Conversations about Sisterly Surgeries….

So this morning while I am doing the girls hair- DOES IT EVER END? Here is the conversation that was happening. Yes, Christopher Brainos this did occur

Seanna:So Momma…are you going to be there on Thursday when I have surgery?
Cylinda:Yes- I said I will be there and Daddy will be there.
Seanna: Are you taking off from work?
Cylinda:Yes, I am taking off from work.

She looks over at Emma (who is doing her model posing and twirling in the mirror)
Seanna: Emma are you going to come on Thursday when I have my surgery.
Emma:How how boring with that be. There will be nothing to do. What I am supposed to do sit there?
Seanna: There is a waiting room
Emma: I think I will go to Penny’s house.
Seanna:I can’t believe you are not going to be there for me.
(she leaves the room looking like she is going to cry- her hair is now done)

Emma: Is she serious? Does she really want me there?
{Side note- I now feel like my 6 year old and 8 year old have morphed into 16 and 18 year olds}

Cylinda:Emma it would mean a lot to her if you go to.
Emma: I better check on Seanna.
Cylinda:Wait till you get your hair done first
Emma: Rolls her eyes and tries to twirl as I do her braid
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Seanna has surgery on Thursday to remove a growth/tumor from her back. It is growing larger and larger and they just want to remove it as they are not sure what is going on with it.

John and I both have been thinking wow….we have not been as stressed out a bout this surgery as we thought we would be. We have been thanking the Lord for peace. Have both said to ourselves this is not a huge deal- it is outpatient etc.
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John while brushing his teeth this morning tells me Wow I had this really stressful dream about Seanna and Joe (our dog) last night. I said really (while brushing my teeth) 'cause I had a dream that after we took Seanna into surgery they lost her and we were searching all over the hospital all night trying to find her (maybe that is why I woke up with bags under my eyes ?)
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Anyway- Back to thought line- A lot of times we put on our Super Girl costume and act like to everyone we are fine, things don’t bother us, we are trusting the LORD through this …when actually we are filled with apprehension. How about you? What are you facing today while wearing your Evil Knievel outfit? You know what? HE is in control…and He never lets us down.

Conversation in the car later while on my way to drop them off.

Emma- Seanna if you want me to go to the waiting room with Mommy and Daddy I will- I will just take some PetShops with me.

Seanna-Are you sure?

Emma- Yes, I am sure- You’re my only sister Seanna-come on!
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You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.

Gotcha- The New Heavenly Reality Show!

Gotcha….

So last Monday- I was ready to go with my two week notice. There are a lot of MK Ministries things coming up etc…and I felt like I needed to be at those and at that time I had asked and they said that there was no way I was going to get leave without pay…..

So I talked to my manager before giving the notice to warn him that the email was coming…I had my notice written and it was on the way!

Well- he said we are not going to accept it. We are going to just have to make it work out and you are going to have to do a leave without pay.

What? I am thinking. I was finally excited about leaving and then the LORD says Gotcha…you don’t have to leave your job.

It is like he and the angels are sitting there with a camera crew to catch the look on my face going – “Welcome to Gotcha- The new Reality show that the angels and I are filming. This is a show where we work things out the way we see fit and see the reaction on your face.” Well I am sure he got the priceless first production there. Wow.

Then I call my main LA office and they again said we are not going to accept this- We will just fly and agent out from LA if need be but you are not going anywhere. Plus take a free lunch today.

The Lord cracks me up. I hope one day to see that famous episode of “Gotcha” when it airs in year 234,347 in my mansion behind those pearly gates!!
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For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Do it afraid!

While praying and driving into work today- The story kept popping into my mind about the man who had borrowed an ax- while doing the work that the prophet Elisha had asked him to do- and he lost the ax head in the water.

I felt like the Lord was telling me to go and look that scripture up. I thought well this is a weird one-So I did look it up in the amplified Bible-Here is what it said- II Kings 6:1-10

Vs. 5 As one was felling his beam, the ax head fell into the water; and he cried, Alas, my master, it was borrowed!

VS 6 The man of God said, Where did it fall? When shown the place, Elisha cut off a stick and threw it in there and the iron floated.

VS 7 He said, Pick it Up. And he put out his hand and took it.

Can’t you just put yourself in that situation? Have you ever borrowed something from someone and while it was in YOUR possession- something happened to it? That is the fear that grabbed the heart of this young worker.

Many times in our lives we will be paralyzed with fear. Fear is a horrible thing. The Bible Said- For God has not given us a spirit of fear- but of POWER, LOVE, and A SOUND MIND.

Doubt and fear in any form hinder us from taking the path that the Lord has chosen for us. The enemy sends fear to torment us. He wants to hold us back from doing what we are to do- and from receiving what the Lord has for us!

We have to exchange Fear for Faith-
Is. 40: 10 says Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am
with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I
am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes,
I will help you….

Sometimes we have to step out and take each baby step and do it afraid-
He told us in Hebrews 13:5 that HE will never leave us or forsake us. When we realize the HE is with us we can face anything.

I remember one time while on Aim in Nassau- being afraid to get off a public bus. It was late in the afternoon and my stop was right near a bar. I had to walk a great distance from there to my apartment. I was used to getting heckled by the bar loungers but there was a large gathering of them that day. I got off the bus telling myself I am afraid but I am doing this. There was a tall grassy area next to the bar. I began to pray as men in the bar began to call out to me- some of them leaving where they were. Out of the Grass two policemen appeared smiled at me- held the men back in their spots and I walked alone- and unharmed. I looked back and the policemen were gone- but the men were standing in a line across the road. The angels of the Lord were protecting me from harm.

We fear change. Maybe today you are getting ready to face a new job, a new relationship, a new home, a new school, or college, even a new service on deputation. Dealing with changes cause us to feel alone and insecure. Faith causes us to arise in the situation- even as that ax head floated- so will your victory allow you to rise above your circumstance.

Whatever fear you are facing today- God is standing –ready to replace it with Faith and Peace today. He will never let you down!

The Death of the Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness and Peace!

