In Need of A Little Dusting?

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Berthold Auerbach

That's exactly what happened last night during a concert put on by this group. If it were not for this guy's incredible trumpet talent I probably would have had little interest in attending the concert (I'm ashamed to say), but I'm so glad I did.

Everyday life has a way of attracting a lot of "dust", doesn't it? You know what I'm talking about. Those things, concerns, to-do lists, etc., that pile on and dull our shine.

As I listened to the instruments playing in perfect unison, my Friday "dust" washed away. It wasn't until later, however, that Brian shared this meaningful perspective on the concert.

Music has a way of delving into the deepest part of our soul and bringing to surface raw emotions. It's almost as if God placed within us a place that only music could touch.

If you ever have the opportunity to see these guys, I suggest you jump on it!

You Made Me This Way!

In speaking of how our lives are influenced by others, Dan B. Allender, author of "To Be Told" says this:

"Even though our story spills into the lives of others, and even though everyone is fully involved in my becoming who I am, I can blame no one for my story. Is this a contradiction? I don't think so. The reason it is not contradictory is simple: I will be the only person who stands before the face of God to take account for my life. Many have influenced me--both for good and ill--but I will not be able to bring a small group before the throne of God and say, "They are the ones who made me this way."

Two Observations:

• I believe this may be easier to grasp if you're an only child. Who can we blame? Unfortunately, we can all find someone else (anyone else) to blame, but I have noticed that those with siblings seem to have honed their "blame game" skills over the years. I wish I could say that I act like an "only" more often in this respect, however, many days you'll find me acting more like this Baker.
  

• Be encouraged parents! We often made decisions for our boys growing up that were not popular with friends or family. Sometimes our decisions seemed too strict or confining for their taste, but Brian and I knew that we would be the ones to stand before God to give an account as to how we raised them. This one truth helped us to stick to our guns in what we believed was best for the boys, confident that God would bless our efforts, mistakes and all. And there were plenty of those!
  

My Google Search

Here's my spin-off from Rich's posting today:

Google search for Cathy Baker

- Actress on "Hee-Haw" (can anyone say "Ya'll Come!")
- Field Hockey Player
- OB/GYN Doctor
- Senior VP for loan restructuring
- Author of "Building and Using Your Root Cellar" (now there's an exciting read!)
- Someone who had a second near death experience; flying over downtown Seattle until another angelic being interrupted her flight and told her there had been a change of plans and she would have to return back to her life on earth (No,this was not an episode on the Twilight Zone featuring Cathy Baker from Hee-Haw)
- Co-author of the "Preparation of Proteins from Gels for Protein Microsequencing" Protocol (now we're talking!)
- Dog owner of two Welsh Corgis (don't tell Rupert)
- PA Lt. Governor

Go Kayla!

Brian and I had the chance to see Kayla in action during her soccer game tonight. She played very well but we were especially proud of the star she earned for good sportsmanship (rewards given out by Upward after each game.) Go Kayla!

I remember keeping Kayla when she was in the pre-school class at our former church. If the other children had any snacks left on their plate (and I do mean any), Kayla wanted them! It was funny at the time, but now I see how all those graham cracker cookies have paid off in building her spectacular muscles! Actually, "K" has possessed great athletic ability from the beginning. She is her mother's daughter no doubt!

It continues to be a joy watching all of Teresa's girls (Steph, Christi, Kayla and Rach) grow into the beautiful young women they were created to be. I can't wait to see what the future holds for each of them and the unique way God will use them for His Kingdom!

God Bless America!

Brian, Zach, Sarah and I just returned from the Memorial Day Service held this afternoon in Simpsonville. I'm ashamed to say that it's the first service like that I've ever attended, but rest assured, it will not be the last.

As the World War II veterans were introduced, the large crowd gave them a rousing standing ovation, and rightfully so. I was moved to tears thinking of the incredible sacrifices that must have been made by these brave men and women. Sacrifices which I take for granted every single day.

