Thursday, December 28, 2006

moving...

Moving. Wow. It's going well. God sent an angel to help me!! RF is fabulous. No judging. Just asked what needed to be done and started. Phenomenal attitude about moving and straightening things out. She asked me about zones and I sort of looked at her like "huh?" Zones, you know that you want to use for certain things... books, music, crafts, games, linens, etc. Oh, those. Um.. books over there and dvd's over there! She's going to help me get it all set up.

As I was thinking about this yesterday, I realized that I have not been completely unpacked since 1989. I have had stuff in boxes or shoved in closets in some form or the other since 1990!! And I wonder why it's so hard.

I am really excited though. I know God is preparing us for the future, whatever it may hold.

And while at times I would like to have a husband in the picture, what kind of wife would I make when 3/4 of our meals were eatten out or on the run? When my home looks like a bomb dropped on it?

I am grateful that He is faithful and this is being revealed to me. I have spent most of my life running from the home and lately, I have felt as if I belonged at home but where we were was so bad that I couldn't force myself to be there for anything other than to sleep and even that was difficult at times.

On other notes, I am beginning PRISM again in January. Starting with the first lesson again. This time, I intend to actually follow through with the lessons that go with the program.

Also plan on making time for the kids and I to have Bible study time together. And for me to have more quiet time. We'll actually have a place where we can be comfortable as we study.

And lastly, I plan on praying "Surprise Me God" as much as possible. I know there are days that I may forget but God showed me so much in the last 30 days that I might have missed or not been open to.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Christmas was good. The kids got what they wanted for Christmas. Between gifts from "Santa" (via the angel tree), mom (me), and aunts and uncles, they were happy. I'm glad. I was really afraid that they would actually be without for a while.

Our family (my mom and her husband, my three sisters, one of my two brothers, and two spouses) were together for Christmas. It was good. We spent alot of time playing cards and talking.

And for the big Christmas present? I've been talking about it for months. I've been dreaming about it for longer.... Huh, what are you talking about?

A new home!!!

I signed a lease today on the new place. And got a key. Tomorrow, a friend, R, is coming to help me get packed and start moving stuff. K is going to go with me to pick up my new bed, dresser, and nightstand that I was given.

I'm dreading telling the landlord as I'm sure he will notice we're packing and want to know why I didn't give him notice. But I absolutely do not want anything to do with him at this point after the year we've had where we are. From the front door that will not seal completely to the broken window that has been broken for two years to the fact the trailer is not level and has not been level since a tree hit the back of it during Ivan, to the guy he was renting to who was breaking in our house stealing our food and stuff that he wouldn't press charges against. (I'm thinking I might have a forgiveness issue to deal with)

Anyway, we are moving. New carpet, new windows, new appliances and all that. We will have fish instead of cats. Talia is content with that. Skif wants a dog but understands we need to wait a bit. I'll be happy not to be feeding an entire neighborhood of cats! 20 pounds of cat food every couple weeks is alot (and expensive)!

I am so grateful for a new place. We are going to pray over it and anoint it before moving in as well. I've got to take over a cd player and start playing music as well.

Guess I should get some sleep so I can get up early and pack. Say a prayer for us!


My blog is worth $2,258.16.
How much is your blog worth?

Monday, December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)

I am grateful for a God who loves me enough to send His only Sonto earth for our salvation.

This was also our sermon today. A Christmas Story. (It will be able to be viewed on the church web site soon.)

Today, I am grateful for my children, Skif and Talia. I am grateful for my family who we will share the day with. I am grateful for the friends God has put into our lives who put up with us, mentor us, correct us, and love us.

As for Surprise Me God, today is day 28. God showed me today and all these past days how many people He put in our lives who truly care for us.

Merry Christmas to all who pass by this way!

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Surprise Me God, Christmas

I can barely believe that it is day 26 of Surprise Me God. God has surprised me all over the place. From revelation, spiritual growth, a place to live, Christmas presents for the kids.

We haven't started moving yet. Everything isn't finished on the house. But it's ok. We'll move.

I took the kids to the mall today. I figured I'd let them pick out their gifts for each other. Talia found her gift for Skif but Skif couldn't find what he wanted to give Talia. She ended up with a fish tank and Skif ended up with 2 Alabama Crimson Tide t-shirts.

