Monday, 31 October 2005

Cold front moved through this morning bringing us MUCH NEEDED RAIN! Thank you Lord! We are 12 inches behind for the year. It came through a little bumpy with high wind, thunder and lightening. Then it turned very cool.

Doyle and I went to lunch with the family before his Aunt’s funeral. It was just down the street from the office at Southside Church of Christ. I have told people we need to rename the street “Church Row” as there are four churches all different denominations within a mile of each other!

After lunch we headed to the cemetery where the graveside service would be held. I find most funerals to be sad….I hate to admit it but this funeral was boring! The minister who did the service was a relative and I think he is semi-retired. He said a lot without saying anything! That was sad! Most funerals I go to are very evangelistic or at least have cute stories and memories to share. That didn’t happen. He did mention heknew she had been “baptized” but no one knew when. He said “she was very private about personal matters such as these.” Since when is talking about your relationship with God “private”?! I left the service thankful it was over and sad that there was no more depth to it then that. Doyle gave me an option to not go but I felt like I should if he was going to take off from work to attend. It was cold today too! The wind was blowing 15-25 MPH out of the north and the high was mid 50’s! I’m so glad the service was held in a covered shelter with one solid wall and three other walls that were sliding/folding. We would have been chilled to the bone otherwise.

It was also sad as this shows how dysfunctional our family is. The only time I’ve met some of these people is at funerals! That’s a heck of a way to have family reunions! One of Doyle’s Aunts (his dad’s sister) I never met but went to her funeral and Doyle and I had been married 7 years when that happened! Oh, well, I know ours isn’t the only family like that. My side of the family gets together a little better than that but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dysfunctional. The truth is all families are dysfunctional…just some more than others!

Talked to Dad today. He was admitted to the hospital to prep him for his surgery tomorrow. Those of you who might not know or don’t remember, he had nearly his entire large intestine removed last part of July. He is going in to have his small intestine reattached to his rectum so that he can do away with the colostomy. Surgery is scheduled 7:30AM tomorrow. I’m very much at peace all will go well. I’m mostly praying that they will be able to do this procedure with small incisions instead of evasive surgery. He will recover faster. If you see this before then and even if its after to pray for him. I’d appreciate it.

Excerpt from “God Chasers” by Tommy Tenney

God is everywhere, but He doesn’t turn His face and His favor everywhere. That is why He tells us to seek His face. Ye, He is present with you every time you meet with other believers in a worship service, but how long has it been since your hunger caused you to crawl up in His lap, and like a child, to reach up and take the face of God to turn it toward you? Intimacy with Him! That is what God desires, and His face should be our highest focus.

I’m not there Lord, but I want to be! When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8 NKVJ

Sunday, 30 October 2005

Services at church today were not our usual. Which was really cool because in my time with the Lord this morning I was asking Him to not let things be “as usual”! We moved into a time of spiritual warfare with our worship. People came forward and gave testimonies or read scripture. One guy came forward who’s been visiting for several weeks now. He said he had been seeking the Lord but it seemed everyone else was getting something but him. That everyone else seemed to be way ahead of him. I could so relate to him. People came forward to pray for him and one of our leaders came and got me. ( I was on the platform with the worship team playing guitar) He said “you need to come down here and pray for him because you have been were he is”. I said “I still am”. So I went down. I was standing behind him praying for him when the pastor’s wife came down and moved me to the front of him saying “I believe God told me I was supposed to move you to the front of him.” Then Pastor Kirk handed me the microphone. I told him he was not alone that I felt the same way. Then before I realized it I began prophesying over him and praying for him. All during the worship service I was getting a couple of scriptures going through my head. Just bits and pieces. Being one who likes to know exactly where the scripture is and exactly what it says I began looking through my concordance to see if I could find it. The two phrases I was hearing was “the enemy melts like wax in His mighty presence” and “He was riding on a white horse and written on his thigh was King of Kings and Lord of Lords".

Once I found it I held on to it until there was a place I felt like in the service that I could share. The first phrase came from Psalms 68:1-4 NKJV

Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to Go, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name Yah, and rejoice before Him.

The other scripture was in Revelation 19:11-16 NKJV

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

It was a real neat time indeed. Thank You Lord for Your presence and stirring up Your people.

Tonight we had our annual Church hayride. We don’t hold fall festivals because several churches in town do that. It was fun. Had to use a grill to cook hotdogs as its so dry that there is a burn ban county wide. We’re 12 inches behind in rainfall for the year.

Found out yesterday that Doyle’s Aunt passed away (his mother’s sister-in-law). The family is holding graveside services tomorrow. Not what I had hoped to do tomorrow but guess I will anyway. The family isn’t very close and the only time we seem to see anyone is when there’s a funeral.

Excerpt from “God Chasers” and Daily Meditation & Personal Journal by Tommy Tenney

What you really need is Him. And the way to get Him is to get hungry. If we can get hungry, then He can make us holy. Then He can put the pieces of our broken lives back together. But our hunger is the key.

Good things have become the enemy of the best things. It’s time for you to make your life holy. Quit watching what you used to watch; quit reading what you used to read if you are reading it more than you read His Word. He must be your first and greatest hunger.

Lord, You aren’t always my first and greatest hunger. I ask that you do that in me. Cause me to desire You more than anything on this earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled. Matthew 5:16

Saturday, 29 October 2005

Hello Everyone!

I had a very full day yesterday. I was working at the church office until after 3PM yesterday! I usually only work until 12:30PM.  I was trying desperately to get the newsletter out. I like to have it out about a week before the first or at least several days but I still don’t have everything working smoothly since my computer crashed two weeks ago. And now the pastor wants to change the format. He had a lady in our church design a newsletter format with color pics. It’s on 11x17 but will fold to 8 ½ x 11 and then fold in half again for mailing. All I will input is the monthly stuff that changes. I’m not sure how all this is going to work. I figure I will have to design 4 different pages around the pre-made design and then cut and past or we will have to find a printer that can print 11 x 17. I don’t know. Guess I’ll just have to wait and see. I’ve had so much catching up to do getting all the date re-entered into my computer so that has taken a lot of my time.