One veteran shared how much this meant to him. Here are a few more pictures showing their return home from DC. I understand it was the largest crowd ever recorded at the Gvl/Sptbg Airport.


Today's service made me incredibly proud to be an American - and incredibly thankful.

God bless America!

Sunday Thoughts

We had an another amazing service this morning. The pastor answered the following four questions while wrapping up the book of Job (chapters 40 & 42):

1. What is repentance?
2. Why did Job need to repent?
3. What does real repentance look like?
4. How can we cultivate a repentant heart?

I couldn't write fast enough! Here are some of today's take-aways:

• Job had begun to feel an "entitlement" in his relationship with God; he had begun to see himself as God's peer. God is not our peer.
• Often we want answers from God more than we want a relationship with Him.
• True repentance is to be pre-occupied with God, not myself.
• True repentance involves embracing our position, much like Job did in 42:3. It is recognizing that I'm not God's "buddy". To embrace our position before a holy God means to live in "sweet complacency" - a stilled heart - knowing full well that hidden things belong to the Lord and His presence is enough. Nothing else matters.
• When we go to someone to repent, we do not get to control how the other person responds to our offer of forgiveness. In essence, we are placing ourselves at their mercy, with no expectations in return.
• God didn't give Job answers, but He did give him His presence, and that was enough for Job.
  

It was encouraging, convicting, and challenging, to say the least.

Tonight, the kids and their friends are coming over for a cook-out (yes, outside in the heat!) I can't imagine a better way to close out such an awesome day!

I Love Where We Live

I love it when Freedom Weekend Aloft comes to town! Living less than 5 miles away from the balloon launching site we have the wonderful opportunity to sit on our back steps and watch them pass by. Tonight, they didn't come as close as they did last year, but there are still two days left and I feel sure we'll see them close up before the event is over.

Here are our first sightings from tonight:






Here's a picture from last year. This is what I'm waiting for!



I can't close out today's post without mentioning Megan's rebuttal to my "Why I Hate Heat" posting from yesterday. She does have some good points (as usual!) I'm so glad she's my daughter-in-law. :)

I Hate Heat

10 Reasons Why I Hate Heat (defined as anything above 83 degrees):

1. It makes me sweat
2. It means that summer is here
3. It often requires extra showers (see #1)
4. It shrivels my plants (no matter how much I water!)
5. Summer attire is required (I prefer the kind of attire that covers as much of my body as possible)
6. Other women (usually around size 6 and addicted to Coppertone) wearing their summer attire
7. It forces me to do more inside the house rather than the outside
8. I turn into a frizz bomb
9. Heat = Summer = Muggy = Mosquitoes. Need I say more?
10. Bees and fire ants are out in full force. I'm allergic to both

Needless to say, I am so not a lover of summer. I prefer seasons that are not extremely hot or cold. I'm convinced heaven will be Fall-like weather forever. And summer? Well, we know where that season will go.

A Reality Check

After celebrating David Cook's win last night, I woke up this morning to the news of Steven Curtis Chapman's five-year old daughter, Maria (sitting on his lap in the picture above), being killed yesterday. Talk about a reality check. 

Although my taste in music has changed over the years, there is no denying this guy is the real thing. You can hear it in his words and see it in his life... especially when it comes to his family. They have been on my mind and in my prayers throughout the day. I'm especially lifting up their teenage son who accidentally ran over her in the driveway. Can you imagine the raw emotions he is dealing with tonight?

Please join me in lifting up this family continually in the coming days and weeks ahead. This link has more information on the incident, as well as an online sympathy link.

Who Wins Tonight?

Brian and I! And you thought it would be a David! However, we are the real winners in that we get to hang out with the Cron girls tonight. I'm picking them up in a little while to take them to McD's and then onto the park! Brian will teach the girls to play frisbee golf while Rach and I swing.

We've been friends with the Crons for 15+ years and have had the privilege of watching their amazing children grow up over the years. We consider them our "children in the Lord" (as well as the Frady girls!)

