I have the best friends and family ...

Thank you to all of you who have emailed/called/text me today. Eric's Mom is on her way home from the hospital. She was suppose to go into surgery early this morning, but wasn't taken back until 1:30 this afternoon. Yikes!

The doctors said they didn't find anything they didn't expect to. We won't know about lymph nodes or treatment until Monday. It appears to be stage 1.

Praise the Lord. If you are still willing to pray, pray specifically for her nausea and pain today/tonight.

Thanks so much!

Pray

I guess I was a little optimistic when I said I would be coming home with Travis Cottrell's new book yesterday. It seems Barnes and Noble isn't a fan of Travis. Bummer. Well, either that or they just didn't have it yet. I even asked the guy at the checkout counter, "Why do you not like Travis Cottrell?"

"Who?"

Then, he told me they could order it and I said, "No, if you don't like him today, I'm taking my money somewhere else."

Then, we both cracked up.

Because I really have no money. I was paying in gift cards, remember? So, I don't think he felt threatened.

I'll have to get it later at Lifeway because, as of now, I do not own any Lifeway gift cards. Again, bummer. It will be even longer before I can be Surprised By Worship.

Not to worry, I still got some interesting books.

On a different note, my Mother in law will undergo surgery this morning. She was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. Please take a moment today to pray for her. Her name is Carolyn. My Father in law could use some prayers, too. Thanks!

She Makes Every Day Brighter

Funny moments with O today ...

"Mama! Come quick! I'm watching a story about hippos. You won't believe this. They are older than Methuselah!"

I've never used that expression. Turns out, they just studied about Methuselah in school.

***************

I was getting them ready to go out the door for school, feeling super blessed it was my day off and Eric would be taking them. She turns around, looks me up and down and says, "I guess you're not planning on doing a blessed thing today."

***************

After school, she yells, "Mama! You have GOT to take a picture of my smartness!"

And, so I did.

Love that girl.

Even More Books

Okay, it's my morning off and I am giddy. Yes, I just had Monday off, but still. My joy has no bounds when I have a day off.

I have two ... TWO ... Barnes & Noble gift cards burning a hole in my purse. I was blessed with them for my birthday by my friends (Rita and Lisa). It's a miracle I haven't spent them yet. But, I've had plans.

After my van drives itself to Chick-fil-A for a chicken biscuit and sweet tea (it's actually been weeks since I've had one and I'm wondering how they are making it without me), I'm heading to B&N.

I'll smell the books for awhile, sit in a corner and cry happy tears because I'm alone and then I'll walk out with these ....
Let me say something about Paul. We did this bible study a few years ago. I learned so much. At the time, I had fallen in love with Beth Moore's "90 Days" series. It's the easiest, simplest way to do a study. Perfect for quick morning devotions. So, because I think I can figure out how they operate at Living Proof (you know I really don't have a clue, right?), it made sense to me if there was one on David, John and Jesus, she would have one on Paul.

So, I waited. I even thought 'green' would be a good color for it. Yet, no one called for my opinion. Not sure why.

Anyway, I was giddy when O picked up a Lifeway flyer in the store and a picture of the GREEN book about Paul was in it.

A plan was hatched. I would wait for it to release and buy it with my B&N gift card because .. hello? Free.

So, I'm bringing home more books and hoping Eric won't notice. They're everywhere. I'm sure his remedy for all the books was gifting me with my Nook. I haven't figured out how to use a gift card for it yet.

Okay, enough. I have to go. Time's a wastin'!

New Mercies

Ever have roller coaster days?

Days where you have great moments with your kids? You love on them and they love on you and all seems right with the world?

The next moment, you may have blown it and lost your temper?

Yeah. I hate those days.

But, the reality is .... I have them.


When I see them asleep after a long day, I'm thankful God gives us a new day each morning and He is merciful to forgive and make all things new.

I love them both so much!

Insomnia

It's raining here and I don't mind one bit. We are fortunate to have a teacher workday today, so my girls are still asleep. Glory.

I wish I was. I have terrible insomnia. If I wake in the middle of the night, I can never go back to sleep. My mind starts racing with thoughts of people, things to do or nonsense information. So, I've been awake since 3:30 this morning. Ugh. I hate it.

Things on my mind at 3:30 AM ....

** Why is the motion light on right outside my bedroom window? Should I go check it out? Is there someone out there?

** A student in my Sunday School class should have been leaving right then for the hospital. Her dad is having surgery today and she is so afraid. She broke my heart yesterday. She has a lot on her plate for a high school girl. I'm thankful I was awake to pray.

