Life, Faith and the Pursuit of Dead Ancestors

Making a List

2010-11-03T21:44:00.009-05:00

Well, I am making a list. No, not a Christmas list. At least not yet. I am making a list of the baking items I need to start all the wonderful holiday baking marathons. I need to get some heavy duty baking sheets, some new cookie cutters and a few really great spatulas.

Williams Sonoma has a really cool cookie cutter. I'm headed over there tomorrow to check it out. It allows you to stamp a message into the cookie.

Williams Sonoma also has a cool new pan that allows you to bake these cute little "cakelets". I'm seriously thinking about adding this to my list.

This year I would love to master the art of icing cookies. I love the shortbread cookies that have the shiny, hard icing....that's oh, so sweet and creamy! I've already come to the conclusion that it will take several attempts before I get it just right....but, the great thing is that I can eat all the mistakes I make! :D

Spiritual Warfare

2010-10-31T16:54:00.009-05:00

I get so angry when the enemy decides he wants to discourage me. But, I get really ticked off when he starts in on my child. This first semester of college has brought alot of challenges - for all of us! We have all been under attack spiritually, but realizing the extent that the enemy wants my child to feel as though he is a failure is really starting to make me mad.

On one hand, I am thrilled beyond belief that my son has such a heart for God. That he prayerfully considers what God's plan are for him....in all areas of his life. I love that he knows he can call us and ask for prayer. I rejoice when it looks like God's plan is becoming so clear, rejoicing with him about the exciting future God has laid out before him. But, then the enemy finds that little place where he can weasel his way into my child's mind.....and begins to lie to him. Discourage him.

So, what's a parent to do? Pray like crazy. And, not just random, off the wall prayers. Specific prayers from the scriptures. Using God's word to attack the enemy.

"We must realize that it is not Satan who defeats us; it is our openess to him. To perfectly subdue the devil we must walk in the "shelter of the Most High". (Psalm 91:1). Satan is tolerated for one purpose: the warefare between the devil and God's saints thrusts us into Christlikeness, where the nature of Chirst becomes our only place of rest and security. God allows warfare to facilitate His eternal plan, which is to make man in His image." - Francis Frangipane, "The Three Battlegrounds"

Lord, please help us to dwell in the shelter of YOU, the Most High. Allow us to rest in YOUR shadow, Almighty One. Lord, you are our refuge and our fortress. We trust in you alone. (Psalm 91:1-2).

Lord, we grasp and cling to whatever you tell us; don't let us down. We will run the course that you have laid out for us. Please give us direction. Teach us how to live, so that we can stay the course. Continue to give us insight and guidance, so that our lives become one obedient response to your call. (Psalm 119:33-35)

Lord, I pray that You will cause no weapon forged against us to prevail. Enable us to refute the tongue of our accuser. Thank you for giving us this as a heritage to Your servants, Lord. (Isaiah 54:17)

Lord, your Word tells us that the enemy comes only to steal, kill and destroy. Help us to remember that YOU, O Lord, came so that we can have life and and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

Lord, according to your Word, the devil is an enemy of everything that is right. He is full of deceit and trickery, perverting the ways of the Lord. (Acts 13:10) Please help us not to be influenced by him, but instead, to serve the Lord with all our heart and with all our soul. (Deuteronomy 10:12).

Lord, please help us to be on our guard and to stand firm in the faith. To be a person of courage. To be strong. (1 Cor 16:13)

Foodie Friday

2010-10-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

My family LOVES meatloaf. I’ve never really though about meatloaf having carbs – but, when I started looking at the ingredients….I noticed that the ketchup, brown sugar and bread crumbs are all carbs. Hmmmm!

So, what’s a girl to do? Google “low carb meatloaf”, of course! And I found one that looks really promising! Thought I’d share the recipe with you – and feel free to let me know what you think. I will probably change up the seasoning a little – since we like things a little spicier than most people!

All Protein Meatloaf
*from AllRecipes.com

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1-4 oz can Italian seasonsed tomato sauce
1/3 cup crushed fried pork skins (I like the spicy ones)
2 eggs
2-1/2 Tbs chili powder
1 Tbs garlic salt
1 Tbs garlic pepper seasoning

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, crushed pork skins and eggs. Season with chili powder, garlic salt and garlic pepper. Mix until well blended. Form into a loaf and place into a greased loaf pan. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes in the oven. Let stand for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

News You May Have Missed.....

2010-10-28T18:08:00.014-05:00

Hard to believe that McDonald's has been ordered to pay Brazilian manager $17.5k for weight gain. Read about it here.

And, while we are talking about McDonald's....seems they have infiltrated Farmville by adding their own farm and virtual prizes. Don't believe it? Check it out here.

Seems the University of South Carolina will be offering a "Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame" course next spring. Read about it here.

Ever considered moving to "the big city" and living on a "vertical farm"? You are not the only one. Check it out here.

Check this out. Phone app turns tourism into location-based game.

An artist who wanted to make art more accessible has installed vending machines across Germany offering unique art miniatures in small boxes. Read about it here.

Congratulations! You may now kiss yourself! Read about the woman who married herself.

It's finally here! Tube-free toilet paper. Read about it here.

10 Tips on How to Write Less Badley. Check it out here.

2010-10-27T19:02:00.004-05:00

Social networking sites. We love them. We hate them. And, the number of them are growing daily. Here are a few social networking sites you may never have heard of…..and yes, they are real.

aSmallWorld – INVITE ONLY – European jet set and social elite world-wide.

Blauk – A site where you can tell on someone (a friend or a stranger).

Cloob – General networking site that is popular in Iran.

Decayenne – European and American social elite.
*I seriously considered joining this one! HA! HA!

GovLoop – For people in and around government.
*May I should start one that is called Gov Poop – for those of us who think the government is full of poop!

Multiply - "Real world" relationships. Popular in Asia. Not popular in the western world.
*Wonder why?

Ravelry – Knitting and crochet.

StachePassions – All about mustaches.

Line for Heaven – Earn points by “blessing” people to get closer to “the big guy”.

IntellectConnect – Embrace your inner geek .

Loving God's Word....and Perfect Timing

2010-10-26T21:31:00.004-05:00

This week has already started off with a bang! Richard has strep throat. In the 23 years we've been married, he's never had strep throat. It's like he developed it overnight. Needless to say, I've been sleeping in Chase's room - praying that I don't get strep, too.

I've gotten behind in my weekly Bible study homework assignments. I seem to be stuck. In a good way, I guess. I had one of those moments where God spoke something so loudly....I cannot seem to get past last week.

We are studying the book of Daniel. Those of you who have done intense Bible studies know that without a doubt the enemy will do everything within his power to discourage us from continuing in our study of the Word. I had reached the point of exhaustion. Ready to quit. It was not worth the effort if the spiritual warfare was going to wear me out to the point of being unable to function. Then, it happened. That "aha" moment when you read something and it's as if God himself sat down on the couch with you and said it.

I was reading this scripture: "As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgement in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom." Daniel 7:21-22

Right after reading this scripture, I picked up a commentary on Daniel 7 written by Ray Stedman.

"Second, he persecutes the saints and makes war against them, as Daniel has already been told. He is said here to "wear out the saints of the Most High". The Hebrew word that is used for "wear out" is a most remarkable word. It means literally "to afflict" and always with a mental application. It means, therefore, to afflict mentally, and it very strongly suggests the brain-washing techniques which are now being widely developed, using serums and drugs by which the mind, the thinking, is actually changed. Attempts are thus made to alter the entire character of an individual, through mental exhaustion and the use of mind changing drugs to literally "afflict mentally" and thus "wear out" the saints."

Well, I'm not sure there is anything else that I can add at this point. Be encouraged!