So there's no doubt about it...Brian and I are the winners tonight... hands-down.

But, about the David's.... I like them both, although Cook has been my favorite from the beginning.

The Mac Daddy of All Sales

You are looking at the Mac Daddy of all sales found this morning at Lowes. 14 plants for $11.00!!! Only a few are annuals. Two are hydrangeas that retailed for 16.98 each.

Apparently, Lowes will occasionally have a huge clearance sale marking down selected perennials and annuals anywhere from $.25-$2.00. I was clueless about the sale until I ran in for one plant needed for the picket planting. While fumbling through racks of plants with a mile-wide smile (along with other desperate housewives), this verse came to mind:

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Oh, if only I could say that my delight is always found in the LORD. I desire it to be, but all too often my flesh is the recipient. Even so, He remains faithful.

While coming across this amazing sale is very small in comparison to other "desires of the heart" we all experience, it's a delight nonetheless. And only my Father knows just how much of a delight it is to me.

I guess I'd best stop blogging and start planting!

Sunday Thoughts

The pastor where we visited this morning shared how our time during corporate worship is to be "a pause in the midst of chaos." His words served as a timely reminder to me.

For so many years, I served on the flip-side of the situation I now find myself in as we continue to search for a new church home. Instead of being the one to welcome guests, I'm the one being welcomed. Instead of critiquing every minute detail that happened on a Sunday morning with the design team the following week, I now find myself as part of the crowd, simply there to "pause" with other worshippers. It's different, but divinely designed.

Because old habits die hard and the mental notes are already etched in the brain, why not share them? Here's a quick overview of our church experience today:

• The information found on their Web site for first time visitors was good, but very general (from what I could find). The more specific church sites can be as to what to visitors can expect upon arrival, the better, in my opinion.

• The first impression of a church DOES begin in the parking lot. Immediately, the attendants made us feel welcomed without being sappy or sweet. They seemed genuinely sincere, and that always leaves a good impression.

• The facility was very nice - creative decor, nice colors, very clean.

• For those who serve on a First Impressions team, please realize how vital your role is when you stand behind a Guest Desk on Sunday mornings. Brian had to wait for the woman behind the desk to finish a conversation with a band member before he was acknowledged. Granted, she was super nice and helpful afterwards, but some would not have been as patient as my hubby.

• This is a personal preference and the result of many hang-ups pertaining to past experiences, but I didn't care for the reserved seating section for first time guests. Can anyone say "fishbowl experience?" I get the reasoning on their part and the motives are right on, but we sat elsewhere.

• We loved the transition between songs - instruments only with excerpts from today's Scripture references on the screens. There was an immediate tie-in with the song and sermon. Great job!

• There was a guest speaker, whom we enjoyed, but we look forward to hearing the pastor in the near future.

• We saw a couple of friends we hadn't seen in quite awhile. Needless to say, that was a nice surprise!
  

Overall, Brian and I experienced a welcomed "pause in the midst of chaos" this morning.

Our Day

Notice the white paint? It represents our entire day!

Brian and I are started painting at 8:20 am and finished up around 5:30 pm. Now if I could only hook myself up to an Advil Liqui-gel IV tonight. I have a feeling that tomorrow morning I will awaken to discover muscles I never knew existed...and for good reason.

But now the fun begins for me. Remember the sketch plans I posted several weeks ago? The first phase of planting will begin this week. A BIG thanks to my awesome hubster who makes all my dreams come true!

A Quiet Night In My Own Heart

Mary Slessor was a young single woman who left Scotland at the turn of the century to go to a part of Africa that was infested with disease and indescribable danger. But she had an indomitable spirit and kept going when lesser men and women broke down, ran, and never came back. Once, after a particularly draining day, she found herself trying to sleep in a crude jungle hut. Of that night she wrote:

"I am not very particular about my bed these days, but as I lay on a few dirty sticks laid across and covered with a litter of dirty corn-shells, with plenty of rats and insects, three women and an infant three days old alongside, and over a dozen sheep and goats and cows outside, you don't wonder that I slept little. But I had such a comfortable quiet night in my own heart." (Italics added) -taken from "Ordering Your Private World" by Gordon MacDonald.

