Life is in the Blood

Even though it's been a while I really wanted to get one last post in this year. I'm not sure why, it just seemed important. So much has occurred over the last four months it is difficult to decide what to share. So, in the interest of time, this post will be short and sweet, but I can feel more posts welling up inside so check back soon.

Over the past month ,24 (our oldest daughter) has had a few challenges with her pregnancy. Oh, did I forget to mention that she is expecting in January? Well, she is. And, she is carrying twin boys. How fabulous is that? The challenge has been that B1 (that is Baby 1 in blog speak) had a very serious lack of blood flow. The deficiency of blood could cause all sorts of physical ailments, even mortality. In fact, the doctors gave 24 steroid shots in preparation to deliver the babies. Why the lack of blood flow? No one knows. Many people began to pray. My personal prayer was that God would provide blood for B1 by allowing the blood to flow again through physical means or by miracle, it didn't matter to me which one. After all, He is God, He made B1, He can provide all the blood B1 needs in any way He chooses. We waited and prayed till 24's next doctor's visit halfway expecting that the babies would be delivered and this would be much too early for comfort. We were humbled and grateful that God provided exactly what B1 needed, blood. The doctor reported that B1's blood flow is just fine. Life is in the blood! So, now we are awaiting B1 and B2 to arrive. They should be here in a few weeks. No doubt there will be a few posts about that.

All of that is good news, to say the least. However, my heart was incredibly moved when on Christmas Day the reality of "Life is in the Blood" profoundly affected me. That was why God sent Our Saviour in the form of a human. Blood was the life of Jesus because he was man. His blood was spilled (He died), not because He was mortal, but because I needed Life. My blood was insufficient because it was tainted with sin. His blood was pure, blameless, holy. Life is in the Blood.

Usually I hide my eyes at the sight of blood. I don't like gory details so I could never be a doctor or nurse. But I am incredibly thankful and humbled that I have Life and it is because of The Blood.

Thank you LORD for the Blood that washes me clean.

In the News

Well, there certainly is a lot of news circulating at my house and around my family this week. First of all, I did it! I thought I could, but now I know I can, I made 2 A's in my classes this semester. It was a challenge for me, the schedule of school and work, now I just have to continue the momentum through the fall. I will be attending full time (just 12 hours, but still it's full time), it's going to be fabulous, I love learning new things.

Next, 17 attended the community college for dual credits for high school and college and did fabulously. I am so proud of her. She was, I think, pleasantly surprised at her success.

Also, maybe you have heard, there is a tempestuous storm presently blowing at Criswell College. I have some interest there because my brother is an associate professor of humanities there. The president has resigned which has left a gap in his position and in the role of radio show host at 5 p.m. each day on KCBI. As the week has progressed, I have just learned that Brother will be the host of that show now! How spectacular! He is brilliant and you must tune in to be challenged, taught, and simply enjoy listening to discussions about world events from a Biblical perspective. I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Husband has had a successful month, he has dazzled his superiors and will embark on a new challenging project. It will be quite a distinct honor for his career. I am so proud of him!

19 has just returned from a mission trip to Venezuela. It was a great experience for her. As I sit back and observe her, what I see is that she is being transformed into a beautiful, graceful, young lady. Although she still has her moments at home of, well, you know, I think those times may be a little fewer and farther between. All in all, soon, I may consider her as one of Husband's and my great accomplishments. She begins her sophomore school year at the University of Texas at Arlington and she is really excited. She is planning on participating in rush, I'm not sure how thrilled I am about that, but, I will watch and see how she handles this new experience.

I know, I know it certainly is a long post, I'll save the rest for later.

Miss Me?

Did anyone notice I haven't been here for a while? I have been a little busy. My classes were Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. till 12:30 p.m., for five weeks. Five weeks of reading, homework, and oral presentations. I enjoyed every moment. Did I agree with everything each instructor had to say? No, especially my anthropology professor. That entire class was about man's origin, from apes, and how that fact does make a difference. Wow, how to answer questions on tests that could be scored correct, but still voice my opinion was a real challenge.

