Gwendolyn's Blog

What is your Passion?

2012-03-29T05:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was so excited to see the move OctoberBaby again! Also playing was Hunger Games and many people were excited to see this movie as well. People were out in droves as movies were sold out. People were cheerfully talking about the book they read of Hunger Games or the special preview they saw of OctoberBaby. You could just feel the strum of excitement and joy in the atmosphere. It still amazes me to see of the prices of snacks at the movie theatre. My favorite snack is popcorn but I fight the overwhelming desire to buy it at the movie theatre unless three of four of us were sharing in the price and consuming of a large tub of goodness!

The following Sunday, I happened to be entering church and noticed the atmosphere –quiet and dutiful -which is different from reverent and peaceful. There was not much excitement and joy like it was at the movie theatre. Not that everyone’s disposition should have been like happy elves running around but there should be some sign of that which one has a passion –Jesus Christ (or at least I think so anyway). I began to let my mind wonder and ask myself ‘If someone would come to my home, would they be able to tell that this is a Christian home? Does the atmosphere exemplify Christ? Will our actions and words be in line with of Christianity? Would God be pleased?’

Of course we have a few scriptures and inspirational saying displayed around the house that is mixed among Dallas cowboy paraphernalia and gardening things but outside of that, are we living out loud? I am not saying that we should lose our exuberance over things that excite us or that we enjoy but that Christ should reign supreme! If He is supreme in our hearts then all others things will become properly ordered in our lives. I challenge you with this question from John Piper:

“I love your enthusiasm for the things you get excited about. You’re so free and expressive about good movies and nice clothes and cool apps. It seems odd to me that you don’t seem to be as expressive about the way you feel about Jesus and what he’s done for us. Have you thought about why that might be?

Alpha Phi Omega

2012-03-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Alpha Phi Omega has come to Regent!

Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is a national co-ed organization based on the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service. The purpose of Alpha Phi Omega is to assemble college students in a national service fraternity in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts of America; to develop leadership, to promote friendship and to provide service to humanity; and to further the freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual heritage.

Since I have become a member of APO here at Regent, I have had the pleasure to work alongside others Brothers to serve our campus, community and nation through volunteering ourselves to be used to help others. Last year we participated in Operation Christmas Child, Wounded Warriors, volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House in Norfolk, and Regent Housekeeping Appreciation Day.

To help us build skills to transform from followers to leaders, we will attending Sectionals which will be held at the University of Virginia in April. Various classes will be offered to enhance our leadership abilities.

Friendship is also an important part of APO! Brotherhood is the spirit of friendship. It implies respect, honesty and dependability! This means that we overlook differences and emphasize similarities as we join together in unselfish service. Last week we got together and went to see the movie -OctoberBaby. We fellowship and have fun along with our service.

If you need a helping hand with an event or personal you can call on us to be of service. To contact us email us at apo@regent.edu

Its Spring and I'm trying Something New!!

2012-03-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

Yes that is correct!! I joined a Zumba Class!! This is totally our of character for me as I suffer from un-coordination and belong to the rhythm-less nation! I must admit I am having a ball and the workout is great. There are people of all ages and sizes in this classes and yes I try to find the most un-coordinated confident and secure person to stand next to.

What can I say, it is Spring and all things are new! Can't wait to see what's next?!?

Treasures in the Rain!

2012-02-29T20:20:00.000-08:00

I have had a membership to the gym for two years and probably used it 10 times! So I have purposely rededicated my efforts at living a wholesome life with God first this time. Today was suppose to be my cardio day. On my way to the gym, my daughter passed me in her vehicle just waving as if she had not seen me in a long time. I had the sudden urge to turn around and go home. After I got there, I said let's walk to Wal-Mart! Totally not me! It was just beginning to rain outside. I thought she would say 'No Thanks' but to my chargrin, she said -Sure let's go!

On the way, we laughed and chat about nothing and everything. She is away at college and out on Spring Break and I can definitely tell that she is maturing into a beautiful young woman. On the way to Wal-Mart we stopped and shopped in one of the local retail stores. It occurred to me that we were both in a store that we BOTH liked and AGREED on the styles. That has not happened since she was in the 6th grade! We bought a few accessories and headed to Wally-world. We did not buy a thing in there and could not figure out why we wanted to go to Wal-Mart! This made us laugh so hard till we had to stop for a potty break.

