Great Bible Study plus great friends plus cherry life savers

I love the Women's Bible Study at my church.  I love the learning and the sharing and the encouragement  and the accountability and the vulnerability and those are just a few of the things I love!  This year in particular has been really rich.  The study has been spot on for me. One thing we differently was after we shared in our large group about the homework we did, we broke down into small groups to pray and OH. MY. WORD.   I have a particular rough spot in my life at this point in time and lo and behold a friend that God put in my small prayer group has that too!!!!  We prayed and cried and prayed some more.  Another lady in our small prayer group said that it made her more aware that that particular rough spot could even exist and she is taking measures in her life to smooth it out.

One of the last assignments of the book was to make a commitment to have a quiet time for 30 days.  I have a hit or miss quiet time.  My pledge to myself and God was to truly meditate on my verses for 2013.  I have 4 more verses to memorize chapter 8 of Romans.  I will put another plug in for the Scripture Typer.  It has helped me with my memorization tremendously!!  As I was reviewing my verses with Carl here are his observations on verses 33, 34, and 35-

verse 33-Who shall bring any charges against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
verse 34-Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right of God,who- indeed is interceding for us.
verse 35-Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 

Carl shared that these verses are legal terms.  Who shall bring charges?  Who can condemn? Who shall send you away?  If you are a believer, no one!!!  What Good News that is!!!

As I memorize scripture, I picture in my mind a cherry life saver that I savor and prolong as I enjoy it.  I try to do the same with the verses that I am learning, letting them soak down into my brain and heart.  Let the above verse soak into your brain and heart for a minute.

  I am looking forward to all that I will learn in my 30 days of quiet times.  Stay tuned...

Our fall Bible Study book.  Highly recommend!

Let's all SERVE

As I pondered how to serve Christ this Christmas season and think less about self I read this great article.  This is now a goal of mine!

Last week I was well-served by an outstanding medical team. Over a dozen people at the Billings Clinic pooled their training and talents to repair a small hernia in my abdomen. From beginning to end, they cared for me with the utmost in professional skill and personal attention. As a result, I’m mending quickly, with no infection, little residual pain, and an even greater respect for the men and women who serve in our medical community. As Corlette drove me to the hospital at 5:30 am, I prayed that the Lord would not only make the surgery successful but also give me grace to bless the people who would soon be caring for me. In particular, I asked him to enable me to live out the SERVE principle with each person I encountered that day. Smile Explore and empathize (show interest and compassion) Reconcile Value (express appreciation and admiration) Encourage (put wind under their wings) From the receptionist to the surgeon, I made it a point to greet each member of the team with a big smile and a cheerful “Good morning!” Everyone smiled warmly in return. Sometimes I had time to add, “Thank you for getting up so early today to take care of me,” which usually triggered  a chuckle and opened the way for conversation. Exploring people’s lives takes so little effort and yet it’s so rewarding. “How long have you worked at the Clinic?” “What do you like most about your job?” “How many patients do you serve in a day?” “Why did you choose to be a surgical nurse?” “How do you feel after a successful operation?” “How can I make your job easier today?” It’s amazing how much you can learn about people by showing just a little interest in their lives. I love to tease, so when the technicians and nurses asked their long lists of standard questions, I looked for opportunities to catch them off guard. “Have you had anything to drink this morning?” “No, but someone promised me a coffee IV.” “Have you had any problems with choking lately?” “No, I haven’t done anything to provoke my wife that badly for months.” Medical workers have trained long and hard for their careers, so they appreciate it when someone values their expertise. Whenever time permitted I asked members of the team to explain various processes and equipment. They seemed to genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge, which gave me more opportunities to learn about their work and express admiration for what they do. Of course there is no substitute for saying thank you over and over again. To the aide who wheeled me from room to room. To the nurse who inserted an IV so painlessly. To the anesthesiologist who explained every step in my sedation. To the surgeon who opened and closed me so flawlessly. And, most of all, to my lovely wife, who was watching over me throughout the process and has thoroughly pampered me ever since. All of these people served me with exceptional care, and I’m glad God gave me the opportunity to encourage them just a little bit in return. You can do the same with the many people you encounter during the holidays. Whether you’re visiting your doctor or enjoying a family dinner, a company party, or a shopping trip to the mall, you can personally and warmly engage every person you meet. Memorize the SERVE acrostic. It’s so simple. And just before you walk through the door to any engagement, pray, “God help me to serve every person I meet, to show a genuine interest in their lives, to value who they are and what they do, and to be used by you to encourage them in a way that puts wind under their wings.” - Ken Sande Reflection Questions: Who is one of the most encouraging persons you know? What is it that makes him or her so pleasant to be around? What qualities can you imitate to encourage the people you meet in the days ahead? Why are many people in need of special encouragement during the holidays? How could God use you to bless them? How can you turn a casual conversation into an opportunity to talk about the real meaning of Christmas? Memorize the SERVE principle and practice it in every social setting. You'll be surprised how quickly it becomes a relationship-building habit. Let's all SERVE!!

