I Stand in Awe

I was late watching this but am so blessed that I wanted to put it on my blog where I can find it whenever I want.

What an amazing testimony to stand in front of a huge audience of peers and fans and without an ounce of shame sing about God and bring them to their feet. That's what witnessing is all about. Standing firm for your faith. What a blessing Carrie Underwood is.

There is so much I want to do

There is so much I want to do, I just keep running out time. Then I think that I am going to go back and do it. I guess I just need to start from where I am. Yep, start from where I am. So that's what I am going to do, really, it is.

New Year's Thoughts because I don't want to lose them

I found these on a blog hop and I want to keep up from them. They came from a blog called Connie's thoughts: connies-thoughts.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 30, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR~~~~2011




I AM THE NEW YEAR

I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time. I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned during the last twelve months about life.

All that you sought the past year and failed to find is hidden in me; I am waiting for you to search it out again and with more determination.

All the good that you tried to do for others and didn't achieve last year is mine to grant...providing you have fewer selfish and conflicting desires.

In me lies the potential of all that you dreamed but didn't dare to do, all that you hoped but did not perform, all that you prayed for but did not yet experience. These dreams slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of an enduring purpose.

I AM YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO RENEW YOUR ALLEGIANCE TO CHRIST WHO SAID, "BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW." Rev. 21:5

I AM THE NEW YEAR.
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I WILL.....

like Paul, FORGET those things which are behind and press forward;
like David, LIFT up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help;
like Abraham, TRUST implicitly in my God; like Enoch, WALK in daily fellowship with my heavenly Father; like Jehoshaphat, PREPARE my heart to seek God; like Moses, CHOOSE rather to suffer than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; like Daniel, COMMUNE with God at all times; like Job, BE PATIENT under all circumstances; like Caleb and Joshua, REFUSE to be discouraged because of superior numbers; like Joseph, TURN MY BACK to all destructive advances; like Gideon, ADVANCE even though my friends be few; like Aaron and Hur, UPHOLD the hands of my spiritual leaders; like Isaiah, CONSECRATE MYSELF to do God's work; like Andrew, STRIVE to lead my brother to a closer walk with Christ; like John, LEAN upon the bosom of the Master and imbibe of His Spirit; like Stephen, MANIFEST a forgiving spirit toward all who seek my hurt; like Timothy, STUDY the Word of God; like the Heavenly Host, proclaim the message of peace on earth and good will toward all men; like my Lord Himself, OVERCOME all earthly allurements by refusing to succumb to their enticements.

Realizing that I cannot hope to achieve these objectives by my own strength, I will rely upon Christ for "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENETH ME." Phil. 4:13.
G. Burger

Guys of NEBC

How special!!!!

I . . .

I saw a meme or something of the like as I was catching up on my blog reading. It was on melissataylor.org.

I am a Christian, wife, mom, daughter, sister, teacher,youth worker, friend, someone who sees the glass as half full.

I wonder what the future holds although I know who hold the future.

I hear sounds of happiness and also of sadness.

I see new wonders every single day.

I want to be my best, my children to make the right choices, and to have an ever growing understanding of God's strength, power and love.

I am an ordinary person with an extraordinary Father above who knows my every need.

I pretend that everything is fine but hold on to the knowledge that God is in control so it really will be fine.

I feel blessed that my God will take care of all my needs.

I worry so I pray.

I cry at the drop of a pin-- commercials, movies, tv shows-- life in general.

I am blessed and highly favored.

understand a little more each day and that God has a perfect plan for me.

I say too much when I don't stop and think-- the same things over and over but seem to be talking to a brick wall.

I dream that my boys will have amazing futures and that they will hold tight to God in all situations.

I try to b an example in everything I do.

I hope that my life makes God smile (at least sometimes).

I am a princess because my Father is the King of Kings.

Summer is Flying By

I can't believe how fast summer is going by. I'm grateful for the break.

Tomorrow we are going to see the Astros.



I haven't been as into the Astors since the end of the Killer B's, but Angela is my buddy and she wanted me to go, therefore . . .

This is why I do it

Thursday,I got a message from one of my girls in the company. She and another were going out to eat on Friday night and wanted me to go.

They didn't need anything but a supportive adult who could give them some advice and be their friend.

