't have e-mail -- so spent another hour on the phone to India and 20 minutes to COX communications to find out I needed to correct my sign-on and password.

At this point I was ready to throw my computer, cell phone, i-pod and all the other technology we own as far I as I could see them fly. It has taken all week to get my computer up and running. All of this because, I needed my computer to access some pictures of my Sunday school kiddos to create a Christmas special powerpoint of them. (another use of technology)

We are becoming way too techno-dependent. Maybe we are even "TECHNO-CO-DEPENDENT". Techno glitches can disrupt air traffic nationwide, ruin performances at a concert, halt church services and even our wreck havoc with our state of mind. What is it about all those wires and motherboards and bytes that has become so powerful???

Terry went to a Computer in-service yesterday forecasting what is on the techno horizon -- wikis, vodcasts, de.L.i.cious widgits and whoknowswhatelse???? He said blogs and twitters are past their prime!!! I still struggle with the DVD player -- don't have TIVO -- or blueray -- can't twitter and not sure I want to.

People no longer e-mail or instant message because we facebook, txt.msg (with pictures, even) and twitter.

All of life is becoming a constant newsfeed!

When did real life face-to-face conversation go out of vogue?

Hmmmmmm -- Look at me -- I'm blogging!!!!

What's it Really All About?

The house is nearly decorated- the weatherman said Saturday would be our best weather for the week --so I worked at feverish pitch all day putting the garlands up to the windows -- and setting up the 20 yr. old tree with lights. . .ornaments will find a branch over the next two weeks.

As I fell into bed Sat. night-- I asked myself why was I doing all this, anyway, since none of us were going to be home for the holidays and I didn't have any big parties on the calendar. . . wasn't it a waste of time? Terry did wander through all the holiday clutter in the living/dining room Sat. evening -- looked around and said, "I know it's up to you to do it all -- but I'm sure glad you do."


I guess it's about TRADITION! (yes, Tevia - like the song) -- Every year for as long as I can remember we have decorated the house Thanksgiving weekend. Years ago we always held a huge holiday open house for the church. I'd cook and bake for days and 150 people would come. . . and they added to our Christmas decor. Now that I teach fulltime -- we're lucky to have a couple of batches of candy made after school turns out for the semester.


Each piece I put up holds a certain significance - each a reminder of treasured relationships and special people -- special times in our lives. I get this warm glow inside as I unpack my Christmas treasures.

So, it's the same every year --

We use the holiday mugs the Altman's and Dot gave us.

I place the crocheted tree that Clyde's wife made for us with the Christmas village my Mom made several years ago.

I hang the dog ornaments Dot gave us so many Christmases in a row. . . she was a true holiday fanatic! There's ornaments from different friends and church family through the years as well.

There's all the decorations our kids helped me make years ago when their chubby little hands did such creative work-- the fabric wreath that Bethany stuffed -- the ornaments they made in school -- their hand-painted wooded houses -- and the ornaments I have collected for them through the years. The ornaments with scenes my mother painted, even a few from my grandmother's tree.


I set up the nativity creches from Bethlahem, Geeta and the Callahans,

Place my snowmen from Geeta all over the house and add the clip-on candles from Austria, the ornaments from Mexico and India.

I have to hang the Christmas quilt I made in '93 . . it took me so long to make

and put the reindeer out front my brother made with his bandsaw in the late 70's.

I don't have to buy any decorations for Christmas -- my attic is full.


I have a collection of Santa's that I love -- one looks just like the Father Christmas that we saw when we were ice skating in Vienna in the winter of '88.
He was a skinny old man in a tattered red bathrobe, looking worn and weary with a bundle of sticks -- just like the ones you read about in the old Christmas tales.

I have heard people upset about Santa robbing the true meaning of Christmas-- the thought came, isn't Santa really people's search for a Beneficent God? Isn't he like a God-substitute that someone created years ago?

That's where the whole point of the Christmas story gets lost -- We have the real thing!


