MERCY

I have read this statement several times of late . . .

Grace is God giving us what we don't deserve
             Mercy is God NOT giving us what we DO deserve.

MERCY -- that's been my word of choice these past few days and I have researched it in Scriptures --
            
    I have decided that Grace is a term we sometimes feel is too big for us --- We say Grace - we are thankful for HIS grace in sending Jesus -- Soaking up HIS grace -- Knowing we're redeemed because HIS grace-- but what about the times when we feel we're not GOOD enough for it?  What about the times our failures and disappointments -- low self esteem --creep up on us and we feel we're not ALL that we need to be?  What about the times when we wonder if even God could love us since we haven't done more for HIM??? 

I believe the concept of MERCY is the word that breaks down everyone of those false barriers and draws us into relationship with HIM.   If GRACE is too big an idea -- then hang on to MERCY tight as you can.
If you feel your sins are too huge and no way could HE save you -- cling to his MERCY -- it opens the door to understanding GRACE.
Not accepting this idea of MERCY I believe is what keeps many who've left a relationship with Jesus from running back to HIM.

I grew up in the 50's in a denomination that was big on calling out sin and didn't teach much GRACE b/c of trying to keep us all out of Hell.  I would have to say that my "default" button has always been guilt.  I remember when I first came to embrace Grace my freshman year of college -- it was like a whole new dimension had opened up to me.

A few years later, I was in a group of young seminary student wives -- all having learned the concept of Grace in our late teens ---we were talking about those early years of coming to accept the idea of salvation and how we had doubted we could really be saved.  One young wife said, "I knew there was no way I would get to go to heaven -- so as a child growing up -- I used to take hotter and hotter baths to try to get accustomed to the heat."  We knew Jesus died for our sins -- but believed we still had to DO something about it. It's was like the offer that was just too good to be true or the Publisher's Clearinghouse win that was always for somebody far away.

It's the "buzz" word in the book of Psalms -- the psalmist always crying out for mercy --
The book of Micah says that God delights to show mercy. 

A newer translation of Lamentations 3 calls mercies - compassions -- I like that it shows HE understands us -- HE "gets" us.

It's early morning as I blog -- I know that once again today  HIS mercy is new -- it's fresh.   

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions (mercies) never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

-- the overwhelming rush of renewal that mercy brings, we receive it each and EVERY day -- cleansing us -- making us new!

Waiting for Sydney Kate

Napping with Momma waiting on Baby Sydney

  Well I have revised my sub plans three times -- thinking for certain Sydney would come the next day.  We're all living in the "now and not yet" as we wait for the phone call from Bethany and Mat that we're on Nana/Papa duty with Campbell -- We thought sure it would be last Sunday morning early -- then thought for sure it would be Thursday evening -- and now we're thinking her arrival COULD be this weekend.

Nursery sewing done, Campbell found it a great place to read

Teaching a pregnancy and childbirth unit in my Single Survival (life skills class) and showing two videos of tiny babies, hasn't helped the wait to be any shorter. It has just heightened my eagerness to meet Sydney.
 I do have to recommend one of those-- the DVD "The Happiest Baby on the Block".  It's "Campbell Hope Good-proven" to really work!

Truth is-- God alone knows -- The Word says HE knows all our days -- but we're getting pretty anxious to meet this precious little lady.

Campbell practices with her baby doll.  She nurtures all her toys with, "Are you OK?"  and coos over them, then follows up with "Baby- Get in the cage!" She's practicing big sister bossing.

Campbell even got on all fours beside her momma exercising this morning to speed up the process -- she's ready to be a big sis~ 

Bethany and C go for long walks once or twice a day -- I joined her today and after two miles I begged off -- (She had one more to go -I was FINISHED).

What a fun day we had sharing this sense of anticipation with our Good girls!

THREE BOOKS --

that have impacted me recently . ...


Crazy Love -- by Francis Chen -- started it on Spring Break -- It's a must read! (proabably more than once) 'Makes you want to truly live the focused -- single-minded -- devoted-to-Christ  life.'Got it from one of my Youth Alive Girls - Last year my YA kids couldn't say enough good about it.   

Miracle on Southwest Boulevard -- by Cindy Hamm (she spoke at our opening convocation for the school year) -- really helped me gain nsight into KU families and educational struggles our kids have to overcome.


Prisoner in the Third Cell  I love it because we were handed it from one of our teens, Charity.

             I never thought much about John the Baptist, except for the fact, from what I read, he seemed to be a sort of strange, maybe wild-looking man who ate weird stuff. Then,a few years ago in a Beth Moore Bible study she mentioned the book, "The Prisoner in the Third Cell"and put forth some interesting observations about John that gave a glimpse of what he might have been thinking sitting in that dank, probably moldy and rat-infested cell.

