Thoughts toward 2006

So my Christmas was really nice. I thank my God every day for these people He's put in my life that are so willing to continually welcome me in... not just as a friend dropping by, but as a real part of their family. Marc & Susannah, their boys and Marc's parents were a special blessing to me this Christmas that was harder than most with my parents halfway around the world (this is only the 3rd time in my almost 37 years that I have spent Christmas away from my parents). To some of you that may not seem like such a big deal, but ask yourself if that is because you have had your own family for quite some time and you spend it with them. For me, yes, still single and waiting on the Lord to bring me my husband and family, spending time away from my parents means I am without family. But this year these special people who are dear to my heart, took me under their wing and continued to allow me to be "Aunt Debby". I know God must have special blessings in store for them, for their sacrifices of "just family time" and allowing an outsider to be on the inside. I am forever grateful!

On another note, I found out last weekend that my grandparents have made the decision to move from their duplex/townhouse into an apartment at the home they have been a part of for the last 7-8 years. My grandmother is just having a more difficult time getting around these last couple months and is much weaker after the ordeals of the past year and a half. Plus, living in a land of winter, it will allow them to gather with people and maybe do some activities that they wouldn't have done it they stayed out in the townhouse because it would mean getting out in the cold/snow/ice, etc. So, my aunt is up there this week starting to help with some packing. I had intended to go this weekend, but I still have this cold/cough hanging on and may put it off another week. I don't want to make them sick or to have mine get worse. I haven't worked it all out yet, but my aunt will call me this afternoon or early evening to let me know how she did and what she got accomplished. We are all very grateful to my uncle for being there a couple times a week and for helping them with doc appts and with making the difficult decisions.

I really don't know what this coming year holds for me. In the past, I've kind of been able to look forward and know some of the big things that might be coming, but as I'm looking forward to next year, this time, I just don't know. As of right now, I'm planning only one trip the beginning of April. I will spend the first 2 weeks of the month in Australia with Mom and Dad and I'm looking forward to it. Then they will be making a trip back to the States in July or August, which will mean that their assignment is half over - it really seems to be flying by!

I will also begin the biggest challenge of my adult life - I will begin drastic measures of cutting up my credit cards, paying off my debt and living on a cash only basis. I know that seems like a really strange thing to do in today's world, but through much prayer, thought and support from my parents, I believe it is what the Lord is leading me to do. I'm praying for His help, especially in the first 6 months as I adjust and will have to say "no" to things when I don't have the money to do it. I think once I get in the habit it will be a little easier and I know that once I have paid off my debt completely I will be a much happier person for it. It won't always be easy and I covet your prayers for me, but when I'm done, I believe I'll be able to live much more as the Lord wants me to as well as be able to contribute to His causes and His people much more freely than I can now!

My other goal is to return to the South Beach lifestyle of eating and exercising. I did very well when I stuck to it, but the past year and a half with everything going on I've not done as well at sticking to it and have put weight back on. I'm intending for this year to be a year of health - all around. Spiritually, economically, physically, creatively, etc, etc. I'm planning to continue with my scrapbooking. I've finished everything up through my 2 years of college, but have 16 years to go after that! I also have two quilts that I need to do and need to diligently work on them. As well as many sewing projects for me, hopefully as I lose weight, I will need new clothes and have plenty of fabric and patterns to work with.

Well, I guess this post has turned into a New Year's resolution list of sorts. Though I'm not usually good with the resolution/goals list, so maybe I'll just look at it as some of the things I'd like to work on this year, the Lord willing. Well, guess that's it, my mind is pretty empty for now. Have a great New Year's Eve, whatever you may be doing to celebrate, please be safe!

Just Ho Humming into the Holidays!

Well, I'm feeling much better now and should be 100% by tomorrow or Saturday. I was down with a pretty nasty cold, but at least didn't have a sore throat. Lots has been happening though in my own personal world of thoughts and decisions.

I had a great perf eval at the office yesterday and will be getting a small raise. The best part of it is not on paper but in the discussion I had with my boss regarding the upcoming year. Some may already know that for pretty much the past year, I've been "in charge of" the imaging project going on here at the office. It is progressing and within the next 4-6 weeks we will have finished the first big chunk, which is getting all of the active fleet files into the system. There is still much to do - inactive fleets, merchant files (active and inactive), permits files, and other small sections of files themselves, not to mention the eventual creation of a workflow that becomes entirely electronic. Anyway, also for the past year my boss has had me slated to become the manager of this department, which includes managing people (starting probably with 1 and growing to 2 or 3 over the next 3-5 years), making large and significant business decisions regarding how this department will operate and relate to the rest of the company, as well as the new processes mentioned above. I was honest from the day I interviewed for this position back in April of 2004, and have continued to be when a year ago he told me this is what he wanted me to do, that it was not what I was interested in doing, was not something I would enjoy doing, as well as not posessing the skills to do it. Well during this year as I've at least managed the part time workers and one full time worker since July in getting documents in I've been trying to come to grips with the fact that after the end of the year I would officially become the manager with the title, the responsibility, the extra money, etc. Because to this point, he really wasn't giving me much of an option. He believes that I have the capabilities and the intelligence to do the job and that I'm the best person for it, plus he trusts me without question.

Well, I was surprised yesterday when he sat and told me that as he wrote my revue he had to rethink his thoughts and actions for the past year that he's been pushing this. He has not changed his mind that I'm the best person to do this, or changed that he trusts me or that I can do it, but that maybe it really isn't what I'm looking for. We spent about half an hour talking in which he admitted that he truly wants me to be happy in what I'm doing, he likes and respects me and I will have a position in the company regardless of what I decide and he will support my decision. He still very much wants me to take the manager position, but has given me 2-4 weeks to really soul search and pray about where I want to go with my career and what makes me happy to come to the office every day. He realizes that I have a lot going on the personal side of my life and he realized that he'd probably been forcing this too much. He just feels that he's good at seeing talent in someone and then placing them in the best place to use that talent and forgets to stop and think about whether it's something the person wants to be doing.

So, all that said, I've got some time, but not endless time, to really consider both sides of the option now knowing that if I choose not to be the manager that there will still be a position and that we will work together to determine what responsibilities I would take on and do moving back toward more of a support or administrative role. Please be in prayer with me as I consider all the plusses and minuses to both sides of this situation. It truly is an opportunity that most do not get. If you have words of wisdom, comments, thoughts, questions, opinions I'd really appreciate all the input I can get at this point.

This of course is only one of a few serious-minded internal discusssions/decisions that I'm in the middle of but this is the one that came out when I sat down at the keyboard today. I'm definitely looking forward to spending the holiday with my "local" family this weekend! I'm looking forward to having the 3-day weekend and feeling well. I need to get some sewing done and maybe some scrapbooking too! I've missed both of these pastimes of late.

