I'm Backkkkkkkkkkkkk

Venice was wonderful. London was lovely. The trip abroad was great. Tim and I enjoyed the culture, the climate, the food and the fun. I think the thing that I enjoyed the most was the grandeur of God. I live in West Tennessee. We have four seasons and great southern hospitality. Its good. Its a piece of God's canvas. Other parts of the canvas have the Alps which I found breath-taking, canals and waterways as a way of life, busy streets and historical buildings that constantly tell their story. Meal times in foreign countries are interesting. Breakfast in Venice is quite different than breakfast in Jackson. They eat raw meats I've never heard of. They drink tea and coffee that would make a Starbucks junkie jittery. Londoners are no different. Whats up with the Pork and beans? I don't think they belong on breakfast buffets but hey that's what separates the tourists from the locals. A cappuccino in Saint Marcs square will be a moment remembered. The Italian gelato I can still taste. Pasta and pizza rule.
I am reminded how big God is when I see other parts of the world. It's amazing- He's amazing. How could anyone not believe in God. Who do they think created all this?

No speak Italiano!

I am going to Italy - Venice to be exact. I leave Saturday. I am not prepared. The only Italian word I know at the moment is spaghetti. I wanted to bone up on the language, the sites, the street maps. I am usually more prepared. The last two weeks have demanded I be focused on Americano stuff- Tennesseeo stuff, Jacksono stuff, familyo stuff. So I have. But how will I ever order? How will I ask for the mall? And the gondolas???..... I've been told to make sure you ask for a singing gondolier - or something like that. I meant to have that down too! Ok - so I havent gotten to listen to my CD on learning Travel Italian. I havent even opened my 2007 Frommes guide to Italy but I have been reading a good book. It's not so much about Italy although its helpful. Its about a woman that went through a painful divorce and set out to find herself again. It's a true story. The woman and author is Elizabeth Gilbert. She's a real, live New York magazine writer and it's her story. By a divine turn of fate Elizabeth finds herself in Italy, India and Indonesia.

In Italy she learns how to enjoy life (food in particular) pleasure in general. The experience teaches her life lessons. In India she learns how to pray and in Indonesia she learns about love. It's not a religious book and its not sold in Books A Million in the christian section. Actually, its on the shelf at the front of the store under New York Times Best Sellers. But it could slide in I think because Elizabeth is in search of God - his realness. She wasn't prepared for what she would learn about herself and ultimately what she would learn about God. Unpreparedness can do that sometimes- you know- surprise you about God. So... maybe being unprepared isn't so bad after all. Maybe I don't have it all planned out. Maybe I will go with expectant eyes - hoping to see what God would want me to see and experience him amongst the olive oil, the canals and yes.... my own heart.

dolce vita (the sweet life)

"I want to have a lasting experience of God," I told him. "Sometimes, I feel like I understand the divinity of this world, but then I lose it because I get distracted by my petty desire and fears. I want to be with God all the time. But I don't want to be a monk, or totally give up worldly pleasures. I guess what I want to learn is how to live in this world and enjoy its delights but also devote myself to God" (eat- pray- live by Elizabeth Gilbert---- page 26)

What a Wonderful World

I'm off to Las Vegas today. It's in the desert you know. Temperatures usually 100+. Yep, it will feel just like home. Tim & I have been going to Las Vegas since 1978. Always on business. He has his national convention in Vegas every year. Sometimes we also go to the National Home show or the Consumer Electronics show. I've seen inside almost every hotel. My favorite is still Ceasar's Palace. There is so much to see and experience that every time you go something is new. We always go stand in front of the Bellagio and watch the dancing waters. Amazing. The Paris Hotel where we stay is a replica of you guessed it "Paris." The staff greets you in French, Parisian music plays throughout the hotel.There are mime's in the walkways just like in Paris. French pastries are abundant and my favorite resturant in all Las Vegas is in the front of the Hotel--- Mon Ami Gabi (French for My Friend Gabi.)  It has great food and great atmosphere. We usually choose to sit outside. You can see the waters at the Bellagio and hear the music while you eat. I like that. Since I don't gamble or drink Las Vegas could be boring. However I do "spa." Love it! Tim always provides me with a pampering while we are there. Some good time for me is spent around the pool. Pools in Las Vegas are incredible. Bands play, lunch is delivered and the sights????? Well let's just say some people are not very conscious of how they look in a swimsuit.

