What makes you smile?

After being out of town the past few days for work, my youngest daughter Bre, greeted me with much enthusiasm!
“Mommy! You’re home!” She exclaimed. “I missed you!”
Now tell me, whose heart wouldn’t melt with those words and the hug that ensued?
I also received a gift from her…a heart shaped charm with a smiley face on it and she also added a little ribbon.
She said, “I was feeling sad today and when I saw this I thought, ‘What makes me smile? MOMMY!’”
I must admit that I had to hold back the tears, I was so touched.
I met a dear friend at a coffee shop today and she was telling me about her new job and how well her husband and children have adjusted to the new schedule. She said that every day when she comes home from work the house is clean, dinner is made and candles are lit; welcoming her home. From the smile on her face and the love shining in her eyes, I know what makes her smile.
My daughter’s words and actions spoke loudly to me, reminding me of the many blessings in my life. I will be adding the little charm to my keyring so it is always with me!
So, when you get down in the mulligrubs (translation: grumpy, low spirits…a southern term. I am from KY y’all!) ask yourself the question: “What makes me smile?”

A Mother’s Prayer

Do you remember the middle school and high school days? Most of the time I’d like to forget…how immature and awkward I was, but I certainly thought I was the “bees knees”! I thought I had all the answers and was old enough to make my own decisions…decisions that were foolish and would change my life. The path I chose led to heartache for me and my family. When you hit bottom, there’s no where to look but up and thankfully the Lord was there, waiting for me with open arms…as He had been the entire time, I just didn’t know it because I wasn’t looking.

My daughter, Kiersten, had a band concert Thursday night and afterward she and her friends were talking and laughing, just having a good time. As I watched, I also prayed for her and her friends, as I often do. I prayed that she will always love and serve the Lord and not allow peer pressure to guide her away from Him. I prayed that she will be a positive influence to her peers, making good choices and that her servant’s heart will shine.

Of course, I also pray for my youngest daughter, Breanna. Both my girls have a servants heart and love the Lord. As much as I would love to be there, helping them make decisions for the rest of their lives, that’s not possible. They know right from wrong. They will have to chose if they will journey through life with Christ or without Him.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

E.R.

As many of you are aware, my husband had an unexpected cholecystectomy, removal of gallbladder, on Tuesday.
I was out of town for work, and apparently, my husband was experiencing chest pain so he DROVE HIMSELF to the hospital! After getting worked up and worked over, a heart attack was ruled out. Soon thereafter, the gallbladder was found to be the issue and he was scheduled for surgery in just a few hours.
Finally, my husband decides that maybe it would be a good idea to let me know what was going on. So, I get a text message that read “In ER with possible gallbladder. Call when I know more”. I didn’t know if he meant HE was in the hospital or someone from church.
After clarifying that it was indeed my husband in the hospital, I rescheduled my visit to complete the audit I was in the midst of and left to gather my belongings from the hotel and was on the road back to Columbus.
The 2 + hour drive seemed to take forever! Then once I got to the hospital, there was more waiting… Patience is a virtue that I am still working on, and I had several hours of practice!
Shane’s surgery went well. He, of course, was groggy that evening and still in quite a bit of pain. He was released from the hospital Wednesday and as the day went on, he felt a little better.
Today, he is determined to go to the office to pick up his mail and laptop….I knew he was not going to be a very cooperative patient!

Mother’s Day

I had the honor of preaching this past Sunday to a wonderful group of friends at Cap City Church!  I don’t often preach, but I enjoy the opportunity to do so.  Although, I may have pushed the stress button a few too many times, according to my husband and Pastor Brent! (Thanks guys for being so patient with me & all my requests/demands!)

I was convinced that it would be AWESOME if I were to preach and cook….at the same time! Ha!  I can’t cook and talk at the same time, so I was a LITTLE concerned about this endeavor on such a special day. (Thank you Kelly, Starla, Pastor Staci & Debbie for believing in me!  I love you ladies!)  But, not one to back away from a challenging quest, I accepted and so the planning and preparing began.

As the big day drew near, I became increasingly more nervous…and terrified!  But, as always, my God is faithful!  And I put it all in His hands. Knowing that I had prepared in prayer and study, leaving nothing else to do but rely on Him!