Skif and Talia are getting skateboards for Christmas. Skif will get Legos, a shirt, game for his Game cube and a watch. Talia will get a game, a cd player for her bedroom, earrings, journal and jeans. They are both getting music cd's as well.

A friend asked me if I would put some songs on her daughter's mp3 player that she is getting for Christmas. So here I sit, ripping music to the hard drive of my friend's computer to transfer over. Of course, when I'm through, I'll have to delete everything off the computer. She gave me 10 or eleven cd's to transfer to it. It's a 2 gig mp3 player so it will hold all the songs. I'm thinking I need an mp3 player too!

I cooked dinner for she and her husband and kids tonight. One of the only meals I've cooked in months. 2006 has been the year of eatting out. We probably ate out for over 1/2 of our dinners this year. Not expensive places, but out. I hated going home for any reason and to cook there was even less desirable. I told the kids to enjoy their meals out. Starting next week, we eat at home! Yah!

I have Christmas presents to wrap tomorrow. We'll open them on Christmas morning then drive to my sister's house to spend the day with family.

I'm scooting for now. I know it wasn't much of an update but it's been a good week.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Surprise Me God

The weekend has flown by. We are tremendously blessed. Every time I come to church I am amazed by the people God has put into our lives to encourage us.

I made a comment about this to my nurse (the 1st one) that before we joined the church, we might have had 10 people we associated with. Of those, I would only have considered one a friend. The rest were acquitances.

God has give me a brother who I consider to be closer to Skif and Talia than their real uncles. He's definitely closer to me than my brothers.

I also, for the first time in about three years, chose to share my blog with 2 people here at church. When I moved it last (October 2003), it was because I was angry with a friend who had the url and I didn't feel free to vent although it was and is my blog.

We went to the children's workers Christmas party last night. Our children's pastors have such a heart for children. It shows in everything they do. I think one of my favorite stories to come out of children's church this year was the one of the man who gave his life to Jesus in children's church.

We should be able to start moving this Thursday. YAH! It hasn't come soon enough.

Also, while talking to a friend about recently discovering IKEA catalogs, she said she made a trip to Atlanta to the IKEA store there. We are planning a trip after tax refund time. I'd really like to own this couch. No clue how but boy that orange is the bomb diggity! And this chair is swuft! LOL I know, strange colors for a living room but hey, my tastes are changing. A few years ago, I would never have considered orange or red as an option in my house. Now, I can't wait to try it!

The kids are doing winter wonderland in Youth tonight. The gym is set for around 55 degrees or so. I think the fog machine is going too! Dude was it cold in there!

Today was our Christmas play. Talia had a small role. All the kids from children's church came in for one section of it. They put so many hours working and videoing different sections. It really turned out nice.

I am thankful for a heavenly Father who cares for us and blesses us through the people He surrounds us with.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Surprise Me God! 15, 16, 17

God is so good. Even when I don't understand all that is going on around me.

Monday night, we got to watch a Class 3 wrecker assist an 18 wheeler next to Walmart. The driver had not swung the rig wide enough for the turn and the trailer ended up coming lose from the 5th pin on the rig. It was neat to watch how the driver of the Class 3 wrecker hooked up the trailer and lifted it enough that the rig driver could reposition his truck under the trailer. It took nearly an hour but it was something new.

For some reason, my memory of Tuesday is near non-existent. I know it was a good day. I am just foggy at the moment.

Wednesday, I was asked to help prepare a bulletin for a funeral service. The worship was excellent as always.

Today was just emotional. One of our guidance counselors came and asked me to pray with a grandparent about a former student who is in the hospital. Somehow in the midst of my tears, I was able to say something. When I finished, the grandma told me she was more at peace. I'm glad I had the opportunity to pray with her.

The rest of the day was tough. I felt like I had been drained of all my energy. It was strange.

After work, the kids and I went to visit the couple who brought me all the handmade paper. Their home is amazing!!! The colors are bright and beautiful. Much different than anything I would put in a house but they work so well. T asked me if we wanted to join them for dinner. I said sure. And then...

I got to see the machine. DUDE! Whoa! I want one of those! My head is spinning from all the possibilities!

After looking around, C showed me some of the board/materials he uses to make picture frames. Some of this stuff is 60 bucks a foot! That's some expensive picture frames!

Dinner was excellent. T made spaghetti and homemade flat bread to go with it. I really need to get that recipe.