Two years ago I wrote one of the chapters of my book while sitting at the pool at Bally's. Bally's and Paris are connected and owned by the same people. I like the pool at Bally's. When I travel I take a bag just for my Bible, devotionals, study books etc. So I go to the pool - find me a good spot and read, ponder, write and listen. I find it very inspiratonal actually. All humanity is on display. I see pain and hurt, I see confusion and lostness. I often muse about the stories of the people at the pool. Other than that we enjoy some great meals and great fun with our business friends. My friend Rita from Dallas will be there. So will Maria from Traverse City, Michigan, as well as, Susan from Alabama and many more. They are fun and we come from the "same page" so to speak. So....... I am going to finish packing. Cool clothes only! See you in a few!!!!!!!

Moving! I seem to be doing a LOT of this lately. The Frazzled Females bible study had to move twice in the last 2 weeks. We moved table and chairs for Yada Sisterhood to set up last Wednesday night and then last Friday we moved them all back! Weekend before last Tim & I had to move a truck load of Jenny & Kris' stuff home - their apartment was about to regurge! And just yesterday I moved Candace for the 42nd time! Ok - maybe that number is a little exaggerated but not by much. Tim & Colby were in Tupelo at the Furniture Market and thus un-available for the move. Ugh! So............ me, Candace, 2 hired guns from a moving company in M'boro and a U haul truck did the dirty work! Oh yes-- did I mention we also had "boyfriend" for a short trip or two up the stairs and Sophia - Candace's dog. Great moving staff don't you think?

Why cant my kids live downstairs - why upstairs? I asked Candace this question. She said it gives you the feel of being in a high rise hotel or somewhere other than home. Right. Nevertheless, we went up the stairs and we went down the stairs. We boxed, we unboxed. We dropped, we picked up. By 8:30 last night I was pooped out-- almost delierious on my drive home from the 'Boro. But I must say regardless of whether its moving, or attending graduation or whatever there is something wonderful about spending time with your kids. Besides moving we laughed, we sighed, she talked, I listened- we lost the dog - we found the dog and so on. Its was good in a tired sort of way. I am grateful my kids still need me and as long as they need a mover, a mother or money ----- I'll be there. I am their mom - its' my job and I love it!!!!!!!!!!

Watch this

My baby boy is graduating!

Just yesterday I took Candace & Colby to pre-school. Just yesterday. And now he is graduating college on Saturday. It doesn't seem possible really. Colby finished all his classes at the end of May but not in time for the May graduation so... Saturday on the campus of MTSU Colby will recieve his diploma for his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing. He is already employed with AllYourRetail.com. Colby landed this great job early June after a random meeting with the VP of the company in January of this year, when he attended the Consumer Electronics Show with his father in Las Vegas.

Tim and I are so proud of him. He is a fine young man and I can't help but brag on him. He has a pastor's heart and can make great conversation with ANY age group. Colby is a family man. He regularly checks on both sets of grandparents, his sisters, mom and dad, Young Life leaders, friends from high school and the list goes on. He has a wonderful girlfriend named Molli Hays. I think she might be the one! We would be delighted and honored if she is!!! Candace will finish college in 2-3 semesters. She changed her major and then sat out a semester last year. As she says "the end is in sight." Jenny is currently in graduate school to obtain her Master's in Business Administration. This is not so easy as she has a full time job as a Randstad agent.

All three of our children are wonderful if I do say so myself. I didnt say perfect - I said wonderful! They dont have perfect parents but they do have parents that love them very much. Gotta go - gotta pack - my baby boy is lining up!!! :)

The heat is getting to me!

