Sunday, November 30, 2003

Answered Prayer- God's Messenger

This is an update to "Miracle Anybody?"



Today I woke up without a headache. Right about the time I arrived at church, my vision began to go and my head began to hurt again. Then I saw a man talking with my physician. During this time I was folding programs and preparing coffee supplies. The man came to get coffee. His son, Brian introduced him. His name is Barney. He began to tell me how he and his wife had been celebrating 49 years of marriage and was wondering if the man standing beside me was my husband. That happens to me often. We had a laugh and moved on to other conversation. After awhile I fixed a cup of coffee and mentioned that it might help my headache and my physician who is also a member of my church and a brother in Christ, began to converse with us and the topic of conversation was of course...my head. Barney shared testimony about how God had healed him because his church prayed over him and he talked about James 5 and laying hands. He shared his testimony about feeling God's presense and the prayers of many as he went in for 5 bypasses on his heart. (I have no clue if I said that right). There is so much more but I am simplifying it for time's sake.



Eventually, it was just Barney and I talking. He shared stories about God answering prayer as he was fighting for our country in the past and how he felt God's presense overwhelm him during times of great danger. Right in the midst of our conversation his face seemed to glow as his eyes filled with tears. It was so noisy that I couldn't hear him and he had to tell me again because I didn't think I heard him right the first time. He said that the Spirit just spoke to his heart and told him that God wants to heal my headaches.



When I heard him, I felt such a powerful presense of the Holy Spirit. It was as if nobody was in the room but me, him, and God. I had warm tingles running from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet and back up again. I know that what he said was from our Lord. He told me that the Holy Spirit was going to speak to me and tell me personally. I believe at that moment, that is exactly what happened. I felt a huge weight lifted off of me. I wasn't healed in that instant. In fact, I have a headache as I write this. But, for years I have wondered if God was ever going to deliver me from this misery or if it was something I would be plagued with for the rest of my life...like the thorn in Pauls flesh. There was such an immense sense of relief in that moment that I knew that my Lord has heard and does desire to heal me.



I don't know how many have read my first blog regarding this, or how many have prayed. I know there has been at least one. I know that God has heard and answered. Thank you. This is not the end of the story. I will continue to give updates as they occur.



To God be the Glory

Fatigue

I am a retailer. I am very tired. Whew! I LOVE this time of year! It's a giant adrenaline ruusssshhhhhhhhhh! But, I am exhausted! I've worked two long days and sometimes customers are not the most pleasant because they are tired too. They have shopped until they are ready to drop. I tell my employees that they need to keep smiling and helping customers. "Keep a smile on your face and a ho ho ho in your heart!" is what I say! LOL



Yesterday I had a customer say "I'm looking for a song. I don't know the artist or the song title. All I know is that it is gospel." I said "Is it black gospel? Southern gospel? or Contemporary Christian?" and she responded with a blank stare "I don't know." I said, "Well, the hottest thing right now is Mercy Me 'I Can Only Imagine'" and she then said excitedly "THAT'S IT!" That was one happy customer! It's amazing sometimes that people come in expecting us to read minds and pull stuff out of a hat! LOL



Sales were good this weekend and hopefully that will continue throughout the holiday season. I sure do miss being able to get to church though. Katie is telling me I am withdrawing from fellowship. True I choose not to attend Wednesday night service because I'm not interested in the studies being offered, but work is keeping me from Sunday service. I have made it to SaLT group whenever possible though. I have to say that when I am working so much, it is nice to be home when I'm not at work. I feel like I am rarely home at all, so when I have the chance, it's where I want to be.



I feel blessed to have a friend like Katie who holds me accountable. She is watching out for my spiritual well-being and that is a good thing. She is probably right in some aspects that I'm not where I should be.

Saturday, November 29, 2003

Miracle Anybody?

Several years ago, I was in the midst of a very troubled marriage. Out of sheer desperation and hopelessness I went online and began to visit Christian websites. I signed several guestbooks and requested prayer. Only one person ever responded. It was my friend, Sue. God answered my prayer that day...in a way that I truly never expected. He gave me a miracle and set me free from a terrible bondage that I had been trapped in not only during my marriage, but throughout my entire life. It was a pattern...a lifestyle.



