On My Mind

2011-02-14T16:02:00.000-06:00

Life has been a little tough in our world lately. This past Thursday was particularly rough and I was having a hard time getting to sleep. Growing up, my mom taught me to sing when I couldn't sleep. "Jesus Loves Me" has always been on the list, as it was this night. But another song came to mind, one of my favorite "old" songs, "Be with Me, Lord". It gave me peace and I finally fell asleep.

Yesterday, as the invitation was going on, Terry stopped and hugged Doug, telling him that he didn't know what was going on, but knew something was going on because of the look in his eyes. I was so touched by the exchange between Terry and Doug. As our friends surrounded us, the praise team started singing...."Be with Me, Lord". We NEVER sing that song! I just started bawling, KNOWING this was God telling me: "I heard you. I always hear you. And I'm right here." Our God is so personal! I felt more loved by God in that moment than I can even express! God is GOOD....ALL the time!

Where were you when...???

2010-04-19T21:29:00.002-05:00

I remember that day like it was yesterday. Today marks the 15th anniversary of the OKC bombing. I was working at DHS, about 5 miles or so from the Murrah Building. Our desks were in the hall because they were putting new carpet in our work area. I remember feeling this movement and thinking it must be the machine they were using to smooth the floor before putting the carpet in. I looked up at the clock before going down to see a client: it was 9:02am.

When I went to reception, someone said there had been a bomb at the Federal Building downtown. I didn't think much of it because working for the government, bomb threats weren't exactly uncommon. I had no idea....

As the reports started coming in, there was a call for blood donors. This is one part of the day that I don't remember: I went to the Oklahoma Blood Institute with two girls I worked with but I cannot remember who. We got there and the line was around the block! There were people and emergency vehicles everywhere. We stood in line for about 45 minutes when they finally said they were only taking those with O- blood; only one of us had O neg blood so the other girl and I waited for her and then went back to our office. The building had been evacuated because of further threats. The only one there was a security guard. He told us to get our stuff and get out, if we weren't back in 5 minutes, he was coming after us. I ran up the stairs to my desk, grabbed my stuff and ran all the way to my car. I drove about 75 mph all the way to Edmond. I stopped to see my friend Donna before going home. When I got to her office, she just hugged me because she wasn't sure where my office was compared to the Murrah Building. It wasn't until then that I saw what had happened. It was unbelievable! It still is, 15 years later.

I couldn't stop watching. That night, I was to fly to NYC to meet my sister. It was so surreal to be in NYC watching the news and seeing YOUR town.

When I got home, I found out that I was going to be working at the Recovery Service Center for bombing victims with FEMA. I had done this before after a flood in 1993, so I thought it would be similar. We had no contact with the people we were helping. This wasn't the case this time. People came into the Recovery Service Center and we talked to them. When I first found out, I was scared to death! What would I say to these people? It was the most amazing experience I have ever had. It was so healing to talk to people, to listen, to hug them. It truly was a blessing.

I'll never forget that day.......

2010-02-24T15:50:00.002-06:00

I was supposed to have lunch with a friend today but it got canceled when her kiddoes got sick. I met Doug at our favorite place, Qdoba. :o) He told me that B was going to join us. He is getting a new apartment, so was telling us all about it. It was a very fun lunch! So I'm driving down Memorial on my way to Target and my phone rings. It's B. He says he doesn't know what I have going this afternoon, but would I mind meeting him before 4 to see the apartment, he really wants me to see it. :o) I said what about now? I am two cars behind you. So we met at the new place and the lady took us to see it. It's very nice, much brighter and more open than his current place. As I drove on to Target, my eyes filled with tears at the sweet day God gave me. He's so good!!!

2010-01-05T16:43:00.002-06:00

Well, here we are at the beginning of another new year. When you were a kid, did you ever think 2010 would really come?! WOW!

As I look back on 2009, there were some definite highs: we went on some fun trips, we celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary, a fun "new" Brandon appeared as he moved into his own apartment, wonderful new friendships.

As I anticipate 2010, I know there will be many blessings~that's just how God works! And I would venture to guess there will be some heartbreaks too.

I guess it's natural to think about "resolutions" this time of year. Most of mine are the usual: eat healthier, exercise more...But one tops the list this year and should have topped it EVERY year! I want to know God better. I have felt kind of like I am wandering lately. I want to spend more time with Him, to look for Him in the every day, to be more aware of Him.

"Do this Lord....or something better!"

2009-06-16T15:34:00.002-05:00

Last Wednesday night we watched Rob Bell's video "Names". He talked about the names we call ourselves and the name God calls us. After the video, Jason had us right the names we call ourselves on T-shirts on a piece of paper and then the name God wants us to wear on the back. I left the back blank. Now almost a week later, it's still blank, but I have not stopped thinking about it. What does God want of me? Am I who He wants me to be? Am I who I want to be??

2009-06-13T09:55:00.002-05:00

WOW! I can't believe how long it's been since I have blogged! It's not for lack of things to blog about, really, as much as things that shouldn't be blogged about. :D

I should be in Honduras right now with a group of friends from church. I am keeping up with what they are doing via a blog and pictures. I have cried every time I look at it. You see, I chickened out of going. I guess it's always easy to say, "Oh man! I should have gone!" once everyone is there and it's too late. I wonder why I am so afraid? If I would just DO things, I think I would realize my fears are mostly unfounded.

Anyway, I am so proud of my friends and what they are doing! Check it out:

http://web.me.com/eric.connell/Tulsa_Torch_Trip_2009/

2009-02-23T16:20:00.002-06:00

It's been an emotional 10 days or so. My DEAR friends, Ron and Nan Deal lost their 12 year old son, Connor last Tuesday. It was only 15 days ago that they took him to the doctor with a cough and now he's gone. It's hard to understand why. I guess we will probably never know that answer. I was blessed to be able to travel to Amarillo over the weekend to attend Connor's funeral. It was the saddest, yet coolest funeral I have ever been to! Connor lived quite a life in his short 12 years here on earth. What a testimony to the God he loved so much!

Please continue to remember Ron and Nan and their other two boys, Braden and Brennan in prayer. And give your kiddoes an extra hug and kiss tonight.

2009-01-09T09:31:00.002-06:00

I've been thinking about New Year's resolutions. I know, it's the 9th day of the year already, but I think I may still be in vacation mode! :D

Anyway, one that came to mind last night was this: I am going to really work on not saying "Oh my gosh". I've noticed recently that the "bad" language that bothers me most is when people use God's name. It has made me notice more how I use a form of that. It's something I have always struggled with; I remember my parents getting onto me about it when I was a kid. So that is one thing I am going to work on this new year. I am putting it in writing, asking those of you who read and spend time with me to hold me accountable. :D

Other resolutions:

1) The usual eat better and exercise more

2) work on my relationship w/B

3) Spend more time with God

4) Be a better wife/friend

2009-01-06T17:28:00.003-06:00

We were extremely blessed to be able to spend Christmas in Hawaii with some dear friends. It was a fun, yet sometimes difficult week.

