I HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THE GREATEST GIFT!

It's Christmas Eve and I have already received the greatest gift that one can ever receive. It wasn't wrapped...it wasn't bought at a store...it wasn't purchased online...it was given to me by someone who loves me more than I will ever know. God gave me the greatest gift tonight...He gave me an opportunity to be His hands...His feet...His voice.

It all started when we attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service. The church was packed and I found myself wondering how many were there because it was Christmas. How many came to please a spouse, a grandma or another loved one. How many only enter the church on special holidays. Then my mind wondered to their hearts. Do they know what they are missing? Do they truly understand who Jesus is and what He did? Then...God spoke to me. It was very specific. God asked me tonight to love on people who need love. Strangers who I do not know and may never see again. He gave me the idea to go and buy four hot chocolates and find people in charleston who need a hot drink, some food and Him.

We went to a gas station and picked up the four hot chocolates and two sandwiches. My mom suggested that we go to one place but I felt like God was saying...no...go to Washington Street. We prayed and found ourselves driving down washington street. We offered hot chocolate to one man and he said no. We drove a little further and offered food and drink to another couple and they also declined. Ashley then suggested that we park the car and walk up to people in hopes that this would be a little less intimidating.

We parked by a hospital and began our journey. The first man we came to on the street was very excited to accept the food and drink. Our attention then turned to a couple that was waiting for a bus. We offered them the sandwiches and drink. They were so excited. Ashley and I began talking to them and asked why they were waiting for a bus this late at night. She explained to us that she had spiked a high fever and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. After being treated and in the ER for several hours, she was released and they were trying to get home. They lived about 15 to 20 miles away and were waiting for a bus that would connect them to another bus and then another. God spoke again and said. Offer them a ride...do not be afraid. So...I asked them if they would trust us to take them home. They accepted and gladly got in the car with us. I was a little worried about my mom as she sat in the car and watched all of this taking place...but she loves like no one loves. She gives like no one else that I know.

We drove with Francis and Richard for about a thirty minute drive. We learned that they were engaged and planned to marry in a few months. We asked them about their faith and both had accepted Christ in their lives. Richard shared with us some concerns He had about some decisions He had made in his life and God's forgiveness. Soon the ride was over and we were able to drop them off near their home. They thanked us for blessing them on this special night...but truly...we were the ones that were blessed.

God is so amazing! I am so glad that he chose me, my mom and Ashley on Christmas Eve to experience this blessing. The pastor talked tonight about the innkeeper and how even though the inn was full...he was able to give what he had.

We were definately able to fill a phyiscal need tonight for Francis and Richard...but God filled a spiritual need in us. He showed us tonight how we can be used if we just listen. He showed me that He is still the God of miracles and will allow us to be on the journey if we make ourselves available. He showed us tonight that they are people in the world who are hurting, who are alone and who need to hear about Him.

I am so humbled that the creator of the universe allowed three women to partner with Him tonight in ministry.

We gave a little...He gave all. Tonight...as I try to come down from this experience...I am so grateful that Lord willing tomorrow we will awake to open gifts under the tree...but I have already received my Christmas gift...Francis and Richard.

Merry Christmas!

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS...

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...except me who drank too much coffee the night before!

Sitting here in my childhood home this morning in West Virginia. Everyone else is sleeping...except me. I joke that it's the coffee...but I truly feel it is the Lord giving me some needed quiet time with Him.

I was thinking about the statement "Twas the night before Christmas and...." The statement could be finished in different ways by so many different people.

Here are a few that I believe are going through the minds of my family and friends.

Twas the night before Christmas and...

- I am thinking about reconnecting with family
- I will be getting married in a few days
- someone I love is really sick
- almost done with chemo
- the house will soon be filled with loved ones and laughter
-

In reality...it is often "the night before something"

I was reminded of something recently as I watched the adult choir sing at our church last sunday. The narrator shared how Mary knew she had been given a great blessing....to carry Jesus. She knew that she had found favor with God and He had blessed her. Scripture says that Mary and Joseph then had to go to Bethelehem. What? She is pregnant...almost ready to deliver a baby...and she now has to ride on a donkey. Life was interrupted...or inconvenienced. Can you relate?

