I started this blogging thing just over a year ago and I am still blown away by how much it has changed my life! Of course my friends and family think I have lost my mind (not that I was all that sane to begin with, lol).

It was strange enough last year when I travelled with a woman I had never met before to a conference in North Carolina and then shared a hotel room with two women I didn't know except for what I had read on their blogs. The funny thing is that none of these women, or many of the other women at the conference, felt like strangers. In a strange way it seemed like I had known them forever. I felt like I came away from that weekend having met lots of long-lost "sisters".

Fast forward to August of last summer when I invited one of those new sisters to spend the night at my house along with a few of her children. I still giggle at my teenage son's reaction. "Dad, did you know Mom is inviting a woman she met on the internet to sleep over?" Of course Dad didn't try to tell me "NO" but he did look just a little concerned about the whole thing.

Early in January she came back to visit and support me after my Dad died. By then she was no longer a stranger and everyone was excited to see our "family friend".

So when a "family friend" says, "Hey do you want to go to Dallas? An old friend invited me to visit and offered us a place to stay!" don't you think it would be rude to say no and make her go by herself?

~~No, a good friend immediately searches the internet and books a trip to Dallas with you.

~~A bad friend would be one that invites you to visit and then makes other plans, leaving you with a non-refundable plane ticket and no where to stay in a strange city.

So that is how Lelia and I found ourselves headed to Texas for a weekend adventure. Of course the whole trip almost didn't happen when I took the "super scenic route" to the airport. But because Jesus was with us we made it in the nick of time!

By the end of the weekend we had shopped, rested, worshipped, prayed, eaten and laughed until we cried. We may have made the original plan but God determined our itinerary:

~~We met another "online sister" when Liz joined us for lunch and dinner.

~~We just happened to run into a celebrity at dinner.

~~We chatted on the phone with Missy who was in Dallas visiting a friend (who could forget what happened the last time we saw Missy? LOL).

~~We got to visit a well known church and hear an amazing (and timely) message on Sunday morning.

~~We deepened our friendship and encouraged one another in our faith and purpose.

~~We recieved confirmation that we believe God is calling us into ministry together.

~~We were able to pinpoint areas of our lives we need to improve (time management, organizational skills, decision making, map reading (lol)).

Looking at this list reminds me that what we planned as a "girls getaway" turned into something much bigger.

But isn't that how God operates when we trust Him with our plans?

Proverbs 16:9 says: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps"

I know I can honestly say that I was blessed beyond measure as I let the Lord determine my steps to Dallas!

If you want to read more about our adventure click here to visit Lelia.

Save the Drama

Confession Time: "I am a recovering Soap Addict"

Not the pretty, good smelling, get-you-clean kind of soap but the kind that are on every afternoon while the kids are down for naps kind of Soaps.

It started innocently enough. My grandmother was a "Young and Restless" fan and since I spent a lot of time at her house growing up I too learned all about Mr. and Mrs. Chandler, the Brooks sisters and of course Snapper (David Hasselhoff before he hit the beach on Baywatch).

In fact I will never hear the theme song for Y&R without thinking of my beloved Nana.

By high school I was hooked on "my own" soaps;

--I cried when Jenny died in that jet-ski accident on "All My Children"

--I was disgusted by Dorian and her antics on "One Life to Live"

--I celebrated when Luke and Laura finally married on "General Hospital"

(I really knew I was in trouble when I found myself wanting to pray for some of these characters, lol).

Yes, I was a soap opera junkie!

The funny thing was that all of that drama seemed to somehow rub off into my own life.

HMMM? I wonder:

Why is my husband working late?... Could he be cheating on me?

What did my mother mean by that comment?....

And is she REALLY my mother?

Is my sister plotting revenge against me for some unknown reason?....OK that is very possible but you get the picture!

Why is it that as women we are drawn to drama like a moth to a flame?

Drama is what keeps us watching.

It makes the plot interesting and keeps us from getting bored.

Drama is also contagious.

It spreads quickly and if left unchecked drama can lead to destruction;

destruction of marriages,friendships, families and eventually destruction of self.

Today not only are the same soap operas I used to watch on the air (along with a parental block option) but reality shows are all the rage. Not surprisingly there has been much in the way of negative fall-out for those who have chosen to share their lives (and drama) with the public.

