What I Learned While Flipping a House

My sister has always been bitten with the construction bug. She's that girl who asks us all to get her tools for Christmas. She is a Post Master by day and a construction diva by night. She never turns down a chance to build or remodel something. So, when my niece got a new job and needed a place to live, my sister instantly thought about my grandmother's old house. Of course it would need just a wee bit of remodeling. (I personally thought bulldozing it was the better choice, but she saw potential.)

Kitchen before. 

Kitchen after cabinets out and sheetrock up.

Like all construction projects, this one started out as a small facelift. Pulling off the paneling and painting the sheetrock was goal number one. Replacing the kitchen cabinets, goal number two. Then, resanding the old wood floors, goal three.  And finally, a little paint job to freshen up the outside of the house, last and final goal number four. 

Stripped walls all the way down to the 2x4s.

Same wall after sheetrock went up. 

The paneling came off with no problems. However, the sheetrock she discovered underneath was in terrible shape. Due to past roof leaks, the majority of it was crumbling. The result? A total sheetrock tear down! Luckily, the house is small; however, the first thing we all learned: There were a lot of nails holding that sheetrock in place! Pulling nails took a couple full days, then we continued to find them for days after. Small children think pulling nails is fun! So, remember that on your next project. 

The cleaning, and the cleaning, and the rest of the cleaning seems to never end. I'm not sure why there is so much sweeping, but it's best to give one person a broom and just make that their primary job! 

Once the nail pulling was over and we sent the drunks home (that is a blog for another day!), the real work seemed to begin. My sister and great nephew hung sheetrock during the day, then after 5 the second shift arrived. It consisted of her husband, two son-in-laws, myself (I'm the baby sister!), and her mom. With all of us working, we cranked out some major work! While two hung sheetrock, two of us taped and bedded. My sister would go to the next room and "prep" for sheetrock. Her mom would come through periodically (she lives next door, and no, we don't have the same mom) and sweep and pick up scrapes. It was great! 

As it stands tonight, the sheetrock is almost complete. Only one wall left to go. All walls have been taped, bedded and sanded with just one layer left to go! 

Two excellent nail pullers that worked great...
for one day! lol

While I have become a proficient "mudder" in just a couple of days, the real lesson I've learned during this flip is teamwork. It reminds me of the scripture ...

No one has to be told what to do, we all just find a spot and go to work. None of us are paid professionals. We are merely rookie, volunteer carpenters.  We have come together for the unified goal of getting this house finished before school starts on August 27. 

Regardless of how the house turns out when it is finished, we have made a great team. Not to mention it has been fun to hang with the family. And, we have made memories that will last a lifetime. 

Of course, none of this would have been possible without our fearless leader! :)  She pushes us all to do things we probably would not have done otherwise!  

~  Stay tuned for the final makeover! ~

All the white spots you see are little nails
holding on to what is left of the sheetrock! 

A Tibial Plateau Fracture Sucks!

Article has been updated at the end.

Yep, that is what I said! I know I shouldn't say sucks, but there is no other word to describe this injury!

A fun factoid: Tibial plateau fractures constitute 1% of all fractures. (I'm so blessed to be in the 1% club. NOT!)

Once upon a time, before Oct. 15, 2010, I was a runner. Now, I'm not. The end!!

Honestly, the day I broke my leg, I didn't think it would be the end of my running career...okay, hobby. I loved running.  This was my new,  favorite thing to do. I had managed to keep it up for a full year! I had even completed a 5K and a half marathon. I guess you could say I got the runner's high that people talk about!  I was determined this injury would not get the best of me. I knew it would be tough, and I would have a long-row-to-hoe, but I could do it! Right?

Plates and screws after surgery #2.
And I wonder why I have a clicking noise. 

Well, today is July 20, 2012, and I'm still not running. Sure, I am partly to blame. Through the extremely long, healing process, I lost motivation. I tried to run, but my leg did not function properly. I also have a lovely clicking noise inside my knee every time it bends. It doesn't hurt exactly, but it sounds like it might crumble into pieces! And, my atrophied muscles never fully returned as good as I had hoped. (Of course some time in the gym would help that!) But, all things combined, the darn thing just won't function like it used to.  My excitement and hope have faded.

Surgery #1 consisted of an external fixator. If your doctor ever says 

you need this, run!! Run very far away. 

I always try to think positive, so I tell myself (especially right after my monthly Runner's World magazine shows up), "Tomorrow, I will call the bone doctor and make an appointment for a new MRI. We will see exactly what is going on and see if anything is physically wrong with it." But, I never make the call. Boo! Why?? Well, I'm a busy wife and mom with a full time job that I commute to daily. I'm still paying medical bills from the previous two surgeries. (Yes, I had insurance.) And, finally a little guilt sets in and I tell myself, "Well, you could at least get out and walk and you aren't even doing that, so why are you trying to run?" You know the guilt routine.

