The Last Game

Zach's last high school football game was Nov. 4th. He had a great season.

This helmet has seen its fair share of tackles this year.

He was first in the 8AA & 8AAA regions for interceptions and placed 7th in receiving. He had a total of 42 receptions, for 431 yards. He had 43 tackles, 17 assists, and 7 tackles for a loss. He also had 18 kick returns for 283 yards.

The seniors line up for one last picture.

With few exceptions, he never came off the field during a game.

After the last game, we all walked onto the field for one last time. It was bittersweet.

Fortunately, a very sweet young lady was there to cheer him up. She certainly puts a smile on his face.

Congratulations Zach. You fought hard and finished well....you also kept the faith. You kept your head above the bickering and criticism. You quietly stood by your teammates and you proved yourself to be a leader. Now take what you have learned on the field and use it to make a difference in this world.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Thankful... Day 2

Today I am thankful for sweet hymns. They soothe my soul in the midst of a crazy day.

A Prayer for Revelation

Last winter I chose a specific one word prayer for the boys. Throughout this year, God has been answering those prayers....in little and big ways.

This week was another answer to prayer.

Dreams written out on paper

Clay made a bold decision this week.

College English has paid off! Who would have thought Clay would use the words "minimalist fashion"? We won't mention anything about the misspelled words :P

He's decided to follow his heart and intuition.

A change in plans, a sense of direction, peace over the decision.

I used the following quote on Zach's senior ad. As Clay talked, debated, and weighed his options this week, I was reminded of the quote.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Steve Jobs

For a believer the "inner voice" is the Holy Spirit. God has a plan for Clay. I pray he will continue to follow his heart and intuition by fully relying on God.

Everything else IS secondary....

Be Strong

It's not exactly been the season everyone hoped for during those long, hard summer workouts.

It was suppose to be "The Year" when all the hard work paid off.

Last night was only our second victory of the season.

This season has been filled with disappointments and discouragement. It has also revealed how human nature can get a little ugly when things aren't going as expected.

Through it all, Zach has made us proud. He has played well....extremely well. He's usually on the field for the entire game. He's strong and resilient.

But the thing that makes me the most proud, is his refusal to participate in the bickering and blame. His journey through this season has resulted in an amazing personal and spiritual growth. When faced with the challenge to stand up and/or speak up for what is right, he has quietly stepped up to the plate.

Football pads and helmets are a modern-day version of armor. Physical strength is mandatory on the football field. However, as he steps away from the field, I pray he has learned that true strength comes from the Lord.

"Finally, Zach, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you (Zach) may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Ephesians 6:10 -11

How we spent our Sunday

Be the Church

An Update on Sandy

My MIL made it through the surgery. The mass was cancer. We're waiting on the pathology report to determine the type. She will require chemo as a precaution.

This morning in my prayers, I am thankful she survived the surgery. I'm thankful that Bob is there by her side. I pray the cancer is not aggressive and the chemo treatments will take care of any stray cancer cells. I pray she will grow stronger each day and her health will return...so she can dig in her garden for many, many seasons....watch each grandson graduate high school....attend their weddings....and enjoy great-grandbabies. I give praise to a Heavenly Father that loves us and carries us through the tough times.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Prayer Request

My mother-in-law will have surgery this Friday. She has two large masses that will be removed plus exploratory surgery. The masses are so large she can't eat more than a few bites and is in constant pain. She is getting weaker and weaker every day.

Our family would be most appreciative if you remembered Sandy in your prayers.

A smack up the side of my head...

For the past two days I have been running around in a self-imposed tizzy. The "to-do" list that seemed so do-able in June, now seems impossible and frustrating. So many things to do before school starts.

For the record...my "tizzy fit" happens every summer.

This morning after rushing to Walmart, going through the crazy mental check list, and feeling overwhelmed, the Holy Spirit said to me.....

"Did you walk 3 miles to get water for your family?"

"Did you wash your family's laundry in a river yesterday?"

"Hmmm....someone really needs to get over herself."

My mental smack up the side of the head was well timed and deserved.

Making a difference or a point?

Sunday morning I listened to a message by Andy Stanley. The title of the message was The Separation of Church and Hate.

Pastor Stanley asks the question....

Am I making a difference or am I making a point?

My question to myself...

Have I deceived myself into believing the "differences" I am making are really just "points"?

Pastor Andy challenges a lot of stuff this Southern-Baptist gal grew up believing and for the past several years... has questioned.

Do I make a difference?

If I don't...

then...

what's the point?

A long recovery

Mom came home on Tuesday. She was still weak but we were hopeful that being home would speed up her recovery.

My sister called on Thursday morning worried about mom's progress. Her O2 levels kept dropping and she was having hallucinations. By the end of the day, she was re-admitted back into the hospital. She'll be in the hospital over the weekend.

A small clot was found in her neck where the central IV had been placed. Hopefully, taking care of the clot will also take care of her other symptoms.