Friday Food Stuff

2010-10-22T08:21:00.001-05:00

I love oatmeal. Recently I came across a recipe for oatmeal that I thought I would share with you. It's made in the slow cooker. You can make an entire weeks worth of oatmeal at one time and reheat what you need each morning.

1 cup steel cut oats
1 cup chopped dried apples
3 tablespoons granulated sugar substitute
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup fat free milk

Add all ingredients to a 2-quart slow cooker rubbed with 1 tablespoon butter. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

*Recipe by Dr. Arthur Agatston for The South Beach Diet

I Never Thought I'd Live to be 90

2010-10-21T18:39:00.005-05:00

While shopping in Sam’s today, I met a precious 90-year old woman. Her daughter was shopping with her and had walked ahead to get some items from another aisle. As I got closer to the older woman, who was standing with the shopping cart waiting for her daughter, I noticed that this petite woman was also connected to an oxygen tank. I smiled as I walked by and she turned and said, “I am 90-years old. I never thought I’d live this long.” Then, the conversation got interesting:

Me: “I would not have guessed you were 90 years old. You look great.” (And she did!)

Lady: "I had by-pass surgery 19 years ago. I smoked when I was younger. I think that’s where all the problems started. But, boy did I have fun back in the day.”

Me: “I bet you did.” (We started laughing)

Lady: “But, I never thought I’d live to be 90 years old.”

Me: “It’s funny how we don’t think about things like that when we are younger, huh?”

Lady: “Yeah. I wish I would have saved more money, too. But, honestly, I never thought I’d live to be 90 years old.”

The conversation continued on and I began to think about the wisdom this woman just shared with me. How many times am I so caught up in the moment and thinking “I’ll start that diet or exercise program tomorrow” or “I can always catch up on my retirement account next year”? Life happens fast. Sometimes, faster than we realize.

Just something to think about today. And, maybe remember when one day when we are 90-years old and thinking – “I never thought I’d live to be 90 years old.”

Doughnut Holes are a Girl's Best Friend

2010-10-19T18:18:00.010-05:00

So many things have happened since I last posted on my blog. Chase graduated from high school and has started college. Life as an "empty nester" has proven to be a little more challenging than I first assumed. I always thought it sounded weird to think that I would "have to learn to get to know your husband again". I mean, we've been married 23 years....what else is there to know? Then, add all this menopause stuff into the mix and you can guess just how unpredictable and emotional my life has been.

About a month ago, I decided that it was time I took responsibility for my health. Okay, so I've decided it about 100 times in the last few years....but, last month I took the step. I was sick and tired of taking medication (and then having to take more medication to counteract the side effects of the original medication). It was getting ridiculous, not to mention expensive. There had to be a better way to live the rest of my life. I mean, with menopause wrecking havoc on my body and then trying to get to "know my hubby again"....between the mood swings, of course.......there's just not time to take medication.

I started the Maximized Living Program. It's been interesting. I have to keep reminding myself that I did not get unhealthy overnight, so I cannot expect to wake up tomorrow morning and be completely healthy (and maybe a size 6). It will take time. Already 3 weeks into the program, I am off all but one prescription medication.

But, there was that morning that I wanted so badly to take a Prozac to make it through the day, but I chose to eat 2 donut holes instead (50 calories each and that little thing served the same purpose....which was to give me a little "pick up"). You laugh....but, that's what I love so much about this program. This program encourages you to eat Foods by God (instead of man) - but, does not expect you to completely change your habits overnight. For example, if you have to have that doughnut in the morning - go ahead and have it...but, eat an apple, too! At least get some nutrition in there somewhere first thing in the morning. Surprisingly, I am finding that by following this plan I am grabbing the apple in the morning....and not even thinking about the doughnut.

Except that one morning I ate the doughnut holes!

Picadillo, Baby!

2010-03-23T14:29:00.002-05:00

My all-time favorite food is tacos! Especially tacos made with picadillo. Finding a recipe that satisfied my cravings was next to impossible. So, what's a girl to do? Create her own recipe from all the other ones she has tried....so, here it is:

PICADILLO

2 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2-3 tsp ground cumin (depends on how spicy you want it)

1 medium green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 medium potato, finely diced

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

2 oz slivered almonds

Combine meat, salt, pepper and ground cumin. Cook over medium heat until meat is done. Drain excess fat. Add vegetables and almonds and mix well. Cover and cook over low heat until the potatoes are done.*

*I normally mix everything together and rather than cooking over low heat, I put it all in a crock pot and let it sit on low for several hours.

Dirty Martini Deviled Eggs

2010-03-16T21:58:00.004-05:00

*Recipe from "Deviled Eggs"by Debbie Moose

6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, cut in 1/2 and yolks mashed in bowl

5 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 1/2 teaspoons vodka

1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoon juice from a jar of green olives

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

Black pepper, to taste

Slices of green olive, for garnish

Combine the thorougly mashed yolks with the mayonnaise, vodka, olive juice, cayenne and parsley. Taste, then season with black pepper. Fill the white evenly with the mixture and garnish with sliced green olives.

Makes 12

*NOTE: The next time I make these, I am going to make the following changes: I am decreasing the olive juice to just 1 tablespoon and I think I am going to add chopped olives to the mixture.

2009-12-20T10:47:00.001-06:00

Credits: Papers from the Thankful 4 You Collection by Happy Turtle Studio, Word Art from the Chocolate Comfort Collection by Aprilisa, Tree Element from Summer Breeze Collection by N Beaudreau, Brads from Sunporch Collection by Amy Teets, Flower Elements from Just Beachy Collection by Kelly Jo's Scraps.

2009-12-18T09:30:00.002-06:00

Learning to design digital scrapbook pages have been so much fun to learn. This is the first page I actually put together myself. Of course, I am still not designing elements or background papers - guess that will come later! :D These are pictures from our trip, last Thanksgiving, to Prairie Dog Town in the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge!

Credits:

Background Paper - Dinner Party Circles by Shabby Princess, Accent Paper - Double Dutch Designs, Whimsey Black Scallop Frames - Three Paper Peonies, Pocket Tag - Dinner Party Collection by Shabby Princess

2009-12-16T08:51:00.003-06:00

I've been learning the art of digital scrapbooking (and making all kinds of new friends). Wow, it's amazing and so much fun! This is one of my favorite pictures of Richard and Chase. Last November, we spent Thanksgiving week at Quartz Mountain and Wichita Wildlife Refuge with a master photographer. It was an amazing time!

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

2009-12-04T14:14:00.006-06:00

These are absolutely YUMMY! They are a mix of chocolate chip cookies and shortbread cookies. What more could a girl ask for? Right?

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

INGREDIENTS
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup walnuts, finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; mix until fluffy. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Measure generous rounded tablespoons of dough; place on prepared cookie sheets, about 2” apart. Press to flatten lightly. Bake 60 minutes or until just slightly browned on edges. Remove from oven; cool 3 minutes. Remove to cooling grid; cool completely.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

*NOTE: I actually only cooked these cookies about 20-30 minutes (not 60 minutes). Just watch the first couple of batches until you know how quickly the cookies bake in your oven.

COOKIE ADVENTURES

2009-12-02T14:03:00.005-06:00

Today I spent most of the morning making cookies. Amazing cookies. Since I've had a chance to be at home "full time" the past month, I've been catching up on all those "domesticated, Martha Stewart" things I never had time to do when I worked full time. A girl can get used to this!

Today, I made Fudgy Brownies Cookies and they are so easy. The reason I love to bake these cookies is because it does not require a mixer at all. Everything is mixed by hand. Which, as you know, means less clean up! If you desire, you can add toasted pecans or walnuts to this recipe. I am also a self confessed "cookie perfectionist". I like my cookies all the same size, so I use a #70 cookie scoop (that measures out one level tablespoon). So, if you are so inspired, here's the recipe. Enjoy!