After leaving the office and dropping the newsletters in the mail, I stopped by the fire station to see Doyle. The post office and fire station are a block apart. I was convicted by the Holy Spirit that I needed to apologize to him for my response to his idea. I told him it just took me off guard and all these questions were running through my head (the ones I expressed in my post). I told him that I realized he was only trying his best to provide for me what I desired. He said he knows that he can’t give me that on what he’s making right now or by working for anyone else. I told him I would give it another chance and would read the info when I had a little clearer head. He has definitely been doing his research and it certainly has potential to give us the money we need. I just need to pray and trust God He will look after me. Doyle looks after really good but he is still human and makes mistakes (like us all). I know I can trust God for my destiny and future.

I cropped last night (scrap booking). My Creative Memories consultant had a crop 6PM until midnight. She holds the crops in her home and she lives about 15 miles from me. Vanessa went with me. We really had a good time. I got 6 pages completed. It just took me like almost 3 hours to do the first two! It always takes me a while to get going but once the “creative juices” start flowing it’s hard to shut down and come home! I still need to do some journaling on the last two pages I did. I was gone nearly all day except for coming home around 2:30PM to let the dogs out since it had been since 8:45AM. Then let them out before we went to the crop. When Vanessa and I got home they were both bouncing off the walls! Spent about 30 to 45 minutes playing with them to work off all that pent up energy.

Vanessa was pretty tired. She had just come home after spending a couple of days in Dallas at market. Already buying stuff for summer! She is learning so much and enjoying her opportunity to be a store manager at age 20! The store she works for advertises on a radio station called “The Ranch”. They gave away four VIP tickets to the store to a concert at Fort Worth’s Sundance Square to hear Jack Ingram, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Deryl Dodd and Bonnie Bishop. Vanessa’s boss is out of town so she, Keannon and a couple of friends are going. She is really excited.

Well that’s enough. My I’m getting awfully “wordy” these days for someone who thought they didn’t have anything to say! LOL

Here’s a little excerpt from “God Chasers” by Tommy Tenney

God doesn’t really care about anything you can “do” for Him; He only cares about your answer to one question: “Do you want Me?”

How long has it been since you came to church and said, “We are going to wait on the Lord”? I think we are afraid to wait on Him because we’re afraid He won’t show up. I have a promise for you: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31a). Do you want to now why we’ve lived in weakness as Christians and have not had all that God wanted for us? Do you want to know why we have lived beneath our privilege and have not had the strength to overcome our own carnality? Maybe it’s because we haven’t waited on Him to show up to empower us and we’re trying to do too much in the power of our own soulish realm. There is so much more. You can “catch God – ask Jacob (Genesis 32:22-32) –and it might ruin the way you’ve always walked! But you can catch Him.

Ya’ll have a great day!! 

Thursday, 27 October 2005

My friend and cell member (Kelly) worked at the Scrapbook store today. She called me to see if I would go pickup lunch for her. Gave me an excuse to go see her and go by the store! (Like I needed one!) Yep, I bought something. Since Vanessa started cropping again she was using my pages from my album to put her pages in so I bought her some until she can buy the album she wants. It’s the one by Scrap Artistry that is just dogs. It’s really cute but the albums are about $32. 

 ENDURANCE SADDLE

I spent the rest of the afternoon setting up to sell some saddles I have on Ebay. I finally got boxes big enough to put them in and took them to the shipping station to see how much they weigh. I had actually been working on this for several days. It’s much easier to be a buyer than seller in my book.  Anyway, I finally got one of two up on the web.

 

I chose to sell them on Ebay because I figured I had a better chance of getting what I want for them. One is an Endurance Saddle and the other is an Australian Stock Saddle. Both were used for long distance/endurance riding. I used to do that several years ago for a couple of years. I found this description and thought it said it better than I could.

An endurance ride can best be described as a cross-country competition of 50 or more miles. It is controlled by veterinarians who monitor the horses before, during and after the event. Several times during the "ride", there will be veterinarian check points. Pulse recovery is one very important factor used to determine the condition of the horses. The ride veterinarians will set and announce the pulse rate criterion before the start of the ride. DRUGS OF ANY KIND ARE PROHIBITED!! Veterinarians will remove horses from competition if they find they are not in optimum condition to continue. The first horse to cross the finish line, that has met the completion health criteria, is the winner.

The course for an endurance ride varies with the topography of the area. When laying out the course, the ride manager attempts to avoid obvious hazards such as deep bogs and sheer cliffs, but the endurance horse is expected to take in stride most natural obstacles.

Temperature, climate and footing will determine the speed at which the horses will travel. It is both personally challenging and rewarding to ride one's mount 50/100 miles and finish with a sound, willing horse. Much of the challenge of endurance starts with preparation up to a year or more before one's first ride. This athletic competition requires both horse and rider to be physically fit, have a good sense of pace and work as a team.

I started off with a few “long distance rides” first to get my feet wet which are 25 mile rides. I never did a 100-mile ride but I did do some 50’s. I think I must have been out of my mind!

Worked at Drive Safe tonight. Wasn’t much going on. When I got home Doyle brought me about 100 pages of paper he had printed out about a potential business opportunity. I didn’t handle it very well. He is looking for something else to do before he retires from the fire department which is fine but it was obvious to me he’s been thinking about this for a while and is just now discussing it with me! He wants to open a miniature golf, driving range, batting cages place (for lack of a word to call it.). If I were going to have a business it wouldn’t be that! If he does this it will require both of us to make it happen! I’m not particularly interested in spending ALL my time at this place! That is NOT how I see my future….and I don’t see horses in it at all! He’s thinking is it will generate more income to buy me the kind of place I want to have the horses on. Granted that is true but how long is it going to take in the mean time. We’ve had the horses 10 years now. Five years at this place, 5 years at that place. Where they are now isn’t ours. How long will it be before we’re asked to leave here?! Then what?! I’m not content to wait five more years for them a place! I know I shouldn’t have overreacted but I felt like he just sprung it on me. I would have done better if he had been talking to me about it instead of asking me to read a “manual”! Can you tell I am a “little upset”?! I know he’s really trying to give me what I want. I should be more appreciative. Again, Lord change my heart and my attitude…it stinketh!

Well to get a better perspective here’s an excerpt from “God Chaser’s” by Tommy Tenney.