Well, I suppose it's about time to head home. I don't know that I'll get back to this before the holiday, so if I don't, please have a blessed and Merry Christmas and remember as you spend time in laughter and conversation with family and friends around the dinner table and unwrapping gifts around the tree that.... Jesus Christ is the originator or the reasons we celebrate. He GAVE - so we too give in His Name and in His Spirit. Please remember too... I know that there have been a lot of reminders to pray for our troops this season and the sacrifices that they and their families are making, fighting for our freedom, and while I totally agree and don't discount any of that (I too have family serving)... remember that there is an even larger army spread all over the world this season, they too are missing their families, they too are fighting for freedom for all mankind - those who are serving in the Lord's army, through many different organizations, to many people groups, in many countries across the world who need to be freed from the consequences of their sins by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ. May the message of Christ be advanced this season in miraculous ways through those who are giving their lives to serve, and may they be comforted and be at peace wherever they are whether they can celebrate outwardly or not that their light may still so shine among men.

God's blessings rain down!

Thai for a week...

So I'm finally able to take a few minutes to tell you about my week in Thailand. It was terrific, mostly because I was with my parents and finally able to see the places and meet the people that they know on a daily basis. The hardest part for me these first 8 months of having them gone has been not feeling a part of the everyday, day in and day out kinds of things because I couldn't visualize anything or anyone that they were talking about. It was the first time in my life that I wasn't intimately familiar with their surroundings. So I was able to soak up alot of their atmostphere in my week there and it helps.

I arrived Sunday about 9 hours ahead of my parents so their colleagues Brian and Lena picked me up at the airport and took me to Mike's for a burger - just about the only place you can get a burger! Then they took me to their home to shower and change clothes, and we were off to the Sunday market and it was quite an experience. Good for helping the jet lag, it kept me moving, but when we were done I was ready to sit. Lena bought some lights to use on their Christmas tree. Though they don't really celebrate Christmas, there is quite a large western population that do so there are a few places that have decorations to purchase, but compared to here, it's almost none. Mom said it was really hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. It's just not in the air or in the people there.

So when it was about time for my parents to arrive, we drove over to their apartment (Brian had the key) and they arrived about 15 minutes after we did. We visited for a few minutes and then Brian and Lena headed home and we unpacked and went to bed. I did sleep well, though it was warm during the day, it cools off at night and I had a fan that helped as well.

We went to the office every day during the week. Mom is still trying to learn her new position and the week I was there was the last week that her predecessor would be there so she had some things to get answered, plus they are quite behind. I didn't mind, I got to meet and get to know all the office staff (especially all the Thai ladies that work there), I read my book some and then asked Mom for something to do to help her. So throughout the week and helped her with several tasks including some organization things to help her find paperwork in the future. The first morning we stopped for bagels at Smoothie Blues and an Iced Boom Chocolate at Wawee's. They normally do this about twice a week. The rest of the week we ate breakfast at home, but we did have another Iced Boom Chocolate on Friday! I love these things - it's kind of a cross between an iced hot chocolate and a chocolate shake, not as sweet as anything we have here, but a really good chocolate flavor and served with whipped cream on top. YUM!

Monday evening we went to eat and the Hong Tau Inn right around the corner from their apartment and it was my first introduction to Thai food (we had eaten lunch at a new Japanese place with the Thai girls from the office). It was very good - I'm so glad that there are quite a few dishes you can get that are not spicy. Tuesday for lunch we ate at their usual lunch place and then Tuesday evening we had dinner at a more western restaurant down near where they teach ESL in the slums. They were on a break that week, but Tuesday during the day we had had to go to the consulate for some paperwork and so then Dad drove me around a little bit and showed me where they teach and where they go to church. After dinner we went to the night bazaar and it was a little more crowded and in tighter quarters than the Sunday market had been. But there were many of the same things being sold. I bought some clothes and a few gifts. It was fun to watch Dad bargain with them with the little Thai he has learned - I think they have both learned a lot more than they realize!

Wednesday evening Mom and I went to have manicures and pedicures before we went home and had dinner at home. It was fun and something I had never done before. The total for me to have both was $10. If it was that cheap here, I could afford to get it done every couple weeks! Oh well. Then Thursday we were only in the office for a little over an hour because we went to take a cooking class. It was really tremendous! They started by giving us a tour of the market and telling us some of the differences in what they use that we don't have. Then we went on out to their facility, which was an open air place under a pavillion. It was really neat. They had some staff that did all the prep work, then they told us how to make a dish, then showed us, then we each got to make our own individual dish. It was all done in a wok and we each had our own over a freestanding gas burner. We made 5 dishes in the morning and ate them for lunch. Then we did 3 more dishes in the afternoon and they packaged them up for us to take home for dinner. It was a lot of food and a lot of fun! After a day on our feet we went across the street and had a 2-hour massage, which felt really great.

Friday we wrapped up early in the afternoon and then headed to Warorot which is another market area in Chiang Mai. Mom and I hit the jackpot on fabric places and we both spent the rest of the baht that Dad had on him! I got some fabric for a skirt and 2 blouses, 5 pair of pants, and 4 pair of shorts all for under $50 US. Mom got some for blouses and capri pants. When we wore out from being there we headed home. We took the "song tau", which literally means 2 benches but the westerners call them red trucks, which are similar to our taxis. When we arrived home I packed my stuff and then we watched a movie together before it was bedtime. Saturday morning we headed to the airport. It was really hard to believe the week was already over and was very difficult to go. From the time we left their apartment till I arrived at my house, was a total elapsed time of 41 hours - that's a really long trip. I did very well though and was able to sleep when I was tired.

Some overall impressions from being there are the friendliness and warmth of the Thai people. They really enjoy listening to you try to speak their language. They are grateful for any business you give them and will go out of their way to do business. Any westerner, no matter how poor, is rich compared to their standards. Many families have no car, only a scooter (which is actually like a small motorcycle) as their only mode of transportation. They are for the most part a people who work and live within their neighborhoods and don't venture far from them. I also learned that those people from hill tribes outside the city are not considered Thai citizens and there is much animosity between them and the Thai people, though they were all born and have lived their lives in the country of Thailand. I'm glad I went in the season I did, it would have been more difficult for me in their summer or rainy season, since I don't like the hot weather. However, I could also tell that overall it is a dark part of the world, these people need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

A Niece!!!

It's a girl! I'm going to have a niece!! I'm so excited I can't hardly stand it. I just got the call from my family here in town. They had an appointment with the doc today to do the whatever it is that tells you if it's a boy or girl, oh and she is healthy and growing just fine too. Ethan, the oldest of the 3 boys had the privilege of calling me when they got home to tell me they were going to have a baby sister. He was excited about it and even told me that they got to bring a picture home. When I asked if she was pretty tiny, he said "yes, but she has big muscles, Daddy said maybe she'll be a soccer player."

Oh Father, what a blessing these children are to my life! Though they are not blood relations they are my family through you and through our friendships together. They are a double blessing to me since my own family is so far from me, since I'm still waiting on You for my husband and children of my own. I pray that You would continue to grow the boys and that we would all be an example of Your love to them, and I ask especially that you would continue to be with this new baby girl as she develops keeping her safe and healthy. You have said that you knew us before we were formed, that you had written all the days of our lives before we knew even one of them. Lord, you know her name already and the things that she will do and accomplish, I pray that you would keep her safe unto those days that you've written out for her. That she would be a blessing to her parents, brothers, grandparents and the rest of the family and that she would bring glory and praise to You in all she does!