Today, I am coming online again requesting prayer and hoping for a miracle. I am just as desperate as I was that day in May of 1999. I am asking my brothers and sisters to pray for God to send me somebody who can help me deal with, understand, cure, whatever His will....I just need to be delivered from the pain in my head that overshadows every aspect of every day of my life. I need another miracle. I know My God is faithful so I also ask that you pray that I remain patient and trust Him as He is working in His time and in His way.

Friday, November 28, 2003

Thanksgiving Dinner: Pain reliever and Phenergan

I was hoping that some of my headache troubles were stemming from a diseased gallbladder that I had removed last Friday. Apparantly that was not the case since I have spent the past three days trying to stop the pain....not the pain from surgery...the pain of migraine. I keep thinking about how good I would feel and how much more pleasurable my life would be if I could only get this problem under control. There are no drugs, no cures, no nothing. I've seen all the specialists, had all the tests. The only sensible solution seemed to come from a chiropracter who is not covered by insurance and very expensive. Isn't it funny how insurance covers drugs and doctors that don't seem to solve the problem but they won't cover those that will? There's something fishy there.



Anyhow, I spent Thanksgiving day popping pills to relieve pain and nausea in hopes to not spoil the day for everyone else. I went through the day trying to fake that I felt okay when really I wanted to be home in bed. I spend most of my life this way. When a person suffers from chronic migraine, it controls every aspect of their life. All plans are made around the hope that they won't get a headache and spoil the day for everyone involved. I would have so much richer and fuller of a life if I could just make my head stop hurting.



God answers all my prayer requests and blesses me every day but for some reason, he isn't touching this one. I have been praying for deliverance for years. Sometimes I wonder, "Am I praying right? Am I asking for the right thing? Am I doing something wrong? Or is this just a thorn in my flesh...and why?" I can't see the purpose God would have for leaving me or anybody with a plague like this. But, then again, there are many people who are left in horrible sickness for no explainable reason right? I don't see how this glorifies God...but I guess since His thoughts and ways aren't like ours, only He can know the answer to that one. Owwwwwwwww! Man! It hurts to sneeze when you have stitches in your stomach! Okay, so this isn't one of my more upbeat blogs...but we're all entitled to a down blog every now and then right? After all....this is where I come to write my thoughts.



I do hope that all our readers were blessed with a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'd love to hear about it too. Leave a comment and tell us about it.



God Bless

Tuesday, November 25, 2003

My Debut!

The maestro stopped by my store today and gave me my music to practice. He also asked me, just to verify, if I have a music degree? I said "yes" and then he wondered if I had ever played any percussion? I said "no", he said "not ever? never ever?" and I responded "well, I mean, I taught fifth graders how to play." and he said "good enough!" LOL



I will be making my tam tam debut during the December 6th performance.



Monday, November 24, 2003

Mouse Bite

It appears my mouse has bit the dust. Hmmmmmmm $1500 new computer and the mouse is giving me trouble after only 3 months. I'm trusting that Gateway will make this right, and soon!



I can't play games without my mouse! AAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!



I'M HAVING WITHDRAWAL!

Friday, November 21, 2003

Nurse's House Call

Patty Patterson, Katie's RN, just called to check on her and make sure I was encouraging Katie to do her breathing excercises and other such after surgery stuff.



Patty also called to tell me she was ready to do my enema! I said "NOOOOOOOOOOOO, I DON'T THINK SO" LOLOL



She was so funny and such a great care giver! Praise God for nurses like Patty! Woohoooooo!

Superblessed Christian Blog Awards

Check them out here if you are looking for some outstanding Christian blogs. Ganns Deen of Superblessed.net announces the winners in twelve categories of bloggers. Sister's Weblog has been honored with the "Most Enjoyable Female Christian Blog Award" and that is most humbling. When I see those blogs that we were nominated with, I don't know how it is that this humble blog of ours stands alone in any category. Fact is, there are many awesome bloggers out there and I encourage you to visit those that Ganns points to. Some of which I have blogrolled myself!



Have a look around Superblessed.net too! It is another one to blogroll if you haven't already!

She Doesn't Have the Gall!

I got up early this morning and took Katie to the hospital. She had gall bladder surgery. I waited in her room and napped on the hospital bed until she got back from surgery. Now she is home and recovering remarkably well. It is amazing that she had an organ removed at around 9:00 am this morning and is home at 2:30 in the afternoon. Technology is amazing, it blows me away sometimes!