Fortunately I am in a long-term remission from my soap addiction. Every now and then I catch a glimse of a character I recognize (funny how they all look just like they did 20 years ago) but I have no idea what is happening in Pine Valley, Llanview or Port Charles and honestly I don't want to know. I am a mother of 5 daughters and that is more than enough drama for me to handle. I am too busy living reality to spend time watching it on TV!

What is a Big Mac?

What is a Big Mac?

My kids love to ask that question every time we go to McDonalds and I always respond with,

"Two all beef patties,

special sauce,

lettuce,

cheese,

pickles,

onions

on a sesame seed bun!"

For some reason this old jingle causes my little ones to break out in giggles and my teenagers to roll their eyes and frantically look around in embarrassment to make sure no one overheard me. I have no idea when I first memorized the detailed description of a Big Mac but for some reason it is permenantly tatooed on my brain.

Recently the thought occurred to me, "how much useless trivia are we storing in our memory banks?" We can rattle off things like advertising slogans, TV theme songs (think of The Flinstones & The Brady Bunch), stories and poems we have read or quotes from famous movies. So why is it so easy to remember the lyrics to my favorite songs and yet so hard to remember scripture?

Although I know that memorizing scripture is important for spiritual health, growth and well-being I have to be honest and admit that it is not easy or natural for me.

In fact many people might question the need for committing scripture to memory in a culture where the word of God is readily available in a variety of formats and translations. We can read the bible in book form, listen to it on CD, watch it on DVD or pull it up on the internet. A quick look at Bible Gateway gave me access to over 20 translations in English alone! We truly are a blessed people.

However it is possible that someday there may be a time we don't have access to our bibles. In such case we need to already have buried the words of the Lord deep into our hearts.

Why?.......

Because it is in those words we will find the strength to stand strong in the face of fear:

"Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." Psalm 27:3

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Knowing God's word brings us peace in the midst of our trouble and anxiety:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God; and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4: 7-8

Having the word of God committed to our memory also allows us to fight the enemy and experience victory over sin:

"How can a young man keep his way pure: By living according to your Word. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119: 9, 11

We may not have the opportunity to reach for our bibles as we are experiencing an attack or facing temptation but if we are prepared with the sword of the Spirit we will be armed and ready to fight back.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doouble-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Another practical reason for memorizing scripture is to aid us in discerning the will of God in our lives as the Holy Spirit brings to mind words we already know:

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

In order to be effective Christ followers it is important that we are able to recall the word of the Lord in order to comfort and encourage those around us. ~Many times I have been able to offer a timely scripture to my hurting child just like I might apply a band-aid to their skinned knee.~

On the other hand knowing God's word is essential for our witness to others:

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15

And that hope is the final reason we need to have scripture seared into our memory:

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5

Hope for today, hope for a future and best of all hope to overcome. Jesus described that hope in John 16:33:

"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

I Know You Mean Well but Let Me Help You Get That Foot Out of Your Mouth....

"Honey does this make me look fat?"

How is a man supposed to answer that question? It is a trap I'm sure many men have found themselves in at one time or another.

I think you can actually tell a man's "female knowledge quotient" (FKQ) by the way he answers this loaded question. FKQ does not necessarily equal "relationship experience", but knowing how to handle this question is all about how many women you have personally offended (or seen offended) by the answer.

Growing up with one brother and no sisters left my husband somewhat clueless when it came to the mind of a woman. Over the years he has been known to say things like:

"You could have a great body if you worked out" or "are you sure you want to eat that?" and I love the classic "be careful" (usually accompanied by a wink) as I am about to indulge in some calorie laden bliss.

The only reason I am not a widow today is because when he made these comments he wasn't being cruel but (in a twisted way) he believed he was truly thinking of my best interest. In fact, he claims he was giving me a compliment and providing friendly support. Hard to understand I know but I try to give him the benefeit of the doubt.

I remember Christmas of 1996 very well because I had just found out I was expecting our 5th baby. About a week before Christmas my dear husband placed a large wrapped gift under the tree for me. I was so excited to see such a big box. Ususally he doesn't even shop until Christmas Eve so I knew this had to be special.

A few days later I was shopping at Walmart and I saw a box that was similar in shape and size to the gift under the tree. But surely there was no way my dear husband would have bought his newly pregnant wife an AB Roller! Funny how when I mentioned my crazy thought to him (and how insulting it would be) the gift under the tree mysteriously disappeared.

I don't remember what I got for christmas that year but I do remember that after the baby was born and I was trying to get back in shape I bought an AB Roller for myself.

