Life Goes On but my God is ALWAYS faithful!!!

Things have not been very easy lately. I have been hobbling around and feeling like I am 90 years old for about 2 months now. I tore the miniscus in my knee. Don't have any idea how that happened but I do know it sure has been painful! I had knee surgery 2 days ago and am on the mend now.

God has been so good! I just have to share this story and brag on Him.

The last week before my surgery I was feeling very down and depressed. I found myself crying daily. I was exhausted from the constant pain and was crabby. I was surrounded by so many things at home that needed to be done, but absolutely no energy or strength OR ability to do anything. For 5 weeks I would come home from school everyday and go straight to the recliner. I would sit there with ice packs on my knee and back. You see, my back and hip were out of whack due to the limping and favoring of my knee. The day before my surgery was very difficult. I had to prepare for 2 1/2 days for a substitute. The kids have been on high speed since we finished Terra Nova testing. I was going to miss the Easter egg hunt with my 'kinders' so I was trying to inform the room mom of everything she would possibly need to know. I had to teach Learning Zone after school. And I have really been feeling a special tug on my heart for my class lately. Anyway, Monday was a difficult day! I leave school and all the way home I am bumming about my situation and feeling sorry for myself. When I turn the corner onto my street I see a bunch of cars parked on the street in front of my house. I am thinking, "What is going on? Did someone in the neighborhood die?" As I pull into my driveway I see a friend with her weedeater in my yard. I see another friend's 18 year old son sweeping my front porch. I see my flowerbed has been weeded and I can now see the beautiful hostas and hydrangea bush. I see some more friends stick their heads out of the house and tell me I can't come in. Then Levi (my son) comes out and says, "Come on, we are going to dinner". He takes me to Pad Thai for dinner and then to Lix Custard for ice cream. When I get home, my house smells so good!! Everything is clean!!! Even the windows were washed - the carport was swept - the deck was straightened - new mulch was in my back flowerbed - dishes are done - all bathrooms are cleaned - floors have been vacuumed & swept - and there are flowers waiting for me and my favorite muffins!

I am so blessed with the most fabulous friends!!!

Since then two friends have brought me dinner and one of them made home made chocolate chip cookies here and cleaned up my kitchen again. Let me tell you - There is no better medicine that warm cookies straight out of the oven!!!

Needless to say, my whining pity party had to stop!!! I have had a smile on my face since Monday evening - even through the surgery and pain that followed I am happy and blessed.

My God is good!!!

The Grace Card

Today I went with my SisterChicks to see the movie, "The Grace Card".

"The Grace Card" is about racism. It is about pain and forgiveness. It is about sorrow, grief, and love. It is about a promise to pray for others everyday, to ask their forgiveness, to grant forgiveness, and to be a friend. It is about grace.

"The Grace Card" is a wonderful movie! It made me think.

Tonight I finished reading the next chapter in Crazy Love. It was some hard stuff.

Now I am trying to process this hard stuff.

I don't think any Believer would want to be considered 'lukewarm'! Scripture tells us in Revelation 3:16 that God will spit us out of his mouth if we are lukewarm. In the past I am sorry to say that I have been through some lukewarm seasons. But I have not considered myself to be in that state for quite some time. . . . now I am not so sure.

Frances Chan gives various profiles of lukewarm Christians in chapter 4 of Crazy Love. As I read these I was convicted of my laziness - my selfishness - my greediness - my superior attitude - my shallowness. Isaiah's words are on my heart, "Woe is me! I am a man of unclean lips."

Our study guide for this chapter challenges us to pick one of Frances' lukewarm characteristics to focus on for this week. I do not believe it is a coincidence that one of these characteristics was the main theme of the movie, "The Grace Card", that I saw today. ( Excellent movie, by the way!!!!) The profile for this particular lukewarm Christian is that they love others but not as much as they love themselves. They love those that are easy to love - not those that are difficult, cruel, the 'hard to love', those that are different, those that create jealously in the heart. It is easy to love our friends, our family, those that are like us. But it is not so easy to love those that are different or inconvenience us in some way.

God is speaking to me. I am broken over my selfishness. I have felt inconvenienced and frustrated that I have to give of myself to others. Woe is me! I am a woman with an unclean heart. My heart needs a good housecleaning!