I think the thing that makes me saddest though, is they will be moving soon. Headed to Ohio. I wish I had met them sooner and gotten to know them better. We met during the S.H.A.P.E. class and I have been tremendously blessed by them. And not just because of the paper. They are just wonderful people who love God and it reflects in everything they say and do.

I was actually sad we had to leave to come to church for the drama practice.

Drama practice. If you're in my neck of the woods, stop in around 8:30 or 10:30 and enjoy the drama and say hi. We're always here.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Surprise Me God #14 & 15

Surprise Me God #14

God is so good. He gave me an opportunity to share the things He is doing in my life and the changes he is making.

We also finished the S.H.A.P.E. small group that I have been part of. It was good. I've been absolutely blessed through this class and the people I have met.

I found out that another lady in the church blogs and we're going to swap blog urls. This will be the first person I've shared my blog with in the church.

Surprise Me God #15

Busy day. My poor nurse was out half the day again. She has an upper respiratory infection.

I managed to do most of my statistics for last month and have only a couple forms left to finish.

Finished the last of my Christmas cards. I made 211 + 32 (my nurse's cards). Now all I have to do is write in them and address them.

I also paid my electric bill. Anyone attempted to do this in Pensacola lately? You know... Bill Matrix? Or better yet... attempted to use the new Gulf Power telephone line? Yeah, you know what I mean.

The following is my email to Gulf Power concerning their new "voice" activated system (submitted through their web page as the phone number I was given was disconnected).

I have used the "new" voice activated telephone number for Pensacola (969-3111).

It is absolutely without a doubt the most non-user friendly telephone service I have ever used.

I would prefer NOT to share any of my information regarding my electric bill in public. Speaking to the phone is ridiculous unless I am speaking to a real person which in the case of your new phone system is next to impossible.

Furthermore, when I requested an address where I could file my complaint, the customer service representative who I finally got on the phone gave me a disconnected phone number!

This is unacceptable. Surely, there must be a better solution for your customer service line.


Note: Glad I checked that before sending. Heh, I'd have posted my name and phone number to the internet! EEK!

My surprise? God lets me work where I do and minister to kids. Also, I'm at a point that if He wants me to stay at the school for another year, I'm ok with that. I did plan on leaving the end of the year.

Oh yeah, I have a beautiful visual for a wall hanging thanks to the people who gave me the gorgeous handmade papers. The wife said "Even the most beautiful flower has to go through some dirt to bloom." She didn't know where the quote came from but God gave me an awesome visual last night. I'm going to try to make it out of paper this week. Like that's any surprise! LOL

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Surprise Me God #12 & 13

I've not had access to make a post but here goes.

Friday. We went and looked at a place to rent. The previous tenant had completely trashed the house and that was the state it was in when I first looked at it (a week earlier). It's a lovely little three bedroom/one bath house. Low roof. All the walls are freshly painted. There will be new carpet through the entire thing. New stove and refrigerator. It has central heat and did have window ac's. But the owner is having it converted to central air as well. He is willing to work with me to pay a deposit and is going to let us start moving in as soon as it's finished being fixed. He believes that will be Friday the 15th. Yah!

There was a party for the worship team as well. It was nice to see everyone who is part of the media team and worship team in one place. There were behind the scene people I had never met.

Saturday. We got to sleep in. Always a pleasure to sleep late.

We finally got out of the house around 12 so we could visit a girl from school who has been in the hospital for nearly two weeks. We took her a Switchfoot cd and book.

Last night was the Singles' Christmas party. There were about 30 people there. Skif went with me since Talia spent the night at a friend's. We had a really good time. We played the "Dirty Santa" game. (It really needs a different name) Lots of laughter over the cooler and the "gremlin" car.

As for Surprise Me God. I'm still surprised every day. Things I'm not expecting happen. One of the ladies from the church offered to give me a full size antique bed with a dresser and nightstand when I was working on buying a house. She told me yesterday she still has it and I can still have it. Thank you Lord! My friend Nancy has been holding a bookcase for me for over a year!

So, that's Friday and Saturday. More later.