** I have so much to do today ....

get E's flower girl dress altered (I've waited until the last minute),

get my license renewed (turning 40 comes with so many perks, no?)

put finishing touches on tonight's bible study outline

(Kay Arthur is a fan of digging DEEP, right? whew.)

take O's glasses in for repair. Oh, and her backup pair is broken too.

** What should I fix for dinner tonight?

** Does E have anything to wear now that the weather is cooler?

** I need to vacuum my bedroom.

** Did I actually buy the cinnamon I went to the store to get yesterday?

** I need to watch the DVR'd Biggest Loser premiere before the next one comes on.

** My mother-in-law was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on Friday. She will have surgery this Thursday. We are optimistic and confident God will heal her. Would you pray?

And so on and so on. No wonder I have insomnia.

Have a great week!

gAmE dAy BaBy

I say it every year, but E has come such a long way from the little girl who used to cry because she couldn't take her purse out on the soccer field. This year, she has stepped it up even more.
She was unstoppable today at her first soccer game of the season.
She loves it SO much!
She scored the only 2 goals of the game!
I may have screamed a little too loud :)
But, I was one proud Mama!
We love soccer!

Fall is Such a Tease

Don't you agree? The front of my neighborhood has green grass sprinkled with red and gold leaves that whirl around as I drive by. That sight over the past week has made me feel like I need to grab a sweater. Then, when I step out of my van and feel the humidity and high temps, I remember it's not time.

But, I'm ready.

This week has been looooong. I'm hoping to have a moment to catch my breath this weekend, but not sure I'll get it. Yuck! I hate being busy. I shut down when we get too much on our plates. So, I'm going to focus on the good things of this week ...

** Eric is home! After being on a somewhat short trip this week (2 nights), I am glad he's home. It seemed more hectic this time. Maybe because our schedules have picked up.

** I got this in the mail ....

My friend, Cathy went to see Nicholas Sparks and because I can never seem to make it to meet him, she had him sign a book for me. Notice it's personalized (he only does that at New Bern signings) and even says, "Happy 40th". I love that. Best present ever, Cathy. I'm still a little bitter you've seen him twice. Wait, let's talk about that.

Visit #1.

Visit #2.

By the way, don't you think she looks a little too cozy here? Wait a minute, is he 'leaning', Cathy?

I feel I should include a picture of Cathy and her sweet husband lest anyone should start a rumor :)

There. That's better. Moving on ...

** I started back to bible study Monday night.

We're doing Faithful, Abundant, True. Monday was a true highlight of my week. I met so many new women and was encouraged by the desire everyone had to study God's Word. Does anyone else highlight your bible with crayons? Maybe it's just me.

** I'm making Cinnamon Quick Bread this morning and my house smells so good. Can't wait to smother it in butter and eat up.

** After dropping off the girls at school this morning, I found this ...

"Georgie" wrapped up in O's blankey. This is how he rode home. It makes me smile.

Have a great weekend!

The good part .... a winner!

I have more to say later, but wanted to get the winner of Mary Beth Chapman's Choosing to See posted this morning. I loved all the comments. Our lives are never what we planned them to be, are they? And why should they be? The God of the Universe has thoughts that are higher than ours and certainly better. We could never fathom what He has in mind, all good things, if we're willing to follow Him. Even when it means dealing with some hard stuff and dying to some old dreams we had for ourselves.

His way is always better.

So, the winner is ......

Casondra at Pieces of my Heaven.

Congratulations, Casondra! Email your address and I'll get the book to you ASAP.

Also, if you haven't read Casondra's blog, you should hop over (and say a prayer for her as well - I know she would appreciate it).

More later. Have a great day!

Choosing to SEE | A Giveaway

O is my adventurous child.

I almost retract that statement everytime I say it because she is also cautious ... hesitating before she tries something new. She has to work things out in her mind before acting, but then when she does, she is a force.

Her latest obsession is monkey bars. Well, any bar for that matter and to watch her climb, hang upside down or swing unnerves me. Especially the 'hang upside down' part. I'm not sure why, but I want to be right beside her when she does it. Just in case.

I think about my fear as a Mom. Anything I am cautious about is usually a result of something I've heard. You know, this happened to so-and-so, so we'll never be able to do the same thing. Or, what if the same horrible thing happens to us? No, we'll steer clear of that.