I miss being there. I miss my friends, old and new. I miss having on shorts and flip flops. I miss walking on the beach. I miss the sound of the ocean.

Ahhh...Forgiveness!

2008-10-28T09:28:00.002-05:00

Things at our house have been fairly un-fun lately.

But Sunday morning at Memorial was incredible! I know I will not be able to do it justice; you really had to be there! Long story short: Terry and Craig preached together. Craig was the youth minister at Memorial years ago and was fired. Obviously, that is not a fun situation for either side. To Craig's credit AND Memorial's, Craig came back to Memorial a few years later. He is now on staff again. Craig and Terry started out on opposite sides of the stage Sunday morning, each telling the story of the firing, the coming back, the on staff again. But the underlying theme was forgiveness. The more Craig talked, the more convicted I became. He spoke of festering in his anger toward Terry and the elders. Boy, that was me! I had been living in anger toward B and wallowing in it! He spoke of forgetting what is behind and striving toward what is ahead and thinking on such things that are pure, lovely, etc. As the invitation was offered, I told Doug I had to go. We walked up together. I had no idea that HE was responding too! So we confessed and apologized and the burden was lifted immediately! It's already changed how we deal with B together. :D

So after church, I was talking to a friend about past hurts and not being able to forgive. I was reminded of my time in Virginia and the hurt and anger I felt toward someone there that I felt had wronged me. It's been 20 years!!! So I sent him a message telling him of my anger over all these years but that I didn't want to live in that any longer. (By the way, it wasn't anger I was living in daily, reliving what had happened, but every time I thought of my time there, the hurt would come up!) Anyway, just typing and sending the message was very freeing. But this morning, I heard back from him. The tears came as I read his apology and regret over what happened all those years ago.

Forgiveness....it's a GOOD thing!!!

2008-10-13T09:56:00.002-05:00

We had another wonderful reunion time in York this weekend! It was Doug's 25th class reunion from York College. It was so great seeing old friends, sharing old memories and making new ones! I have been blessed with many wonderful friends over the years; there is just something extra special about old friends!

2008-09-15T09:32:00.003-05:00

It's my most favorite time of year! When the temperatures cool enough to open the windows....Yesterday and today are the kind of weather I think I could handle year round! Cooler weather just makes me smile! I went for a walk this morning and in the shade got a shiver! :D One thing I need to be more conscious of though, is my husband isn't as fond of cool weather as I am. My motto is I would rather put on another blanket or sweatshirt than close the windows! :D He's a good sport though! Thank you, sweetsie!

2008-08-24T18:50:00.002-05:00

I am so blessed! I don't remind myself of that often enough!

Jason preached this morning; it was so good, as usual! Something he said really hit me in regard to my struggles with B: He was using Ephesians 6:11-14. He was talking about conflicts with people etc. and how the person isn't your enemy.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12)

Then I read this in Josh Graves' blog:

"We only get one brief shot to make a difference in this world. Most of us might not have the opportunity (or burden) to impact the world to the degree of Eli Wiesel. I am certain, however, that with our very words, we can create and heal more worlds than we'd ever thought possible."

How much of a difference will I make when I stop thinking of him as my enemy and start realizing what a healer God could use me to be in his life?

2008-08-14T18:03:00.002-05:00

Being a stepmom is still hard. I keep thinking it's going to get easier, but I'm not sure. There are times when it seems like it's getting easier, and then something happens that just slaps me in the face. The most difficult thing for me is how it hurts my husband. There isn't much I hate more than knowing that I have hurt or am hurting my husband. I think I'M in a no-win situation; he is even more so. Yet the selfish part of me keeps wanting him to see MY side. UGH!

2008-08-12T18:44:00.004-05:00

Well, we are home from our vacation! We had a blast in Detroit volunteering at the PGA Championship! The weather was FABULOUS! We didn't have to work until Thursday, so we spent Monday-Wednesday watching golf. We saw most of our favorite golfers and got some great pictures. We even saw Jim Nantz from CBS on Wednesday! Monday we ran into Doug Ferguson about 5 minutes after we got there. We got to have dinner with him Monday night and then saw him off and on while we worked Thursday-Sunday. It wasn't as busy as last year, but it was still fun! The people we worked with were really nice, especially our committee chairperson. Wednesday night, we met Eric, Natalie and Melaina Magnusson for dinner. Of course, Melaina took right to Doug! :D

We decided that we will do well retired: we loved all the time we got to spend together!

2008-07-17T11:53:00.002-05:00

I know, I know....It's been a while. :D

I have been having SO MUCH FUN finding old friends on Facebook! People I haven't been in contact with for YEARS! I just love it! And one of the most amazing things is that I have been finding people on other people's friend list. And I didn't know Friend A knew Friend B! The world is SO small, especially in the church. I LOVE IT!

2008-06-02T09:43:00.002-05:00

I've been feeling rather blah lately and I don't know why. Things at our house have been busy, but good. We got B graduated. :D It's still hard to believe! It probably won't sink in until fall when he starts college.

I'm really excited about starting our ladies Bible study tonight!

But I am very weary of small group. We met last night to discuss what we wanted from small group. I froze. I didn't say a word. I wanted to, but for some reason, I couldn't. My husband was disappointed in me, which makes me sad. I really feel the need for a break, but I couldn't say it. I have a hard time voicing opinions that I SHOULD voice and a much too easy time voicing opinions that I should keep to myself!

2008-05-07T12:10:00.002-05:00

I am sitting here listening to the rain. It's kind of dark and dreary today, but the grass and trees are so green, it's not all that bad. I started to go out and run around some and then decided I would just come back home. So I have been surfing the Internet and catching up with old friends via Facebook.

We spent a wonderful week in southern California last week. The first three days were chill time for Doug and I; boy, did we need that! It was so much fun to be away and just the two of us! We went to a See's Candies store which was one of the highlights of the trip for me! We put 600 miles on our rental car just driving up down the Pacific Coast Highway. The scenery is beautiful! On Sunday, we got to go to a Dodgers game which was so much fun! It was really hot, but the experience of being at Dodger Stadium was well worth the sweat!

The rest of our week was spent enjoying the 65th Annual Pepperdine Bible Lectures. WOW! We heard some awesome speakers and were challenged to live the Sermon on the Mount. The singing was incredible. I love singing at the top of my lungs and still not being able to hear myself! We saw quite a few friends, old and new.

Next week is graduation and we will celebrate our FIFTH wedding anniversary!! I can hardly believe it! Where did the last five years go?! It has been a fabulous ride!!!

The Lord's Prayer

2008-04-08T16:55:00.002-05:00

This was too cute not to share. Thanks for posting, Tammy!!

