Expecting The Unexpected ...And Not Believing In Ghosts

For the past 30 years, ACCESS has operated a transitional home for women.  After many years at this location, we moved to a newer home with more rooms.  After the last boxed was moved, I was the last one to leave the house and bid it farewell.

Two days later, as the keys were being returned, the landlord asked why we had left every window open.  I knew very well that this was not the case and could not understand what had happened after I left.  He went on to say that since we had moved out, the police had responded to two 911 calls from this property.  This situation became increasingly strange since all phones had been removed and lines were disconnected.  Everyone's first response was that the house was haunted. 

As one that does not believe in ghosts, I disagreed but acknowledged that if there was some type of "spirit" involved, it was not coming from a good  place and was not someone who had passed on from this earth. 

Unfortunately, one more visit needed to be made to the house before we considered the move complete.  I offered to accompany someone on one condition.  I wanted to enter the house calling out the name of Jesus.

The next day, we arrived at the house and unlocked the door.  As we entered, in the loudest voice possible, I yelled "Jesus is here."  Suddenly a deep voice replied "Come on in."

I froze in my steps and was speechless.. A few seconds later...a .repair man walked by.  It seems that the deep voice was not from a spirit but the maintenance man that arrived minutes earlier.

We all had a good laugh and appreciated the humor in the situation.

Often we go about our day expecting everything to go according to our agenda and plan but seem surprised when life throws a curve ball and changes everything.


 Scripture reminds us in Proverbs:

The heart of man plans his ways,  but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

So...commit everything to Him.  He probably has a better and different plan. and you might be surprised on what awaits you. And one more thing...call out his name when you are planning or entering a scary house. 

Red and yellow black and blue

This week I was teaching kindergarten. I was assigned the task of teaching kindergarten children why we celebrate Martin Luther King Day. We talked about how God loves everyone...no matter the color of their skin. Remember the song:

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children of the world.

We talked about the different skin colors of people and one little boy reminded me that God even loves the blue children.


I asked who was blue. He replied "you know when you are playing and you bump your leg and it turns blue...He loves them too."

Yes He does!!!

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

That is the thought that continues to go through my head. He is so good. He is so faithful!!

I have been wanting to get back into church ministry for sometime now. In the past 2 years...several opportunities presented themselves. I said no to a few and a few said no to me. Through this journey I began to question if there was a different direction He wanted for my life. I kept praying, speaking, following up on opportunites and yes...substitute teaching.

I recently took another chance and applied for a postion. Long story short...perfect timing (His timimg) great church, fun, friendly and creative staff, great leadership and ...a job offer.

Tomorrow...a new and exciting journey begins. I will be the Early Childhood Coordinator for Hudson Community Chapel.




This is a part-time position and works out perfectly with my family and speaking. I am soooooooo excited. Ideas are bouncing through my head and that energizes me.

I hope you are experiencing His faithfulness...His love...and His perfect timing.

GIRL MATTERS

I have been working on organizing a seminar for girls 4th-6th grade. It's called GIRL MATTERS...because girls matter. I picked the title because I am so saddened by the things that seem to "matter" to girls. Being popular, being skinny, being liked, being picked, etc. I can so remember what it was like to be a young girl struggling with the above issues. I can actually remember being a woman and stuggling with a few as well. What matters to me?

My relationship with Christ
My family
My friends
Being kind to a stranger
things that have eternal value

I am thinking about doing a series on my blog on "girl matters".

What matters to you ladies?

BAPTISM

Just wanted to post some pictures of Alex and Patty's baptism.

It was a great morning.

CHRISTMAS CARD

AFTER MANY MANY TRIES...HERE IS THE CHRISTMAS PICTURE.

ENJOY

THE FAMILY THAT SERVES TOGETHER...

Every year our church holds an outreach event called Judgement House . It is a walk through drama for two weekends. It takes at least 200 people to pull this off each weekend. For the first time, our entire family has a part in the outreach. Wally and I are acting. His character is killed in an automobile accident and I am the grieving widow. I have to cry a lot. Ashley and Ally are playing the nurse in the scene. They have the job of pulling the sheet over Wally's head. Austin is an extra in the cafe scene and Alex will be a "door knocker". This is a very important job. He knocks on the door so I will know when to enter my scene.

It is going to be a busy October so we are leaving today to visit family in West Virginia. Can't wait to see my nephew play football, my niece in her horse show, shopping, morning coffee with my family, and hopefully a trip to the local auction.