Friday, December 08, 2006

30 books of the Bible

30 books of the Bible
I found this puzzle on my travels through the web this morning.  I managed to find 22 of the 30.  I'm going to try to find the rest before the day is up.  Good luck. 
 
~~~~
 
There are 30 books of the Bible in this paragraph.  Can you find them?
 
This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much; he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo, Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it, she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficult y we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have been shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found. God Bless!

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Surprise Me God #11

Surprised I am. Other than the long post for day 10 that I sent earlier, it was busy. (That part wasn't the surprise)

I think the two most amazing things are (1)I feel so strongly about what I posted earlier. It's hard to believe that I've gotten to a point where the grey is disappearing.

(2) Someone from my small group told me they had some handmade paper that they wanted to give me. Imagine my surprise when they came into the clinic today with about 100 sheets of 2x3 foot handmade paper! Gorgeous papers. I thought he meant 4-6 sheets maybe. This is mind-numbing. One of the first sheets I picked up, all I could think was I need to decoupage this onto a 2x3 canvas and hang it on the wall! Whoa!

Anyway, I must go for now. God is so good!

Surprise Me God #10

Surprise Me God #10
 
Gray areas of life.  The fringe places that we see.  The places where we don't care one way or another.  Maybe.  I don't care.  Whatever.
 
Tuesday night, I ended up in a conversation about yes, no and grey areas.  I had said when I talk to the kids oftentimes I will just ask "do you have a stomachache?  Yes or No"  There is no maybe, there is no "I had one this morning."  Do you have one right now... Yes or No.
 
It seems God is removing the grey areas from my life.  I'm either for Him or against Him.   There is no lukewarm.  
 
Wednesday, it escalated.  And how did I get to this point?  This rabbit trail of information?
 
A song.  A tv show.  My children.  An argument. 
 
Skif told me last night, he wanted to put the Weird Al Yankovich version of that song as his ring tone when he gets his own cell phone. 
 
I told him "no."  I don't approve.  The original is completely wrong.  Foul language, sexual references, breaking the law.  And that's just the parts that I can understand.  I'd have to look up the rest.  (I actually asked the school resource officer to help me with what it meant.)
 
If I let him put the remake on as a ring tone, what do you hear?  What is the first thing that comes to mind if you aren't a Christian?  Is it the funny version or the original version?  What type of message am I sending?  If I allow it, then as far as I can tell, I'm saying I approve of the behavior in the song.   
 
I brought up the tv show that we have argued over already.  It doesn't matter that the people on the show are being nice and fixing up someone's car for them.  What does the title say? 
 
I have tried to explain that a p*mp is a person, esp. a man, who solicits customers for a prostitute or a brothel, usually in return for a share of the earnings; pander; procurer.  (definition from dictionary.com) 
 
If I allow her to watch the show, I am condoning and approving of it.  Title and all.  It's not right.
 
At some point, I have to chose to make a stand.  What message am I sending?  What message do I want to send?  Am I for God or against God? 
 
This may sound totally over the top.  But where is the line in the sand?  And as the waves come, the line moves and how long does it take for my sense of the moral and ethic to change to where it is unrecognizable from the world's? 
 
To say that this created a storm in my house is an understatement.  Skif was mad and said all you and Talia do is fight. 
 
It's hard to explain to an 11 year old.  When we got home, she ran into our room and began to sob.  I went in to try and talk to her but she wasn't hearing me.  I gave up and went back to the living room.
 
Then I called Skif out.  I asked him if he was proud of the reaction that occured?  I explained that his egging things on does not help.  I tried to explain the song thing and car thing.  I tried to explain that it's yes or no and if he choses to accept those things how long before he's doing things that aren't acceptable in God's eyes?  He finally went to bed.  He's still angry today.
 
Talia came out and climbed up in my lap after about 30 minutes.  We talked for quite a while.  I started over explaining the whole song/car thing again.  Then I asked her what Jesus would say about the song/car issue.  She told me he wouldn't listen it/watch to it.  I asked her why she would?  She told me that they do something good in the show.  Again I explained it's either you agree or you don't agree.  You're saying that Jesus wouldn't watch it because it's showing the wrong things but it's still ok for you.  Where is the right or wrong in this?
 
As I talked to her, I compared her to a flower.  She is just a bud right now.  The things of this world want to batter and scar her, tearing at her, causing her to compromise.  And with these things happening, when she blooms, she too will be bruised and torn.
 
God wants her whole, pure, holy.  The fragrance pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. 
 
I know the things I talked with her about may be over her head a bit, but I want her to think about these things.
 
And as we talked, she brought up a scripture that the youth pastor used during his sermon. 
 
 
I told her this was a good example. 
 
I asked her the following question.  If you aren't a Christian but you give a lot of money to help the poor, where will you go... Heaven or Hell?  Did it make any difference that you were good if you didn't know the Lord, if you aren't saved?
 
Sometimes we have to chose to make a stand.  It may not be popular.  It may not make you popular.  But who am I supposed to be pleasing?  Man or God? 
 
Is the life I'm leading one that makes a glorifies God?  Are the things I am chosing to do say I'm following Christ?

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Surprise Me God #9

This is an email I wrote today to share with someone at work. It came out of a conversation we had and she asked for me to cheer her up that she needed some of what I have. This is where I am today. Surprise me God...

This may be more than you were looking for but it's where my head is today. I truly realized I think for the first time, that I am here for more than just taking care of these kids (even the ones who irritate me). God put me here to encourage them when there is no else encouraging them. To let them know they count and they have a future when it looks like hell is raining around them. And so many of them are living in that hell.

Do we (you, I and so many others here) make a difference? Do we lose our focus and just see a sea of faces and miss the hurt? See another body and forget to care?

I know I get to that point sometimes and it takes a lot to turn it around. Sometimes a song, sometimes a sermon.

I know you know how much I listen to Christian music. But I thought I'd share this one with you and then at the bottom there are a couple notes from a web site that just seem to speak.

I pray both speak to you as well. I know some days I look like I'm "out there" when I'm walking around singing. But sometimes, singing to God is the only thing keeping me from crying and screaming.

Deb