My technical writing instructor was my political antithesis. It wasn't even a political class, yet, she just had to speak her piece about the presidential candidates. I don't know whether I was right or not, but I simply kept my mouth shut. (By the way, I did make an A in that class, I haven't yet heard what my grade is in anthropology).

With working every afternoon after class, I haven't been able to do what I love... work in women's ministry. I miss every part of it, from having an impact in people's lives to planning fellowships that will spread the Good News to someone who needs Hope.

I have no doubt that school and working (just part time) is exactly where I need to be. I have 3 more semesters and I will graduate. What a thrill for me! I am already praying that God will lead me to the career He wants me to have then. What kind of career do I want? I am completely open to God's will for me. I can truly say, "Whatever, LORD."

Prepare me, Lord, teach me, open my eyes and my heart to the future you have for me.

Time

I know my posts have been few and far between lately. Time has been quite illusive for me as I have begun a new era in my life. But, today, I am taking the time to let you know that I will not be posting anything until at least June 2. I will be busily unbusy.

Today, Husband and I depart to take an anniversary cruise. You may remember that two years ago we took our first cruise for our 25th anniversary. We loved it. We cruised the Mediterranean from Spain to Italy to France and had the time of our lives.

It's been two years since that momentous trip. Yes, I will be married 27 years on May 30, 2008, and, yes, it is difficult to believe that time really is ticking away at record speed. (I would love to reminisce with you at this point about the poignant moments of our marriage, but I don't have the time).

In just a few short hours, 10 a.m. cdt, Husband's dad will be here to deliver us to our flight. We will enter the doors to a vessel that will transport us to a wonderland of discovery, historical significance, and just plain enjoyment. Our first stop is Milan, where we will encounter Da Vinci's The Last Supper. We will hop a train to Venice, travel the Grand Canal, enter the wonderland of Cruising. From there we will see new and wondrous sights in Croatia, Greece, and Turkey. I am ready for those seven days of adventure.

This year I have an idea of what to imagine as I pack my last few items. The most anticipated is 10 days alone with Husband. We will dream big for our children, plan well for our future, rest up for our present, and (above all) worship our God who never fails to please us with His Goodness, Generosity, and Grace. Why He would bestow such pleasure to me is beyond my scope of understanding.

Thank you, Father, for everything we have and do. I know it is straight from your hand. Let us glorify You in all we do and say.

Last Junior

Whew!!! Working, even part time, really cuts into my day. I am working a few extra hours since we are short staffed. I'll help out as long as I can. But, when I start school, that will be my primary priority.

Today is a really significant day for a few of us in our household. This is 17's last day as a junior in high school. She's taking her two last finals and then she's a senior. Our last senior. She has had a challenging year, to say the least. Emotionally we have been through the ringer. As I recall, though, 24 and 19 also had their roughest years as juniors. Sometimes girls are so brutal to one another.

Many questions flood my mind as I look ahead to her senior year. Will she depend on the Lord to emotionally encourage her? How can I propel her into her future and not hinder her from taking responsibility for herself? Will she choose righteousness? Will her disappointments in people affect her for her good or cause her to expect the worst in others?

Well, here is my answer to my own queries: I don't know. She must decide for herself. However, I will pray, pray, and pray more. The Lord can meet her need. The Lord can give her hope for a future and a love for others, even though disappointments come. The Lord can develop her into fabulously, tender, beautiful woman of honor and grace.

Here's to you, 17! I love you.

Influence

My friend is doing a survey on her blog (www.aboundinhope.blogspot.com) about what we perceive influences us. It was an interesting question and I thought I would let you know what I thought influenced me. I know it isn't a comprehensive list, and I may add to it as I consider this question a little longer, but this is what I have so far.

1. The appearance of success. (I know I'm shallow)
2. Anything that sounds smart.(That would include saving money)
3. People who have an opinion that holds up to critical thinking. (I like talk radio)

What about you?