We sat outside a pizzeria and had a slice of pepperoni pizza each. Then she had a bright idea. She wanted to buy a large pizza for her brother as a surprise. With the help of a coupon, she purchased a 20" jumbo pizza for him. This huge pizza comes out and we prepare to leave the pizzeria. Only then do we realize that carrying a huge pizza box in the rain was not going to work! By this time, it was pouring. After we regain our composure from our second round of hysterical laughter we decided to call my husband to come pick us up. We were laughing so hard, he thought we were kidding!! So down our phone list we go until we finally got someone who was available to come pick us up. As soon as we go into the house, it started lightening and thundering. My daughter is still afraid of storms!

This was the best day -unplanned and plain full of heart felt warmth and sharing. No computers or other distraction just enjoying each others company and I still got my cardio in! Today was a wholesome day.

October Baby

2012-02-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

For you formed my inwards parts; You move me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my uniform substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.

Psalm 139:13-16

I had the opportunity to view a preview screening of October Baby last night. I can honestly say ‘I have never thought about abortion survivors’! This is not a movie of religiosity or doctrine. It is a picture of life, love, forgiveness, hope, and healing. It sends a clear message of just how beautiful life is for any of us –through natural birth, adoption, fostering, or life after abortion. I believe many hearts and lives will be changed upon viewing this movie. On March 23^rd let us take our families and friends to opening night and make a great impact in our movie industry. Let us use the power that we have to send a clear message to Hollywood of the things we value. Let us support a movie that has the potential to SAVE lives.

This is not a chic-flick. This is a wonderful story about the importance and sanctity of human life. Please visit www.octoberbabymovie.net to find where this movie will be playing soon.

On a final note, the producers and one of the actors from the movie made an appearance after the showing of the movie. The insight was spectacular!

Faith-Works

2012-01-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

Here is something I read this morning that I thought I would share with you. It is from a small devotional entitled ‘God Calling’ by A.J. Russell

Faith-Works

Pray daily for Faith. It is My Gift. It is your only requisite for the accomplishment of mighty deeds. Certainly you have to work, you have to pray, but upon Faith alone depends the answer to your prayers – your works. I give it you in response to your prayer, because it is the necessary weapon for you to possess for the dispersion of evil – the overcoming of all adverse conditions, and the accomplishment of all good in your lives, and then you having Faith, give it back to Me. It is the envelope in which every request to Me should be placed. And yet “Faith without works is dead.” So you need works, too, to feed your Faith in Me. As you seek to do, you feel your helplessness. You then turn to Me. In knowing Me, your faith grows – and that faith is all you need for My Power to work.

You Are Ever With Me

2012-01-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

Upon reading the 23^rd Psalm, I reminded of a poem written by Thomas Merton. Merton was a Trappist Monk known as Father Louis and considered one the 20^th centuries greatest American Catholic authors. I personally enjoyed this book ‘The Seven Storey Mountain’.

You Are Ever With Me

My Lord God,

I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself,

And the fact that I think I am following

Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you

does in fact please you.

And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the

right road, though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always though I may

Seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and

you will never leave me to face my troubles alone.

Hmmm ... Random Thoughts

2012-01-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

It is ok to use four letter words and adult language in your household and personal life. Try using four letter words like LOVE, HOPE, CARE, GOOD, BEST ...
and adult language like RESPONSIBILTY, DETERMINATION, TRUSTWORTHY, INTEGRITY, HONESTY, PURPOSE ...
Go ahead and try them and see how they can empower you and others around you.

Is it just a dream...?

2011-07-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

For three years we have vacationed in the Appalachian Mountains. Just this past weekend, we drove up to the Blue Ridge near Charlottesville just because we were itching to be near the mountains once again. I am always excited as we head out and just as we reach Goochland, I am on the lookout for spectacular views and beautiful animals and wonderful people. Since we had to travel back the same day, we only went as far as 20 miles west of Charlottesville. I could have stayed there all day! I have no idea why I have such a fondness for these mountains. I am currently praying for clarification. Is this a vacation fondness or a permanent stay fondness?