2008-04-01T18:33:00.003-05:00

Well, another Tulsa Workshop is in the books. It was wonderful to see old friends and hear great speakers; and the singing....oh the singing! It's my first memory of the Tulsa Workshop, walking into the Pavilion on Thursday night, the singing already started. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! I grew up in relatively small churches, and to experience that many people in one place praising God, struck pure awe in me.

Thursday night this year was another highlight for me. Free Indeed and Jerome Williams were leading worship. They called up Booker Murphy to join them. In 1982, he was the "old black man" leading singing that I loved. I was 18; he's not even old now, so I hate to think how old he probably was back then! (In fact, he was probably about the same age I am now!) The song I always associate with him is "I'll Live in Glory". Imagine the thrill that ran through me when that song popped up on the screen while he was leading!!! It was the best! To top it off, I saw he and his wife on Saturday and got to meet him and tell him this story. It truly was one of the highlights of this year's Workshop for me.

I was able to attend several classes this year, all good. Terry Rush, Dusty Rush, Patrick Mead and Josh Graves, Randy Harris....

I love the Tulsa Workshop!

2008-03-24T09:24:00.002-05:00

Boy is God working overtime this morning with reminders of His presence and that He alone is in control, no matter what I may think to the contrary! :o) I love how God works. From my calendar today that reads: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8 I have not been feeling particularly close to God lately. Oh, I still pray and read my Bible, the things you are "supposed" to do; but I haven't felt Him close to me. All morning long, I keep being drawn back to the calendar; it's like God is saying to ME: Danna, HEY! Just stay close to me and I will ALWAYS be there with you and for you. So then He draws me to read some blogs this morning. Lindsay and then Heather; and I am reminded again, that He's ALWAYS there....I just have to open my eyes.

2008-03-20T20:01:00.002-05:00

Why is it that when you have the TV all to yourself, there isn't one thing to watch except the thing you would be watching if your husband were home?!?!?

2008-03-17T16:39:00.003-05:00

WORKSHOP IS NEXT WEEK!!! I said this out loud to a friend today, and it caught me off guard. Not that I wasn't aware of the dates of this year's Workshop; I just couldn't believe it's NEXT WEEK!!! Workshop is one of my most favorite times of year. I have loved it since the first time I came to Tulsa in 1982, when I was 18 years old. What a privilege to get to be a part of this awesome event, not only as an attendee, but as a member at Memorial and then as co-coordinator for 2005, 2007 and 2008. I've already been dreaming about it, wondering who will be here, what old friends I am going to see. And last night I dreamed that no one showed up. :o(

2008-02-14T10:04:00.002-06:00

VALENTINE'S DAY!! I love it! It's a beautiful day today, although a tad windy. I'll take the wind anyday! After all, I lived in the true windy city, Oklahoma City, for many years!

I am so blessed! I have the greatest husband and friends in the entire universe!!!!

2008-02-11T09:41:00.000-06:00

It's another dreary day. I never thought I would say this, but I am really ready for some warmer weather! And SUNSHINE!!! I don't think I would survive in the Northwest!

I've entered the world of Facebook. I have to say, it sort of makes me feel cool. :o) It's a really good feeling to know that people want to be your friends.

2008-02-05T19:22:00.000-06:00

OK, OK....Since I have been tagged TWICE to do this, I figured I better get at it! And REALLY: Has it been since JULY that I last blogged??????

The Rules: Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.Share 5 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, ORShare the 5 top places on your “want to see or want to see again” list, ORShare 5 things you never pictured being in your future when you were 25 years old.Tag a minimum of 5, maximum of 10 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. The tagees have a choice of which they want to do.

I'm gonna have to go with 5 places I would like to see or see again:

1) Niagra Falls~I am amazed by water falls and cannot even comprehend what this place must be like!

2) Whale watching in Maui~OH MAN! This was one of the most awesome experiences I have ever had! It was amazing....and it was really a God moment for me. Our experiences with God's creation are so....everyday sometimes, that I think we forget His magnificance! These gigantic creatures reminded me how small I am in the scheme of things, but what a GREAT and MIGHTY God loves ME!

3) Alaska~Truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

4) The Holy Lands~I would love to see with my own eyes places I have read about my entire life, places where Jesus walked and talked and loved people.

5) Waynesboro, VA~ I lived here for one year and treasure the friendships and experiences. (Can't say that I treasured the experiences at the time, but looking back, it was good.) It's a beautiful part of the country.

So....I will tag, Theresa, Shane M and Sandy.... :o)

Britains Got Talent - A Star Is Born

2007-07-16T19:04:00.001-05:00

Terry showed this clip yesterday morning in his sermon. I have not stopped thinking about it since. He used it to show how we look to God. How we think we aren't much, but what GOD sees is THIS! It is powerful!!!

2007-07-16T18:40:00.000-05:00

These are some of my dearest friends in OKC. (L to R: Jan, Robin, Denise, Kelly, Sandy and Michelle.) This past weekend was supposed to be our annual girls' weekend at Lake Texoma, but due to all the rain we've been having the past couple of months, it had to be canceled because of flooding. So we met in OKC at Lake Hefner and had dinner together on Friday night. It was a total blast! We ate and laughed and laughed....and laughed! We shared our favorite memories of lake weekends past. I am so blessed to have such great friends!!

2007-07-05T15:58:00.000-05:00

So how was your holiday?

Ours was REALLY GOOD!!! We had a really, really fun day with B. I KNOW! It was so awesome! He came over to mow and ended up washing both of our cars (and his!) and staying for dinner with a bunch of company. He was fun and pleasant. It was cool.

We had a cookout at our house and ended up with 21 people! I know that sounds like a lot, and it is, but it honestly didn't seem like that many people. The food was great (thanks, Eric and everyone who brought way yummy food!) and the company even better! Several of our neighbors had purchased fireworks, so we set up our lawn chairs in the driveway and watched them go off. VERY FUN!

We are SO blessed!!!!

2007-06-29T11:27:00.000-05:00

So I have been tagged by the sweet Theresa. I think she does this to get me to blog! :o)

Here are the rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.

2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here we go:

1) I am a rule follower. Last week my husband told me to park behind this white car and I parked DIRECTLY BEHIND the white car! He laughed at me.

2) I love magazines

3) I didn't get married until I was 39

4) I met my husband at York College 25 years ago :o)

5) I really like Bobby Knight, Texas Tech basketball coach

6) I've been on 4 cruises, but none with my husband.

7) If I am going to any kind of get-together, I want to know what others are wearing so I am neither over- or under-dressed

8) I make my bed every morning

Even though I am a confessed rule follower, I don't have 8 people I can tag. So I tag Doug, Jeannie, Shane May and Tammy.

2007-06-20T16:36:00.000-05:00

"IF you believe God is sovereign, you have to take a stance of TRUST. "
That one hit me right between the eyes!