FUDGY BROWNIE COOKIES

INGREDIENTS
1 cup chocolate chips
¼ cup butter or stick margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 Tablespoon of water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ¾ cup flour
¾ cup confectioners sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter on medium power and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool for about 5 minutes. Add brown sugar, egg, egg whites, corn syrup, coffee and vanilla to the chocolate mixture and stir until well blended and smooth.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, confectioners sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Add to the chocolate mixture and stir by hand until just combined. Let the dough sit for about 5 mintues – it will firm up a bit and be easier to handle.

Drop fairly large spoonfuls on dough 2” apart on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 mintues, until the edges are set but the cookies are still soft in the middle and look cracked on top. Do not overbake. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Makes 2 ½ dozen cookies.

Control Freak

2009-11-03T18:00:00.001-06:00

My name is Kelly….and I am a control freak. There. I said it. Whew!

I wish is was that easy. To just admit our character flaws and short comings and be done with it. But, God loves us too much to make it that easy. If that were the case, we would never learn those “deep soul lessons” that are so important to our walk with God. Those lessons that bring us closer to Him and help us to develop a deeper, more mature walk with Him.

Control is something I struggle with on a daily basis. As a wife, mother, friend and employee. And, even as a child of the King. There are many times in my life I have tried (and continue to try) to control and manipulate God’s plan for my life. Sometimes it appeared that I was successful. Most times, it was a hard lesson learned.

I have learned that one reason I desire to control these situations is because I’m scared of the changes that God might ask me to make in my life. Changes that I don’t think I am quite ready to make. Many times, when I sense God asking me to make a change in my life, I conveniently let His voice get drowned out by the busyness of my day to day “stuff”. Hang on, God. I’ll be right with you. Let me finish making dinner. I need to get this toilet cleaned.

Then, there are those times when I really don’t want to hear what God is saying….because it just seems that it would be too hard to comply with His request. It would take too much effort on my part. Why can’t He just “fix it” instead of making me go through all the hard stuff. Then, it occurred to me that this is really about obedience. For me, it’s about trusting God enough to allow him the control. All I need to do is obey Him….even when it does not make any sense.

Oswald Chambers said, “All God’s revelations are sealed until they are opened to us by obedience….obey God in the thing He shows you, and instantly the next thing is opened up….God will never reveal more truth about Himself until you have obeyed what you already know.”

Remember, God has a plan. We may not be able to see the end of the story, but it’s important to remember that we can trust the Author.

2009-10-14T18:54:00.004-05:00

My Head is Spinning.....

I finally got to the ENT to see about getting tubes in my ears. Little did I realize that the main cause of all my dizziness was actually Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). A person can get dizzy just trying to pronounce that word, huh? BPPV is caused when things like an infection or inflammation stop the tiny calcium "stones" inside the inner ear from moving as they should and then sends a false message to the brain and affects your balance. These stones help maintain your balance. Normally, when we stand up or turn our heads, these stones move around – but, it the movement is blocked, BPPV can occur. Although rare, BPPV can occur in both ears. Wouldn't you know it....I've got it in BOTH ears!

It is not unusual for me to have 2-4 inner ear infections a year, and with my seasonal allergies - fluid behind my ear is a chronic problem. Because I had been to the doctor a week ago, and placed on antibiotics for the ear infection - the ENT saw no fluid in my ears. As we began to discuss my symptoms, he told me that he was going to test me for BPPV. Having had a treatment for BPPV before, I knew what was coming and I was NOT happy.

Basically, the doctor looks for (1) Signs and symptoms of dizziness that are prompted by eye or head movements and then decrease in less than one minute, (2) Dizziness with specific eye movements that occur when you lie on your back with your head turned to one side and tipped slightly over the edge of the examination bed, (3) Involuntary movements of your eyes from side to side (nystagmus) and (4) Your ability to control your eye movements.

Here's how it works: You sit on a table with your legs stretched out in front of you. The doctor has you turn your head to the left and, keeping your eyes open, begin to lay down on the table. When you are finally flat on the table, your head is hanging off the end of the table and the dizziness hits a new level. While the doctor is holding your head in one hand, he tells you to focus on his finger (which is about 2" up toward the ceiling). Dear Jesus, to keep from vomiting all over the place....all I could do was cry. I kept trying to close my eyes, and he kept telling me to keep them open. That was the longest 20 minutes of my life!

Thankfully, no surgery is required. The treatment for BPPV is a series of movements known as the canalith repositioning procedure. This procedure consists of several simple and slow maneuvers for positioning your head. The goal is to move particles from the fluid-filled semicircular canals of your inner ear into a tiny bag-like open area (vestibule) that houses one of the otolith organs (utricle) in your ear where these particles don't cause trouble and are more easily reabsorbed. Each position is held for about 30 seconds after any symptoms or abnormal eye movements stop. This procedure is usually effective after one or two treatments. I'm told I get the privilege of having at least two treatments. Lucky me!

Two hours later, I am finally on my way home. The next few days after this procedure you have to sleep with you head elevated, making sure that your ears don't fall below shoulder level. This allows time for the particles floating in your labyrinth to settle into your vestibule and be reabsorbed by the fluids in your inner ear.

Any questions? :D

2009-10-10T15:58:00.004-05:00

We went to the Bayou City Arts Festival (in downtown Houston) today. Let me just say, here are a few of my new favorite artists:

Big World Photo

Absolutely creative and amazing photographs - and I can guarantee you probably have not seen anything like this! Check it out!

Iona Handcrafted Books

This is definately on my wish list for Christmas! I had a really hard time pulling myself away from these journals!

Anthony Hansen creates the most amazing pieces of art with automotive sheet metal. I am certain that I could find a place in every room of my house for everyone of his creations!

2009-10-08T20:23:00.003-05:00

So, I went over to visit Diana, at The Devine Home, to get some home decorating inspriation and was thrilled to stumble upon one of the funnest (is that a word?) things ever! It was actually started by Kat at 3 Bedroom Bungalow.

Dear ADD Brain,
Please quit changing the subject when….Oh, heck, I forgot to lock the front door when I left this morning….I am trying so hard to stay on track!
Chasing squirrels, Kelly

Dear Crème Brulee Candy Corn,
I’m so disappointed that you did not taste as good as you should have! Boo!
Cheating on you with chocolate, Kelly

Dear Laundry,
Quit pro-creating on the bathroom floor while I am at work!
“Washing” you all away, Kelly

Dear Fluid in my Ears:
Get out already! Don’t think crossing over to the other side, either!

Dear Remington,
Can you please quit wanting to go out in the middle of the night? I mean, if you need to pee…that’s fine. But, don’t go outside and lay in the grass just for the heck of it!
Your loving human, Kelly

Dear Jesus,
When are you coming back? Life is getting really hard.
Waiting patiently, Kelly

Dear Boo Berry Cereal,
Where are you this year? Please tell me that you will eventually show up in stores. I cannot imagine the month of October with you!
Berry Disappointed I Have Not Found You Yet, Kelly

Dear Coach Store Outlet,
Would you please considering opening “just for me”? I cannot stand all those crazed women running over each other for a purse they are not even sure they want. It’s scary.

Totally Devoted (but NOT Crazed) Shopper, Kelly

Dear President Obama,
I’d like to see you spend a day or two working in a doctor’s office, hospital or pharmacy. You’d quit within an hour.
Not a fan, Kelly

Dear Brain,
I am sorry that someone took you out of my head, ran you over, and then poured you back into my skull.
With Thoughts of Playdough in My Head, Kelly

2009-10-05T08:59:00.006-05:00

*This is actually a post I wrote about 3 years ago! I always love the opportunity to share this part of our journey - and thought this month's Marriage Monday was a perfect oppportunity!