This year as I explain the story to my Sunday school primaries in anticipation of their upcoming Christmas presentation -- I want them to see that the gift God gave to us in the manger has become the answer to all our needs each and every day. . . He is the Way when we feel lost, He is our Provider when we are in need, He's the Lamb of God who WAS the sacrifice for us . . .He's the WORD when we're clueless . . He's the Everlasting Father when our's are absent or gone. . .the Prince of Peace when we are upset and hassled. He is LORD over life . . . He truly is our King of Kings!!! HE IS THE GIFT!!!!

Blessed

It was a wonderful and blessed Good / Bell Thanksgiving! We have been building holiday memories in KC with them for some time now and had to keep all our previous traditions. . . Bethany and I always pre-prep in the kitchen on Wednesday together and cook together all day Thursday. (A new traditon we definitely want to keep: brining the bird with Williams Sonoma brine & herbs.) We spent our time tasing each other's culinary surprises and her trying out recipes from her new Pioneer Woman cookbook (Yeah Pawhuska's Ree Drummond for your pumpkin cheesecake!)

We couldn't all be together --
It was only the second year we weren't with Marshall for the holiday (in 2003 he was in Canada at the University of Northern British Columbia.) I did find out from Terry on Wed. night that Marshall had been planning to drive to KC and surprise Bethany and me. His wreck on Monday morning - sliding into a tree with his pick-up-- changed the course of his plans and he was left without a safe vehicle to make the trip and looking for a place to spend his four-day weekend.

Of course, B & I talked nonstop to catch up and our conversation always seemed to end up with our little #10 (as Mat's Dad loves to call him)! We tossed around possible baby names. Every now and then we had to stop and catch Terry or Mat up with our gabbing.




No trip to KC is complete without a trip to their little grocery market the "Hen House" -- Here's a pic of us two chicks on our way to the Hen House! Seemed we always were out of something. Bethany was craving more of my pineapple cheese ball and so for the little mamma I had to buy more stuff to make a second batch. We rushed in 10 minutes before closing time at Thursday noon.




Mat had to work Thanksgiving Day -- so we cooked even more -- way too much for the five of us. Mat invited a co-worker, a Cardio Fellow from Lebanon, for dinner and we enjoyed getting to know Bossum and learn that his wife will join him in KC in late January. In some sense, it made Marshall seem a little closer --










Serious talk time. . .




"Black Friday" meant B & I had to hit the shops just to see if there were any deals we couldn't pass up. With careful spending and good sales I'm happy to report, I'm 3/4 done with holiday shopping!



Time with our children relaxes and re-energizes Terry and me . . .here's a pic of our tired little mamma Friday at noon -- post holiday -- post shopping -- ready for a nap!!
We hit the road for Tulsa and Bethany went to bed!

Thankful

It's the holiday when our hearts and minds remember what we're most thankful for.
If we live everyday being thankful -- wouldn't we have a whole lot less depression?

I heard a woman say one time she had a journal that was her gratitutde book that she wrote in every day to remind herself of all her blessings. Very quickly mine turns to prayer requests, "bless ___________, help them get over, get through or get well."

I DO have so very much to be thankful for.

Of course, I'm thankful for my four favorite people:

>My husband of 37 years who always sees the best in me, gives me the benefit of the doubt and puts my needs above his own. These cherished years have seen us through so many changes in our lives and we've come to know each other so well that we can finish each other's sentences.

> Our two children who give me such joy as I watch their lives unfold and thankful for the upcoming holidays with them.

>My son-in-law -- (or son-in-love with my daughter). He is the answer to our prayers for Bethany's mate in every way. He's a kind, caring conscientious man who goes out of his way to make certain that others are well taken care of.

SOOOOOO thankful I'll be a grandma in the early summer!

>For the legacy of faith my parents lived out in front of me every day and for my brothers. I so enjoy the times I get to be with them and their families. What a proud aunt I am to Chelle & Michael, Angie, Tyler & Emily and Casey and Layne!

>Thankful for some very deep and lasting friendships -- you know who you are -- and as I get older -- friendships become even more dear -- and I purpose to work harder to nuture them. Thankful for new friends I have made this past year.

>Thankful for our Church family and the ministry God is allowing us to continue in.

>Thankful for my students and the wonderful school where I teach.