Thank you Lord!

Christmas Music - Hallelujah!

Praises be to the King of Kings! I'm so enjoying listening to my Christmas music. Shhhh - don't tell, but I actually pulled them out the beginning of November and did some listening before my trip, but now I'm into them full time!

One that hit me especially today was by Jeff & Sheri Easter, "Sweet Baby Jesus". Beautiful song, touching words!

I'm caught up at work and right back into the same routine as before I left. I got to spend some time with my "local" family last night for dinner and it was nice to see them again. They will be finding out on Thursday if baby #4 is a girl or a boy. Can't wait! I also found out that they got me a ticket to go with them to see Narnia on Saturday night, I've really been looking forward to it. In fact, earlier in the year when I found out they were doing the movie and I made a point of re-reading all the books again. I still need to read the last one again, but I'm definitely ready for the movie. Sunday night I'll be going to church with them for what has become a tradition over the past 4 years of me sitting with the boys during the choir's service (this is at both Christmas and Easter).

Not much else going on, I didn't have enough time to write my report on my second week, but just wanted to put a little something down. OK, so really it's too close to quitting time to start another batch of separation and I'm just killing time before I can leave. I got 10 hours of sleep last night after being up from 4:30am to 8:30pm, but I'm more tired today than I was yesterday. Hopefully, I'll be back to normal here soon.

I'm trying to make a point of listening to old Christmas carols with a new attentiveness to the words instead of just rattling them off as we sometimes do with things we have memorize. So what's your favorite? I'd love to hear from you, and also if there's any new one that has struck you.

French/Italian Thanksgiving?!

Oh, so much to tell that this will probably best be done in several installments, so bear with me as I get time to put it all down in writing over these first couple days that I'm back...

Thanks so much to all those who were praying for me and my family as we met on another continent for the Thanksgiving holidays together. God is still in His heaven and He still answers prayer! We all had smooth flights, connections and car travel - everyone got where they were supposed to be, when they were supposed to be and with no negative issues (health or otherwise). We spent a terrific week in the south of France with the entire family.

We did some sightseeing in Nice taking a bus tour. It was very nice, one of the double decker kind where the top was in the open air (we rode up top, of course). We enjoyed having a bakery nearby and had fresh baguettes every day! (Yes, it's back to South Beach for me very soon!!) We spent a day in Monaco - for those of you who don't know that's where Monte Carlo is - and enjoyed it immensely. There was an excellent museum there that we spent quite a bit of time in. It was called the Oceanographique Musee and had some exhibits as well as a huge aquarium that was a reconstruction of a coral reef and life surrounding it. They also had hundreds of small tanks with different types of fish and all the info on each. I enjoyed having my new digital camera and took lots of pics of the fish and a giant sea turtle too. James (my 10 1/2 year old nephew) really enjoyed this place too.

One of the things that my Mom said that surprised her about the area in general was that the mountains went all the way to the sea, literally. She wasn't expecting that - and it was beautiful! Chilly for my parents compared to where they live now. It was the first time either had on closed-toe shoes since they moved to Chiang Mai in March! I personally thought the weather was perfect and couldn't have asked for better. Indeed, before we left the states to go the forecast was calling for rain all week, but we actually had none at all which was a blessing.

We spent some time relaxing one day with no plans at all, just hanging out at the condo and chatting, playing games, counted cross-stitching, crocheting, crossword puzzling and napping. Also doing laundry! Susan even got some studying done - she had two books to read during the trip so that she could write papers when she returned home.

Thursday and Friday, my cousin Michael (who is stationed at Ramstein in Germany) and his new wife were able to drive down and spend with us. They stayed at a hotel in Cannes, which was only 15 minutes from the small town we were staying in. Tina was able to meet the rest of our family (I was the only one who had met her previously) and we enjoyed our time together. Michael had just returned home the weekend before from a 6-month tour stateside in NC, so it was good of them to take the time to hang out with us. They will be moving back to the States in mid-January.

Thanksgiving Day we drove over to Italy to San Remo. Several months ago my nephew had requested that we have "real" pasta for Thanksgiving dinner. It was only about 60 k to the nearest good-sized town in Italy so away we went. I was a nice drive along the coast and we found somewhere to park without too much trouble. Though we found out later when we left for the day that the reason there were plenty of spaces in that particular parking garage was because it actually had a limit of 1 1/2 hours. Since we were foreign tourists, they let us off without any trouble! Yes, the dinner was good, 3 of us had pasta and the rest had pizza of many varieties that you wouldn't find in any pizza joint here in the good 'ol US of A. One of them even had an egg cooked on top! I had gnocci with a cheese sauce and it was delicious and panna cotta for dessert - YUM!!

We were up pretty late that night visiting and then slept in some the next morning. We drove down into Cannes and met Michael and Tina at their hotel and then went to lunch and walked the streets of the city some... down to the sea and did some shopping as well. Then we went back to our place to pack and have dinner for the next morning was a really early drive to the airport.

So, it wasn't a traditional American Thanksgiving by any stretch of the imagination... no turkey, no stuffing (of food or the people), no leftovers, no football, but there was family. And in my book that outweighs all the rest hands down. After 8 months of having my parents on the other side of the world and all the adjustments that come with that for all of us - we were just blessed that they had the means and the desire to bring us all together for those few days. I've learned again and again not to take any of the time we are given for granted. It is all special and I've learned to enjoy the moment for what it is!

Thanks for stopping by and I'll be sure and tell you about the 2nd week of my trip as soon as I get a chance to write it up! Have a blessed day!

I'm ready to go!

First things first, some of you will be happy to know that I will be continuing on as a Tennessee resident and will not be joining the "land of fruits and nuts" at this time. I myself was glad to hear it. I'll be getting in 3 hours later than original but when we are talking about just under 32 hours from the time I leave until I get home, what's 3 more hours, right?! OK, I'll just keep telling myself this and see if it works!

So now onto bigger and better things, well maybe. I must say that I'm really glad that my vacation dates overlapped with the Office Christmas Party dates this year, so not only did I hand over the planning to the marketing department (I did offer to stay involved and help, but they didn't seem to want me, so I bowed out), but I don't have to feel obligated to attend either. Last year I planned most of it with the girl in Marketing and I thought it was very nice and well attended. However, we did change some things from the year before and there were quite the number of complaints. They even started so early that they hindered the planning itself to some extent. We were all set to have it at one of the old plantations in the area in their barn and stables, which is set up for holding events. Well someone, found out about it and said they wouldn't attend then because it was a plantation and used to have slaves. I was floored, I couldn't believe that someone really had those feelings! I never did determine if that was the case or we just had people that didn't like the idea and were trying to cause trouble. So we moved it at the virual last minute and didn't have room for dancing even, because we were lucky just to find a place that was still available on our date.