We are a military family and have always moved to where duty has called us to serve. Now that we are facing retirement, we are actually entertaining the idea of moving because we want to. I like living in Virginia Beach and would actually recommend this as a great place to live especially if you love the beach. But there is something about those mountains that draws me! I love the laid back and slow pace. I love nature and I love country living, all the way down to the clothesline in the backyard and huge garden on the side. I love fishing –hmmm, well I love going with my husband while he is fishing! But canning, sewing quilts, gardening are my past time hobbies; and towards the end of the evening I would sit out on my porch and read while enjoying a cup of tea. I love the small but close knit communities that we come in contact with. In some of the small communities that are farther from the larger towns, there is poverty and a lot of living off the land. None the less, the people are beautiful and smiling.

One small community we visited during the Maple Fest boasted having an awesome Trout Dinner. You will never guess where it was served –the volunteer fire department! It was great and filled with local people. The desserts were made by the women of the community -it was totally awesome!! Around 5pm everyone helped to clean up and in record time, they we are all headed out to there perspective homes just over the mountain ridge. It was a strange sight seeing all the cars at once head over that mountain ridge but an experience of camaraderie and friendship that I admired.

I have done a lot of research, search property in many different areas. I am always looking at the job market and any news that I can get from that area. Although I truly love this place, I want whatever God wants for me. I am praying, listening and watching…

A love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in our lives.

(H. Blackaby)

Ahhhhh... Summer Reading.

2011-07-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

At the end of the school year, I had my summer reading all figured out. I wanted to catch up on some the books that I quoted from but not read fully. One of the books I had to read for Organizational Leadership was Inspiring Leadership: Character and Ethics Matter by R. Stewart Fisher and Perry J. Martini which focused on accountability and responsibility and character. This is now a required summer reading for my 17 year old son and for my husband. My personal list included:

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The 8th Habit

Good to Great

The 360 Degree Leader

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

The Effective Executive

Water for Elephants

So far I have managed to read:

Extraordinary, Ordinary People by Condoleezza Rice

Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices and Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy

Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith

Radical by David Platt

And I have just this morning started “If you want to Walk on Water you’ve got to Get Out of the Boat” by John Ortberg. I normally read two books at once so last night I started to read ‘The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership’ by John C. Maxwell. So far Mr. Maxwell has focused on effectiveness, influence, navigation and reflective thinking. I have only made it page 41 but lots of good stuff. I am thinking about listening to ‘Water for Elephants’ when I go for my morning walks! As the summer is almost half over, I am finally getting disciplined to get on the ball and lead myself!!

The Best Birthday Present!!!!

2011-07-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

So, I had a birthday June 17th, but my daughter graduated June 16th and we had a house full of guest. Both sets of grandparents were here and we had a blast. So much so that the whole birthday thingy got lost in the mix. But a dear friend of mine was persistent and watchful. Among all the craziness, she waited for an opportunity to give me a gift she thought I would love. She was soooo right!!!! I have not put it down since she gave it to me. It is the complete works of Oswald Chambers! I really really love books and I love reading. Give me a book and your are considered a friend. Give me a book on something that I love or is dear to me and you are have moved to best friend status. She took notice of when I taught and when I wrote that I would quote Oswald Chambers. So thank you friend for thinking of me and blessing me in such a special way. I love you!

Taking a Break - Experiencing God

2011-07-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

This summer I was going to take a few classes to ensure I would be done with my senior year in May instead of July. But I also had this unquenchable yearning to draw closer to God. So I began to pray for clarification to see where God really wanted me. I continued my journey and enrolled in summer classes but finances became tight and overwhelming and stressful. As I withdrew from my needed classes, I began to feel free and peaceful about withdrawing and the urge to spend time with God was growing greatly.

I had only shared this tidbit with my husband. I did not know where to start nor did I try to come up with a plan or a schedule. I just waited on God; something I learned to do while being a student here at Regent.