That verse in Luke 7 where Jesus says, "Blessed are those who are not offended because of me" -- often made me wonder what Jesus could possibly mean . . . "

I love the way the writer in this short Biblical novel -- deals with the issues of Jesus not meeting our expectations --not healing all our ills -- or handing over EVERYTHING we've asked of HIM.  so that HIS eternal purpose could be accomplished.

"Except You Become as Little Children" . . .Pretty Sure That When We See Jesus, We'll Be Doing The Same

This has to be my favorite of the month! Watching Campbell this morning made me remember the verse . .. "Out of the mouths (and feet?) of infants HE has ordained praise."

It was one of those Sunday mornings that could go either way --I wanted this lesson to be something that would help kids see Jesus
in a more profound way.

 I felt I was "on to something" with my Sunday school lesson plan -- but it was one of those texts from John 7 & 8 that I thought to myself, "why did we write this one into our curriculum plan-- there wasn't a lot of ACTION that this age kids enjoy ?"  

I prayed about it on Saturday morning as I waited in the parking lot for Bethany and Campbell to join me for donuts and shopping. 

Those two chapters are filled with Jesus teaching and the people being clueless as to who HE really is -- duh --- the SON of God -- can't you people see?  But as I read over the text I decided to highlight all their questions -- and being the analytical type -- I thought I'd see if there was any real pattern to their line of questioning.  I cut out the questions for the kids --  put together a lesson plan Sat.night 

Sunday morning -- I told my "Super Kids" -- 4th and 5th graders to imagine that we were visited by a creature from another planet -- what kinds of questions would we ask of him (her)? The Jews questions were a lot like we'd ask today of someone who didn't seem to be one of us.

                          "Where'd you come from?"
           " How'd you get so smart -- you never went to college?"
"You're from a po-dunk place -- how could you be the son of God?"
                            "Who's your Daddy?
            "Are you paranoid -- you say people are trying to kill you?
 
I told them for every question Jesus always came back with the truth and told them it was what he heard from his Dad.
We read our key verse, "You shall know the truth and the TRUTH shall make you free" and followed it with a game of Truth or Dare which they loved.

I reminded them that we knew the whole story of Jesus -- that those folks back then didn't know the story line -- and said when OUR story unfolds in Heaven what questions do you want to ask Jesus?

This bunch of super kids gave such deep questions: 
            "How is it you always were?"
                       Did you have your power when you were a baby?
                                 Why don't people believe you?
                                           How did those people write the Bible? 

It was a Sunday morning that I knew was from God's mouth to their ears and I got to be there to watch it unfold -- 

Catching Up --

It's been a MONTH - and I do want to post my fav's!

It's Saturday night and Campbell is still singing in her crib -- we've heard several stanzas of Twinkle and lots of chattering to her babies.
When she heard she got to come to our house for a slumber party she clapped her hands excitedly and asked if there was going to be cake! (I guess she figured all her parties have cake . . .) 

Dance Class-- didn't prove as exciting as her Dance Parties with Papa and Daddy.

 Every time we're with her and look into that precious little face and see the intensity of those bright eyes and beautiful little smile we remember what a miracle she is.

Katie and Jan came for girls' weekend on Labor Day -- C was thrilled and
 loved bridal gown shopping with Aunt Katie!!

A Whole Lot of Lovin' and Learnin'

Wrap-up session this past week

The kids found that KU without our TCC Interns is no fun at all!   Our kids LOOOOVE making new friends each semester with those who sign up to mentor, lead and teach our kids.  This semester we have 14 AWESOME INTERNS and we believe it's going to be our best session yet!!!  This past Thursday, it was one-to-one ratio of Kids/interns which meant for lots of positive interaction and growth.

Our theme for this session is 'OPERATION SMART START' as we approached the upcoming school year.
We have talked with them about getting a good night's sleep and starting their day with the right choices for breakfast.  We gave them ideas on how to study for a test and above all how to communicate respectfully and clearly with their family, friends and teachers.

They are now bringing their vocab words, homework and even try out speeches for Student Council elections to practice with our interns.  (GO -- Aunjane!!)   We have several education and child development majors that are helping our kids realize success.  Our motto:  Every KU kid should have a FANTASTIC FRIDAY after being with us on Thursday night!

They get to work out their wiggles with fun relay games that the guys coach.

Mikey making his own ice cream

Kale Chips turned out to be pretty tasty!

Terry says that back at TCC on Monday the interns share how much fun they are having with our KU kids.


Each week the kids earn KU "Bucks" by listening well and following instructions to apply t towards
 their KU T-shirt that they
helped design.