I'm headed back down to the hospital. This is one time that living in the mountains is a huge inconvenience. The hospital is 55 miles away and it takes over an hour to get there.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers.....

An Update on my Mom

My mom's surgery went well. It was approximately 8 hours long and the doctor was happy with the results. Initially the mass was thought to be a biliary cystadenoma. However, the initial pathology report was inconclusive. The recovery has been tough, but she gets a little stronger each day.

For those who said a prayer for my mom.....thank you.

I'd like to hit the pause button....

There are so many things going on in the next few days...

My oldest is getting on a plane tomorrow to fly west. He'll spend the summer with his grandmother and work with his uncle. This is a good thing. I'm happy for Grandma Sandy....she'll feed him well and I suspect my skinny college boy will come home with a few, much needed, extra pounds on his frame. He'll also get to spend time with Bob's family. He may even learn to ride a horse :)

But.....I'm going to miss him. I really hate all this growing up business....

My mom's surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. She has a Biliary Cystadenoma. Approximately 60-70% of her liver will be removed. We've been warned the recovery will be long and hard. My family would appreciate your prayers. Prayers for a successful surgery, no signs of malignancy, and a quick, uneventful, recovery.

This morning, all the "stuff" ahead has left me a little depressed. So today, I'm hitting the pause button and putting aside the fretting and fear. I'm going to embrace the day. I've written the following verses on a slip of paper to carry around today. The words calm my heart.

I bless GOD every chance I get;

my lungs expand with his praise.

I live and breathe GOD;

if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:

Join me in spreading the news;

together let's get the word out.

God met me more than halfway,

and he freed me from my anxious fears.

Psalm 34: 1-4

(The Message)

Easter 2011

He is Risen!

Radical Friday Night

I read the book and just needed to talk to others about my thoughts. It is a powerful book. I don't think you can read it and not be challenged. So I extended an invitation on Facebook to meet at my house to discuss the book....

Yes, I knew it was a Friday night and there was a good chance I'd be worn to a frazzle. I was.

Yes, there was a strong possibility that my house would be a mess. It was.

Yes, people may or may not come. They did.

And we talked, and talked, and talked.

What a blessing. What a good, honest, sincere group of folks.

I pray that I will continue to be challenged and shaken out of my complacency. I pray that God will continue to work in my heart. I pray that my life will be one of authentic discipleship.

And he's off and running.....to chase a dream

Remember my one word prayer for Zach? Well, he's off and running this morning...taking that first big step in the direction of a big dream.

He's nervous and uncertain....

and he went on his own...

without his fellow teammates, buddies, or mom and dad....

that's a big step for him....A. Really. Big. Step.

Praying for Acceptance....along with a heart of thanksgiving.

One Word Prayer

I like this idea.....http://lysaterkeurst.com/2011/01/one-word-prayers/

My word for Clay: Revelation

• A thirst for God and a reliance on Him for guidance, wisdom, and discernment.
• A true understanding of the verse, "I can do all things through Christ."
• God's perfect plan for the future.

My word for Zach: Acceptance

• Focus on the amazing plan God has in store for him and give him the confidence to step through the doors that God opens...while accepting the doors He closes.
• To see others as Christ sees them.

My word for Adam: Confidence

• Refuse to let others define who you are. Be bold, be faithful, and trust God.
• Follow through on the God given love for music and use it to honor Him.

Since my feeble brain is prone to distraction and forgetfulness, I decided to create a daily reminder. I printed each word and placed it in a simple frame for the shelf in my bathroom. Every morning I will have a visual reminder of my pledge.

All is Calm...

So far Christmas 2010 has been a quiet, restful season. Everything has been scaled back this year.

Fewer commitments.

Fewer shopping trips. (Thanks to the internet and free shipping!)

No Christmas cards.

No over-the-top decorating.

There wasn't a conscious decision to scale back or slow down. It just worked out that way....very nicely, btw.

Everyone's home this Christmas eve morning. The boys are sleeping and the house is quiet. Bob has a fire going in the wood heater and I can hear Stanley, our rooster, crowing. (Love that sound)

It is a good morning to reflect on the past year and thank my Heavenly Father for covering us with His love and grace...His guidance and protection...His gift of salvation. To thank Him for taking up residence in our home and our hearts.

A morning to quietly worship with my Savior.

"God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the Infant Light; Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King."

A Life Lesson on the Field

Last night we traveled to Robbinsville, NC to watch the football game. Everyone had high hopes that we would walk away with a win. We didn't. The offense was off all night and while the defense had three strong quarters, by the fourth quarter they were worn down. It was a hard night. Lots of yellow flags were thrown in the air against the visiting team. It seemed that every time we managed to gain ground on the field or complete a pass, out came a yellow flag that sent us back in the wrong direction. At one point in the third quarter the penalties became so ridiculous that everyone was on their feet yelling...including me. Our coach, who is very self-controlled, called the boys off the field and we started to leave. The frustration level and anger at the unfairness was brimming over. Luckily for us, the visitor's side was within 3 feet of the sidelines. We were able to pull Zach aside and tell him to calm down. Bob kept telling him to "do it right, do it right."