Selfishness and love are complete opposites! Selfishness focuses on satisfying our own flesh and love focuses on pleasing others. Selfishness and pride go hand in hand. They are both self-centered and they produce disharmony in the heart. It is sin.

"If you display selfish behavior with God or your neighbor, God will not put up with you for very long. Because God is a righteous God, He cannot be in the presence of the proud. The proud place more honor on themselves than God. God counts this type of person as wicked and He will not know him. Neither will God put up with a proud person that slanders his neighbor. God will not suffer anyone that has a proud heart against God or his fellowman". Psalms 101:3-4

I need God's Grace.

Lord, I am so undeserving. I have been selfish. I have felt inconvenienced. I am sorry. Please forgive me, Please fill me up with You. May my eyes see what You see. May my heart feel what You feel. May my life reflect You.

I love You for providing for me - I love You for forgiving me - I love You for dieing for me, for rising for me, for saving me. I know that there is nothing I can do or say that is deserving of any of these things. It is Your Grace that makes it possible for me to sit at Your feet. Thank You for loving me. Help me to love others. May I learn to extend 'The Grace Card' to them.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:43

Crazy Love!!

Love and Fear - those two words do not seem to belong together!

What does the word love mean? I automatically go back, WAY back to "Love means never having to say your sorry" - That is really a stupid statement!!! Then I think "Love hurts" - YES! It does!!! Webster defines love as "a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties" - That sounds like a good thing!

What about fear - what does it mean? I think of things I am afraid of - mice (YIKES!!); losing someone near and dear to me; physical pain. What does Webster have to say about fear - "frighten" and "to have a reverential awe of (God)".

Love and Fear - do they fit together?

Frances Chan talks about having a fear of God and not grasping the love of God when he was growing up. He points out that his own relationship with his father played a big part in how he perceived God.

The Love of God! I have met many people who struggle with accepting God's love. That is one thing I have never had trouble doing. I have always held tight to the love of God!! Perhaps it is because of my Baptist upbringing or because I felt loved and accepted by my dad long before I came to know God. For whatever reason, I have always felt like God loved me and known that he would always love me.

The Fear of God! That is something I have felt in the past. If I am honest it has been during my rebellious seasons of life. Times when I was living for me and only me. The fear I felt then was connected to shame. I remember thinking, "I sure don't want Jesus to return now and catch me doing this." How stupid of me!! Jesus knew exactly what I was doing! But when I have been living for Jesus I do not think of fear.

I always felt like these 2 things - Love of God & Fear of God were total opposites.

Until now.

After reading this chapter I see how they go together. Francis uses the term 'reverent intimacy' and he talks about being 'In Love With the One I Fear'. As I think about those 2 phrases I also think about Webster's definition of fear - to have a reverential awe; and the definition of love - a strong affection arising out of personal ties. Putting those together for 'reverent intimacy' is something like - "having a reverential awe and strong affection arising out of personal ties." I have that! I am amazed at my God - He is the Great I Am and He loves me. He made me and loves me enough to discipline me when I need it (which is quite often); He knows the number of hairs on my head and He calls the stars by name. He deserves my reverential awe and strong affection!

Now, for the final part of Chapter 3:

"Do you love this God who is everything or do you just love everything He gives you?"

Ouch! Love hurts! That reminds me of a question I heard in a sermon a while back - If there were no rewards in heaven, no promises of happiness and peace, would just knowing Jesus here on earth as we know Him now, would that be enough?

Hmmm - I have some things to think about.

Abba - I love you. I confess that I have not feared you with reverant awe. Like the song says, "What do I know of holy?" I want to fear you - I want to know you - I want to have more of you. Help me! Help me to value You and focus on You - not the many blessings from You. I am grateful for everything you give me, but I just want to be content with You! I want to be in love with the one I fear - You.

Crazy Love continues

Francis Chan titled chapter two of his Crazy Love book, 'You Might Not Finish this Chapter'. Me, in my ignorance, thought he was referring to the fact that I might not like what I am reading and not finish it. That is not what he meant! He boldly pointed out that I could die at any second and that is why I would not finish the chapter. OH NO! That is not what I wanted to think about!