One day while browsing around Lifeway Bookstore, I was looking at the Experiencing God bible study by Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King. While I was in that aisle, a young woman said to me "Oh, that looks interesting. I am trying to narrow down where I should start as a new believer". A store worker happened by with the usual greetings and takes a survey of what we have in our hands. To the young woman in the aisle, he let her know that her items were good for someone who wanted to get familiar with the bible. To me he exclaimed, "Now that is an excellent study no matter where you are in your Christian faith". A woman that I had noticed in the store earlier peered over my shoulder and said "If you honestly open up and embrace God through this study (Experiencing God) you will have an encounter and never be the same again". Upon hearing this, the young woman in the aisle with me picked up the complete study of Experiencing God and looked at me with the sheer exhiliration and exclaimed, "I am soo excited! This is going to be great!" And my awesome and brilliant comeback was -I cannot afford the whole thing so I am just going to purchase the workbook (I have no idea what my problem was). This statement seems to have sent this woman's excitement through the roof because she immediately chimed in "GREAT WE CAN DO THIS STUDY TOGETHER THEN"!!!!!

By the time I left the bookstore, I had a new bible study and a new bible study partner and a hint that God was up to something. I told my walking partner about this encounter and she immediately wanted to join us. So the three of us are on this awesome summer journey learning to know and do the will of God. We are halfway through the study and it has been amazing to be able to look around and see that God really is always working. Blackaby and King give 7 points to experiencing to God. So far the second one is my favorite -God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. I think this resonates with me because I felt God's urging to draw nearer to Him.

This study is very scriptural based and not a lot of opinionated fluff. It is actually like a class. There are 5 days of activity work to complete each week before our group meeting. We also have weekly scripture memorization, prayer, journaling, sharing and a video in each meeting session. We meet each Saturday morning at 7am. Initially we decided to be done by 8:30am but following the Holy Spirit we usually end by 11am. If anyone tried to get me to sign up with a bible study that lasted for four hours, it just would not happen. But we eagerly meet with our coffee and fruit and enjoy learning the Truth!

Show me Your ways, O LORD;

Teach me Your paths,

Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my Salvation;

On You I wait all the day.

Ps. 25:4-5, NKJV

Another Precious Memory

2011-05-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

Prom 2011, another milestone complete and thoroughly enjoyed. High school graduation is in about three weeks. Almost time to let go. But to let go to what? It is time to let go to GOD. Just like he loves and cares for me, He can and will do the same for my child. I do not fear or worry for what could or may happen in the lives of my children. I believe and trust that God's grace is real and active in my children's lives.

"Fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong." Daniel 10:19

Fear hinders us and weighs us down and slows progress but Faith lets go.....

Summer Break

2011-05-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

Another semester is successfully over and I am getting geared up for summer. No classes until August! So what will I do for approximately 14 weeks? Well business first, -we will finish homeschooling for the year for Terrance who will be ending his sophomore year. Tia will be graduating in June from Landstown High School and heading to Johnson and Wales in Charlotte in the Fall. My parents and parent-in-laws are coming for a visit at the same time in June so we will count this as party number one. Perhaps two parties will be in order. We will have a shrimp boil one day and bar-b-que another day. Family, food and fellowship always makes for a great time.

I also have plenty of reading to do over the summer. I dare not bore you to death with the titles. But my projects are to build a new garden bed, take down the wall paper in my bathroom and to exercise as often as possible. I am off to a good start. I walk 5 days a week and zumba three days. I will just keep you posted on my progress. But I think I will get to that wall paper before my parents arrive in 4 weeks!

My ultimate goal for the summer is spend as much time as possible building a deeper relationship with God. I have just started a new bible study called "Experiencing God". It is an awesome study. If you have not tried it, I encourage you to check it out. If possible, take this summer and just slow down and purposefully watch God. See if you can find Him everywhere you go! Then join in with Him in kingdom building.

