HELLO FROM WEST VIRGINIA

I am currently in Charleston helping my family clean my grandmother's house. It has been quite an adventure. Each time I sort through a drawer or a closet, it's like looking into her life. We have found pictures of past homes and of family members that have passed away. We have discovered glasses from a restaurant she once owned and beautiful vases hidden under debris. I am excited about a trip that we are going to take to her family's graveyard. She chose not to be buried there, but her parents and grandparents are there. I am told you have to hike to the sight and pray that you don't meet a snake or two. I am also exicted about what Ashley is helping me and my best friend Sandi do. She is training us to run a 5k in October. The Bible says that all things are possible with God. I also want to leave you on a humorous note. We were driving through Twinsburg the other day and I pointed out to my son Alex that the local fortune teller had went out of business. He replied..."Looks like she didn't see that coming."

SPEAKING SCHEDULE

We have returned from West Virginia. I will write later about some of the "GOD SIZED" things that happened during this time of grief. I learned one thing about prayer while I was in Charleston...It's Powerful! I learned that I don't pray enough so...I am posting my speaking schedule in hopes that you will pray for me.

September - Belleview Alliance Church
November - Kentucky and Ohio Christian Women's Club
November - Bethel College
December - Sandusky Christian Women's Club
February - Riverwood Women's retreat

MY GRANDMOTHER IS WITH JESUS

This morning at 3:00 am the phone rang. My mom called and said "We're losing her." We were losing my grandmother.

Nee had fallen Friday and sustained a bad break to her hip. The doctors operated on her saturday and we all felt hopeful that she had pulled through.

After surgery, she was sitting up in bed joking with everyone. I even had a chance to talk to her. If you know me well, you know that I use humor to get me through tough situations. She was 87 and I told her that if she had begun dating again like I had advised her...this fall would never have happened.

She laughed.

At 3:15am, she took her last breath and stepped into eternity with Jesus. That brings me comfort.

I know this because several years ago she went through Judgement House and professed her faith in Jesus. Her counselor told me the next week and I rejoiced. We no longer had to question where my grandmother would spend eternity.

I am sort of in shock right now. I can't imagine driving to Charleston today and not going to her house for dinner. She showed how much she loved you with food. She was a wonderful cook. I can't imagine going to the auction without her.

After each ballgame, Alex would call her and tell her how many hits he had. She paid $5 per hit. We never had the chance to tell her that Alex had 3 hits on Saturday.

I loved her so much...I can't explain. Her unconditional love for people and her heart to serve was amazing. Her funeral will be huge. The place will be packed. I can't wait to hear the stories of how she touched the lives of people. The saddest person will be an autistic boy named Eddy. Eddy lived across the street from where my grandmother worked. Everyday he would come over and she would fix him lunch and send him home with dinner. Eddy watched my grandmother enter her place of work each day. He wanted to make sure she arrived safely.

Pray for our family as we say goodbye to this dear dear lady.

Her name was Edna Fields.

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

Today I was out doing errands and I had 1/2 hour to kill. I was in Streetsboro and decided to go to the flea market. I went to this one booth that sells inexpensive faith based jewelrey. Guess what she had? A mother's prayer bracelet. I couldn't believe it. It was exactly what I had in mind. It has 2 heart charms and a cross charm. It is silver and says "Children are a gift from God to hold and to treasure to pray for without measure.

The best part is...it was only $8. The lady who sold it to me said that you can't help think about your children each time you see or "hear" your bracelet. (the charms make a noise when you move)

I LOVE IT.

I even saw a friend of mine at the flea market and she bought one too.

I'll keep you posted on my prayer journey. GOD IS SO GOOD!

RAISING CHILDREN ON OUR KNEES

Today I was talking to a mom about raising daughters. She told me that her 5th grade daughter is being taught "sex ed" in school. Her daughter was in one of my purity seminars. I thought it was interesting that her daughter told her mom that school health classes can make you become curious about sex and she was glad that she had heard the "truth" about God's reason for sex.