~~~

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

Never even met her

Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me

Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
Does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?

He is running a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction


~~~

Highlighted areas are my emphasis. I was thinking about some of the kids I've seen and some of the tales I've heard since I started working here. I did not write these two letters. I just copied them from the Casting Crowns web site I was reading.

~~~

This morning I was driving in to work listening to our local Christian radio station and "Does Anybody Hear Her" came on the radio. I own all Casting Crown CD's, having been to several concerts and am a regular fan. I had listened to the aforementioned song dozens of times. Yet this morning the lyrics zoomed straight to my heart. In listening to this song in the past, my mind's eye would be flooded with images…an image of my sister who has struggled with drug abuse for years, suffered abusive boyfriends, and is now serving time in jail. There were the hundreds of images of the at-risk teens I have ministered to over the last seven years, young girls pregnant and scared, teen boys running with gangs, youth cutting on their own bodies in a desperate attempt to release the pain they feel inside.

A new image came into view today. An image of my husband who I recently learned struggles with the chains of pornography. While the hurt and the confusion I feel inside from that revelation is very real, I also know that those chains came from the master of deception, Satan. My husband wants to change and be freed from those chains. My sister wants to be freed from the chains of her addictions. The youth I have worked with want to be freed from the chains of their pain. How relevant "Does Anybody Hear Her" and "Set Me Free", along with nearly every other song on the 'Lifesong' play list speaks into my life and the lives of my loved ones. Those songs serve as a soundtrack to our lives and also as an instrument of hope – speaking truth amidst the lies of the evil one. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 Praise the Lord!


~~~~~~

My favorite songs from you are Lifesong, Who Am I and Voice of Truth. These touch me deeply and speak to my soul.

When God spoke to me at 30 to move from my hometown and then at 33 to take a totally different career path and become a teacher, I knew that it was His voice but couldn't understand why He was leading me this way. It didn't make 'worldly sense' for me to move 1200 miles away from the place I grew up, go back to college and work as a teacher for less than I make at my own business but I knew it was God's will. I will be finishing school soon and have an excitement within my soul because I know God has a purpose for me in education and in this new place that He's planted our family in. Even if His plan is for me to touch just one child, that is what I'm going to do and I want to be a part of that.

Someday, even if not in this life, I believe the purpose for our move and my career change will be revealed. I can't wait to see it. When I listen to Voice of Truth..it speaks to me all about both of these situations and having the faith to step out even when it's scary and doesn't "make sense." Taking that chance to step out of your own will and into God's brings such a spiritual reward and more peace in your soul than can be described in words.

I appreciate you and your music.


~~~~~~

I'm not sure how this post will turn out. I'm sending it from work and if it needs editing to be understood, I'll fix it when I log in next.