Wally and Austin will be staying behind for some male bonding and heart to heart "man" talk. I am so excited to return home on Sunday to see them and to see my new floors that wally will be installing.

Have a great weekend.

WE ARE ALMOST THERE

Where you ask? We are almost to the place where it will be harder to find a free night on weekends for us to do something as a family. Our kids are at the age where they have busier social schedules than us. They enjoy going to football games with their friends, they want to shop and go to movies on weekends...with their friends. They want to hang out at their friend's homes...with other friends. I am okay with that. I remember those days.

Last night was an unusual night. The 3 younger children had no plans. WHAT!!!

So I found an event that we could go to as a family for under $15.

The twinsburg historical society was hosting a graveyard tour of famous people who lived in twinsburg. I called to make sure that this was not going to be a "scary" event. Everyone reluctantly agreed to go. We went to the historical society and began the night with free starbucks coffee, homemade cookies, hot chocolate and pizza.

Our guide carried a lantern and 100 of us began the tour at the "vault".

As we approached the grave yard...40 high schoolers were dressed in costumes from the 1800's and were singing amazing grace.

Each student stood beside a tombstone and reenacted the part of the person who had died. They shared their story and it was very interesting and humorous. It lasted about an hour and I believe we all learned something. Yes...I think I even saw my teenagers laugh and smile a few times.

All in all...it was a great night that ended with food from McDonalds.

So what's tonight...One is going to a party and one is going shopping and one will still be hanging around mom and dad at a hayride.

Oh...it was good while it lasted.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PA PA

Two special people want to send Pa Pa a very special birthday wish

My Week in a nutshell

This week I had the opportunity to substitute teach 4 times. Tuesday I subbed for the band and chorus teacher. I wasn't sure how I was going to conduct a band...but I was willing to try anything. Fortunately, they have an assistant conductor...so all I had to do was keep kids from talking. The chorus students had a worksheet so all in all it was an easy day. Wednesday I found myself with 5th graders. One student thought it would be funny if he would scare the "sub" by pretending like he passed out. I came into the classroom to find him face down on the floor not moving. I ran to him and called out his name with no response. I told a kid to hurry and get the teacher next door. When he heard this...he suddenly was "healed" and made a quick recovery. I have a feeling the next day he spent some time in detention.

Thursday I taught 8th grade language arts. Another experience came when a student decided it would be cute to hide in a cabinet. Memories from jr. high came rushing back to me. I remember when we coaxed Allison Silverman into letting us lock her in her locker. I was scared when we couldn't get her out. He survived his time in the cabinet and I survived another day.

Today, I taught 9th grade science. What was I thinking? I was thinking that they would probably watch a movie. NO! I had to help them find objects that were either a compound, element, solution, homogenous material etc. Needless to say...I learned alot about science today. I also learned who is dating who, who is breaking up with who and things I wish I hadn't heard. It was a great week. I love it.

PRIDE COMES BEFORE THE FALL...AND A GIRDLE

Well I am finally seeing some fruit of all of my running labor. The scale shows that I have lost 11 pounds. I was so excited that I couldn't wait to tell everyone about my weight loss. Yesterday at church, I was sharing how proud I was of the fact that I have stuck with a program and that I had lost some weight.

Later that day, I was at Kohl's and ran into a friend that I had not seen in at least 2 years. She looked at me and pointed to my stomach and I thought for sure she was going to compliment me on my weight lost. She asked "When is your baby due?" I was shocked. At first I was going to play along and make up some due date because I knew she would be so embarassed. I said "I am not pregnant!" She felt terrible and I kind of shook it off and told her not to worry about it. Down deep I was mortified. I wasn't sure what to do as I walked away...so I did what any vain woman with low self image would do... I went to the lingerie department and bought a girdle.

Little bit of advice...unless a woman is wearing a shirt that acually says "baby on board"...don't ask her if she is pregnant.

MY DAY

Here is a quick snapshot of my afternoon/evening.

4:30 Ally's football game
6:15 Austin's soccer practice
6:30 Alex's cub scout meeting
7:00 Austin's band meeting
7:30 Pick up Austin at practice
8:00 homework
8:30 baths and bedtime

It may look like an exhausting schedule...but I found joy in the midst of chaos. I realized that I am thankful to have healthy children who can participate in activities. Not every evening is like this. We strive to truly find balance in their activities. I'm just glad that gas prices are down.