Well then, this year I started on it very early and we had decided last year what we wanted to do and where we wanted to have it, so I reserved the date we made our donation and had the caterer reserved, etc. The only thing I was still working on when I realized I wouldn't be here was the music. Well, now it is at a completely different place (they said there wasn't going to be enough room at the originally chosen venue) and I think that means they had to cancel the caterer and go with the venue's own food service. I also heard through the vine that there will be comedy entertainment and CD's spinning for entertainment. Well, like I said I haven't paid too much attention since I know I can't go.

Until this afternoon when a concerned employee came to my office and told me who the entertainment was and that they are a "drag queen". Oh boy, now what do I do. I'm not really in on this and have no idea what's been going on. Since my boss (the CEO) will not be back in the office before I leave on my trip, I pondered what to do. Finally I asked the girl in marketing if we could chat. I told her that someone had come to me with concerns that maybe this had been misrepresented and they hadn't know the full scope of what they had approved. She assured me that she had told my boss the full story and left the decision with him. OK, then that's all I wanted to be sure. She was frustrated that people are complaining already especially since it isn't public knowledge. She said that it is a couple of people who do comedy and impersonations, and that some of the impersonations may be men dressing up as women, but that the person who arranged for the show has assured her that it is in good taste.

Again, all I have to say is, "I'm really glad I won't be there to have to worry about it." I'll be in a plane over the Pacific in my last three hours of the longest flight of my life into LAX. Oh well. I'm much more comfortable at small parties with friends or my Sunday School classmates. I'm hoping to catch those after I return. I know you can't please everyone, but where do you draw the line of what is "tasteful" or "appropriate"? It may seem like an easy question to answer, at least for yourself personally, but unless you can take the heat I wouldn't recommend large event planning!

OK, so the laundry and last-minute purchases have begun. The list has been made for over a week. I have work to organize, finish and delegate. I have a project to finish at home. I have to stop by to say good-bye to my nephews. If I had a place to put them I'd start putting things aside with the suitcases. Oh well, all in good time. 85 hours from now I will step off a plane to see my parents!!

Reconfirm

Does this sound redundant to anyone else? OK, but I know it's a good thing to do and being the detail-oriented, semi-perfectionist that I am, I'm not sure I could let myself get away with not doing it. However, I've never found it any fun... If you are just reconfirming plans with friends or family, they usually think you're nuts because you've discussed it so many times, how could you not remember what the plans were.

If you're reconfirming airline flights however, this can be a whole nother ball game!! Now, I will admit that most of the time with domestic flights I don't bother to reconfirm with a phone call to the airlines, but if the reservations were made more than a month or two in advance I will look up the flights online just to make sure the times haven't changed. With the exception of our Bahamas trips (which everyone knows is a beast of a completely different nature with all of its own set of rules that apply to there and nowhere else... no worries mon!) I really had not done much international travel until starting 3 years ago. So now, I'm having to change some of my habits.

SO, today I began calling the 4 different airlines I'll be using in my 2-week, 6-country, round the world trip coming soon to a suitcase near you! Oh sorry, got carried away, anyhow, called Delta and confirmed my flights going, there were only minor changes of 5 minutes or so on one of them and I also was able to get my seat assignment. When I asked about the flights for the last portion on the return (LAX through Cincy back home) I was told those were on another airline and they couldn't confirm or do seats. After some hesitation and thoughts toward beginning to panic, I looked from the travel agency printed itinerary, what I was using to make the calls, to the actual tickets/receipts and realized she was correct, those flights showed on the China Airlines ticket which begins in Bangkok to Taipei to LA to Cincy to home. OK, no problem, thank you for your help.

Next up, Air France. No problems there only I can't do the seat assignments they must be done at the airport. Again no problem, it's only an hour and a half flight each way (Paris to Nice and back) so I'll deal with it later. Oh also, of course I'm having to ask each airline for their baggage limit policy so that I can make sure I meet the strictest. Thank you, France, have a good day.

Now on to Thai Airlines. I have to reconfirm my flight from Paris to Bangkok, again all goes smoothly and they assign my seat as well. Now, even though my parents have picked up my round trip tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and they are on a separate confirmation number I have that info and ask about my seat assignment. They look it up and tell me that it's domestic and no seat assignments at all, first come, first serve. OK, works for me. You better believe, I'm a great note-taker because there is no way I'm going to remember all this in my head!! Thanks Thai Airlines, see you next week.

OK, last call, China Airlines. No problem on first two flights, slight change on the time leaving Taipei, but not an issue.
Baggage limits?
Good.
OK, seat assignments?
At the airport only or 24 hours in advance online at their website. Great, could you tell me that address. So I wrote down the address, where to go and the confirmation number I'd need to do so. Will I even be where I have access to a computer 24 hours before my flight? I have no idea, but my motto is better to have too much info than not enough!
OK, great now, what about the flights from LAX through Cincy to home?
Oh, we don't have access to those they are not on China Airlines.
I'm sorry, could you repeat that?! (which he did and darned if he didn't say the same thing). I proceeded to tell him that the ticket I had in my hand for China Airlines, all one ticket, was from Bangkok all the way back to my home city. He said that I'd have to talk to my travel agent because he doesn't have access to that information.
OK, so what your are telling me is that when I get off the plane in LA and go to the China Air counter, because that's what my ticket says (even though, remember, that the printed itin says Delta), that they will not be able to check me in. He again repeated himself saying that was correct and I'd have to talk to my travel agent.
OK, thank you very much for your help, I will give them a call.

NOW, I hit the panic button!! I have an itin that says it's Delta and a ticket that says it's China and they both say they can't confirm it! This is a big problem... I'm not a California girl by any stretch of the imagination and I don't think I'll be able to keep my job if I have to commute from LAX!!

So, I call my friend Julie at the travel agency...

Yes, she does remember me! Go figure, I only talked to her multiple times daily for a 2-week stretch trying to get the reservations and then the tickets in hand to start with! So she pulls up my info and I explain the above to her. She says that part of it is that there has been a change in this last part. I'm now going from LAX to Atlanta to Cincy to home, and of course that means an added 3+ hours before arriving home. OK, so I can deal with that. She assures me that I do have confirmed reservations and there is room on the planes for me, which I don't doubt, but I need to know who to talk to in LA and what to show them so that I can get on these reserved flights! She said she would do some checking and get back with me, her opinion is that the China Air gut didn't know what he was talking about. OK, so 20 minutes later she called and told me that they are working on it and she will let me know for sure tomorrow (the whole everyone-around-the-world-is-on-different-time-zones issue, gotta love it). In the meantime, she is going to send me a brand new itinerary that shows all the updates, beautiful! That would be great and very helpful!

So now I'm waiting to hear from Julie tomorrow, to know for sure that I will continue to be a resident of Tennessee when I return and not become a beach bum!

On my mind...

So there's a lot on my mind lately - I know you're all surprised - and today there was a partial scripture that kept rolling through my mind. I've learned not to ignore these things it's usually for a reason, however, since I'm also not necessarily good at remembering the references that go along with them I invested many years ago in a full concordance. So I've spent the last 20-30 minutes looking for what has been just out of reach all day. You'll be happy to know that I found it - if you don't have a good concordance, you might think about getting one, they really are handy!