That’s an interesting phrase, isn’t it? Catching Him. Really, it’s an impossible phrase. We can no more catch Him than the east can catch the west…It’s like playing chase with my daughter. When she comes and tries to catch me, I really don’t have to run, just artfully dodge this way and that and she can’t even touch me, because six year olds can’t catch an adult. But that’s not really the purpose of the game. In a few minutes she laughingly says “Oh, daddy,” and it’s at that moment that she captures my heart. I then turn and she’s no longer chasing me but I’m chasing her, and I catch her and we tumble in the grass with hugs and kisses. The pursuer becomes the pursued. So can we catch Him? Not really, but we can catch His heart. And if we catch His heart, then He turns and chases us. That’s the beauty of begin a God chaser. You’re chasing the impossible, knowing it’s possible.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you says the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13,14 NKJV 

Wednesday, 26 October 2005

Came home from work today and cooked lunch. I bet my husband was surprised! I don’t usually cook lunch just dinner. The main reason is I don’t like being in the kitchen all day! It was mostly out of self-defense as I didn’t want a sandwich and I didn’t want to go out to eat so…I cooked. Well, if you can count opening cans and packages cooking! I did boil and mash the potatoes so I guess that is cooking. I had breaded chicken patties. I usually bake them in the oven but I knew Doyle would want gravy so fried them. Had mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s Wednesday night so I’ll fix breakfast taquitoes for supper after we get home from church.

Walked my two miles today or there about. I went a different route than what I have previously measured but I think it’s close to the same if not maybe a little more. I took Kaidence with me. I felt bad as I was leaving because Mercy was standing at the glass door looking at me mournfully as I walk away with Kaidence. I do good to take one dog walking much less two and then I have to deal with people’s dogs that are loose! Oh that irritates me so bad!!! Our part of town is notorious for having loose and stray dogs! We do have laws about that but it’s not strictly enforced. I guess it would be if I would complain. I don’t want to complain I just want people to pen up or chain up their dogs! Today I had 4 come at me all at once. I had a stick and yelled at them. I made enough commotion that the owner came outside. If I just walk by myself the dogs don’t bother me.

I went and got my hair trimmed today. I wanted to get that out of the way so I wasn’t waiting until the last minute. We have that fund raising Banquet to go to on Nov. 10^th for MJBI (Messianic Jewish Bible Institute). Some time I need to make myself go shopping for something to wear! My closet consists of mostly casual wear. Western jeans, shirts, and broom skirts. Can’t tell you the last time I wore panty hose…well yes I can it was at the banquet last year! I wear pants and skirts to church but always where my boots! I own one pair of heels and those are from last year’s banquet too! If I can I may wear the same thing. It’s just that I’ve put on some weight and I’ve not been brave enough to see if I can wear it but I better do something pretty soon. I hate shopping. No, I don’t hate shopping, I hate trying things on! You get dressed and undressed a hundred times and then what makes it worse is if nothing fits or you don’t like anything you’ve picked out!

Well that’s enough ranting about that!

The devotional I had today out of my God Chasers Journal was really good. Food for thought:

There is much more of God available than we have ever known or imagined, but we have become so satisfied with where we are and what we have that we don’t press in for God’s best. God is moving among us and working in our lives, but we have been content to comb the carpet for crumbs as opposed to having the abundant loaves of hot bread God has prepared for us. He has prepared a great table of His presence in this day, and He is calling to the Church, “Come and dine.” (underlines my emphasis)

John 6:57-58 He who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven….he who eats this bread will live forever.

Revelation 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me.

Lord, I don’t want to settle for crumbs. I want all that you have for me. Don’t let me be content or satisfied but keep pressing on toward the goal which is You. I want to hear Your voice. You said “Your sheep hear your voice” so Lord I ask you to tune my ears to hear and recognize when You are speaking. Lord, have Your way in me.

Tuesday, 25 October 2005

Hey all! Another exciting day here on the home front….NOT! Gosh I almost didn’t post because I don’t think I have anything interesting to say. At least not that ya’ll would be interested in…but then is that the reason I do this…for all of you…or do I do this because it is a place I can express what I feel, think, dream, rant, share joy? I think it’s a little bit of both. I’ve discovered that my Mother keeps up with me more through the website. She says I share more on my website than when we talk. It’s hard to think of all the little stuff that happens everyday. When you only talk every couple of weeks. 

Got my bike ride in today (6 miles). While I was out I did stop by my favorite store (Cat’s Scrapbooking) and visited a little while. Came home and did some ironing (UGH).

Have any of you ever read the book “God Chaser’s” by Tommy Tenney. Great book and very challenging. If you haven’t read it I encourage you to do so. The book has been so popular that Tenney developed a Daily Meditation & Personal Journal companion to his book.

I had the journal given to me (two copies in fact) as gifts. I started one but didn’t stay hooked up. I decided the other day to get it out of my bookcase and start using it again to get me “jump started”.

The very first sentence of the first devotional says this: “Repentance prepares us for His presence. In fact, you cannot live in His presence without repentance.” 

I began to ponder or think about what repentance means. I think I have a pretty good understanding but I decided to look up scriptures with the word repent or repentance with my simple concordance from my Bible. One of the verses I looked up was from Matthew 3:2 where it is recorded that John the Baptist came preaching “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Jesus was also recorded as preaching this same message.) My Bible is a study Bible which has notes and definitions of words. In this verse the definition of repentance is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action. This verse was my favorite in my search Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?  I love that! It’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance….not Him threatening us! In fact if we feel threatened, I can assure you it’s not God!

Well, that is enough for tonight. I don’t want ya’ll to think I’m “preachin’ at you”.

Hope everyone has a great evening and wonderful day tomorrow.

Sunday, 23 October 2005

 Today was cool. We had David & Emma Rudolph founders of Gateways Beyond  at our church along with a team that were former students of the school. The team lead worship this morning so I got to just be “one of the congregation”. The worship time was very sweet and I was able to “soak” for the first time in a long while. Can’t say exactly what God did but I just “know” (in my knower) He did! Some people see things, some people get so overwhelmed by God’s presence that they can’t stand anymore…..not me. I don’t usually “feel” anything.  Well, that’s not entirely true. When the presence of God is very strong I tend to cry. I’m not a crier. In fact I try very hard NOT to cry (well not as much as I used to as God has done a work in me to soften that place). I cried today…a lot!  I usually don’t know what He has done but days, weeks, months later I can tell something took place.