I like to be stroked - who doesn't?

I like to be encouraged and uplifted - don't you?

I like to feel good about me - isn't that what we are always being told by the media?

But I have been brought before the throne of God in my humility and I am reminded that:

* My life is not about me. I am but a speck.

* I am not the star of my life movie.

* My plans are nothing compared to the plans He has.

"Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13-14

This chapter took me back to a lesson I heard from Beth Moore when I saw her in Chicago with a great group of girlfriends. Beth was talking about how we act like it is soooo hard to live for Christ. We have this to do . . . Somebody did this to us . . . We don't have time to help with that . . . on and on about how big our life is. In reality and when looking at the BIG picture of beginning to end (not of our life but God's) we are here for such a short time. Why can't we do the hard thing for a short time in comparison to all of eternity?

El-Olam,

'Everlasting God'

You are the source of every good thing in my life. I want to keep my eyes focused on you and live this day and every day for you. I want to remember that my life is not about me, but it is about you. May everything I do bring glory to you, not shame or disappointment, but praise and honor.

Thank you for changing my life! I am forever blessed by falling in love with you.

Crazy Love

I am beginning a journey. A journey with a relentless God. I want to be overwhelmed by Him! I want passion! I want to experience some crazy love! I am sick of myself; sick of being selfish; sick of going through the motions!!!

I have lost the AWE of God and I WANT IT BACK!!!

So I am reading and studying a book by Francis Chan. The title is Crazy Love. It starts out with a quote from The Seeking Heart by Francois Fenelon: 'To just read the Bible, attend church, and avoid "big" sins - is this passionate, wholehearted love for God?'

Think about it . . . reading the Bible, attending church and avoiding big sins - that sounds just plain boring!!

The God who created the universe: stars, moons, planets, galaxies; - the God who creates life of every form: plants, insects, animals, organisms, and babies - that is the same God who knows every single detail about every single person who ever lived, who is living, and who will ever live! That blows my mind!!! There is NO way that can possibly be boring! This God deserves SOOO much more from me than complacency and selfishness! He deserves my passion!

He is my:

Adonai - Master

Beginning and End

Comforter

Dwelling Place

El Shaddai - All sufficient

Father

Guide

Holy One

Inhabitor of Praises

Jehovah-Jireh - Provider

Kadosh - Holy One

Lamb that was slain

Magen - Shield

Name above every name

Omnipotent

Palet - Deliverer

Quickening Spirit

Rose of Sharon

Soter - Savior

Tsaddiq - Righteous one

Upholder of all things

Victory

Word

eXcellency

Yahweh

Zeal

I am on a journey to fall crazy in love with my Savior. It is going to be a great experience. One I want to be on for the rest of my days.

LESSONS LEARNED

I haven't written anything in a while and my soul is longing to put pen to paper (or in today's modern age maybe I should say - fingers to keys). Oh well, hopefully, you know what I mean. I have had this yearning to get some thoughts down for several weeks but, for whatever reason, just have not been intentional enough to sit down and start typing. This morning I decided to be intentional about several things - spend time with my Beloved Savior in His word and deep prayer; work on my budget; read The Missing by Beverly Lewis on my new kindle (thanks to a lifelong bestie); and journal some thoughts! I did get sidetracked a bit when Kate called and asked if I wanted to go have a peek at their first home they are purchasing.

Now here I sit at my computer pondering my time with Jesus this morning. The devotion I read this morning was about facing fears and putting ourselves out there - not being embarrassed or ashamed to seek help. I have faced many fears and shame in my life and I have learned a HUGE lesson from these feelings.

Lesson #1: Shame is not from God!!! Shame is from the enemy. He bogs us down with negative feelings and thoughts of not being worthy - losing friends - not being accepted. The TRUTH is: We are unworthy without the shed blood of our Savior! When we live under the forgiveness of Jesus we are accepted and loved!!!

This is what the Lord says: Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don't you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land. Isiah 43: 18-19

Lesson learned: Face the lie with the truth!!!