I really love being able to do this because I don't get to be a friend to my boys, my job is Mom. But these girls already have a parental unit and they want me,an adult, to be a part of their life.

Tonight's just one more example of why I do what I do.

What were you thinking Jake!!!

I know that I shouldn't get so involved in reality tv, but...

Why in the world would Jake pick Vienna over Tenley. I know because he's a man. I'll just leave it at that.

So now I have lost every ounce of respect for him. Then they have to tell me that he's dancing on "Dancing with the Stars." Which I love way more than "Bachelor"? So I decided I'd just have to pray he got knocked off early. Especially after he said Vienna would be sitting in the front row every week. . . "Gag me with a spoon" . . . sorry, eighties flashback.

So I was hoping he'd fall on his face the first night. Then I found out he'd be dancing with Chelsie who I adore. She's second in line after Cheryl and was kinda sorta tied with Lacey but now Lacey's gone... what's that about? So anyway, she's second all by herself. But how can I vote for her when her partner is Jake? Oh well, maybe he'll break something (besides Tenley's heart) before they start and she'll get a new partner. Okay, that was wrong of me.

All of this could have been avoided if he'd just picked Tenley.

Just sayin'

I officially am over Jake

I can't believe that he chose Vienna. It's such a cliche but he is a typical guy. He says he let his heart lead but I don't think so.

And he's going to be on "Dancing with the Stars" and she'll be in the front row every time. I can only hope that he gets eliminated quickly.

And I refuse to watch Molly and Jason's wedding, too.

Life's little pleasures . . .

Sonic Happy Hour



It's the little things!

Many moons later...And Senior Year

Just starting from the now because the past is the past, deep, eh?

Well Jeremy and Company's Senior Year is more than half over. The first part passed in a whirlwind because so much has gone on. He's done dances and Homecomings with Special K. We got his Senior rock, I mean ring. We were traveling on our merry way and I was doing fine.

After all Jeremy was going to Lamar so he'd be staying home. But many in the "Company" are going away and I've been watching them and "teaching" them for over 15 years. They are an intergral part of my heart so there's no escaping some heartbreak. I'm ever so proud of each and everyone of them and am blessed to know them. I'm so grateful for those that are staying in town.

So we're bebopping through the year and along comes Winter Retreat. I was expecting it to be rough since I'm a crier and all and it was everything I expected and more. I thought I'd be able to hold out until Saturday when they did the Senior Share time. But the speaker had to go and address the Company (also known as the seniors)and say something like, "In a little over 3 and 1/2 months you'll be in the real world." Or something to that effect cause after 3 and 1/2 months all I heard for a couple of minutes was "blah, blah, blah". I mean no offense to the speaker, but really was that necessary? It became so much more real. (I decided I need to start a list and after that he's the first person on it.)

Anyway, enough about that, here's a picture of "The Company" missing a few precious souls who had valid reasons for not being there (insert sad face) and a couple of newbies added, we love newbies, we're equal opportunity ya know:



Well, yesterday I picked up his graduation gown and invitations and all the other stuff and it just brings it closer. Now it's only 3 months . . .

Wow, Just Wow

I have nothing else right now. Just spending a lot of my time on my knees searching for answers.

Seriously?

And then the world seems to fall apart bit by bit. When will it end. Standing firm but the winds feel like they are hurricane force. Stand Strong. Hold Tight. Breathe.

See You At the Pole

It's been a long time since I've blogged. Just haven't been able to make myself with everything that's going on, but had to take the time today.

Today is "See You at the Pole" day. This is a day when students gather around the flag pole at their schools for a time of prayer and/or worship to God. It is student led. It's held before classes began.

I knew the boys planned on going. I'd bought them t-shirts even. Just wasn't sure if they'd get up and get moving. It started at 7:00 a.m. My precious children got themselves up, dressed and out by 6:20. The only way I know this is because Rus sent me a message at 6:23 asking me to make sure I grabbed his wallet for him.

When I texted at 7:45 and asked if their were many people there, J texted back "yeah". I don't know how many I only know that my boys were there without shame and were not alone. I can't wait to find out more tonight, but right now I'm just proud.

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:14-16

Blessings

No I did n't

I did not just make a double batch of rice krispie treats and hide half of it. Nu uh, not me, I wouldn't do that. Really . . .

