Monday, May 9, 2011
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is always a bitter sweet day for me. I am so thankful for the fourty years that I got to spend on earth with my mom. Let me tell you a little about her. She was a very unassuming lady. She was a self-made woman. She worked from the time she was 13 years old, put herself through college. Many people comment about the lack of money they had growing up, but she truely had nothing, thus the reason she begain working a job at 13 years old. She almost graduated from college, but I was the reason she never finished. (She was only one class away from graduating, as I understand) She never wore make-up. She was not concerned about her outward appearance. She taught me the importance of being beautiful on the inside. She worked tirelessly, when we were growing up to make ends meet. She had the capability to make a penny seem like two. She rebated and couponed like no other. She could have wrote the book on living frugally. She was the youngest of 8 children. (one sibling died at a young age) She lost both her mom and dad when she was in her late twenties. She went to work full-time outside the home when it wasn't popular to do so. She loved Christmas and listened to Christmas music year round. She was truely tone deaf, unfortunaely she loved to sing. She loved to hear me sing "special music" when I was visiting. (Something I should have done more of) She was a pack rat. I get it honestly. She was a terrible cook when my parents married. She learned to cook, but more importantly, she learned to bake. She passed on her cookie baking abilities to me, which many people are thankful for, including my family and friends. She loved her grandchildren. Mine are the only grandchildren she had. She was not outgoing, but cared for the people that God brought into her life. She taught Sunday School.She taught VBS and did the crafts for VBS for many years. We make some really cool homemade crafts for VBS. Mostly, she loved her God and her family. Those are just a few things about my mom. I miss her. I am so thankful I will see her again in heaven. Love you Mom!
Monday, May 2, 2011
It's all about doing what is right
I only share this story to encourage all to do what is right, even when it seems like a small thing and could be easily dismissed. So here is my story:
On Saturday, Andy ran his first half marathon in Mt. Clemens Let's Move race. Gabby and I went to watch him start and then patiently wait for him to finish. It was a brisk, windy day. We saw the group start the half marathon and decided we would go to the finish line and wait. Once there, we got to see all the 5K runners finish and many of the walkers finish. It was a lot of fun to watch people come across the finish line. We still had another 45-60 minutes before we were expecting Andy to cross the finish line. Gabby had wanted a snack and I thought it would be nice to get out of the wind and warm up a bit. We went in a little Coney Island Restaurant and ordered something to drink and Gabby got some ice cream. (Yes, I win mother of the year for letting my 10 year old eat ice cream at ten o'clock in the morning.) We finished and went to pay for our order. I then saw the sign that said they only took cash and no credit cards. I got a little flustered because I wasn't sure I had enough cash on me. I actually had to dig out of the bottom of my purse a couple dollars to cover the bill that was a little over five dollars. I paid the bill and went on my merry way. We got to see Andy finish in under 2 hours. He was very pleased with his time.
Sunday morning while I was getting ready for church, I realized I forgot to leave a tip for the waitress on Saturday. I have never stiffed a waitress in my life. I was horrified. God really began to speak to me that I should fix the situation and return to the diner to try and find my waitress and give her the tip I forgot to leave on Saturday. It seemed like such a silly thing, the tip would have amounted to a mere dollar. Really, should I go back for just a dollar. Yes, for sure. I had to make this right. To make matters worse, I had worn my two word story hoodie on Saturday. What kind of witness had I left with the waitress or had she even noticed. It didn't matter if she noticed, it was time to do the right thing.
Monday afternoon, I was able to go back to the diner and find the waitress and give her the tip I had forgotten. I would love to tell you I was able to witness to her and tell her the plan of salvation right there and then, but this did not happen. I explained what had happened and told her about God prompting me to return to give the tip. She said thank you and told me I didn't have to do it. I told her I did. She said thank you and I left. I don't know if it makes a difference in her life or not, but sometimes it isn't about that only. It is about remaining faithful to the prompts of God, even when it seems like such a silly thing.