Yesterday a quick trip to target turned into a three hour trip. I sat in my van for an hour just waiting to pull out of my parking spot. Yep...life was interrupted...inconvenient...and at times humorous. I called my family and told them if I wasn't home by Christmas to go ahead and open presents without me.

Mary endured and a great blessing followed for her and for us. Jesus was born!

Here is how I want to finish this sentence...

"Twas the night before Christmas and....I am blessed"

Life has been interrupted this week by a few inconvenient and trying moments...but Jesus was born.

The Lord has blessed me in so many ways just in the last three days...one was so unexpected that my youngest son assured me that I was being "punked."

No...I wasn't punked...I was blessed.

So...Twas the night before Christmas...and I am going back to sleep.

I SKIPPED NUMBER 76 TODAY!

So I had today off...substitute teachers rarely work the day before a break. I was excited to have a day to myself to finish up Christmas preparations and enjoy a quiet house. Then it dawned on me...Alex had a class Christmas party today. I told myself that I really should try to go and help with the party. But what about my free day? What about all the projects that I wanted to work on...in a quiet house. I told Alex that I would see him at his party later and guess what? He told me I didn't have to come. He actually encouraged me not to come. First I was quietly offended. Did he not want me there? Was he scared that I would embarass him or wear a tacky Christmas sweater? Then I felt a wave of relief come over me. Actually...I felt mom guilt escape my body. I counted this evening that I have probably been to over 75 class parties. Here's the math:

4 parties a year for 7 years equals 28 parties from kindergarten to 6th grade.

28 parties times 4 children equals...112 parties.I estimate that I have attended and brought something to at least 3/4's of the parties...so 75 is a conservative estimate. Today...I skipped number 76! Did I feel guilty...for a moment.

Don't get me wrong...I think that it is very important to be actively involved in your child's class...but out of want...not guilt.

I spent part of my free time in target today surrounded by moms who looked stressed, anxious and at times mad. There wasn't a single mom smiling. Each had a lengthy list and took great enjoyment in checking things off. This actually made me sad until I turned the corner...literally and figuratively. There, in front of me, was a special needs class shopping with their teachers. Guess what? They were smiling, they were having fun, they had the Christmas spirit, they were full of joy.I just sat and watched them. They smiled, they laughed...they enjoyed Christmas.

Today also reminded me that sometimes Christmas isn't always the "happiest time of the year." I know a family who will celebrate Christmas this year without their son. He was only in his 20's and died this year. I know that many families will be celebrating a "leaner" Christmas because of job loss. I know that some families will have an extra seat at the table because of a feud or argument.


We receive cards and Christmas letters in the mail from families that seem to have "it all." We look at their Norman Rockwell family and want what they have.
We may question God and be envious of what seems like a "perfect life."

A friend recently told me about a speaker that spoke at her church and she shared that "pain is pain." Your pain may not seem as monumental as your neighbor's...but pain is pain.

It's hard sometimes to be open and vulnerable with people and let them see that we are experiencing hardships as well. It's especially hard this time of year when we are striving to have the perfect tree, the perfect gift and the perfect Christmas.

Honestly...it's been a hard month for me. Doors have closed that I truly wanted to open. I've been told no much more than I desired. Today...I was angry...I was angry at God. I called out to Him with tears desiring answers and explanations. I wanted to be happy...like the people in the cards and on the commercials. I wasn't...but I don't think God is really concerned right now whether I am happy...He wants me to be faithful and obedient...and right now...that seems impossible.

So what do I do? I don't run to Dairy Queen (yes, I almost did) I run to His word...I run to wise counsel...but I don't run from him.

Today...I am glad that I skipped party number 76...there will be others...at least 4 more.