With the upcoming day of our 20 year wedding anniversary fast approaching, I have been thinking alot about how we got here! It's hard to believe how different things were 5 years ago! Richard was preparing to go on his first (of many) mission trips to Russia. Seems everyone except Beth thought this was strange.....let me explain that!

Richard had never "voiced" any interest to go on a mission trip - especially to an orphanage in Russia. As I watched him prepare for this trip, I began to see his heart....but, I will never forget when Beth told me that she thought God was going to use this trip (mightily) in his life! Wow! You sure were right, Beth! You see, as he was preparing for this trip - our marriage was falling apart. Which added another confusing element to this time of our life. I mean, who on earth would leave the country to share Christ with orphans when their marriage was falling apart, right? Ha! Well, God sure got me! You see, God used this mission trip to teach Richard about His unconditional love for him! Details on this aspect later.....

Richard was in Russia on our 15th wedding anniversary! I was a total wreck! The enemy was playing with my mind in a way that goes beyond explanation. I had convinced myself that as soon as Richard returned, he was going to tell me it was over.....and he was filing for divorce! Well, that's not exactly what happened....but, it was close (at least that was what I thought)! You see, we had grown apart.....there were not big, dramatic fights or adultery involved. It was not money issues...as so often the cause!

Marty, our counselor, told us that the problem was not the marriage itself - it was unresolved issues that was causing the problem in our marriage. Issues that occurred in our lives before we had even met one another. Issues that kept us paralyzed and in bondage - causing us to become self absorbed, controlling and unable to communicate in a way that would honor our marriage and allow us to grow together as husband and wife! The journey to discovering (and uncovering) the generational sins in our lives and identifying them for the purpose of being set free is an entire story in itself (details on that later)!

When Richard returned home from his trip (which was in June) we began counseling. It was, by far, the longest year of my life! He went one week and I went the next week. The attacks from the enemy began manifesting themselves in a very physical way (with me)! I would become so overwhelmed with dizziness that I could hardly function! After about 4 months of counseling, it was decided that Richard needed to move out for 6 months while we continued intense counseling. Yikes! I once again began a downward spiral.....but, what I realized (after he was gone about 2 months) - was the reason he had to move out was because I was so busy trying to put band aids on the wounds that God was opening up and trying to heal in his life....that God got sick of me getting in the way.....and not working on MY issues! I was actually hindering my husband from receiving a miraculous healing from God! Ouch! Yes, that was about the same time I became convicted that I had major problems with control and manipulation! Ha! It was at this point that I also began to realize that I was not invited to be part of the relationship that God wanted with Richard. It was only about the two of them.....no one else!

That year of our lives was amazing and full of every emotion you could possible have....we are so grateful for the Godly counsel we received from Marty Sholars.....in fact, she has become one of our dearest friends....and we still talk with her often! God is amazing. I have known for several years that He wants me to put our story in print, to share with others.....so, this is the start of my obedience to God. To publicly testify and declare to the world the miracle He did in our lives.....because we chose to believe God for our marriage and committed ourselves to see this through - He was faithful! Thank you, Lord. There are no words to describe my thankfulness, love and adoration for you!

Thursday's Thought.....

2009-10-01T06:46:00.006-05:00

"When a man gets to despair, he knows that all his thinking won't get him out. He will only get out by the sheer creative effort of God. Consequently, he is in the right attitude to receive from God that which he cannot gain for himself." - Oswald Chambers

Can You Relate?

2009-09-19T19:10:00.002-05:00

The contrast between 1 Kings 18 and 1 Kings 19 are startling. In Chapter 18, Elijah is bold and courageous. He experienced God’s supernatural strength to do extraordinary things. Then, in Chapter 19, we find Elijah exhausted, depressed and fearful.

While Elijah was obedient to God, and God “showed up” - Elijah was expecting a different outcome. He was disappointed that the results of his obedience did not turn out like he expected. How often we forget that while we are responsible for trusting and obeying God, we are NOT responsible for the results of that obedience.

When we allow the results and expectations to become the source of our happiness – the result is often depression and fear. I never noticed before, but when Elijah sought shelter under a broom tree - rather than in the Almighty - did you notice that we never see Elijah calling out to the Lord for help or direction? Instead, we see Elijah asking God to allow him to die. Immediately after Elijah falls asleep, God sends an angel to Elijah....encouraging him to "get up and eat." God does not tell him to "pull yourself out of this funk and get with the program".....instead, he allows Elijah a time of rest and restoration. A much needed time of rest and restoration.

Lessons Learned

2009-09-16T19:58:00.003-05:00

Last spring, I had the opportunity to learn about the vegan lifestyle…and make a few new friends at the same time. I posted this on my blog and never dreamed I would get the reaction that I did. A few weeks, ago I went back to visit the forum where it all started – just to check in and see if anything new had been posted.

I discovered that they have a term on this forum named after me. Whenever someone links to a blog and the person signs up to reply to the thread, they say they’ve been “kfishered”.

As funny as this sounds, this experience has really got me thinking…..mostly about how quickly we seem to assume we know something or someone – just from a “title”. I, personally, have been too quick to judge and assume on many occasions.

If you want to read the entire thread, you can find it here.

Here are some of the “welcome backs” I received on this thread

Nice to see you again Kfisher! You're pretty famous around these parts.

You're famous in a good way! We use the word, kfisher for when someone finds a thread about themselves, and comments.

kfisher! It's like seeing a celebrity at the grocery store!

I think the best kfisher experience since you were gone was when someone complained about some expensive chocolates they got that came and weren't as good as they hoped, that they were stale. The chocolate maker somehow found out, and apologized that those didn't turn out to her standards and they sent the poster more free chocolate to make it up! Do you have free chocolate for us?
Celebrity sighting. Hi kfisher!

Day = made! Welcome back, kfisher! I'm going to second Jaymoh's warning about the Whole Foods cupcakes, but I'm glad you got a good one!

i am psyched to see this thread so that i now know the origin of kfisher! cool!

kfisher, it's good to hear from you! Welcome back! <3>

To my new buddies at Post Punk Kitchen....here's to you!

2009-09-15T14:43:00.005-05:00

At the Senior parent meeting last night, a friend read the most incredible poem titled "Trust Me with Your Isaac". She talked about how hard it is to let your kids go at this stage of life. Thought I would share! P.S. Get a tissue!

TRUST ME WITH YOUR ISAAC

For every Abraham who dares to kiss the foreign field,
where glory for a moment grasped is for a lifetime tilled…

The voice of God speaks not but once
but ‘till the traveler hears “Abraham, Abraham! Bring your Isaac here.”

“Bring not the blemished sacrifice, what lovest thou the most?
Look not into the distance, you’ll find your Isaac close.”

“I hear the tearing of your heart torn between two loves,
the one your vision can behold, the Other hid above.”

“Do you trust me, Abraham with your gravest fear?
Will your pry your fingers loose and bring your Isaac here?”

“Have I not made you promises? Hold them tight instead!
I am the Lover of your soul—the Lifter of your head.”

“Believe me, O my Abraham when blinded by the cost.
Arrange the wooded altar and count your gains but loss.”

“Let tears wash clean your blinded eyes until unveiled you see—
the ram caught in the thicket there to set your Isaac free.”

“Perhaps I’ll send him down the mount to walk right by your side.
No longer in your iron grasp but safer still in mine.”

“Or I may wrap him in the wind and sweep him from your sight
To better things beyond your reach – believe with all your might!”

“Look up, beloved Abraham. Can you count the stars?
Multitudes will stand to reap from one dear friend of God.”

“Pass the test, my faithful one; bow to me as Lord.
Trust me with your Isaac – see, I am your great Reward.”

