leavin' on a jet plane

In two hours I will be n my way across the Atlantic cean. This is my first tansatlantic-longer-than-four-hour flight. As a very anxious airtraveler I am not to thrilled with the prospects of 10 hours inside a metal tube approximately six miles above the ocean. BTW- where do you make an emergency landing when you are over the ocean??? Wayne lovingly pointed out to me this AM that when God wants you to come home to Him, it really does not matter where you are, you will go. So, I guess thinking from God's point of view, there is no way that I am increasing my chances by flying :)

I am going to Macedonia today, along with about seven others from my church. We all work in our indigient health clinic and are going to go visit our friends in Macedonia to look at helping them with health care outreach.
All the clothes are washed, suitcases packed and faces kissed. My two competent, beautiful daughters have assured me that they will mange just fine for a week without me. They know how to cook, wash clothes and bathe themselves. There's somthing to be said for leaving the baby phase of parenting.
Wayne has also assured me that although he will miss me, he will somehow muddle through the week.
Secretly, I am excited. I mean really excited. Besides getting away from work and day to day stuff, I can't wait to see what God is ging to show me this week. Have you every just got away from everything distracting and been in a place where you could let God really speak to you and see Him move? This is my week. I have spent the last month in prayer, I'm ready. James 4 tells us that the reason we do not have is becuse we don't ask. I have asked Him to do a much needed work in my heart his week.
Pray for me-- especially today, over the ocean, way high over the ocean.

ginny girl

My Ginny girl--

Here is proof that time flies--- Just eleven years ago she was a 7#, bald, screaming, wonderful bundle in a pink blanket look at her now---

She is just like me- I watch her mind work as she looks at something and I know exactly what is coming out of her mouth.

She is quiet and thoughtful most of the time, but will jabber her head off about her daily adventures on the way home from school. She stops and picks up Ginger, the dog, as soon as she walks in the door, getting wet kisses as a reward.

She has the uneviable job of being the baby in the family. This means she has to balance the joy of being everyone's pet with the frustration of being the little sister, to a 14 year old who is all to quick to point our her childish ways.

I love her,without any reservation. She brings me so much joy. She still smells like a baby when I snuggle her in my bed and we watch "Raven".

Having one daughter already going through the throes of adolescent makes me want to hold on a little tighter before the wirlwind begins. She'll be fine. I know that she will transition just like her sister, beautiful and strong, but she will still be my baby---always

Fast running feet

These are Adidas Cushion Response size 9. The absolute best running shoe for a large frame female with high arches. I know this for a fact. I have been running in this style of shoe for over 10 years. That's alot of shoes. The lovely pair you see here are now officially retired this weekend. "But they look like they still have some wear left in them" you say. Ahh yes, to the naked eye they do, but to my feet, they have served their usefulness. This morning's run logged 500 mniles on these shoes, and my knees tell me it's time for another pair. I'm dreaming of my next cushy pair waiting for my at Academy Sports. Fighting the battle of the bulge is alot more fun with a new pair of "scooby doos" as we call them in out house. So back to school shopping tomorrow will include a little treat for mom too!

Memorization Technique

Hey- Here's a link to the technique used in yesterday's post:

http://www.fbcdurham.org/pages/5/

Once on this page just scroll down and read Approach to Extended Scripture Memorization.

Hope this helps!

summer days

Ok... So here we are after shopping in Cozumel and I threatened the girls with bodily harm if they did not stand there and smile like they were loving every minute of this! It was 150 degrees and we were dehydrated and smelled awful at this point!:)



CAn you say tourist?? We thought we were all that on this private beach in Cozumel!




Let me tell you about "Aunt Lynn". She is Wayne's older sister and perhaps the funniest person I know. She can make me laugh so hard I wet my pants! She knows how to fully enjoy hereself. The girls adore her. (and think she's a little wierd) She makes them do strange things like paint her toenails and tells them hilarious stories about their daddy when he was a boy. She says words that they are not allowed to-- and then they all giggle when she says "whoops- I'm sorry I didn't know you where standing there" Everyone should have an Aunt Lynn-





Who is that hot sexy man?---He's all mine girls!




It looks like we are about to go overboard here! The wind did great things for your hair! How did my girly get to be taller than me?





The best part of the cruise is getting all dolled up after a day of sun and act like a super star while eating cool stuff you never would at home-- like lobster, escargot, and strawberry bisque. These two chicks had the time of their lives!

James

Well, it all started out when I was reading a John Piper book. That guy is so deep, I have to stop and come up for air ! Anyways, while reading "When I Don't Desire God- Fighting for Joy" (How's that for an honest title?)I was in the midst of a very dry spiritual season. I guess the title is what attracted me to the book. One of his chapters discussed Scripture memorization. UGH! How I hate using my brain for anything more taxing than reading People magazine. I decided that perhaps this dry spell was in fact that the Holy Scriptures had to compete with daily doses of the newspaper, online magazines, etc.-- so I decided to enlist the help of my prayer partner (see picture) and memorize the book of James. Why James? Why not? It talks all about big mouths of which I am chiefest of sinners:)
Using his really cool technique- we have made it to chapter 3:10 as of this morning. It has taken us 5 months so far. The hardest part for my ADD mind is to stick to it daily! However, can I tell you that it has been life changing? My dry spell has gone and I feel much more fruitful!
My prayer partner and dear friend is Michelle. I love her! Don't you love it when God plants a complete polar opposite in your life?

Gone campin'

We just got back yesterday from the cruise. It was a blast! I will have pictures posted soon. It was everyting I wanted it to be... relaxing, fun, and as romantic as you can be with your two kids in the room with you :)
We are on our way to go camping in the mountains at Enota RV Resort. Gotta cram in all the fun we can! Ahhh- Camping. One of the great pleasures in life!. Where else can you forget about laundry, let your husband do all the cooking, and let your kids run around dirty and half naked? Here is my grown up girl Leslie standing in the door of our new camper. It has been such a fun summer!