We talked in depth of how we need to be constantly praying for our children. I confided to her that sometimes in the busyness of my day...I often forget to pray for my children. I am a visual person and maybe I need a visual that reminds me to pray for my children...so here is my idea.

I am either going to make a bracelet or buy a bracelet with a heart charm. I will wear this bracelet as a constant reminder to pray for my children. To pray that they will guard their heart against the world and that they will give their heart first to God and then to that "special someone" someday.

Wouldn't it be cool if one day...I could hand this charm over to their "special someone".

I dream big dreams...but I also serve a big God.

GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!

Today I received word that Bethel College has accepted me as a chapel speaker. I will be speaking to the students some time in November. My talk during chapel will be called "When God writes your story" and that evening I will be speaking to girls only. This talk will be about purity, modesty and patience. It will be called "When God writes your LOVE story." I am excited and scared...but he is faithful. He has already given me some creative ideas. I am excited that Ashley gets to introduce me. It is interesting that I will be talking to the girls about self image and one of the first things I thought of whenI received the offer was "what will Iwear, and can I lose 3o pounds by november." Looks like I need to "preach to the choir"

A Big Step of Faith

I have been asked to submit a speaker's proposal to an organization. If I am approved, I would have the opportunity to speak to about 1500 people.

This would be a huge step out of my comfort zone. So far, my biggest audience has been about 300.

I debated about whether or not I should even submit my packet. I keep hearing little voices saying "you're not good enough". So after seeking some wise counsel, I have decided to submit my packet and let them be the judge of whether I am suitable or not.

The packet is due this Tuesday. I will keep you posted.

As I was fretting over this decision, I was reminded of a devotional that I read a few weeks ago.

It was based on the story in the Bible when Jesus drove the demons out of a man and into the pigs. People were so "afraid" of what Jesus could do and his power that they asked him to leave.

I am in awe of how God is working in my life and sometimes I am a little afraid...but I don't want to be so afraid of his awesome power that I "ask him to stop."

I love it when he speaks to me and when he asks me to do things that are "big" in my human eyes. I don't care if I am found to be good...I just want to be faithful.

My days at work are winding down and I have no second thoughts.

I can't wait to have an unscheduled summer.

Joy

His Word Will Never Return Void

I am not sure if I quoted that scripture correctly...but I was reminded of this a couple of times recently.

Everytime I speak to young girls about purity and modesty I always wonder "are they listening...are they getting it?" I have been affirmed a couple of times recently that some "are getting it."

One mother shared with me that she was taking her daughter school shopping and her daughter was very careful of which clothes she selected. She explained to her mom that it is important that she doesn't show too much skin since boys will begin to "fill in the blanks."

Friday night I was driving my daughter's friends around on their kidnapping. One gal, who is very petite, made herself a dress out of masking tape on top of her clothes. I wish I had taken a picture. We were joking with her about her new outfit and she reminded us that it was "modest" based on everything that I had taught them. It was good to hear them retiterate what they had learned.

It is nothing that I have done...it is what God has done through me.

I am winding down my job at Hope and I am starting to begin a new season. My prayer is that the Lord brings speaking events to me. Right now I have 4 more this year and two more potential opportunities.

I am so excited to begin this new journey.

Pray for me.

Joy

Through The Eyes Of A Child

My mother is a kindergarten aid and she shared with me this cute story about her class.

The other day, they were talking to the children about moving up to first grade. The children didn't quite understand why they couldn't stay in kindergarten forever. Mom and Mrs. Ray explained that each year they needed to advance to the next grade. The children were very upset about this and wanted to know who said they had to go to 1st grade. Mom explained to them that is was a law that they could not stay in kindergarten forever. This sparked a conversation on how laws are made. As mom attempted to explain this process to a 5 year old, one child caught on to the fact that a law must be made by a lawyer and since his dad was a lawyer...he could change the law.