This morning I woke up 30 minutes late for work. The girls had already eaten breakfast, I ran to get my shower and ready for work. Seanna got dressed, hair done. Emma strolls into the bathroom with PJ’s on and was going at the speed of a Turtle on Valium.

I was like hurry Emma (while I am brushing my teeth) we have to get ready fast today. She goes to the bathroom- comes out with pj bottom and no top and her clothes still in hand. At this point I snatch everything from her shove her top on (guys never call their shirts tops- have you noticed that) and say – stand in front of the sink I am going to do your hair. She is standing looking at her shirt in the mirror. It is a red bandanna shirt that has puffy drop sleeves. She starts crying- I don’t like this shirt. It is itchy. (John who is watching the scene starts laughing as he is spelling to me …she is just like her MOTHER). I tell Emma well this is what you are wearing today we are late deal with it. She cries even harder. Now at this point- A 5 star mother would have stopped hugged her and said I am sorry your feel weird in that shirt -lets skip to your room and find a lovely little top for you to wear today. I continue on. Quit Crying Emma. She gets worse and worse. At this point I am having a picture of the fruit of the spirit in my life and Gentleness, Goodness have died on their branches- they are a nasty black color and have just fallen into a heap by the tree. Longsuffering is holding on by a thread.

She is not going to stop. Finally I am done with her hair and grab the shirt off throw it to the ground and say- if you can’t stand the shirt I picked out for you- go in your room and find a new one. (Bamb- Longsuffering bites the dust)

I come out of my room and see her in the hallway. She has on a turquoise and teal turtleneck complete with long sleeves on. Her hair that I just did is now resembling the hair that I started out with. I walk over- yank her sweater off and say this is a winter sweater you can’t wear this. Tears again. I hear the Lord chastening me and saying how many time are you going to make my child cry today? I quickly tell the Lord NOT RIGHT NOW LORD, I am busy. I find a new shirt- get her back in the bathroom- do her hair again and realize that peace has joined the other fruit of the spirit in my fleshly pool of rotted fruit.

I quickly run down stairs, grab my bag. Emma is standing there- Momma – I love you- I promise whatever shirt you put out for me from now on- I will wear it. I am so sorry.
I have to stop – No Emma- Mommy is sorry- I am frustrated at myself for being late and I took it out on you. Please forgive me. At this point my fallen fruit is giving each other high fives and thinking there might be hope.

I race to the car. Put the key in. Crank it. Guess who is out of gas?? Me? I get it started and at this point am praying I can make it to the gas station.

All the way there…I tell the Lord I am sorry. How many times can I fail in the small task? I have to show your fruits. I remind my self I AM THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. I am a good person. I am a good Mother. I have the fruit of the spirit in my life. I have favor in my workplace today. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. I am going to do good to others today. The Lord is going to bless me today to bless others. I am going to minister to someone with a need today.

I pull into the gas station and was cut off by a driver. Initial reaction- Honk my horn- shake my first- let them know that they are not getting by with that. Reaction I chose smile- calm myself down and ignore the situation.

As I pull into the parking lot I see my former boss at the next pump. The one that I had witnessed to for 4 years- that I lived my life in front of – but yet who never came to church.

Wow she said- did you see that guy? He tried to cut you off! Yea, I said- He must have been in a rush. Wow she said you are still the same- you just don’t let things get to you do you?

I smiled and thanked the Lord for his Grace. If she only knew!

I finished pumping as I saw the fruit of the spirit giving each other high fives and climbing back on their trees. Now if they can only stay that way today!!

Lord- let me live my life and shine for you. Help me lay aside pettiness and slow down. Help me to hug more, love harder, and lead by my example!

If a tomato fell in the woods- July 19, 2007

Would anyone hear it?
Would they stop and check if it made a puddle of ketchup?
or would they just keep sitting and eating berries??

Okay I need to go home and get sleep

OH and ..... July 17, 2007

I will quit with this...but this is so funny....

If you say Bob I need a tissue (go ahead say it)
It sounds like you are saying Mom I need a tissue when you have a cold

That was free- aren't you glad you know me

Oh and BTW....July 17, 2007

I do have a Hello Kitty Lunch Bag and if you live in the Charlotte area...You are more than welcome to borrow it!! I don't charge!

Please Pass me the Kleenex- July 19, 2007

So today…While going to the bathroom for the 15th time to get some paper towel to blow my nose… I meet a secretary in the hall and she says…hey you…Are you new here? I said no- I work in the travel department – I have been here for 2 1/2 years
She is like oh- you’re the one with the Hello Kitty Lunch Bag in the fridge.
I said guilty
She says- You have your life together don’t you
I said some days
She just smiles and walks off

I roll my eyes privately and think it over…hmm do I have my life together?
I had a 103 temperature when I got home from work last night and went to bed
My co-worker is on vacation this week so I have to go to work sick or not.
I had a fever of 101 this morning when I got up.

I came back to my desk and thought I wonder if I blow my nose again if the end of it would come off like Michael Jackson's Fake Nose… What if I would turn into Michael Jackson and become the color of mayonnaise?

Back to her comment- You have your life together don’t you….

Well in theory I do. In Christ Alone I place my trust (thank you Michael English who is singing in my head)

…My kids both have clean underwear (bonus)
…We have milk in the fridge (thanks to John)
…I have two bars of dover soap waiting to leap into the tub (thanks to target)
…I have a loaf of bread and plenty of peanut butter (thanks to Harris Teeter)

So to some – I might have my life together.

I have spent the past two weeks questioning everything in my life
My life
My loves
My passions
My desires
My God
My Callings

I have come out of this cloud knowing

I am called to work with Missionary Kids- They are my passion
I love my Husband more than anything except Jesus
I love my Kids more than anything except Jesus
I have an amazing family that is my backbone, strength and balancer
I have friends that can make me smile and I can share with (all two of you)
I Love MKs more than anything expect Jesus, and equal to my family and diet coke
I love the Youth (Oneighty) and Kids (ALC Kids) at ALC more than anything and equal to my family and diet coke

I am putting in my notice on Monday. I am quitting my job. I will be at youth congress with MKs and Youth from all over America. I will be at School of Missions for two weeks with MKs My passion.