The same happened again tonight as the team had the service again. Worship was good. There was a ministry time from the Gateways Team. I think everyone in the place went up for prayer. It was really good. It’s hard to explain these type services without you being in them. Unless you’ve ever experienced being in the presence of God it’s hard to explain to someone else. I do hope even if you don’t understand what I’m talking about you are intrigued enough to know Jesus on a personal level. It is possible

Excerpt from my journal January 2005

I am so blessed! My eyes search for a heart like yours! I know this season has been long but it has been very necessary. The bright side is…the end is near for this season. This has been a very hard test for you and sometimes you failed but you never gave up. I know you thought you had given up but in your heart of hearts you didn’t give up. It was nearly harder on Me than it was you! It was hard to see the hurt, disappointment, confusion that you faced but unlike you, I could see the big picture. I knew you would make it, that you will make it, because I know you. After all I’m the one who put you together and gave you your name. I am very pleased with you whether you are pleased with yourself or not. It doesn’t matter if you’re pleased though I want you to be. All that matters is that I’m pleased. And I am very pleased. I’m more than pleased. I am delighted! I love you My Child!

I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications; because He has inclined His ear to me. Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I love. Psalm 116:1,2

Saturday, 22 October 2005

Friday was a full day for me so that’s why I didn’t post. After work I met Doyle, Vanessa and Keannon for lunch. After lunch Doyle and Keannon went to play golf, Vanessa went back to work and I went to ride horses! The weather was great! I rode with Leslie (the young girl who owns the buckskin). We rode for about 2 hrs! I got back in time to gather my scrapbooking stuff and go crop from 6pm until midnight at the scrapbook store. Vanessa came and cropped with me after she got off work. It was fun!!!

Today our church had a special day for prayer from 7AM – 7PM. Each leader took a two hour stint. I had 11AM to 1PM. I was to play worship music during the time of prayer. I played the piano. I can’t play the guitar that long. The callouses on my fingers are not that tough! It was a good time.

After that I came home and washed dishes, a load of laundry and did some ironing. Then it was time to go to Drive Safe. After I left there I went by and visited Doyle at the fire station. Now I’m home again. Isn’t this exciting news!

Thursday, 20 October 2005

Yes, it’s still Thursday. But this time I’m posting about Thursday instead of the day before! Hopefully I’ll get this submitted before midnight!

Started the day EARLY 6:30AM (still dark outside)! I forgot it was morning prayer today or I would have made myself go to bed sooner than I did last night! I was so tired this morning that I actually fell asleep a couple of times. Don’t know how productive that was! I’m glad that God looks at the heart and not my feeble efforts! I believe He will honor my sacrifice cause it was this morning!

I totally forgot to tell ya’ll the cool thing my husband did for me! I had mentioned to him that I would like a new CD player for my truck as the one I have is old enough it won’t play “burned CD’s” and my truck is where I listen to most of my music. We bought the truck new in 1998. I mentioned this to him a few months back. Well, Tuesday he told me that he’d been by the local electronics business and found a CD player that would work for my truck. All I had to do was go there yesterday and leave it to be installed. So now I can play the CD’s I created with the songs I like! It’s not my birthday, not our anniversary and it’s not even Christmas…pretty cool “just cause gift” huh?!!!

In November Doyle & I along with several other leaders from our church will be attending a fund raising banquet for Messianic Jewish Bible Institute (aka MJBI). We support this ministry to the Jewish people to know Yeshua as their Savior without losing their heritage. If you’re interested to learn more about this ministry go to www.mjbi.org . Our pastor serves on the advisory board of MJBI. (If you go to this website and click on the advisory board you can see his picture there. His name is Kirk Horton). Anyway, The banquet is November 10^th. It’s a formal affair and this year Doyle wanted Keannon and Vanessa to go with us so Doyle took Keannon shopping for a suit and bought himself one as well. Now I need to go shopping!!

Gosh I must have not had my head on to not write about this stuff when it happened! Today Doyle & I had lunch at the locally owned North Oak Dairy Queen. Then came home. It was cool enough today I opened my windows to let the fall air in! Rode my bike back to town to go to the bank and CVS to get some prints done. Came home and had a little time before having to go to work at Drive Safe.

I got my first purchase from Ebay today! I was sooo excited! It was the Creative Memories storage box for photo splits that Kaidence (aka Tazmanian Devil) chewed up. This is the item that Creative Memories discontinued. I sort of “caught the bug” and have placed a few more bids for some scrapbook items and have won!!! My highest priced item was just under $15. I can see where this could be addictive!

 

This was taken November 2003, Vanessa's junior year of high school. You can tell it was cold (at least for us Texans!) Vanessa is on the left.

 

 

I got my 2 mile walk in today. Took Kaidence with me though it’s always a risk to take a dog walking in my neighborhood as not everyone is good to keep their pets restrained (unfortunately). I only had to yell and threaten two dogs. Thank goodness they weren’t very aggressive. I took her because I didn't want to have to cage her all afternoon. She seemed to enjoy it. Mercy was jealous that I didn't take her but it was too hot. I couldn't handle two dogs.

After that I gathered up my scrapbooking stuff and headed to the store to crop for a few hours as well as visit with Cat. 

Then it was church tonight. Message was really good. Pastor Kirk talked about five attitudes to overcome trouble.

 

1)      Be ruthless about our sin to confront sin in our life.

2)      Be ruthless with self ambition. Quit trusting in our own devices or our own ways. Confront selfishness.

3)      Determine to walk through the “door of hope” God has provided. Expect God to heal me physically, emotionally and spiritually.

4)      Use trouble to your advantage. Isaiah 65:10. Draw near to God. Sometimes even when we’re obedient to God we have trouble. Prov 12:13

5)      Don’t settle on your uprightness. There’s greater levels of purity to obtain.

 

That’s it in a nutshell. Sorry my notes aren’t better. It was a very good message. It spoke to me.

Tuesday, 18 October 2005

Another hot one today….low 90’s! I think Texas forgot it was fall!

Met with a cell member today for lunch and then some time together later. Didn’t get home until 3pm. Spent some time checking on some items I had made a bid for on Ebay. (I’m a late bloomer to Ebay…isn’t it cool?!) Those items that the dog chewed up I have found on Ebay and some other cool stuff. I’m trying to be careful though. This stuff could be very addicting! I needed to buy groceries and household items so went to Super Center. That took a couple of hours. By the time I got home it was nearly dark. I put stuff away then cooked dinner…if you can call it that. I made sausage and egg taquitoes. Doyle’s favorite. I usually fix it on Wednesday night after church because it’s easy and very filling but he works tomorrow so fixed this evening. It is sausage and egg cooked together rolled into a flour tortilla. We usually add grated cheese to ours and the kids like picante sauce on theirs.