You can have outpatient surgery to remove a gall bladder, but don't even think about easily removing wallpaper from a wall that you want to paint!

The Friday Five

The Friday Five:



1. List five things you'd like to accomplish by the end of the year. FIVE? It is almost the end of the year and I have to come up with FIVE? Well, first on the list I guess will be coming up with FIVE accomplishment goals! Second, spend more time with God. Three, enjoy the framily more. Four, finish reading the bible through this year...we've fallen behind and we need to make up about a week's worth of reading, but I really want to finish that year long goal! And Five? FIVE? Make it through another holiday season in retail!



2. List five people you've lost contact with that you'd like to hear from again. I guess old friends from high school and college...Lori Eimer, Jenny Sasala and Kim Ross were three high school band buddies that would be fun to catch up with. From college I think it would be fun to meet up again with Doug McInerney, a guy I dated for a short while and I also think it would be cool to catch up with my old college roommate Denise D'Andrea, wonder whatever happened to her? It is amazing to remember back to the days when these people were a part of my life every single day, and now I think more than ten, maybe fifteen years have gone by. I'm so glad I appreciated my friendships throughout the years, I have always been mindful that some people come in to my life just for a season.



3. List five things you'd like to learn how to do. Fly a plane! I want to fly someday! I'd like to learn how to be a radio personality, or at least do my own radio show for a spell, just for fun! I'd like to learn more about computers and all the stuff that goes into web design. I'd like to learn to love people more and myself less. I'd like to learn all I can about Jesus!



4. List five things you'd do if you won the lottery (no limit). Well, I seem to give away what I have now, so I'd probably give that all away too. I would buy stuff for myself though, to be sure! I want to get a joystick for my computer gaming habit and I'd want to fix the broken things in my house. I'd make sure my family and framily was taken care of financially and the rest I'd give away!



5. List five things you do that help you relax. Being online! NO kidding, I can really veg and relax surfing blogs and the news online. I also enjoy reading my apologetics books, bible studies and the bible itself. Listening to music is another way I can relax. I'd probably really relax if I'd pray more. I can't think of another thing that I do to help me relax...maybe go out for breakfast? Sitting there talking over my cup of coffee is rather relaxing.

Thursday, November 20, 2003

Tables and Wells

It's hard to know when to be Jesus turning tables at the temple and Jesus talking with the woman at the well.

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Got the Call

I recieved a phone call at work today. Jordan Tang called to ask if I could sub for the December 6 Holiday Concert. Immediately I said "YES!". He asked "are you sure you can do it?" because I think he knows I'm in retail and not working on a Saturday is frowned upon, but I said "I'm going to make it work. I won't blow and opportunity like this!"



So YAY! I get to play with the orchestra again!

Spiritual Maturity

I confess that sometimes I get upset with Katie's kids because they just don't behave the way I think they should. Katie tells me that I am expecting them to act like adults, but they can't because they are kids. She says that kids do not think like adults or act like adults.



I know all this. Children have limited cognitive abilities and limited maturity levels. Children are constantly learning and growing. I taught middle school students for five years and didn't seem to have trouble understanding a child's limited knowledge and maturity. This is one of those examples of having the "brain" knowledge about children, but now that I live with kids, well, it's just different. I guess it was easier to send kids home at 3:00 and let the parent's deal!



At SaLT with WaLT the other night, I learned some small but important lessons. One of which I shared in an earlier post. In that post however, I did not share the conviction that I received that night.



At the top of page 76 of A Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren writes "Parents do not require their children to be perfect, or even mature, in order to enjoy them. They enjoy them at every stage of development. In the same way, God doesn't wait for you to reach maturity before he starts liking you. He loves and enjoys you are every stage of your spiritual development."



This spoke volumes to me for a few reasons. One reason is the fact that I am so easily frustrated with the kids. I realized that my love for them is somewhat conditional. I am ashamed of that. I love Katie's kids very much and they know that, but sometimes my expectations for them are beyond what they can deliver. Through reading this I have learned that my expectations for them are unreasonable and are unfair. It may be because I am not a parent and do not relate to them as if I were a parent. As a matter of fact I call myself the "not the mom". I know that because God has placed them in my life for this season, that I do have responsibility in raising them. They live in my house and I care for them in the limited capacity that a "not the mom" can care for them. I am learning that I need to love them despite the fact that they are kids and drive me crazy! Parents are simply amazing.