The Retreat

Sweet, fragrant, affectionate Fellowship.
Beautiful, harmonious, worshipful Music.
Hilarious, amusing, side-splitting Fun.
Thoughtful, challenging, enlightening Speakers.
Gracious, affable, welcoming Friends.
Thankful, renewed, filled Me.

Retreat

1 a : an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable
b : the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position

2: a place of privacy or safety : refuge

3: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director

That is exactly what I am preparing to do this weekend. RETREAT!! RETREAT!!

"From what could I possibly need to withdraw that is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable?" you ask. (Because you know I can hear you mumbling in the background). I know my life is easier than most, physically as well as emotionally. However, on the spiritual level I think I probably teeter on the brink of a precipitous edge of longing to fill my selfish desires rather than doing what is good and right for myself and those around me. Hey! Sometimes it's difficult to balance on that fence of mediocrity. OOh, did I just say that? I think I have just admitted that it takes a great deal of dexterity to not be all I have been redeemed to be. Well, I just find that disagreeable.

In order to deal with the above issue, I want, no I need, to withdraw to a place that is out of the world's view so that I can safely make myself vulnerable to admit that I am poor and needy on my own and crave help in this unsafe world that desires my failure at virtue. There is much to be gained by many others in my unsuccesful attempts at wholesomeness. I must win this battle for myself so that I may pass this wisdom on to my children and grandchildren. They deserve my best for their future.

I am looking forward to extended periods of time spent in prayer, meditating on God's precious and perfect Word, and the mentoring that will take place as I spend time with others I admire and honor as sisters.

Fun will be had by all. In fact, I expect my sides to ache and my face to hurt from laughing so much. But, my highest expectation is that the LORD God is already waiting for me to show up at His feet and learn from Him. Wow! Just think on that a while.

Here I am!

OK, OK, I know it's been a while. It's not that I haven't thought about blogging, it's not that I haven't had anything to say (husband will attest to that one!). It's just that I haven't really had 30 minutes to sit down and write anything.

I'll just catch you up on what's been transpiring.

1. Got a job. Just part time, but it is a job. I started last week at a credit union as a part time teller. Why? Here's the best part (it's my #2)

2. Going back to school in July and the credit union has tuition reimbursement. I can go to work, earn a paycheck, do my job (and well, I might add. I've done teller work before), and take enough classes to graduate with a Business Leadership Development degree NEXT SUMMER! Say goodbye to my one regret!!

3. Went to Europe for a week with husband. Spent the weekend in London, which is always spectacular, and spent the week days in Malta. Malta was crazy (one of the blogs I really wanted to write). They had their national elections while we were there and the whole place was shut down so everyone could celebrate. By the way, they had 92% turn out to vote, which was down from their usual 98%. Kind of puts us to shame, doesn't it?

4. We start Java with the Judges Bible study on this Wednesday. I will still teach those classes. I am a little anxious to see how it will play out with work. But, I really want to, and the credit union has said they will work with me on my schedule, so I am trusting it will be fabulous.

5. 18 turned 19, 23 turned 24, 16 turned 17 and just doing all that celebrating has worn me out. How exciting to see your children growing into interesting, responsible, loving adults. (At least that is how I feel today).

6. What has happened to my Mavs?!? Husband has quit watching them with me, so the rest of the season could be lonely. I will watch, no matter what! MFFL

We have had many more events and occurances that warrant their own blog, but for now, this is all I have time for. Plus, I don't think you could take all I have bottled up inside at one sitting.

Just For the Record

I recognize my shortcomings, they are many.
I admit my infirmities, they are debilitating.
I confess my inadequacies, they are my downfall.
However
I know my Redeemer, and Praise my LORD,
His Love covers a multitude of sin.

Thank you, Lord, for friends who overlook, yea, even forgive my inevitable blunders. Please, be my mouth. Let me reflect only You.

RUP4IT?