Anyway, I didn’t get my walking or bike riding in today. Ran out of daylight. I guess I’m going to have to learn to walk with a flash light and not use darkness as an excuse.

My pastor came back from vacation and I talked to him about my problems with the computer. He was so sweet about everything. He told me to do what I needed to get me up to speed. I feel so much better. I’m calling someone tomorrow to come help tutor me through Quickbooks. Everything is coming together. Thank you Lord! You are so good! Of course, He’s good even when things aren’t so good with me. He’s just good all the time!

Here's some pics of my babies except for the horse running. He belongs to Leslie whose parents own the property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 My buddy "Blue Man"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Valentine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clyde

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zebbie (aka Zebediah)  running from the camera (actually me)!

Excerpt from my journal March 2001

My, aren’t we full of questions this morning? You’re fretting. Cast your care. It is I who examines the heart and reveals sin. Relax. You’re so afraid of Me finding something wrong in you. The truth is you were flawed at birth. I knew there was wrong in you when you were born but I loved you anyway and I made a way to Me through Jesus. He paid your price. He righted the wrong. Come to Me by His blood.

Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:29

Monday, 17 October 2005

I didn’t mean to alarm anyone. I’ve been busy and just wasn’t in the mood to post. I guess the “new” is finally wearing off. It just seemed to be one thing I could stand to not do.

Saturday was the baby shower for the daughter-in-law of one of my cell members. It started at 10AM but had to be there at 8:30AM to help set up and decorate. (YUCK)! I was reminded again how much I dislike these functions. We got everything cleaned up and was out of there by noon. I went home and changed clothes. Sat for a few minutes then I was off to load horses. The Vet that I use was holding a vaccination clinic. They have 2 a year. Saves me money. This time I took not only took mine but the horse that belongs to the people whose land my horses stay on. The clinic was from 2-4pm. I also took the dogs. I got back from there about 4:30pm.

Our cell group bought Doyle and I a gift certificate to Salt Grass, a very nice steak restaurant in Fort Worth, for Christmas last year. We hadn’t used it yet mostly because we never go to Fort Worth. I tried a couple of times earlier in the year to get him to go but couldn’t get it to come together. Finally the other night we were talking and I brought it up again. After the busy day I had Saturday I thought it might be a good idea to go and then I wouldn’t have to cook Saturday night. So about 5:30 we head to Fort Worth (which is about an hour’s drive for us).  We ate until we were miserable. We didn’t get an appetizer but we did order dessert. I was so miserable I had to unzip my pants on the way home!

Sunday was typical. Services that morning. Came home and made lunch. Watched the Cowboys win, slept and then got ready for cell group. We met at the church to pray.

Not much happening today either. Cramping today (UGH!) Came home and took some naproxen and laid on the couch for about an hour. Made myself get up and change clothes to go walk.  Fall went away around here. It was 95 today! Before I get back from my walk Vanessa called me. She needed me to bring her a change of shorts. So I catch my breath and jump on my bike and ride to the store. (It’s only a mile from our house). So I walked two miles and rode my bike two miles. 

I almost forgot. I have good news! Dad’s surgery to re-attach his small intestine so he can get rid of the colostomy is scheduled for November 1^st. The doctor is planning to try to do the surgery laparoscopically (small incision) if possible so that will make recovery time less.  He is doing very well and is already back to preaching and working in the field. The “bag” is just an inconvenience.

I have a night at home WOOHOO! So will enjoy not having to be somewhere!

 

Excerpt from my journal March 2003

I began to realize as I was ironing today that I’m seeking “something”. And it won’t be found in any thing on this earth. Only Jesus can satisfy what my soul is longing for yet I turn to everything but Him. Why? Father, let nothing in this world take the place of my drawing near to You. May my desire to be with You in the secret place be greater than anything this world has to offer. May I desire You more than anything.

That is My desire for you too! And I am working on that.

Why don’t I just come away to be with You?

Because you are afraid, Little One.

Afraid of what? What’s there to be afraid of?

Me

Why am I afraid of You. I’m not scared of You. You’re my Dad. I know You love me.

Yes, you know I love you. You also know because I love you I will not always let you do or have the things you want.

Well, yeah. I know that. I know You want the best for me. You want me to succeed, grow and mature.

Yes, but that requires time spent with Me and you’re afraid to.

I think I know where You’re going with this. It’s my expectations isn’t it?

Yes. Instead of coming with an open heart and mind, you come with your own agenda. Your expectations of how I should meet with you or speak to you. You’re afraid of what I will tell you. When did you cease to trust Me so much?

Oh, Daddy. I didn’t realize I had. But you’re right. I’ve worried about a lot of stuff and it’s just too big for me.

Yes, it is. I never gave it to you. I’m your Father. It’s the father’s job to care for all these things. All you have to do is be My Child. Just come talk to Me. Tell Me what’s on your heart. Give Me those things you are worried about. I’ll take care of them. Haven’t I promised you I would?

Yes, You have.

And have I ever lied to you?

No. Not once.

Come to Me honey. Sing your songs to me. I love to hear you sing. It brings me great delight and tremendous pleasure. Come sit with Me while your horses eat. Watch a sunset with Me. Watch the storm clouds. Don’t be afraid of My “no”. You also don’t come because of what you think I’m going to say. Don’t fear what I have to say to you. My words are like honey on your lips and I know you like honey! My Spirit is like water to your soul. There’s so much I want to tell you for you personally and for the church. Come Little One, fear no more. I will pour out My love into your heart until fear has no place to be. But for Me to do that you have to come, on your own. I will meet you but I must see you coming to Me. I will not come uninvited.

Yes, Daddy, I will come. I will try to leave my agenda behind and my expectations.

Now don’t misunderstand Me.  I want you to expect. Expect Me to meet you whether you “feel Me” or not or I speak or not. Expect Me to love you. Expect Me to fill you with My love, Spirit and power. Expect Me to reveal My heart to you. Expect Me to show you and tell you My plans. Expect Daughter of the Lord.

I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful.

Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people. Psalm 116:1-2,5,7,12-13 NKJV

Thursday, 13 October 2005

I am so loving this fall weather!

After work today I went by the Scrapbook store to see my buddy Cat (Cathy owner of the store). She just spent the weekend in Las Vegas at a Scrapbook Convention. She said it was awesome and it was hard to not come home with everything! She said she has several new things coming in. She was really pumped!

The scrap book retreat was such a success that she has scheduled another one in March. I've already set aside my money and put it on my calendar!