So, here I sit, having just read the latest issue of Runner's World, with my bum leg, sad that I can't run. I wouldn't mind starting over. I wouldn't mind having to work my way back into the half-marathon schedule, really, I wouldn't! But then I'm reminded that my stupid knee/leg/muscles just don't operate like they used to.

Locked and loaded. It kinda did look like a gun.
Did I mention this was the worst two weeks of my life?

Thank you for allowing me to vent! I promise to not whine so much in my next post! Really, it's been almost two years! I should just get over it already! lol

One of these days, yes one of these days, I'll be back! Not sure when that will be, but one of these days. Speed walking is sounding better and better. :)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

Disclaimer: One reason I wanted to post this experience was because I can't find many other stories of runners who are trying to rehab this injury. So, I wanted to get something out there and maybe find someone else who has experienced this. And, also I am frustrated today and I'm just keeping it real yall! 

UPDATE: In January of 2013, I started running again on a regular basis. It was a slow start, but my leg finally cooperated. I ran pretty consistent, then had my knee scoped, then continued to run up until September 2013. My leg did pretty well. I was running three miles pretty easy. I had hopped to run a half marathon in October/November.

Even though my leg was much better, I never could get back into the shape I was before breaking my leg. I don't know if this was age or momentum or what, but I decided I would just run for fun and not really strive for a half marathon again. Shortly after that, I knocked a rib out of place and that set me back a while!

UPDATE on SCOPE: In April 2013 I had my knee scoped. This was wonderful. It cleaned up some of the arthritis and scar tissue. It took care of the clicking noise.  He also clipped off some lose meniscus tissue. It was a positive move. The recovery was short...maybe 4 weeks. I had to do some physical therapy. MRI - My doctor did not want to do an MRI on my knee. He says the metal makes the image blurry. This is very frustrating for me. I do not want to have to have a surgery every time I wonder what is going on. If anyone finds out there is a way to get a clear picture, let me know!

UPDATE: It is January 2015. I haven't been running for a variety of reasons..none to do with my leg. But, for the first time, the knee is really starting to give me trouble. It gets very stiff from sitting. I actually have pain at certain angles while sitting. It's always been that way a little, but this is a whole new level. I'm not sure if it arthritis setting in or what. I've always had a small catch in the back that has not allowed me to lift my left backwards at a certain angle. I have never been able to raise my heel to my butt. This motion is impossible. I can point my toe and lift the leg, but I can't do heel to butt.  (I know that sounds weird.) That spot has intensified and gotten much worse. The stiffness usually goes away after walking on it for a bit.  It's the most trouble while sitting and during the night. I could still run on it if I were inclined.

The Power of Worship

When the ark was brought to Jerusalem, David gave very specific orders in 1 Chronicles 15:16.

"David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint (emphasis mine) their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals."

The commentary from my NIV study bible reads: The great musical procession was designed as a worthy accompaniment to the great occasion. It heightened the excitement, elevated the people's hearts and minds, and focused their attention on the event. It also helped seal it in their memory for years to come. Beginning any task by praising God can inspire us to give him our best. Develop the practice of giving praise to God and you will experience greater joy and strength to face anything.

Photo credit to http://journeyfellowshipchurch.com/worship

In 1 Chronicles 16:4 David "appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord (emphasis mine), the God of Israel.

Later in 1 Chronicles chapter 23, he divides up the Levites, giving them all very specific jobs. Six thousand were to be officials and judges. Four thousand were to be gatekeepers and four thousand were to praise the Lord with musical instruments. 

From David's time on, the use of music in worship was much more organized. Music for the temple became refined. Why do you think this was the case? Why did he put such heavy emphasis on music? Notice he assigned 4000 people to the job - the same number he assigned as gate keepers! Music and security were on the same level in his eyes.

My personal opinion is that David knew something about worship. David knew the power that it held. He knew strength could be drawn from this powerful praise. He had spent years in the wilderness running from Saul perfecting his worship skills. He drew his strength from God through worshipping him. He didn't have fancy teachers and preachers. All he had was alone time, with God, to praise him.

Not only did he know the power of worship, he understood that worshiping God showed no favoritism. Notice in 1 Chronicles 25: 6-31 how David divided the musicians:

"All of these men ... trained and skilled in music for the Lord .... young and old alike, teacher as well as student, cast lots for their duties."