Do I know where I will work when I get back – NOPE
Do I feel fearful? Absolutely not

I can only equate it to the feeling that Peter must have had when he leaped out of that boat. It is the most freeing thing you can do.
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What about you? Do you have your life together? I don’t
Do you know what will happen tomorrow? I don’t
Do you know that you love with your entire inner core? I do
And I think that is what he wants from us today
Live, Serve, and Love – Follow HARD after Him

And use tissues with lotion- Really they help!!

Are all girly frogs.... July 17,2007

In love with Kermit?

Do- July 17, 2007

Do giraffes have leaf breath???
How do giraffes put on chap stick???
Do they get cold sores???

Ponderings....July 17,2007

*TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters of only one row of the keyboard.

Let it Go- by TDJakes- July 17,2007

LET IT GO! by T. D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.

And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.
I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.

Let them go.

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.
You've got to know when it's dead.

You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ....

LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth.....

LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you .........

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction.....

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents

LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves.....

LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed ........

LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing for 2007!!!

LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left .. think about it, and then

LET IT GO!!!

"The Battle is the Lord's!"

Friday's Question....Garage Sales- July 13,2007

So I am going garage-saling tomorrow in the wee hours of the morning with a great friend. I love them. It is me against the world in getting bargains. I go the rich neighborhoods and buy their cast-offs. The funny things is ....John does not get it. He is like why go through their junk? I start listing. Do you see that Pier 1 chair in our living room 300.00 in the store- 35.00. Do you see that Pottery Barn File cabinet in our office- 279.00 in the store-27.00 at a yard sale Bing...the light bulb shines brightly from his head!

So my question to you today is (all 1 of you who reads this blog)
1. What is your Funniest Yard Sale Experience
2. What was the best deal you got at a yard sale?

I can't wait to hear about your deals. I will share my treasure trove with ya on Monday!!

Have an awesome weekend!!

Car Conversations on Friday the 13th- July 13, 2007

Today...While on the ROAD again...we go into our routine. We pull out of the driveway into the neighborhood....do our morning prayers....Seanna says her Bible verse that she is working on this week (I know I am a stickler- weird Mom) then Emma says her verse she is working on.

Seanna says hers. Emma says. I am not not saying mine today. I said what? She said nope- I have been saying it all week. You know I know it, Seanna knows I know it and JESUS knows I know it..... and that's enough.

I said well you still need to say it anyway. She crossed her arms and said each word tersely though her pinched lips. I said great job Emma. I knew you could do it. She said- Let's Not talk about it any more Mama....really!

LOL

I know that those memory verses can wear you out!!

This Tote bag has nothing to do with this blog but I literally always have two or three bags of stuff around and I Love this one!

You're Not Jesus Emma- July 13, 2007

So I never write any weird things that Seanna says because she is 8 going on 28. She is very much type A personality and is logical like her Daddy (thank the Lord for small blessings)

When she was Emma's Age (I love 6 year olds)
She was really mad at Emma one day (who was 4)

They were tossing the inflatable Globe back and forth
Emma stopped to sing on her turn- He's got the whole world in his hands
He's Got the whole world in his hands
He's Got the whole world in his hands

Seanna shouts Loudly - You're not Jesus Emma now throw me the ball

LOVE that memory. I even thought of that memory when I was freaking out in a dentist chair to calm me down (yes I am HORRIBLE about the dentist that could be a group of blogs )

I love the smell of.... July 12,2007

I love the smell of....

.....My girls when they get out of their bath
.....Clean Sheets
.....New Dolls that I used to get at Christmas Time
.....A New Bible
.....Dove Cool Moisture Lotion
.....Mint Tea
.....Raspberries
.....Clean Cotton Yankee Candles
.....Fresh cut grass
.....Watermelon as it snaps open
.....Mango candles
.....Coconuts right after they are hit open by machetes
.....The ocean
.....Berts Bees Chapstick
.....Carmex (when I was 13 I used to rub it on my eyelids for eyeshadow) I used to also make my own retainers out of paper clips and wear them because the cool girls had retainers (how gross was I?)
.....Vanilla Creamer in COFFEE
.....Coffee (okay now I am being redundant)
.....Fresh peeled oranges
.....Frangipani flowers
.....Limes
.....A big hug from my friends!

I Miss My..... July 10,2007

I miss my Scratch and Sniff Pizza T-shirt that I wore whenever it came out of the laundry in the 2nd grade- It was the bomb! Why don't they make those any more?

I also had a cool polyester cloud covered blue and white swim suit (don't be a hater) with a matching cloud covered polyester t-shirt to complete the ensemble!

For the sake of all that is decent and good? Where has all of the good fashion gone?

It is so hot in my office today..... July 10,2007

IT IS SO HOT in my OFFICE TODAY...
I am ready to rub this picture on my wrist to feel cooler.....

An Addiction More Than....July 9th, 2007

Coffee
DIET COKE
Laughter
Fun
Silliness

Hugs From my girls
Spending time with John
Catching up with my old friends

Help me to have an addiction to YOU
In Prayer
Your Presence
You
Sitting with you
Talking to you
Knowing your voice
Feeling your peace
Smiling in your favor

I want to know YOU!!

Jumping to conclusions while wearing baggy pants and Nike sneakers....July 9,2007

Sunday morning...while at our hotel breakfast area...I see a heard of people walking in. I told John and the girls- you had better run to the buffet and get what you want- hungry mouths are entering. There were like 15 people in one group. I am a HUGE PEOPLE watcher and was excited from the top of my head to the tips of my toes when they walked in as they spelled- excitement in Capital letters.

They all ordered OJ/Coffee/Hot Tea etc. then headed to the buffet. The first guy came out asking for plates (they were on the side) they were cutting in front of each other to get to the food. Then they were mounding their plates to the point of toppling over. There one guy who looked to be about 15 or 16 and he had on the baggy pants that have to be pulled up every 5 seconds to stay on. He was balancing his big plate, tiny plate, and having to stop and pull his pants up about every 4 steps. This was priceless.

Then there were the ladies who had one or two pieces of fruits. Then the other ladies that were like forget the diet bring on the bacon. One lady had about a 1/2 of plate of bacon and the other half filled with biscuits.