So this week's lecture was on my favorite story in the entire Old Testament: Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. The lecture started out talking about how King Neb built this huge gold image and wanted everyone to bow down to it/him. Beth Moore said, "If Babylon is about anything, it's about building an image. If you and I, in truth, are different from what we seem, we are image builders." As I am typing this, I realize this goes right with our video Sunday night at small group talking about going through the motions of "church". Does God really have our hearts? Or are we just going through the motions?

I was on the verge of tears through most of this lecture. God was speaking straight to my heart. I am an image builder. That is part of why I struggle so much with B. It just hit me!

Beth also talked about three different scenarios when people of God face a fiery trial:
1) we can be delivered FROM the fire
2) we can be delivered THROUGH the fire
3) we can be delivered BY the fire

"Full deliverance means no longer smelling like smoke." I never noticed this before, but Daniel 3:27 says that not only did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego come OUT of the fire, they came out unharmed, not a hair on their heads was singed, their robes were not scorched and THERE WAS NO SMELL OF FIRE ON THEM. So often we make it through our fiery trials, but people can still smell the smoke on us. I don't want to be stinky. I want to come through whatever trials God will allow me to experience, bringing HIM glory and honor.

Back to that first comment about if God is sovereign we have to take a stance of trust: pray that I will do that in every aspect of my life, but especially regarding B. God is certainly not finished with me yet; why would I think He was finished with this boy?!

2007-06-13T16:30:00.000-05:00

Hello, Blogland! Long time, no....blog! :o) In light of recent blogworthiness discussions, I was thinking: Aren't blogs mostly for just....well, blogging? To me, blogging is sometimes serious, deep conversation and sometimes just yakking. I'm afraid, though, that I have fallen into that category of bloggers that feel you have to have something worth saying to blog, which in reality defeats the purpose. So, blogworthy or not....here I am! :o)

I am beginning my second week in the study of the book of Daniel. WOWEE!! The only part of Daniel I have ever really studied is Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the lion's den. Already, in just one week, I am overwhelmed AGAIN! how God's Word fits exactly together. It's very cool! I'm excited to see what God is going to teach me in the next 10 weeks or so. Already He is teaching me that I have bought into our culture's teaching of "it's all about me" and the smarter,more beautiful, and younger you are, the better. One comment that was made in the video today was that we need to be culturally relevant without being spiritually irrelevant. In the world, not of it.

2007-03-06T16:42:00.000-06:00

My theme statement over the last couple of years has been: There's a plan! Who knew? I am still having those moments where I see the Bible in a way I never have before. I guess that's why the Hebrew writer says that the word of God is "living and active". (Hebrews 4:12)

At the beginning of the year, I decided not to do BSF this semester, but I wanted and needed to do something that was somewhat structured in regard to Bible study. So I chose a Beth Moore workbook, "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place". It's about the tabernacle. I just never realized how much the tabernacle had to do with Jesus!

I have been working on this Bible study on my own and really enjoying it. This past Sunday night, Melissa Smith and I were talking about Bible studies and she told me she was doing a Bible study at Jenks that her mother-in-law was teaching, a Beth Moore study. I asked her which one and it was the same one I am doing! She invited me to come with her. I asked her where they were in the study and they were on the same week that I am! (As I am typing this I am thinking of all of the details of the tabernacle and how God spelled out every single thing He wanted them to do; and we wonder if He cares about the details of our lives?! Look at this example!) So I went this morning. It was really great. It was a variety of women. I was very blessed!

2007-02-27T19:52:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling guilty for not blogging in such a long time. I am home alone tonight; my husband had a business dinner. I love giving him a hard time for eating at Mahogany's while I am at home eating a ham sandwich. :o) Anyway, I am watching Gilmore Girls and messing around on the computer. Oh...and doing Workshop stuff.

I love the Tulsa Workshop. I have loved it since the first time I got to come as an 18 year old from Iowa. WOW! So now I live in Tulsa and this is my second year to be the Workshop Coordinator. I have the BEST co-workers in the entire world! I get to work with Terry Rush and Becky Andrews, two of the most wonderful people I have ever known. We are a team. We love each other and the way we work together is what most people only dream of! And so, as planning gears up and I wonder if there is anything I have forgotten, I try to remind myself daily what a blessing it is to get to do this. As Terry would say, "I love right now!"

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

2007-02-14T15:01:00.000-06:00

It's always been one of my favorite holidays, probably because my birthday is the next day. And I love hearts. Yet I didn't have a Valentine until I was 37 years old. But guess what? He is STILL my Valentine, my one and only love! And the best news is, he will be until the end of time. I am beyond blessed. As one of the cards that I gave him today said, he knows me better than anyone else and he loves me anyway. :o)

Yeah, I waited a long time for a Valentine; but boy, was he worth the wait!

I love you, Moto!

2007-01-31T08:19:00.000-06:00

I have times of whining. I know, probably most people do. The last week or so has been one of those times for me; that is part of the reason I don't blog during whiny times. Who wants to hear that??

Things have been....interesting at our house the last week. There are things that are unknown and I don't handle that well. I am known to some as "Polly Planner". :o) This morning I was doing a Beth Moore Bible study- A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place. I am only on day 2 of the second week, but it's been so fascinating! One of the things I love about Beth Moore is that she ties the Old and New Testaments together like no one else I have ever experienced. It's amazing to me how the Bible fits together! :o) The study is about the tabernacle, the place where God chose to dwell among the Israelites. Today, they had just been rescued from the Egyptians while crossing the Red Sea and then they are complaining that they don't have any water. So they get to water and it's bitter. God shows Moses a piece of wood which he throws into the water and it becomes sweet. The place of the bitter water is called Marah, which means bitter. Beth talked about how bitterness is a cancer and keeps us from living life as God has called us. She referred to 1 Peter 2:24 which talks about Jesus bearing our sins on the tree-wood that takes away our bitterness and makes us sweet again. WOW!

Apparently God is trying to make a point with me today because as I was reading blogs, I came across this sentence on Whit's blog that blew me away: "Can you hear Jesus calling us out of the boat even though it seems utterly foolish to hope that we could do such a thing? " I have been staying in the boat on the subject of B. It seems utterly foolish to me that this situation can be fixed. YET I KNOW that my God can do ANYTHING! And He will, if only I will ask....and trust Him. If my dear friends can trust their newborn baby to God, when the doctors gave them very little hope, why can't I trust Him with my teenage stepson??

I think I need to step out of the boat.

TAGGED!!!

2007-01-26T14:55:00.000-06:00

It's amazing what people will do to get you to blog! And I didn't even think it had been that long! Oh well...here goes.

The game goes that you pick up the book closest to you, turn to page 123, go four sentences down and record the following three sentences. Please give the author, name of the book and tag three others.