My mom shared this humorous story with the little boys dad (a lawyer). A few days later, this father brought in an official legal documented that he drafted through his office. It was on offical legal paper with lots of legal verbage and was notarized. He had each child sign their name to this proposed law that they could stay in kindergarten forever. They are going to submit this to the superintendant and my mom even has a friend who is in the legislature. He promised the children that he would submit this law.

Will the law change? No way...but look how some important people took time out of their busy schedule to invest in a child. This will probably make it in the local newspaper. I love it when people are creative and use their creativity to invest in a child. This busy dad created a memory that these children will never forget.

Sometimes I get so busy that I forget to stop and take the time to have fun...so tonight I am driving 4 6th grade girls to kidnap their friend for her birthday. I have housework to do, paperwork to do...but that can wait. ..spending time with my daughter can't. I think it should be a new law.

Top Ten List

Top Ten Reasons why April 22nd was a great day!

10. I found my missing glasses
9. My daughter cleaned her room
8. I was able to sleep in
7. Found a new outfit at a yard sale for $4
6. Had a picnic with my family at a park
5. Didn't have to cook any of the food for the picnic
4. Dropped off an employment application for my daughter and the receptionist was READING HIS BIBLE!!!
3. Did I mention my daughter cleaned her room
2. Was asked to be the retreat speaker for Riverwood Women's Retreat
1. Found happiness in the small and big things of life.

Just wanted to share this post because God is truly showing me how to appreciate the small and big blessings of life.

I am so excited about today also.

I was able to attend worship today!!! I am also speaking tonight in Burton.
God is so faithful.

Where did I leave off...?

I felt like the time was finally right for me to update my blog. I have so much to share I am not sure where to begin.

I guess the best place to begin is "I QUIT MY JOB!!!!"

After 3 months of praying about my job...I had finally come to the conclusion that I would not quit. In spite of it's bad points, it was a great job for me and my finally. I set my own schedule, I could even work from home and the pay wasn't bad. Much to my surprise, the day after I made this decision...I resigned.

Not what I expected to do on March 21st.


It began with a meeting talking about one thing and led to other discussions and then to eventually me resigning.

Was it a good meeting? No...many tears were shed and even some emotions ran high.

The rest of the day I found myself hosting my own pity party with me being the only guest.

It was a day of reflection, remorse and a lot of prayer.

I went to work the next day with one expectation and left with a twist.

I expected to go and do my job, clean out my desk but instead found myself in another meeting.

I truly experienced God's Word when he tells us that good can come from all things.

The meeting turned an angry heart (mine) into one that could forgive. I won't share details except to say that I truly believe that God was working in that meeting in a big way. I have always been one who needed to be able to always share my honest feelings and I had a chance to do that.

It didn't change my mind about quitting, but it helped to heal relationships that are very important to me.

I never thought that my feelings would take a 180 degree turn so quickly...but I am grateful.

I still need some time to heal...but I am so grateful that I am no longer angry and there isn't a grudge for me to carry.

I can be pretty stubborn, so you don't know what a big deal this is to me. I can carry a grudge.

My head is spinning right now with the possibilities that I can now do.

I can go to the pool more, I can spend more time with me family, I can go away for a weekend, I can write, I can speak, I can visit other services at other churches, I can totally switch ministries. I can stay for one service. I can go to a service. I can sit with my family at church.

I CAN'T WAIT!!

The Lord has already given me some ideas....but I won't share them until I know this is from Him.

I have so much more that I want to share...of things that I have experienced in the last couple of weeks.

More to come...

Joy

Taking A break

I am taking a little break from blogging. I am taking some time to write and to really seek what the Lord wants me to do this year. I have neglected my blog...honestly...because I felt like I really had nothing to share...or the desire to share.

I will return...hopefully with a clear understanding and vision of God wants for my life...but I will continue to read the many blogs that I read daily.

Many of you inspire me in many many ways.

Joy

Why a Daughter Needs Her Dad

I found this on www.955thefish.com

I loved it...I hope you do too.