They finally make it to their table and mayhem begins. The man at the head of the table is getting madder and madder as he looks around. I can't believe we are at this buffet and they don't give us silverware. What are we supposed to eat with? Our hands? He is getting louder and louder. The silverware was on the table the whole time rolled up in a red cloth napkin. He finally said I am going to find the waiter and give him a piece of my mind. I am not going to pay for this food if they can't give me silverware when I need it.

So he walks over to the small waiter and begins in on him. How do you expect me to eat and on and on. The waiter said I will go back to the table with you. He said I don't want to go to my table I want silverware and to be able to eat. The waiter is trying to convince him to get to the table.

Now the manager hears all of it (I am so beyond excited at this point) and he says how can we help you? I need silverware to eat don't I? Said the man- Well I don't have any. The manager says the same thing if you walk over to the table with me I will help you. Why do you want me to walk over to the table? The man is beyond mad.

At this point the waiter does not care if he makes the man look silly as others look on- he just wants it to be over with. The reason all of us are asking you to walk over to the table is because the red napkins on your table have the silverware in the middle of them. Un-roll the napkin and your silverware will be there. The man is now huffy, embarrassed, and walking back to his table turns around and says- well why didn't you just tell me that in the first place? How are people supposed to know that you are hiding their silverware? Do you provide maps?

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"As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Corinthians 2:9

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How many times has the Lord served us a blessing - it lies right in front of us...and we just don't see it. We think it should be packaged in a certain way, have certain stamps of approval on it, be the way you we have always gotten it, so we walk right past it. He has gone out of his way to set a table before us, to have everything that we need provided be provided for us. Yet we sit down, give our walk with God a once over, and go to him complaining that he did not give us what we needed.

Here is what he says about us....

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)Jer. 29:11

The LORD is the giver of every good and perfect gift. Why don't you sit back today. Unroll your napkin of his grace, and use the very tools he has put in your hands! He is your provision!

I am reminding myself that I love this age- July 9, 2007

We went to Atlanta this weekend for a mini-vacation. If you ever get a chance to go to the GEORGIA AQUARIUM it is worth it. Every penny. (ok I sound like a sr citizen when I just typed that).

It is the largest aquarium in the US right now and has really got unique things that you don't see in the standard four fish in a tank variety of aquariums.

So back to my blog. On the way to Atlanta on Friday- Emma goes into this- let's just talk about sharks and say everything we know about them for the next hour... okay Mama? That is LITERALLY what she said and trust me- it went on for about 36 minutes (I do have a clock in my car. Sharks love to eat, they have big teeth, they can trace the smell of blood in the water, whale sharks don't eat meat, they have 8 rows of teeth, they need to go to the dentist, do sharks have dentist? Do they celebrate birthdays? Do they know who their Mamas are? They feel rubbery, they can't walk on dirt, etc etc. Finally when she was running out of facts it was like.... What if we were all sharks and we were wearing clothes and driving to Atlanta - what then Mama? I was thinking great. She is about done with Shark facts. I turn around and bam- she is asleep. Just like Sid from Ice Age- Talking on minute asleep the next.

Gotta Love six year olds.

I have the picture of her sleeping in her "Trust me I know Fashion T-shirt" on. Sleeping with mouth open.

Where were John and Seanna at this point? John was ignoring it all as you men do...and Seanna was reading a book and rolling her eyes at key moments!

No more dry bones around here!! July 3rd

Okay so the Lord has been dealing with me to SHUT UP...and Dont SPEAK UP unless it is faith filled and positive. We don't realize the power of the spoken word over our lives!!

So today I made a list of things I am going to profess in Jesus Name over my Life and say it 2 times a day. I will read it until memorized.

Then Sunday Night...What does God do? Hit me over the head again with it again- Pastor Watts preached on "Never say Giant". That you will look through the account of David and Goliath and he never called him a Giant. Last Night- I go to my daily reading and guess what the subject was again- Speak to the DRY BONES!! IF you can SPEAK LIFE into dry bones. You can speak LIFE into your circumstance. AND HONEY I have Got some circumstances that need life!!

Anyway- Have a great Fourth of July!! Rebuke the Dry Bones in your Life and have a FAITH FILLED WEEK!!!

...AND don't speak the word GIANT!!

Why do I do this? July 3, 2007

So today is the ALMOST Fourth of July day...and we are slow at Cassis Travel Services...so what do slow days call for? Wasabi Coated Green Peas Eating Contest. YIKES.. Why don't I just say no and walk away?

Did I win? No
Can I feel my tongue? No
How many hours ago did this take place? 2

Silly Silly Girl- Walk away from all competitions!

My Sunday Morning Compliment- July 3, 2007

While sitting and listening to Pastor Watts talking about connecting to our families- I got a note from Emma-

Mom you are as cute as a chicken- I love you-

Now that is what I call a compliment- Straight from the heart of a 6 year old!

The President and MN Camp ~ Juen 26, 2007

As I mentioned in my earlier blog I went to Minnesota camp for Thursday Night's Service. It was great. Hot but great. I was waiting on the Lord to move on me so much that my hose would fly off but that never happened! Brother Gleason did an outstanding job of ministering. The kids choir was so cute it almost made you want to have more kids (almost). The praise and worship was great, and those people- teens and children included know how to worship!!

Brother and Sister Thacker were kind enough to allow me to come to Camp Gallalee and represent MK Ministries to raise monthly support. It was so great to be back, so see so many family and friends. Just way to short.

I was especially happy to see all of Lears, Carma and her gang, The Wheats, the Merricks, the Taylors (thank you Reece), The Thompsons, The Barcuses, The Kaskes, The Reeses, Missy, Christina, Stephanie, Marybeth, and on and on and on.

It is amazing the memories that fly back into your head when you go back to a spot that means so much....

...your first date to the concession stand.
...waiting for the dismissal light to come on
...being a dorm mother
...getting the dirty sock award for dirtiest dorm
...praying so hard at the alter that you thought your eyes would pop out
...putting sea-weed in peoples sleeping bags (the horror)
...eating food and candy from the concession stand
...skipping devotion just to read someones private diary (or so I heard)
...most of all just being with Jesus and your friends all at once.