RUP4 a weekend away of R&R? Don’t be AWOL, MPN! It will be a time of GR2BR. Believe me when I say this will be an occasion that is HBB. Don’t take my word for it, CTO. In fact, AFAICT, only an ACORN would miss this. Don’t wait 2HBASTDO before you commit to come with us. You know it’s true, it’s too hard to just HITAKS anymore. ISTM we need this event to be TGWOG. Let’s BHB/CGH!

So, RUP4IT?

MC
DWM, FM
* Associated with the AAAAA.

This is just a fun way to say, "Let's get away from the distractions of this world, get alone with The LORD God, and get our priorties right." You know we all need it from time to time, so, my church women's ministry is planning a spectacular weekend for just that purpose. We will have fun, hear fabulous music, learn from prominent and encouragings speakers, play, eat, and in general, regenerate.

Need a key for the above message? Here it is. And, I hope to see you at HeartSong Ministry Retreat RUP4IT?


*Key to ACRONYMS
2HBASTDO – To Hit Bottom And Start Digging Out
AAAAA – American Association Against Acronym Abuse
ACORN – A Completely Obsessive Really Nutty Person
AFAICT – As Far As I Can Tell
AWOL – Absent Without Leave
BHB/CGH – Be Holy Because God is Holy
CTO – Check This Out
DWM – Director of Women’s Ministries
FM – First Mansfield
GR2BR – Good Riddance To Bad Rubbish
HITAKS – Hang In There And Keep Smiling
HBB – Hip Beyond Belief
ISTM – It Seems To Me
MC – Michelle Canton
MPN – Make Plans Now
RUP4IT? – Are You Up For It?
TGWOG – Truly Great Women Of God

Keys to Reconciliation

We are studying 2 Corinthians on Wednesdays. Today, Paul addressed forgiveness in his quest for reconciliation between he and the Corinthians. Someone had bad mouthed Paul to his good friends in Corinth and he wanted to make it right. As I considered the importance of the issue of working through conflict with others, I listed 5 steps to enable us to do a better job at reconciling with those who have offended us. See if you agree with me.

1. Understand that the sin is against God and not me.

This is evident in Psalm 51 where David states that his sin (adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband) is "against You and You only have I sinned, Oh God!"

2. Be concerned with my offender's reconciliation with God rather than with justice for myself.

When the other's relationship with the Lord is unbroken then my relationship with them will benefit.

3. Forgive like God.

Ephesians 4:32 - 5:2 states that we are to forgive like God forgave us, we are to be imitators of God. That means we must be ready, willing, and able to forgive BEFORE asked. We will deal with forgiving our offenders as soon as the offence occurs so as not to allow bitterness to set in.

4. Remember that bitterness and grudge holding will affect your future by anchoring you to your past. Also, your children and your children's children will learn this trait from you.

5. If it is only a difference of opinion, agree to disagree and GET OVER IT! MOVE ON! GET A LIFE!

Living Beyond Suffering: Closing Comment

I guess the main theme of yesterday's lesson was this: As we experience suffering and persecution, Christians should respond differently than those who do not have the Comforter and Consolation of Christ. Everyone, Christian or non Christian will experience trials and times of pain and anguish. Affliction is not without purpose: In Christians it is to reveal the glory of God through us. Our answer to situations of difficulty or even if we are persecuted because of what we believe must be godly and above reproach. The world is watching to see if we (even when life is not "peachy") believe that God is sovereign and we trust Him.

Proverbs 24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. (paraphrase: Adversity reveals your character. The times of tribulation are not when you develop your moral fiber.) Therefore, decide in whom you will trust now, then rest and be comforted in your time of need.

PS. My apologies to the morning class, I didn't have a clear thought all morning. It was a long and arduous morning for you. I took cold medicine before class. That's my story and I'm sticking with it!