This is amazing to me. They divided them equally with no regard to age or skill level. My commentary reads "This division of labor gave order to the planning of temple work, promoted excellence by making training easier, gave variety to worship because each group worked a term and provided opportunities for many to be involved."

I personally love worshiping the Lord through music. And, I think most people do. We may not agree on the type of music or what instruments should or should not be played in the church, but I think we can all agree that there is power power power in worshiping God! I can hear a song on the radio and go directly to the thrown of God without ever hearing a sermon or opening my bible. That is the power of worship. (Disclaimer: I believe strongly in preaching and teaching and especially reading the word of God. I'm simply making a point about the power of worship.)

David got this! He understood it like no one else. He changed the course of history because he believed so strongly in worship. We have to give it that same priority in the house of the Lord. We have to give it that same attention to detail. We especially need to divide the work load - appoint others - pass the baton. But, we have to keep it top of mind, and give it due diligence.

With that in mind, as a parent, I feel it is important to make sure my kids know something about music. I should devote as much time and attention to making sure they learn an instrument as I do making sure they learn their math or how to play baseball. I have not done this! I was not taught to play an instrument, and I regret not possessing that skill. I see the importance. It is a dying art form. Computers can produce music these days. I don't even need an instrument! So, I really don't have an excuse.

Today, I'm convicted to be more like David. I'm convicted to change the course of my little world by teaching myself and my kids how to play an instrument, and how to use that talent to praise the Lord. It is just that important!

Lift up Your Hands - Meredith Andrews

Suicide is Never the Answer

I can barely bring myself to type this. My stomach is nauseous as I think about the lose of a child. And, when lose comes at the hand of a parent, it is even more difficult to understand.

If you woke up to the news this morning and heard this terrible story, then you know what I'm referring to. The Powell children who were killed by the one person who should have loved them the most in this world, their father.

Image from www.sodahead.com

This story broke my heart. It comes on the heels of another acquaintance who committed suicide. All this tragedy is a sign of the hopelessness people feel. They feel trapped, like their situation has no other solution than to take their own life. Maybe they have committed a crime, like Mr. Powell, they killed someone. Or, maybe they are buried in debt, losing their automobile, their home. Maybe they are caught up in addiction. All these things seem hopeless. I get that. But, I want you to know there is hope!!

When the cares of this world take over, it is as if someone puts blinders around our eyes. We can only see what is directly in front of us.  We can't see hope because we are buried in our situation. We can't see those around us, wanting to help. We can't see solutions because the problem has grown to an all encompassing size, taking over our life.

This world teaches us to be self-made idols unto ourselves, answering to no one.  If we work hard enough, we can have big houses and fancy cars. If we have lots of money, our kids are guaranteed to be the smartest in the world, and our lives will be perfect. But, unfortunately that is a lie from the pit of hell. Yes, hard work and ambition are great! But if we build an island unto ourselves, it is sure to crumble. We were made to fellowship with others, especially the one who made us.

Living separated from our creator is sure to breed hopelessness! This is a very real problem that makes people take their own lives and the lives of those around them.  Just believing there is a God is not enough to sustain you. It's not enough to make you act or feel different. You must know the Creator and his life-giving words. You have to read those words and seal them in your heart so that when this hopelessness creeps up, your self-talk can repeat those words back to you...giving you hope. You have to lean on others who know God's Word so that when you are weak, they can be strong for you. It's not about you being the strong one all the time.

However hopeless it may seem, it is not. Jesus came that we may have life and life abundant. Even when you feel the weight of the world crashing down, Jesus is there. The rest of it is just stuff!! It may embarrass you to get your house or car repossessed. But, it won't kill you. A certain crime may even put you in prison.  Prison is a hard place, but Jesus lives there too. I've met many prisoners who have more joy and peace in their life than I do!  Please please please know that you don't have to give up and take your own life.

Life is hard. People understand that more than you may realize. Just because people may not air their dirty laundry to you, they have some. They can relate to what you are going through. Talk to someone. Open the word of God, and talk to him! See what he has to say to you. He loves you. He can forgive any sin...any sin! Please don't hurt yourself or anyone else. There is hope in this hopeless world.

This may all sound very moot to you. I know what you are thinking..."Yeah yeah yeah, she doesn't get it. She thinks Jesus is the answer to all the problems in this world!"  The truth is I KNOW JESUS IS THE ANSWER! His word is alive and true and sharper than any two-edged sword. Have you found hope anywhere else? Try it! Open a bible, read the Psalms and see if God doesn't speak directly to your heart! Test him!! You might be surprised.  Then, take a minute and listen to this sweet song by Kari Jobe. And, please don't hurt yourself.