>Thankful for the little ones in my Sunday school class who give me an "up close and personal" view of God.

>Thankful for my good health and energy.

>Thankful for my husband's ongoing healing from his rheumatoid.

Thankful for my freedom!!

Paul says in the scriptures "In everything give thanks" -- so here goes:

>I'm thankful for the stresses and challenges of the past year. I can always look back and see lessons God taught me during those times.

>Thankful for times I have had to wait for answered prayer -- it opened my eyes to all the ways God was working and made me doubly appreciate all HE is doing in each situation.

>Thankful for the students who push my buttons. . .it really does build patience in me even when I want to scream! Thankful for kids who make me laugh and praying for those whose lives are falling apart right now.

>Thankful for lesson planning and teaching that helps to keep my mind moving -- not always in the same direction at once, though! (I can't bring myself to say papers to grade!)

GOD IS SO GOOD TO ME! He continues to shower me with everything I need for the situation at hand that day. Thank you Father!

Matters of the Heart –

Today I got a voice message from Bethany of our FIRST grandbaby’s premiere recorded heartbeat at 11 weeks prenatal. We’d all been waiting for that heartbeat to reassure the GOOD – BELL clan that everything was just fine. Somewhere in all my treasures, I have a tape of her first heartbeat recorded in my obstetrician's office back in 1979. June 5th (give or take a few days)– we’re anxious to meet our #10 as Mat and Bethany like to refer to him (her).


Marshall called Sunday to say that he was going to be on private jet with a team of doctors to retrieve a donor heart for one of the patients on his floor. He called later, and, of course, I had several questions -- one of which was about the family who had to give consent at a painful time in their lives– so that another person would have a greater quality of life. Marshall talked about the rushed flight there and back -- and in a matter of a very short time --not more than five hours – the disconnected heart started beating again in someone else’s chest. I’d loved to have heard the cheers that went up in that operating room with that first heartbeat.




So much of life is measured by the heartbeat – We monitor the heartbeat on a screen- -- do ultra sounds and doppler readings --check pulse rates at the wrist when we exercise. We even make old wive's predictions of a baby's sex by the rate of the heart beat (our baby's was 176). We read health and life by the heartbeat.


I've been thinking about all that has transpired this past week regarding the heart: the confirmation of new life in Bethany with the sounds of our baby's heartbeat-- the impact of one heart given so that someone else's quality of life could be restored– and one of those “light bulb” moments occurred for me –– that’s what our redemption is –SOMEONE gave consent – so that we could have quality of life – abundant life -- Eternal life— living forever with our Savior's heart now beating in us.

Who's Coming to Dinner at Your House?

The other day I connected with one of those Facebook links for a Biblegateway.com questionnaire--"What Old Testament character would you like to ask to dinner?"
I was amused by some, intrigued by others. It did make me pause and ask the question of myself, since I teach Sunday school to primaries and spend most of my time retelling the Bible stories.

I grew up with Kathryn Voss's Bible story book, and every night my Dad would stand between our two rooms and read us a story about these heroes of old. As a child, they became so familiar it was as if they were members of our church.

A couple of years back, I felt a strong impression from the Lord -- that all we needed for life was there in the stories of those real-life people. They had the same joys, same trials, same longings that we do today -- They made the same mistakes and reaped the same consequences -- just in different costume.

I couldn't invite only one person to dinner -- and since I'd be the person inviting --I'd have a sit-down dinner with several of my Old and New Testament favorites.

I'd ask Sarah because I want to know how she kept up with a toddler at 90 years of age -- of course, she must have had a lot of nannies.

I'd invite Hagar to come, too-- maybe not sit her too close to Sarah. It seems as if she was the pawn in everybody else's game and then was banned in an effort to solve their problems. Life for her really wasn't fair. Once I wrote her into a skit for a ladies' class and ever since --her words "I have now seen the God who sees me" -- have impacted me.

Moses of course-- he's been a favorite of mine for years.


I'd want Hannah -- I identified with her as I prayed and begged for children.

The Shunamite woman -Wow what faith when she bravely said to Elijah's servant "it is well" after losing her only child. I like the fact she kept a room for God's prophet.