What a wonderful day!  Four babies were dedicated, the praise team did an amazing job, God directed my thoughts and words, I even pulled off cooking while I preached! And we ended the service by serving every one  a sample of the spinach and sausage quiche I was preparing…well, not exactly that very one!  There were several ladies who graciously agreed to make the quiche and bring it in to share. Thank you to everyone who made a quiche, or two!

My desire was to encourage every lady in the room, no matter what stage of life you may be in at this very moment!  You are an AMAZING woman of God!  “Fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalms 139.

Go to www.capitalcitychurch.org  for podcast

Devotions

Our devotion tonight with the girls was Mark 11.  I love when God speaks to me through a verse that I’ve read many times, but then grabs my attention at just the right moment in time.  I have a slight issue with setting high expectations for myself and others around me.  Of course, I fail to attain the goal at times (many times) and become very frustrated.

As my girls were reading the scripture tonight, verses 12 – 14 captured my attention. “…Jesus was hungry…seeing a fig tree in the distance…he went to it and found only leaves because it was not the season for figs.  Then He said to the tree ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’”

How many times have I read that and thought nothing of it?  But tonight I realized that Jesus didn’t just speak those words, He was irritated….He was hungry and finding no fruit on the tree, He cursed it!  How awesome! He truly was human!  Not that I ever doubted that, but most of the time when I think about Jesus getting angry or upset it was a righteous anger (ie. the money changers in the temple).  But to realize how very real and very human He was, helps me in those moments of frustration.

God is so good and so faithful!  I pray this will touch someone else as well.

Opportunities

I LOVE to cook! To some of my dear friends this is no surprise, however to those who know me from eight plus years ago, this may come as a shock!
When Shane asked my parents’ blessing for us to marry, one of the things they told him was how poor a cook I was. This was in no way mean or an exaggeration! I could make spaghetti (sauce out of a jar of course!) and grilled cheese.
I remember one unfortunate attempt to make lasagna for our friends Jerry and Carol Webb in Illinois. (I shutter at the memory!) the noodles came out black! And hard as a rock! As I recall, Shane made a run to KFC! Jerry and Carol were so sweet, they didn’t even tease me due to my distress.
A few months ago I was given the opportunity to cater a luncheon for a small group of ladies and I had so much fun! I was nervous and excited but grateful for such an opportunity. I thought how wonderful it would be to be able to do this a few times a year! Before I knew it, I was asked to cater two more events in 2011!
When opportunities present themselves we shouldn’t overlook them or make excuses. Seize the moment! Even if you are unsure about yourself & your abilities, trust God and know that He is big enough!

New Year’s Resolutions

I’m in New York with my wonderful family for New Year’s! We’ve had so much fun the past couple of days. Time Square is always amazing to me, even though it has been more than nine years since I’ve been to the big city. Today we went to the Statue of Liberty, she is truly wonderful! We are so blessed in America! We also went to Ellis Island. I have not been there before today, but what an absolute humbling experience to walk through the very rooms that my grandparents and my mother were ushered into in 1952! I can only imagine the anticipation, the hope and fear that thousands felt as they embarked upon such a journey…to begin a new life, in a new country!
As the new year is just hours away, I wonder how many have already made their “New Year’s Resolution”? I’ve made mine, and with the list being a bit more lengthy than previous years, I pray that I will not disappoint myself. But as I look back at 2010, I am humbled by the great many blessings God has placed in my life. I may not have achieved all the goals I set for myself ( some would say I have very high expectations for myself … and others), but I do not take for granted my relationships with my husband, children, family, friends and most importantly with God! I know I must make the most of everyday with my loved ones and strive for a closer relationship with Christ.
Have a wonderful New Year’s! Make it an awesome 2011!

Christmas Baskets

Tracing a finger along the frosted window, I watched as my husband and daughters played in the snow.  Meticulously forming just the right size snowballs, my husband looked as if he were striving for a new world record for the largest snowman ever built!  Quickly becoming bored, my youngest daughter Breanna, started making her own smaller snowballs.  Her eyes bright and with a mischievous smile, she continued her task.  Whispering in her sister’s ear, the two girls giggled and danced with delight.

Anticipating what would happen next, I watched as they began hurling the snowballs at my husband.  With the first white ball of snow making contact with his head, he turned and two more hit him square in the face! My husband charged towards them and the girls squealed, abandoning their pile of ammunition.  He caught Breanna first and had her buried in the snow with impressive speed.  Next he went in search of Kiersten, who was hiding behind a tree.  With snowballs in her arms and waiting patiently for her daddy, she stood at the ready.  To her surprise he came up behind and attacked with his own supply of snowballs.