UPDATE ON MY LIST

for my birthday I posted a list of 45 things that I wanted to do. Here is an update:

1. bake something from scratch
2. grow a new type of flower
3. pay for someone's order at McDonalds - DONE
4. give our turtles away to a science class
5. speak somewhere that requires me to fly
6. read Crazy Love- READING IT NOW
7. tell a restaurant employee how much I appreciated their service - DONE
8. buy a really great pair of high heels at an amazing cheap price
9. run a mile
10. teach my dog a trick
11. fix a really large homemade dinner on a sunday afternoon
12. make a fancy dessert that I can't pronounce
13. watch Casablanca
14. lead someone to Christ - DONE
15. wash wally's car
16. leave a gospel tract with a waiter
17. heal a relationship that is strained in my life at the moment
18. try pilates
19. try to understand football
20. write to a missionary
21. flat iron my hair
22. reach out to a neighbor - DONE
23. download a song to my Ipod by myself
24. build a snowman
25. hike without complaining
26. make a video blog
27. speak without being paid
28. buy and eat a school lunch - DONE
29. enourage my pastors
30. read Dreamgiver again
31. read a John Pyper sermon
32. give bottled water to our sanitation workers
33. experiment with eyeliner - SORT OF
34. play games on a saturday night with my family
35. write a personal Psalm
36. fast for a day
37. try a new perfume
38. use a large amount of coupons on a grocery shopping trip
39. be silent for one day
40. thank the mail carrier
41. watch Gone With The Wind
42. babysit someone's child for free
43. make a homemade card
44. have ice cream for dinner
45. don't pressure myself in doing any of the above...but always add to the list.

HOW ABOUT A PERSONAL RETREAT FOR JUST YOU!

I was thinking today about a book that I read this summer. The author of the book would go on a personal retreat twice a year. On this retreat she would focus on what the Lord was calling her to do. She would spend time in the Word and time talking to God. She would free herself of any distractions by going away to a hotel for a night. She took a personal retreat for herself. Wouldn't this be great? I often find that when I have my house to myself that I am so distracted by laundry, t.v., computer,etc...that there is no way I could discipline myself to leave all that alone and focus on the Lord. I would love to go to a hotel...but with money tight...this is not an option. So...God gave me an idea.

Here it is and I am praying that four women take me up on this offer.

Pick a saturday in 2010 and come to my home. I will have my basement cleaned and prepped for you to have your own personal retreat. I will have various books available for you to read if you would like. Arrive about 9:00 am. Coffee and pastries will be waiting for you in the basement. (it is cozy and warm). Lights will be low and inspirational music will be available. Just bring your Bible. I will have a journal ready for you to journal how the Lord speaks to you. Around noon, I will bring you lunch and pray with you for a short time. After lunch you can continue with your personal retreat or take a nap if you would like. Around 4:00 pm I will join you for prayer and then I will take you to dinner. I want to hear how the Lord spoke to you during this time.

The house will be quiet. This will be your time to escape from the distractions of life and spend time with your Lord.

This is FREE!!!I truly hope you will take me up on this offer.

Wouldn't it be great if four women said yes...and then they did this for four more women.

So...what are you waiting for? Which Saturday will I see you?

IN THE STILLNESS...YOU ARE THERE!

It's the day after Thanksgiving here in Chicago. Yesterday our day was filled with lots of family, lots of food, and lots of fun. We cooked, we laughed, we ate, we watched old family slides and we spent time together. The house was full of people laughing, dogs barking and many people talking. There was noise...and it was good.

Today...it is quiet. Family members have went home, children are still sleeping, dogs are on a walk...it is quiet...and it is good.

I am reminded in these moments that in the stillness...God is there.

Stillness is peaceful...stillness is needed...and today...stillness is temporary. In a few moments...dogs will return...children will awake...but I can still have stillness.

Throughout a busy and loud day, we can still find stillness with God. He never moves, and He never becomes too busy.

Take a little time today and let Him say to you "Be still and know that I am God".

Gotta go...the dogs just returned.