"More often than not, these two women maintain a wary distance from each other. The stepmother backs her husband. If he has an adversarial relationship with his ex-wife, his current wife usually adopts a similar stance."

Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers by Jean McBride

The closest books to me are many; there's a book shelf right around the corner from the desk. So I suppose I cheated somewhat, since I looked around and chose this book. But it was interesting in light of what is going on in our lives right now. :o) It really is true that God works in mysterious ways!

So in keeping with this fun game, I tag:

1) Doug
2) Theresa
3) Clint

2007-01-17T16:21:00.000-06:00

I'm kind of cranky.

Frankly, I am tired of this weather. I have been venturing out, but it's frustrating and the roads are SO bumpy!

I've been lashing out at my husband; I hate when I do that. (Sorry, Moto!) Everything seems to bug me.

And then the important things jar me back into what really matters in life. One of our missionaries and a good friend of some good friends were killed in a car accident yesterday in Uganda. Another friend lost her grandmother today.

Now why was I whining???

The Meaning of Life....

2006-12-21T16:15:00.000-06:00

My mind is whirring right now, so might be kind of rambly. :o)

I started to type something funny, like "Before you get excited and think I have found the meaning of life...." But haven't I found the meaning of life? If I have a relationship with Jesus, I have. So why do I let other stuff get me down and wondering about life and its purpose?

This past Saturday Doug and I went to OKC to attend the funeral of the 32 year old son of a friend of mine. It was really sad. The service was nice and I know Eric had a relationship with God, but it was still sad. Sad to think about his 3 year old growing up without her daddy; sad to think of his wife losing the one she loves most; thinking about my friend losing her firstborn child. Yet even though he was so young, his life was SO full!

Afterward, I saw many friends that I used to work with in OKC. The most asked question was: "So...what do you do with yourself now that you're not working?" This is not one of my favorite questions. Although I always feel like I keep busy, I could not tell you much about what keeps me busy.

I was blessed to be able to stop working almost 3 years ago. WOW! It doesn't really seem like it's been that long! I have to say I LOVE not working! I love just being able to do whatever, whenever. I have enjoyed being in a women's Bible study, helping occasionally in the food pantry at church, helping my friends with babysitting, helping with Workshop....

So today, I had lunch with a friend. I have been thinking about what makes my life matter. What is important to me and am I doing something about it? It's popping up everywhere: in conversation, in magazines and blogs that I have been reading....and then there was that question: "so what do you do with yourself now that you're not working?"

I want my life to make a difference. I want it to make a difference in Doug's life. I want it to make a difference in B's life. I want it to make a difference in my friends and acquaintances. I want people to see a difference in me.

2006-12-20T08:03:00.000-06:00

My husband mentioned to me last night that I hadn't blogged in a while. I seem to often need a nudge in this area of blogging. :o)

I've been thinking alot already about New Year's resolutions. My number one resolution that I am working on already is to not think so negatively about myself. It's not going to be easy because I have had almost 43 years of practice!

I suppose many might argue this next point, but I have got the absolute best husband in the whole world! He is SO patient and kind and generous and loving. I learn so much from him! He has blessed my life in ways that I didn't even know needed blessing! :o) I am thankful for him every day, but today, I wanted you to know.

2006-12-04T14:40:00.000-06:00

OK...Seems I have been tagged by a "friend" to list six weird things about me. So I know I'm weird, but I was hoping no one else had noticed. :o)

So here we go:

1) When I fold towels, towels of the same color may not be stacked together.
2) I love salsa, ketchup, pizza sauce, etc....everything tomato-y, but NOT tomatoes.
3) Actually, I have many food issues. Eggs: I will only eat them scrambled HARD and can barely stand to be sitting with someone who is eating them fixed another way.
4) I love school/office supplies. (Post-It notes, pens, pencils, calendars...)
5) I am addicted to lip balm. At any given time, I may have 6-10 different lip balms in my purse.
6) I am a chronic ironer. I even iron something I am planning to wear underneath something else. (NOT my underwear though!) :o)

Hmmm...that was much easier than I anticipated....that can't be good!

2006-11-29T16:37:00.000-06:00

Ahhh...The weather has finally changed. Don't get me wrong: 75 degrees on Thanksgiving Day DOES have its advantages. But I LOVE cooler weather! And there is just something wrong about the window being open behind the Christmas tree! So I am excited that seasonal weather is arriving. I'm sitting here in the quiet of my house, listening to the rain. It's 4:40pm but it's pretty dark. The only lights on are the Christmas tree lights. I have been catching up on blog reading and have been wowed with what I have read. (I have some pretty amazing friends!) I'm feeling blessed....and I just wanted you to know.

2006-11-08T17:02:00.000-06:00

I really wanted that last blog post to last forever. I know....VERY unrealistic! So B came to spend fall break with us; it was really good....for the first couple of days. Then on Friday night, his mother called asking some questions. It seems he had told her that his dad said something, which he didn't. Then it came out that he had told his dad something that his mom had said...that she didn't. So, his dad confronted him when he got home. It didn't go well. So now it's been 2 1/2 weeks since he's been here. Seems he can't tell the difference between the truth and a lie. And seems he can't admit that he was wrong. So he's "punishing" his dad by not seeing him. I wish he could see how is he punishing himself. Ah, but he's a teenager!

Then it hits me: are we so different? Don't we sometimes twist things around enough so a lie looks like the truth? Sometimes we get in so deep, we don't even know what truth is anymore! And then the even more convicting part: how difficult is it for us, for ME, to admit when I am wrong?????

2006-10-16T18:38:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I have waited this long to blog this! Last Thursday, B came over to mow the lawn. He was EXTREMELY chatty, which I love! So he mowed and then he wanted to go skate before dinner. So he left and came back to eat with us. He called to say he was going to be late (he already was!) and that he had gotten stopped on his way to the skate park. Yes, his first speeding ticket. Needless to say, he was not thrilled. BUT he pretty much got over his anger quickly and we had an enjoyable dinner. Afterward, his dad had gone upstairs to do something and it was just he and I downstairs. He was talking my ear off! Telling me about school and stuff, LAUGHING...it was really great. It was one of those moments where I thought of Mary, the mother of Jesus and how she treasured all these things in her heart. That's what I am trying to learn to do; is treasure those really fun times and let them overshadow the not so good times. He's spending fall break with us. Pray for more times like this and that God would break through all the walls B has put up.

2006-10-10T18:35:00.000-05:00

I know! I'm going crazy with all this blogging! :o)

Today I had a day of beauty at Ihloff Salon and Spa. My husband gave this to me for our anniversary back in May. (Isn't he awesome?!)

It was FABULOUS! I was sort of nervous about it, you know all shee-shee fancy and not knowing what to expect, but it was terrific! I started with a facial, then a massage, a manicure, got my hair washed and styled and then a makeup application. FUN!! I felt like a princess!

Thanks, babe!

