FOLLOW UP TO OUR TOOTH DILEMMA

Yesterday began with a phone call from my neighbor that went something like this:

Hello Joy...this is your neighbor...I bet you never want to see me again.

My mom defenses immediately dropped. I was so impressed with her deep concern for what happened to Austin. She wasn't home when it happened and wanted to immediately come next door and see his tooth.

She came over and felt terrible. I told her I wasn't upset with her at all...just the situation.

She was so afraid that I wouldn't want to speak to her again. We talked and laughed about how our friendship and the fact that we were neighbors was much more important than a chipped tooth. She offered to do anything to help with the situation.

As she left she thanked me for my attitude and told me she loved me. I told her I loved her too. What a beautiful moment...I am sure violins were playing somewhere.

I am so grateful how the Lord worked this situation out and how she actually ministered to me.

It was a beautiful example of our wonderful God working things out. I love it when ministry happens beyond the walls of a church.

Side note - we went to the dentist and he can fix the tooth in 3 weeks when Austin's mouth had healed. It will be a minimal cost thanks to great Dental care from Wally's job.

We're off to a weekend of camping with our care group. Pray that we have no incidents and everyone comes home with all their teeth.

LIFE LESSONS FROM OUR CHILDREN

I am amazed of how quickly God sometimes gives us situations where we have to really think of how we are going to respond. In my blog yesterday, I mentioned how God showed me that true ministry is really about loving people.

Last night, my son Austin, came home from the neighbors in tears. He had went over to invite his friend to sleep over. I am not sure what led up to this, but the little boy slammed the door in his face and chipped his front tooth! Not a little chip, but half the tooth is gone. I did what any good Christian mother would do...I sent my husband over, with the tooth, to talk to the parents.

After a few minutes, I went outside. The 2 boys and their dads were calmly talking about the situation. I just stood there with my arms folded across my chest. I am sure my body language spoke for itself. As we were leaving...Austin asked if the little boy could still sleep over. I said emphatically...NO!

I was amazed at how quick Austin forgave this little boy. I was also amazed at how he wasn't bothered about the fact that he only had half a tooth. Maybe for boys this is some sort of badge of honor.

I called the dentist and he explained to me that this could be a simple fix or sometimes a long more expensive fix. What do I do? I need to remember what I learned at Wet and Wacky. Ministry is about loving people. How do I love in the midst of my anger and frustration. How do I love knowing that this could cost us alot of money and Austin pain. I need to really pray about my attitude and let God be God in the midst of this. I mean it is only a tooth. I need to keep in perspective that this is a family that doesn't know the Lord. I know this because of some conversations that we have had. She has attended a women's event with me and this lead us to some conversations on spiritual matters.

So this is my dilemma.

One more question to ponder. Does the tooth fairy visit for half a tooth.

WET AND WACKY

Today was our annual trip to Beaulah Beach for Wet and Wacky. 850 children attended this event which consists of a yuck slide, swimming, climbing wall, etc. The highlight of the day was the closing ceremony. I have never heard the Gospel presented so clearly in my life. The speaker was able to share the Gospel, to children, in a way that they could completely understand. It wasn't one of these...Jesus died, rose again...now say a prayer. When he gave the altar call, at least 50 children came forward. So many children came, that I had to interrupt the speaker and have him announce we needed more counselors. The neat thing is when I spoke to each child, they could completely explain to me the decision they were making and why. It was an incredible experience.

It was also good for me to see what true ministry is. It's not always about being on a staff...it's just loving people...where ever you are. It's about making yourself available for God to use.

BACK FROM VACATION

We have returned from our beach vacation!!!For the first time in many years, I wasn't ready to return. I enjoyed the slower pace, the time with family and the beauty of the beach. I wasn't annoyed by the sand or the messiness of the ocean. It was a breathtaking view from our deck each morning!!!

I will post some pictures later.

I am happy to say that I was able to continue my 5K training at the beach. My personal trainer (Ashley) ran with me each night. I liked running with a running watch so I knew just exactly how much more was left on my run. Last night, Ashley was wearing her watch...so I ran with my cooking timer in my pocket. It worked. I don't know if that sounds really sad or resourceful. When the beeper went off...the only thing overheating was me.

IT'S TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK!

I don't mean a job. I'm not ready to go back to a structured work environment. I'm ready to get back to business...the Father's business.

I realized that since May, my spiritual walk has been lousy. I have stopped having regular quiet times, I started to feel bitter about how I was treated at my job and I was starting to really miss my grandmother. I was reading something...I can't even remembe what...but somehow it reminded me that there is alot of work to be done.

I need to put everything behind me, forgive, and move on. I know that it will be awhile before I am over the lost of my grandmother...but I need to remind myself of where she is and how happy she is.

We are leaving in one hour to go to the beach. I packed my Bible, my journal and I can' wait to hear what the Lord says to me when I escape the everyday distractions and spend time alone with him.

I want to sit on the sand and marvel over his creation. I want to "be still" and be reminded that He is God. I have some ideas that I want to implement into my speaking and I want God to affirm this or redirect if needed this week.

I am ready to roll up my sleaves and put the worldly things behind me and move on.

I overheard someone say the other day that the Lord gives each one of us gifts and when we are not using them...something is going undone.

I will try to blog while I am away.

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.

ANOTHER CUTE PICTURE

I LOVE THIS PICTURE

HERE'S OUR FAMILY

I am so excited to share with you some pictures that we had taken a couple of weeks ago. A good friend of mine has started an incredible photography business. She has a wonderful eye for photography and a very creative approach to capturing your family's personality.

I usally dread "picture days"...but this one was no stress at all. We dressed very casual and the children really enjoyed the day.

I want to help Emily's dream come true and I encourage everyone who reads this blog to make an appointment with Emily and her partner Angela.

Here is her website:

www.sweetdreamsphotography.net

Here are a few of the pictures.

Go Emily...dream BIG!!!

HOW DO YOU SAY I LOVE YOU

One of the many lessons that I learned since my grandmother's death, is to make sure you say I love you.

I find it interesting how each one of my children respond.

Mom: I love you
Ashley: I love you too
Alex: I "wuv" you (in a pretend baby voice)
Ally: just rolls her eyes
Austin: gives me the thumbs up

I'll take each response...I know what they mean.

A TEAR IN MY EYE

AFter a busy week of cleaning and throwing away...we finally had time to sit down and relax. While everyone was inside my grandmother's house...I chose to go out and sit on her front porch all alone. I actually sat in her chair. The chair that is in the exact place that it has been for years. I looked out onto her street and noticed something. Every single house on the street had a front porch. It seems like this is something you rarely see in new homes today. My grandmother would sit on her front porch everyday except in the winter. She would enjoy her beautiful yard. She went sit out and talk to her neighbors. It dawned on me that the porch would never be the same. She would never sit in this chair again. I began to cry at the finality of this. I asked myself...what would I say to her if we could have her back for 5 minutes. I know that this is just a dream, but someday...I will have her for eternity. It's almost 9:00 pm. Guess where I have been for the last hour? Sitting on the front porch of my parent's house. There is something very special about a front porch. It's a place where we all finally slow down and talk. If I ever build a house...I want a front porch.

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.