THE REAL KING

Last night was a memorable night for Alex. An avid sports fan, he had the chance to be a part of the Cavs game last night. He was chosen to go on the court and make a tunnel for the players. I wasn't able to go, but I can visualize how this went down.

The children form a tunnel anticipating the arrival of some of sports greatest athletes...Lebron James and Shaquille O'Neal. Music is playing and fans are cheering as the athletes run through the tunnel "high fiving" young boys with a dream of being on the same court someday. I can't imagain the view from where the boys were. Standing no more then five feet tall...and seeing uniformed players run past you standing almost two feet above their shoulders. They are focused on the game ahead and probably not on the young boys with dreams in their eyes. They "high five" each star strucked young boy and prepare to battle with the opposing team.

Alex then told me how they were allowed to sit on the side of the court for a short time. He said Lebron sat on the bench and they caught his attention when they pretended to "bow down" to him. Lebron laughed and for a short moment...there was a bond.

Can I just stop and say that I am happy that Alex had this experience. I do not know much about Lebron...but I do know that he loves kids. I know that he also has a job to do...win the game. Am I upset that Alex and his buddies were "bowing down" to Lebron? No! I know Alex's heart...I know they were not truly worshipping Lebron.
It was all in fun and jest. Thanks Lebron for making this evening special for a young boy who loves the game.

Now my real point....

Lebron is sometimes known as "KING JAMES" here in Cleveland. Let's compare the king to the king.

Alex was thrilled to be able to touch the hand of Lebron last night. Honestly...I would love to shake his hand as well and meet the talented man...but...I yearn to touch the hands of Jesus more. I am reminded of what power came to people in the scriptures when they were able to just touch the "cloak" of Jesus. I also know the power that comes when Jesus "touches me" with His love...His mercy...His grace.

Bowing down....there will be a day when we will all bend out knee to Jesus. I realize that I need to "bow" before Him now...and everyday.

So...who is your King...mine is off the court.

SIXTEEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ALLY!

In honor of Ally's birthday here are 16 things that I love about her:

1) Love that you love fashion and watching Project Runway with me..."Carry on"
2) Love that you are creative
3) Love that you have a Sensitive spirit
4) Love that you are 16 and have still saved that first kiss
5) Love that you have a childlike spirit
6) Love that you gave your heart to Jesus at a young age
7) Love that on your Christmas list last year was a bible
8) Love that I can trust you when you shop that you will always pick out modest clothing
9) Love that you still play the violin
10)Love that you will ask my opinion on whether or not an outfit is appropriate
11)Love that you will hang out with us on a friday or saturday night
12)Love that you enjoy spending time with your older sister
13)Love your decorating advice
14)Love that you sometimes still call me mommy
15)Love that you smile often
16)Just love you for who you are!!

Happy Sweet Sixteen!!!

HIS WORD IS LIKE WATER!!!

This morning is a time when I truly needed to hear from God. I needed Him to take away pain...I needed Him to be the mighty comforter...I needed Him to be the Abba father, the one who is sufficient.

I went to grab my Bible and it wasn't where it usually is...so I grabbed my son's.

I asked God to reveal himself to me and guide me through His word. He led me to Isaiah 55. I do not cry easily...but I cried as I read His promises.

They are:

"Is anyone thirsty?...come and drink

"Come to me...listen and you will find life.

"I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David"

Why? Because I have made you glorious"

He reminded me that"
His thoughts are not my thoughts...His ways are HIGHER than the earth.

Thank you God!


Comfort us today!

WHEN YOU PARTNER WITH GOD

I remember as a little girl spending many hours with my grandmother at her restaurant. She ran a restaurant for many years and was a savy business woman. She had many people who were regulars. They loved her food, her hospitality and her straightforward answer to any question.

I loved it when my grandmother would give me duties at the restaurant. When I was six I would stand on a box and run the cash register. If she gave me a duty it meant that she either trusted me or thought she could teach me. Each was a honor.

Last night I stood in amazement of what God can do if we trust Him and if He finds us teachable.

