brothers, sisters and maps

This post is in honor of my brother in the Lord, Steve Perry. However, we all know him simply as "Stump". One time he told me that I was the sister he never wanted but got anyway. We scrap just like real siblings, but most of the time it could be spared if he would just do what I say. After all, I am always right.

Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."

Last night, we put that big brother, little sister theory to the test. Stump and his precious, sweet, patient wife, Deborah, took me out for my annual birthday steak dinner. We picked up Stump and his precious, sweet, patient wife, Deborah and let Brad and Stump sit up front so they could navigate (are you already sensing a mistake?). They decided to use "Maggie" (what Brad calls the GPS, which is weird to me) to guide them to the steakhouse.

As we were driving down the interstate, Deborah and I told them the exit was coming up. Do you think they took the exit? No, because they know where they are going. Mistake number two- never question my map skills. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have an incredible sense of direction and am a huge map nerd (Brad calls me Mrs. Randy McNally).

After what seemed like hours later (ok, maybe just 30 minutes later), the men decided we must have missed our exit (you think?). You see, we told Stump when to get off, but instead he wanted to argue that his way was right. After swallowing a little pride, he admitted the exit mistake but then declared we still had to go around some by-pass (by-pass? there is no by-pass). Deborah and I told them the place was about two miles off the exit on the left (where it has always been). But oh, "No" says Stump, we still have to go by the by-pass and then it's several miles down the road. Then he had an insane moment of wanting to make a bet with me! Has he not already learned enough? Does he want to lose his pride and his money? I declined the bet so as not to hurt his spirit too much when he realizes how WRONG he is. After all of this bickering, guess what? Deborah and I were absolutely right. Gee, we must have been going so fast we didn't' even see that "by-pass"....

Me and Stump, bound together by the blood of Christ as brother and sister. I still love him. I know he would lay down his life for me, my husband or my girls. He's the one that said no one would ever mess with his pastor without having to mess with him first. Gotta love him.

distractions and fear

All the worship leaders wore white pants and white tops. The music artist wore white pants and a white top. Then there was MaryLou, Roxanne, and me wearing our white pants and white jackets. Sorry to all the other ladies who did not get the memo! MaryLou and I went ahead and let Roxanne in the picture, even though her jacket isn't exactly white. :)

What am I talking about? Friday and Saturday several of us girls from church went to the Going Beyond conference. If you have the opportunity to sit under the teaching of Priscilla Shirer, you must go. I have heard her several times, and every time I am amazed at how God is using her. That girl can bring the Word!

Today I had the chance to sit down and process all that I took in over the weekend. Isn't it amazing that hundreds of women can be in the same conference, and yet God speaks to each one of them in a different way? One way God spoke to me was through a quote Priscilla shared, "Satan can't destroy us (Christians) but he will do everything in his power to distract us". The distractions will be greatest when God is up to something.

Lately, the enemy has pulled out many distractions against me: I am desperately seeking God's wisdom, trying to discern His will for my family. Well, you can imagine how unhappy that makes the devil! I believe God wanted me to hear this so I can be aware of why there are so many distractions; now I can focus more on Him.

Secondly, building on this same truth, one of the greatest distractions that Satan uses against us is fear. When God is up to something in your life, the enemy will do everything he can to make you fearful. If he can place fear in your life, you focus on the fear so much that you can't see God at work and become paralyzed. One of my favorite scriptures is Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go". How could fear reign over us with a God like that?!

Have you had many distractions in your life lately? It might just be that God wants to do a greater work in your life. What area of your life do you see God moving?

birthdays

Yesterday I celebrated my birthday. It was a good day, spent with some new friends of ours, who made my day very special. You know, I have fibbed about my age so much that I have to do the math to see exactly how old I am! Do you ever look at others your age and think, "Man, they look so much older than me"? I mean, I am thinking I look at least 25? Ok, stop laughing. How about, I feel at least 25....um...well, on the inside anyway! I seem to be stealing a few extra glances in the mirror, too. Just like the other morning. I mean, out of no where this age spot shows up on my face, totally uninvited! And do I remember that wrinkle being so prominant? Guys have it so much easier, don't you girls think so? We spend so much time trying to "turn back the clocks"! And way too much money on beauty products!

All this has me thinking. There is one age that I don't mind one bit. A birthday that comes every year with anticipation and excitement. I actually brag about that age! I relish in the "age spots". Spending money on all the beauty products that enhance this age is a pleasure. I want to look old on the outside and feel old on the inside! This birthday rolls around every March 9th. This birthday is my spiritual birthday. I care so much more about this age than any other! Sometimes when I look around, it makes my heart so sad to see many Christians who haven't aged one bit. The still look fresh out of diapers. We should have such a deep desire to want to grow in the Lord when we realize what He has done for us! His great love for us should compell us to spend time with Him, learning from Him by prayer and His word!

Let's not waste any more time in these last days. Hebrews 6:1(a) says, "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity". So, between now and your next birthday, let's try our best to look really, really old!

Now, I am going to go eat some more of that cake...you know, the one I got for my 32nd birthday..........

answered prayers

"Mama, I didn't even know we were at school all day, I thought it was just another half day! I had so much fun!" Those were the words that Gracie said the second I picked her up, through bright eyes and a big 'ole toothless grin. God certainly blessed us with much favor this week. The younger girls absolutely love their teachers (me too!). Gracie has already made a "bestest friend". ChloeBeth had a wonderful surprise too. She was hanging up her back pack and was shocked to see one of her sweet friends that she went to school with while at the Christian school. They were both so excited to have each other since they were both new. Now how about that? The same class. Coincidence? We know better!

Tuesday, Abbie and I went to register her at the High School. I was a nervous wreck driving there. Abbie thought it was no big deal, questioning me why I was so nervous. Well, it's not every day that we take our valuable treasure and lend it to someone else's care! But the next day, things were a little different. I had one of those times when a memory is etched forever in your mind. This time on the way to school, Abbie was the nervous wreck. As we pulled up to the place to drop her off, I put on the biggest phony face I could muster and gave her lots of words of encouragement (imagine me breaking down right there and then!). In that moment, she would have loved for me to walk her in and protect her from the unknown (now wouldn't that make a great first impression?), but it was an unspoken truth that we both knew that couldn't happen. She had to step out and do this one herself. And that is exactly what she did. Once home, she was cracking me up telling me about her day. So much for needing me!

I know there will be many hurdles in the days to come, but I place my trust and confidence in a great and mighty Savior. And in the meantime, I will bask in the goodness of these first few days!

Do you have any forever memories of the first days of your children going to school?

laying down rails

Living near a railroad track, the rumbling sound of a train can be heard in the distance. The train, full of power and speed, quickly approaches and the sound of the blowing whistle can be deafening. There is no doubt that the train has arrived! I am quickly reminded of the words of a man by the name of Watchman Nee. He says, "Our prayers lay the track down on which God's power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, His power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails". Lately, I have been laying down a lot of rails! For the first time ever, our girls will be in public education this year. It is a new experience for us all and the anxiety is running high (mainly for me!). This is a decision that comes with much prayer and tears. For all of my wonderful prayer warriors out there, please keep us in the forefront of your prayers. Pray that the girls will be strong in their faith and be leaders, not followers. I am trusting that God will use our girls to glorify Himself. Who knows what this coming year will bring, but one thing for sure, we will be relying on the power of that Locomotive!

In what ways can you say that your children (or you) have had positive experiences in public school?