And of course -- there's always our Nutrition Lab!  Don't know who loves it more -- the kids or the interns

We remind them that we're about growing as Jesus grew -- in wisdom (academically) -- in stature (physically) in favor with God (Spiritually) and man (socially).  Luke 2:52

God is blessing--  As the Kids are growing -- so is this effort!

Start-up --

Last week was a blur of bulletin boards, lots of workshops and last minute major computer upgrades (which used up lots of time).

My Youth Alive Leadership team couldn't wait to get started and decided the first day of school we needed to kick it off.  So much excitement-- they've already chosen their theme for the year (an anchor) and are mentoring the juniors and sophomores.  They're living and loving Heb.6:19 --
              "but we have this hope as an anchor for the soul" 
 -- I love it -- it keeps us all grounded and holding tight to Jesus!

'Gonna be a great year!!!

Recess is Over . . . Time to Go Back to Class

DIDN'T WE HAVE FUN, NANA?

It was our last day of summer vacation and Terry and I wanted to spend the morning with our girls -- we took Campbell to Haikey Park while Bethany shopped for paint. Then we all met up for lunch at Bueno!
Don't think I'm ready to give up my Campbell time and go back to school --

My summer is quickly drawing to a close . . .          It's been WONDERFUL . . .
 . . . .vacation up in cool country -- getting to see my brothers and their wives --

                 June was about Kids University and getting our kids moved in.

                      Going antiquing and having lunch outs with Bethany

                                    Spending lots of Campbell Time!

Enduring the heat and drought, watering endless gallons of water trying to keep our  plants alive

                    July was all about projects and relaxing with  my favorite  hobbies--


Now it's time to
            Map Curriculum
                                Meet with my Youth Alive leadership team and
                                                   Set up my classroom

I found myself dreading the school year after a such a great summer -- I kept thinking -- 'don't know if I can do this three more years -- AND THEN -- I decided to ask God for the best school year yet ----
AMAZING how that one prayer changed my perspective on the whole year . . . I'm

                           thankful to have a job . . .
                                       thankful for a great school and administrators

                                                     thankful for such a wonderful best friend and co-worker, Marinelle.

                              

For I know the plans I have for you -- plans to prosper you and give you hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Every "biggie" event in our kid's lives involves some sort of MAJOR project -- for Bethany's we always sew  -- she designs and I do the stitchin'  --


For Marshall --  he and I  refinish furniture or paint.

 So with Mat and Bethany moving into a new house and baby on the way, it was time, once again, to set up the dining room to SEW BIG TIME!

I love this fabric -- perfect for a soft bumper pad!

Start with two 17" circles

Add piping 1/2 inch from the edge  and attach a rectangle 51 1/2 inches by 9 inches to the outer edge of the circle

Turn inside out and sew the second 17" circle.  Stuff with 2 12-oz bags of stuffing and viola!!! Drum Pillows
for the girl's play table

Personalize by embroidering before stitching the circles

Ready for two little girls to use at their play table.

C thinks they're perfect and decided to try out Baby Sister's.

Proud of You Dr. Marshall T Bell -- Your Hard Work is Reaping Rewards

2005 White Coat Ceremony at OU -- it only seems like yesterday

 Seven years ago Marshall graduated OSU and began his career in medicine -- With a few more to go, Marshall is enjoying the fruit of all his labor (days on end studying for huge comprehensive exams, day after day of in research, making rounds and seeing lots of patients, operating on all sorts of cases) --

Marshall, do you realize you've already been in school 25 years since Kindergarten???
 
 -- Just yesterday he was notified that he is a finalist in the Vivien Thomas Young Investigator Award-- He and four other finalists will present in early November before thousands of professionals in the field of surgery.  Late last week his first article was published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery.  

We're so proud of you, Marshall -- God has blessed your efforts!!!



The American Heart Association Website on Dr. Vivien Thomas:
"The Vivien Thomas Young Investigator Award acknowledges the accomplishments of early career investigator members of the CVSA Council who are focusing on fundamental and applied surgical research.  

The award is named in honor of Vivien T. Thomas, a key player in pioneering the anastomosis of the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery. The surgical work he performed with Dr. Alfred Blalock paved the way for the successful outcome of the Blalock-Taussig shunt in 1944.


Five Thomas Award finalists will be honored and a winner will be named at the annual CVSA Council Dinner at the AHA Scientific Sessions."
 http://my.americanheart.org/professional/Councils/AwardsandLectures/EarlyCareer/Vivien-Thomas-Yong-Investigator-Award_UCM_322607_Article.jsp

Dr. Mathew B.Good Joined Oklahoma Heart July 23

 Mat has kept a busy two weeks in orientation and beginning his practice with Oklahoma Heart.
We know Mat to be a wonderful and caring physician with a gift for his field of medicine.  To make it all official, Campbell and Mommy paid their first visit to his new Hillcrest South office yesterday.