A Revelation from Revelations

Revelation 12:17: The dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring – those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

So easily we forget who our true enemy is – the devil, Lucifer, the one who could not reign in heaven and was kicked out for bad behavior. While we can’t see him he is there. There are so many scriptures that back this up. 

It is easier to walk with God and fight the enemy than to walk without God and live without peace. Life spirals down with no hope. But with Jesus we have hope. Here we see the enemy in hot pursuit after the woman – same as in the garden. God made a way for her to escape. He protected her. Even when we can’t see it, God protects us. Even when we disobey, walk away, God protects. We need never forget what God has done for us. This is our testimony. Every victory – every time – we are overcomers. 

Are you Listening? (Not Always!)

I'm commenting on a post I read from Bible Gateway today. I will repost the article at the bottom.

This post spoke to me ... a little. At one time in my life I would have totally agreed this is the best way to hear God speak. But, now it doesn't seem this easy.  I'm not sure why. Maybe there is too much noise in my head. My life is pretty calm, but the noise in my head .... maybe not so much.  Below is the article. Tell me what you think.  Is this how you hear God speak?

(REPOSTED FROM BIBLE GATEWAY)

Are You Listening? 1 Samuel 3:1-21 When was the last time you heard from God? Think about it. Has God's still, small voice been drowned out by the hum of too much noise from work, family, church and friends? The adolescent boy Samuel was lying in the temple. It was still night because "the lamp of God had not yet gone out" (the lamp would not have been allowed to go out before morning). Samuel was probably lonely, having been separated from his family and dedicated by his mother Hannah to work for the old, blind priest Eli in the temple. It seems to have been a discouraging time to work there: "The word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions." But as Samuel drowsed on his pallet, the sound of his name cut through the flickering dimness. "Samuel!" Naturally, Samuel thought Eli had called. "Here I am," replied the boy. Again, "Samuel!" Again, "Here I am." Samuel listened keenly, but the summons didn't come from Eli. God himself called Samuel that evening, and Eli taught the boy the right response: "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." What made Samuel so ready to hear God's voice? For one thing, he was a faithful and obedient servant. He was ready to respond to his master, and his willingness made him ready to respond to God as well. He was being faithful in the small things of his everyday life and was therefore entrusted with a great thing, to be a prophet of God and to restore the priesthood's honor. Samuel was also in the right place to listen. Are you? His posture invited God to speak to him: faithful, obedient, humble, waiting, receptive. His willingness to respond became instrumental in restoring holiness to the land: "[God] revealed himself to Samuel through his word. And Samuel's word came to all Israel." If you want to hear God speak, do what you can to be ready. Be prepared when you're in a place of outward silence and sanctuary: as you lay awake in the early hours of the morning, while you wait in your car for your children to get out of school, when you walk the dog in the evening. Seek an inner silence and sanctuary also: Let go of mental noise and emotional confusion. Take deep breaths in and out until your heart and respiration rate slow. Humbly and receptively invite God to speak to you, and wait with faithful and obedient readiness. When God calls your name, respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Reflection What are some things that drown out God's voice for you? What makes it difficult for you to be still in God's presence? Are personal sins blocking you from hearing God's voice? Take time to confess any wrongs you've committed and ask God to cleanse you. Read Psalm 84 to prepare you to spend time in God's presence. 1 Samuel 3:10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." Related Readings Psalms 84:1-12; 86:1-17; Matthew 5:8; John 10:1-6

Why I Think Blogs are Good

Tonight I spent way to much time reading blogs that I had never heard of before tonight. A google search for enchiladas took me here. And somehow from there I ended up over here. Not quite sure how that happened, but it has been happening a lot lately. (I guess the search engines are doing better at picking up blogs.)

I'm a little late to the blog world. I knew they existed, have read a few, but really didn't know the volume of information and sharing that was going on until more recent. Tonight, the blog of a very sick (as in ill, not weird) young lady really touched my heart. Not because of her profound wisdom, but her humor. She is finding ways to make others laugh while she is in so much pain.

Gives ya that warm fuzzy feeling!

What has struck me the most about these blogs is the connectivity they give people. Wether it is someone so sick they can't leave the house, or just someone who has been through a similar situation, blogs are helping people connect and share. This is beautiful to me.  But also, what I love, is that people are so real and transparent. I'm growing more fond of the amateur blogger than the professional, studious writer. These people crack me  up, give me hope, help me find great recipes and ideas, and simply make me feel like I've shared coffee with a friend and caught up on their life.