That has to be the number one reason I avoid the stories. I don't watch the news. I don't read books that I know will impose fear into my heart. I don't read sad e-mails about children suffering. I don't watch movies where a child is a victim. All those things provoke fear in me. I'm smart enough to know that fear creates an irrational sense of needing to 'control' things. Control I don't have to begin with.

So, when my friend, Rita bought me Mary Beth Chapman's book Choosing to See for my birthday, I was hesitant. I wanted to read it because I love Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman. But, I knew the subject. I knew she would talk about her 5 year old daughter, Maria's accident, which was ultimately the purpose for the book. And, that scared me.
But, I found out that wasn't entirely the purpose.

In Choosing to See, Mary Beth shares openly about her childhood, meeting and marrying Steven, her struggle with depression, adoption and the birth of all her children. It's a relatable book on so many levels, but most of which for me she repeatedly talks about the life she planned looking so different than the one God unfolded for her.

She talks about how she thrived on order and predictable, but in actuality, her life is far from what she imagined. Is there a woman out there that can't relate?

Uncertainty and unpredictable are where we meet God. Our faith is stretched.

She does give a detailed account of the accident and the days that followed. But, what I learned most from that was the days leading up to it. The adoption of this sweet girl (and all her children) and how God turns ashes into beauty no matter the circumstances.

I would love to share this story with you! I'm going to give away a copy of Choosing to See. Just leave one comment on this post (by Tuesday, September 21st, 11:00pm EST) to be entered into a drawing. I'll post the winner the next day. (Sorry, only US entries, please). If you don't have a blog, leave your name and email address or a way to get in touch with you.

So, what about you? Has your life turned out the way you planned? How is it different? Tell me in your comments.

I Was Almost Famous

I think every time I say I will post more tomorrow, tomorrow stretches out to a few days later. Sorry. Yesterday was unbelievably busy. I believe every Thursday is going to be that way for awhile, but I'm trying not to think about that. Whew!

But, to finish my posts about my New York trip, I've included a few more pictures.

In our cab from the airport .....

I couldn't believe you could now use debit/credit cards. (I know - I take pictures of the oddest things :) I just thought it was weird.

ABC Studios (Good Morning America)...

I had to stop and take a picture of this area of Rockefeller Center.

In the winter, this area is an ice-skating rink. On my first trip to NYC (New Year's '98/'99), Eric, me and some friends went skating here. I really wanted to skate and was maybe showing off a bit and showing Eric how to turn in a circle and skate backwards (a trick I mastered on rollerskates - I had skillz!). Anyway, you know what comes after pride don't you? That's right .... a fall. I fell and broke my hand.

Here's the tricky part ..... some police officers sent us to a hospital (St. Mary's - I'll never forget it) that was pretty much abandoned except for a very small ER and an x-ray table. We were all scared to death. We waited for hours and would've left without being seen, but my hand was big and blue. After our wait, the doctor? told me my hand wasn't broken. My Mom has always worked in radiology and even I could clearly see the break on the xray.

Anyway, this story is getting too long, but I spent the rest of our weekend in pain, with no medicine and no sling or cast. I had to wait until I was back home to see a doctor.

Okay, enough of that.

I was almost 'discovered' while in New York.

Except maybe I wasn't. Not even close, really, but we did walk up on a shoot of Law and Order.

When I took this picture, the cameraman yelled, "Ma'am, please keep walking. You're in the shoot!"

Hello!!! I'm trying to be!!!


It wasn't meant to be.

Eric and I laughed everytime we walked near Central Park. Men were trying to sell us tours of the park, either by bike or carriage. Their sales pitch was, "Come on, it's green in there. You'll see trees." Living in beautiful NC, that makes me laugh. Bless their hearts. So, I had to take a picture of their trees.

You see scenes like this everywhere. Random people playing music for money. This was at Columbus circle where we were taking a subway to the upper west side.

Okay, so on to my favorite part of my trip.

I enjoyed everything we did and all the places we saw, but my heart was set on going to one place in particular and I couldn't wait to get there.

The Brooklyn Tabernacle.

I was looking forward to church on Sunday morning. I had been here before (Labor Day, 2006), but the choir and Pastor Jim Cymbala were not there that day. It was still a great service, but I really wanted to see them. Eric and I saw the Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers in South Carolina in 2005 and loved them.

We planned to go to the 9:00am service Sunday morning. We were going to hop on the Subway (right at our hotel) and travel straight to the front door of the Brooklyn Tabernacle.

I woke feeling really anxious for some reason. Though we had taken the subway several times all weekend and it never bothered me, this morning it did. For several reasons, we abandoned that idea and took a cab instead. A very fast cab.