What to do with that pain and hurt?

One of my New Year's goals for 2013 was to do research on relationships.  I have been blind sided and left battered and bruised emotionally by some of mine.  And I don't like that!

My first response was to run and hide but I read this quote-

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” 
― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Now I was in a quandary because I didn't want to end up like that but I sure didn't like the pain.

Then I saw this.. "Do you know what hurts so very much?  It's love.  Love is the strongest force in the world and when it is blocked that means pain.  There are two things we can do when this happens.  We can kill that love so that it stops hurting.  But then of course part of us dies too.  Or we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel"-  Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place

And this... "If our love depends on how the other person loves us, then we have a business deal, not love"- Paul Miller

My friend, Liz, quoted one of my favorite books- I don't remember which one and neither does she- "Don't let your hopes become your expectations."

Relationships are something bigger  is an article by Paul David Tripp.  Please read the whole article.  

Here is one paragraph-  

What's the point of the story? It surely isn't meant to highlight my character! I struggled to do what was right every day of those seemingly unending months. No, what the story points out is that in the messiness of our relationships, there's always something bigger going on. Our relationships are never just about us. They're never just about our plans, our purposes, and our happiness. They're never just about who we want to be around and what we'd like to offer or receive from those relationships. There’s always something bigger going on because there's a God who is sovereign. He puts us right where he wants us and he never gets a wrong address! In our relationships he takes us where we don't want to go in order to produce in us and others what we couldn't achieve on our own.

I realized that I serve a God that is bigger than my hurt.  That was so freeing.  

Now one of my goals for 2014 is to envelope myself in the love of God. I plan to memorize John 17 and Ephesians 3.  I plan to take my hurt to the cross and know that my story is being written by the Author of Life.  He is in charge of my storyline and in the end, I win!!!  I'll be with Him!

Camp Gpapa, Bubbles and Fairest

Last Friday I dropped John and Marisa off at the airport for their trip to St Louis.  It was Marisa's first flight.  The landings weren't her favorite but she enjoyed the flights overall.

That was also the first day of Camp GBF- Gpapa, Bubbles and Fairest.  We were honored to have the privilege to take care of Mr Wonderful!!  We all had a blast.  He is 19 months old which is a fun, fun age.  He loves outdoors.  We tried to get out for several hours every day.

He loved having Fairest play cars with him.

More outside time.  This time we have Gpapa.  Mr W loved the sound of the rake on the driveway.  He would laugh out loud. Here he has a digger that he would try to capture a leaf on and move to a different location.

Gel gems were a great invention.  He spend lots of time at this window getting the perfect arrangement.

Reading was high on his list of activities.  He is a vehicle man.  He has several books with lot of pictures of all kinds of vehicles.  He loves to stand by you as you read to him.

Peppa the Pig is my new love.  If you don't know who Peppa the Pig (snort) is please go to youtube now and watch a clip.  I spoke with a British accent for many hours.

Mr W loves to eat.  What a great gift that was.

Gpapa had meetings pop up on Monday so he couldn't stay the whole day with us but he came home between them.  Below W is telling you that Gpapa is putting on his shoes so they can go to the park.

There go two of my favorite fellows.  W is talking the whole time.

Often he wanted me to sit in his room while he played.  This is one of his favorite toys.

John and Marisa were gone for 4 days.  At the end of the 4 days my bed was so welcoming.

How quickly do you forget all the tricks you learn as a mama?!?  How did I ever get anything done??  I forgot how dry your hands get from washing them so often.  I forgot how sweet and special is a warm baby straight from the bed.  I was thankful for the time that I could sit during naps.  Whoever coined the term 'babysitting' was not talking about any children I know!!!!

If you are a young mother and a friend of mine, I have prayed for your strength.  I forgot how exhausting this job is.    Please know the days are long but the years are so short.  Don't give up because sooner than you think, you may have the joy of taking care of your grandchild.  What a treat!  What a slice of heaven!  Thank you John and Marisa!

LindaG, WWI and soccer!

 On this Veterans Day I would like to recommend to you all to go to the World War I museum in Kansas City, MO.  It is outstanding and would rank in the top 5 of museums we have seen ever.  It sparked an interest in WWI and I am gathering my TBR list on this subject.

Above is my dear friend, LindaG.  We have been friends for 34 years.  Our husbands worked together that many years ago when we both lived in St Louis.  Andrew wanted to go with us to a soccer game in KC in October.  Carl and Andrew made that happen.  I texted Linda, who lives in the area, and she was able to spend part of the day with us.

We started our day at the WWI museum.