Had to work at Drive Safe tonight. They have cut our hours so I got off at 8pm. It's hardly worth it to work 2 1/2 hours twice a week. It's supposed to only last until business picks up but I'm not sure that it may be confirmation to me from the Lord that it's time to give it up. I'm still being prayerful but I'm thinking about quitting. Doyle says I can quit if I want. I was thinking I would at least work through the end of the year but I don't know. It's looking more and more appealing to quit sooner than later.

Vanessa called me. She needed me to bring her something from home so jumped on my bike and rode to the store (only about a mile). Then went by and visited my cell member Sherri who is temporarily in the nursing home until her foot heals from surgery. Then came home to get ready for work.

After work I stopped at Baris Restaraunt to visit my friend Nancy (the one I made the scrapbook for). Had good company, good food, and good conversation. It had been several weeks since I had seen her.

Since my computer crashed I did have some files backed up but they weren't recent. I did have my bulletin and newsletter on a cd. I was using the other computer in the office which is running on windows 98 to get those things done. I re-saved the files back to the cd and tried to load them on my new computer. The computer wouldn't even recognize that there was any data on the disk! God finally gave me the idea to email the files from the computer through my hotmail account to the new computer. Guess what! It worked! Well, of course it worked. It wouldn't have been God's idea if it didn't work. Thank you Lord! That has eased my frustration alot!

Thought you might get a kick out of this photo. Vanessa's hair is so silky fine, thick and straight. It takes an act of congress to get her hair to curl and then stay that way. We fixed her hair each night for rodeo. We used hot rollers. Each strand I sprayed and then rolled. She would leave the rollers in until we got to the rodeo then would take them out and spray, spray, spray! Her hair did stay better but most of the curl was gone by the end of the night! Here I caught her outside checking on her horse I had brought to town for that night's performance. The chair in the background that is painted in the colors of the Texas flag my husband did that! Isn't he good?!

 

Hair spray one more time!

 

 

 

  

 

 

 The finished product!

Doesn't she make a great Queen?!

  

 

 

Good night everyone. 

Thursday, 13 October 2005

I am so loving this fall weather!

After work today I went by the Scrapbook store to see my buddy Cat (Cathy owner of the store). She just spent the weekend in Las Vegas at a Scrapbook Convention. She said it was awesome and it was hard to not come home with everything! She said she has several new things coming in. She was really pumped!

The scrap book retreat was such a success that she has scheduled another one in March. I've already set aside my money and put it on my calendar!

Had to work at Drive Safe tonight. They have cut our hours so I got off at 8pm. It's hardly worth it to work 2 1/2 hours twice a week. It's supposed to only last until business picks up but I'm not sure that it may be confirmation to me from the Lord that it's time to give it up. I'm still being prayerful but I'm thinking about quitting. Doyle says I can quit if I want. I was thinking I would at least work through the end of the year but I don't know. It's looking more and more appealing to quit sooner than later.

Vanessa called me. She needed me to bring her something from home so jumped on my bike and rode to the store (only about a mile). Then went by and visited my cell member Sherri who is temporarily in the nursing home until her foot heals from surgery. Then came home to get ready for work.

After work I stopped at Baris Restaraunt to visit my friend Nancy (the one I made the scrapbook for). Had good company, good food, and good conversation. It had been several weeks since I had seen her.

Since my computer crashed I did have some files backed up but they weren't recent. I did have my bulletin and newsletter on a cd. I was using the other computer in the office which is running on windows 98 to get those things done. I re-saved the files back to the cd and tried to load them on my new computer. The computer wouldn't even recognize that there was any data on the disk! God finally gave me the idea to email the files from the computer through my hotmail account to the new computer. Guess what! It worked! Well, of course it worked. It wouldn't have been God's idea if it didn't work. Thank you Lord! That has eased my frustration alot!

Thought you might get a kick out of this photo. Vanessa's hair is so silky fine, thick and straight. It takes an act of congress to get her hair to curl and then stay that way. We fixed her hair each night for rodeo. We used hot rollers. Each strand I sprayed and then rolled. She would leave the rollers in until we got to the rodeo then would take them out and spray, spray, spray! Her hair did stay better but most of the curl was gone by the end of the night! Here I caught her outside checking on her horse I had brought to town for that night's performance. The chair in the background that is painted in the colors of the Texas flag my husband did that! Isn't he good?!

 

Hair spray one more time!

 

 

 

  

 

 

 The finished product!

Doesn't she make a great Queen?!

  

 

 

Good night everyone.

Wednesday, 12 October 2005

After I posted yesterday my husband came through and gave me a print out of his devotional yesterday. He said, “I think my devotional was more for you than me, though it’s for me too.” I thought it was really good so wanted to share with you. Here’s what he gave me.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

When Life is more than you can handle, embrace your weakness. Don’t continually give your mind to the battle of life; it will overcome you, “for to be carnally minded is death.”

Embrace before God your inabilities; I can’t figure this situation out, I cannot overcome this sin, this is more than I can take. Of course you can’t, that is why Jesus came to the world as God’s good news. “For man it is impossible; but for and with God all things are possible.”

“Come on”, Jesus said, “come to Me and I will give you rest.” To live in the vanity, the emptiness of your own mental power, brings the element of death into you. Agree with God, you can’t, He knows it, so openly agree with Him that you can’t but He did overcome the world. Then the love, the power, and the soundness of mind He promised will make itself evident in your heart and mind. Just embrace agreement with Him, tell Him as it is for and in you, believe it is as He said, and have a blessed day.

 

Lord I do agree with this devotional. It hits me right between the eyes. I am weak, I can’t do it myself and I need you!

Rather uneventful day. I coasted and didn’t do much. At least not around the house. I rode my bike today instead of walking. I needed to pickup a roll of film I had processed so rode my bike instead of burning that $3.29 a gallon diesel. I lead worship tonight and as usual God came through. The people seemed to be worshiping and that was the goal.

Here's some pictures from Rodeo Week in May.

 

My two favorite people!

Doyle is a member of the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Posse. This club works the concession stand each year and sets pivots for the grand entry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queen warming up her mount (Clyde - a registered Quarter Horse) The breast collar (the piece of leather across the horse's chest) and the red blanket were some of the prizes for winning the title of Queen.

 

 

 

Me and my horse!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone have a great evening!