On Saturday, Andy ran his first half marathon in Mt. Clemens Let's Move race. Gabby and I went to watch him start and then patiently wait for him to finish. It was a brisk, windy day. We saw the group start the half marathon and decided we would go to the finish line and wait. Once there, we got to see all the 5K runners finish and many of the walkers finish. It was a lot of fun to watch people come across the finish line. We still had another 45-60 minutes before we were expecting Andy to cross the finish line. Gabby had wanted a snack and I thought it would be nice to get out of the wind and warm up a bit. We went in a little Coney Island Restaurant and ordered something to drink and Gabby got some ice cream. (Yes, I win mother of the year for letting my 10 year old eat ice cream at ten o'clock in the morning.) We finished and went to pay for our order. I then saw the sign that said they only took cash and no credit cards. I got a little flustered because I wasn't sure I had enough cash on me. I actually had to dig out of the bottom of my purse a couple dollars to cover the bill that was a little over five dollars. I paid the bill and went on my merry way. We got to see Andy finish in under 2 hours. He was very pleased with his time.
Sunday morning while I was getting ready for church, I realized I forgot to leave a tip for the waitress on Saturday. I have never stiffed a waitress in my life. I was horrified. God really began to speak to me that I should fix the situation and return to the diner to try and find my waitress and give her the tip I forgot to leave on Saturday. It seemed like such a silly thing, the tip would have amounted to a mere dollar. Really, should I go back for just a dollar. Yes, for sure. I had to make this right. To make matters worse, I had worn my two word story hoodie on Saturday. What kind of witness had I left with the waitress or had she even noticed. It didn't matter if she noticed, it was time to do the right thing.
Monday afternoon, I was able to go back to the diner and find the waitress and give her the tip I had forgotten. I would love to tell you I was able to witness to her and tell her the plan of salvation right there and then, but this did not happen. I explained what had happened and told her about God prompting me to return to give the tip. She said thank you and told me I didn't have to do it. I told her I did. She said thank you and I left. I don't know if it makes a difference in her life or not, but sometimes it isn't about that only. It is about remaining faithful to the prompts of God, even when it seems like such a silly thing.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Uncle!!!!!!!!
This is how my body is feeling with this weather. I am one that likes all four seasons, but this is getting a little rediculous. I am so done with cold weather. I want to see my roses start to bloom. I want to see my little piggy toes peeking out from my sandles. My skin desperately needs some color. It needs to be warmer for me to get out and run. (I am a fair weather runner.) I want to go to Erma's without freezing my hinny off. I'm crying uncle on the weather!
If I ask nice, will it get warmer. Pretty please...pretty please with sugar on top!!!!
If I ask nice, will it get warmer. Pretty please...pretty please with sugar on top!!!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
A sign of Spring
Okay, I am even over this cold weather! I do enjoy the snow, but I have enough! I am supposed to be training for a 5K race I am planning on running at the end of this month, but I can't seem to get my body out into the cold. My tolerance cold weather running temperature is about 38-40 degrees. Anything less than that and I have a hard time breathing. I have been out a couple of time in the past couple weeks, but not consistantly like I need to be to be able to do the race. So hopefully soon.
The other reason I run is so I can enjoy my favorite summer tradition: ERMA's Custard!!!!! I have been counting down for a while now and it is only a few days away. Just another sign of spring, Erma's is open again for business on April 1st! Just a few more days! We are usually there most every Sunday night, so I hope to see you all there!
The other reason I run is so I can enjoy my favorite summer tradition: ERMA's Custard!!!!! I have been counting down for a while now and it is only a few days away. Just another sign of spring, Erma's is open again for business on April 1st! Just a few more days! We are usually there most every Sunday night, so I hope to see you all there!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Isaiah 43
But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine! 2"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. 3"For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place. 4"Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. 5"Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, And gather you from the west. 6"I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
And to the south, 'Do not hold them back ' Bring My sons from afar And My daughters from the ends of the earth, 7Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."
8Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes,
And the deaf, even though they have ears. 9All the nations have gathered together
So that the peoples may be assembled Who among them can declare this
And proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses that they may be justified, Or let them hear and say, "It is true." 10"You are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me
And understand that I am He Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. 11"I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no savior besides Me. 12"It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, And there was no strange god among you; So you are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And I am God. 13"Even from eternity I am He, And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?"