Glorieta

A couple of weeks ago we took a group of youth to Glorieta, New Mexico for CentriFuge. It was an amazing trip which I will fill in later.

Just some quick thoughts:

• The devil worked overtime to try and squash the amazing things that God had planned. We stood firm and it didn't work.
• Praying for things by name, being incredibly specific, works. We lifted up some very specific prayer requests and not one of them was left unanswered. We must have the faith to ask using specifics.
• You must watch what you are saying and how you saying because you never know how someone is going to take it. When there is an overload of stress and people are tired, emotions get confusing and fuses get short. The devil will always keep working.
  

Just Call Me Switzerland

Just in case you didn't know it already, raising teenagers is a tough job. Keeping the peace is not easy. Helping them develop into responsible adults is not easy. Encouraging them to make the right choices is not easy. Being there for them when they are angry, hurt or confused is not easy. Understanding their feelings is not easy. But the end result is worth it.

Son: "Mom, I thought you said you were Switzerland."
Mom: "I did."
Son: "Switzerland kept her opinions to herself."
Mom: "I don't think so. Just because Switzerland remained neutral didn't mean she had no
opinion about the various sides. It simply meant that she refused to choose sides."



"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover

I was watching "America's Got Talent" tonight and I was blessed.

The last performer was a lesson learned. I don't remember his name but he was an unemployed farmer. He wore a baggy shirt and had his hat on backwards. When he talked he sounded like a big time "good ole boy". He said he was going to sing and had his guitar. In my heart I was hoping it was good but fearing it was bad.

Then he opened his mouth and began to sing and everyone stared. He was unbelievable. He sang and he touched everyone.

Never judge a book by its' co er.

Let Them Eat Cake and Ice Cream and Pie and . . .

Well, Lou and I had a girl's night out last Tuesday. Her son and hubby were out of town and she doesn't do empty house well. Never understand that, I love empty house. Of course I like knowing they'll be coming home, but empty house rocks. Empty nest . . . don't even want to go there, but I digress.

Lou and I went to eat at Applebees. We ordered three out of four of their desserts. I had tea and she had milk. Our waiter said it was a first for him and the manager loved it. We got the blonde brownie with butter pecan ice cream and maple sauce. I'd give it 2 out of 3 stars, I like my mom's blonde brownies more.

We also had Triple Chocolate Meltdown: Chocolate cake with a fudge center and topped with milk and white chocolate and vanilla ice cream. We do love our chocolate and I'll give it a 2 out of 3 stars. Cake isn't my favorite and I don't like vanilla ice cream much.

We didn't have the chocolate chip cookie ice cream sundae because we'd had one like it at Cheddar's and we were going for new tastes. Probably a mistake on our part.

Our favorite was the Mile High Ice Cream Pie:

Mile High Ice Cream Pie

This pie-scraper starts with an OREO® cookie crust, filled with chocolate ice cream and layers of chocolate fudge and peanut butter. Then we add peanut butter ice cream, caramel swirls and peanut brittle. Finally, we drizzle it with hot fudge & caramel, and top it with whipped cream and OREO® cookie crumbs.

Picture and description taken from Applebee's site. It totally got 3 out of 3 stars. Should have ordered three of those. Joking... sort of.

After the dessert fest, we went to see "The Proposal". Loved it, loved it, loved it. Laughed all the way thru it. And yes, I did still have my buttered movie popcorn. How can you even think of going to a movie and not having popcorn? Really, now. . .

Great night with a great friend.

Will this year do me in?

Girl Drama! Didn't have to deal with it as much with boy 1, but boy 2 is already having girl drama!

I was already worried about this year since it's J's senior year. Although I love all the youth at church, the Class of 2010 are my babies. I've been teaching them in some way, shape or form since they were three years old. I don't mean in a little way, I mean in a big way.

Therefore, not only am I going to have to deal with my J's senior year, I must deal with all of their senior years. Guess I should buy stock in Kleenex.

R's been in a funky mood and I blew a gasket. Suddenly, I remembered that it was J's 10th grade year that he was in a funk. A very stressful funk. I spent more time than ever on my knees. So now, I have to deal with J's senior year and R's year of funk.

Praying for more stregth than ever.


"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." 1 Chronicles 16:11