Tuesday, 11 October 2005

I’ve had better days than late. Yesterday I did buckle down and begin walking again. It was a beautiful day. Cool enough I had the windows opened allowing in the fresh fall air. Aww!!! Nothing quite like it. I planned on being gone only about 30 minutes. I didn’t take the dog because the route I walk too many people let their dogs run loose. Taking a dog with me attracts attention. Otherwise they don’t usually bother me. The dog I’m referring to taking is Kaidence, Vanessa’s dog. She is the more active one. Anyway, I was trying to be nice (or so I thought) and thought “I’ll just let her stay in the living room with Mercy (the Great Dane) instead of putting her in her kennel. REALLY BAD IDEA!!

When I got back and opened the door… I wish you could have seen what I saw….. Kaidence had gotten into my scrap-booking bag and pulled out my Creative Memories Tape Runner and My Creative Memories Photo Splits box (with a box of splits in it). The Tape Runner was torn completely apart. Chewed beyond being able to put back together and I had just put in a new roll of adhesive! The photo Splits box that holds the old style photo splits was also torn apart and chewed beyond going back together. The box of splits inside was totally destroyed. Most of the adhesive was salvageable. Also an ink pen I had clipped to the bag I got from the Scrap Book store was chewed into a million pieces! I went into a RAGE! I was yelling, swatting the dog, throwing things, saying things I won’t mention here. I scared Kaidence so bad she wet right in front of the door! Not only was I mad at her but also I was mad at me. I KNEW BETTER! I told Vanessa numerous times to NOT EVER leave Kaidence out of her kennel when no one is home and yet I did that very thing and paid dearly for it! The photo splits box has been discontinued and I don't know if I can get another!

 

I needed to go to the vet and get some flea treatment because I found fleas on Kaidence. For two weeks I’ve told Vanessa and Keannon she had fleas and needed treatment before the whole house was infested! It still hadn’t been done so I decided now was a good time to blow off my steam. I poured out my heart too God. I acted so childishly! All over “stuff”.  It made me see just what was really inside me and it was not a pretty picture. I asked God to change my heart to transform me, renew me. By the time I got back from the vet’s office I was a much calmer individual. And just like dogs typically do…Kaidence acted like nothing had happened. Poor Mercy…she remembered my tirade and was not so eager to see me again. She didn’t understand she was not the target of my anger.

 

Today at work I diligently was working on trying to enter data in my Microsoft Outlook. I had all the info I needed on my PDA (small hand-held device) but I couldn’t get it to synchronize with my new computer. Instead of wasting valuable time trying to figure out why I’m manually entering what I need! Even though I had a back up for the church data base that I use for membership and tracking offerings I can’t get it to open so I can access it! Pastor said if I can’t get it to work then I can enter the individuals contributions in Quickbooks. Which means a lot of work because I’ll have to go back to January! Needless to say I am very stressed and frustrated. My husband came by the office to see if he could get my PDA to synchronize with my new computer. I began to tell him what I’ve told you and I began to cry! I can hardly operate Quickbooks because I don’t know the program. I was using Quicken and Pastor wanted me to switch to Quickbooks at the first of the year. It is much more difficult for me than Quicken was. I don’t want to be an “old cow” that can’t learn something new but I am one of those who does much better if you “show me how” than giving me a book to figure it out.

 

Anyway, I know this isn’t very interesting. I just need to talk to pastor when he comes back from vacation (he’s on vacation this week) and tell him I need help. I can’t do this. I’m not smart enough to figure it out. I just don’t want him to be disappointed in me. I so want to be a help and not a hindrance and right about now I feel like a “ball and chain”! I’m crying even as I type this.

I came home and did some MAJOR house cleaning. I even surprised myself. Poor dogs…I bet they thought I was on the rampage again running the vaccum! I think I had such zeal to clean because it is something I can do! I got two rooms thoroughly cleaned and remember the comforter I tried to take to the laundry mat weeks ago to wash? I finally got that done today!

Well, tomorrow I lead worship and though I’ve been asking God what He wants me to do I’ve not a clue as of yet!  So add just “one more thing” to my stress level. The thought ran through my mind today….Lord, just take me home….things would be so much simplier!

 

On a more positive note…I did find the photo split box like I had on Ebay so am trying to win a bid for one.  Actually a couple so I can get one for Vanessa.   

Three Musketeers

Top: Mercy 3yr old Great Dane (female)

Middle: Kaidence 6 month old Blue Heeler (female)

Bottom: Zorro 7 yr old labrador/German Shepherd mix (male)

 

Do you see how dead the grass is? We've had very little rain and we don't water...way too expensive.

 

Good night everyone!

 

 

 

 

Sunday, 09 October 2005

During worship today I saw a picture in my mind of a little girl (I believe to be me) following Jesus through a maze. As we walked along, He in front and I behind, I would occasionally see something that would draw my attention away from following Jesus. I would stop and look at that thing or pick it up but my eyes would be diverted. When I would turn back around Jesus would be out of sight!

I haven’t grasped the fullness of what this means aside from the obvious. I know I am so easily distracted and quickly lose sight of following hard after Him.

I so desperately need Jesus yet I fill my time with busyness (being on the computer, doing household duties, going to nieces and nephews ballgames, scrapbooking). When I do try to spend time with Him I find if very difficult to be still or keep focused for any length of time. For someone who is 45 years old I feel like I’m 2 when it comes to spiritual things!

 

I am very unhappy with myself right now.

I need to lose weight or buy a bigger size (and I refuse to do that)

I need to start walking and/or riding my bike regularly

I need to spend time with God consistently, praying, reading and worshiping

I need to do a better job of housekeeping. Dust is an inch thick on everything!

I need to quit staying up so late and getting more rest.

I need to be looking for property for the horses and us.

 

I know intellectually that God is not unhappy with me. I want to be happy with me. I’m not sure if that’s possible. Well, I know that’s not possible apart from God. I was telling Him today….God, I’m so lost. Well, I’m not lost, You have found me but I’m so lost! I so need You I can’t do anything right apart from You.” I’m feeling very weak and helpless. I know that feelings aren’t what we live by. But I can’t shake this feeling of being “stuck”! I so want to be unstuck! I’m so tired of being in the wilderness! I so miss how God used to meet with me. I know He wants more but sometimes it seems like He isn’t going to answer the cries of my heart. I don’t even know if I want it bad enough. There I go again thinking that God’s move on my life is dependent on whether I want Him bad enough or not! How foolish is that?!

Well I’m definitely not meeting my goal of going to bed early tonight! Oh, well, tomorrow is another day Lord willing.