So, that got me thinking about the fact that God does indeed love me at the maturity level I am at now. He loves me no different today then he did the very first moment I stepped into the Kingdom. I have grown a lot since my first days on the "milk", and God has shown me love through every moment. In my spiritual walk I have made some wrong turns and acted in shameful ways and God's love for me has never waned. It can't. It won't. From my first baby steps to my current walk, He is loving me at this stage in my spiritual journey.



I love Katie's kids. I want to love them with the love of God! I want to love them with a love that accepts them at whatever stage they are at and with a love that enjoys them through every growing moment, because that is what Love does for me!

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

Separation of Church and State

On November 13 an Alabama judge was forced to step down from the bench for "the acknowlegdgment of God [as] a vital part of the public and private fabric of our country" (Kyle Wingfield, Jackson Sun). Although some of his methods have been controversial even amongst Christians, his boldness to stand for God and sacrifice for His name is to be admired.



Today, November 17, The Massachusetts supreme court legalized gay marriages and since this has happened, all 50 states in the union will now be forced to recoginze those marriages as legal.



Civil liberties activists brought Judge Moore under fire for the display of the 10 Commandments stating they were a violation of the separation of church and state. So, does this mean that the church does not have to recognize gay marriage as legal? After all the church is separate...right?



The church (or states for that matter) should not be forced to recognize these "couples" as married couples because in a house that worships the One True God according to the Truth of scripture...this is not acceptable or recognized (under God's Supreme Authority) as a legal marriage. Therefore since "the church and state are to be kept separate" then the church should not be under obligation to recognize these marriages. The Scriptures are clear on this and those who try to alter it or make it say anything other than what it says will be held accountable. Marriage is for one man and one woman. God gave Eve to Adam and told them to be fruitful. He created them man and woman.....husband and wife.



This country's "justice" system has punished a man for acknowledging God as the fabric of our country. A few days later, the same "justice" system has legalized gay marriage in one state, forcing the rest of the country to recognize these marriages as legal...without a choice.



America....In God we Trust? One Nation Under God? Liberty and Justice for all? In this case... Liberty... for people who want no boundaries... Justice? For who? And where is God in all of this?



God has blessed America. There was a time when we recognized that. America has come to a place of complacency. No, in fact, America is getting down right rebellious...the Prodigal child. It appears we are beginning to think we don't need God or His blessing...in fact, we seem to think we did it all on our own. "Give us our inheritance and leave us alone" is our cry. I wonder...will God continue to bless America if we continue down this path of destruction? Or will He remove His hand from our country and let us see just how strong we can stand without Him? He is the foundation...the firm foundation. Take out the foundation and well, we saw what happened on 911.



I wonder if people realize the impact the Massachusetts ruling will have on civilization and the American family? This is a very sad day for America. It's not the end though...there is still hope. Christians, you can still have a voice. Don't be silent. Time is crucial! This is something that will change the family unit as we know it. Every believer must do their part! Don't wait for somebody else to do it. Each one of us is responsible and accountable to God for our actions.....and inactions. For more information go to www.nogaymarriage.com.



Pray for our Land. There is so much to pray for.



"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Sunday, November 16, 2003

SaLT with WaLT

I haven't been able to make it to church lately because of work and other commitments. I hate when I can't get to church!



I make it to SaLT group once in a great while and tonight was one of the great whiles! (A great white while? Nah...don't think so!) I arrived about 20 minutes late, which isn't a big deal because the first 45 minutes or so is simply for sharing a meal and talking together to help establish good relationships within the body of Christ.



I let myself into the house and made my way through the den. I don't think anyone heard me enter through the garage, but as I headed toward the kitchen, Harry heard someone behind him and got up to see who. The moment he saw me his face lit up and his arms opened wide anticipating a hug. Then David shot up from his seat and grabbed me to give me a great big bear hug! All the men sitting at the kitchen table greeted me with an impromtu unison "Suuuuueeeeeee!". What a warm welcome!



I then went into the dining room where the women were and recieved a simple hello. I told them that I may just have to go back into the kitchen since the men gave me a much bigger welcome! LOL The women then challenged the men with their BIG booming "Suuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee we are glad to see you!" cheer! LOLOL



After chatting for awhile we began our study and discussion on the Purpose Driven Life. We talked about chapters 8 and 9 which focused on worship and on how God smiles at us. We had some interesting and enlightening discussion, but I sat there in tears realizing that God smiles at me. I imagined God reacting to me entering the room just as Harry and David did. Just as all of SaLT with WaLT does anytime a brother or sister comes near. He is truly pleased to see me.