In one way, I realize I don't know these people and there is a false sense of reality going on. I get that. But their stories are real. Their hurt and suffering is real. So, I approach it like I would if I were sitting across the table from them. I take it all in, process it, try to leave encouraging comments.

Another observation....no one's life turns out quite like they had planned. No one plans on getting sick and losing their independence or moving back in with their parents! No one expects to lose a parent at the age of 9. No one expects to go get coffee one morning and fall down and break their leg in the process! (Yes, that one was me!) So, we play the hand we are dealt. We adjust and readjust to the new us! Like it or not, we do it. We make it. We persevere. Yes, there are dark days, frustrating days, but we press on because tomorrow is a new day.

Count your blessings because things can certainly change in the blink of an eye. And, when they do, the blog world is certain to have someone going through something similar. :)

How to Catch a Break!

At the age of 39, I would have expected the unpredictable to have leveled out a bit in my life. Yet, it seems quit the opposite.  No matter what area of my life I seem to have under control, there are other areas that simply explode in my face. Can you relate?

For instance, it's December, and you all know that means the holidays are among us. This usually means a little financial juggling for our family. Shifting some bills around to make a little wiggle room for presents. (This is where I hear Dave Ramsey ranting in my head: "Christmas comes every 12 months! You know this! Why have you not planned ahead and saved money for this????" Can I get an AMEN!!!)  But this year, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to catch a break. I normally take adversity in stride, knowing God has a plan and simply waiting it out. This year He is really testing my patience...or my juggling skills, not sure which! lol

Image by Renjith Krishnan.

Recently, my husband had to go to the ER for a burn on his arm. He tried to go to the clinic, a $60 visit, but it was lunch time so they sent him to the ER instead: a $700 visit. Do the math on that one! A week ago, my son hurt his foot while playing.  It appeared to be okay, but now it is hurting him again. This will require an x-ray very soon to determine what is needed.  All of a sudden, my daughter's eyes have decided they need glasses and her teeth refuse to come in straight! Not to mention we are still paying off medical bills from my broken leg a year ago! (Yes, we have some insurance but it never covers everything!)

Normally, we find creative ways to make all our ends meet. We catch a break somewhere and it all comes together. But, right now nothing is turning out that way. I know the Lord says to cast all my cares on him and be anxious for nothing, and that is what I'm trying to do. But, in the honor of full disclosure I have to say... I am anxious. I know I shouldn't be, but I am. Not just because I may not get my Christmas gifts purchased, but because we have some real needs that are going unmet at the moment. Because I'm embarrassed that I can't pay my bills on time or maybe even at all right now. Because I am letting people down - I don't like to let people down! Because I am a Christian and I feel like I'm setting a terrible example! Because I am a responsible adult, contributing to society, holding down a good job (two actually) and it still isn't enough. It is not enough.

So, I sit and I wait. I've done everything I can do in my own strength. I've turned over every leaf I know to turn.  This one is out of my control.

Honestly, when I let go of that CONTROL is usually when God shows up and shows off. So, I sit and wait for him to do just that!  While I may be frustrated and anxious, I know where my hope comes from! I am NOT without HOPE because I serve a mighty God. He hasn't forgotten me. His ways are higher than my ways. So, I will sit and wait to catch my break from Him.

God bless you all! Merry Christmas.

I am Addicted

Who knew? I certainly did not. I mean, after all, I didn't think I consumed that much caffeine! Really!

Somewhere around 32 hours was all I lasted without caffeine. That is terrible. Usually, when I give up my coffee and tea, I have a small headache, feel a bit sluggish, but otherwise I'm okay.  But this time, OMG! I was out to lunch for most of the day, in a fog, head was spinning, and not to mention I almost feel asleep driving! It was that bad from one day without coffee and tea.

I recently watched a documentary that was discussing eating healthy. One of the things they mentioned was people being so dependant on caffeine they really did not know how nutrient deficient they were.  (We are getting our energy from caffeine rather than nutrients.) That comment didn't sink in until yesterday! I had no energy and felt terrible.

I thought after a good nights sleep, today would be better. WRONG! It got progressively worse as the morning went on. Sadly, this morning I had to give in to a small cup of coffee. Instantly, my head was better. Such a sad state of affairs that I'm addicted to caffeine.  Next time, I guess I better ween off the caffeine before I decide to go on a caffeine fast! 

Activate Your Tools!

That is the message I got loud and clear last night.

God has given us tools, we need to use them!

Many times, I sit and lament about the trials of this life. There is too much month at the end of the money, too many health complications, and the list goes on.

I pray, "God, please get me out of this situation!" And, it seems like nothing really changes. Lack of motivation sets in, and I stop doing what I know to do.