You sit there and you watch your son, who feels that his ability to get the "hardest hit in the game" is the main motivator for the defense and if he doesn't get that key hit, then he is the reason the defense is struggling. You watch him go out on the field and make some really impressive plays and then you watch him miscalculate and let a player slip through the line. You watch him beat himself up because he feels that he's let down the team. You sit with him after the game as he cries in frustration. Frustrated by his mistakes, frustrated by the bad calls, frustrated by the unfairness, and frustrated that he let down his coach and team.

So, what do you say? Bob shared with him how he always felt the same way when he played high school football. He told him how he remembered shouldering that responsibility. He told him how he learned to handle the pressure and the disappointment. We told him that on that field he learned one of life's hardest lessons....Life isn't fair all the time. Stuff happens that is beyond your control. How you handle yourself during the battle and after the battle is the real test of character.

Today I'll take the time time to relate last night's experience to our spiritual life. We'll talk about how the emotions he felt last night was similar to what many men in Bible experienced. For example, how that oppressive feeling of letting someone down was what Peter experienced after he denied Christ. Then we'll talk about what they did afterwards. How they took that experience and allowed it to mold their character and faith in a positive way. We'll talk about how to take that experience and use it to become a better person.

I love this boy. I've always known that God gave him a strong will for a reason. I pray that he will continue to allow God to mold him into a Godly man. A man who chases after Him with the same intensity he has on the field when he's chasing a receiver. A man who is bold for Christ and doesn't let mistakes distract him.

I think he is learning that lesson.

A graduation party

We celebrated Clay's graduation last night. Lots of good food, laughter and fun.

Adam and Jared. Jared will be entering the military in August.

On the front porch, the guys were discussing past escapades and planning future ones. There was some mention of jumping off bridges....I gave them the "evil eye" and reminded them of Darwin's law. My heart always skips a beat when I hear these stories....

Zach and Grayson.

..but I'm truly grateful that my boys have good friends. Tried and true friends who stick beside each other. They have strong values and are remarkable young men.

Cage and Colton were fascinated with this pretty young lady.

I realize we all say that the years fly by and babies grow up overnight. Looking at the memory board that I had made for Clay really brought home this fact. Lots of great memories. It seems like only last week I was stressing over a four-year old thumb-sucker....I remember being so worried that he would suck his thumb forever :)

While his dad gave the blessing for dinner last night, he thanked God for protecting Clay all these years and blessing us with a fine young man.

I agree.

Congratulations Clay! May your future be filled with love, opportunities, and adventures.

Sunday Thoughts....

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did - 1 John 2:6

This weekend I am reading "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns. Richard is president of World Vision U.S. The book was loaned to me by a good friend. She and I were talking one evening about church and the purpose of church....and the possibility that maybe, just maybe, somewhere along the way....church in America has veered into waters God never intended.

I've only read through Part One - The Hole in My Gospel-and Maybe Yours. Here are a few snippets from the book that are filling my thoughts on this Sunday afternoon:

"Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now." - Saint Teresa of Avila

"Kindess has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning." -Frederick W. Faber

"More and more, our view of the gospel has been narrowed to a simple transaction, marked by checking a box on a bingo card at some prayer breakfast, registering a decision for Christ, or coming forward during an altar call. I have to admit that my own view of evangelism, based on the Great Commission, amounted to just that for many years. It was about saving as many people from hell as possible-for the next life. It minimized any concern for those same people in this life. It wasn't as important that they were poor or hungry or persecuted, or perhaps rich, greedy, and arrogant; we just had to get them to pray the "sinner's prayer" and then move on to the next potential convert." Richard Stearns p. 17

"Luke 4 is not the only place in the Bible that speaks to issues of poverty and justice. God's Word is replete with such passages, from Genesis to Revelation - but do we heed them?" -Richard Stearns p. 23

Richard tells the story of Jim Wallis a seminary student. Jim and some of his classmates did a little experiment. They went through all sixty-six books of the Bible and underlined every passage and verse that dealt with poverty, wealth, justice, and oppression. Then one of the students took a pair of scissors and cut out those passages. What was left was a volume in tatters that barely held together. From Genesis to Revelation these themes are central to Scripture.

As believers, shouldn't these themes be central to our lives?

Are they?

Really?

Richard uses Isaiah 58 and Matthew 25 to illustrate this point. He then goes on to paraphrase Matthew 25 (in the RESV-Richard E. Stearns Version) This hit me right between the eyes.

"For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved."

Richard acknowledges that this is an irreverent version but he goes on to say that we have to face the clear implications that no matter how disquieting...God has clear expectations for His followers.

So this Sunday I'm thinking about what steps of faith can I take to demonstrate my own concern for "the least of these." What does that look like in my life? How is it manifested?

More to come....