"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want do do -- this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-- through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." Paul's writing in Romans 7: 14-25

This is one of those passages that has always been confusing to me (I mean have you ever counted how many times he uses the word "do"), I have to read it very slowly and break it down. It's one that has often come up in studies over the years, but one that I never really connected with. For some reason though, today I think I got a small glimpse of it. Maybe partially because it's hard to describe my current inner struggles, that I get how confused and frustrated Paul must have felt when he was writing about this inner struggle of knowing what's right, wanting to do what's right, but not doing it. Oh, dear God if you would help me to beat this in every decision I make. For so many times, I know the right decision and do the wrong thing in spite of it. Forgive me, Father.

I also happened to find two other passages during my search for the above that really spoke to me vividly tonight. They are both in James, 3:17-18 and 4:6-10.

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
...
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

Oh it sounds so simple... resist and the devil will flee. What truth in that statement, do you know that he has no choice? If you resist him in the name of Christ he has to go. It doesn't say "argue with"... it doesn't say "fight to exhaustion with"... it simply says "resist". I didn't look this up in the Hebrew or Greek or even in Webster's but to me "resist" gives me the picture of a simple "nope, not today". If only I could remember that it's that simple in the midst of it!

And he gives me more grace. Though I don't deserve any to start with, this implies that it isn't a first helping. I don't know about you, but most of the time I can use all the grace I can get. I'm not sure I understand the statement about grieving and joy turning to gloom, it doesn't seem to fit, but I'll think on it. If you have any thoughts, please feel free to share them. Maybe it's connected in some way to the last statement, in that no matter where I'm at emotionally, if I humble myself before Him, He will lift me up and I need no other than that.

Well, I think I should probably end there for now. It's getting on towards bedtime. Thanks for checking in - I'd love to hear from you, please feel free to comment! Have a great day tomorrow and remember to rejoice and be glad, for it's the day the Lord has made!

This day... 16 years

November 4... this day has become a milestone day for me. It started 16 years ago today... that afternoon my life changed forever in a way I would never have suspected. Then for several years after that, November 4 was a very hard day for me. I tended to just back inside myself and keep away from as many people as possible and just get through the day, wishing it had never happened and that November 4 had never become an anniversary to me.

Now I can't tell you exactly when but sometime over the last 10 years or so, it has become a day that is still an anniversary to me, but that I can reflect on and see how many blessings I have that I might not have ever known if I hadn't turned down that path. So many lifetime friends that I wouldn't have known had I not chosen to get on a horse that morning. The opportunity to witness first hand what the power of prayer can do in my life. To really know by the number of visits and cards how many people in my life truly cared about me and my family - yes, we all have those people, but sometimes we take for granted how many of them there really are. Spiritual growth in my own life that came from a place where it was either grow and learn or lose it completely. The opportunity to be sunshine and light to two olders ladies whom I shared a room with in the hospital. To this day I still remember Margaret asking me each night to sing the Lord's Prayer as we were ready to fall asleep... and let's face it, laying in a hospital bed after what I'd gone through I did not have my best voice ever, but it meant something to her that's all I needed to know. And of course the many times since that day that sharing this story has helped me relate to someone or to share my faith with them.

For those of you reading this that may not know, on this day 16 years ago... at the age of 20, recently moved into my own apartment (in Indianapolis) since my parents had moved to Dallas, Texas on Halloween and I was determined not to move again, holding down two jobs... I was thrown from a horse while riding with people we knew from church and exploded a vertabrae in my back. Immediately I was in more pain than I could ever describe and couldn't feel or move from my waist down and was terrified that it was permanent. Praise God, it was not!! The long story made short... after 7-8 hours of surgery I spent 23 days in the hospital (the first 4 of those in ICU) and then at the beginning of December I was flown to Dallas where I began a long recuperation period. Just after the first of the year I found out that my full time job (I was on disability and they were waiting for me to return) would be gone as of June 1 because the company had been bought out and they would be closing our office. At that time I finally accepted the fact that for reasons never known to me, the Lord wanted me in Dallas. By that summer, I was all moved and back to work full time, this time in the Dallas area.

There are days I still wonder what my life would have been like had this tragedy not occured and I had gone on the path I'd started. But unlike then, I no longer think these thoughts with regret and bitterness. The Lord has so many times gently reminded me that He knows what is best for me and that some day I may know the reasons He sent me where He did. But even if I never know, I'm OK with that now. This is my Jonah experience, and I pray every day that since I learned this lesson the hard way, just like Jonah, that I would always be attentive to His call on my life and never refuse to listen to Him again.

One other piece to this whole story that I must relate to you is that my parents are true saints! I don't really know what they truly thought about the fact that I refused to move with them initially, but they treated me as the 20-year-old adult that I was and supported my decision to stay in Indy. They helped me find a place to live, they helped me work out a budget so I knew how many hours of part time work I needed to make ends meet. They helped me move for the the 5th time in just over 2 years (I had attended college for the 2 previous years) and helped be get settled before they left for the great state of Texas.

Then after my accident, my mother was at my bedside that night and back again to talk with the doctors before surgery the next day (my grandparents were with her as well). The only reason my father was not there was because on a Saturday night in a town they had only been in for 4 days there was nowhere to leave the dog and cat and he was supposed to have flown to Tampa for business on Sunday, which had to be changed. Sunday night after surgery, my mother and grandmother sat with me alternately through the night in ICU (yes, we bent the rules). Then out of the 23-day stay there was only one day my mother was not sitting there with me throughout the day. She and my nurses helped me relearn how to walk, she read to me, watched TV with me and while I napped (which I seem to remember was quite often) I'm sure she was not far.

When I went to Texas, initially for a recovery period, my parents made many sacrifices. They took care of me physically, they took care of my finances, they had my grandparents pack up my apartment and store it and my car, they dealt lovingly with me as I went through an emotional roller coaster that I hope you never have to ride. And finally, once I realized I would be in Texas permanently I lived in their home for the next 3 years! Grown children are supposed to move out, and my parents had always looked forward to that, they weren't like some parents that wanted to hold us back and keep us kids forever.

I know that parents are parents for life and that they did these things because they love me and wouldn't have thought of doing anything differently, but that makes it all the more special to me. I thank the Lord often that I have parents who love Him, who love each other (37 years and counting) and who love their children and grandchild with the kind of love that God has given them. The kind of love with no strings attached. The kind of love that does not expect anything in return, but rejoices when there is. The kind of love that heals, helps, and makes me smile! So, Mom and Dad, in case I've never said thanks for all you did in this particular situation, and for the uncountable other times that you've taken care of me because you love me, thanks, and I love you!

Projects and other tidbits

So much going on. I've begun thinking about Christmas gifts... I've figured out what I'm going to do, which is a step in the right direction, there is an easy part (just buy what I need and put it together) and a creative part (this will take a little more time and forethought). I may try to get the easy part done before I leave on my big trip, then when I come home I'll have the time to enjoy the creative part. There are a few people I need to get shipping addresses from too.

