Wordless Wednesday

Ah. . . Simplicity

I miss the simplicity of it all.

Nature of Love

It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way.

~ The Shack (pg. 192)

Knowing

So many believe that it is love that grows, but it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it. Love is just the skin of knowing.

~ The Shack (pg.155)

A Little Bit of This and A Little Bit of That.

Oh the joys of living in Southwest Florida during hurricane season. It has rained everyday, except for yesterday, since last Tuesday. Tropical Storm Fay stopped in town for a visit on Tuesday and gave us a good soaking. Alright it could have been much worse, it was only rain and wind. No damage praise God! It's raining again tonight and I suspect it is because Tropical Storm Gustav is on the horizon. So now eyes are trained on the National Hurricane Center website to keep us updated on what Gustav has in store for us. I'm praying for sunny skies but then I prefer sunny skies over rainy ones any day.

Cooking at Sea with Paula Dean. I've tried for a month now to convince Jim that he should stay home and let me accompany Phyllis on the cruise. Honestly, how much fun can he have on a cooking cruise. He won't budge, so I'm stuck here cooking at home. Maybe he'll find a way to bring Bobby Dean home to help me brush up on my cooking skills.

All in all life is good even if it is raining.

Pictures of Mission Trip

Know & Tell - OCD Edition

1. Do you put the toilet paper on coming over the top or underneath, or does it matter? If someone puts it on wrong do you have to fix it? As long as it gets put on I'm not picky about how it's done.

2. Do you wear shoes in the house? Shoes are the first thing to go once I step inside the house.

3. If something falls out of the dryer when you're folding clothes or putting it in the laundry basket, do you have to rewash it or do you just continue on like nothing happened? Continue on like nothing happened. It's the 10 second rule except with laundry.

4. Which side of the bed do you sleep on? What about in a hotel? Left side, regardless of where I'm at.

5. Do you do everything in the shower in the same order every time? I can't remember what I did in the shower this morning much less what order I did it in.

6. How many times a day do you think you wash your hands? Every time I go to the restroom.

7. What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning? Brush my teeth, walk the dog, and make coffee. After that it varies.

High School

Where does the time go? Children grow up too fast. It doesn't seem like that long ago that my baby was starting her first day of school. Today she started high school. She's an amazing young lady and beautiful to boot, but then of course I am biases.

Mission Trip

I'm not sure where to start in describing or telling about our first mission trip. It is something that both of us would do again.

On Saturday morning we meet the other mission team members at the church to load the bus and travel to Miami International Airport. We flew out of Miami at 1:05 p.m. and arrived in Managua, Nicaragua at 1:40 p.m. (they are two hours behind us). Once in Managua we went through customs and then to the Best Western Las Mercedes. After checking into our rooms we hired a taxi (actually 3 of them) to take us to a local restaurant. The food was great but very expensive and we were there for 4 hours. We return to the hotel after dinner since we had to get up at 4:00 a.m. to get in line at the airport to fly to Puerto Cabezas. We learned early on that getting up at 4:00 a.m. would become a routine. After standing in line for hours we finally got 10 tickets to Puerto Cabezas. The flight was 2 hours long and very cramped. Once in Puerto Cabezas we were met by Pastor Rafia who took us to the compound where we had lunch and loaded our supplies onto the bus and traveled another hour to the village of Sin-Sin. Once in Sin-Sin we set up our campsite and cooked dinner. Then it was lights out.

Monday morning came early (yes, 4:00 a.m. the generator kicked in and sleeping was not an option). We served the men breakfast , had a morning devotion and then they headed to the work site to begin building. Later in the morning, Angela, Barbara and I went to the work site and helped the men for a while before going back to camp to cook lunch for them. After lunch we relaxed for a while and then went back to help the men again. During the week we had many opportunities to spend with the children that lived in the village. The men would stop working around 5:00 p.m. each day so they could take showers before nightfall. After showers we would eat and have evening devotions before bunking down for the night. That became the routine for the entire week. We enjoyed conversations between all of us and developed deeper relationships with each other.

On Wednesday evening we went to church with the congregation who we were building a church for. Our Associate Pastor had the privilege of preaching that night and did a wonderful job. A translator was translating as he preached. It was wonderful to worship with brothers and sisters in Christ from another nation.

Angela loved playing with the children and every time we would leave the campsite or work site we were followed by a dozen children. Many times they would hold our hands as we walked. One afternoon Angela reached out and tickled one of the girls at the work site. They spent the next hour chasing us and us chasing them just to tickle each other. We were amazed at how the children worked along side the adults and how strong they were. One little boy in particular captured Angela's heart and she wanted to bring him home. She cried on Friday morning as she told him goodbye.

On Friday morning we packed up our campsite. Prior to leaving we had the pleasure of watching three men being baptized in the creek and then we went to the church to pray with the congregation. As we got on the bus it wasn't surprising to see tears in the eyes of the mission team. Those people had touched our hearts.

Although we spent a week camping and what we would consider "roughing" it, we enjoyed every moment of it. To witness people that have no material possessions yet are content in their circumstances made us more aware of how blessed we truly are. Yet at the same time I envy the Miskito people because as you live among them for that week you realize that their source of joy and satisfaction is found in Christ.

