my call

I am involved in a Bible study for minister's wives right now, and yesterday we discussed the "call" of the ministry. My call came before I ever met Steve. I knew in college that God was calling me to serve Him, I just didn't know in what capacity. Of course, most people immediately think foreign missions, and I was no exception.

It's funny to think about that now, because, let's face it................I do not like bugs, rodents, snakes, dirty water or conditions, lice, and the list goes on and on. I also am a picky eater (so perhaps I would have been thin!), and I had a small child to think about. I cannot really imagine any place God would have placed me that I would have actually gone or been happy in. I am not that sacrificial!

Life went on and I met Steve. I then knew exactly what I was suppose to do..........be a preacher's wife...........only, Steve didn't know he was suppose to be a preacher. He was an engineer, and he was pretty happy about it. Thus, began a three year journey/battle with God about this "calling".

Life as a preacher's wife ain't all it's cracked up to be! Sometimes, it's way more, but it certainly isn't the life I expected it to be. Church folk can be brutal, but they can also bring so much joy to your life when you truly learn to love them through the eyes of Christ. I long to love them more and more, just as they deserve.

sister chicks

You know who they are...............

those women with whom you can share things and know that no judgement will come your way

those that even when you don't see them often, you can pick up the conversation like you haven't been away

those that when times are tough, you call

those that share your joy, happiness, and sorrow without having to say a word

those you laugh with and just enjoy being friends no matter what you are doing.

I have a few of these kinds of women in my life, and one of them sent me this email today. I wanted to share it with you since I don't really do email that much anymore.....................

Sister
Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.
He just promised it would be worth it.
Today is sister's day. Happy Sister's Day! I LOVE YA SISTA'!!!

Girlfriend and Sister's Week I am only as strong as the coffee I drink, the hair spray I use and the friends I have.
To the cool women that have touched my life.
Here's to you!
National Girlfriends Day What would most of us do without our sisters, confidants and shopping,lunching, and traveling girls Let's celebrate each other for each other's sake!
TO MY GIRLFRIENDS!

too darn cute!

Inspecting the terrain to make sure he doesn't have a bump that might cause a wild hop!

Ready for action!

After their team won 10-3 it was time for a brotherly hug.

Playing close attention............well, to the fans, anyway!

Get use to that name, people, I do believe we have two future Braves in our midst!

stupid

I can only think of stupid things to blog about...............my brain is already fried and the semester just started. I hate it when I get like this...........

However, if you want to see something amusing, try this

If you want to read something sweet, try this

it's almost time!

swine flu

The Obama adminstration is convinced that swine flu is going to get us. They probably hope that all of the conservatives are stricken so that they can pass their BAD healthcare plan. According to this article it's going to be an epidemic.

Luke got the first reported case of the flu in our county last year. He was a sick, sick boy! I certainly hope that he is spared this year. I've never gotten a flu shot, and probably won't this year. How about you?

in2books

There's a program that I have been involved with for the past year called In2Books that I want to share with you. I've actually blogged about it before on my "Sleeping with the Pastor" blog, but since that one went private, I wanted to share it here.

In2Books allows schools (especially title 1 schools) to sign classrooms of kids up to receive an adult pen pal. The kid and the adult each read the same book and then write letters to one another via email (basically) about the book. For Title 1 schools, the books are free to the kids. All adults must purchase their own copy or find one in the local library.

I highly recommend this program for older elementary kids. Not only did my fourth grade class participate, but I was also a pen pal to a little girl in Texas. The adults are screened, and ALL letters are screened before the kids see or send any. The teacher is responsible for reading each letter his/her students receive and then passing it on the student's inbox, and the teacher screens the kids response to his/her pen pal to make sure no personal info is being shared. The teacher then passes the kid's letter onto the adult pen pal.

Clear as mud?

If you have a few minutes to spare (because in all actuality, it takes for the ENTIRE school year about two hours of your time), I would ask that you consider checking out the website to see what it's all about. There is never a shortage of kids, but as always, there is a shortage of available adults.

The program is not without problems, however, so be patient. Sometimes it takes a while to hear from your penpal after you sign up, and teachers---sometimes it takes awhile for the program to send the books to you or for you to be assigned pen pals. If I encounter some of these same problems this year, I do intend to speak with them about this as I am a huge advocate of the program, but won't continue to recommend it if they don't get their act together.

Give it a look-see and help if you can!