Mat will be seeing patients at Cushing, Fairfax, Hillcrest and Hillcrest South.  He's one busy doctor!

Terry and I are thrilled that Mat and Bethany chose Tulsa as their home in this season of Mat's profession.

The events of Thursday night have shifted American thought this weekend . . .  I have to admit that I returned to newscasts several times a day to see if they have discovered the "WHY" of the whole disaster.   As I watched a part of the memorial service last night -- my thoughts were -- "on Thursday afternoon these families and friends had no idea they would be at that place on Sunday night".

The fact that this man worked in the research center, a floor above Marshall -- kept us riveted on our TV  for several hours to make certain that the lab hadn't been laced with explosives -- The wounded were on Katie's floor at one of the area hospitals.

Like everyone else, so many thoughts have raced through my brain . . . one thought keeps recurring -- a brilliant young man who lost his way.  I've heard him called evil, abherrant to society -- how did his mind become so fixed in the virtual world that he lost feeling for humankind?  When did he abandon those principles and values he obtained in his "church-going family"?

I think of his parents, who on Friday morning awoke to the worst nightmare of their lives -- for them their world ceased.  The world they knew came crashing down -- the son they knew and loved -- became the most reviled in the nation.

You read in the Bible about the Father, who brought his son to Jesus because he was possessed by a demon.
Is this what happened?   Did this young man become overcome by the devil?  Was he mentally ill?

I think of that father who is waiting to see his son brought before the court this morning.  This is the same son whom he took to Science Camps -- who graduated with honors and received an NIH Federal Grant to do his research. 

There is so much about GUN CONTROL in the news -- I'm not a proponent of owning guns and I believe that because it's become such an issue -- everyone WANTS one now -- ONE thing we do know -- more and more guns are falling into the hands of  the deranged, the angry and the evil -- I'm not sure gun control would do much about that.

As an educator -- I see students all the time who have lost their way and are crying out for meaning to their lives.  I see the lonely who would just like to have a meaningful friendship or know that someone really cared for them.

What do we do with the lost boys and girls whose lives are so entwined with the virtual, the material,  and the media that they have no concept of the real world or the Spirit man --the soul-- inside them?.  Those who don't know that  the REAL WORLD is not on this earth but in  Heaven. and that the REAL WORLD is about love and compassion and caring for each other.

Our kids, Marshall and Katie, brushed shoulders with violence of the worst order.  It was a horrific day.
They painfully came through it -- and then Jim and Jan were there to help on Saturday.

So many say at times like this -- "Where was God?"  --- "What does Jesus feel?"

I think the only answer to that is found in the verse, JESUS WEPT.    John 11:35


                        wept for those who lost
                  wept for those injured   and . . .
                 wept for the depravity of this young man who had lost his way and in so doing has devastated the lives of total strangers, his family, his friends,  and the nation.

Camp Nana Pappa -- Yes!!!

Campbell came early last Monday with one word of coaching from Momma --"When Nana or Papa tells you to do something, say 'Okay - Okay'"  She was so eager to mind the whole time.

Play dough time -- C's favorite -- hands down!

Coloring in our Dora book -- fun -- 

Our time with Campbell flew by -- she was a happy "camper" the whole time--EASY - PEASY!!!

"THE Babies ON THE BUS . . ."

CAMPBELL did decide that Papa needed a new hair-do.

Camp Nana Papa

Circus Tent "Find" -- it's a must for all those animals!

When Bethany and Marshall were younger -- I used to promise them that when they had children, I was going to hold "Camp G'ma" every summer -- just the kids -- no parents invited :-)


We talked Campbell's Mommy and Daddy into a getaway for two nights (pre-job starting for Daddy and pre-baby AND pre-Nana starting school).  SOOOO  Monday  Camp 
Nana /Papa starts at 10 am or whenever Bethany and Mat can get on their way out of town. 


This year's theme -- is Noah's Ark --

 Campbell knows all her animals and the sounds they make -- so I figure Noah's Ark it is!!!   (hmmm it's a good time for us to pray for rain  --  not a flood -- just a good soaker!!!



Let's see -- I think I've got it all:

Plenty of Dora Band Aids --

Tea set, colorbook, lots of crayons!

Stickers and Play-Doh -- the real stuff!

Can't have enough mac n' cheese - for the girl that had only one request for her birthday present:  Mac n' Cheese

Giant - size bubbles

CAMP  SHIRT:  Couldn't find the "I love Papa shirt" at Old Navy so this one will just have to do.

Don't expect any blogs until "camp" is over ---this Nana doesn't have time for blogging or taking pictures when Campbell comes to play!   Next year will be with both Good Gals!!!