Lesson #2: Embarrassment and humiliation keeps us from reaching out to others. Once again, the enemy thrills at our embarrassment - he reinforces our fear of humiliation. I have heard him whisper in my ear, "you can't let that be known or every time someone looks at you they will think . . .". The TRUTH is: There is power in the light of Jesus.

All day long my disgrace is in front of me. Shame covers my face because of the words of those who insult and slander us, because of the presence of the enemy and the avenger. Psalm 44: 15-16

Lesson learned: Flee from the enemy into the arms of Jesus.

Lesson #3: Satan works hard to dull our spiritual connections. During my younger days of living under shame, embarrassment and humiliation I listened to the enemy. I now realize I was listening to the enemy. I even listened to him when he said "you don't need to voice your concerns, God know whats in your heart - there is no need to put those requests on the table, you have already told God about them." The TRUTH is: There is power in prayer!!!

So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Prayers offered by those who have God's approval are effective. James 5:15

Lesson learned: Seek prayer from others. Stay connected to the One who has the power - not the deceiver.

Blessed is the person who does not

follow the advice of wicked people,

take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers.

Rather, he delights in the teachings of the LORD

and reflects on his teachings day and night.

He is like a tree planted beside streams -

a tree that produces fruit in season

and whose leaves to not wither.

He succeeds in everything he does.

Wicked people are not like that.

Instead, they are like husks that the wind blows away.

That is why wicked people will not be able to stand in the judgment

and sinners will not be able to stand where righteous people gather.

The LORD knows the way of righteous people,

but the way of wicked people will end.

PSALM 1

Abba -

May I only seek advice and direction from fellow believers.

I want to be deep in You! I want to begin my day with You and Your Word and end my day with You and Your Word!

Bless my efforts - may my life show Your fruit!

I pray that you know my ways - that I always stay in Your shadow and that my life will be a reflection of You always

I read this on Heart to Heart With Holley. It was a great reminder to me of how steadfast my Lord is!



Lord,

There are many uncertainties in our world but what matters most will never change.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

We believe You are with us, for us, and surrounding us with Your love.

So do not fear, for I am with you…I will strengthen you and help you. Isaiah 41:10

No matter what happens, You will guide us and fulfill Your purposes for us.

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Even in hard times we can be confident that we will have victory through you.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

We trust you will take care of us and bless us in more ways than we can imagine.

God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

We give each moment and every day to You. Most of all, we give ourselves too.

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 5:10

Amen.

written with love for you by holley

Christmas with The Hennrich's

Kate and Jacob Musgrove

Levi, Tasha Carter (Levi's girlfriend),
Maddie (Tasha is her nanny) & Findley (Tasha's puppy)

Seth, Jessica, Colby & Carson Hennrich

Anytime family is together life is wonderful! Christmas just makes it that much better! I love the decorations and there is nothing like the excitement of children during the holidays. We have simplified things quite a bit the past few years and that does not affect the thrill of the season at all. It actually makes it better. I am thankful for the love we share!

This year for Christmas we enjoyed a dinner of Baked Ham, Potato Casserole, Corn, Deviled Eggs, Glazed Fruit, Crescent Rolls, Pecan Pie and Gooey Butter Cake. I am thankful for an abundance of food!

We have some new faces in the family this year - Jake (Kate's husband) and Tasha (Levi's girlfriend). I am thankful for these new faces in our family!

My 3 children together on the couch at Game Night!
(I don't get to see this often enough)

The Hennrich Family loves Game Night!! I believe over the 2 weeks of Christmas we must have had at least 3-4 game nights!! We can get pretty rowdy and very intense at times! I am thankful for a family that plays together!

Christmas with The Hennrich's came to an end on New Years Eve when Seth and Jessica loaded up their sweet little boys and headed back home. :(

I am MOST thankful for my family!!!

HAMPTON FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Dad and Gayle were not going to be here over Christmas so we decided to have The Hampton Family Christmas Party the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

We had wonderful food - Chili, Hot dogs, Chips, Dip, Little Pizzas, and lots of other stuff.

Everyone was in attendance - Dad & Gayle; Ric's crew: Laura, Jordan, Abi along with her friend Brandon, Tyler, Claire; Seth's family: Jessica, Colby, and Carson; Kate & Jake; Levi & Tasha; and me - that's 18 of us!!!

