my day off

These have been a remarkable few days.

From the certainty of my dad's passing, even medical professionals certain of it - to a family birthday party just a week later with dad comfortable in his own home....what a week it has been!

Dad is still very fragile - and exhausted easily - but very comfortable and for that I am more thankful then I can possibly say!  And because he's doing better right now, we headed over tonight.

We celebrated our daughter Jocelyn's birthday.

Every time another year passes I love her more.  I am SO thankful for the ability to live close by and to have such a close relationship with her.  She inspires me each time we talk and challenges me to be better and to consider new things.

She wanted to be with her grandpa tonight for her birthday, and I am praising the Lord for that opportunity!  She loves him.

It's been a roller coaster ride the past week and a half - but it was a special birthday evening for her.  An evening none of us took for granted - an evening although extremely simple - we won't soon forget!

I thought I was too tired

I haven't slept well this week - no idea why, so I'm tired today.  I kind of camped out in my office working on coming events and kept to myself mostly.

However, when you have a son having a birthday you buy cupcakes and embarrass him in front of the Student Ministry Worship team.  So I had a duty to perform...you know, mom's perfect timing.

And it was really worth it - got him good!

And then something else happened....

I saw the future stand before me on the Crossroads stage.

And behind me on the lighting board and on the sound board.

And behind the wall running all the video detail.

I became overwhelmed with the Lord's provision - His children, the future had become the present.

A multi-generational church is a blessed, healthy, growing church.  20 years have passed as if vapor and here we are preparing for another service with an auditorium full of young hope, young trust and new young leaders...so overwhelming...

I can't wait for the weekend, I think everyone involved is under 30, (ok maybe not Dan, Arnie and I), but you get the idea!!

Can't wait for Student Takeover weekend!

The amazing brothers Stuckey

Nick and Austin

Beautiful Daughters of the King above
and below!

My precious friend Dan with his darling granddaughter right behind him!
Generations worshipping the Lord!

They are precious in His sight!

And in mine!!  Feeling very blessed to be part of this!

no room in my mind

I have not even given my blog a moments thought I've been so busy!  I've had no room in my mind to think and write - my mind has also been full of thankfulness.  So tonight I was determined to carve out a little time!!

I've had time the last few days to hang out with friends

and family and I have thoroughly enjoyed them both.  One of the things that was especially great was my mom's birthday shopping trip to Columbus!

My dad, book in hand decided to ride along, " just to be with mom he said."

We came sneaking up on him once in the mall to see him snoring away - after snapping a picture we left him in peace for a stop at one more store before lunch.

My parents have been married for 56 years.  I am thankful for every one of them.  And I take none of those years for granted.

I was telling my sister how blessed we have been to grow up in a quiet, peaceful, strife free home.  Even in adult-hood there are no fights or mean exchanges, ever.    It doesn't mean we're perfect but it means that my parents let the Lord that they love affect their daily lives.  They live it all the time.

As we celebrated my mom's birthday, I thanked the Lord for her, over and over that day.  She is the perfect wife and mother and cares deeply about the things of the Lord.  She deserved to be celebrated!

Our shopping wound down as we found a great pet store and I just HAD to buy Vern

his winter coat which he modeled when I got home.

Yes, I've been busy - but I built memories in the busyness and am thankful tonight to finally express my praise to my Lord!!

network down

Road Trip!

When we left this Sunday after the services, we left our computers behind.  There was work to be down on our network and all sorts of upgrading I guess.  What did that mean to all of us?  We really did have to take a couple days off!  Horrifying!

Fortunately for me it was my birthday so my hubby took me out of town for a day and I rather enjoyed not being attached to work or anything else computer/internet related!

But, as of now - the last few adjustments have been made and we are back up and running!  Our guys are great!

While 'down' I asked myself why I miss it when I don't write?  Can't what I have to say wait?

Of course it can wait, however, when my mind becomes fulls of words I become frustrated if I cannot put them on paper, or on screen or just plain out of my head!

In regard to my writing, I never dreamed that anyone would read more than once, I never planned for it to cross over years and continue, I thought it was perhaps just therapeutic for me.  And it is!