In this book, Dr. MacDonald writes on the necessity for us to have a quiet place where all is in order, a place from which comes the energy that overcomes turbulence and is not intimidated by it.

I'm convinced this kind of "quiet energy" is experienced only when we choose to value the development and strengthening of our inner being as much as we do the outer man. Think for a moment. How much time and energy have you and I already invested in our appearance today? (Some of us could probably stand to spend a little more time in this area...get in line.)

I encourage you not to wait until the turmoil hits before you begin developing this quiet place in your heart. Just as our muscles do not strengthen overnight, neither does our inner being. It requires time, energy, and sacrifices to develop and strengthen our values, beliefs, and love for Christ and others.

I think of how God used the quietness found in Mary Slessor's own heart to glorify Him in the hearts of many during her time in Africa...and even today, many years later. Was the time spent cultivating this kind of inner strength worth her investment? Quite frankly, I find it impossible to place a high ENOUGH value on this incredible blessing from God.

"Watch over your heart with all diligence,
for from it flow the springs of life"
(Proverbs 4:23)

Half-Empty or Half-Full?

Check out the tee shirt Zach bought for me. He had asked me to go here in search of a favorite graphic since he works here. Though there were several designs that caught my eye, this one prompted me to ask:

Do I choose to see the glass, i.e., life, half-empty or half-full?

I have to admit it. I'm a critical thinker. I'm wired to ask difficult questions, to analyze every answer (just ask Brian) and to resist the temptation to jump on every popular bandwagon. If I'm not wise and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, however, these tendencies can eat my lunch. It's all about balance, which is why I need this creamy tee reminder.

In the past, I've beaten myself up, convinced these tendencies were borderline shameful. But now, I find myself embracing them as part of my story because I see evidence of my Creator's handprint impressed upon them all.

So, does the glass appear half-empty or half-full?

Like my tee shirt says, "Life is good."

Friends...Gotta Love 'Em!

OK, so Gino isn't a terrific photographer, but he certainly is an awesome chef (and co-owner, along with wife, Lisa) at this place.

During lunch with friends Kim, Linda, and Judy today, I was once again reminded of the special bond shared between Christ-followers. Jesus is the bond that no one can break, the bond that transcends all denominations and preferences, and He is the bond that makes no distance too far between friends.

Friends...gotta love 'em!

A New Favorite

I've shared my love of magazines in the past, so this will come as no surprise...but I have a new favorite!

As a visual kind-of-girl, the first thing that immediately caught my eye was the cover (as you can see from above)... but what held my attention was the "wow" factor found on every page. This magazine is jam packed with relevant articles... and lots of eye candy to boot (beautiful photography, coolest-ever fonts, and lots of white space just to name a few.)

Kudos to the editors of this awesome magazine!

A Memorable Mother's Day

Here's a peak over my new fence! They finished up Friday and I've been planting ever since. The fence was more than enough for Mother's Day (thanks Brian!) but it didn't stop there!

After visiting a new church on Sunday, Brian and I met Zach, Brandon & Megan here for lunch. It took awhile to get our food, but we enjoyed the conversation while we waited. Thank you for my gift card from this favorite coffee place Brandon & Megan! And a big thanks to Zach and Sarah for my gift card from this favorite break-my-budget-kind-of-place. Last night, the fun continued as we all gathered to play this hilarious game. Let's just say it was one of the most memorable games we've ever played. Yippee-aye-ay! Thanks, family for making this one of the best Mother's Day ever!

Lessons Learned From/As A Single Mom

First off, I want to wish my mom a very Happy Mother's Day! She's a wonderful mom who taught me positive life lessons under less-than-ideal circumstances. I'm delighted to say that she is now married to one AWESOME guy!