2006-10-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

The two dogs on the right are my sister's dogs, Scully and Mulder. (Yes....big X Files fan!) Scully is the one in the back/middle. (The other dog is Barnum and belongs to my sister's roommate.) Dina emailed me last Thursday and said that Scully had terminal, inoperable thyroid cancer that had spread to her lungs and was not expected to make it more than a month or so. She was acting fine, so she was just going to wait until Scully seemed to be in pain before making any decisions. Well, that time came Sunday afternoon. She started coughing up blood and was extremely lethargic. So they called the vet. They had to put her to sleep. Now, those of you who know me know I am NOT an animal person. But this dog: she was so sweet! She was 10 years old and my sister had gotten her when she was a puppy. So I chose to post this picture today in honor of Scully; and also in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as they are wearing their pink ribbon bandannas.

2006-10-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

I DID IT! I can't believe it! WHOO-HOO!!! This was taken in Burlington, IA; that's the Mighty Mississippi in the background.

I LOVE FALL!!! It's always such a long time coming around here, but it's SO worth the wait!

It finally happened: On Friday afternoon, I was actually so bored that I vacuumed! VACUUMED! Of course, my carpet needed to be vacuumed, it was just the idea that I couldn't think of anything better to do than VACUUM!

We had a nice weekend. It always goes way too fast though. B was here and was pleasant. That's been nice. Thanks to all of you who pray for us; keep it up!

2006-10-07T15:04:00.000-05:00

Well, I talked him into going to eat at Ted's last night. :o) It was YUMMY!

2006-10-06T15:21:00.000-05:00

My husband has traveled a lot this week. I have not. Consequently, he wants to stay in tonight. I do not. Oh well....I guess I better think of something to make for dinner.

2006-09-28T16:14:00.000-05:00

Well, one of my dear friends informed me that she was tired of me being in a funk and I needed a new blog post, so here I am. :o)

Life is good. Things with B have been really good lately, like the old kid is back. I like that. Example: my parents were here a few weeks ago. B loves my parents, always has. He seems to enjoy spending time with them. On their last day, we all met for breakfast. B was really chatty and fun, even after we got home. I thanked him for always being so nice to my parents. Now, typically, this kid does not accept compliments well, but here's what happened: 1) he looked me in the eye; 2) he SMILED at me; and 3) he said, "You're welcome". Needless to say, I am STILL smiling about that one! :o)

BSF has started back as well as small group. Now, I know you will all be shocked to hear this, but here goes: THERE'S A PLAN! WHO KNEW!? I LOVE IT! The study of Romans and the reading of The Purpose Driven Life have amazingly run together. Over the past month since my last blog, God has really shown me some stuff about me, some of it not so pretty. He's brought amazing people into my life for me to share things with and to give me some great advice. And then there's this preacher...Convicting and life-changing....The one thing that always worries me is that I'm going to forget after a while and go back to my selfish ways. Hold me accountable, OK?

2006-08-31T17:47:00.000-05:00

I've been in a funk lately. Not really sure why, but tired of it. Funkiness happens, but for me, it doesn't typically last this long.

I went to the counselor today. It helped; as did time with friends last week. That's the funny thing: I was feeling friendless. I know, I know....but I was feeling it just the same. Anyway, life as a stepmom is much harder than I EVER anticipated! And I don't think I was totally unrealistic. One thing I DIDN'T anticipate at all was how much the ex-wife would be a part of our lives. Although, relatively speaking, this is a small part of our day to day lives, it permeates our WHOLE LIVES. It's like a dark cloud hanging over me. So, what I want to do is not let it permeate my whole life. I mean, I really have a great life.

I was reading Michelle's blog today and it really hit me. I have sought out every possible way to "fix" this and not spent time with, I mean REALLY SPEND time with, my Creator. And these words of wisdom from such a young one! :o) Boy, have I got a lot to learn!

2006-08-15T15:50:00.000-05:00

A lot has happened since I last blogged. I traveled to Texas to see some dear friends and grew closer to another friend in the process. The day after I got home, my in-laws came for a visit. We had a fun time! The day after that, I learned that my grandfather died. Even though it wasn't totally a surprise, it still caught me off guard. That was on Saturday, July 29. So on Monday part of the in-laws left, and on Tuesday my mother-in-law left when we left for Iowa. It was a good trip, even though the circumstances weren't great. My husby got to meet my aunt and uncle from California and a cousin that he had never met. It was good to be together. And I have a cool story from the funeral.

My grandfather was a railroader for 38 years. During the service, I heard a train whistle. :o) I thought that was very cool and was talking to my parents and husby about it later, saying that I believe things like that are little hugs from God, letting us know that He is listening, that He is aware of what is going on. WELL, as I was saying that, WE HEARD A TRAIN WHISTLE! We all started laughing. It was like God was saying, "Amen, Sister!"

My stepson decided he was ready to come over on the weekends again, so he came last weekend. It went well; we hardly saw him! Of course, that is typical with a 16 year old.

I am finally getting excited for Workshop. I need to be: it will be here before we know it and there is LOTS to do!!!

2006-07-24T16:19:00.000-05:00

I went to the lake this past weekend with some of my girlfriends from OKC. We had a great time: eating, laughing, talking, stamping, eating....It made me miss them. But it also made me so appreciate the life I have here: my awesome husband, my wonderful friends, my church family. I love that I don't have to choose one life over the other, but I can enjoy and be blessed by both.

I also learned something about myself this weekend. My husby has mentioned this before, but I actually noticed it this weekend. I often attempt to justify my opinion, rather than just sharing it and going on. I feel like I have to explain why I feel or think a certain thing. Interesting...I am going to be working on that one.

2006-06-09T16:32:00.000-05:00

I think I may have discovered the problem between wanting to blog and not knowing what to blog and then never getting around to it.

I feel like a broken record.

Things are really hard at our house. I guess most houses with teenagers are probably not exactly pleasant. We have one that goes between two homes with VERY different values, rules, etc. That can't be easy. And he is also very used to running the show at one house. Since he doesn't have that "privilege" at our house, he is choosing not to come over. While there are good things associated with that, the fact that it is breaking my husband/his father's heart doesn't go over too well with me. Add to that the fact that I don't know how, nor is there probably even a way to help my husband as he deals with all of this.

So my heart is kind of heavy. And things sometimes feel hopeless. Yet I know they aren't because God is in control.

2006-05-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

I think I may have figured out part of the reason for my lethargic-ness recently. Ever since BSF ended 2 weeks ago, I am embarrassed to say that the only time I have opened my Bible is at church. Hmmm...do you think that could have something to do with it?! (I'm a little slow sometimes!)

Pray for me to stay in the word!

P.S. This is one of those times where I want to blog but don't know where to go from here. :o)

2006-05-17T21:03:00.000-05:00

I feel weary.

Two sweet ladies from our church died this week. And they weren't OLD ladies. They were my parents age.