Home Sweet Home

We landed at Miami International Airport last night at 9:04 p.m. Once we got through customs we made the 2 hour drive home. We had a wonderful week experiencing a different culture. I will share more about our adventure in a few days.

Know & Tell: Fill in Edition

1. My favorite bedtime attire is sweatpants and t-shirt.

2. The perfect meal would include steak with a hearty side of garlic mashed potatoes and a big glass of sweet iced tea with lemon.

3. The most memorable girl's night out I've ever had was when a group of us went to a women's conference in Tampa and we stayed up the entire night talking.
That was in 1999. I was 33 years old.

4. My earliest memory is of being at my grandparent's home.

5. The family is gone for the evening and I will spend my time reading.

6. Right now I am in Nicaragua.

7. When I am done blogging, I am going to work some more.

Ready or Not

Ready or not we are on our way to Nicaragua. Our flight leaves this afternoon from Miami International Airport at 1:05 p.m. Angela and I both are excited yet nervous as to what the next week holds in store for us. We have looked at the weather forecast for the week and it is supposed to be 60% chance of rain with a high of 95 (the heat index will make it warmer). Pray that the Miskito people would see Christ in us as we minister among them this week.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 7

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15)

Press Forth Toward Your 100 Fold:

Persevere! Press On! Harvest takes time, hang in there. Do not be a woman that starts something and does not finish it before the harvest comes. We have to believe God for His completed work.

Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, "There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:5-7)

Press Forth toward being a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 6

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15)

Retain the Word:
Ask God to give you a word or scripture to sustain you through the day during your quiet time. She suggested that we develop (if we haven't already) a quiet time. She encouraged us to sow God's seed in the morning (Ecclesiastes 11:6) because we have the capacity to learn more first thing.

Retain the Word as you become a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living as Women of Substance : Phrase 5

And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. (Luke 8:14)

Stop the Choke:
Anxiety chokes the Word out of us. Philippians 4:6 tells us to not be anxious for anything. When we are anxious it is then that we need to hear God's Word, if we are worrying we aren't going to hear God's Word because it is being choked out. We are called to be warriors not worriers.

Also if we are immature we will want the "riches & pleasures" of this world and the Word of God will be choked out of our lives. True riches and pleasures are found in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:5-8).

Stop the choke. We will never become a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact if we allow anxiety to rule.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 4

And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. (Luke 8:13)

Dig Roots:
My roots are as deep as I am convinced of the Father's love for me. Roots are developed in LOVE! We must know that we know that we know that we are loved by the Father. Never forget the song "Jesus Loves Me this I know for the Bible Tells Me So".

We will never bear fruit above if we don't have roots below. (2 Kings 19:29-31).

Dig roots in Christ so that, through the Spirit, you become a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 3

And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.. (Luke 8:13)

Expect the Test

Being a Christian does not mean that we will not have trials and temptations. However, whatever temptation we face God will always provide a means of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). The trials we face (go through) is a refining process to prove us genuine resulting in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:7).

The Greek word for testing is "peirasmos". It means trials (God) to make us stand and temptations (Satan) to make us fall.

Psalm 126:5-6 tells us that those who sow God's seed in tears will reap with shouts of joy!

Beth told us to be genuine. Our kids don't expect us to be perfect but they do expect us to be real!

The testing is God's way, through the Spirit, to refine us into a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 2

The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. (Luke 8:12)

Protect Your Heart:

Satan comes to destroy. God gives us His Word and it is not up for grabs! Hide God's Word in your heart. Look for a minute at these two contrasting verses:

Luke 8:12 "in order that they may not" (Satan)

John 10:10 "I have come that you may have" (Christ).

Satan robs us of everything thing, while Christ (when we place our trust and faith in Him) gives us all good things.

I was reminded of the lyrics in the Hymn "Come Thou Fount of Ev'ry Blessing" that says. . . Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.

Protect your heart so that, through the Spirit, you become a woman of substance that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 1

He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that," 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.' (Luke 8:10)

Treasure the Wonder:
God wants to reveal Himself to us through His Word. There are mysteries concerning the kingdom of God. All Scripture is God breathed and God desires to speak to us. As we grow in a more intimate relationship with Him, he will reveal more about his self to us. He has given us His Word so that we will be competently complete! As we treasure the word, we are becoming, through the Spirit, women of substance that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living Proof Live Simulcast Recap

As they went from town to town, a lot of people joined in and traveled along. He addressed them, using this story: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn't have good roots. Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop. (100 fold)

"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"

His disciples asked, "Why did you tell this story?"

He said, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom—you know how it works. There are others who need stories. But even with stories some of them aren't going to get it:

Their eyes are open but don't see a thing,
Their ears are open but don't hear a thing.

"This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won't believe and be saved.

"The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's trouble it's gone.

"And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun.

"But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there's a harvest.

Luke 8:4-15 (The Message)

I cannot begin to describe the blessing it was to be one of the 70,000 women in 715 locations around the world via simulcast. I want to share what I learned from Beth Moore over the past two days, however I'm not going to do it all in one post. But I will give you something to nibble on tonight.