 

Thought I would include a few pics for fun. They are from last year.

 

This is what snow looks like in Texas. This is usually all we get if we get any! We tend to get sleet and ice more than snow. Our Great Dane Mercy doesn't like the snow! She doesn't even like the rain.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

This is what Mercy does best!

 

Goodnight!

Saturday, 08 October 2005

Me and my “Blue Man” (I’ve always called my horse that even though his real name is Blue Boy) had a great ride yesterday! The weather was awesome! Sunny and around 67! We rode about 8 miles round trip. Even got briefly see some deer (at least the back side). Their big white tails straight up as they bounded off! They are so beautiful and graceful. I was thanking God for such a wonderful experience! After that, I went to my nephew’s football game. It wasn’t a very good game. My nephews team got run plum over! 47 to 0! But it was good to visit with my brother, sister-in-law and nieces. I started back home and Vanessa called me. She was still at the store getting ready for our city’s annual Crazy Water Festival. Mineral Wells is known for its mineral water (duh!) Supposedly history records that a woman who was considered crazy drank the unusual water and got better! Therefore the name Crazy Water! That’s the story in a nutshell. Very little nutshell I might add! The store had a booth there so she was gathering stuff to take. I stopped by the store to help her as all the store’s employees had gone to the Mineral Wells football game because it was homecoming! I helped her fold T-shirts and put together a display rack for her. I finally got home a little after midnight. I had been gone since 3pm yesterday afternoon because where the horses are is on the way to where my nephew plays football. The dogs had been home all afternoon alone and they were ready to see someone.  Then Vanessa wanted to talk…it was after 1am before I finally got to bed.

 

Vanessa’s alarm went off about 6:30am. I waited and waited but I didn’t hear anything so I finally got up to make sure she got up. She was supposed to meet employees at the store at 7:30AM to gather the stuff to put in the booth. I went back to bed and dozed off then I heard Doyle come in around 7:45 from work. I got up to have coffee with him and make breakfast. Before I could get my first cup of coffee, Vanessa called. She had left something at the house she needed. So…I got dressed, Doyle changed out of his uniform and we head to meet up with Vanessa. We then went to the new coffee house H2JO’s and had coffee there while we watched vendors set up their wares. We stayed and watched the parade. Then went home. I made breakfast. I had hoped to take a short nap but that never came together. About 2pm we go back to the Festival to walk around visiting people and eating the only stuff you can get at a festival like tator swirls, funnel cake and corn on the cob! Keannon worked the police department booth. He asked us to bring Kaidence when we came so took her by to him.

We headed back home as I had to work at DriveSafe tonight

I’ve included a link to see the pictures of the page layouts I did at the Scrapbook Retreat.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BYtmTZs0cukg

I am including a link to pictures of Vanessa’s Rodeo Album. If some of you have seen it you need to look again as I added several more pages. It is now complete.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid%3d8BYtmTZs0cusA') 

I’m calling it a night. I am so tired I nearly fell asleep sitting in front of the computer. I told Doyle today I really need to get my priorities back in proper order. Everything seems to be spiraling out of control!

Hope ya’ll have a good weekend.

Wednesday, 05 October 2005

Hi Everyone. Sorry I haven’t been on much. I have been so tired from the retreat. That’s the down side to “over 40” you just don’t bounce back like ya used to! Not to mention I’ve been very busy. Monday evening we had the second service of the Presbytery. Tuesday was spent doing the “Wally World (Walmart) Run”. Once you buy it you have to put all that stuff away. Keannon called me just when I thought I would rest in between buying groceries and attending the monthly Leadership meeting last night. He and Vanessa wanted spaghetti for supper. He said he would fix it if I would show him how. I had less than an hour to do that! So needless to say I started it as soon as I got off the phone with him.

 

Just as I was leaving the house to go to my meeting I received a call from the “Quilters” group that meets at our church every Tuesday night. They couldn’t get the front doors unlocked. I thought that was strange. I went by the church before heading out to pastors house. Sure enough, my key wouldn’t unlock it either so had to go through the office. Not sure what happened but today when I tried the doors opened fine!

 

We had scrumptious sandwich fixings and goulash soup. Yum Yum. We top off our dinner with organic caffeine free coffee! We settled in the living room for our meeting. We talked about a few upcoming events and some very serious situations facing our church. In the middle of that Vanessa called me upset. Her and Keannon had gotten into a “knock-down-drag-out” fight (figuratively speaking). It took me about 15 minutes of listening and talking to her to get her calmed down. We spent the next two hours praying for the serious situation and some other prayer requests (such as Keannon & Vanessa) we had. I got home a little after midnight! Vanessa was still up so went into her room to see if she still wanted to talk. I was right. It was 1:30AM before I got to bed! UGH! Lord help me! Things are better today. Vanessa & Keannon have started counseling sessions with our pastor and wife. They met for the first time last week. Vanessa felt like she heard God that she was supposed to marry Keannon but she realizes that because of both their pasts they need help working through some things before they decide to live the rest of their lives together. I sure wish I had her head on my shoulders when I was her age. Things would have been way different I think. I am very confident that God will have His way in both their hearts whether they stay together or not.

 

Vanessa and I went to Baris Italian Restaurant today to buy a gift certificate for Cathy (of the scrap book store) and her husband. She took the day off today to go to the dentist, eye doctor and get her hair done. I wanted to do a little something to show my appreciation for all the hard work and cooking that was done! Then took it by to her with a “Thank You “ card. She hugged my neck! She has been in this store for a year now and has never gone there to eat! The owner of Baris is the one I made the scrapbook for of our horse riding days together. While I was at the store, I had to buy something (well, at least I thought I did). She had lots of 12x12 paper on sale half off (of 59scents). I decided to stock up (you know you can never have too much paper – so croppers will tell you!). I bought 64 sheets of paper ($20 worth with tax) Not too shabby!

 

We have a cold front that should arrive here between 7 and 9pm. Low’s expected in the lower 60’s and high tomorrow in the upper 60’s. Quite a change from what we’ve had. Forecast is to get down to upper 40’s Friday night! Have a shot at some much needed rain too! I am definitely going riding on Friday. Probably could tomorrow but I have to work at Drive Safe and it’s really hard to get off work at 12:30pm, eat lunch drive 15 miles, ride and get back in time to be a work by 5:30pm! I’d rather ride when I’m not on a time schedule. Makes things less frustrating and stressful for me that way.