A Letter to My Son

2009-09-11T10:54:00.023-05:00

Dear Chase,

I am already a complete mess. Your 18th birthday is not until Sunday, but I am already a bundle of emotions – and uncontrollable tears. Where did the past 18 years go? It went so fast. Too fast.

As I think back on all those times I found myself wishing you would “hurry up” and crawl, walk and talk….I wish now that I would have taken more time to enjoy even those frustrating moments of motherhood.

Thankfully, all my tears hold no regrets. They are tears of joy – knowing that you have grown into an incredible man who loves the Lord and desires His will for your life. Your dad and I love you so much more than you could ever imagine. We are so proud of you. You are the joy and light of our life.

I am so grateful that God has given us such a loving and close relationship with you. I can remember people telling me to “enjoy the fact that he talks to you now….it won’t always be that way!”. Thank you for proving them wrong.

Some of my favorite memories of you:

Dad and I first heard your heartbeat on February 15, 1991.

On April 30, 1991 – we learned you were a “boy”.

We wanted to name you “Hunter”, but then realized that “Hunter Fisher” just was not going to work!

You were born on Friday, September 13, 1991 at 8:48 a.m. You weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and were 20 ½” long.

Your dad and I tried to predict your date of birth. I guessed August 28th and dad guessed September 7th. He won! :D

Right after you were born, your dad walked you down to the nursery. When the nurses tried to take you away - your dad pulled you back into him....reluctant to let you go!

The first time you slept through the night was November 9, 1991.

The first time you walked on your own was June 18, 1992. You took 5-6 steps towards your dad when he came home from work.

Your first birthday party was at Chuck E. Cheese!

You loved to wear dad's boots! We ended up getting you your own pair that were "just like dad's".

Your first McDonald’s hamburger was August 2, 1992.

You lost your first tooth on September 3, 1996 while eating a Rice Krispie treat. The tooth fairy left you $5.00 for that first tooth. The second tooth you lost did not even make it under your pillow for the “tooth fairy”. You swallowed it eating watermelon!

Speaking of the “tooth fairy”, when she forgot to show up one night….you were devastated. So, being the mom that I am, I had a friend of mine call you on the telephone and tell you that she had not really forgotten – she had just so many stops to make that night she did not get around to everyone. But, she assured you that you would get an EXTRA bonus for being so patient. (Thanks, Kathy!)

By the time you were 14 months old, your favorite word was “car”. Imagine that?

Whenever you wanted to interrupt a conversation I was having with someone, you would say “rupt me up”!

One day you were singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” – and instead of singing “like a diamond in the sky” – you sang “like McDonald’s in the sky.”

You and dad went out in the backyard together every day to check on the tree you had planted.

I love to watch you and your dad enjoy the beauty of God's world - and share such a passion for life and photography!

When you sang “Jesus Loves the Little Children” – instead of singing “and little ones to him belong” – you sang “and little ones to Him be frogs.”

When someone hurt your feelings, you would say “you made my feelings cry”.

Thanks to Ms. Rae, it would be YEARS before you would eat anyone else’s macaroni & cheese. I even made it just like Ms. Rae – but, it just “wasn’t the same.” :D

Your love and compassion for other people are inspring! You are an incredible, faithful and loving friend to everyone you know!

Chase, you are one of the most amazing people I have ever known! Your love for life and God inspire me to want to live my life to the fullest! Being your mom is one of the greatest joys of my life! I love you!

*And, quit looking at me like that! LOL

These Aprons "ROCK"

2009-09-10T08:35:00.003-05:00

The Hip Hostess has the cutest dang aprons EVER! I think I might become an "apron fan"! Check them out!

2009-08-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

I have given birth to one child. His name is Chase. He will be turning 18 in September. I love him more than life itself. So, when I saw this topic, my first reaction was to just “sit this one out”. Then, it occurred to me. I have an amazing story to share. A story about a woman’s desire to be a mother, and a young girl’s desire for a mother. A God-ordained mother/daughter relationship that inspires me every day! A story about a young girl that gave me a glimpse of life with a "daughter". A young girl who showed me that it's possible to love two children with all your heart....at the same time!

I first met Sara the summer before my son started middle school. They were in day camp together. Chase and Sara became instant friends. Not long after day camp started, Chase introduced me to Sara. As the summer progressed, I learned more about this precious girl and the aunt who had recently received guardianship. That summer, Mary and Sara became part of our family. Our love for them is forever engraved in our hearts.

As fall approached, we were thrilled to discover that Sara would be attending school with Chase. They would both be starting 6th grade at First Baptist Academy. Mary was not only adjusting to the single life again, but she had immediately become the parent of a pre-teen girl. Can you imagine? But, God is faithful. Sara’s mom had been tragically killed in a car accident when Sara was 3 years old. Her father had continued to raise her (and her older siblings), but as Sara began to get older, it was obvious she needed a mother. A Godly mother. And God provided. In a big way! I’ve always told Mary that not only was Sara an answer to her prayer (to be a mom), but that SHE was an answer to Sara’s prayer – in that God provided a Godly mother for Sara. I love it when God meets the needs in our own lives, and at the same time allows us to be used by Him to meet a need in another person’s life.

I’ve watched Mary grow as a parent. I’ve seen her step into a role that would seem almost impossible to fill. I’ve watched her give up things that she wanted, so that Sara could attend a private, Christian school. I’ve watched her encourage Sara in her walk with the Lord. Standing alongside her when those tough teen years hit! I’ve seen Mary admit when she is wrong, and stand her ground – even when Sara got mad! I’m so grateful that God has allowed me to walk alongside Mary during this journey – for all the times we have laughed together, worried together, prayed together and cried together. Sara has become a daughter to me. I’ve become a better mother, a better person, because of Mary. My own experience as a mother is richer, because of the opportunity to encourage Mary in her own journey of being a mother.

Sara is one of the most amazing young women I have ever met! She loves the Lord. She lives a life of integrity and passion. She knows that God has a plan for her life. She is not willing to settle for mediocrity…..she wants God’s best! She also knows that God expects much from her.

As Chase and Sara begin their senior year of high school, I look back at just how far Mary and Sara have come the past 6 years. How far we’ve all come the past 6 years. It’s gone by too fast! Way too fast! And, while Chase and Sara have been attending different private, Christian schools – they remain as close as a brother and sister. Sara can often be found at our house “just hanging out and watching movies”. Chase often tells Sara that she will not be allowed to marry anyone that he has not approved of…..and my husband is quick to add that he too must approve of any potential husband! :D All I can say is that Mary and I have already begun to pray for the young man seeking to ask for Sara’s hand in marriage! My guys can be pretty protective when it comes to Sara! Imagine that?

To Mary, thank you for allowing me the privilege of walking alongside you as you raise your "daughter". To Sara, thank you for the opportunity to love you, as if you were my own "daughter". I love you both!

Honestly Parenting

2009-08-29T14:20:00.010-05:00

I never cease to be amazed at the number of parents who are afraid to discipline their kids. Afraid that if they get on to them about anything that their kid might "get mad". They just want their kids "to be happy". Really? My advice to these parents? Step up to the plate. What they need from you, as a parent, is direction, boundaries, honesty and unconditional love.

Honesty. This one seemed to have come easy to us. My husband and I have always been able to be really upfront and honest with our son. We decided early on that we would be as honest as possible with our son - age appropriate, but always honest.

For example, several weeks into our son's 6th grade year, he had a horrendous melt down. He finally said, "My life sucks!". I sat there for a minute and finally said, "Chase, I am not sure what to say expect that being in middle school does "suck" most of the time. In fact, all of our lives will probably "suck" for the next few years because you are in middle school." He looked and me and laughed. I began to explain to him that no one is immune to those awkward, hormonal and frustrating years of middle school. I told him that both his father and I had those kind of moments in middle school, too.....everyone does. Even those kids who seem to "have it all together" have bad days. Some are worse than others. It's just one of the learning curves of life.