Beth began Friday night by speaking from Luke 8:1-15. She started by telling us that if we were in Christ we are "women on substance". She pulled this from the phrase in Luke 8:3b "These women were helping to support them out of their own means." Now this phrase means that these women had some wealth. Beth went on to explain that we are "women of means" or "women of substance" (King James version) in the Spirit and in order to be "women of substance" and to live with maximum impact (a 100 fold harvest in our lives), we must learn to hear God's word speak to us. She gave us 7 phrases to help us remember over the course of Friday night and Saturday morning.

Over the next week, I will share those 7 phrases. In the meantime pray that the Word that was heard by 70,000 would take root in the lives of those women and that each one would live as a woman of substance and live a life of maximum impact.

Know & Tell

1. Which is worse: speaking to a large crowd or working under an impossible deadline? Speaking to a large crowd. Believe it or not as much as I enjoy talking I get nervous when speaking in large groups. Oops now I just informed everyone how to get me to shut up!

2. Could you work with your best friend? Yes.

3. Do you eat seafood? Yes, one of my favorites!

4. What is the worst thing you have ever eaten? Raw Oysters!

5. Which would make you feel more appreciated by your DH/SO: bringing home flowers, doing a chore without being asked, or asking you on a "date"? Any of them. But the "date" would win out because it's time spent with each other.

6. What is something fun you are going to do today? I'm going to Ft. Myers tonight for a Beth Moore Simulcast.

7. What qualities do you look for in a friend. . . in other words, what causes you to really "click" with someone? Honest, trustworthy and being themselves. I don't "click" with people that pretend to be someone they aren't.

Living Proof Live Simulcast

I'm going to the Living Proof Live Simulcast with Beth Moore this weekend at McGregor Baptist Church with two other ladies from our church. Beth will actually be live in Kentucky however through technology women all over the country will be able to hear Beth (live) as she teaches God's Word. I'm sure I will have many treasures to share next week!

Friday Feast

• Appetizer: If you learned today you were going to die tomorrow, name three things you would do. CRY. . . not because I'm afraid of dying, but I would be sad knowing my time with my children, my family, and my friends was going to end. Second, pray that the doctors were wrong and ask God for a miracle. Third, hold my children in my arms until my appointed time came.
  

• Soup: What is your very first memory? Sitting on my grandparents porch in the porch swing with my grandfather while he played "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" on the harmonica.

• Salad: Name one service you are willing to pay for and one you are not. Willing to pay for a manicure not willing to pay for housekeeping.

• Main Course: Do you make your bed every day? Yes, if I could only get my kids to do the same.

• Dessert: Name the most significant thing you learned this week. That I take for granted the luxuries we have in America. Learned this just trying to prepare for the mission trip I will be going on. I'm sure once I get back that lesson will be even more significant.
  

Bread of Life

Tonight I listened to Justin Childers sermon on John 6:30-40. His sermon is talking about how Jesus secures and satisfies. These are just a few of the things that struck me as I listened .

1. The book of John as a display case of God's glory. What an awesome way to picture God's Word.
   
2. A quote of John Piper regarding why we don't hunger for God. The reason we lack a hunger for God is that we are filling ourselves with the stale bread of the world.
3. God not only gave his Son for us, but God also gave us to his Son.
4. This quote from Charles Spurgeon:

   It is always the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus. But Satan’s work is just the opposite; he is constantly trying to make us look at ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you do not have the joy of His children; you have such a wavering hold on Jesus.”

   All these are thoughts about self, and we will never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self; He tells us that we are nothing, but that Christ is everything. Remember, therefore, it is not your hold of Christ that saves you- it is Christ that saves you- it is Christ, it is not your joy in Christ that saves you- it is Christ’s blood and merits.

   Therefore, do not look so much to your hand with which you are grasping Christ as to Christ; do not look to your hope but to Jesus, the source of your hope; do not look to your faith, but to Jesus the founder and perfecter of your faith. We will never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our deeds, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we are to overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by “looking to Jesus.” Keep your eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercessions be fresh upon your mind. When you waken in the morning look to Him; when you lie down at night look to Him. Do not let your hopes or fears come between you and Jesus; follow hard after Him, and He will never fail you.

To listen to this sermon in it's entirety click here. It's the sermon from July 13.

Our First Mission Trip

A week from this Saturday Angela and I will board a plane to travel to Managua, Nicaragua along with 8 other people from our church for a mission trip. Once in Managua we will spend the night at the Best Western before boarding a "puddle jumper" (as Angela refers to it) the next morning that will take us into Puerto Cabezas. We will spend a week in the village of Singsin (about an hour outside of Puerto Cabezas) helping to build a typical church building. We will be camping in tents, sleeping on cots and cooking in a field kitchen. Camping out all week will be quite the experience. The closest the two of us have come to camping (well it's been at least 20 years for myself) is the Holiday Inn.

Our missionaries are Jim & Viola Palmer. They have been Baptist missionaries for 24 years. They served ten years in Honduras and then were the first missionaries returning to Nicaragua after the civil war, where they served for nine years. In 1990, they began ministering to the Miskito people of the Atlantic Coast. Jim and Viola have worked with Work and Witness volunteers their entire missionary career. Due to some health concerns, Jim and Viola will not be stateside when we arrive. However, Jim has assured us that we will be in very capable hands.