I thought to myself "It's easy for Harry and David to welcome me with a big bear hug and smiling face because they don't "know" the "real" me." Sometimes it's easier to love someone when you don't see their "warts" and all, you know? But God knows ALL and can't wait to welcome me into His Kingdom...in fact, I'm already there! He rejoiced the day I stepped into that territory and He smiled.



God smiles when I enter the room and he does know the "real" me. He loves me just the same and is just that excited to welcome me into His home. It was humbling to sit in my chair during our study time today and ponder that. I was welcomed into SaLT with WaLT today by God himself, loving me through His people. I may not feel God's hugs physically, but I felt Harry's, and I felt David's and I heard the sincerity in the "Suuuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeeeeee!" when my brothers and sisters were happy to see me come worship with them tonight. Best part is, I was just as excited to worship God with all of them! I think God smiled! :-)

The Aftermath

Well, it's over....finally. Now I deal with the aftermath. I can't write much since President Bush is expected to arrive at any moment to survey the damage for federal assistance. I don't know which is in worse shape...my house...or ME! I couldn't get those girls to settle down until after 3 am! Sue had to work and has put in alot of hours this week and I have been exhausted myself. I didn't mind them being up as long as they weren't SCREAMING!!!!!! What is it with pre-adolescent girls and screaming???



Anyhow, the house is trashed and Tiffany let the girls in her newly painted room this morning (after she was told that it was off limits last night). I sacrificed my futon so that the girls could party in my room and keep out of the newly painted room. So, just before church this morning...she breaks the rules, they knock over the headboard to the bead, it slides down the wall and well....need I say more? I tried to paint over it but it still shows through. I only ask myself...why do I always clean before the kids have a party?



So, I'm in church today and my dear friend, Gwen is beside me. I don't know if we stand and sit and stand and sit as often a we did today on a regular basis. I don't usually pay attention. But, today it just seemed more obvious to me. The longer the sitting periods were between the standing periods, the harder it was to change positions. My legs, my arms, my back....they were screaming at me as loud as all those girls were screaming ALL NIGHT last night! I would grab Gwen and she would pull me up and then I would lean on her as I would slowly sit back down. Finally, the last time we stood up she said, "Why don't you just stay seated from now on?" Thanks Gwen! LOL. The message was good but it was very difficult to focus. I am exhausted. I have a Spanish test Tuesday. I have papers due. One of them is finished. I just have to make corrections. I only have gathered information on the other. I was waiting for a certain trial to end. I'm writing an unbiased (or trying to be unbiased) paper from a liberal and conservative perspective on the trials of Judge Roy Moore. It's for history. We could write about anything after the Civil War. I chose something that was history in the making. It's been interesting watching it unfold and planning my paper.



Okay I have sufficiently digressed. Now, I'm going to take a well deserved and desperately needed nap.



Buenos Tardes

Saturday, November 15, 2003

Reprimanded

I've been reprimanded.



"Why haven't you been blogging?" I was asked today. I sheepishly grinned and explained "I've been playing my game." I've neglected the blog because I've been playing an online game.



I also said "Most of my life right now I can't blog!" There's been some interesting stuff going on but nothing I can really blog about and I haven't been to church in a few weeks because of work, so that subject hasn't been explored recently.



Basically I have nothing much to say except that the girls that are here for Tiffany's birthday party are VERY LOUD AND OBNOXIOUS! OMG! I couldn't deal with this very often. I'm not sure I'm dealing well now!



I worked 60 hours this week and when I come home, I like to have peace. Expecially at 10:20 pm!



So, that's my blog for the moment. I'm too tired to sleep. I mean blog! LOL See? I'm not even thinking correctly. I have SaLT group tomorrow night and I may have something more interesting to ponder after the next day/chapter of a Purpose Driven Life discussion.



Later!