Life with a teenager continues to be more than hard.

I just feel weary.

But today my husband and I are celebrating our THIRD wedding anniversary! Now THAT makes me SMILE!!! :o)

2006-04-18T08:59:00.000-05:00

To all in blog land who have been praying for us: THANKS! We had a really great weekend with B. I was telling our parents that we hadn't seen this boy in a very long time! It was nice. Keep up the prayers: I know we have a long road ahead, but it's nice to see a glimmer of light. :o)

2006-04-10T17:00:00.000-05:00

Just when I am feeling so disconnected, God speaks right up! I LOVE THAT! Yesterday's Bible class and sermon both spoke to right where I am lately. And then last night at small group, a very cool thing happened. Clint suggested that we bless our new house. So we divided up into three small groups and prayed over specific parts of our house. Some upstairs in B's room, some in the kitchen and some out front. At first, I was a little intimidated by this suggestion. But I went out front with Clint and Janet. We were standing there, praying, heads bowed. Janet prayed first and then me; Clint was going to close. I prayed for our neighbors, that we would be a light for Christ in this new place. As I was praying, some of our neighbors WALKED UP TO US and asked if we were the new neighbors!!! The three of us just looked at each other. We visited for about 10 minutes. It was very cool. I felt like God was saying: "Hey, Danna...I'm still here. Hang in there. I've got other plans for those other prayers you've been praying. I'm listening though...." It was so personal! Later, I said I didn't think I had ever had quite that quick of a response from God!

2006-04-06T09:03:00.000-05:00

I've been feeling kind of funky lately and can't figure out how to get out of it. I hate feeling this way. I feel helpless and sometimes even hopeless, although I know I'm not. And I've been feeling disconnected. Disconnected from my husby at times, my friends, even God. UGH! I know we are supposed to learn things from the hard times, but sometimes it's just so.....well, HARD!

2006-04-01T09:21:00.000-06:00

The changing of seasons....Fall is my favorite, followed closely by spring. I think it's the change from extreme weather to perfect! April 1st really feels like the beginning of spring, especially when the forecasted high is 80 degrees!! So, in honor, I have painted my toenails for the first time and have sandals on. Ahhh.....

For all of my prayer buddies out there, could you throw up a few extra for us this weekend? We are both dreading it and he's not even here yet! I hate that!! Weekends are certainly NOT for dreading!!!

On a brighter note, my favorite OKC restaurant opened in BA this week: Ted's Cafe Escondido! We went last night! YUMMO!

2006-03-28T09:50:00.000-06:00

Do you ever sit at your computer, wanting to blog something but not sure what? That's how I feel right now. My mind is racing with so many things. I have so much more than I deserve. Materially, spiritually....the most awesome husband that I could ever ask for. It's all sort of overwhelming to me right at this moment.

2006-03-27T15:11:00.000-06:00

Man, I love the Tulsa Workshop!! After the announcement last year about what this year was going to be, I was more than a little nervous, but I KNEW God would do great things in and through it. WOW! Did He ever! One of the many things that is sticking out in my mind, is that I, as a member of the church of Christ, want to be known for what I'm FOR, not what I'm against. It seems to be we have somehow swept this doctrine of unity under the carpet in exchange for things that don't really matter all that much. How sad....I am praying that this Workshop and others like it will be the beginning of a change and a striving for unity!

2006-03-19T15:57:00.000-06:00

WOW! I didn't realize how long it had been since I blogged. It's not that I haven't had anything to say, just wondering how/if to say it and finding the time. It's hard to type when the computer is on the floor!

We got moved and our new house is starting to feel like home.

I had a meltdown this afternoon when I got home from church. I have no idea why. I mean, I could tell you what happened and what set me off, but why I got THAT upset, is TOTALLY beyond me. I wanted to call someone, but wasn't sure who would still like me after I told them what a freak I am. So here I am typing to no one and everyone that means so much to me, yet still afraid to confess. Hmmm....maybe that is my answer: I need to confess. But I'm still too scared. Maybe later....

2006-02-23T13:13:00.000-06:00

It's a busy time at our house. We're moving next week so it looks like a tornado has blown through this place! I will be the first to admit I am not the world's best housekeeper, but I just can't stand this clutter! Oh well, it will be over soon.

God continues to reveal this plan of His to me. WHO KNEW?! I still can't believe how long it's taken me to get this, not that I really get it now, but I'm starting to and it's really exciting! And He's given me such wonderful sisters (and an incredible husband!) to share in this journey! THANKS GOD!!

I don't think it's a coincidence that God has chosen THIS time to make Himself more known to me. Being a stepmother is hard work. And you know what else? Being a stepmother of an almost 16 year old boy is even harder! I so want to be Jesus to him. And I so want to be an encouragement to his dad.

Excitement of the day: My husby and I were eating lunch at Hideaway Pizza today. I saw this guy come in and he looked really familiar. I kept looking at him, trying to figure out if it was someone I knew. GARTH BROOKS!!!! :D That was fun!

He's still working on me.....

2006-01-31T09:17:00.000-06:00

I don't know why, but I continue to be AMAZED at how God works! (Of course, it would be a very sad thing if I were to stop being amazed at God!) Bible studies, conversations, blogs, etc. have all had a theme for me recently. In our Beth Moore study, I have been convicted of legalism in my life that I really had no idea was even there! I don't want to be a Pharisee!!! Today, the lesson talked about prejudice...even prejudice against other religious groups/denominations! WHAT! I'm a legalist AND prejudiced?! The "ironic" thing is we have been having all these discussions recently about personality types, etc and I just realized that this legalistic, Pharisaical thing is part of my personality! UGH! I've been thinking and wondering and working through what is to happen at Workshop this year. While I certainly don't agree with those who have chosen to boycott, I've had some struggles in my own heart about it too. All of these things seem to go together....But here's the GOOD NEWS! God is NOT finished with me! The way I think/feel/act WILL change if I continue to seek Him with ALL of my heart, soul, mind, strength! God loves me TOO MUCH to leave me where I am! WHOO-HOO! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-01-25T11:57:00.000-06:00

OK, I am totally stealing this from Mike Cope and I know Carrie mentioned it recently too, but I love the question and the memories it brings flooding! (As I read the comments on Mike Cope's blog, I had tears in my eyes!)

So...

"I want worship to be directed to God and to express the thoughts of the whole community of faith. BUT, if I got to pick my favorite three worship songs to sing this Sunday morning, they would be . . . ."

Finish the sentence. I'll give you mine later.

New Year, New Me?

2006-01-03T07:57:00.000-06:00

Well, my blog sisters, along with the conviction of the Holy Spirit, have inspired me to put in writing some New Year's resolutions. :o)

1) Spend time in God's word every day. Life is so much better when I do this, but I so often get "busy" and leave Him out.

2) Spend more time in prayer.