Laughing at the scene playing before me, I jumped as something hit the window and the white smatterings eased its way down the door.  My husband came into view and stood pleased with my startled expression.  My daughters stood next to him laughing with joy.

Making hot chocolate for my little Eskimos, I heard their chatter and laughter as they came in the house, reliving the adventure they’d enjoyed outside. Welcoming the warmth of hot chocolate, the girls continued with previous tales of sledding and snow angels.

Then, with a look of concern, Breanna asked, “Mommy, when are we going to make the baskets for the widows?”

Several years ago, my husband and I wanted to do something that would demonstrate to our children that Christmas is not just about receiving gifts.  We wanted to help them understand that it makes Jesus happy if we celebrate His birthday with others, especially those who are alone or less fortunate.

So that year we made gift baskets for recent widows.  In the baskets, we placed an ornament, tea towels, candles, hot chocolate, cookies and a card signed by each of us.  Venturing out into the cold and rain, we drove to each home and visited these precious women.  Not only did our girls touch the hearts and lives of others, but these women held a special place in our hearts as well.

Walking to the car, Kiersten said, “Mommy, I really liked making that lady happy.  And I know it made Jesus happy too.” Tears spilled onto my cheeks and I held my daughter for a moment, feeling proud and blessed.

We continue this tradition each year, giving gifts to families in need or widows and  widowers.  Our family looks forward to expressing our love to them and the greatest blessing for me is watching my girls touch the hearts of the people around them.

I’d love to hear about Christmas traditions your family may have.  If you’d like to share, please comment below.

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! NOT!!

My husband loves the snow!  His dream retirement spot would be somewhere on a mountain top covered with snow.  Skis at the ready beside the bed so when he gets up in the morning, he can just slip on his ski boots, grab his skis and hit the slopes!  My retirement spot is the total opposite!  I hate the snow!  I think it looks pretty when I can laze around with a cup of coffee, book in hand, sitting in front of the fireplace.  But that’s for about 45 minutes and then I’m ready for the sun to come out and heat up the Earth to about 70 degrees…well, actually 67! I have to consider my hot flashes!

I had to be in Cuyahoga Falls this morning very early, so I decided to leave Sunday since lake effect snow is so unpredictable.  My personal weatherman, my husband, checked out the forecast and gave me the thumbs up!  Maybe a couple inches of snow, but no big deal!  About an hour into my drive, the snow was coming down so hard and fast that it was impossible to see anything!  Cars and trucks were stopping in the middle of the highway, you couldn’t see to even get to the side of the road!  My only indication that I was still on the road was driving along the rumble strips,  after being forced to the side, literally, by a semi-truck coming into my lane whether I liked it or not!

Thankfully, I made it to my hotel, a little shaken, but in one piece.  This experience only deepens my dislike to the beautiful white fluffy flakes that fall from the sky!  Maybe we can retire in a sunny spot and vacation to the slopes a few times a year!

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away…what?!

McDonald’s Monopoly.  I prefer to NOT eat at McDonald’s when at all possible.  But when the Monopoly game is in play, I find myself going to the drive thru, if only to get a large Coke!

My husband and I actually won the McDonald’s Monopoly game about 14 years ago.  One million dollars!  Being young, newly weds and serving as youth pastors at a very small church in Eastern KY, we were living just above poverty level.  One thousand dollars was a great deal of money !  We had taken the youth to an event and on the way back we stopped at a McDonald’s.  I never kept the game pieces to the monopoly game because I figured there was no way that I could win, so what’s the point.  Here’s the point!  The game piece that we got that day was for Boardwalk!  My husband asked if I wanted to keep it and I said “no, throw it away.”

We arrived back in town without event. The kids were all picked up by their parents and we drove to our small one bedroom apartment.  The next morning we arrived at church early to get ready for Sunday service and on the soundboard was the game piece to McDonald’s Monopoly…Park Place!  I was physically sick!  I tried to talk Shane into going back to the McDonald’s and digging through the trash, but he refused.  I’m still a little bitter about the whole thing!  I no longer throw away the game pieces until about two months after the game ends.

I believe that God has a fabulous sense of humor!  Why else would He call a HUGE Michigan fan to pastor a church smack dab in the middle of Buckeye country!  That’s another blog for another day!