I'm supposed to be working on a quilt and have not made much progress on it. This past weekend I really just vegged out, because I hadn't had the chance to do that in quite some time. I watched some TV, a movie or two and finished one book and almost a second one. This weekend I'm hostessing a baby shower for a friend and we are going to make her baby announcements. This is their third child and second girl so they don't need much and we had the idea to do this so we could still have some time celebrating with her! So I went out last night and got the final few things I needed for the announcements. We are also going to have some snacks, so I've decided what I'm making and have my grocery list prepared.

I'm participating too in a scrapbooking ornament exchange with some friends that I usually get together with about twice a month for scrap night. This is my first "exchange" ever in the scrap world and some of these ladies are many-yeared veterans at all this stuff. So I've been trying to think up my idea that is something I'll enjoy making, means something to me and that will be worthy of trading with these accomplished paper handlers! I think I've got the basic idea down, now I'm just mulling through the particulars. We are having a scrap night tomorrow night as a matter of fact so I'll be taking the stuff for the baby shower to make the templates and may work on this project a little too. These are due by the end of the month, but I have to have mine done by next weekend because of my own schedule.

Last Friday night I took 2 of my nephews to a place called Third Coast Clay at the Factory in Franklin and we made pieces for their parents for Christmas. They had a really great time and so did I! I'm looking forward to picking up the pieces and seeing the finished product. It's the first time for the boys to be able to surprise Mom and Dad with a gift and I'm looking forward to watching them give them on Christmas!

OK, so when I write it all down, it doesn't sound like as much, but you add in working every day and I feel busy :o) Anyway, those are some of the projects I'm currently involved in. After Christmas I'll post a picture of the gifts for you to see, but some folks who may read this are going to be getting them, so I don't want to prepost! I will also definitely post pics of the quilt too.

The other big thing on my current list is beginning mental preparation for my big trip.... 2 weeks to go. I can't believe I've almost made it through the 8 months without seeing my parents accept in pictures, the Lord is good. We are all very much looking forward to our reunion and time together over Thanksgiving. Sooner than you think, I'll be back and telling you all about it! Anyway, there are things that I need to take to them, there are things that I need to take with me for me, I have to pack for 2 different climates, etc, etc. So I'll be starting my list probably over the weekend.

Well, time marches on, so I'll get back to the things at hand...

Memory Lane... what a trip!

Does everyone get nostalgic this time of year or is it just me?! Well I drove up to spend this past weekend with my grandparents, and actually I've done this several times in the past year. They are unable to travel like they used to and so I take the opportunities I get to go see them. It's only a 6 hour drive and while that may sound like a lot to some, when you consider that for 11 years while living in Dallas my daily commute could total 2-3 hours, this 6 hours on the highway doesn't seem like so much. I usually drive up on Friday afternoon and back on Sunday afternoon. OK, so the nostalgia part comes in because everytime I drive through Indianapolis and right by Noblesville on the highway (this is where I spent my 4 years of high school and my parents lived there for two more years while I was in college at Taylor University - which I also drive right by each time).

Anyway, most of those weekends, I make it a point of driving through Taylor campus and letting my memory enjoy itself while I observe the neverending changes and growth. I wonder about those friends that I had that I was unable to keep in touch with, where they are now and what God is doing in their lives. I make it a point to stop at Ivanhoe's for a shake and one time my grandparents and I even went over there for lunch. Now, Ivanhoe's is a very special place... first you must understand that Upland, IN is a very small town and a big portion of the population is the Taylor student body when school is in session. There are no fast food places (at least there still aren't to my knowledge), there are one or two pizza places - I mean "small town" USA. So Ivanhoe's is very like a fast food restaurant, but it is not a chain and it has the added benefit of 100 different flavors of ice cream sundaes and 100 different flavors of shakes!! It is within walking distance of the campus and was always a big treat when a student there to walk to Hoe's (as it is affectionately known by all those who know and love it). They make really good tenderloin sandwiches too.

On the other hand, Noblesville is actually a little farther off the highway route that I take and most of the time I just drive by and wish I had the time to wander through and see what all has changed and what has stayed the same. However, this particular weekend, I left quite a bit earlier from my grandparents' than I normally do, plus because I was so much earlier Hoe's wasn't open yet, which means I didn't get my fix this time around :o( and so when I got to the exit for Noblesville I decided this was the time to meander through. It was especially nice with all the leaves in their pretty colors! Wow, it was really hard to believe that it's been 16 years since I left the place for good, a little over 18 years since I graduated from high school and 22 years since we moved there in the first place. It has really grown up a lot - especially out on the highway east of town where there used to be really nothing at all it is now full of stores and restaurants. There is a new high school that appears to be about 3 or 4 times the size of the one that I graduated from and my high school is now the middle school. The downtown area has changed some and has a huge new court building and they are currently adding on to the hospital. I also drove out past my old church and the house we lived in. The church is the same, but the land around it that used to be empty is now all full of housing additions and the same across the highway from it. The house we lived in remains basically the same on the outside, it's a different color and the trees are much bigger. I took a couple pictures and am anxious to see what they look like next to pics I have from when we resided there. The lake looks about the same too, though the boat docks near the clubhouse where we kept our boat for the few years we had one, are no longer there. The old steps down to them are still there, but the docks are non-existent. I can remember going down there at night sometimes with friends and sitting on the end of the docks watching the stars.

Oh, to think of all I've done, how much I've grown and learned and changed since that time. I was almost hoping to see someone I knew walking around town, just to see how someone else has changed. But I think I'm glad I didn't, this way it was just me and my memories driving around. Some of the apartment buildings that I used to deliver newspapers too are even still there. They had built a new larger library during our tenure on the outskirts, but now they are tearing down the building of the original library in downtown. It's kind of a weird feeling to see buildings you remember being in and going to being torn down, especially when I really don't feel that old. For one fleeting moment I thought of knocking on the door to see if the current tenants of the house we once lived in would show me around, just to see the difference. But then I realized that given the world we live in today, they would have probably thought I was nuts!

Though it was fun, it was also a reminder that, though most people really don't like "change" it is not something you can get away from. All life is, is "change". I must say that I really hated it that we moved the times we did when we were growing up, but I look at it now and I'm so grateful that we did. I wouldn't be who I am today if those things weren't part of my life, nor would I know the precious friends that I retain from many different cities. My parents taught me how to deal with the inevitability of change, and I also learned that it is right to follow the Lord's call no matter where that may take you... and wherever it does take you He is there to help you through and show you the things He wants you to do for Him. If I hadn't had all that experience moving and changing and making new friends while we were growing up, it would have been harder when I was ready to move of my own accord and it would have been harder to see my parents retire and go to work halfway around the world. One thing I learned through it all was to always look for the blessings... they are there if you will look beyond your self accept them.

Take a trip down Memory Lane soon and enjoy it. Though we can't live in the past I think it is good to visit once in a while just to see how far we've come and then thank the Lord for bringing us through and to where we are!

Ahhhhhhhhhhh "Sigh"

Dad took this last fall on Cape Cod

Fall..... Autumn..... I believe it's finally here! Yippeee! This is my absolute favorite time of year. Today on the way to the office I saw quite a few trees that were changing their wardrobe. They must be looking forward to the holiday season as much as I am, they were looking breathtaking in their reds, oranges and golds. Now if the temps will just cooperate and drop down by 10-12 degrees I'd be thinking I was already in heaven. I love to have the windows up and hang out in my jeans and sweatshirts. Lying in the hammock reading a book with the leaves drifting down around me. Catching a football game and eating a steaming bowl of soup!