We did get a picture of everyone - but I don't have access to it yet. It was taken with Dad's camera, but I will post it as soon as I get it.

After dinner - we played our 'Dirty Santa' game - with some 'honorable' stealing going on.

The evening ended with some good ole family game time!!!

The final night of my Best Thanksgiving EVER!!! I am so blessed.

Girl Time

The day after Thanksgiving Kate, Jessica and I went to The Fox Theatre to see "The Wizard of Oz" Broadway Show. This was the first time either of them had been to The Fox. It is such a beautiful theatre.


We had lunch at The Best Steak House which is located across the street from The Fox. It is a little whole in the wall place with 'the best steaks'!!

As we were heading to the theatre a man stopped us. He had a camera and was wanting someone to take his picture in front of the theatre marque. Kate took his picture for him. It turns out he was the Wizard from the play and said "This is the most beautiful theatre they would perform in and he wanted his picture in front of it". I thought that was pretty cool!

We had a great time watching the show - it was VERY good!!


Another wonderful memory from my Best Thanksgiving EVER!!!

So much to be thankful for!!!

Gayle, Carson, Jessica, Colby and Seth

Kate, Jake, Levi & Tasha

Gayle and Carson

Dad at the head of our Thanksgiving Table

I do believe I had just about the BEST Thanksgiving I have ever had!!! My house was full - Seth, Jessica, Colby and Carson & Dad and Gayle all came in on Wednesday night. We heard some BIG news - Seth & Jessica are expecting baby #3!!! We are hoping for a girl, but, of course, we just want a healthy baby.

Our Thanksgiving dinner table was loaded with lots of yummy food - all the tradition Thanksgiving foods along with some of our favorite dishes. We were all at one table - 12 of us (my nephew, Jordan, joined us - we had already taken pictures :( when he arrived)

Thanksgiving night several of us attended the midnight Black Friday sale at Wal-Mart! What an experience that was. It was fun for us - but I do not understand why people would go and be part of the madness if they are not going to have fun with it!! There were way too many crabby people there.

OCTOBER

Me in my Grandpa Pogue's arms with Grandma Pogue nearby! I loved them sooo much!!

Mom & me

The month of October is a very important month to me. My mom's birthday was in October. So every October I am thinking of her. Also, my Grandpa's birthday was in October. I miss them both very much. But I know they are living pain free and clear minded with Jesus!!

Colby and Carson

The best part of October is both of my grandsons have birthdays!!! Colby turned 5 this year and Carson turned 2. Even though they live almost 350 miles away Kate and I have been blessed to be able to spend every birthday with them so far!!! Unfortunately, Kate could not attend this year. But Tasha Carter, Levi's girlfriend, accompanied me on the trip and we had a great time! Grandkids are AWESOME!!!!

Wow! Amazing!!

I have had a very rough start to this new school year. I was beginning to think that this kindergarten teacher is getting too old! I have a very difficult group of children. They are great kids but some of them are 'high maintenance' and several boys that are easily excited and a bit immature. Six days into the school year I had a severe kidney stone attack and missed the next 5 days of school! I went back for 1 day and thought I was going to lose my mind!!! Thankfully, it was the only day before a 4 day weekend for Labor Day. And

I had the best Labor Day weekend EVER!!!

Friday I boarded a flight and headed to Dallas, Texas to spend 4 days with my life long friend fro high school. Tina and I have been friends for . . . well, let's just say, since 7th grade! We have been through everything together! Dating, mistakes, good times, bad times, our weddings, and unfortunately, our divorces, babies, a miscarriage, soldier sons - one of which has done 2 tours in Iraq and is now in Afghanistan, some fantastic trips, loss of loved ones, and soooo much more! Anyway, she is my BEST friend and she has been here for me through so many things! So when she called me and said I need you to come down, my response was "I'm on it!"