Why A Daughter Needs Her DadWritten by: M. Carr


As my father sees me, so shall I.As a daughter, all my self-worth comes from how much my father values me. The amount of affection he pays me as a child is what I will expect from a mate. The respect he shows my mother, will be what I will tolerate from a husband. The time invested in me as a child, will equal the amount of time I invest in him during his "golden" years. How he sees me in his eyes, is how I will see myself. A little girl becomes exactly what her father says she is. In short, I will be the product of what you do and say around me, to me, and to others. No compliment or blessing is any higher than that of my daddy's. In short, how you see me, is how I will be. The least little comment, especially negative, I will take to heart. You think the sun will rise and set with me, but without you I have no world. You are my daddy--and little girl's NEED their daddy's.

I live in a Bubble!!

I realized last weekend, that I live in a Holy bubble. I work at a church, all of my close friends go to my church, my children go to Christian Schools. I take classes in religion. I am sure if there was an all Christian Grocery store I would shop there. (ha ha)

I spoke last week on the woman at the well and how Christ broke tradition and met her at this well. He a man, a jewish leader spoke to a Samaritan woman with a scandalous past.

I named her the "original desparate housewife".

Christ went to them.

I asked God to bring unchurched people in my path, but then I later realized that sometimes I have to choose that path.

I joined a weight loss group the other night and the first lady who sat down beside me started a conversation.

This lead to "where do you work". I replied "a church". I later thought that was possibly an opening to a future spiritual conversation.

Wouldn't it be great if I furthered God's kingdom and lost weight at the same time. I love multi-tasking.

The next day I intentionally went and sat at Austin's soccer practice instead of dropping him off and coming back later.

I had the chance to get to know two women on his team.

Not a spiritual conversation...but the beginnings of a relationship.

So...I am officially coming out of my bubble...Boom...that was the sound of me bursting my holy bubble.

I will keep you posted on what God does next. I can hardly wait.

Where to Begin

2006 has gotten off to a great start...I am not sure where to begin. I had a chance to be a retreat speaker for a Women's Retreat in Pennsylvania. I was blessed to have my daughter Ashley accompany me as my "techy"...but she did so much more.

You see, when we arrived, I realized that I lad left all of my teaching notes in Ohio. I wanted to make a run for it...but Ashley reminded me that God would not let me down and she helped me to reconstruct all 4 talks.

We had an amazing weeekend. Several women shared what God was calling them to do. What a great group of women.

The following weekend, I spoke at another retreat for Hope Community Church. It was an amazing experience to worship with 130 other women fromAthens Community and other churches.


I spoke on the woman at the well and the conversation that she had with Jesus. In the closing session, I spoke about how we all have dreams that the Lord has given to us and we need to be obedient and do what he has called us to do. Some of the dreams that women shared with me were:

One lady wants to start a moms in touch group
One lady wants to start a group that would pray for their city
One lady wants to be a retreat speaker and a writer
One lady wants to write a book about her life
One lady's dream was that her daughter would be healed.

I was humbled to see how God wants to use each woman in a different way. We are going to try to start a once a month lunch or coffee where we come together and encourage each other in our dreams.

I still stand in awe of what God did this weekend.

He truly is amazing.

Flashback to Mayberry

Another great Christmas has come and gone. Great presents from family, great time spend with family and a trip back to Mayberry.

Let me explain.

Our family left Charleston at 2:3o pm on Tuesday with hopes of being in Twinsburg 4 hours later. Try...6 1/2 hours later instead.

One hour into our trip..our car begins to make a noice that sounded like thousands of people cheering at a football game.

Since there was not a stadium in sight..we knew it was something with our car.

We found ourselves in a small country town in West Virginia called Fairplain. We asked around and everyone recommended Ron's auto clinic 4 miles south.

We made it to Ron's 1 and 1/2 hour before he closed. Ron assured us that he would have us back on the road soon.

We unloaded and proceeded to wait in Ron's waiting area.