In preparation for our trip we have been doing research about the area where we will be. Here are some of the things that we found interesting:

1. We will be working with the Miskito people. They are a traditional indigenous people who live as subsistence farmers and fishermen in small villages of the lowland rain forest of Nicaragua and Honduras.
   
2. The Miskito people live across a large area known as The Mosquito Coast("La Mosquitia") which is located on the northeast coast of Nicaragua and the East Coast of Honduras.
   
3. The two major towns of Puerto Cabezas and Puerto Lempira serve as communication centers with the outside world.
   
4. The Coco River (Wangki), one of the largest rivers of Central America, is considered to be the heartland of the Miskito people.
5. Health care is limited or non existent in most villages. Infant mortality is high and life expectancy is low.
   
6. The Miskito people live in close family units in small autonomous villages. Each village has a leader who serves to settle differences. There is little sense of personal property and land is not owned or sold.
   
7. Families plant common field crops of rice, beans, and yucca and gather native grown bananas and plantains.
   
8. There are government schools in larger villages and Spanish is taught after the third grade. Due to economic hardships many children do not attend school.
9. The Miskitos were originally animistic in their religious practices. In spite of several centuries of exposure to Christianity many people have retained their animistic practices. Village shamans serve as healers, diviners and exorcists.
10. The majority of the Miskito people have never heard an appropriate presentation of the Gospel in their heart language. The lack of scripture in the Miskito language has been a major barrier for the Gospel. Although there are several Baptist and other evangelical churches, none has had the sufficient growth or success necessary to impact the majority of the Miskito population.
11. Central American Christians consider smoking and the use of alcoholic beverages inappropriate behavior.
    
12. Playing cards, dancing, and playing pool are all considered to be worldly activities and not appropriate Christian behavior.
    
13. Police are suspicious of anyone with a tattoo (they are seen as tags for gangs).
    
14. Primitive conditions for bathing and restroom practices. Not uncommon to observe people bathing in rivers or urinating by the side of the road.
15. Miskito women will breast-feed or bath without tops and would think nothing of showing their breast but would never show their thighs. In public, men wear long pants.
    
    

We covet your prayers as we embark on this wonderful experience. Although we at times are apprehensive about the trip, we are looking forward to the opportunity to work and meet brothers and sisters in Christ in Nicaragua, as well as experience a lifestyle and culture different from our own while sharing the Gospel. At times of apprehensive we remind ourselves that we have nothing to fear because we know that God has promised to be with us and to supply all our needs.

Beach Birthday

To celebrate David's birthday we drove back over to Siesta Key for the weekend. With David's work schedule he doesn't get many weekends off, but he swapped hours with a co-worker so he would have this past weekend off. We had a blast with Jim, Phyllis, Linda and Annie this weekend playing in the ocean and riding the jet ski.

Happy 19th Birthday

Today is David's 19th birthday! It's hard to believe that the little 7lb 6oz baby boy that I held in my arms 19 years ago has grown, so fast, into the young man that he is today. Each day has been a joy as I've watched you grow and mature. I pray that as you continue to grow older that you will grow to love the Lord more and that your life will be one that glorifies him!

A Weekend at Siesta Key

On Thursday evening Angela and I loaded the van and drove to Siesta Key to spend the weekend with at Fisherman's Cove with Jim and Phyllis. Our time with Jim and Phyllis is always wonderful, but this weekend was especially nice being at the beach with them. Thank you guys for having us.

My Life in a Picture

Friday Feast

• Appetizer: When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed? I think it was in May.

• Soup: Name one thing you miss about being a child. Spending time with my Ma-Ma and learning so many different things from her.
  

• Salad: Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil. Butter. . . the most fattening and non-healthy.

• Main Course: If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why? Something about a southern girl's drawl that just doesn't do well speaking any other language.

• Dessert: Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be… a empty nester.
  

Chinese Proverb

I was reminded today of a Chinese Proverb I once heard. . .

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Baking 101

We went out to Jim & Phyllis' this afternoon to enjoy a delicious meal and fellowship with other friends (the Stacy's, the Scheffler's, and the Ramer's). As usual the meal was awesome and laughter filled the room.

After dinner, Angela and Jeri Lynne looked through cookbooks and found a recipe for Peanut Butter Blossoms. Of course that meant a trip to the grocery store before coming home to get the ingredients they needed to bake them. After all their hard work the Peanut Butter Blossoms were ready to eat!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Prep: 25 minutes
Oven: 350 degrees
Bake: 10 minutes per batch
Makes: about 54 cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
milk chocolate kisses or stars (about 54)

Preheat oven to 350. In large mixing bowl beat shortening and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in the 1/4 cup sugar. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are light brown. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into each cookie center. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

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Happy Birthday, America!

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." --Declaration of Independence as originally written by Thomas Jefferson, 1776.

Sonny's Burns

This morning one of our favorite restaurants in town caught on fire. No more baby back ribs.

What's Up with That ?

Our community was shocked this week as Governor Crist and US Sugar (the major employer in the city) announced a $1.75 billion deal with US Sugar to sell its nearly 300 square miles of land (along with other assets) to Florida for Everglades restoration. Many residents and workers are pondering life in a company town without a company and wondering how the community will survive.