Edited to add labels and title.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Surprise Me God #8

Yes, I missed #7. The day was good though. The sermon was dead on. Score another for God. This battle I have over a house and finances. God's bigger than all that.
Just need an answer. I can't see it. And I'm a pretty visual person. I need to be able to see. Guess that's part of my problem. I'm trying to see faith. Or something like that.

There's something dead under the trailer. Last night was a little nosy to say the least. Today is absolutely unbearable. I talked to my neigbor about looking under the trailer since the landlord had already gone to work.

I came home this evening and can't stay there. I'm at the other debi's house. Landlord called after I got here and said he'd check it out tomorrow after he gets off work.

On other notes, I found a beautiful suede feeling jacket to wear to the church volunteer banquet last night. It's burnt orange in color. Scrumpcious to wear. It's been a long long time since I bought something so nice to wear. It was definitely a splurge although realitively unexpensive. It's not a pair of jeans or something I can wear to work. Just special occasions.

One of the most interesting things about the banquet was what I didn't find out until I was leaving... There was a reserved spot for me at one of the reserved tables for staff. Although I'm running the bookstore and the library, I just don't consider myself staff because I work full time elsewhere. I saved the placecard as a souvenir.

Today. Busy busy busy. Over 70 kids in the clinic again today. It just seemed like a never ending stream.

The kids and I went to visit one of the student's in the hospital today. She's been there for nearly a week and has two more weeks to go. She's got so much potential. I just wish she could see it. We'll go up and see her again on Saturday. Also added her to the church prayer list.

Another surprise for the day was the email I got from my supervisor asking if I had considered trying to obtain housing using the healthcare professional route. Healthcare professional? This never occured to me either. I always see myself as just retired Navy working to keep my head and the kids head above water.

So, in two days God surprised me by showing me that I am more than what I think of myself as. It seems He is trying to get me to see myself as He does and as others sometimes do. Healthcare professional and Church staff in two days. I truly have never thought of this. Thank you Lord for enlightenment.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day. It's also the church staff Christmas party. Again, I am stunned I was even invited. Let alone considered staff. I have the childcare set up so I can attend.

The rest of the week is busy as well. Church on Wednesday night. It's First Wednesday. The day that both the North Campus and our south campus get together for worship, baptisms, fellowship dinner, and a good service. The worship is always phenomenal. Two awesome worship leaders to bring you into the presence of God. What more can you ask for?

Friday night is the worship team Christmas party. No kids allowed. I've not gotten childcare yet but may attempt to. I've been working with the worship team for two years now. I didn't realize that until I blew my blog up last month. I run the overheads with the words to the songs on Wednesday nights.

Saturday night is our Singles Christmas party. Again, no kids.

Three events in one week with no kids. It's rather hard for me to wrap my head around. I rarely go anywhere without the kids. Even stranger is to have 3 parties to go to! I can honestly say that this has never occured before. I actually fit in and help make a difference.

Sunday. Sunday is the final class of S.H.A.P.E. What an awesome class. I wasn't even going to take the class until I saw who was leading it. The couple leading it are the parents of one of our worship team members and they themselves have been doing worship for years. I'm not even sure of their age but suspect they are nearly 20 years older than me. Both are amazing. She has the sweetest spirit and a lovely gift of hospitality. He is a great teacher inclined to get excited about what he is teaching. I met them when he worked VBS this summer.

At the end of the class, we have the option of turning in copies of the last few pages of our workbooks into the church for evaluation of where we could possibility fit into the ministry. I know I'm already doing ministry work but wow, God could open a new door!

I've actually pondered attaching a copy of my resume to the back of the workbook before I hand it in. I've often said that one day I'd like to be the receptionist or secretary there. *s*

Anyway, it's bed time. God has surprised me again. I have no idea why I am but I am. He is so good and so faithful. Thank you Lord.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Surprise Me God #6

Today was interesting. Particularly since it didn't end until 3 a.m.! After CR last night, Skif and I went to the birthday party. I ended up talking to A until it was time for the girls to make their journals. I got to talk them through the making of them. It was interesting to say the least.

Sleeping in the morning was good. No one knocking on the door was a blessing! Yah!

A trip over to pick up Talia ended up being sitting and talking to A for another 3 hours. We talked about doing journals and name plaques to hang on the walls. It was good.