Last night...I felt like I partnered with God. Last night...He allowed me to be His voice...His hands and His feet.


Hope Community Church in Hudson, Ohio does an outreach event every year called Judgement House. It is a walk-thru drama. At the end of the drama goers sit down with counselors and talk about the drama. The gospel is clearly presented and an opportunity to give your life to the Lord is given.

It was fun partnering with my best friend Sandie in this endeavor. We had the honor and privledge to lead four people to the Lord. What a blessing. Once they left...we even did a victory dance. Not a pretty sight for everyone in the room...but we didn't care. We danced!!!!

Tonight is another night. Tonight we will be in place when they come through the doors. Tonight we partner again with God...tonight...I hope we dance.

LOVE IT WHEN GOD CALLS MY NAME

About a month ago I had a chance to spend time with two wonderful ladies at a retreat. Angie and Jen are friends and amazing worship leaders. They were sharing with me how their lives had been "simplified" and how freeing that had become.

God began to remind me that this is what is needed in all areas of our lives. That really all that we need is Him...Simply Him. I then had an idea for a women's event.
Not a retreat....but an experience. A night away from everyday responsibilities. A weekend to experience Jesus in an intimate way.

The best way for me to describe this is "women's retreat unplugged."

Why not make this all about Him. No committees, no icebreakers, no gift bags, no giveaways...just Jesus.

No breakout sessions, no pre-made journals, no plannned activities...just Him.

I love all of the stuff mentioned above...don't get me wrong. I am just craving an organic, deep time with just other women, and Jesus.

IT"S HAPPENING!!!!

January 8th and 9th Hope Community Church's Women's Ministry presents:

SIMPLY JESUS!!!!

Carlisle Inn, Sugarcreek, Ohio


JOIN US!!!!

All you need is you, toothbrush and your bible.

Can't wait!!

YEAR 45

It seems natural that on one's birthday that you look back on the year.

That lasted about one minute with me and then I began to look ahead.

What would I like to accomplish in my 45th year of life.

There is the obvious..lose weight...exercise more...read my Bible more, etc...but I wanted to get specific. So here are 45 things that I want to do in year 45. You may become bored after reading the first three. That's okay...

1. bake something from scratch
2. grow a new type of flower
3. pay for someone's order at McDonalds
4. give our turtles away to a science class
5. speak somewhere that requires me to fly
6. read Crazy Love
7. tell a restaurant employee how much I appreciated their service
8. buy a really great pair of high heels at an amazing cheap price
9. run a mile
10. teach my dog a trick
11. fix a really large homemade dinner on a sunday afternoon
12. make a fancy dessert that I can't pronounce
13. watch Casablanca
14. lead someone to Christ
15. wash wally's car
16. leave a gospel tract with a waiter
17. heal a relationship that is strained in my life at the moment
18. try pilates
19. try to understand football
20. write to a missionary
21. flat iron my hair
22. reach out to a neighbor
23. download a song to my Ipod by myself
24. build a snowman
25. hike without complaining
26. make a video blog
27. speak without being paid
28. buy and eat a school lunch
29. enourage my pastors
30. read Dreamgiver again
31. read a John Pyper sermon
32. give bottled water to our sanitation workers
33. experiment with eyeliner
34. play games on a saturday night with my family
35. write a personal Psalm
36. fast for a day
37. try a new perfume
38. use a large amount of coupons on a grocery shopping trip
39. be silent for one day
40. thank the mail carrier
41. watch Gone With The Wind
42. babysit someone's child for free
43. make a homemade card
44. have ice cream for dinner
45. don't pressure myself in doing any of the above...but always add to the list.

SO DIFFERENT...BUT SO ALIKE

Meet Ashley and Ally

One loves to run...one likes to flip
One loves math...one enjoys science
One loves having her hair, nails and makeup done...one hates it
One has a heart for missions, inner city ...one is still discovering her passion
One lives in Indiana...one lives upstairs
One wears flats...one prefers heels
One is a great driver...one has increased my prayer life
One likes fruit...one likes chocolate
One is often annoyed with her brother...one is always annoyed with her brother
One is a saver...one is a spender
One had a bad haircut as a child...one had a terrible haircut as a child


Both have a mom and Lord that loves them more than they will ever know!!!