I was reminded of a conversation that I had when I was 5 years old. We were at Sandy and Lester Lear's house. The radio was on and it became quiet. I was in the room with Dad, Lester, Mike, and Steve. They announced that President Nixon would no longer be our president.

I ran from our room into the living room and announced to Sandy and my Mom. Mom you'll never believe this...our president just turned into a peach.

............

And for all of you who read my Emma stories....Now you know the rest of the story....she comes by it honestly!

Trash To Treasure! June 26, 2007

Thank you for your prayers- John’s Mom is out of the hospital!! It has been a stressful three weeks. But God is good!!! She will be staying with Steve and Penny for a couple of weeks and receiving physical therapy there. Even though we don’t like the news we were given during this time. We know the News-Changer and the healer!

I received a call yesterday that my aunt had a stroke. Received an email today that my Dad who is flying back from Ghana tonight has taken ill. They are still don’t know if they will leave tonight or not. The Lord has really moved in the Next Steps Training and I think close to 57 have received the Holy Ghost in the past three weeks with several also being baptized.

Please help us be in prayer for Seanna. She is in the midst of some medical testing and needs the touch of the lord as well.

My co-worker/boss talked to me this morning. He said wow life has really given you a plateful of ____ lately hasn’t it? I said well it may seem that way to us. But he shapes us and those around us and we can have peace even in the midst of chaos. We're all a work in progress and lately I need more work it seems.

I found this really neat article the other day. There is a man whose specialty as an artist is to take trash and form it into a shape. To the human eye...it still looks like a pile of trash. He then shines a light on it and the shadows are a beautiful picture unlike the heap of trash that sits in front of you. I thought about my life and walk with God. So many things about me are not appealing-he shapes me...even though I am nothing...he takes my nothing and shapes it and then thought the light of the Holy Ghost makes something beautiful out of it. I pray that I don't resent the process -the Master Artist has His plan- He has the blueprints and moves and shapes me as needed. I am defiantly a work in progress.

------------------
If you are struggling today-thinking it is all too much- Remember you are a work in progress. You don’t see yourself the way he does. Pray that you will see yourself in HIS eyes. He –through the light of his love has made something beautiful out of you!!

Through his shaping of you- you will attract others to him- he is creating a beautiful masterpiece out of you. For It is not the heap of trash that will be remembered but the artist!

Early Flights, Babies, and Airplanes - June 26, 2007

Thursday Morning I had an early flight to Minneapolis/St. Paul. I was going to MN Family camp to represent MK Ministries. I would actually be in MN less than 24 hours.

I woke up at 5:00 Am and even then barely made my flight. As I walked past all of the First Class Snobs (you know the ones that sip OJ and look you up and down like- move quickly lowly peasant) I started counting to see row 14 seat A –the dreaded window. I counted and to my dismay came up with a seat that was filled by two parents and a 7 month old.

Disclaimer- I am not against babies. I am not against parents that travel with babies but you will soon see I was seated next to loons.

I walk up to 14 and see that there are 4 bottles of milk, a bottle of water, a bottle of apple juice and two Grande Starbucks Cups in my seat. The lady immediately starts talking as if she is the baby and saying. Oh we have company in the window seat. Look who’s next to us. At this point I was ready to cut a whole in the side of the airplane and leap.

Her husband gets up and takes the baby. She gathers up all of the bottles and puts the coffee between her feet and tells me to “scoot” past her. I told her I would rather she pick up the coffee and get up. At this point we have the whole plane at stand-still and huffing sounds are all around. She finally gathers the bottles/coffee and lets me in.

From the brief conversations that I had with her I realized I needed the protection of a book- and fast. I pull out my book and put it in front of my face more to the right side to block them off. She pulls the baby up and over my book area and says in that baby voice- oh you like to read? I love books to (as if again talking like the baby). I try to go through every un-repented sin in my head to know why I have the lady talking for her baby syndrome. I come up blank and stare hard into my book.

Finally- time for take off. At this point she decides it is time to shove bottles into the baby’s mouth. First milk- then apple juice- then water. If you have a baby….or have ever babysat you will know that is not a good mixture. Think about mixing those in your own stomach. The baby starts vomiting all over her, the seat. At this point I was praying I would turn into the thickness of a dollar bill and blend into my seat. She starts telling her husband – I don’t know why he chooses right now to get a stomach bug. What is wrong with him? She is trying to sop it up with diapers. I am thinking get wipes. UGH

The drinks come and Mr. 7 month old is cup grab happy. He tries for my cup twice- I said you might want to watch his hands or we will have a spill- She said oh he can’t get those. So I have to hold my drink until the flight attendant comes. At this point- I am second guessing as to why I flew vs. walk?.

She then says I know baby needs a snack too. She lifts up her shirt and exposes her left side (which is right next to me) she nurses her baby stating- Does baby like Mommies snack….and on and on and on. I won’t type too much to gross you out. During this process to position him he is now covering ½ of my lap.

The flight finally lands. I am done with my book and people are starting to leave. She goes into freak out mode. We can’t leave- the baby has pulled the cross off of my chain and I need to find it. I realize that she really meant she was not intending for me to get out of the area until she found it. I said I am sorry it is lost but I really have to go. Then back to the baby voice- You don’t want Mommy to find Jesus Special Cross.

Ignoring what I thought Jesus would do I practically leaped over her into the aisle. I felt gleeful as my feet touched the airport carpet. I smiled as I walked to baggage claim thinking- They need to hire her out as birth control!!

Grow What You've Got.....June 19, 2007

Grow what you’ve got….

As you know if you read my Blogs my drive to work is an hour and 20 minutes in the Am and similar in the pm. Needless to say I am always on the look out for things to entertain me. Today was no different!

At one stoplight in particular that I stop at daily- There is a large yard in front of a business. The office building itself was probably the biggest thing in 1974 but not since ?