Trials

My skin is peeling off. I just finished painting Tiffany's room purple. It was a birthday present. It's the latest amongst the many of too many things I do in attempts to stretch myself extremely thin! And speaking of thin....I think it's working! I've lost at least 15 pounds and I feel great! Well almost. It's been a rough semester. My classes have been great but my health has been a different story. I started off the first half of the semester with one almost continuous migraine. I cannot express how horrible it was. I still struggle but it's getting better. In the process of seeing my physician and switching around my medication, I complained of some stomach troubles. I thought it was from the medicine but the doctor said he though I needed to see a specialist. Unfortunately he was right. Sooooo, now, two weeks before finals with two term papers due and one more regular exam before all my finals, I have to have SURGERY! It appears that I have a stoned gallbladder and it has been that way for quite some time. The stones have been sleeping soundly (bless their little hearts) and not bothering me until this past year. In the process of all the testing, I had endoscopy done and they also have decided that my stomach empties too slow. So, after the surgery I have to go back to the doctor to see what to do about that. I told the specialist that I wanted him to take out anything I can live without while he was in there because I'm probably going to be hollow by the time I'm 40 anyhow....so, why not just do it all in one shot and get it over with?



Besides all of this...before I knew this was going to happen I got invoved with a couple of banquets. I am supposed to be helping with the planning on one. I am supposed to be the one delegating the other. I would rather be the delegatEE than the delegatOR. The reason.....because as the delegatEE I can decide I don't want to do it and I can just not do it (although I probably wouldn't do that). As the delegatOR when somebody decides to back out at the last minute........the job is yours to figure out and THAT IS NOT FUN! Especially when you have finals and surgery to deal with. So, one of my New Years resolutions will be to make sure that I am not the delegatOR for anything!



Okay so if that isn't enough....I decide that I don't have enough to do this week so I agree to let my daughter have a sleep over on the same day that I am planning to paint her room. Why do I let her have a party and plan to paint her room on the week that I have papers due and tests and an upcoming surgery? Because I LOVE TO BE TORTURED! I THRIVE ON IT! IT'S AN AWESOME ADRENALINE RUSH! NOT!



Anyhow, so, I took a test in history yesterday. I studied sooooo hard. I thought I knew the stuff. But, somehow, between here and school I must have shaken my head a little too hard because by the time I took the test ....all the facts that were organized nice and neat in their little compartments in my brain....well.........they all got jumbled up. So, I invented a few new wars and presidents and such. Needless to say I don't think the grade on my test will reflect the endless days and hours of studying I put into it. So, if that isn't enough....I go out and buy the remainder of the supplies I need to remove BORDER from my daughters wall.



Obviously, I have never done this before or else I would have known how ridiculous it was for me to assume this could be done in a night. So, I bought the chemicals soaked the wall...once...twice....and again..and again. Then, I scraped and peeled and scraped and peeled. I went to bed at 2:30 am with a migraine and every muscle in my body crying out in agony. I woke up twice with toe cramps....owwwieeee! Then, today, I painted over the border. I find it hard to believe that a doctor in Boston can remove a heart from a body, put it in a cooler, fly it to California, and put it in another person to save their life...but there is nothing that will take border off of a wall with ease! What is THAT all about?????



Okay so I'm trying to get the room finished up before Tiffany gets home...the clock is ticking and I haven't even made the cake yet so what do I do???? Since I have debris everywhere and I'm still in my sweats... I decide to tell my 13 year old son to read the box and mix the cake ingredients for me. BIG MISTAKE! He asks me to crack the eggs so I pick up the first one and drop it...not in the bowl.... on the coutertop and down the front of the dishwasher. Then I try again and I get it right. I go back to my job and leave him to his.. only to find out that he put the water in...the recipe called for water and he put in water....no specific amount. He just turned on the faucet and put water in it. Soooooooo that cake went down the disposal.



It is now 8:35 p.m. and cake number 2 is cooling in the refrigerator and there are about 9 girls screaming and running all over my house. I AM UNDER THE GRACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD AND IT IS TRULY SUFFICIENT! He may not give me more than I can handle but He sure does keep me close to the mark! AMEN!

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

The Battlefield

I haven't been keeping up with my blogging as usual. I've been on the Battlefield.



When I got my new Cowbox Computer, it came with a game pack. I knew if I installed one certain game I would get hooked, and I have! I have even joined a gaming community. Nice guys there...they don't play to boost their ego, but entirely for fun. They have a good set of rules that I think allows the game to be played in fun and since they don't really add members based on skill, I figured this was the community for me! (My skill at the game leaves a lot to be desired for sure!)