Last night, I did a first. I bought take-out (this is not a first!) but I came home and stuck the styrofoam container filled with Tim's delicious meal into the oven. I went outside to move the water sprinklers and visit with some of the neighbors out in the yard. When Tim arrived home I told him his supper was in the oven. He preceded into the house to get dinner and eat. When I walked in he had the garbage can near the stove with the oven door open. He lifted out a black mangled piece of what used to be his take out carrier. He said, "Are you trying to kill me?" I don't know why I stuck the container in the oven except the heat - its getting to me. I can't think clearly in the heat. I feel like I'M in an oven. Needless to say the meal was unfit to eat and the smell of burned styrofoan filled the air. The heat wave seems to be continuing for at least several more days.

My brother-in-law is the head of Emergency Management Services in Jackson and they announced they are opening Oman Arena as a Heat Shelter for whoever might need it. In the last several days I have been mindful to pray for the elderly or poor who might not have air conditioning-- also for people who work outside. I'm concerned too for all the football and soccer teams sweatin' it away in such hot temperatures. Just this morning thru a devotional the Lord spoke to me saying that he was training me to cultivate a thankful mindset. I do see this in progress. I want to be thankful for what I have and for those that are in posiitons to help others who might not have.

I'm not going to mow the grass anymore!

Recently, I read a devotion out of the Daily Bread that stuck in my mind. The title was "No more mowing." It was about the mayor of a small town in Kentucky who stopped mowing his lawn in 2005. He has put up a sign on his property that reads: “There are more important things in life than tall grass.”He said that he has several reasons for not cutting the grass, one of which is his wife’s death from cancer. That loss caused him to reflect on the priorities of life. Sometimes responsibilities like washing dishes, mowing the lawn, or working extra hours on a project need to wait so that we can spend time with the Lord or family or friends. Other things just might be more important at the moment. I don't advocate untidy lawns and I don't think he does either. But he got a glimpse of the shortness of life thru the death of his wife and he........ he made a decision to spend what time he had left doing important things. Mowing wasn't one of them!

Martha had that problem too you know. Mary sat down and just spent time with Jesus even though there was cooking to do , people to serve, and dishes to wash. She had decided that "other things" were just more important. Today, I too had a similar choice. My son was home for an unexpected visit. Actually he was passing through Jackson on the way to some business appointments, but decided to stay the night with us. My routine is to get up early, go on the back porch for bible study and prayer time, then head out the door to Curves for a workout by 8 am. It's a discipline that I need in my life and I try to not waiver from because, believe me, I would let almost anything be an excuse for not workingout.

But this morning Colby came outside very early. I could tell he needed to talk. He began by saying he didn't want to interrupt my quiet time. I sensed it was a divine appointment in the making. We talked quite a while and he became aware that 8 o'clock was approaching and didn't want to detain me from Curves. I told him Curves could wait and we kept talking. Some things in life are just more important than others aren't they?? I've missed many important things because I opted for the lesser. I don't want to do that anymore. So how do we keep from it? I'm not sure. Maybe I need a sign in MY yard. Yep......going to get me a sign. What will the sign say? "Not going to mow the grass anymore," of course! Don't worry it's just a reminder!

The Splat Experience

I can only imagine

http://www.andiesisle.com/icanonlyimagine.html

Yesterday, in church we sang this song (click on site above) and everytime it really gets to me. What will it be like to truly stand in front of Jesus? Will I be able to speak? I think not. I think the awesomeness and reality of His presence will take my breathe and voice away. I believe I will bow and honor the one who gave his life for me. I want to say thank you with every fiber of my being then I want to stand up and hug him - a hug where heart touches heart. The kind that last long after the embrace.