Today….I noticed this guy who was probably 20ish was going over and hooking up a hose around the side of the building. He had it hooked to a sprinkler. I looked at the patch of grass there. To use the word grass is being liberal! It looked more like a 4 foot by 3 foot patch of leprosy ridden grass. Since this area is right next to the bus stop- the grass strands were few and far between- yet this man had the vision to water, and to tend its needs. I hoped he would look my way….finally he did and I gave him the thumbs up sign. I know he thinks I am nuts…but while watching him it came to me…He was growing what he had.

He was watering what had been given to him. Many would have overlooked this area and said- we will try to sod- or re-seed this in the fall- but he was working with what he had been given.

How many times are we given a talent, a group of people to work with, an area in our life and we neglect it. When it gets bigger we will work on it. When it is a more notable thing we will attach our name to it. When it becomes something that people will admire from afar then we will claim ownership.

Despise not the day of small things the Lord told us. It is the small acorn that grows the mighty oaks, the buds that create beautiful flower arrangements, and the mosaic tiles that become masterpieces.

What has God put inside of you- that lays dormant? What have you neglected? Not watered? What group of people can you impact that others would overlook? Pick up the watering can of his spirit today and grow what you’ve got….after all you are not responsible for the increase-he is!!

Car Prayers ~ June 15, 2007~

So yesterday I was probably at the height of my stress level- It would take blogs upon blogs to fill you in on all of it.

I thought I was doing a pretty good job holding it all in and keeping the girls out of it. While driving to the hospital to see John's Mom I hear the whispering of an 8 and 6 year old....

Seanna- Emma repeat this prayer after me- Mommy can't take another thing-
Emma- Mommy can't take another thing
Seanna-no Emma that's not the prayer- I am starting now

Seanna- Jesus help my Mommy
Emma-Jesus Help my Mommy

Seanna-Help us help others
Emma- wait why do we always have to help others- who helps us?

Seanna- That's why I am talking to Jesus Emma- Now pray.

and on they prayed....

That was the funny conversation- but probably the sweetest prayer that I have had prayed over me. From the mouth of babes into His heart.

Lord let them always know how to pray in a timely manner!!

Sea- Section ~ June 15, 2007

On the way to drop off the girls today this was the conversation

Emma- Mom I don't want to be a girl

Cylinda-Well you are one

Emma- Well I don't want to have babies

Cylinda-Well we don't need to worry about that today

Emma-Well I don't want babies because when I am done my bottom will hurt

Cylinda-Hmm...well let's not think about that today

Emma-Well if I do- I'll just have a Sea-Section
Do you know why they call them that Mama?

Cylinda-Why?

Emma-Because the babies are used to being in water and they tell the babies I won't cut you - I am taking you out of your Mommy in a Sea-Section and they think they are just going to stay in the water.

Do you understand now mama?

Seanna- Wow That makes Sense Emma

Cylinda-Okay we are at Sarah's House let's all get out of the car (thanking God)

Emma-(sticking her head back in the car) Mama when you have a baby the regular way- do they give you big pieces of toilet paper to wipe after

Cylinda- The biggest Emma- Have a great day-

Gotta love the 6 year olds!!!

I am Certain..... June 15, 2007

How many things have I picked up- or started and never finished them?

-Sewing machine- New in closet from Christmas 2005
-Scrapbook supplies and no pages complete
-Wooden letters waiting to be altered in closet
-The begging of a poem
-My girls baby books (oh my)
-The first half of Passport Kids newsletter due June 1st sitting in my computer

and the list goes on an on and on....

Philippians 1:6 (Amplified Bible)


6And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

Philippians 1:6 (New Living Translation)
New Living Translation (NLT)


6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Guess what-

You are a work in progress...but even more amazing - HE started that work
If you stay PLIABLE in his hands- HE is going to finish it.

Quit taking yourself off of the potters wheel and let him make something remarkable out of you!!

HE has a plan
HE has his timing
HE knows what he is doing

And when he is done...What a great thing you will have become- but in the journey- be used, be real, knowing that when you cross the finish line HE will have completed that work in you!!

No One ~ June 6, 2007 ~

No One
Can fulfill YOUR calling
Can fill your shoes in life (especially if they are pink cowboy boots)
Can walk the direction that he has for you- JUST YOU

Theres only one you
That can reach
your neighbor
Your co-worker
Your stay-at-home mom friend
Your college room mate
Your grocery store bagger

Get out of your Safe Zone Today
and walk in the Faith Zone

Live Confident and Fearless in HIM TODAY-

He Started your work
He will FINISH your work
Its all about HIM!

Is this what Busy Feels Like? June 6, 2007

Last night when driving home from visiting John's Mom at the hospital-

Emma Says...

So is this what Busy feels like?

LOL Yes this is it!! I said ...

"Well I do have a graduation on Friday you know."

I said I know and we will be there!!

Gotta love kindergarten graduations.

Update-

John's Mom does have congestive heart failure- good news is they finally are running test and will hopefully get to the bottom of it. She is still in hospital

My Mom who is in Ghana Africa did indeed pass out - twice and is doing better. They have an embassy Doctor that will see her today if she has worsened or not well. I bet the Next Steppers are really learning how to pray when she was out for 5-7 minutes and they were all laying hands on her. I told her next time to use another example of praying for the sick

Bottom line- Are we busy Yes!
Is God Good- You had better believe it!

Are we too busy to spend time with him? Are you kidding I can't keep away from Him. That is like saying no to Diet Coke- But only better!!

It is in my stressful, busier times I need him the most. Just to be able to be with HIM and exhale, to sit in his presence. To know that he has it all in a tidy package- all in control.

Now I really do have to get back to work. It is busy at work today too (wouldn't you know)

I love you all and thanks for your kind words about my silly blogs-

Remember today- What we are afraid of - The things that we think will be over our head- He has under his feet (look what happened to Peter when he stepped out of the boat and unto the water)

Don't be a dry boat talker like the disciples
Be a Wet Water Walker Like Peter

At least he took a leap of faith and TRIED!!

Okay I am going back to work for real now!