Living Beyond Suffering

Closing Comments – Rom 8:1-19, 26-27

I. Pitfalls of persecution (an unsuspected difficulty, danger, or error that one may fall into)
A. Belief of Condemnation – Rom 8:1
B. Fear of Failure - Rom 8:15
C. Belief of Rejection – Rom 8:16
II. Protection of The Spirit
A. Free from the law of sin and death - Rom 8:2
B. The law can be fulfilled in me – Rom 8:4
C. Have the freedom to set my mind of the things of the Spirit – Rom 8:5
D. Free to have a life worth living here and now – Rom 8:11
III. Advantages for all when we are comforted by the Spirit during suffering
A. Christians
1. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God –

Rom 8:16-17
2. Gives me an eternal perspective – Rom 8:18
3. We have an intercessor – Rom 8:27
B. Non Christians
1. They are treated by Christians in a godly manner – Rom 8:4
2. They experience their earnest expectation, the revealing of the sons of God. Rom 8:19

PS. I will never again take cough medicine before Bible study. I didn't have a clear thought all morning!

The Calling

Have you ever just wanted to know what your "calling" in life was? You know, that certain occupation your were predestined to do. The activity where you find fulfillment. Your perfect fit. Your passion.

As I consider my "calling", it seems that my passion is, in general, women's ministry. And, again, I find that total immersion is the only option for me. Not because I need something to fill my time and consume my energy, but because I have found that serving God with all my capabilty is the only place I find perfect satisfaction.

In the last few months I knew that God was challenging me to leave my current occupation, real estate. God has been very good to Husband and I through this vocation. He has met many financial needs in this way. However, I had become increasingly unsatisfied and even irritable as I worked with my clients doing tasks that in the past had been pleasurable for me. So, as an opportunity was presented to me to have a lead in our women's ministry at my church, in a complete attitude of prayer, I humbly accepted the challenge that God had set before me.

So, even though inadequacy haunts me and an unworthiness troubles me, God, in all His sufficiency has promised good to me. My prayer is that our WM will be His ministry. I long for other women to find their passion and come along side me and forge new ways to enable our peers at church and in our community to experience the LORD God, know Him, love Him, worship Him, cede to Him.

"And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant(Me) and the cause of his people Israel(You) according to each day's need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other." I Kings 8:59-60

January 7th!!

January 7th! How could it possibly be January 7th? So many events have taken place in the past four weeks and I have so much to share. Husband and I have shopped, eaten, wrapped, eaten, talked, eaten, visited with family and friends, eaten, worshipped the Living Savior, eaten, and in general had a spectacular holiday season.

I will not be wrong in sharing with you that on Christmas Day we took a break from our ordinary lives and spent the day with our children, children's children, and other relatives. We feasted and gave one another gifts to celebrate the fact that Christ has saved us from utter annihilation. What a wonderful day! Generosity was the theme, love was the reason.

Last week husband, 16, 18 and I skied some fabulous slopes in Colorado (perfect powder I might add). We drove the 13 hour trip with my dad and brother and simply enjoyed every moment together.

This morning, as I walked to squeeze in my cardio exercise for the day, I noticed how overcast and windy it was. My first inclination was to relate it to the past year. For me, I would catergorize the last twelve months as cloudy, somewhat dark and difficult. There are many reasons, some I have shared with you and some that I couldn't possibly relate, they are just too private. However, the temperature this morning during my walk on January 7th, was a balmy 67 degrees. That's right, 67 degrees. It occurred to me that the clouds were keeping the temperature moderate and the wind felt good on my face and in my hair. I could have looked at the day and thought how depressing it was, how I was being deprived from the sun. But, instead, I see that if the clouds were not in place, the heat would dissipate and a cold, cold wind would prohibit me from going on a walk that keeps me healthy.

Maybe that is what the past year has been about. It has been cloudy and windy in my estimation. I know that God is sovereign and has provided a covering to keep the freezing and harmful wind from causing irreparable harm. The comforting Truth is this: God is Lord of all and I can trust Him.

Husband is an eternal optimist. He expects this year to be the best year ever. So do I.