Then to Deb's to go into Foley and to Hobby Lobby in Daphne. We spent way too much time in Foley but I did manage to find bras at an excellent price. By the time I send in the rebate/free bra thing, I will have gotten 4 bras for less than the normal price of 2! Yah!

We got to Hobby Lobby as they were closing. I sort of just headed for the back as they were announcing they were closing. I needed glue desperately to finish my Christmas cards. I got 2 tubes and found a set of alphabet chipboard letters.

I'm actually thinking about selling all these cards I'm making and just buying Christmas cards to send out. I know that sounds weird, but I normally sell my cards for $2.50 each. I could sell these for $2 each and I have 250 made. I could package them 5 to a pack and sell them for $10. Or $12 with envelopes. Who knows.

I talked to the kids' dad today too. He's putting a little extra into the bank for their Christmas. They both asked for money as part of their Christmas so I'm going to give them 1/2 of the money in cash so they can buy what they want. Skif wants a ball cap and Alabama jersey. Talia wants earrings. She's loving having her ears pierced. I suspect she'll get her second piercing with her money. This is a major blessing. Even with the church helping with gifts, I had been worried about their gifts.

I'm about at the point that we are going to rent for a while. I have a rental that has been offered to us. It should be available this week coming up. I'm not sure how we'll swing the first two months rent with Christmas holiday and no pay coming in, but hey, I keep saying God's bigger than my housing problem. I need to stand on it.

I guess it's time for bed. The day has been really good. It was a blessing to get to talk to Deb today. We don't get to talk as much as we used to. I enjoy the conversation.

Thank you Lord for the beautiful sunset!

Friday, December 01, 2006

Surprise Me God #5

I was a bit more courageous this morning than yesterday morning saying "Surprise Me God."

I would never have guessed it would be so hard to say 3 words! And people think saying "I love you" is difficult?

Surprise me God. It's mind boggling. I get up in the morning and I'm half afraid to say it. What will God throw my way today? Will it be good? Bad? Will I make a difference in someone's life? Will someone make a difference in mine?

The unknown is a scary thing. It's like stepping into the dark not knowing if the floor is going to be there or not.

It takes faith. I'm still not sure mine's that strong. But I'm going to go for the gusto and see how long it lasts.

After the tire blew out/shredded last night, I am so grateful to God. That tire could have gone out while I was driving 70 mph on I-10 over the weekend! The thought is horrifying as to what could have happened.

Today, we got up early to go to Wally World to get the tire replaced. At least I thought we would be early. We got there at 6:45 a.m. and there were 3 cars in line in front of us. Ouch. 2 of them were for tires. Ouch again.

So... we get out and go in the store anyway figuring on waiting for them to do the van anyway and just be late for work.

I ran into my nurse who changed schools and talked to her for a bit, then ran into a guy from work and asked if he could give us a lift to school. Score! He could. So we weren't late for work or school. Thank you Lord!

The day was busy but not unmanageably so. My nurse bought lunch. Thanks M! Thank you Lord!

I got a call from the church that is "helping" the kids if needed. The lady had a jacket for both Skif and Talia. We could pick them up after school. Again Score! Talia and Skif both loved the jackets. Talia's wasn't too girly-girl and Skif's was the perfect size and he liked the style. Yeah! Thank you Lord!

I dropped Talia off at a birthday party and Skif and I came to church to set up for CR. It was already set up! Score! Thank you Lord! It takes us about 1/2 an hour to put out all the chairs and tables needed for the meeting. It was a blessing not to have to.

My friend Deb came in and shared a youtube video with me that made me laugh.



Hopefully, you'll laugh as much as I did. It was good. It's also the first youtube video I've ever seen.

Oh yeah, I went to my PRISM meeting last night. I really should keep up in the workbook for this. And stick to the plan. I'd probably weight about 30 pounds less by now rather than 10 pounds less. But the video was the most interesting part. Session 9 covered eatting because of apathy, anger, and perfectionism. I can relate to the apathy and perfectionism. It's hard to admit but as Lizziejoy pointed out in my comments, I'm all about doing it perfectly. And if I can't do it perfectly, then I don't want to do it at all. This applies in most areas of my life. As for the apathy part, I saw a picture over Thanksgiving of me when I weighed 135 pounds! Whoa! I was a toothpick. And the thought ran through my head, "If you can't be that small again, why try?"

God's working on me. I know he is. Thanks Lord for my surprises today!