Often in church, on Sunday mornings or at the Wednesday night service I try to imagine Jesus sitting in the sanctuary listening as we sing praises. I've wondered if I would sing differently if he were sitting there. Would I care how others worship or sing or that they see me truly worship and sing? I hope not. But I think my song would be more sincere -- my praise more recognizable. Often we sing familiar songs and just get carried along my the words we know. We sing them by memory , but perhaps not by passion and true praise. Focused worship is important. I confess sometimes mine is not. So..... I'm left to only imagine when the day WILL come and we will stand worshipping the Son. Yea...... right now I can only imagine.

Change - it's gonna do you good

So often I find my life to be a living parable. Living out things God is in the process of teaching me and then allowing me to teach others. Change has been a big word for me. Making needed changes in my life is on the front burner. So often we talk about change, kid about changing, but we just keep doing things the same. Well, God has taken me to task. I have prayed Lord change me.... I sing Change my heart O God and when he begins to put his finger on something--- I buck. Thought I wanted to change? I do. I just dont want it to cost me anything. I want to go to sleep and wake up miraculously different! Changing bad habits is probably the most difficult- wouldn't you agree? But God is only calling me to obedience this day. I dont have to worry about if I can keep this up tommorrow --just keep it up today. But I get busy and go on auto pilot. Ever done that? I find myself responding in old familiar ways. So...... I found out something else-- change takes effort. Concentrated, prayer bathed effort. I know the change he desires in my life is good. Even I can see that. I'm allowing that to become my motivation. But I have also found God to provide the effort needed to change when I am sincere in my cooperation. ...... some things have to go. Out with the old, in with the new. Yep, I'm changing. Its (ouch) good. Its' all good. :)

On the Side

One of the wonderful privileges that I have is working with the Lambuth University Women's Basketball team. I first became involved with the team through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I was a chapel coordinator which enables me to have chapel time with the team once a week. After the first 2 years of involvement Coach Lori Jones left and a new coach James Walker came to Lambuth. After our first year together he asked if I would travel with the team and be more hands on- the team chaplain if you will. I agreed to do my best. After 3 years Coach Walker left - enter Coach Joe Reints. Joe is single and all about basketball. He give me full access to the team. I am entering my third year with him. I travel with the team as much as I can.

Last year I instituted "One on One." Each player is scheduled a specific time to meet with me. The purpose was two fold. It helped me to get to know the new players quicker. It also helped me to establish a greater trust factor and give us time to talk about them and their needs. Oh, did I mention the team this past year won the NAIA National Championship! Wow! We were overwhelmed to say the least. We were so grateful to God and immediately after the clock ticked to zero and the score was final we bowed center court to thank God for all he had done. We were not a team unaware. It was a miracle. God was doing much in the win. Most of it was wonderful, some of it was painful.

Winning teaches us a lot about ourselves. A lot. So... in about a month I will begin my 8th year with the team. Sometimes I think about the year and the 35+ regular games, chapels, one on ones, meetings, etc. and I think whew! Lord, I need some supernatural energy. He supplies. Always just what is needed, just when it is needed. Our God is faithful.

My life is not my own

Almost everyday my husband says early in the morning, "What are your plans for today?". I used to answer with a list of all my " to do's". My current answer is "I don't know". It's not a sarcastic answer-- its truthful. I dont really know. Since quitting my formal job years ago I have never quite known where I will be during the day because even my best laid plans get changed. There have been times that this bugged me alot. But as I grow in the Lord I am learning to just commit my day to him. I still plan. I still have lists. I still have errands to run. I do. But...... so often God needs to interrupt these plans to send me to talk to a confused college student, have lunch with a friend that needs to talk, or make a visit to someone. I dont excel in unselfishness. I dont even come close. In fact, I really struggle in this area. But I truly desire to please God. I want to be flexible. I want to cheerfully change my plans. I'm getting better about this - however the cheerfulness still needs some work. But I always get blessed when I obey and make the necessary adjustment to the schedule.There is a reason God does that. He is not trying to mess up my day. In fact He makes my day. I learn about God and learn to use the gifts within me and...... I get to minister alongside him. Cool.

The Interview with God