So, I'm gonna go join a game now!

Friday, November 07, 2003

93!

God blessed me with a visit by an elderly couple in my store today.



I was rather busy and in the rush of customers I was ringing out at the cash wrap, I didn't notice two older women enter my store. When I finally did see one of the elderly women, she was mulling around the easy listening section. I approached her a greeted her with a friendly smile. She smiled big right back at me and said she was just "wasting time" while her friend looked. She pointed to her friend, so I said with tongue in cheek, "Well, okay, I'll go hit her up!" and the women laughed in agreement.



I greeted the other women and asked if she was locating things okay. She said she was and I asked her if she had seen our listening points. I explained how to use them and she was quite friendly and appreciative. I don't usually get customers this receptive to my help, so it was nice. I let her continue browsing and sampling CDs.



Today I got in the mood for some EWF. I put in Earth, Wind and Fire's greatest hits and we were jamming to some Shining Star, September, and Got to Get You Into My Life. It was fun and that music just made me wanna dance! So, as I strolled down one aisle, I was heading toward the first woman I told you about earlier. A wide-eyed, happy-faced, white-haired women probably in her 80s was headed toward me and she "caught me dancing". (I don't really dance, I'm really bad at it so I invented my own ridiculous move that my staff calls The Sue Shuffle. I figure if I make fun of myself, no one else will be able to take pleasure in that!) So I went right up to her and said "let's dance!" and so we did! LOL She started moving and grooving and we both had a wonderful time for a few moments dancing on the sales floor! We laughed and then she went on her merry way and I continued on my project.



A few minutes later I greeted a very old man entering my store. He wore a hat like my grandpa used to and walked with purpose, although with a cane and slight limp. He was thin and frail, but not sickly or anything. He wore a bright smile and I knew he was probably in looking for his wife. Sure enough when I greeted him he said he was looking for his wife and his friend. I said "that's probably your friend and your wife is over there." He looked and agreed and proudly pointed out his wife. While the women continued to look around the store, this man and I talked and joked around. He was pleasant to chat with and he asked me at one point "how old do you think I am?" I answered, "Oh, I can guess this...57!?" (I knew he was MUCH older than that) He said "Oh come on, you know it's higher than that." I declined to guess and he proudly announced "I'm 93!". He went on to say that he can't stand to sit still! He said "I have to be up and around! I'm 93 and I'm walking around like this!" so I said "well, so does your wife! She and I were just dancing!" and he laughed and asked "really!?" LOL The man went on to share and brag a bit about his bride and how they have been together almost 50 years! Wow! I told them congratulations and thanked them for sharing that with me. I said "you have blessed my day and made my heart happy."



I wish I had more customers like that!

Attention Christian Bloggers

Blogs4God pointed me to Five Questions For Christian Bloggers @ e-Church.com a survey that Tim Bednar is doing. He is collecting information as he researches "spiritual blogging" and the "participatory church".



It's only 5 questions to answer and since he is calling for participants publically, I thought I'd help put out the word in case someone drops in at the Sisters' Weblog and hadn't already heard.



Go answer the questions here!

Caption Anyone?

This is a pic of the daughter of a friend. Isn't it cute? Anyone have a catchy caption idea?



Friday Five

The Friday Five:



1. What food do you like that most people hate? I really don't have many of these...I guess what grosses Katie out the most is the fact that I will eat Oatmeal...dry.



2. What food do you hate that most people love? Pizza, I HATE PIZZA! The only thing I do like about it is the dough. Can't deal with cheese, the sauce or anything that will go on top!



3. What famous person, whom many people may find attractive, is most unappealing to you? George Clooney...I can't stand the man! I'm really annoyed by the slight tilt of his head to one side. It was noticeable especially on ER.



4. What famous person, whom many people may find unappealing, do you find

attractive?
Gee, I really can't think of any. I'll go with Patrick Stewart...bald is beautiful on that guy!



5. What popular trend baffles you? I think the current trend in fashion when it comes to pants. The real low cut waistline. I see the bellies of some people who has NO business showing their bellies! Those low-cut waistlines should not be worn by the majority of people, in my opinion.

Wednesday, November 05, 2003

Brains and Eggs

Faye, the best waitress in the world, approached our table at breakfast this morning. She seemed somewhat disgusted and exclaimed "Oh My Gosh!" *gag*.