Beginning the Journey

2011-04-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

I fully realize that my body as a temple may not be God's most grand dwelling. However, I want to lift up to the Lord my willingness to dedicate my exercise as a gift to Him and myself. This one act un-divides my heart and reminds me of the deeper purposes for moving my body. Craving God

So, hubby and I went for a bike ride today. The weather was great and we had a good time. We did venture out of the neighborhood and my comfort zone though. I was following his lead when he turned to go out of the neighborhood. Of course I could not ride in silence and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, I panicked! Not only was he heading out of the neighborhood, there was an incline I would have to consider. But instead of giving up and complaining, I decided to be silent and pray my way through this. It would take divine intervention to get me up that tiny incline. My graceful prayer began something like this:

O God help me climb this mountain, Ok here it comes, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....O God thank you! You are awesome!

Turns out my husband is blissfully unaware of my troubles and decides we should cross a major intersection! It was successful and turns out we were going to the bank by our house. While he was making his transaction I was trying to keep oxygen in my body. It was more of my fear than the exercise. I decided to choose a scripture from my memory bank and meditate on it to get me back home and the only one that I could pull to mind was "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will give thanks unto you, O Lord my God with all my heart" (Psa 86:11-12). Well I was so preoccupied on the way home with - why this verse? I failed to realize that we were not headed home, we were headed to the Food Lion on a TWO LANE ROAD!! There was no way to stop and freak out now! We made it to the store!! I was too petrified to yell at my husband who was just riding and blissfully whistling. When he emerged from that store, I decided that it was time for me to take the lead and get us home as soon as I could. Yep! That got his attention, I passed him and did not stop peddling until I got home!

Once we were home and I recovered, I began to realize that the reason I went for that bike ride was because he wanted to go and he said it was good exercise for him. I knew I should exercise in some kind of way so I figured I may as well impress him. My heart was divided between exercising for another person's reason or finding my own motivation. Funny the things we go through to realize something so simple.

But, this is a journey and I am a work in progress ... to be continued.

Reflective Evenings

2011-04-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Towards the end of each day, reflect back over the day’s activities. While you were going about your routine day, where did you see God? Did you intentionally look for Him?

God want us to see Him in everything and rely on His wisdom and power to face anything.

When we become active seekers and consistent reflectors, we become keenly aware of his presence in our lives. At any time on any given day, we can be pulled in many different directions –family, work, friends, self, church, organizations –God is there with us though each step and each decision.

Ponder over Psalm 25:8-15 (Amplified Version)

8Good and upright is the Lord; therefore will He instruct sinners in [His] way.

9He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches His way.

10All the paths of the Lord are mercy and steadfast love, even truth and faithfulness are they for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

11For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity and my guilt, for [they are] great.

12Who is the man who reverently fears and worships the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that he should choose.

13He himself shall dwell at ease, and his offspring shall inherit the land.

14The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning.

15My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

MADE TO CRAVE!

2011-03-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

I am a part of a small group of Jesus-girls who are doing the ‘MADE TO CRAVE’ bible study by Lysa Terkeurst. In Lysa’s book she emphasis ‘satisfying your deepest desire with GOD, not FOOD. I did not realize that I was putting my food and food issues and all related to it ‘before’ God. How many times do we go throughout the day in whatever we do and ask ourselves, ‘are we keeping God first and center’? I try to do that consistently throughout the week; but I never considered that with food; and yes, I have a HUGE issue with food.

So this is what I gained this week, “He knew even before I was born that I could easily allow food to be an idol in my life, that I would go to food, instead of Him, to fulfill my needs. And in His great wisdom, He created my body so that it would experience the consequence of such a choice, so that I would continually be drawn back into His arms. He wants me to come to Him for fulfillment, emotional healing, comfort – and if I could go to food for that and never gain an ounce, well then, what would I need God for”? (Made to Crave, Chapter10).

Since beginning this journey, I have gained a stronger and deeper relationship with God. I am thirstier now than I have ever been. The only thing I have not gained is weight. I have actually lost 12 pounds. It is in my weakness that He is growing me building me for something awesome, to be used for His purpose! “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

By no means has this journey been an easy one but; with God it is possible. The next step is to exercise! Now that I am finally on the road to getting my craving under control and in proper prospective, now the issue of exercise! But you see my friend, it is the same process. I will take the lies and excuses and covering them with God’s truth and operate in faith out of those truths. So here is the truth that I am using to cover my excuses for not exercising, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor (glorify) God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

No more excuses!