The children began playing cards on top of an auto parts box and I asked the weary receptionist where the nearest coffee shop was.

She informed that the best cup of coffee could only be found down the road at the Fishin' and Huntin' shack.

I passed.

The mechanics were half dressed in a mechanics uniform and their hunting clothes.

It was like a scene out of mayberry RFD and I expected Goober to walk in any moment.

The car was fixed and $519 dollars later we were on our way.

I wonder if we stayed longer if Aunt Bee would have fixed us dinner.

We'll never know.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS...THIS YEAR!!!

I love Christmas...don't get me wrong...but this year I am enjoying every minute of the season. I'm not sure exactly why.

I don't feel the stress of shopping, wrapping, cards, etc. None of it is done...but I don't care.

I am enjoying the season and the time that I am spending with others. Here are some highlights:

A trip to tower city with Ally and 5 of her friends. They walked around tower city with their $1 crowns and gave them away to any little girl that wanted to also be a princess. (this happened in Panera over dinner)

Singing carols in the train all the way home. We had complete strangers and even the driver singing songs about our saviour.

Making stained glass candy with my girls. This is something that I did when I was little.

Buying candy for some mentally retarded boys in walmart who were shopping for their moms.

Coffee with friends at Arabica.

Calling my grandmother for hints on some of her traditional recipes.

Watching 80 children sing last Sunday at church.

Watching my children hide their homemade gifts under the tree that they picked out for me.
(i wonder if I will get another eagle necklace?)

Speaking to 80 women about Christ in Athens and having 4 generations of women in my family there to listen.

Taking communion with my ailing grandmother for the first time.


Notice none of this involves shopping or spending money...it's about time with people I love.

I don't know what has come over me. Maybe it's hormones...but I think it is really realizing the true meaning of this holiday.

I love Christmas...and it's only the 18th.

Hope you are finding the real reason for the season.

Should I do this?

Hey,

If you are reading this blog...please respond...I need feedback.

I am thinking about trying to write a children's book for little girls called
"Am I beautiful?'.

It would be for children ages 5 to maybe 8 or 9.

It would deal with the beauty that God sees in us...not the world.

I just think we need to start empowering our girls early to combat what the world says to them.

This is just one of those things that popped in my head and I want to make sure that it is from God...not me.

Here's My New Address

In case you are ever looking for me and can't find me at work or home...I may be at my new favorite place...Mario's Spa in Aurora. Wally had given me a cerificate last Christmas and I kept forgetting to use it. I finally made an appointment and went today. What a perfect time to go. Today was another difficult day in Ministry and I was really looking forward to being pampered.

As soon as you walk into the Spa...you begin to feel relaxed. The lights are dim and the music is very calming. For one hour, I was pampered!!! My hands and feet were massaged, I recieved a facial with hot towels while I laid in the most comfortable bed. I felt like I was on a cloud. I listened to the ocean and birds chirping. (what a combination).

I wish I had the money to make a spa appointment every Sunday afternoon. Maybe I should include it in my budget proposal for the elders.

I once thought my love language was service. Not anymore...my love language is Mario's.

Breakfast of Champions

Wally and I have a routine that works well for us each morning. While I am showering and laying out the boys clothes, he fixes them breakfast. This morning, the Lord woke me early for some much needed quiet time and prayer. I decided that I would fix the boy's breakfast this morning. When Alex arrived to the table...he was in tears. I messed up the routine and he wanted to have his usual breakfast with Daddy. Wally came to the table and a smile returned to Alex' face. I decided to join them just to see what went on during this special time. Basically, they both ate quietly and every once in awhile would exchange a grin. Alex would ask Wally questions and Wally would respond. I also noticed that Alex would copy everything Wally did. Each time Wally took a bite...alex took a bite and so on. I realized that this was a special time for Alex. It wasn't about wonderful conversation or the need to answer thought provoking questions. It was about being with Dad and learning to become like Dad.

I am glad that they have this relationship. I now ask myself...maybe Wally should fix all the meals.