The sale of the nation's largest producer of cane sugar means 1,700 workers will be left jobless, not to mention the spinoff effects on Clewiston businesses that depend on them as customers. U.S. Sugar is the heart of Clewiston, literally -- the town is built around the company's two-story red brick headquarters, and the mill is just down the road.

The mood around town is a mixture of anxiousness, anger and fear. We are facing the unknown. There are those that are looking on the bright side and I guess that is a good thing. I worry about the 1,700 people that will be without jobs in 6 years and those of us that do not work directly for US Sugar but will feel the effects in some way or another.

My biggest question (aside from where will these people find jobs and how will this town survive) is how does Crist justify cutting our education budget and then make an announcement such as this. What's more important Charlie our children or the everglades?

Know & Tell

• If a five dollar bill magically appeared on your door step at the beginning of the day, every day what would you do with it? Put away for emergencies.
  

• Tell us about your favorite teacher from elementary/middle school/high school. You expect me to remember that far back. . . for the life of me I can't recall a favorite. I do remember my 9th grade English Literature teacher as being funny due to the brandy she put in her thermos of coffee every day. By the time I had her at the end of the day she was pretty lit.
  

• If you could make one person disappear for good, who would it be? I'm drawing a blank. Someone like Hitler.

• Do you believe in fairies? No.

• What era is your favorite for music? The 60's - 80's.

• Have you ever, or would you ever, have cosmetic surgery? Have never had it nor do I think I ever would unless medically necessary.
  

• If you had to change your name, what would you change it to? I'm satisfied with my name. The only reason I would need to change it would be if I got re-married and I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon.
  

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: What is the weather like today where you live? We are currently in our rainy season. . . afternoon thunderstorms almost every day.

Soup: On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how career-minded are you? My family is much more important to me than any career so I'll say a 4.

Salad: What type of window coverings do you have in your home? Blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.? Blinds

Main Course: Name something that instantly cheers you up. My children and e-mails from my best friend.

Dessert: How many times do you hit the snooze button on a typical morning? At least once, depends on how well I slept the night before.

Know & Tell

• Which is your favorite season? Why? I love summer and the freedom it brings to our schedule. Not to mention that is when we are more likely to do spontaneous things.
  

• Are you a bikini or one piece gal? Do the same rules apply to your daughter, if you have one? One piece gal. I haven't worn a bikini since I was my daughter's age. As for my daughter, she prefers a bikini. She is very good about the modesty issue and will find one that covers her body.



• What is your favorite summer getaway? Beach? Lake? Mall? Indoor ice skating? Why? The beach, but unfortunately we live 2 hours away from one so we don't get to go very often.
  


• You're on a sandy beach, looking out at a perfectly blue ocean. The weather is perfect. What's on the table next to you? What book are you reading? Who is sitting next to you? What are you drinking? On the table next to me is sunscreen. I'm reading the latest James Patterson book. My daughter is sitting next me and I'm drinking sweet iced tea or water.



• Do you tan? If so, are you an all-natural tanner or do you go to a salon? I go to the salon otherwise I burn and peel.



• What is your favorite summer clothing? Flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt.



• You're suddenly able to transport yourself to any summer in your past. What year would you choose to be in? 1998. That summer will always be special to me.
  

Friday's Feast

Appetizer:If you could live on another continent for 1 year, which one would you choose? Europe

Soup: Which browser do you use to surf the Internet? Mozilla Firefox.

Salad:On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you know about the history of your country? Not as much as I should know, 5.

Main Course: Finish this sentence: Love is… patient, kind, it doesn't envy, it doesn't boast, it isn't proud. It is not self-seeking, it is not rude, it keeps no record of wrong doing, it is not easily angered. It doesn't delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. Love protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.

Dessert: Have you ever been in or near a tornado? I've seen funnel clouds but thankfully I've never been in or near a tornado.

Vacation Bible School - Day 3

Tonight is our final night of Vacation Bible School. It has been a fun, exciting, and at times tiring week. It has been awesome teaching have enjoyed having the the 2nd grade about Jesus this week. Tomorrow we will take down all the decorations to pass on to another church and pack away all the supplies.

After I leave work, Angela and I are headed to Miami to spend time with Tom. We are looking forward to the time we will have with him. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Vacation Bible School - Tuesday

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Vacation Bible School

For the first time in 11 years our church is having Vacation Bible School in the evening. This has given me and others that work the opportunity to serve in this area of ministry. I am having a wonderful time helping in 2nd grade. Angela is helping with the 3-6 grade crafts and David is helping out wherever he is needed on the nights he is not working. Angela and I went down on Sunday afternoon and decorated the craft room along with Dusty, Ken and Heather. After we got the craft room decorated we helped Heather decorate the 5 & 6 grade classroom. Thankfully, Lori had already decorated the 2nd grade classroom earlier in the week.

Monday night was our first night. Considering that most of the workers and children are accustomed to a 4 hour schedule and we are on a 2 and 1/2 hour schedule things ran very smoothly and the children enjoyed themselves.

As the week progresses I will post more pictures, but here are some from the first night.
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Another Thought on Father's Day

As I have thought about Father's Day today it occurred to me that my children have sadly, due to divorce, not experienced the same type of relationship with their father as I have with mine. As I reflected on that today I thought of men that have in some way contributed to being a male role model to them throughout their life. While thinking of men that have been a part of their lives, I thanked God that in the absence of their father he placed men in their lives to teach them things that as a woman I could not possibly teach them and I also praised God that both my children know Him as their heavenly Father.