Maybe it was the bumper cars ~ May 29, 2007~

Sunday Night on the way home from watching fireworks we were in the shuttle bus (stuck in traffic for 30 minutes) and Emma had a nose bleed. This is fine as I have the blanket that we sat on the grass with. We finally get to the car at 11:30 PM and are headed home. She says. I don’t feel good. I said okay. Then she says I am going to throw up and does so all over my hair, the rental car, and the seat. We stop on the side of the road in someone’s yard and she continues to vomit. She throws up until nothing is left. (I hope you are not reading this and eating?).

Then we get home. She says I think I just had some bad carrots today
Or Maybe it was the bumper cars at the fair
Or Maybe my stomach was nervous from the fireworks
Or Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten watermelon with salt….

I assure her that she probably just has a stomach bug that her friend had the week before. She tells me…I didn’t eat any bugs. I said I know that just means a little flu. So off to bed. She gets is until 4:00 AM. I am lying on the floor next to her (as we are at my Aunt and Uncles house) and I don’t want her getting it everywhere. At 4 Am she is sleeping soundly. The alarm goes off at 6:00 am. I about threw it across the room. We pack and are out the door at 7:00 AM. During our 14 hour drive we stopped four times for her to heave hoe. She every time would say…Maybe it’s because I went fishing yesterday…Maybe it’s because I picked up that worm out of the dirt...etc.

About 45 minutes outside of Charlotte last night…Guess what…Someone is all better. Her stomach does not hurt. She returns to her active self….She is perfect…

I sent her and Seanna up for baths as they had school this morning. When I was putting them in bed and doing prayers Emma says…I feel so much better Mama…but I really do think it was the bumper cars..

How about you? Do you have an excuse for your spiritual sickness? Do you have an excuse for the things that happen to you? Sometimes we just can’t accept the truth that we may have an attitude problem, an old grudge that we need to get rid of, we don’t want to change our ways, or we are ignoring the call of GOD on our life.

We always know in our heart of heart…
-Our calling
-What we should do in a hard situation
-The doors that are opening and shutting in our lives
-The thing that we need to do….
Yet the easiest thing sometimes is to hide behind our excuses!!

Walk in HIS DIRECTION today…believe me when you are in His perfect plan you will be so glad that you didn’t hide behind the excuse that it might all be from the Bumper Cars!

Remembering....May 29, 2007

Since we knew that we would be traveling all day on Memorial Day…we did the cemetery circuit on Saturday. We went to the graveyard where my brother (who passed away at seven months), my Grandfather and my Grandmother were buried. This was the first time the girls had been there…or to any other graveyard that I can think of. Emma was very sad as she walked around…almost close to tears.

Seanna stayed quiet, but not as sad. We later put fresh flower arrangements on each special spot. Emma said I have to leave here…my heart is too sad. Seanna said your heart should not be sad…they are with Jesus these are just their bones. Emma said I know that these are bones…. but these bones are making my heart sad.

We went to the next gravesite where my great grandparents were buried. My great uncle Sherman was also laid there to rest. His is a most interesting story. He gave his life for others in the submarine the USS Squalus. The Sub was on its 19th test run that did not go well. This was in the year of 1939. The water flooded into the rear section of the sub. My great uncle made the decision to seal him self and the others in the rear chamber to save the rest of the ship. This was the first sub in history that there was a successful rescue operation. It made the history books.

This weekend while we were in Little Rock they honored the sailors of this submarine. They had a sub there in the Arkansas River and released 17 white roses representing 17 sailors that were from AR that lived. Their roses were swept away immediately by a current. They then released a single red rose signifying my uncle who gave his life. That rose stayed close to the sub and continued to flow in circles around its base. It was very moving.

We moved on next area to where another great uncle was buried. He was on a ship that went down during battle. He and his two friends swam to a small island close to their ship and waited for the rescue team to get to them. My great uncle and another of the three men were cold and took off their boots to try to dry them off. They fell asleep with hyperthermia and did not wake up. Their third friend who kept his boots on made it when the rescue team arrived. His name was Lloyd.

My father is named Lloyd Luther Shirley. Sherman’s middle name was Luther. My father was born shortly after those two incidents in 1942.

All of these stories were told to my girls and all of these places were visited on Saturday. Sunday night while watching fireworks with Emma by the river in downtown Little Rock…she said Mama if you and I were in a sub…I would close the door so that you could live. I said well we won’t have to worry about that because we won’t be in that situation. She said my cousin was kind of like Jesus wasn’t he. I said well kind of.
She said I know that Seanna said that they are just bones…but it still hurts my heart. When I get to heaven I am going to give him a big hug.

….Back story… the day before the sub was filled with water Sherman had a bad feeling. He was engaged to a beautiful girl at home. He had bought a ring for her. He gave it to his best friend and said if something happens to me…please make sure she gets this ring. She got the ring from his best friend…but did not get the love of her life returned to her. She married a year later but her daughter said she never was the same after Sherman didn’t come home.

I wonder..... May 17, 2007

Do carnival animals that are painted on the side of the cars get sick from twirling so much??

Reach out and.....May 16, 2007

Do something fun today
Help someone today that can't help you back
Dream Big Dreams
Re-visit the promises that HE gave you....
and reclaim them.

I'm outa here...leaving work for traffic...yipee
Love you all!

Cn

Fleeing in FEAR- May 16, 2007

This morning I came across a scripture in II Samuel 2:4 that was really amazing:

Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son who was a cripple in his feet. He was five years old when the news came out of Jezreel [of the deaths] of Saul and Jonathan. And the boy's nurse took him up and fled; and in her haste, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

How many times have we injured ourselves because we react in a situation under false assumptions or out of fear? Because of the way we react we damage our outlook for the rest of our lives, or someone else. This maid heard that Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle. In haste she picked up this five your old little boy and ran with him. IN HER HASTE ….HE FELL…and became lame.

Wow ….

Do you find yourself jumping to conclusions?
Assuming that everyone is thinking the worst of you?
Fleeing in Fear?

If she would have stayed put…Mephibosheth would have been safe. David and Jonathan were as brothers. He would have given his life for Jonathan and thus his son.

It is true that only 10% of all of our fears come to pass. This things that are waiting you down today…lay them at HIS Feet. He is waiting to lift your load!