Yesterday, I did two small, seemingly insignificant things:

I tithed a whooping $10, and I prayed for my husband (in person, not behind closed doors).

Then, as I was trying to go to sleep last night, I felt like God was showing me the people in my church were all under  some kind of an attack...everyone!  I began to picture their faces, one by one, and their trials.  I knew my family had certainly been experiencing some spiritual warfare, but had not really looked beyond myself and seen the trials everyone else was up against.

Then, I got this overwhelming sensation to start praying and fasting.

I remembered the tools that God had given me. And, I thought, "You idiot! Why have you not done this sooner?"

Honestly, I hadn't done it sooner because I hadn't felt lead to do it. I hadn't felt moved by God in quite some time to do much of anything spiritually.

Activate your tools! That is what God was showing me.

We have prayer, fasting, tithing, reading the word, gathering with the body of Christ, and more. When we do these things, we guard ourselves agains the attack of the enemy.

It is our protection!

We need to do it and do more of it. By dropping my seeming small $10 in the offering plate, it was half of all the money I had at that moment. I was activating a little faith. Then, by praying with my husband, I was binding up our marriage, standing in the gap with him, letting him know that I believed in him, encouraging him, and simply doing for him what I would want him to do for me if I was feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Those two small things, opened a flood gate in the spiritual world.

Today, I've begun a fast of fruit and water. (You can fast anything..it doesn't have to be food!)  I'm going to try to make it one week.

I am praying for my immediate family as well as my church family.  I want us to rise up and call ourselves blessed and highly favored of the Lord because he is our refuge in times of trouble! I'm tied of the enemy stealing our joy!

Activate!

Remembering Larry

      Some people move into your life, and then out again, leaving a few memories and hopefully some fun times. But, every once in a lifetime, there is someone who impacts your life in very profound ways. Ways you can't explain. Ways that make no sense. Ways that are above our ways.God works in ways we simply can't comprehend. Our sweet friend Larry Melton passed away at 61 years young. It was his appointed time to meet Jesus, but we sure weren't ready to let him go! God certainly takes the good ones first.

All day today I've had a slide show playing in my head. Memories of a Godly man smiling, laughing, preaching, fasting, praying, delivering food, asking a stranger if they knew Jesus! Memories. Larry was the kind of Christian we all aspire to be. He loved people like most of us know we should but we simply don't have the compassion to do it. He did. So much so that he went to the ends of the earth to find them and tell them of a loving savior named Jesus!

I remember a story he told us about a trip to Africa. The team had walked through the bush for many miles, trying to get to another town or community. The bush was tall grass or stalks...I think of it like corn stalks...you could not see where you were going. Then, all of a sudden, they came across a man. One man, in the bush. They proceeded to tell him about Jesus. This man had NEVER even heard the name! He immediately accepted Jesus as his Lord! But the amazing thing was this man simply could not believe God had sent these people to him...one person, literally in the middle of no where! Larry told him, "That is how much he loves you!". And they all wept together!

Yep, that was Larry! An ordinary man, doing God's work. There won't be a press release put out about his death we won't read about him on yahoo. The masses will never know his work for the Lord. But we will...this small community that he impacted for the better...the Africans, Romanians, the people of Poland, we will hold him dear. We will never forget how small we are and how big God used Larry Melton in our lives. Why did we deserve this gift from God? We didn't. But like the man in the bush...God loved us that much!

What's next? I ask myself this question. How will I personally carry on God's legacy...the same one Larry carried with him throughout the world? I don't know yet, but I know I will never be the same.
We love you Larry! Your life was never in vain! You made a difference. You gave hope to the hopeless. You set many many captives free! You fed the poor and reached out to the widows and orphans. You did it all in a way that maybe we can mirror in our own small way. You will be missed.

Just Because it is Awesome!

This song is one of the best! And, she sings it like no one else. If this doesn't move you, well, I don't know what to tell you. 

Heaven Is For Real

This book by Todd Burpo is a hot topic right now, so I thought I would weigh in on it. I quickly glanced at it in the bookstore, and my initial thought was, "huh, not interested!" and I moved on, giving it little thought.

Lately I've heard many of my friends discussing on facebook how much they enjoyed the book. So, I thought I should read it. To my surprise, it blessed my socks off. Now, don't get me wrong, I read it with my typical skepticism, looking for a flaw. But, guess what? God blessed me anyway!

I thought the book was fantastic. By the time it was over, I saw it as an awesome testimony that could have been added on to my bible or the book of Revelations. It was a small glimpse into what God has waiting for us.  It was God blessing us, giving us hope that our faith is for real. Giving his believers another reason to hang on and know that he cares for us and he is waiting for us. There are some things we will not know until we get to heaven, but I'm grateful he gives us these little tidbits as we go so that we don't lose our faith.