On a humorous note:

Last night our family left church and got into our car to leave. Thankfully I realized that we were one child short. I went back into the church to find Alex crying. Yes, we had forgot one child. I asked him if he had asked anyone for help. Actually, I was wondering how many people knew that I had left my child.
All is well and Alex benefited from his trauma with a special treat.

BIG SOCCER WEEKEND

We have spent most of the weekend at a soccer tournament in Hudson. Today we had a game at 8:00 am church at 9:30 and another game at 11:00. What a pain sitting at the game in a skirt, but I am so thankful that the timing worked out and we were able to do the games and a church. What a struggle it is sometimes when sports are on a Sunday. Wally and I are also careful to make sure that sports never overshadows our commitments on Sunday morning. I told the coach that we were leaving for church and that we would be back in plenty of time. This even opened up the door to talk to him and other families about our church.

I had 2 interesting observations during our weekend of soccer.

1) During halftime I overheard the referee thanking the parents for their positive behavior and for "sharing their children with him." I was really moved by his taking the time to encourage parents and his attitude about his job. It is also sad that before each season, we, as parents, have to listen to the coach remind us to always be positive. He also reminded us of the consequences of yelling negative comments at your child and referee. I have seen both...and it is so sad to see and hear.

2) As I was walking around I heard a player who was playing for the team that was currently in last place. He yelled..."Now let's go out there and become the second worst team in the tournament." Give that kid a klondike bar.

TODAY IS PICTURE DAY!!

Today is the annual visit to have the girls photographed. Not Ashley and Ally...but lefty and righty. Yes today is my MAMMOGRAM!!!!

I have to have a sense of humor about today or I would be scared to death. I dread this day so much. My mom is 10 year breast cancer survivor so it is important that I go every year.

I think I might take my MP3 player with me this year and see if I could listen to some music to ease the pain.

I MISS MY FAMILY

Our family had planned a long weekend to visit family in Chicago this weekend, but things changed. Ashley had to have 4 wisdom teeth pulled and I got sick, so we stayed home.

I always wondered what it would be like to be alone in this house for more than a few hours. I realized...it is lonely.

Fortunately, I have had a chance to bond with our new dog Cody. I have let him sleep out of his cage and in our bedroom floor. He is a wonderful watch dog. I just wished he would sleep through the night. He likes to explore around 3:30 am.

I can't belive I actually took him through the Wendy's drive thru and ordered him a bacon cheeseburger. My family had better return soon before I start dressing him like Paris Hilton's dog.

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.

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.

THE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN TWINSBURG

Last Thursday we lost power from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am the next morning. Our childen thought this was really cool as the sun set and we had to light candles and do homework by flashlight.

It was amazing how calm and quiet everything became the longer the lights stayed off.

By 8:30, we were all in bed but no one was really tired. Our youngest son Alex thought it might be a good idea if we went to a red cross shelter for the night. I think he has been watching too many news reports on Hurricane Katrina.

The boys crawled in bed with me so I thought we should take advantage of the time and just talk.

I made them each take turns saying something encouraging to each other.

Once they stopped accusing each other of "smelling like cheese" (where does this come from?), they encouraged each other.

What a beautiful moment!!!

The even paid me a compliment and told me that "I was purdy".

They'll remember this night as the night they did homework by candles...I'll remember the night as the night they told me I was "purdy".

No Child is perfect...Not even the Children's Director's Child

A funny thing happened today. All of the children were ready for church and as I was sending them to the car I noticed that my oldest son was wearing a shirt that said

SUPPORT THE LOTTERY

This was a gift from someone and we have allowed him to sleep in the shirt. I immediately made him run up and change and it was worth me being a little late for church.

On the way to church I realized 2 things. If I wouldn't let him wear the shirt to church...why would I let him wear it at all.. .even to bed.

I do feel pressure sometimes to make sure that my children are examples of what our ministry represents...but I also have to realize that I struggle just like every other parent. I realized that I am making parenting mistakes just like everyone else.

I also realized that this was also a teachable moment for both of us.

The Difference between Sons and Daughters

Today I discovered the difference between raising girls and boys!!!

Setting: The morning of "picture day" at school.

Daughter: wakes up extra early to flat iron the hair, select the right outfit and the right jewelry.

Sons: I caught them combing their hair with their shoes.

Can you spot the difference?

We love them all!!!!