Here are a few lessons learned from my single-at-the-time mom as well as being a single mom myself years ago:

• Never talk negatively about your ex-husband or wife (or their spouse) in ear-shot of your child. That's what friends and family are for, if need be, -- not your kids. I didn't hear negative talk from either parent after their divorce and their unselfishness years ago continues to bless my life today.
  

• Don't date anyone you wouldn't consider marrying. You're not only putting yourself through relationship cycles, but your kids too. When you model healthy (and godly) relationships before your children, they are more likely to follow down the same path.
  

• Treat your child like your child -- not your "friend". When you confide in your children with mature issues, you are unknowingly forcing them to grow up...to mature...too quickly. This isn't their role. Find a friend.
  

• Choose your friends wisely, parents. They will influence your children as much as they will influence you.
  

• Don't put the kids in the middle of money or other issues that should be handled by two grown adults. If your ex is late with child support, take it up with him/her directly. Bless your children by allowing them to be just that...children (regardless of age!) No child wants to be (nor should be) in the middle of that stuff.
  

• Find your fulfillment, joy, and desires in the Lord -- not the other sex. If you are putting off your happiness until you remarry, you are also, in a very real sense, putting off happiness for your children. The old adage is true: "If mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." Enjoy your children, find contentment in your life where you are now, trusting that you are not alone in this journey when Christ is leading the way.

Thanks for the great examples set, Mom. Love you!

Cut-And-Paste Christianity

I had lunch today with one of the godliest people I know. The conversation took an interesting turn when this person suddenly launched into the Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate. Everyone, including this person, knows this lively debate will continue until Jesus returns, but what surprised me was this person's unwillingness to consider that predestination could even possibly be a part of God's plan, even though it's recorded numerous times in the Word.

For the record, I see both "sides" represented in the Word. Do I understand how it all fits together? Nope, but I trust that God does and that's all that matters. I'm not blogging to re-hash that debate.

I am blogging, however, because on my way home from lunch, I couldn't help but think of a sub chapter found in Mark Batterson's soon-to-be-released book "Wild Goose Chase", entitled "Cut-And-Paste Christianity." The sub chapter begins with these words: "In the beginning God made man in His image. Man has been making God in his image ever since."

Mark goes on to share how Thomas Jefferson loved the teachings of Jesus, but that he was also a child of the Enlightenment. "He didn't have a cognitive category for miracles, so Jefferson literally took a pair of scissors and cut them out of his King James Bible. It took him two or three nights. And by the time he was done, he had cut out the Virgin Birth, cut out the angels, cut out the Resurrection. Jefferson extracted every miracle, and the result was a book titled The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth, or what is commonly referred to as the Jefferson Bible. Hard to imagine, isn't it? And something rises up within those of us who believe the Bible is divinely inspired by God. Part of us scoffs or scolds Jefferson. You can't pick and choose. You can't cut and paste. You can't do that to the Bible. But here's the truth: while most of us can't imagine taking a pair of scissors to the Bible and physically cutting verses out, we do exactly what Jefferson did. We ignore verses we cannot comprehend. We avoid verses we do not like. And we rationalize verses that are too radical."

Obviously, there's no need to explain why Mark's book came to mind today, but here are some of the reasons why this particular chapter turned out to be my favorite in the booklet...and the most memorable:

• I learned something new about Thomas Jefferson's beliefs (or lack there of)
• It reminded me just how vital childlike faith is to my daily walk
• My appreciation and awe-factor rose to new heights thinking on the miracles recorded in God's Word, thankful that His ways are so much higher than mine.
• It renewed my thankfulness for Precept Ministries, which taught me the importance of reading, studying, and believing Scripture based on its context -- not on certain verses that could easily be "cut and pasted" to fit my beliefs.
  

God's Call: What It Is

Two quick snippets from yesterday's post:

1. Our calling is not a list of things God wants us to get done
2. We would benefit by learning the skill of segmenting our life goals and tasks.

So what IS our calling according to Dr. Allender? While His calling involves doing, what He calls us to do is in accord with a larger task -- that of being.