I believe that our kids appreciate seeing us communicate with honesty and transparency. Not everyday is bad. Not everyday is great. There are "ups" and "downs". We have to learn how to "give and receive" in relationships. Learning how to effectively and honestly communicate with each other is vital to healthy relationships.

If You Love BBQ Chicken Pizza....

2009-08-28T19:24:00.004-05:00

I discovered a new recipe that I'm going to try out this weekend! It's like combining BBQ chicken pizza and lasagna. Yummy!

BBQ CHICKEN PIZANGA

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, diced

1 red onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (18 ounce) bottle KC Masterpiece Honey BBQ Sauce

1 (8 ounce) package phyllo dough

1 stick unsalted butter

2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat 2 tablespoons oilive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in the oil until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir the onion, garlic and barbecue sauce into the skillet. Cook and stir until onions are tender, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove phyllo dough from package and unfold onto a baking sheet. Cover with a damp kitchen towel to prevent the dough from drying out. Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Use a pastry brush to grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with the butter. Place 4 sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the prepared pan, brush top of phyllo dough with butter. Spread a thin layer of chicken mixture on the top of the phyllo; sprinkle layer with cheese. Place 2 sheets of phyllo dough on top of the cheese, brush with butter. Continue layering chicken mixture, cheese, and buttered phyllo dough until the chicken mixture is gone. Top final layer of chicken and cheese with 2 sheets of phyllo dough, brush the top with butter. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and remaining cheese. Bake in preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 30 to 35 minutes.

2009-08-26T19:28:00.001-05:00

I absolutely LOVE my family doctor, and as a result, I chose put up with the “attitude” from his office staff. They are downright rude and indifferent. It should not be this way. I have always believed that every person who is hired to work the front desk of a medical office should be as passionate about patient care as the physician who hired them.

Truth be told, this is one of the reasons I elected to make a career change. After 13 years working for a very large church, I decided that it was time for me to pursue my “dream job” of working for a physician. I was confident that I could, and would, make a difference in someone’s day! I believe it was what I was born to do! The only problem was that I had absolutely NO MEDICAL experience. And, as I had discovered over the years – that’s a really big deal!

One night, I stumbled upon an advertisement for a physician in private practice who was looking for a new office administrator. And, to make it even more appealing, it was only 15 minutes from my house! I debated applying, fearing that I would once again be reminded of the medical experience I DID NOT have. But, I went ahead and sent my resume and was shocked to receive an email response within an hour.

The interview lasted 2 hours. I had decided that I would share my heart with this doctor. I began to tell him that while I did not have the “medical” experience, I did have the administrative experience and was completely confident that I could run his office for him! I also had a passion for patient care – especially in this particular field of medicine. I left the interview around 8:00 p.m. and by 11:00 p.m. I received an email offering me the job. Wow!

That was 15 months ago. Working for a psychiatrist, I’ve learned that there are not enough mental health professionals available to treat children. As a result, the children of this generation are suffering with anxiety and depression at alarming rates. Families are falling apart. Parents begin to feel like they have failed their children. They feel isolated. Alone.

However, there is hope. I see it. I share it. I work for a physician who pours his life into helping his patients learn life skills that will help them cope with whatever life brings them. We work closely with family members, teachers, counselors and social workers to ensure that our patients are receiving the best care available to them. We encourage our patients to call us and let us know how they are doing, and if they don’t call us – we call them. When a patient walks into our office, they are greeted by name (even the new patients). We are often told by patients how thankful they are for the care they receive. I smile, and then silently wonder, as they walk out the door, if they realize what an honor and privilege it is to serve them.

Interesting Medical News

2009-08-25T18:47:00.011-05:00

Click here to read about the first Rehab Center for Internet Addiction opening in Seattle.

Read about a $29 million dollar gift that will be used to treat autism in adults.

Multi-tasking may be bad for your brain. Read about it here.

Click here to read how your brain is weirder than you think.

Read about severe brain degeneration is obese adults.

Read about the importance of checking your medical bills - even if you have insurance.

A new study shows that feeling lonely is hard on a woman's arteries. Click here.

Read about how a woman's taxi driver offered to donate his kidney - and was the perfect match!

Generic vs Brand - Are they really the same? Read about it here.

Forgive Me, Lord......Thank You, Lord!

2009-08-04T20:38:00.003-05:00

**This is a post that I wrote one night - as I spent some time remembering the season of my life where God was doing a miracle in my marriage. To be honest, the next morning I woke up and thought...what was I thinking? Be that transparent.....I immediately logged on to DELETE the post....and found that someone had left a comment at 2:43 am (you can read it here). All I can say is.....the post remained and God is awesome! As I pray for a precious friend who is in a similiar season right now, I thought it appropriate (and a great reminder) to share it again!

Forgive me, Lord, for even considering giving up my relationship with you - in order to save my marriage!

Thank you, Lord, that by moving into a deeper relationship with you (rather than giving it up) - not only did you restore my marriage, but I am better equipped to love my husband and be the wife you have called me to be.

Forgive me, Lord, for not trusting you with my marriage.

Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to teach me to trust you not only in my marriage, but every area of my life!

Forgive me, Lord, for not always being obedient to what you asked of me (especially when it meant having to own up to some unbecoming behavior toward Richard).

Thank you, Lord, for your continuing grace and mercy towards me - even when my attitude stinks!

Forgive me, Lord, for thinking it was always about me!

Thank you, Lord, that you allowed me to see it was about YOU!

Forgive me, Lord, for thinking I could fix my marriage quicker, better and more creatively than you.

Thank you, Lord, for proving me wrong!

Forgive me, Lord, for thinking I know Richard better than you!

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that YOU created Richard - and know him and love him even more than I ever could!

Forgive me, Lord, for neglecting some of the responsibilities I had as a mom - instead, choosing to become self-centered and worry about the future of my marriage.

Thank you , Lord, for not forgetting Chase....for you, Lord, became very real to him at a young age - as he watched you perform a miracle in his parents marriage.

Forgive me, Lord, for seeking comfort in food rather than in YOU!

Thank you, Lord, for helping me identify that I was seeking comfort from someone or something other than YOU - and teaching me to seek YOUR face during these times of hurt and sadness.

Forgive me, Lord, for trying to get through this season of my life on my strength alone!

Thank you, Lord, for the strength you provided to me - even when I could not find the strength to ask you for it!

Forgive me, Lord, for those days I just did not have the energy (or desire) to meet with you!

Thank you, Lord, that you continued your work in my life and my marriage - that on the days I seemed to have abandoned you - you never left me!

Forgive me, Lord, when I wanted to settle for mediocrity.

Thank you, Lord, that you did not let me settle for mediocrity!

Forgive me, Lord, for wanting to quit....thinking it just was not worth it!

Thank you, Lord, that you continued to place people in my life who, most often unknowingly, confirmed a word that you had spoken to me days before - thereby, encouraging me to continue to seek your will concerning my marriage.

Forgive me, Lord, for continuing to live a life controlled by generational sins - and not recognizing them.

Thank you, Lord, for revealing to me where specific generational sins were spoken into my life....and setting me free!

Forgive me, Lord, for doubting the healing you have brought to my marriage - during those times where "old habits" begin to reveal themselves....

Thank you, Lord, that you remind me that you have set me free and have equipped me to deal with these situations before they become a stronghold in my life again!

Forgive me, Lord, for never thanking you for the Godly counsel that you provided us during this seaon of our life!

Thank you, Lord, for words cannot express the thankfulness for the Godly counsel you provided for us - for using her to keep me focused on seeking your will for my life - and your will for our marriage and family!

Forgive me, Lord, for thinking this issue was TOO BIG for even you!

Thank you, Lord, that once again....you showed me that there is nothing to difficult for you!