Tell Me A Story ….

2011-03-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Luke 24:27

Children love to hear stories, even in this highly technological age we are in today. I recently got an ipad and the apps for kids on this thing are amazing! I have downloaded a few, although I do not have kids, I am always in the presence of kids. I find it the perfect opportunity to share stories about Jesus.

I challenge you to consider ways to be creative and to be excited about teaching your children or others biblical truths. Come on! Let your hair down and get innovative. Trust me; it is perfectly fine to turn off the TV.

Dramatizations are great; let me help you get started:

• Prepare dinner dressed like a biblical character – go all out – you know bathrobe, towel and headband for your hair, flip flops for the shoes and tell the kids a biblical story (truthfully) using a voice that you perceive that character would use.

• Get a children’s CD and act out the songs on them! They will laugh and get in on the fun or they will tell someone and have you committed to an asylum!

• Get out to a local park, take a picnic meal and talk about one of Jesus’ miracles.

Listen!! Don’t let Sunday school be the only Christian impact in their lives. Seriously take the time to reflect to see if you are doing everything possible to further your children’s spiritual training.

I want my children and generation to come to know that Nana was a Jesus-Girl. I think I would like this said about me by family:

• She loved and celebrated Easter like most would celebrate Christmas because she knew that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus were the cornerstone of her faith. She called Easter Resurrection Sunday!

Or how about this one …

• In the face of adversity, she prayed and she did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

But, in reality I think it will go something like this …

• “Do you remember that time she went into that dressing room at the store to try something on and when she came out to get a different size, she forgot to put her pants back on over her tights”?!

• “Do you remember the time Mom left the sandwiches for the homeless guy that kept coming around. He took the sandwiches and we never saw him again. I wonder if she killed the homeless guy with those sandwiches”?

Yes my dear friends these stories are true!! But my initial point was to let you know how important it is to provide our youth with sound, relevant biblical instruction and that you are allowed to have fun doing so!!

Blessings!

Spring Fever!!!!

2011-03-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

Warmer weather and longer days means –IT’S PLANTING TIME!!

I still have the same small vegetable garden from last year that did quite well I might add. I do plan to expand and plant some new things this year. The problem is –not enough sunshine in the yard. There are pine trees on community property that the sun hides behind.

In the meantime, we enjoy our evenings with the firepit and some soft music. Lately the stars and moon have been amazing. I have two apps on my ipad that tells me about the deep sky objects overhead (constellations, stars, planets). After enabling this app, all you have to do is hold your device over your head or towards the sky and a lot of things we cannot see and many that we can see come into focus. It is totally cool.

The next time you are out, look up and be amazed!!

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they reveal knowledge.

3 They have no speech, they use no words;

no sound is heard from them.

4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens

and makes its circuit to the other;

nothing is deprived of its warmth.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

Psalm 19:1-7

Rushing Summer!

2010-04-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I could not wait until Memoral Day! Yes we decided that the warm weather was indeed a sign to fire up the grill as a practice run. I made a huge jar of homemade barbeque sauce and yes that is chicken and ribs! For those of you who are veggie lovers, we love to grill our veggies especially when we grow them in our own garden. I grew up in the deep south and when the weather was hot and sticky and it was waay to hot to heat up the house to cook, we would go out in the late evening and cook on the grill and have dinner as a family outside. Now my own family carries that tradition on here in Virginia. When the weather is permissible and the kids are not in a tizzy because they have to share their space with a few bugs, we sit out in the cool of the evening and enjoy a meal and each other. Stop by and join us anytime!

Only In My Neighborhood!

2010-04-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

The AFLAC duck ain't got nothing on our duck! For two days (4/1-4/2), we have been awakened by the squawking (quacking if you'd prefer) of a duck. It took me a solid hour to find the duck. This is never good to do without your glasses at o'dark thirty in the morning. My son says 'Oh the duck is on the roof of the neighbors house!' Without the assistance of my glasses, I chide my male child by proclaiming 'My dear boy, only roosters do that not ducks'. My son replies "OH" and goes in the house only to return a few minutes later with my glasses and a camera. Sure as the sun crested the sky and my glasses were on, -there was the duck on the neighbors roof all excited! I looked at my son who bore the expression of HA! I am victorious over the parent! I simply remarked -my bad.