A few of those that come to mind are: Granddaddy J.M., Uncle Andy, Uncle Lamon, Uncle Robert, Uncle Ken, Tom, Jonathan, Tim, Brian, Joshua, Bubba, Jim, Sean, Don, George, Larry, Jason, Richard, Bill, Hueland, and Frank. These men have at various times and in various ways touched their lives for the better.

So to these men and all those in the world that touch a child's life even if they aren't their father, I say thank you. You may not realize the time you invest in a child's life makes a difference.

Happy Father's Day

. . . to the man with whom I compare every other man in the world.



I wouldn't be the person I am today if not for you. You have shown by example what it is to be a man through being a son, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. Your love, encouragement, discipline (and boy did this girl need it through the years), and support are just some of the ways that you have taught me to be the woman I am today.

As I have watched and admired you throughout the years I have always known that you are a man that loves God and his family. Thank you Daddy, for being the man you are and being such an loving, caring and supporting Dad. I'm proud to be your baby girl!

Know & Tell

1. Are you a procrastinator or do you get things done? I get things done. I like to plan out my week and know what has to be accomplished.

2. What is the worst thing you have ever eaten? Raw Oysters, I still cringe at the thought of them.

3. What is your favorite movie, and why? Ghost. It's just an awesome love story.

4. What one physical feature would you want to change about yourself? My legs and thighs. I'd like them to be longer and thinner.

5. Would you rather travel the world, or travel through space? Travel the world.
There is so much of just the United States alone that I haven't seen, not to mention other countries.

6. Favorite cell phone feature: camera or texting? The camera, because I'm always forgetting mine.

7. Sports car or SUV? Neither, I like my mini van!

Friday Feast

Appetizer: Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist? I tend to be more of a pessimist. This is something I've working very hard to change about myself.

Soup: What is your favorite color of ink to write with? I've never really given it much thought. I write mostly with black ink.

Salad: How often do you get a manicure or pedicure? Do you do them yourself or go to a salon and pay for them? I get a manicure twice a month and I pray to have it done. It's the one treat to myself that I enjoy. I've had one pedicure that I paid for.

Main Course: Have you ever won anything online? If so, what was it? I've never won anything (online or otherwise).

Dessert: In which room in your house do you keep your home computer? I have a laptop, so it moves from room to room. Most of the time it's in the living room.

Beach Wedding

This past weekend Angela and I went to Jacksonville for a wedding of our dear friend, Hillary. Hillary and Brandon chose to get married on the beach and the weather was beautiful (not to hot). I had never been to a beach wedding but enjoyed having the privilege of joining them on this special day in their lives.

Prior to the wedding on Saturday we enjoyed lounging on the beach for an hour and then spending the rest of the afternoon enjoying the pool at the hotel. Needless to say, both of us were a bit red for the wedding that evening.

Here's some pictures from our weekend.

Know & Tell: Friend Edition

1. Who would you rather be for a day: your best friend or your worst enemy? If I have a worst enemy, I am not aware of it. I'd choose to be my best friend. To have the wisdom and knowledge that he has would be a great asset.

2. Could you work with your best friend? Yes. In the past I have worked with one of my best friends and it was great.

3. Do you think it would be a blast or a nightmare to blog with a friend? I don't have a clue.

4. Could you share an email account with any of your friends? E-mail accounts are not something I'd share with my friends. That would be like sharing your underwear. The only instance I can think of that I would share an email account would be if I was married.

5. You have a day to take a friend out and have fun. Describe the day. If it were actually financial feasible I'd make us an appointment to be pampered at spa for the day. But I don't see that happening anytime soon.

6.Could you switch lives with a good friend? What would you find to be better/easier/nicer than your own life, and what would be really difficult for you? I have no desire to switch lives with anyone. We tend to think that the grass is greener on the other side, but once you get there you find out it's not.


Bonus Non-Friend Related Question:

• Are there any of these products you might be willing to eat? I'd starve to death first.
  

Friday Feast

Appetizer: When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup? I prefer soda over ice.

Soup: What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch? I don't watch much television, but occasionally I will watch CSI on Thursday night. It comes on at 9:00 p.m. so I'm up anyway.

Salad:Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant. Niagara Falls, Canada. It is absolutely astonishing to see the falls. How anyone could not admit there is a God after seeing them is beyond me.

Main Course: Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas? Being that I live less than 5 miles from my office it isn't like I spend much gas going to work compared to how much others spend. I would be willing to work the 4 10-hour days though, it makes for a 3 day weekend!

Dessert: If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself? Me a superhero. . . give me a break!

Fill Me Lord

Fill me with the fruits of Your Spirit, Lord.

Fill me with love, so that I seek to understand and appreciate the rich variety and diversity of life that surrounds me.

Fill me with joy, so that I celebrate Your presence in each and every moment I am on this earth.

Fill me with peace, so that I know how to ease those angry and sometimes violent urges that well up inside of me.

Fill me with patience, so that I stop rushing long enough to witness Your miraculous work taking place all around me (and within me!)