Forgive me, Lord, for trying for force a Richard to have a relationship with you - based on what I thought it should be!

Thank you, Lord, that you allowed the Holy Spirit to convict MY heart regarding MY relationship with YOU! For teaching me that I did not need to worry about Richard's relationship with you - only that I needed to concentrate on my walk with YOU!

Forgive me, Lord, for my resistance to sharing about the miracle you performed in my marriage - and for allowing the enemy to manipulate me into silence.

Thank you, Lord, for sending friends (and strangers) into my life who confirm time and time again what you are speaking to me! Thank you for the courage to step out in faith - to testify, not just with my voice, but in printed word - the mirace you performed in my life and marriage!

2009-08-02T19:03:00.000-05:00

"God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I'm an open book to you; even from a distance,
you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave
and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say before I
start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too - your reassuring
presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful - I can't take it all in!"
Psalm 139:1-6 MSG

Praying for One Another

2009-06-28T19:57:00.005-05:00

“Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people. Also pray for me that when I speak, God will give me words so that I can tell the secret of the Good News without fear.” Ephesians 6:18-19 (NCV)

This morning, I was moved to tears as I watched my 17 year old son, Chase, bring this scripture to life – right before my eyes. We were wrapping up our weekend in San Antonio and getting ready to meet up with some friends in front of The Alamo when we began to hear a man preaching God’s word at the top of his lungs. Loudly! He was standing in the middle of the park, Bible in hand, declaring God’s love for His people. He was dressed as if he had just left the pulpit of a church – and, as you can imagine, the signs of this Texas heat were beginning to show. His slacks and dress shirt looked as if he had jumped in a swimming pool before arriving at the park.

As we listened to this man, we began to talk about the gift of evangelism. I have always been amazed at people called to this kind of bold evangelism. As our conversation continued, my son said that he wanted to go and speak to this man. I looked at him and said, “Really?” – but, before I could get an answer from him, Chase stood up and walked over to the man and began speaking with him.

Then, I watched as my 17 year old son took the hand of this man of God and prayed for him. He began to ask God to strengthen him in his call to share Christ with anyone and everyone who would listen. Needless to say, I was so moved….the tears began to fall. It was amazing. Chase had discovered that this man had been sharing the Good News for 45 years (all over the world)! What an amazing way to end our weekend in San Antonio!

Drive-Thru Emergency Care

2009-06-18T21:51:00.004-05:00

Stanford Clinic is now offering drive-thru emergency care! No burgers, fries or coffee at this drive-thru! Read about it here.

Junky Car Club

2009-06-17T18:13:00.003-05:00

You have to check out the Junky Car Club! I first learned of this organization through Mark Batterson's blog. Mike Foster, founder of this organization, is putting his money where is mouth is.....and making a difference in the lives of others! Be inspired!

Need Some Stress Relief....

2009-03-23T20:50:00.001-05:00

I can always tell when my days are stressful because the most random thoughts starting popping into my head. Things like “if the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn’t the plural of booth beeth?”. So, I thought I would write a post that was a little on the humorous side – maybe helping to get everyone’s mind off the stresses of everything that is going on in the world at the moment! Enjoy!

· Have you ever noticed that there is no “apple” or “pine” in “pineapple”?
· “Obganiate” is to irritate someone by constantly repeating oneself.
· “Galeanthropy” is the belief that one is a cat.
· “Bibliophobia” is the fear of books.
· Quicksand only works slowly.
· “kakorrhaphiophobia” is a fear of failure.
· The first person you see after leaving your house is called a “qualtagh”.
· “Steatopygic” means “having a fat behind”.
· Someone who eats frogs is called a “batrachophagous”.
· “Asdfasdfasdf” is a common keyboard mashing similar to “jkjkjkjkj".
· “blennophobia” is the fear of slime.
· “rectalgia” is a pain in the butt.
· “rinkomania” is an obsession with skating.

Some of my favorite “oxymorons”:

· Adult children
· Alone together
· Jumbo shrimp
· Pretty ugly
· Clearly confused
· Rolling stop
· Old news
· Blank expression
· Random order
· Second best
· Front end

Looking for a Cat....or Husband?

2009-03-18T20:42:00.001-05:00

Funny Obits

2009-03-17T19:40:00.002-05:00

I have a strange favorite pastime. I love to read the obituaries. Not to see who has died, but I am always curious how family & friends word the death notices of loved ones. For example, one of the most popular death notices is probably “Jane Doe passed away 01/01/90”. But, every now and then, I run across one that is hysterical (and sometimes just downright unbelievable).

Here are a few of my favorites:

· Jane Doe completed her long journey to be with Savior….

· John Doe was summoned to appear before his Judge….

· Jane Doe died after all her breath leaked out….(I had to read this one again to make sure I read it correctly.)

· Jane Doe departed Dallas to be with her Lord….(Yes, Dallas!)

· John Doe died peacefully from a brain aneurysm ….(This does not sound like a “peaceful” way to go – but, maybe I am wrong!)

· Jane Doe changed her address…(I wonder, will the post office forward her mail?)

· John Doe expired….(I’ve always wondered if there was a “sell by date” stamped somewhere on our earthly bodies.)

· Jane Doe passed away quietly….(What a relief to know they were not kicking and screaming anyone just before dying.)

· John Doe sailed his final voyage to Heaven….

· Jane Doe departed this stage of existence…

So, now I am curious, have you read a death notice that made you laugh a little (okay, alot)? If so, please let me know so I can add it to my list!

Parenting - Pick Your Battles

2009-03-04T17:34:00.002-06:00

When our son entered middle school, the clothing wars began. Attending a private school, we were fortunate not to have the “what am I going to wear today” battles – it was all uniform, baby! But, when he hit middle school, and the social calendar began to get booked, the importance of his “weekend clothes” became the center of our world. When he announced that he wanted to wear the baggy jeans, I immediately said, “NO WAY!”. I absolutely hate that look! There is nothing attractive about guys walking around holding their pants up with one hand – but, making sure that they can still be falling off just enough for everyone to see that they are wearing lime green boxer shorts with hot pink skulls on them!

After a few days of arguing about the baggy jeans – God began to show me some things. First, what was bothering me the most was not just the fact that this look was so stinkin’ sloppy – it was more that I did not want my son to be associated with “the type of people who dress this way”. I was scared. What would people think? What if he got involved in drugs, alcohol…hanging with the wrong kids? Admit it, we all assume that if a person dresses a certain way – they must act (or think) that way. How many times have we walked down the street and judged someone because of the way they are dressed….especially teenagers! We wonder what kind of parents would dare let their child out of the house dressed like that!

Later that week, we decided to “pick our battle”. We sat our son down and told him that we would allow him to get a pair of those baggy jeans AND wear them….but, there were 2 rules. First, he could not wear them so baggy that we were able to see his underwear. No exceptions! Second, the moment that the character and core being of who he is in Christ began to change….game over! Period.

Let me tell you what I learned. The entire time my son wanted to wear those baggy jeans – his personality and character never changed. He was the same kid he was when he was wearing his school uniform. The fad passed (thank you, Jesus!). Of course, there were other battles just on the horizon. We began to apply the concept of “as long as it does not change the character and core being of who you are in Christ” to everything. It made it much easier for us to allow Chase the freedom to begin to express himself, and was a reminder to him the importance of remaining true to himself and to God.

We learned that when we chose to pick our battles , we had more energy to fight the battles that really matter! Those battles that begin to comprise our children’s character and core being of who they are in Christ! Those are the battles we need to be fighting!

Being Certain of Who God Is....

2009-02-23T20:56:00.002-06:00

Some days at work are easier than others. This was not one of those days. It was emotional. But, I witnessed an amazing thing!