Enoch and Elijah -- I want to ask what it was like to just get "swooshed up" to Heaven by God. . . they didn't have to go through all the diseases and decisions of old age.

And also Elizabeth -- I wonder how mute Zechariah broke the news to her she was going to have a baby -- did he draw a picture or pantomime the words?

(seems to be a pattern here -- women and babies in old age -- see my next blog!)

I'd ask Peter -- he was so impulsive during those years as a young apostle -- kind of like me from time to time -- he then grew to be a rock!


I'd want Martha -- she knew how to throw a banquet -- seems like that's where she spent a lot of her time, doing kitchen prep -- what was it like to see her brother come out of the tomb? Of course she'd have to bring Lazarus.

Dorcas -- I've taught about her to ladies classes -- such a helpful doer in the early church -- she stitched and sewed. . .without a fancy sewing machine like mine.

When times have been especially difficult in my life, these silent characters of scripture have given me help and direction, though long dead.

Jesus would need to sit at the head of the table -- or would it be like his last big meal with his friends -- Him serving, washing feet, loving on us --reminding us to keep strong and connected to Him?

I believe God's still writing His stories -- He has us in this present time, at this place, for a specific reason. He'll not re-write a second Book, or "dub" us into one of the vintage stories -- but He's still doing the same thing with ordinary people living out their lives in a purposeful way as He did centuries ago -- drawing them into relationship -- redeeming their lives.

Wherever You Set Your Foot . . .

Early Thursday morning, one of my gals in Youth Alive came to me and said that we needed to organize another prayer walk because so many students are getting sick with various types of illnesses. With other things going on in our school, she said we needed to walk around the school and pray Friday afternoon.

As Youth Alive met Thursday for our weekly lunch, 102 kids (almost 8% of the student body) showed up to hear Rev. Kev, the youth leader from Central Baptist, challenge them to go start a revolution and ACT like Jesus with people in their school.

One student didn't plan on being there -- but was making up time for my class and said he wasn't religious so he would try to concentrate on something else while Kevin was speaking. (I'm thinking he overheard a good dose of Jesus!)


Rev. Kev. heard about the prayer walk and gave them a verse from Josh. 1:3. "I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you" (hmmmm . . .pretty timely for me as well, considering my last Thurs. post about the promises of God.")

Friday morning kicked off in it's usual way and it was quite interesting . . . the precious girl who wanted the prayer walk to ward off sickness -- text messaged that she was home sick -- bemoaning the fact that she couldn't be at school to call on help from Heaven for all our school's needs.

Five to six students met at 2:30 and walked the halls to quietly pray for students to be protected from the flu, for students who were struggling to learn, those tempted by drugs and premarital sex, kids who are fighting depression, and ones who are lonely -- just needing a friend.

I am reminded that worn out, at the end of school last Spring, I was struggling with my decision as to whether or not I could take on sponsorship of Youth Alive and add one more thing to my schedule. God sent my friend Leeca with the words, "Maybe He wants you to give up something else so you can do this." These students have been a huge blessing to my life this school year. Their faith and testimony has encouraged me beyond measure.

One star athlete rushed in Thursday so excited -- and asked me if I'd heard yet that one of our other guys had just led a student to Christ after band practice the day before!!! They both were thrilled and couldn't wait to do it again.

There are little groups of kids praying and studying in all parts of the building at different times. I have to get there early on Tues. mornings for a group of Juniors to pray in my office. I can't wait to see what God will do with their young, fresh faith. HE said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:3

I AM BEING RICHLY BLESSED, Thank you JESUS!

REFRESHED!!!

We don't get to be with our grown kids as much as we'd like --so Fall Break was my refresher!!!
Terry and I got to spend time with Bethany and Mat and just relax. We lazed around their house, went out to eat, and enjoyed the scrumptious food they served up. (Every meal at their house is an event -- with time spent talking. . laughing and sharing.)

Bethany and I got our "girl time" and went shopping. I got a brief "momma fix" and maybe, just maybe, I can make it until our next visit.