All that to say, I thought I would summarize the past couple of days I missed writing about and move on to gathering information, ideas and experiences to discuss for tomorrow!

My Day Off:  Monday
My hubby had hoped to take me away over-night but a gentleman passed away that specifically asked for him to do his funeral.  There was no way we could say no!

We then worked on flower beds after the funeral duties were complete - just raking and preparing no planting yet
.

We picked up dinner and sat and watched TV for a little while before colapsing!

What I Learned:  (my typical Tuesday writing)
I learned that birthdays CAN still be fun!

My hubby took me on a car ride to several small towns that had fun shopping and dining and we just drove slowly and talked and ate and bought a couple things.

We returned in the evening after having a great day together!

So that catches you up.  The computer is back and I'll try to start writing again daily.

AND, thanks for reading have a blessed evening!

my day off

I loved my day off.

First half of the day was quiet...at home reading and working on a couple of things in preparation for the work week - but at a slow easy pace.  A pace that achieved what needed to be done without any stress or hurry.  With puppy asleep in the sun and hubby nearby also catching up on his computer.  No music, no TV just silent sun beams through windows and an occasionally faint typing sound.

Then the second half of our day - I drove my parents to Columbus to see my sister and brother-in-law's amazing new church www.northwestchapel.org and to celebrate my sisters birthday!

We walked through their new ministry and celebrated how God miraculously moved them there!  It is SO obvious it's right where they belong.  And then we laughed and talked over food and gifts.

The simple joy of being together as a family is something I will never take for granted, and it is my favorite way to spend a day off.

Days off should all be just like today was (:

I love my mom

Today was my mom's birthday so we surprised her at a restaurant, at least I think we surprised her...my dad tells sometimes! ha ha

I am so thankful for my mom. When I think back to childhood the words that come to mind are consistent, hard working, dependable, loving and most of all an authentic follower of Jesus Christ.

I never for one moment doubted that she had a personal relationship with Christ. Seriously - she wasn't perfect of course, but, never did her faith waiver, never did I think she was disingenuous or dishonest in her walk. She truly has always 'practiced what she preached' - and we all understood what it meant to know the Lord just by watching her live each day.

I have seen many parents struggle to pass their faith on to their kids. In most cases the parents know the right things to say, but don't live as if Christ affects their everyday decisions and choices. It's impossible in most cases to teach anything you don't demonstrate with your life.

This was not the case with my mom. She didn't constantly talk at us, she just walked in front of us...and we still follow.

Have a blessed birthday to my dear mom!! I love you!

21

Come rain, snow, sleet or ice we are going to celebrate our son's 21st birthday today!!! Tune in later today or tomorrow for all the pictures and fun!

I have no idea when he got this old, but, we couldn't be more proud of him and I can't wait for the celebration to begin!

You all have an amazing day!

my day off comes to an end

We returned safely just a short time ago from our annual "Mom Birthday Trip". We had lots of laughs and looked at about 30 stores, but only bought a few things.

My siblings and I agreed many years ago to see how creative we could be while only spending $5.00 on one another. Today my sister and I basically just picked out what we wanted from each other for Christmas, so one gift done!

I love my family! It is such a blessing to spend time together and enjoy one another so much! God was so amazing when he gave me my family!! Happy Birthday Mom!

my day off begins

My sister, my mom and I are on our annual birthday trek in celebration of my mom's birthday! We have gone many different directions over the years, but this year takes us to Indiana. We began our journey yesterday afternoon after church. And the laughs started immediately. My sister and I tend to talk loudly in very high tones when together. My mom just shakes her head in disbelief and laughs continuously!

We decided to have this trip begin with a visit to Indiana Wesleyan University to see my kids dorms. The kids called several times to follow our progress. Progress impeded by a late start, drive thru dining and rest stops after too much coffee.

Ok, so the main reason to stop at the campus was just to see my kids as well as their spouses. A name we have given their girlfriend and boyfriend unknown to them.


We are getting ready to begin birthday and Christmas shopping with a new Casting Crowns Christmas CD to preview to get us in the mood. We will collect pictures as we go and report back at the end of the day. Stay tuned for my day off Pt. #2!