There is another book written by an older gentleman called Flight to Heaven. It gives more vivid details because it was an adult giving the account. It made the Holy Spirit do summer-saults in my heart. I loved what God did in this man's life. He waited 30 or 40 years before he wrote his book because he wanted to "live out" what he saw in heaven. And he did, then he wrote a book about it. Amazing testimony.

One common thread in these books is the overwhelming love that these people feel when they return from heaven. They have an unexplainable love for people...a longing to make sure they go to heaven...a longing to make sure they know Jesus. That kind of love only comes from one place - God! It is the only thing that can transform a person overnight - or in three minutes.

Love is what makes me believe that these books are true testimonies. People don't change...unless they have had an encounter with God...then they are different forever.

The Authority of Jesus' Name

One more quick thing.

I found a nugget last night in the Word of God. It was actually hidden in the commentary. It said when people prayed in the "name of Jesus" they were saying "by the authority of Jesus Christ." This struck a cord with me.

The name of Jesus is so powerful, but when you say "by the AUTHORITY of Jesus" it has a strong, authoritative ring to it! That resonated with me.

I am going to concentrate for the next couple of weeks on saying "by the authority of Jesus" and not "the name of Jesus". One is not better than the other, but it gives me a more concentrated authority to my prayer life! It feels more powerful right now. Like I said, it was nugget for me!

The name of Jesus is super powerful. Just today this blog post came to my inbox. As always, so timely. Hope you too enjoy it!

http://lysaterkeurst.com/2011/05/a-message-of-hope/

Keeping it Real

Sometimes, the things that make me think a little deeper can be very strange things! Recently, I downloaded a new cd by Mandisa. The title is "What if we were real". Leading up to the release of this cd, I had been reading several tweets by Mandisa and how this album came about. She became very frustrated with herself, her struggle with weight, etc., and one day she blurted something out on twitter. Something very real to what she was struggleing with that day. I have to admit, I've always thought her tweets were more real than something I would but out for the public to see. (Let me be very clear, she is always tasteful and is never putting out information to get attention. But, she tells the truth about exactly what she is doing that day.) Somedays are up and some are down.

This has had me thinking about being real with people. I always try to be authentic with people, yet I'm not sure I really do a good job of speaking what is on my heart. Sometimes I'm not even sure what is stirring in my heart! lol  I don't always have the words to describe how something affects me. I certainly rarely have the words to describe what God is trying to do in my life. Sometimes, I'm not even spending enough time with God to give any advice on that category. Now that is real!! lol

One day recently, God gave me two situations where people were very real with me. In just a matter of "hello how is it going?" two different people poured their heart out to me about some very tough stuff going on in their life. I was blown away they trusted me enough to share this information. I was reminded that people are real, if we will just listen. And, I was reminded that my heart needs to be open to really hear what they are saying. And, I was challenged to be more real with people. They don't want or need fake Christianity. They need the real deal! I appreciate it when folks are real, so why would they feel any different?

Now, I'm not saying go and tell everyone your problems, but you know who you can trust. You know who has a heart for Jesus. You know a kindred spirit when you see one! So, share! Open up, be honest! You might just be surprised what God will do with it.

The Holy Spirit has Spoken, I have Listened

My heart has been plowed this weekend and I don't even know where to begin.

First, let me say that the Holy Spirit is real - in case you had a doubt! And, sometimes, when you hear him speak, you can't translate it into words. But, your heart knows when it has been spoken to. Your heart is different. Your heart is better. I'm convinced this is why we all get tripped up on explaining God to people because you simply can't put the Holy Spirit into words.

I told you last week I was longing for my Jesus. Today (and it's Monday to boot!), my cup is overflowing. Not my bank account, not my situations, nothing has changed at my house...except my heart.

When the Holy Spirt works in my heart, he allows me to "feel" more and to soak up Jesus. With ease I can soak up his love for me, his grace, his majesty. Somedays I can put on the music, pull out the Word, but I'm just not feeling it. But when the Holy Spirit shows up, it is effortless.

Today as I listened to a song that mentioned him being slain for me, it hit me fresh: Jesus, not any other god that people bow down to, or make up or worship, was slain for me and you. What other god has that resume? I don't know of one who laid his life down for his people like Jesus did. (Historically the bible is true. A man died. Whether you recognize the spiritual element of his death or not, someone was really slain and died a brutal death.)