Katie and I wondered what was up and Faye read our non-verbal language and started to explain. She said "those guys over there just ordered brains and eggs and wanted them thrown on the grill for 5 seconds and stirred around. I could barely serve it."



ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww



I added "I know I'm in the south because people are ordering brains!"

Monday, November 03, 2003

Abandoned Blogs

This got me wondering about all the sites that get abandoned. I like to clean up files I am not using on my computer...can't the files/sites that are abandoned get cleaned up too? Will the Internet ever run out of space?



I've come across some blogs that had never been updated past day one. Makes me wonder why the person even started up? Maybe for them it is what excercise is to me! "Someday I'm gonna do that...etc." LOL



I always find it mildy amusing to run across sites that boast about the "new" part of the site that is 4 years old now.

Sunday, November 02, 2003

A Manager Call

I hate "manager calls". Many times it means that a customer is calling and when they specifically ask for the manager, it is usually to resolve a problem of some sort. I have come to dread when an associate hands me the phone and says "it's a manager call."



Yesterday I took the call and said "this is Sue" and the customer said "I'm the woman who you helped today. I was looking for such and such song and the CD you got me was the right one. I'm just calling to thank you for all your help and let you know that if another customer comes in inquiring about that same song, it is in fact the one you sold me."



Yay! I like happy calls!

Siblings

I watch and listen to Katie's kids fight everyday. It drives me nuts! It drives her nuts! Sometimes we wonder if they really love each other.



Tiffany (11) has been really sick with a bad cold. She has been sleeping a lot and suffering with a very sore throat. The doctor even wondered if she possibly had mono.



Yesterday, while Tiffany was in bed at dinner time, Justin (13)asked "Tiffany, can I fix you anything for dinner?"



Katie and I were having a conversation at the time, but we both heard that and stopped to consider what had just happened. We both smiled and got weepy-eyed as we said in unison "they do love each other!"

Does a Blog Represent the Blogger?

**OOPS! I forgot to log in as ME, as in SUE. This post is from Sue!**



What I blog about is true in my life. But, it isn't all that there is. There is much more going on in my life than what I blog about.



I don't blog about some things because it would affect others. (Or effect....DRAT! I just can't get that rule of grammer!) I don't blog about some things because it wouldn't edify. I don't blog some things because it really isn't any body else's business. I don't blog some things because they wouldn't glorify God. I don't blog some things because it's too personal.



I would say this blog represents a part of what, or who I am, but it can in no way represent all of me.



What about your blog? Does it represent you?



Ignore the Katie signature...it was my post (Sue). Oops!

Saturday, November 01, 2003

John 15:5

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5 NKJV).



Other versions of this text use the word remain instead of abide. I like the NKJV because the word abide just seems like a deeper word. So, I looked abide up in the Strongs Complete Dictionary of Bible Words and found some Hebrew words for it. Here are the results of my findings:



Meno: to stay, remain.



Parameno: to be permanent, persevere.



Prosmeno: to remain: to adhere to.



As Christians we have the promise of the Holy Spirit living in us. "You, however are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ" (Romans 8:9 NIV).



The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ is the Spirit that abides in us....permanantly. He remains there, and so we must adhere to, and remain in Him...permanantly. (This is easier said than done when we have a mind and soul that is constantly pulling us in another direction.) That's why we have to focus and let His Spirit have control of our life... not our mind, not our fleshly desires, not our emotions. So, when life is overwhelming and it seems that nothing positive is happening and there is no light at the end ot the tunnel....search for the Light that shines from within. Focus on Him.



For the Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)



Child of God, do you have any strongholds stealing your joy?

Are you in a downward spiral that you can't seem to break free from?

Focus on the Spirit that lives in you...Abide in Him! It's a daily and sometimes a momentary thing that you have to do but if you keep your focus there, He will take care of the rest. And do me a favor, remind me of these words if you see in the future that I have lost my focus!



"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105)



The lamp is to our feet and a light to our path....at our feet. It only shines far enough for us to see where we are going...as far as we need to see to get to the next step. So we should focus on getting to the next step and trust God to get us to the destination...one step at a time. He knows the way.



"Don't worry about tomorrow. Today has enough trouble of its own" (Matt 6:34).



"Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28)



"Praise be to the Lord God our Savior who daily bears our burdens!" (Ps. 68:19).