To some it is a beginning of the end of the year and growth as winter approaches, but to me it's always been just a beginning (as summer is my least favorite). I'm finally able to take a deep breath of fresh air, be outside and enjoy it instead of just tolerating it, and the beginning of the holiday season that I so much enjoy. Thanksgiving is five weeks from tomorrow... and Christmas follows so closely. Preparations begin now... in fact I already know what I'm doing for most of my Christmas gifts and will begin on them in the next couple weeks. I will celebrate all the holidays at once with my family over Thanksgiving as that is the first and only time this year we will all be together since March. I've already begun putting out some of my candles and burning them while I'm home. I do miss having a fireplace - if anyone has one that they'd like to share occasionally, let me know - I'll bring snacks!

Anyway, even if this is not your favorite time of year, take a moment to look around you and enjoy the art in nature. I sometimes think that maybe the changing colors are part of nature's way of praising God! He says in His word that if we don't cry out the rocks and the hills will... what's to say that they don't anyway, in their own way. He did create it all! Isn't it amazing to think that our God made us in His own image. That means that you are creative too, as am I. What have you done lately to use that creativity that He gave you? Have you thanked Him or praised Him recently for being your Father and for giving us an everchanging world to live in that we would never have opportunity to get bored with the things around us? Sing His praises and delight in Him for you are His and He created this world for you because He loves you!

Enjoy this season - I know I will!

A week gone - just like that!

Well gosh! I can't believe it's been a complete week already since I last posted. I've been fairly busy though so I can see where the time all slipped away from me.

My cousin Sara came into town Friday night. She had a Nurse Practitioner conference to attend here in our fair city on Monday - Wednesday and so she got to come early to spend some time with me. We slept in on Saturday and enjoyed breakfast. Then we took the afternoon to walk the streets and check out all the little shops in a nearby small town. What an enjoyable day! She bought fabric for her first quilt ever, and I bought one pack of fabric I couldn't resist (I have the same trouble with fabric that my friend Sarah has with scrapping paper and ribbon!). We also tried a new chocolate store and I had an absolutely amazing piece of cheesecake that was smothered with fudge and caramel.

Sunday we went to church and Sunday School and then headed downtown. We picked up two of Sara's colleagues and then I played tour guide for the rest of the day. It was a blast! We lunched at the Hard Rock Cafe, then drove through West End, Vanderbilt and the Parthenon and then headed back east to the Opryland Hotel. I always enjoy taking people there for their first time to see it - the awe on their faces is priceless! We spent about an hour at the mall too because one of the ladies still had not received her luggage. Then we headed back to town and enjoyed a leisurely and delicious meal at The Melting Pot. I'm telling you, if you have never tried it you need to pick a very special occasion (it's expensive, but very worth it) and go try it out! I treat myself every couple years or so when I have company in town. I was also able to have dinner with Sara on Tuesday evening and then used my lunch hour on Wednesday to take her to the airport. So good to spend some time with her!

I've also been able to help a good friend whose hubby is out of town this week. It is always fulfilling and satisfying (even if tiring!) to help someone out that you know appreciates you! Not to mention it means getting to spend time with my "nephews"! Well, I think I hear my work calling so I must skeedaddle! I'd love to hear from any of you so feel free to send me comments. Have a great weekend - it's finally fall!!! Yippeeeeee!

Long time, no game

This past Sunday I had the privilege of going to the Titans vs. Colts game with my cousin Michael who came to town to see me and go to the game!
We had a really great time. It has been almost 12 years since I'd been to an NFL game and I forgot how much I enjoy it. As you can see Michael is a big Colts fan - he grew up in Ohio - don't ask me! Anyway, he brought an extra jersey and hat for me to wear. It was a beautiful day, just little white puffy clouds. Though we had to climb forever to get to our seats - row HH - I was glad because by shortly into the 2nd quarter we were in full shade and I really needed that - it was hot!! As you might be able to tell, this was taken late in the 4th quarter when many Titans' fans had already left - it was not this empty the entire game. The Colts won which made my cousin happy. Him being there and us going to the game was really the bright spot in my overwhelming weekend. Thanks Michael!

Sharing the loads

Overwhelm

1. To surge over and submerge; engulf
2. a. To defeat completely and decisively
b. To affect deeply in mind or emotion
3. To present with an excessive amount
4. To turn over; upset

OK, so this is not from good old Webster's because I didn't have one on hand, but I did hit google for a dictionary and then typed in overwhelm and this is what came up. Why, you might be asking? Because after the last 4 days this is how I'm feeling (see especially 2.b.). I've received heavy news from about 5 or 6 close friends or family members about situations they are currently going through. However, this morning as I was reflecting and just trying to focus and clear my mind long enough to get started on my work at the office a part of scripture came to mind. Now, I'm not so good with references as I should be, but I know of this handy little sight called Bible Gateway (http://www.biblegateway.com/) that you can type in a reference, a category or using parentheses a phrase and it will search and give you results. Since I couldn't seem to call to mind the full exact scripture, I went to the site, typed in my phrase and hit go. Found exactly what I couldn't recall in full:

"8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." II Corinthians 4:8-18

I printed it out and laid it on my desk to refer to quite often today. Especially verses 8-9, 16-17. My Father is so faithful and I am so glad. I'm an emtional person and tend to take on the cares of others quite deeply, so though it is difficult I really can't help but to share someone else's pain, and even more so when I'm close them. So I realized after reading the above several times and meditating a little on it that I'm getting overwhelmed at just 5 or 6 close situations that I know about. I cannot imagine the amount of pain that my Savior took on at the cross (or that our heavenly Father feels when His children are hurting or disobedient) it was for all situations that each person would go through in their lifetime, and it was for all people who had been, who were and who would be. If that doesn't blow your mind, I'm not sure what will! Once again it has all served to remind me that I serve an awesome God and it's a privilege to help carry the burdens of others, but I must remember that it is not I alone who help but He that helps through and in spite of me. He must receive all the praise and the glory that all men should be drawn to Him.

Not quite so overwhelmed...

Time flies....

I can't believe it's Wednesday already. My friend was a gorgeous bride this past weekend and they are off playing in Cancun as I write. We had a great time and everything went very smoothly. It poured down rain (bits of Rita coming up into Little Rock area) all day Saturday and Saturday night, but the sun was out for a beautiful day on Sunday for the ceremony and reception.

Please remember my parents to the Father right now, they are sick again. Mom is doing better now, but Dad still is in the throes of a bad cold. It also started raining there again yesterday and the forecast is calling for even more this round than the last two times they've had floods, so they are preparing again in the city for flooding. This week and next week they've had a break from their Thai lessons since they finished the first 60-hour course, but they will be starting up again the 2nd week of October. 7 more weeks and I'll get to see them!