If only Marshall weren't so far away! We sorely miss him! We call and txt. msg. but that's not like being together. Well, Christmas will be here soon and he's promised to take charge of one of the special celebrations for the WHOLE family when we get to Denver! Pray for good traveling weather or CHEAP air fares!!

Promises, Promises, Promises

We live in a world where, so often, people do not keep their word. The "JK" or "just kidding" era we have just come through has left a group of people who don't feel it necessary to follow through with what they have committed to others that they will do. That is disheartening if you are in a situation where you depend on others to help you get a job done.

This mindset has, I believe, caused us, from time to time, to water down God's promises.

There is a passage in Romans 4 that is especially convincing to me this week:

Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.

18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.


The God who . . . creates new things out of nothing - - -

Abraham's faith did not weaken even though at 100 --


That's a long time waiting --


Often we try to speak things into happening and we convince ourselves that we can give God a hand -- as if HE's needing some help -- Sara and Abraham tried that -- and it got them 13 more years of waiting. . .and a dysfunctional relationship with a maid and a rebellious teenage son for Abraham.

We first have to ask ourselves -- is it for my good and HIS good? Abraham had a direct WORD from God that this was to come about.

Question to ask ourselves: Did GOD promise me this or do I want this so badly I've convinced myself that HE must want it too?

We waited a long time before God blessed our home with children and I thought God had given up on us -- that HE had some how lost interest in answering our prayers.
BUT in HIS time -- HIS answer was so strong and so profound! Two beautiful, healthy children.

Disappointment does that -- causes us to lose hope and faith in the one who can meet our needs. It can somehow get us into not only doubting God but doubting ourselves and questioning the relationship we have with HIM. We have to not only trust HIM for answers, but trust HIM that HIS answer will be the very best for us.


He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever HE promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, vs. 22-24

Do you see that we're mentioned in this part of the chapter??? Abraham kept believing and living out of hope -- and it not only kept him going --it was for us too. We're in this part of the story.


The one who called you is faithful and HE will do it! Thess. 5:24



I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."
Genesis 28:14-16

SIGNS

The Old Song Said, "SIGNS, SIGNS EVERYWHERE THERE'S SIGNS" . . . .

I love unusual signs. . . On a trip to Europe a few years ago -- I took pictures of the most unusual signs I could find. There was the one that said "Elderly People" . . . there were various sorts of signs that showed all kinds of twists and turns to the roads. . . there was the yellow caution triangle that showed a black sheep -- recently I came across these signs on line while preparing a class presentation.






MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE


It's been a week of varied discussions in both my Life Skills and Marriage & Family classes-- The topics ranged from Conflict Resolution, Communication, Anger Management, Resources, Goals and Decision-making (a lesson I am the most passionate about)

-- I give the topic of Decison-Making my utmost as I explain that "senioritis" is sure to hit -- as sure as February turns into March which welcomes SPRING BREAK. I go on to say that the nearer we get to graduation in May the more invincible the seniors seem to become and as a result some of the decisions they make reflect that.

I remind them that when they are out being wild and crazy with their friends the level of thinking usually falls to that of the wildest, zaniest person in the group and as a result this is not the time they make their best choices. I often add "an angry brain is not a smart brain" to urge them to slow down and not make major decisions when they are angry.

At the conclusion of the discussion, I ask them to write (anonomyously, of course) about the worst decision they have made and explain what the consequences were for them and the impact that decision had on others. They, then, are to write what they learned from all of it.

My objective is not to determine the scariest, wildest or the worst but to get them to think through life choices and realize that a three-second decision can affect them for a lifetime -- positively or negatively. For some, it's the first time they have ever thought about who else might have been impacted by their decision.

I want them to understand that we all (myself included) make "dumb" choices and even bad ones at times. When that happens, we pick ourselves up, make the necessary mid-course corrections and live differently and hopefully, much wiser. The questions is not what we did -- BUT, did we get any SMARTER?

Perhaps we could create signs that would warn them of some of life's pitfalls:








I don't know how much will resonate with them through the months and years to come.
I only hope they heard my heart and even half of what I said
. . . they are so very young!

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8