Fill me with kindness, so that I take the extra time to help the one in need, even when it isn't convenient for me.

Fill me with faithfulness, so that I place my mind, heart and all that I do in the service of Your Will.

Fill me with gentleness, so that others know that I believe in a God who loves and cares for all people.

Fill me with self-control, so that I act not on my impulses and urges, but rather on my beliefs and values, which are rooted in You.

Fill me with these fruits of Your spirit, Lord!

Know & Tell

1. What achievement are you most proud of? Only by the grace of God, can I be proud to have two children that I have had the privilege of raising that are for the most part respective, responsible and loving.

2. Do you like your spouse’s/significant other’s name? I don't have a spouse or a significant other, so this question doesn't apply.

3. What is the most unique name you’ve ever heard a person have? I'm not so sure it's unique, but I love the name our friends, Tim and Krisy, named their son. . . Greyson.

4. Which would you rather be: divinely beautiful, dazzlingly clever, or angelically good? (From Anne of Green Gables!) Dazzlingly clever. Beauty fades and none of us will ever be angelically good this side of eternity.

5. What is it about your wardrobe that is your trademark, uniquely you?

6. Which is worse: no tv or no music? No music. . . I prefer music over television any day.

7. You’re stranded on a deserted island and you can have with you: 1 friend or family member, 1 item from your kitchen and 1 public figure (politician/actor/author). Who/what would you choose? I would say my kids, but being I can only choose one I'd want my dad there. He is full of wisdom and I would need his wisdom to get off the island not to mention he has always made me feel safe and secure throughout the rough times in my life. If he was not living at the time I got stranded on a deserted island I would choose my best friend, Tom. He also is full of wisdom and makes me feel safe, but most of all he's the one I can spend hours talking to and never get bored.

The Gospel Song

This song explains the Gospel so simply yet so beautifully.

The Gospel Song

Holy God, in love, became
Perfect man to bear my blame
On the cross he took my sin
By his death I live again.

Pray for the Chapmans

Please join me in praying for the family of Steven Curtis Chapman. His daughter, Maria, was tragically killed last night in their drive way. You can read the story here.

Father, I lift to you now the Chapman family as you have called their daughter, Maria, to yourself in heaven. I pray Father they will find comfort in knowing that Maria has seen your glory and worshiping with you tonight. Surround them with your grace and compassion. May their house be filled with family members and friends that will demonstrate grace, compassion and mercy that comes from you. Father I pray this family will see your sovereignty and faithfulness even in the midst of this trial and what we consider a tragedy. May each of them hold fast to the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Father, I ask that you minister especially to the teenage son, take away any guilt he may feel and replace it with the knowledge of your sovereign hand at work. I ask all these things knowing that you will do all this and exceedingly more than I can imagine or ask for. May Christ receive all the honor and glory today and everyday. Amen

Prince Caspian

Finally after waiting for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie to come out it is now out in movie theaters near you. Today, I went to see it along with my friend, Michele, from church. We enjoyed it immensely. After the movie we enjoyed dinner at Applebees and then went to the Wellington Green Mall. If you haven't seen this movie yet, go see it.

Know & Tell

1. Pepsi or coke? Pepsi, I thought everyone in the South preferred Pepsi over Coke.

2. Barefoot or shoes? Barefoot of course. Although I do have a closet full of shoes.

3. If you watch American Idol – who do you want to win? David A or David C. I don't watch American Idol, but my kids do. However I can't remember who they want to win out of these two options.

4. If money was not an option and you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Greece or Paris, they have a romantic ring to them.

5. Is your desk messy or clean? Clean, I can't work with a messy desk.

6. When it's sunny, all I want to do is....... lie on the beach and read a good book.

7. What is your favorite word and why? I Love You. . . not sure it's my favorite word, but my kids tell me I'm always saying it. I can't count the number of times a day I tell them I love them.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: What is the nearest big city to your home? West Palm Beach, Florida is 60 miles and Ft. Myers, Florida is 60 miles.

Soup: On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets? A 9, I'm someone that you can confide in.

Salad: Describe your hair (color, texture, length). My hair is short, brownish gray, and is coarse.

Main Course: What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow? It varies depending on the traffic and my mood.

Dessert: When was the last time you had a really bad week? The week of March 16, 2008.

Lake Okeechobee on Fire

The last two weeks we have been experiencing smoke from a muck fire on Lake Okeechobee. Depending on the direction of the wind some days are worse than others. More than 11,000 acres have burned at Lake Okeechobee, and the organically rich muck could burn for weeks. Officials say the only solution for the muck fires is rainfall, but none is expected in our area until at least Saturday. In the meantime we are taking Zyrtec and praying for rain.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: When someone smiles at you, do you smile back? Of course, what good southern girl doesn't?

Soup: Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix? Except for the kitchen and one bathroom, which are vinyl flooring, everything is carpet.

Salad: Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name. God's grace gives generous gifts.

Main Course: Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption? My best friend and her husband adopted both of their children. Their daughter passed away in October, but she wanted to adopt children one day because of how adoption had blessed her life.

Dessert: Name 2 blue things. The sky and David's eyes.

Great Job David

David just completed his Spring semester at Palm Beach Community College. His first year of college has gone well and he has done a marvelous job of staying on top of his studies. He completed the Spring semester with a grade point average of 3.8! Great job David, I am proud of you!