Lord help me to not over-react, assume, or fear today. Help me to know that you have all things worked out for my good!

Romans 8:28 –And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to hose who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!

For when I am weak, then am I strong. May 16, 2007

"He said unto me, My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore will I rather glory in my weakness, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in weakness: for when I am weak, then am I strong" 2 Corinthians 12:9,10.

Feeling weak today?? He is strong...Stand Strong in him...or just swim with a big fin on!!

Heart-Prints....and the tattered American Girl Box! May 14, 2007

Saturday I was frantically trying to get prices of groceries in the 1950's for our “Price is Right” game for our Mother/Daughter Luncheon.

Emma came marching into the office with a tattered American Girl Box covered by a homemade heart shaped card which was taped to the top (very profusely taped I might add).

Here Mama …It’s for you.
For Me? I questioned…Just me?
She said Oh Mama you know it’s for you.

I pulled several pieces tape off and opened up the treasured box. Inside of the box was a rock, a dead ladybug, and two pet shop toys. She quickly said…I know that you know that I love pet-shops –but don’t worry these are two that I didn’t want anymore.

I said thank you Emma that was so sweet of you. She said was that so sweet it almost made you cry? I said almost Emma…. it is just perfect.

She later told me that the ladybug was not dead when she wrapped it up- I must not have been gentle enough with the box!

How about you? What gifts have you received that might not have been the most expensive but meant the most to your heart?

A quick note written by a friend
A gracious hug
A secret smile from your spouse
The security of knowing that your kids are tucked tightly in their beds at night
A warm word from HIM during your daily Bible Reading
A phone call from a long lost friend
A 10 minute break- just for you

The things that we treasure most in life and not the costly gifts, or things that most would even give a second glance to. The things we treasure are things that are given from the heart.

Have you left a heart-print on someone today? Because that is exactly what Emma’s gift did for me on Saturday morning. In the midst of the bustle of my day…a little girl walked into the room and left a heart print on my heart!

Things you would like to say...but can't - May 10, 2007

What do I look like flypaper for freaks?

Someone emailed that to me and I laughed so hard...I had hot tea spewing out of my mouth (I know nice visual) so I just HAD TO SHARE....

Guess whose brother I killed on the way to work today......May 10,2007

I am so sorry Stuart...Tell you brother to stay away from my tires during traffic. It really gave me the willies when I hit him too. I guess I should have swerved...but then I thought about the 11 rats that were living in our washer when I was a little girl in the islands and I didn't feel as bad.

For those of you drinking coffee and eating a doughnut...Sorry I know my timing is horrible!

Nosy people at a place that rhymes with Darget....and the gift.... May 8, 2007

So yesterday during lunch...I head to my favorite place in the world...(outside of other favorite places in the world that is) .....TARGET!!

I love cruising through the end caps looking for the great markdowns etc. I was also on a secret mission. I have been looking at two pictures for my living room since December. There they are ....just yearning for me to buy them. Yesterday to my horror...They were down to just two (you have to buy both...they’re a set)...so I have the Target lady dressed in her red and tan to call the other stores...Nope they are last ones in CHARLOTTE.

I can't justify spending that money on myself as I was only END CAP shopping...so just light a bolt of lightening...I think...Sunday is Mother's Day...Call John.

I pick up my trusty cell phone...It had a signal (miracle alone in Targets) and get through to John (second miracle it MUST BE GOD'S WILL)...and say.. Uh HI honey...are you busy? He said well I am at work so I am kinda busy that's what I get paid for (I ignored the sarcasm as I was preparing for my plea)...

Well you know how Mother's Day is coming up and...

(let me point out to you at this point ....that for some reason I attract crowds. I think it’s because of the -they think I am crazy element- or they are looking for a good story....or they are bored and want some gossip?? but I had 3 ladies standing there giving me the thumbs up)

continuing on to the conversation....

and ...well I have been looking at the same pictures since December and all of the stores are down to only 1 set left and ...(He now interupts my plea) How much are they?? ...Well I gulp a lot... The ladies are now mouthing you can do it. (I am thinking they really need to go and price diapers)....But you know if I get these for Mothers Day and everything you don't even have to buy me a card, or wrap a gift (I was going for the juggler at this point). He said fine. How much are they. I said too much. I love you SOOO much honey. I hang up the phone to 3 clapping women. I was bracing myself for hugs...but none came.

The one helped me pick up the two heavy pictures and put them into my cart...she told me Happy Mother's Day...and moved on. I thought...do I maybe look like I am special needs person that I attract people?

-----

In thinking this over on the way back to work...I thought...why do people -perfect strangers- get so excited about gifts. Maybe it's the warm memory that it evokes in their own past...or brings to a place of happiness once again.

The Lord has a lot to say about gifts. In fact he has gobs of them for you. YOU in fact have gifts that I don't have...and I have gifts that you don't have.

The Amplified Bible says in I Corinthians 12:11

"All these {Gifts, achievements, abilities}are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same {Holy} Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually {exactly}as He chooses.

He has chosen perfect gifts for you. Some of you are born soul winners, some of you can sing the house down, some of you have the gift of encouragement, some of you have the gift of teaching, mentoring, and serving.

What are you doing with your gift today? Have you been hurt while using it? Did you give in to fear shove it to the back of your closet? Have you given up on the promise that came with your gift...so you discarded the gift as well?

Not only does HE need you to pick it back up, dust it off, and use it, WE the body need you.

Don’t let fears, hesitations, worry, doubt in your own ability cause you to question your abilities, calling. I want to stand and rejoice with you on the other side when HE shows back the DVD of your life and we stand in amazement at what HE has done THROUGH YOU...WITH YOUR GIFT!!

So today...Stand Strong! Stand Strong in your calling, your abilities, and even in your silly quirks...cause HE has great doors that he is going to open so wide a troop of soldiers won’t even be able to get them shut!
..........
By the way...the pictures...they are going to look great in my living room. But do you know what I love even more? The love that they were given to me with...With out even a tone of hesitation my Honey Said Yes!!

This blog has not been brought to you by Target or its team members. However one day while wearing a khaki skirt and red t-shirt I joined the early morning team meeting and every one welcomed me...