My husband may be slow but he is not stupid and I think he has finally come to the conclusion that if he keeps his mouth shut he cannot put his foot in it. I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Now who will answer the "fat question" for me?


DISCLAIMER: (I do want to make it clear that I don't think I am really FAT but I also don't want to make a fool of myself by choosing clothes that don't fit right. Is there anything worse than thinking you look great and then seeing a picture of yourself only to realize you look ridiculous? And besides 70+ months of pregnancy has left me a little hyper-sensitive when it comes to my battle with bulges!!)

So who can I ask, "Honey does this make me look fat?"

--I could ask my little girls who don't yet know what "Fat" is and I certainly don't want to set off any eating disorders.

--I could ask my teenage daughter who is rail thin and thinks she looks fat so I am sure I must look like a double wide trailer in her eyes!

--I could ask my teenage son who has grown up with 5 sisters and has more "female knowledge" than most men twice his age (this kid is smooooth!)

Anyway, as I was packing to go on the cruise with my husband last month I came up with a great solution. I couldn't decide between 3 dresses to take for "formal night" so I tried all of them on and had my girls take my picture. Now I could see for myself whether or not I looked fat.......

Much to my surprise all 3 of them looked pretty good and since none of us could agree on which one we liked best I decided to take my two favorites.

SO there you have it, another use for your digital camera. Never again will the men in your life have to answer the dreaded "does it make me look fat" question.

Of course these pictures did make me realize a couple of other things:

1) how badly my bathroom needs a makeover.

2) I need to look for more opportunities to dress up (perhaps more vacations????)

The "Celebrity House Warming Party"....

Now where was I???

Oh yes, my daughter was having a party......

After moving in to her new place she and her roomies had spent weeks preparing the house and deciding who to invite. Now the "big night" had finally arrived.

Lauren (left) has known Andrea (right) since 2nd grade. Nathan is a friend of both of them! Can somebody cue the Three's Company theme song???

Unfortunately I had spent the better part of that day battling a headache and upset stomach. By 8:30 I was feeling better but by then I was tired, weak and ready for a good night's rest. I was in my jammies and ready to read myself to sleep. You know one of the advantages of age is that you are no longer expected to "Dance the Night Away" just because it's the weekend.

Of course no one has told my daughter that. She was calling every hour to see if I was well enough to come and make an appearance. Finally I was so riddled with guilt that I couldn't take it any longer.

But before we could go we had to come up with costumes because this was a celebrity look alike party! Who could we be? We enlisted the help of our (at home on a Saturday night because she is grounded) 16 yr. old daughter and this is what she came up with..........

In case you don't immediately recognize us let me give you another hint......

Still don't know?

It's the Kardashian's and Bruce Jenner of course!! (Actually the only thing about me that resembles Kris Kardashian is my initials, KK)

What? You've never heard of them?

Well neither had I until I had teenage girls. Just another one of those blessings you sometimes forget to count, HA!

Seriously, why would I need reality TV?....

---Here I am, barely recovered from the stomach flu and dressed as some woman I have never heard of, with a husband who is waaay too excited about being Bruce Jenner!

Oh, and did I mention that we were twice as old as anyone else at that party? One girl was wearing a tiara so I asked if she was Princess Diana. She gave me a blank look and said, "she must have been before my time". I felt a little better when she told me she was Audrey Hepburn and I could say, "she was before my time!"

Finally, after an hour of being introduced to my daughter's new friends and reconnecting with the ones I remember from her middle school years, my husband and I had enough of being the only "Mr. and Mrs." at the party. It was kind of like when you take your baby out and people gawk over it for awhile but eventually lose interest and move on --- the novelty of the "old people" had worn off.

By 10:30, when I was finally back in my jammies and turning out the lights, I found myself thanking God for giving me such a special relationship with this beautiful woman who has turned out to be not only my daughter but also my friend!

Blue Mood....

As you can see I finally got around to changing my blog design.

I know a lot of you (including my Mom) said you liked the green but for some reason I just wasn't feeling it. Besides, Christmas is over and I am feeling blue....

NO, not the depressed kind of blue, the color kind of blue. I really like the feel of this design. I think it says "winter" without feeling too cold! Of course I have prepared myself for the "arctic chill" I will get from the 3 kids not pictured on the header, lol.

To tell the truth I only have one daughter who will care. My 16 yr. old girl has as little contact with me as possible right now and I think my oldest son has no idea I even have a blog. Besides I think he is a bit camera shy ever since the poor guy was totally humiliated on Christmas Eve when my husband took all of the kids to visit Santa.