Did You Know. . .

years ago, a woman would drop a lace handkerchief on the ground to let the object of her affection know she was interested.

This was something I learned tonight as Angela and I were watching a movie together. In the movie the woman drops her handkerchief in front of the man. I thought nothing of that scene until Angela informed me of this little bit of history. In addition to Angela educating me on the use of a lace handkerchief I also learned (through Google) that lace handkerchiefs were often given as a token of your love. It has been told that in Medievel times that the knights going off to battle would carry with them a hankie given to them by the woman they loved. In Victorian times a lady would draw her handkerchief across her cheek to say I love you. Twisting her hankie in her right hand signified that she loved another. Holding the hankie over her shoulder or dropping it in the path meant follow me.

And here I was thinking a handkerchief was simply used to blow your nose on.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child? Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes cartoons.

Soup: Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it? After putting up a big fight with my pet loving daughter I would give in to her wishes and allow her to only get fish. Then I'd name it Oscar. Always wanted a pet named Oscar.

Salad: On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion? Even though my favorite clothing is casual clothing, I do enjoy getting dressed up (what woman doesn't) for special occasions, provided I don't have to wear pantyhose I'll say a 9.

Main Course: What kind of music do you listen to while you drive? When I'm in the van alone I listen to Christian music or Country. If Angela is in the van it's usually on whatever the teenagers call that music they listen to. Although she does enjoy Christian music as well.

Dessert: When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it? I can't remember the last time I bought a clock and I have no idea where I put it. That's what happens when you begin aging.

Thy Righteousness is in Heaven

One day as I was passing into the field. . . this sentence fell upon my soul. Thy righteous is in heaven. And . . . I saw with the eyes of my soul Jesus Christ at God's right hand; there, I say, was my righteousness; so that wherever I was, or whatever I was doing, God could not say of me, he [lacks] my righteousness, for that was just before him. I also saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor yet my bad frame that made my righteousness worse, for my righteousness was Jesus Christ himself, "The same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). Now did my chains fall off my legs indeed. I was loosed from my afflictions and irons; my temptations also fled away; so that from that time those dreadful scriptures of God [about the unforgivable sin] left off to trouble me; now went I also home rejoicing for the grace and love of God."
- John Bunyan, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (pg.55-59)

Wedding Songs

Today at Dani and Andrew's wedding I was captured by the two songs that were sang so beautiful by their friends. I had never heard either one of them. They were so fitting for this beautiful couple.


The first one was "When You Say You Love Me" by Josh Groban.



The second one was "I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman.

Wedding

David, Angela and I attended the wedding of a very dear friend and one their former babysitters, Danielle Brown Peeling, today at Memorial Presbyterian Church in West Palm Beach. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful and God honoring. Unfortunately the only pictures we have from the wedding are of the three of us in the church courtyard at the reception. Hopefully, Dani will email us pictures from the wedding.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: Name something you would categorize as weird. Men.

Soup: What color was the last piece of food you ate? Green.

Salad: On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy being alone? Lately I have enjoyed being alone, so I'd say a 9.

Main Course: Fill in the blank. I will not vote for Hilliary in November.

Dessert: Describe your sleeping habits. This is currently one of my favorite habits. I never seem to get enough.

Name that Tune

Have ever had to love someone
That just don't feel the same
Tryin' to make somebody care for you
The way I do
Is like tryin' to catch the rain
And if love is really forever
I'm a winner at a losin' game

Friday Feast

Appetizer: Name a color you find soothing. Blue, it reminds me of the ocean.

Soup: Using 20 words or less describe your first driving experience. It's funny to think back to that particular day. Needless to say I thought I knew what I was doing but soon discovered the only gear I could actually shift to without choking down was reverse.

Salad: What material is your favorite clothing made out of? Denim, I love my jeans.

Main Course: Who is a great singer or musician who, if they were to come to your town for a concert, you would spend the night outside waiting for tickets to see? I can't think of anyone I'd spend the night outside waiting for tickets to see. Guess I'm just not that into singers or musicians.

Dessert: What is the most frequent letter of the alphabet in your whole name (first, middle, maiden, , last, etc.)? Tie between N and I. Six each.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: Name one person you can fully trust? Other than my dad, the one I trust the most is Tom. He's a man that is trustworthy and one that I can share everything with.

Soup: What do you like about your hometown? Wasn't sure if this was referring to the place I was born or where I currently live. I'm going to go with where I currently live. It rarely gets cold and the small town atmosphere. It's a wonderful place to raise children.

Salad: Share a moment you really love. Hands down, the birth of my children and raising them.

Main Course: Share something special about your loved one. The joy they bring into my life. Knowing that no matter what I can count on them.

Dessert: What product can you not live without? My makeup!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: Invent a new flower; give it a name and describe it. To invent something you must be creative and I don't have a creative bone in my body.

Soup: Name someone whom you think has a wonderful voice. Mac Powell of Third Day.

Salad: On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how clean do you keep your car? I like for my car to be clean, but sometimes slack on it so a 5.

Main Course: How do you feel about poetry? I enjoy it.

Dessert: What was the last/place/thing you took a picture of? Our new puppy, Bayleigh.