 Lots of poppies!  Inside the museum you can listen to poems written during the Great War. In Flanders Fields was written by Lieut-Col John McCrae as he looked out and saw the poppies on the battlefield.  One docent said that they believe that a chemical from the ammunition provided fertilizer and the poppies grew as a result of that.  Andrew recently read an article that said that the European soccer teams will wear a single poppy on their uniforms in honor of today.

 One of my favorite exhibits was a HUGE timeline of the war.  The war started in 1914 but the US did not enter until 1917.  The timeline gave month by month info on the war and at the bottom it told what was going on in the US at that time too.

 Here we are at the soccer stadium in KC, Kansas.

 We had great seats.  We were on the second row at midfield.  It was very patriotic, lots of red, white and blue.

 A man about 5 folks down from us was hit with a soccer ball!

 I don't know much about soccer but all those around me including Andrew knew all the names of the US players and were cheering them on by name.  The man in front of us turned around when the game started and got on to me for sitting down during the game.  I smiled and told him that my son wanted me at this game and I was here for him and that was my goal for the game.  The man and his wife sat for most of the game so I could see.  They were to first to high five Andrew when USA scored.

 USA beat Jamaica 2-0.  The young man who scored the first goal was from Kansas City.  When he scored...THE CROWD WENT WILD.  There were 18,000 folks at this game which is small compared to the American football games that have 80,000.  The crowd was electric.  So much fun!  Thank you Andrew and Carl!

 We went back to the museum on Saturday morning.

My grandfather was stationed in Paris when Sergeant York brought the German POWs there.  If you don't know who Sergeant York is and haven't seen the movie Sergeant York stop reading this and go rent it.  Great movie.  Sergeant York was on the set when the movie was made. You will be encouraged.  You are welcome!

 Carl and Andrew went to the top of the monument. Carl took this picture of me. That's me sitting on the bench.

 What a great trip with these two guys.

The reason Veteran's Day is celebrated today is this is the anniversary of the end of WWI.  The treaty was signed on 11/11/1918 at the 11 hour.  At the 11 hour today, a wreath will be placed on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Remember go watch Sergeant York!

A Day of Thanksgiving!

 A few weeks ago I decided that I needed, wanted, Had To Have turkey and the fixings before November 28th.  Sweet Carl had me pick a day and then he cook a turkey breast in the oven and we cooked the rest.  He will crank up the Big Green Egg for the 28th.  Kaitlin, Beth and Taylor helped with the potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing, green bean casserole, bread and the beverages.  I made pecan pie and pumpkin dump cake the day before.  What a feast!!! John, Marisa, Atticus, Kaelyn and Noelle joined us about 3 and Kelsey came after work.  Kelsey, I am sorry we didn't get you in a picture!!!!  Next time!

 Beth is in her last year of PT school.  Carl missed a step at work and twisted his ankle.  Beth checked out his ankle. In the picture above she is evaluating Robert's shoulder pain.  What a handy addition to our family.  Plus Beth loves to laugh so she fits right in with the Funroes!

The camera, a tripod and the timer!  First somewhat normal

 Then the craziness for the left side of the picture

 Beth told us to put our hands under our chins- do you see Beth doing it?????

 Now you see Beth doing it!!!!  Even Robert!

 The rest of our group sans Kelsey

 I never had a child lay on their tummy and look at toys like Mr Wonderful does.  Curiouser and Curiouser.

 How do you get to know your grandson?  You get on his level and play.  What a great Gpapa!

 Atticus loves the holding of the hands as we say the Blessing.  This day he could not be parted from his vehicles but he willingly held up his arms.  I caught a picture of him looking up at Gpapa as he prayed.  Here is this blest fellow standing between the two men he loves the most, his daddy and his Gpapa.

On Sunday morning for breakfast I had my first, of the season, turkey sandwich with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce.  Yum!!!

I am thankful for good food, friends, family, and a day spent together.

A fun evening with friends!

 Recently Carl and I were able to go to P. Allen Smith's house in Roland with our good friends, Terry and Sandy.  Sandy is the only one in our group who had ever been here.  She was here in the spring and saw the daffodils in bloom.  We all enjoyed the fall color and decorations.  Above is Allen's house. We got to tour it.  

 Sandy and Terry in the Pumpkin house.

 We were encourage to wear all black.

 We got masks!

 A pumpkin tree!

 Below is the Sister Oak.

 This is the view out of Allen's kitchen window.  Breathtaking!  The water you see is the Arkansas River.

 We took a hay ride around the farm.  Below is a picture of Allen's brother's house.  It was written up in Southern Living.

 Allen has chickens and turkeys

 Allen's house with the sister oak

 The brown building below is the show barn.  We had supper there.

 We had some interesting guests join us too.

 Supper in the show barn.  The Chef was from Local Lime, Big Orange and Zaza's.  The food was yummy!

 The house and the tree lit up.

We had a great evening.  It was chilly and rainy but we laughed the night away with Terry and Sandy as we enjoyed the beauty all around us!