• "We are not what we do, but we do become like whom we serve."

• "It's the issue of heart. And the issue of the heart always has to do with whom or what we worship."

And it's whom or what we worship that we truly glorify through our words, actions, and deeds -- whether we realize it or not.

Which begs the question: Who am I glorifying today?

God's Call: What It Is Not

Today, let's take a look at what God's calling is not, based on this book that I continue to read and thoroughly enjoy. Tomorrow, we'll take a look at what His calling is.

What is not: a list of things God wants us to get done.

Ouch! For those of who thrive on checking off our "to-do" lists (you know who you are as you run to find a pen & paper to jot this down) this realization may come as no surprise, but it stings nonetheless. Although checking off lists may not be our calling, Dan B. Allender, PhD, points out that it is "helpful to break down complex goals into bite-size tasks that, taken together, add up to a realized objective." When asked how to write a book, he replied, "Writing a book is an impossible task, but it is not that difficult to write twelve chapters."

Dr. Allender goes on to share how "the person who has not learned the skill of segmenting his or her life goals and tasks is at a severe disadvantage, because everything will look too big to do." I segment my days and weeks pretty well, but fail miserably when it comes to skillfully segmenting my life goals. Needless to say, that particular sentence was underlined and highlighted in my book.

So, while creating to-do lists is a necessary skill in life (whew!), it is not what God calls us to do.

Check back tomorrow for excerpts on what Dr. Allender believes God is calling us to do as Christ-followers.

Closing disclaimer: When I point you to any other author besides the Word of God (John 1:1-2) for insight or advice, I encourage you, as I do myself, to always measure their words up with the Word of God. I respect many authors, pastors, and teachers, but my respect never supersedes my prayer for discernment.

The Beauty Behind Transplanting

With a new picket fence now installed, I’ll soon be able to transplant flowers and shrubs that have been anxiously awaiting their new address in the garden, where they can grow and flourish to their finest potential.

While I enjoy the transplanting process, my plants often do not. If transplanted too soon or too late in the season, they often suffer from all types of stress. Some of which will temporarily set them back in terms of growth, while others will set them back in terms of life...permanently!

Thankfully, no guesswork is involved when it comes to our heavenly Father deciding when we are in need of a little "transplanting" - emotionally, spiritually or physically speaking. He lovingly moves us to precise places of growth, especially those areas where we would not take root and grow otherwise. Unlike the novice gardener, His timing is never too soon, nor too late, although they often appear to us as the most inopportune times possible.

If a mere gardener is aware of a plant's potential in new surroundings, how much more aware is the Master Gardener when it comes to His children? Unlike the earthly transplanting process, stress need not be a factor as we entrust our lives to the One who loves us too much to keep us from places where His fullest potential can take root and flourish!

"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

He Makes Me Proud!

Brandon, our oldest son, has always been a hard worker. Just ask Zach. While growing up, they shared a bedroom (now Brandon & Megan's room!). Brandon would make Zach leave their room so he could clean and organize it the way he thought it should be done. Wanna guess who was a cleanie and who was a messie? Zach got it honest. A stack of magazines doesn't bother me a bit!

My dad has always had an entrepreneurial spirit within him and now it seems that Brandon has caught the bug. He recently took the initiative to begin a little side job helping people with their yard needs. He placed a couple of ads and has already begun mowing and manicuring lawns this week. You can tell from his blog posts that he's been staying very busy!

I'm proud of his willingness to work hard for his family. It reminds me of Proverbs 14:23:

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

I have no problem making a shameless plug for Brandon, not only because he's my son, but because he does an awesome job. If you would like a little help with mowing or anything else yard related, contact him at gilliam433@gmail.com

Have a great weekend!

On Her Way to Haiti

Kim Rhodes heads to Haiti this morning. If you know her, or read her blog, you know she has a tremendously HUGE heart for the people there. Kim, along with others, will be doing exactly what Rich talks about here -- two GREATS fulfilled in one mission.

We're praying for you Kim!