I was so thankful to hear that both families dear to me that live in the Houston area are safe and sound. They both got out of town to stay with other family in the state for the duration and have both returned home to only limbs down and no major damage to homes or property and electricity back on.

As I begin looking at my schedule for the next couple weeks, it leads me into the following couple weeks and before you know it the holidays will be here. The next couple weekends I have the joy of having two of my cousins respectively here in town to visit me. It will be a nice change from traveling. This coming weekend Michael bought tickets are we are going to the Titans vs. Colts game. This will be my 1st ever Titans game, but my 3rd NFL stadium to attend a game in (I've been to Colts games in Indy and Cowboys games in Dallas). I'm looking forward to a good time, I think the weather is cooling off and little and hopefully it will be a little more like football weather.

Then the end of the month I'll take another weekend to go to my grandparents' and stay with them and help them out. The first weekend of November I'm holding a baby shower at my place for a good friend. We are going to make her birth announcements at the shower and just have some snacks and fellowship. Since this is their third, she doesn't really need much, so we are just going to have fun and celebrate!

I've also begun to think about Christmas gifts. Some I have, some I don't but I have ideas for and some I have no clue. But never fear, I've been here before it's familiar territory. Those who know me well, know that Christmas in my world lasts from about Thanksgiving to the end of January, depending on the travel schedule and who I will see when. Nevertheless, I know there are things that I intend to make that I need to get started on.

Be careful... don't blink... when you do it will already be 2006!

Thanks & Praise

Well, I must actively choose to find things to thank Him for these last few days and praise Him regardless of how I feel. I've gotten several pieces of not so good stuff and have been sharing those prayer requests with my friends and partners. So that is the first thing that I'm thankful for is good friends, who are willing to lift up the things that concern me and those close to me. I'm thankful that I have the kind of friends and family who take time out of their busy days, to help me bear my burden, I only hope that I will be able to return the kindness when they are in times of need.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well my Pampered Chef party turned out and thankful for the free stuff I got to pick out! It was a bright spot in my day yesterday to be able to close out that show so successfully.

I'm also praising Him that when I spoke with my parents on Monday night that the latest news from my grandmother is that there is still no signs of the cancer. There are many other things that are still needing work, but one thing and one day at a time. At the same time my heart tears in two for one of my very best friends as we've just found out that her mother's cancer has returned in full force and it is not looking good. Oh, that Christ would come quickly and wipe out all disease and sadness and take us all home with Him!

I'm so thankful that I'm being allowed the privilege of participating in another dear friend's wedding this weekend. They were intending to have it outside Sunday evening in Little Rock and I'm afraid we may end up inside because of Rita by that time, but a celebration it will be nonetheless! She has been through many, many trials throughout her life and I'm so happy for her that God has blessed her with a kind, gentle and caring Christian man to spend the rest of her life with, she deserves it!

At the mention of Rita, I must lift up all those in the potential pathway. I have two households of family that live in the Houston area that I think of in particular. One family I heard from just shortly ago and they have made it to stay with other family of theirs somewhat north who have a generator. The others I've sent a note too, but have not heard from yet. I can't imagine, having to do such a thing. Lord protect those I love and so many more that I don't even know.

Is it just me, or does natural disaster seem to be more frequent and more powerful each year?! My parents are experiencing flooding in their city in Thailand. They are personally OK where they live, but many that they know, teach or work with are effected. The slum area in which they help to teach ESL to children is flooded. Oh the power that nature holds and uses... and yet, it says in the Word that at the sound of His voice and His command the waves became still. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation! He reigns supreme!

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Weekend around the world

Well, it was a busy weekend!

I went to scrap with some friends on Friday night. A very dear friend has us over once or twice a month from 6:30pm until whenever we all leave. She's such a gracious hostess and enjoy my time there working on my pages. I'm making progress... I have almost filled one album completely since I began scrapbooking this past spring. I started with the earliest pictures I have (beginning of high school) and am working through chronologically. I'm almost through my second and last year of college now. I'm getting more excited as I progress because as I get to newer stuff I'll be able to be more creative with my writing and layouts because I remember the details better than stuff in high school and college!

Saturday late morning I have a home full of friends for a Pampered Chef party. We had a great time and of course enjoyed the food. I took a short nap and had some dinner before heading out to a wedding shower for a couple from my Sunday school class. I didn't stay late because I was tired, but a good time was had by all. My Sunday was much more relaxed... after church and Sunday School I had some lunch and read a book while watching some of the football games. I'm quite sure I dozed a bit too. I do like my naps!

We are in the middle of our tything/giving campaign right now at church and this was commitment Sunday. We are pledging for a many-phased building campaign that will allow us to build in stages and in such a way that we have several worship venues and will be able to reach out to different cultures as well as different age groups and tailor worship services and opportunities to each without having to change the current service for those who enjoy it. I really like the way they have put this together and believe that the Lord is leading us in this direction. We heard a testimony on Sunday morning from a church member who grew up in Taiwan, China. She came to be in the states with the help of an American mission team many, many years ago. In the last year or so, she has been speaking with our pastors about opportunities to go back to her homeland and reach others for Christ. This past June, 2 of our pastors along with she and her husband went on a mission discovery trip to China, I believe for 2 weeks. Her small hometown (pop. 3 million) has only 2 protestant church buildings and all services are crowded to overflowing. The team from our church met with some of the leading pastors there for luncheon and we asked what we could do to help and support them. They asked us to build them a church, they have the land, but need the building. The details are being worked out now and we will be sending a team to do the building. This is a very definite God-thing because as I understand what the team eplained, churches in the Chinese culture do not trust churches from here so easily or so quickly, it usually takes much building of relationship before they would ever inquire for support of this magnitude. Yet, they spoke with boldness to our group!

Praise God - He is working all around the world! So many other reports that I get from field personnel that I'm in contact with and hearing several times a week how hungry peoples of many, many nations are for the Living Word. I consider it a privilege to be a part of many teams as a prayer partner. Won't you consider seriously praying consistently for even one people group? If this is something that sounds intriguing or interesting to you and you have questions, or want to know where or how you can get more info, please let me know and I can put you in touch with resources.

In the meantime, may God bless you richly as you go about your day! Remember, someone is watching you and trying to figure out what is different about you - let His light shine through you in an unmistakable way!

Walking into blogging

Well, hello to all I know and those I may not know that find this. I have a few friends that blog and I've been following theirs for many months now and have decided to try it myself. I'm hoping there will be some who enjoy reading it, but even if not it will serve as a place for me to put my thoughts onto paper (OK, not really paper but you know what I mean). I've always liked the idea of journaling but just never made the time to do it. I'm hoping that since I type faster than I write and computers accessible now at home and at work that I'll be better at putting my thoughts down here than in a paper journal.

I'm a 36-year old single lady and my utmost goal in life is to walk a life following the will of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - the life He wrote for me before I was conceived - and the only way I know to do that is to follow His light - His Word and His Son. That being said... I have many hobbies and interests I enjoy and the topics covered in this blog will probably vary most drastically. Please feel free to leave me your comments, thoughts and questions in tasteful and polite language, I'd love to hear from you!

Welcome to my journey!
Debby