This weekend, the Holy Spirit spoke. The ground didn't shake. Lightening didn't strike. He simply used someone who was listening to Him, to speak to his people. My longing heart has heard and is filled. My ears are opened. My walls have been knocked down...once again. All of these make it easy for me to feel his presence, hear his word and draw near to him. It is amazing that a few words, uttered by an obedient disciple of Christ, words that in the natural make no sense, can open my heart and plow hard ground like nothing else I could ever dream up on my own. The Holy Spirit has spoken and praise God that he has allowed my heart to hear and be changed.

Time With God

One great thing about being a mature Christian woman is knowing when you are lacking in your relationship with the Lord! (that is a joke - but a true statement - maybe minus the mature part!)

Yes, I know I've not spent the time I need to spend with my Jesus and I'm suffering because of it. How do I know this? Because I'm frustrated and edgy, but most of all, I'm longing. Longing to spend time with a precious friend that fills a huge void in my life.  I'm empty. I'm spinning my wheels with no return.

Nothing in my life gives back like time spent with God. Nothing. Time with family and friends does my heart good, but time with Jesus fills me up. It gives me perspective to deal with everything else. And, I'm missing that. My filter is clogged!

So, the answer (remember, I'm mature so I know the answer! lol) is to find some time to carve out and spend with the Lord. My problem is I don't want just any time. I want that fresh, uninterrupted morning hour. I also want extra time to wallow in His glory, not be whisked away with morning interruptions!   Unless I want to get up really really early, mornings are just crazy at my house. So, there in lies my problem - I'm too picky! The result - I'm not getting the quality time I need, and I'm suffering.

How do you carve out time for Jesus? Are you as picky as me?

As Long As it Takes

Much of my job entails marketing and promotion, so I'm hypersensitive to marketing when it comes to the Lord. I don't even like to write on this blog unless something has moved me so much that I think maybe it is worthy of putting out for the world to read. And, sometimes it is only meaningful to me.

I just heard this song for the first time. Before I listened to the song, I watched a short interview about how this song came about. And, it was exactly where her (Meredith Andrews) heart was at that moment. She didn't want to put music out there just to fill an album, she wanted it to mean something, but she felt empty, like there was nothing left to say. I can relate.

So, please take a moment and listen to this. It's beautiful. What blesses me is that there are people in the music industry who actually care enough to seek God first, and put out something meaningful. Trust me, it matters. I can hear it in their songs. And, I appreciate that they are walking the walk and not just talking the talk. It challenges me to do the same.

Here is the link. Hope you enjoy.
http://youtu.be/8uYOHsX_o7s

Who Are We Listening To

Here are a few verses from Proverbs 14 that spoke to me today. I really could have posted the entire thing, but in an effort to keep this short, I only put a few.


12. There is a way that appears to be right, 
   but in the end it leads to death. 
23. All hard work brings a profit, 
   but mere talk leads only to poverty.

29. Whoever is patient has great understanding,
   but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Today I'm pondering my connection to those God puts directly in my life. We, as a nation and generation of the world wide web, value the opinions of many. We seek knowledge from various sources. We read and read and read about various topics, trying to stay current on everything humanly possible. But, today I've stopped to ask the question: Should we only be listening to those God has put in our path? 

God has a message for each of us. When you read his word, it may speak to me differently than it does you based on my life and what is going on. If God wants to reach me with a particular message, maybe he has given me a husband, a pastor, a friend to deliver that message to me. Certainly he can use the internet, the television, but he is such a personal God that I have to believe these people he has placed in my path may be a more direct connection to his message for me. 

Like I mentioned, I'm just pondering this thought today. I'm not saying I 100% have reached a conclusion. I'm wondering if maybe I should listen more closely to what those around me are saying and stop pursuing outside sources. Maybe everything God wants me to know is right in front of me, and I'm missing it. Information is good, but things can get lost in our age of information overload. That is all I'm saying. 

Shameless Promotion

Headed out for a little road trip and had to stop for some new tunes! I normally don't OD like this...but I couldn't make up my mind. I could just subscribe to XM radio, but it's just not the same to me! I like to own my music and listen to it over and over and over! Happy listening to everyone.

PS. I'm updating this post. After having owned these CDs and listened to them incessantly, I can give you and honest critique: They are well worth the money! JJ Heller's cd is plowing hard ground. She sings all about tough circumstances. And there are a few happy songs, but it's an emotionally tough CD. Santus Real - to me it has an 80s flair on some of the songs - which I love! The content is good. I think it gives you a male perspective of the pressures they feel while trying to "Lead" the family. Chris Tomlin - This one is also great, but for some reason was my least favorite. Had I bought it and only it, I think I would have gelled more with it. But, instead it took me longer to warm up to it. But, it is a great CD!