So after the duck excitement died down, we went inside and I proclaimed "Wouldn't it be awesome if we were that excited in church Sunday with our worship?" My son glanced back at me with one eyebrow lifted and declared "You are obviously a woman who is not fully awake and needs her coffee. I will go and make you a cup before you start thinking you are David and want to dance out of your clothes on Sunday!"

Oh the mind of a teenager. Gotta love it!!

10 Things You Might Not Know !!!

2010-03-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

I just visited The LPM Blog with Beth Moore and she asked us to post 10 quirky little things about ourselves that others may not know. Since there were already 1280 responses, I decided to post mine here with hope of someone deciding to share theirs with me! Here goes ...

1. I love to wear wigs.

2. I can people watch all day long.

3. I used to dye my hair a different color every 6 weeks.

4. I have popcorn every night.

5. I can not stand to see aluminum foil in the refrigerator.

6. I like to play in the dirt.

7. I love listening to books on tape, I mean on my mp3 player!

8. I love celtic music.

9.I can not stand to wear shoes.

10. I prefer the mountains to the sea.

OK, your turn!!

Ready, Set, Go ... Springtime!!!

2010-03-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, a funny thing happened. I was minding my own business in my home when the sun came out and the temperature rose. To my surprise, the temperature was in the mid to upper 60's. So I went out and did a little grocery shopping. The following day, I was also pleasant with more sunshine and higher temps. It actually got up to 72 degrees. I went to the park, met a friend for a chit chat, met my husband for lunch, took a few teenagers to one of their functions in Norfolk, and then came home and grilled for dinner. The third day of sunshine and 70 degree weather was almost too much for me to handle. So I loaded the kids up in the car and we took leisurely drive to D.C. to see my brother and his family and drove back home that evening. Today, corporate worship was wonderful,-the sun is shining and it is warm and trees are budding and crocus' are up, grass is turning green and outdoor home projects have begun.

I just cannot shake the this feeling of euphoria in the great anticipation of Spring. It just seems like something is missing. I recheck my to do list and projects list. It is here that I can see what is amiss. It was H-O-M-E-W-O-R-K!! Algebra assignment is far from done and philosophy is ... well let me just say that I must be on my best behavior for the remaining 6 weeks!! Spring popped in and I lost my mind! Like a kid running outside to play after a long day at school. It will be interesting to see how I will manage to stay focused as the world outside is undergoing a beautiful metamorphosis! I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once Upon A Time ....

2010-03-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hey I remember this blog. It is used to be fun and therapeutic to blog about whatever. But somewhere along the way, I tried to become super human and take more classes, while taking the my teenagers to and from work, being super mom, super wife and super friend. I am happy to report that I have gotten off the roller coaster of madness and hurriedness, thanks in part to my spiritual formations class.

This past weekend, my husband and I went to McDowell and Monterey, Virginia to the Maple Festival. I just love those mountains! I am thinking about making move to live either closer to or in the mountains. My question to myself is 'Am I in love with nostalgia or the idea of being there or do I really want to adopt a new way of living?' Answering that would be rather important before actually moving. But, the pace is so much slower up in the mountains and less people. It is quiet and simply beautiful. The people have already turned their soil for their gardens up there. I am so ready for Spring planting. I have also pulled out the hand quilts I was working and did not finish. Quilting reminds me to slow down and enjoy life and to behold all of the wonders and splendor of God.

The Ending of a Season

2009-09-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

What a blast!! Making the best of opportunities given are great, especially when those opportunities consist of summertime fun in the sun. There was beaching, camping, traveling, sightseeing, fishing, fantastic summer reads, summer women's bible study, women's retreat, family retreat, picnics, barbeques - you get the picture? Now I must take that energy and place it in a 15 X 20 room and study. The problem? Fall is my favorite time of the year. So if you think I really blew it out this summer, just wait to see what I do this Fall!! Oh! Wait. School is back in session and that will limit my fun. But I am known to be creative!!!