THE FERRY RIDE

Oh what a month! I have had the honor of traveling for the last four weekends to speaking events and other activities associated with Speaking Thru Me. I am exhausted...but a good exhaustion. I feel so blessed that I have a family that supports me in ministry! My wonderful husband has had to be the mom and dad for the past 4 weekends. Numerous carpools, pre-cooked meals and a little drama here and there. This will be my last weekend away for awhile. I am excited to join 45 other women at a retreat in Hiram, Ohio.

My travels have given me some great blogging devotional material and what I had hoped to be some video vlogs. Soon to come..maybe.

Devotion #1 - The Ferry Ride

What a blast I had traveling with three other STMM members from Nashville to Illinois recently. It is amazing how quick a three hour trip can become when you are laughing, chatting and taking in many unique views. (details in another post)

We suddenly turned in to "tourists" when we saw a sign that said "ferry ahead." It must be some mistake. Who uses ferries these days? Haven't we evolved as a society? What happened to building a bridge? No mistake...we soon found ourselves boarding a ferry. Cameras came out...windows rolled down and we began to document our ferry experience. We were soon driving off the ferry and back onto the highway.

I wonder how far away a bridge may have been? Should we have tried to find one instead? We would have gone way off our path in order to have found a bridge.

Christ reminds us in John that He is "the way, the truth and the life"...and that "He is the ONLY way to the father." Many of us try to find other ways to the Father. We go way off the path that He has ordained for us. Why? We think the other ways are better. For the four of us...the ferry was our only way...for the four of us...He is always the only way!

Go make a memory today,

Joy

I'M A PROUD MOM TODAY!

I am proud of all four of my children. I hope they know that and I also hope they know that there is nothing they could do that would make me stop loving them.

There are those moments where a mom wants to do the "touchdown" dance like we often see at football games.

My youngest daughter is about to go to her first dance. This is the first time where we have had to go and shop for a semi-formal dress. If you have had a chance to look at dresses...you know there seems to be pieces missing from many of them. I am not sure which is the front or back sometimes. They are low cut...skimpy and seems that the less material that is used...the more they cost.

MODESTY is not a word today's designers consider.

Since they were young... my girls know that they are now allowed to wear clothes that reveals things that need to be private. (you get the picture...the three b's...email me if you need me to breakdown the 3 b's for you).

My daughter picked out the perfect dress without me even having to remind her. IT IS BEAUTIFUL and MODEST!!!!!

I am so proud of her! I am so proud that she GETS IT!!!!!

She is a beautiful young lady inside and out and doesn't need to show off her body!

To all the young ladies out there...keep your body a secret...you'll be glad you did!

Who am I to judge?

For those of you who have heard my testimony...you know about my pageant past.

I spent many years seeking a crown as a visible reminder of beauty.

I was recently asked to judge a Miss Ohio preliminary pageant. I thought WOW what fun it would be to be on the other side of the table. What fun it would be to get dressed up and spend an evening in the pageant world again.

It wasn't long before the Lord reminded me of how many times I had stood before young girls teaching them about inner beauty. Teaching them importance of being modest.

So...I had to say no to the pageant...and yes to God!

CALL TO MINISTRY

My family from West Virginia just left my house after a great holiday weekend. It was great to see my dad feeling better and enjoying short excursions out. I was thinking about my dad when he was younger. At one time he was a vibrant evangelist sharing the gospel at churches and tent meetings. His uncle was a well known evangelist and had his own radio show for many years. Four of my cousins are pastors and recently one of their sons announced his call to ministry. It is exciting to see the next generation coming forward to proclaim the good news.