3) Be more selfless in my marriage.

4) Have a better attitude, a positive one, about my stepson.

5) Take more time to cultivate my friendships.

6) Lose 10 pounds.

7) Not beat myself up when I stumble. :o)

Thank you to my sweet friends who have encouraged me in ways they will never know completely!

A Rainbow on Christmas Eve

2005-12-24T17:31:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas Eve. It's been a rainy, foggy Christmas Eve, just like the song. But there was something unexpected tonight. The sun was setting and it had actually come out after a very rainy day. When I saw the sun was out, I ran to the front door and looked to the east. There it was: a rainbow on Christmas Eve! I couldn't help but think of what the rainbow means to me-the reminder of God's faithful promises. And then it hit me: The ultimate symbol of promise-keeping on the eve of the day we remember God's ultimate promise fulfilled! What an AWESOME God we serve!!!!

2005-12-18T21:20:00.000-06:00

It seems like I always start a new post with: "It's been a long time since I blogged...." but it always has. It's not that I don't think of blogging or don't want to, it's just that I so often wonder if I have anything good to say, like that is what a blog is for anyway! So I was sitting here reading Theresa's and Heather's blogs....I could have written both of them. (Heather, Julia did not call for me and sing so sweetly...it was your post previous to that one!) Last night my husband asked me if I was happy with my life. My answer: "Yeah, pretty much." So of course then he asked what I would change. I gave some answers that are totally non-changeable, but as I thought more about it, it hit me: I have this GREAT life! What is my deal?! OK, so I am reading Theresa and Heather's blogs and thinking: I am right there with you my sisters, my FRIENDS. So why do we let each other feel like this when we feel so deeply for each other???? It hurts my heart to know that one of my friends is feeling lonely or insecure. Yet, I am feeling the same. I am going to step out on a limb here and make an early New Year's resolution: to check in with my friends more, maybe ESPECIALLY when I am feeling blah. Hmmmm....that just might kill two birds with one stone!

2005-11-14T09:32:00.000-06:00

I'm a little behind in my Bible reading, so I read all of Philippians today. "Interestingly", I think there was a reason I got behind and read that entire book this morning.

First of all, I felt relieved to be reminded that God isn't finished with me yet. Not only is He not finished, He WON'T finish until His work in me is complete. WHEW!

Then the convicting began. :o) God through Paul reminded me that I am to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, that I should look not only to my own interests but to the interests of others. Ouch....I have been pretty consumed with me lately. (I'm sorry Doug and the rest of you that I have blown off somewhat because of my selfishness.)

And then another awesome reminder: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." There is this thing in my life that I think I have given to God, but I obviously haven't because it keeps BUGGING me!!

God is SO good in gently reminding us of our shortcomings and giving us a way to overcome them! THANK YOU!!!!

2005-11-12T17:35:00.000-06:00

It's been a long time since I blogged. It's not that I haven't wanted to, it's just that the things/topics I have felt like I needed to blog about I feel are things I SHOULD'T blog about. I think I don't want people to know what I am REALLY like. They probably wouldn't like me.

On that same note, I took a personality test this week. I should be glad that I had one, but I have been fretting about it ever since I took it! I didn't like what I turned out to be. For some reason, I only saw all the negative traits of that personality type. Oddly enough, a friend told me that's part of my personality type! :o)

2005-10-19T13:43:00.000-05:00

There seems to be an undeniable theme in my Bible study lately: repentance and confession. It came up again in BSF this morning. We were talking about Cain killing Abel and feeling not much remorse, except in the fact that he got caught! God gave him a chance to repent and he basically blew God off. Our leader talked about resentment and how it can take over our lives. She defined resentment as ill will toward a real or imagined grievance. Ouch! God showed me this morning that I have been very resentful toward my husband's ex-wife. I have so often felt like I deserved to be angry towards her. I mean, look at what she does, how she acts, etc! But God knows my heart. The leader stated that sometimes we believe God will change a circumstance more than a heart. I prayed this morning that He would change my heart. I don't want to be resentful or bitter or unrepentant. So here I am confessing. Why is that so hard for us? For ME? "Rebellion is centered on self; obedience is centered on God." Oh, I want to be obedient! The only way to uproot bitterness and sin is to call on the name of the Lord.

Hey, God......

2005-10-06T11:36:00.000-05:00

I LOVE FALL! This is my absolute FAVORITE time of year! I love the sound of my windchimes chiming. I love the feel of the cool breeze (or wind, as the case may be!) I love the changing leaves, the smells. Cool days, especially the first ones, make me smile! :o)

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I am counting my blessings today. I have the most wonderful husband! I can't believe I get to be married to him!

And friends! Oh my goodness! Sometimes I feel lonely and insecure; but then someone hands me a piece of bread and tells me how much they love me and what an encouragement I am to them. And as they do, they have no idea how much I needed that at that precise moment. But God did.

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God, thank you for cool breezes....and cool friends! And the COOLEST husband!!!!

2005-09-28T15:56:00.000-05:00

Did you ever think about the world being created for YOU? The order of creation was just that: order. God created everything in order, culminating in His ultimate creation: MAN. WOW! That is so cool! How did I not see that before? How does God show us something new from something we have heard/read/known our entire lives? (The story of creation.) AMAZING!

And guess what else I learned in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) this morning? KNOWING GOD IS THE MEANING OF LIFE! MY PURPOSE IN LIFE IS TO SERVE AND GLORIFY HIM! Whew! Now I can stop trying to figure these things out!

2005-09-26T11:54:00.000-05:00

Something I really struggle with is insecurity. Am I a good wife? Am I a good friend? Am I a good daughter/stepmother/sister, etc.? This is something I don't really like about myself. "Coincidentally", some scriptures have come to mind that speak to this.

Genesis 1: 27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Nothing else in all creation was created in God's own image!)

Isaiah 41:9-10
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant"; I have chosen you and have not rejected you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:1b, 4
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.

Of course these verses are just the tip of the iceberg!

So it begs the question: why do I live as one who is not chosen?

Blogging 101

2005-09-25T23:16:00.000-05:00

OK, so my first blog was really my husband talking, but it is true. I have been encouraged and yes, even threatened, to get blogging. Of course, it's not as easy as it appears. I had a blog that I had never blogged on. Now that I want to blog, I couldn't get it to work, so I had to start over. Of course this made me not want to blog at all! Anyway....here I am. :o)

I have been thinking today about what I might like to blog about. I think what has prevented me until now is that I wondered what I would have to say that anyone would care to read or comment on. Then I realized that's not really what it's about. As I talked to some friends, I realized this was a way for us to get to know each other better. No interruptions, no time constraints...

So....I am still gathering my thoughts on what I might like to blog about....

Stay tuned.....

Ok Heather, you baited me into it!!!!

2005-09-25T20:57:00.000-05:00

Hah, I am on!