JAKE: "I am almost 18 yrs. old and I am NOT going to sit on some strange man's lap!"

OK, so he has a point. But the picture would not have been the same without him. Besides, the older girls all wanted to go and majority rules.......

I just know he will thank me one day!

It is my oldest daughter who will give me grief. She swears I NEVER blog about her, which isn't true. You can see for yourself here, here and here.

Actually, this daughter gives me hope for my relationship with her 16 yr. old sister....

There were times when she was a teenager that Lauren made me so mad I dreamt I had beat her. I really believe that was God's way of keeping me from hurting her in real life.

Although we still have our ups and downs the road has leveled out quite a bit in the last year or so. I feel honored that she calls me (sometimes several times a day) to share her drama, ask advice or just to tell me she is "bored".

About a month ago Lauren moved into a rental house with a couple of friends and last weekend was the "much anticipated" housewarming party. It had a "dress like a celebrity theme" and my husband and I were on the guest list.....

WOW! I just realized that this would be a perfect "cliff hanger". Besides this post is getting awfully long and I don't want to take up your entire day. Sooooo, if you care to read about the party (and what celebrity I went as) then be sure to come back tomorrow and I will tell you more than you ever wanted to know!

My Plans vs. His Purpose....

*Today I would like to share with you a small portion of the teaching lecture I delivered to my CBS class this week....
.

The bible, unlike any other book, is not just a story -It is God’s story.

It isn’t just non-fiction - It is truth in it’s purest form.

It is not just inspirational - it is where our joy is found.

It is not a self-help manual but a promise for restoration.

It covers many different time periods, locations and people. And just as God has given us the written record of these people of the past His story continues today as He is writing each one of us into that story even now.

As Thanksgiving ended and the Christmas season began I had a lot of plans for how I would spend my holiday.....

--I knew my husband and I were going on a cruise that he had won at work.

---Christmas was coming so I knew I had shopping, wrapping and cooking to do.

---I was expecting to spend a lot of time working ahead in my bible study.

---I had boxes of Christmas decorations I intended to unpack.

---And I had anticipated spending some quality time with my kids.

But as life would have it things didn’t turn out quite like I had planned. Proverbs says- “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails” and I can honestly say that has been my experience over the last few weeks.

As for the cruise, I got seasick...

And everything else I had planned was interrupted by a 3 am. phone call the week before Christmas.

--My Dad, who was living in Maine, had been injured in an accident and would I give the hospital permission for treatment?

--Another phone call that there was nothing they could do and did I want them to remove the tube that was helping him breathe?

--A final phone call that he was gone and since he had made no final arrangements that was now up to me and my sister.

Sometimes the pages of our life story are tragic and painful. This wouldn’t have been the story I would have written for myself or my Dad but I am not the author of my own story, God is and He has promised that through my experiences and through my pain His purpose will prevail.

The question is “do I trust Him as the author of my life?" Will I relinquish my attempts to “rewrite” what God wants to speak to me and through me. Hagar and Ishmael are an example of what happens when we try to Co-author with God or write the story the way we think it should be.

It is easy to worship and praise God when our lives are going smoothly and we are successful but what about when life takes a sudden or unexpected turn? When there is an illness or job loss?
When the economy is failing or when things become difficult and are not going the way you want them to will you trust Him with the story?

When I first got the call from the hospital I remember thinking “I can’t do this” but then immediately my mind was flooded with the thought: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Since then I have found myself doing things I never would have imagined I could do. Things like donating tissue, arranging cremation, writing an obituary, planning a memorial service and delivering a eulogy. And in all of this I can honestly say that "His abundant grace was more than enough!"

The story God is telling is one that has included all kinds of time periods, settings, characters, drama, action & sub - plots. Each and every one of us is a part of that story but in the big picture there was one beginning and there will be one ending.

"In the beginning God created the heaven’s and the earth” Genesis 1:1

and someday

“the heaven’s will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”

One day God will write the final chapter of our life stories. So let me ask you…..

--What are the things you will be leaving behind and who will you leave them to?

--How will you be remembered?

--Will your legacy be one of sadness and regret or will it be one of faith & hope?

These decisions are not ours to make after we die but instead they depend on how we live our lives now. God never promised it would be easy, in fact Jesus himself said “in this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.” And what exactly does that mean? It means that through Jesus God has already written the end to our story and we can trust Him with all of the details in between.