I was thinking of how I hoped my children would all feel the "call" to go into ministry. God reminded me that it really isn't a choice for them. In fact...as believers in Jesus Christ...we are all called to go into ministry. It's not even a choice. I often told Ashley that no matter what career field she enters...she is first and foremost an evangelist. She may be disguised as a physical therapist, a wife, a mother, a coach, etc. We all need to see our lives as full-time ministers...just disguised as something else. You don't have to be employed by a church to see yourself as a full-time ministry worker.


So to all of you "full time ministry workers"...let's get to work...even on labor day!

I AM THAT WOMAN!!!

Today in church I looked down at my bulletin and I could not see a thing. It was blurry. I held the bulletin closer and still blurry. Then I held it out at arm's length...and it was clear. I almost chuckled out loud when it hit me...I am that woman. You know her. The one who has to hold everything at arm's length in order to see. The one who has to remove her glasses so she can read. The one who is always looking for her "readers". I wondered when the time would come that I would need others to hold my menu across the table so I could see it. Don't get me wrong. I am excited about shopping for cute reading glasses.

I need to embrace the changes that come our way as we age. It made me think of other things that have changed in my forties. I can't stay awake as long as I use to. I enjoy watching the news more. I think a little more about saving for retirement. Of course...other changes I won't mention except to say "I hate hot flashes in the summer."

I realize that with age also comes maturity. (hopefully) I know that I make better decisions than I did when I was younger. I think that I may be a little more patient with others. I know that I am not as spontaneous and make less hasty decisions. I know that I find myself seeing things in light of eternity and not in the "now." I know that I love the Lord more than I did.

Some things became clearer to me today...even my church bulletin.

NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE

I wrote today on facebook that I truly know how it feels to "praise Him in the storm." This experience with dad is not an experience that I would want anyone to go through...but I hope everyone is allowed to see God work like we have. As I type...I am in dad's room. He is sleeping so peacefully. He is off the ventilator and breathing smoothly. He is not fidgeting. He has great color to him. I can't believe he has come so far in 4 days. I will admit that there was a time when it did not look good for him. I am convinced that it is all because of prayer. Prayer is something that is hard to understand. I am not sure how it works...but that's okay...I just know it does and that's enough for me. It has taught me not to wait on the big crisis in life to pray. I know that God wants me to pray about everything. He even tells us to pray without ceasing.

I have such peace today. This makes me want to shout from the rooftops that "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD."

Yesterday as I was getting ready for church...I was listening to Chris Tomlin sing "How Great Is Our God." I just raised my hands in praise. I actually stood on my tip toes just wanting to get as close to heaven as I could. I actually wanted to touch the robe of Jesus. I know that there is no way you can reach heaven on earth...but I know that I am connected to the one who awaits me.

PRAISE HIM TODAY...ON YOUR TIPTOES

THIRTEEN ON YOUR THIRTEENTH

Today is Austin's birthday. It's hard to focus on a celebration when you have a loved one in ICU...but we are trying to make it a special day.

The girls are making Austin and a cake and we will shop for a gift later today. For now...here are thirteen things that I want to say to my son:

1- The most important relationship that you will ever have in your life is the one with the Lord. When that one is weak...so is everything else.

2- You look much cuter when your underwear is not visible from the top of your shorts or jeans

3- A good rule of thumb is that your hair should never be longer (or prettier) than your mother's

4- Save that first kiss

5- Always be a dreamer. Always know that you can do or be anything if God (not man) has called you to be

6- Just a reminder of that first kiss thing

7- I will never forget the night you were born. We were driving as fast as we could to the Air Force Academy hospital in the wee hours of the morning. Some airman tried to get us to stop and show our military i.d.'s. When he saw a women huffing and puffing in the car and pointing to her belly...he let us through with a military escort.

8- Your favorite yellow "ducky" is packed away in the basement if you ever need it

9- Did I mention something about your first kiss?

10 - You are loved more than you will ever know

11- Smile...a lot.

12- Slash is a great guitarist...but not a good role model.

13 - We love you and are very proud of you!!!!