Approaching the Brooklyn Bridge ...

Have you ever read Jim Cymbala's book Fresh Wind Fresh Fire. If not, you should. It's the story of how this church was started as a result of prayer and a weekly meeting.

It's a special place and I was overjoyed to be there. The choir practiced before service started and even that was better than a concert I had ever paid to see.

Pastor Cymbala preached on legalism and being an enemy of the cross. Boy, that was a word I needed and something I'll share more about later. He put legalism in the simplest terms I've ever heard.

We met him afterwards. Hearing we were from NC, he shook Eric's hand and said, "Go Tarheels". That cracked me up. Eric is NCState Wolfpack through and through. Haha.

Another thing that struck me was during the church's baby dedication, Pastor Cymbala had each couple tell where they were from. There were maybe 5 couples and from places like Haiti, Trinidad, Jamaica, etc. The diversity there is profound to me and a true picture of the body of Christ. I loved it.

Sitting in that church, I always imagine myself living right down the street and worshiping there every Sunday.

It could happen.

Nah. I would miss my trees.

And my church :)

Edited to add: I love this song by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. It's one of my favorites (Psalm 3). Enjoy.

Happy (40th) Birthday to Me

Ofcourse, we are home from our trip. We got home Sunday night and immediately became engrossed in the craziness that is our life, which made it impossible for me to post until now. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. I had a wonderful time. All while missing my girls so much.

New York City is a fascinating place to visit, but not a place I would want to live. This was actually my 4th trip and possibly one of my favorites. We had already seen all the main sights (Statue of Liberty, etc.) on other trips, so we weren't interested in doing that again.

Waiting on the Subway

For starters, we stayed in a different area. Before, we have always stayed beside the World Trade Center (which, ofcourse, is no longer there), but even when we went a few years ago, we stayed in that area.

This time we were Uptown. The view to the left of my hotel room was the Empire State Building and the view to the right was Herald Square and Macy's. A great location.

I didn't take a lot of pictures. One reason being Eric wouldn't let me take my good camera because of the size, so I took the one I keep in my purse, which doesn't take the best pictures. But, I do have a few to share and some of these are from my cell phone ...

St. Patrick's Cathedral. I think we've visited this church on every trip. This time Mass was going on while we were walking around (which I thought was odd). However, they sang "Amazing Grace" that was beautiful. I'm always amazed at all the homeless people sitting in the pews during the day. That sight is always so profound to me.

Times Square just an hour after we had arrived.

We finally found a place to eat. We had flatbread pizza and soup that was delicious. I was really missing my girls at this point - and probably too tired, so we walked around a little more and then went to the hotel.

We walked 457 miles the next day - or atleast it felt like it. Here I am in front of the CBS Early Show studio (FAO Schwartz is beside it and across from the Plaza hotel). Right before Eric took this picture, we were sitting down and he said, "Wow, you're 40 today. Let me take your picture."

Okay, moving on. Sigh.

We walked to the upper west side and finally passed a Baptist Church :) I had been looking for one.

I love how it says it's the 'Friendliest Church in New York'. I wonder how hard it would be to claim that title. You just don't encounter a lot of 'friendly' there.

A picture of the Plaza Hotel for E. She loves Eloise at the Plaza and dreams to go here one day.

This next picture cracks me up! Our first stop on this day was the American Girl Store. I tried to tell Eric that should be our last stop since we would more than likely have a bag from there.

He didn't listen. This is him hours later after lugging O's new Itty Bitty Baby all over the city.

That look is frustration.

The night of my birthday, Eric took me to see Wicked. I loved the story and loved the music.

A movie being filmed in Central Park ... Premium Rush?

Eric's dream was to eat at Bobbly Flay's Mesa Grill. We had lunch there. On our way, we came out of the subway and walked to the street and found ourselves right in the middle of a Farmer's Market.

Food is my husband's love language, so he was in heaven. We spent an eternity here at Union Square ... Eric tasting/smelling everything while I watched (and maybe yawned).

Here he is sampling a plethora of jellies. See that look? He is serious about some food.

Mesa Grill ... Eric loved this.

After lunch, we checked out the grocery stores.

I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. Apparently, this is fascinating to someone who loves food.

Eric lives to eat .... I eat to live.

I take that back. I do get pretty excited about pastries in Little Italy.

I'll post about my favorite part of the trip tomorrow. All the sight-seeing, Broadway plays, shopping and eating can't compare .... .