One of our last patients this evening is a single mom that has recently been told that her son (who is in his young 20’s) has about 30 days to live. You see, the brain tumor is inoperable. She has tried to take her life twice since receiving this news. When I first spoke with her, about a month ago, she was depressed and well, devastated. Unable to even go through the motions of the day, it was just too much to bear. I cannot imagine.

Fast forward a few weeks, she calls and I cannot believe she is the same person. As we began to talk, I asked her how things were going. She shared with me how God “showed up at church yesterday” – speaking tenderly to her heart in a way that only God can. Wow!

Today, when she came in for her appointment….I once again asked her about her son…how were things going? She told me that he was falling a lot – which is common at this stage – and that he had been given a cane, walker, etc. to help him get around a little better. He lives with his dad, so she does not get to see him as much as she would like….which, to me, is the hardest part. Having a son who is only a few years younger than her son, I cannot imagine doing anything but spending every waking (and sleeping) hour next to my son – soaking up every moment that I had left with him on this earth!

After I got her all “checked in” she went to sit in the waiting area. A few minutes passed and I begin to hear someone singing along with the radio (we have KSBJ playing in our office). It was this mom….singing along to the song “Never Alone” by the Barlow Girls (see the lyrics of this song below). As I watched her sing the words to this song, tears began to pour from my eyes. I was trying to imagine, for just a moment, how this mom must feel. How is it that she was not constantly in tears, begging God not to take her child from her so soon? How is it that she can stand not being with her son 24/7 – during the last days of his life? How could she sit there, so calmly, singing the words to this song? But, she did. She sang the words to that song – straight from her heart. Her broken heart. It seems almost unimaginable.

I have learned that while we can always be certain of who God is…..the journey he takes us on is often filled with uncertantity. What I saw today was a mom who is certain of who God is….in spite of the situation and heartache she finds herself facing…..God is still God. Period.

NEVER ALONE

I waited for you today

But you didn't show

No no

I needed you today

But where did you go

You told me to call

Said you'd be there

And though I haven't seen you

Are you still there?

I cried out with no reply

And I can't feel you by my side

So I'll hold tight to what I know

You're here and I'm never alone.

And though I cannot see you

And I can't explain why

Such a deep reassurance

You've placed in my life

We cannot separate

Cause you're part of me

And though you're invisible

I'll trust the unseen.

Another Reason to Shop at Hobby Lobby

2009-02-22T19:16:00.004-06:00

I love to shop at Hobby Lobby. I have been known to get lost in this store. Intentionally lost, of course! :D

But, let me share with you my newest reason for wanting to patronize this company. I was on their website when I came across their "Statement of Purpose" and reading it caused my heart to leap with joy! How refreshing...to see a company as successful as Hobby Lobby giving God the glory!

Here is the "Statement of Purpose" for Hobby Lobby:

In order to effectively serve our owners, employees, and customers, the Board of Directors is committed to:

Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.
Offering our customers an exceptional selection and value.
Serving our employees and their families by establishing a work environment and company policies that build character, strengthen individuals, and nurture families.
Providing a return on the owners' investment, sharing the Lord's blessings with our employees, and investing in our community.

We believe that it is by God's grace and provision that Hobby Lobby has endured. He has been faithful in the past, we trust Him for our future.

Cool Website of the Week - Delight.com

2009-02-21T20:22:00.014-06:00

I have recently discovered a really neat website that has some really cool stuff! Check it out at Delight.com. The tagline on their site is "A new delight ever 24 hours!" Wow, what more could a girl want? Right? Some of the items that I've placed on my "wish list" include:

Ecojot 100% Recycled Paper Soft Cover Workbook (Journal). These are so awesome....mainly because I love to "take notes" when I read a book. These are great because you can slip them into the book (like a bookmark) and not break the spine on your book. :D

Envirosax Ultra-Mod Black & White Reusable Grocery Bags. One of these bags claims to hold the equivalent weight 2 regular plastic grocery bags....and they actually roll up small enough to place in your glovebox or purse! Cool, huh?

Overheard in the Office

2009-01-10T07:06:00.003-06:00

This is hysterical! If you want some funny reading material this weekend, check this out! Have a great weekend!

Wise Counsel

2009-01-06T20:58:00.004-06:00

I received some insightful words of wisdom today from a friend - who thankfully gives me some of the best Godly counsel EVER!

Boundaries = Behavior

Control = Feelings

While these words bring some insight to some issues I am dealing with at the moment....the enemy is still trying to confuse me when it comes to discernment regarding these two issues. As God brings to the surface issues that I need to deal with....it never fails that the fine line between "boundaries" and "control" become a frustrating obstacle and distraction. Does this ring true with anyone else out there?

Wordy Wednesdsay

2009-01-02T19:26:00.014-06:00

Here we go again....I have found some more of the funniest words in "Word Nerd" written by Barbara Ann Kipfer, Ph.D....enjoy!

Flamdoodle is and exgerrated, boastful speech or pretentious nonsense.

Mucophagy is snot eating.

Surquidry is another word for "arrogance".

Blamestorming is an intense discussion for the purposes of putting blame or assigning responsibility for a misdeed or failure.

A person with no curiosity is a fysigunkus.

Juncate is an old word for "cheesecake".

A boondoggle is a task of little practical value.

A person who reads in bed is a librocubicularst.

A blatteroon is a person who will not shut up.

To prink is to adorn oneself with ornaments.

Zebra is literally "wild ass" in Spanish and Italian, and may derive from Latin equiferus, "wild horse".

A yoop is a convulsive or sudden sob.

A clatterfart is a babbler.

Normal?

2008-12-30T15:20:00.003-06:00

I am continually amazed (and entertained) by our younger patients. While we have a playroom located right next door to my office….more often than not, while the parent(s) are talking to the doctor...the kids (ranging in age from 3 years to 25 years) usually end up in my office talking to me about everything that is going on in their lives.

Yesterday, one of our patients (who is about 9 years old) was telling me how much he loved to draw. As we talked, I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. His response was “I just want to be normal.” I smiled at him and said, “You know, I’m not sure that anyone really knows what “normal” is anymore. I believe that God created us all different for a reason – I mean, just think about it. If we were all the same…it would be a really boring world. Don’t you think?” He looked at me and said, “I never thought of it that way!”. We continued to talk for a little while and before he left I looked over at him and said, “Remember, be yourself….because everyone else is already taken!” His smiled melted my heart!

As I began to think about just want constitutes “normal” – words like “average, common, usual and run-of-the mill” popped into my head. I thought back to my conversation with this precious patient. I never really thought about what he was saying. I began to wonder if this child just wanted to “blend in” with the crowd. To live his life unnoticed. It was then that I had this “ah-ha” moment.

How many of us want desperately to just blend in with the crowds? To live our lives completely unnoticed by others? Never wanting to share our heartbreaks and/or disappointments with others for fear of being judged or criticized. Choosing, instead, to try and work through our “stuff” alone. I don’t think this is God’s plan for our lives. While I certainly believe there are times that it just needs to be you and God….I also believe that there are far too many times that we allow our pride to keep us from seeking Godly counsel. As we look forward to a new year, I want to encourage you to not only encourage those pepole God has placed in your life....but, seek encouragement from other Believers. Let's not be afraid to share our lives with others.

“Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.” Proverbs 3:27 (MSG)

Being Aware of the Signs of Depression

2008-12-28T19:02:00.010-06:00

This time of year there are a record number of people dealing with depression. When you add the economic crisis and record job losses that are occurring at this time of year....the number of people dealing with depression can skyrocket.

Many people are not aware that a friend or family member maybe suffering from depression. I thought I would take a moment to make you aware of some signs and symptoms...and some interesting facts about depression.

Of the estimated 17.5 million Americans who are affected by some form

of depression, 9.2 million have major or clinical depression.