16Thus says the LORD, Who makes a way through the sea And a path through the mighty waters, 17Who brings forth the chariot and the horse, The army and the mighty man (They will lie down together and not rise again; They have been quenched and extinguished like a wick): 18"Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. 19"Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. 20"The beasts of the field will glorify Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My chosen people. 21"The people whom I formed for Myself Will declare My praise.
25"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins. 26"Put Me in remembrance, let us argue our case together; State your cause, that you may be proved right.
I posted this scripture in October 2008. I needed to hear this again this morning. I hope it speaks to you and ministers to your soul! God love you!
And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine! 2"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. 3"For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place. 4"Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. 5"Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, And gather you from the west. 6"I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
And to the south, 'Do not hold them back ' Bring My sons from afar And My daughters from the ends of the earth, 7Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."
8Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes,
And the deaf, even though they have ears. 9All the nations have gathered together
So that the peoples may be assembled Who among them can declare this
And proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses that they may be justified, Or let them hear and say, "It is true." 10"You are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me
And understand that I am He Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. 11"I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no savior besides Me. 12"It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, And there was no strange god among you; So you are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And I am God. 13"Even from eternity I am He, And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?"
16Thus says the LORD, Who makes a way through the sea And a path through the mighty waters, 17Who brings forth the chariot and the horse, The army and the mighty man (They will lie down together and not rise again; They have been quenched and extinguished like a wick): 18"Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. 19"Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. 20"The beasts of the field will glorify Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My chosen people. 21"The people whom I formed for Myself Will declare My praise.
25"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins. 26"Put Me in remembrance, let us argue our case together; State your cause, that you may be proved right.
I posted this scripture in October 2008. I needed to hear this again this morning. I hope it speaks to you and ministers to your soul! God love you!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A Song to share
I wanted to share a song that I have been hearing on KLOVE for the past couple days. It is written and sung by Laura Story and is the title track for her new cd coming out on April 12th. This song has really ministered to my heart and I hope it ministers to your also. You can listen to the song on her website:
http://www.laurastorymusic.com/
Here are the lyrics:
Blessings by Laura Story
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
But long we'd have the faith to believe
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise
http://www.laurastorymusic.com/
Here are the lyrics:
Blessings by Laura Story
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
But long we'd have the faith to believe
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My visit to the Vampire
I have a love/hate relationship with my Vampire, more commonly known as my Oncologist. Sometimes even admiting I have an Oncologist is a little unnerving. It is a club I didn't want to belong to. But every three to four months, I get to see him. He would remind you of your grandfather. He is an older gentleman, very kind. It has now become my new norm. I used to pass out just thinking of someone taking blood from me, but now it is a regular routine. The appointment usually last only about 10 minutes, but within 10 minutes, my world could change drastically. It could go from one of normalacy to one of chaos. It tests all that I believe in and all that I hold dear.
When I was first diagnosed with colon cancer, it was very surreal. Everything happened quickly. Tests, more tests, waiting, scheduled surgery and more waiting. During that time, I had to come to grips with whether or not I really believed God. Oh I definitely believe in Him, but did I believe Him? Did I believe that if the worst case happened would everything be alright? If I die before I thought I should, would my girls be okay? It was a matter of trust for me. Trust in a God that has been faithful and continues to be faithful through some pretty difficult things at times. It was a matter of pride at times. Pride that said that God couldn't really take care of my children like I could. Most would just write that feeling of as being a good mom. I couldn't. I had to search deep down, uncover some deep insecurities and let God take control.
So every time I go to see my Vampire it is a reminder of the surrender that had to happen in my life to really Believe God and not just believe in Him.
When I was first diagnosed with colon cancer, it was very surreal. Everything happened quickly. Tests, more tests, waiting, scheduled surgery and more waiting. During that time, I had to come to grips with whether or not I really believed God. Oh I definitely believe in Him, but did I believe Him? Did I believe that if the worst case happened would everything be alright? If I die before I thought I should, would my girls be okay? It was a matter of trust for me. Trust in a God that has been faithful and continues to be faithful through some pretty difficult things at times. It was a matter of pride at times. Pride that said that God couldn't really take care of my children like I could. Most would just write that feeling of as being a good mom. I couldn't. I had to search deep down, uncover some deep insecurities and let God take control.
So every time I go to see my Vampire it is a reminder of the surrender that had to happen in my life to really Believe God and not just believe in Him.
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