The flight down was quite interesting. I was all comfy in my seat (haha - who can be comfy on an airplane?) with my book open and ready to read some more of Staci Eldridge's, Captivating when someone needed to sit next to me. So I scooted over still thinking I was going spend some time with God and learn all about how He loves me! But . . . I guess God had a different plan because for the next hour and a half I had a very interesting conversation with a man named "Joe". I learned that "Joe" is an educator, has 2 kids, is turning 40 this year, loves to travel, is in an unhappy marriage, and was raised in a dogmatic church that preached legalism. Near the end of the flight he asked me "Do you go to church? Do you believe in God?" I told him I did and asked if he did. He said, "No" and it was soon VERY clear that "Joe" had NO understanding of the gospel. He believes "there are many ways to heaven and we just all have to be good and do our best. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are all sister religions anyway. So it's just about trying to do the right thing." WOW! Lord, I could have just kept reading my book about how much you love me and I would have been just fine. But my Father had a different idea for my plane ride. I tried to point him to Jesus and tried to explain that God is not about rules - that He is about grace and love. And then our plane landed.

As I got off the plane I prayed for "Joe". I asked God to send his children into "Joe's" life and for him to find Jesus and experience God's grace.

Next . . . Tina picks me up and we begin our Friend Weekend!! We always like to shop and eat. So naturally we began with the eating of some fine italian cuisine. One issue that my sweet friend was having was her need for a new vehicle. So, naturally, I decided we were going to take care of that issue ASAP! And after many hours at the car dealer we had a 2010 Acura tl to drive!

We had so much fun driving around in it! Navigating Nancy talked with us all the time (haha)

Saturday we were pampered with pedicures and did a little shopping. Then we returned to the car dealer to seal the deal. That proved to be a bit more difficult than we anticipated . . . But we finally, after 4 hours, left with a new car for my BFF!

We continued on with our weekend with some more shopping, eating, and some yummy new drinks!

I discovered that Margarita Swirls are quite refreshing!

I also tried a Lemon Drop Martini - my very first martini - and it was yummy!

Sunday was an AWESOME day! We started the day in her Sunday School class. Tina has a wonderful teacher and the lesson was from Max Lucado's book, Facing Your Giants, and it was on unspeakable grief. Well, who can't relate to that. Grief comes after us in so many forms and we have to go through it or it will eat us up. Next, we went on to church for a great message from the book of James about faith vs. works. It had been an emotional morning with all the grief talk and the message and then the ending song came. I have never heard such a beautiful song!!! It has become my new favorite and it is "The More I Seek You". You can check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk. But just in case you don't, please read the words:

The More I seek You

The More I find you

the more I find you

The more I love you

I want to sit at you feet

drink from the cup in your hands

lay back against you and breath

feel your heartbeat

this love is so deep

it's more than I can stand

I melt in your peace

it's overwhelming

Can you imagine anything more wonderful than leaning back against Jesus and feeling His heartbeat! I tear up just thinking about it! It is overwhelming!!!

After church I had a great visit with my Dad! I don't get to see him often enough. Before I knew it Monday came and I had to head home. It is always hard to say good-bye to my dear friend. So I am at the airport trying to get everything checked and get myself to the right place and, guess what . . . I missed my flight!!! They put me on stand by for the next flight - 2 hours later. So now I am in tears and freaking out!!! I called my other BFF from Farmington - she was picking me up at the airport and I am in a state of panic and crying and my friend, Gay Ann, says in her sweet voice, "It's OK - no big deal - this is only a dot. I will be there to pick you up when your flight comes in." Isn't that GREAT!!! I was fine after that.

My God is awesome!!! I so needed time away and everything about the weekend was perfect. I didn't have to do any work, no laundry, no cooking, no dishes - I didn't even think about school. I just relaxed and had fun and in the midst of it all God overwhelmed me with His love. He ministered to me in so many ways - from "Joe" on the flight there to Gay Ann picking me up at the airport. And I now have a new favorite song! I love having a new favorite song!

The More I seek You

The More I find you

the more I find you

The more I love you

I want to sit at you feet

drink from the cup in your hands

lay back against you and breath

feel your heartbeat

this love is so deep

it's more than I can stand

I melt in your peace

it's overwhelming

May you be overwhelmed by His love!

SUMMER - WHERE DID YOU GO?

Wow! I don't know what happened. It seems like I JUST got out of school and now it is time to go back - and man oh man, I am in some kind of funk this year, and don't want to go back!!

Let's see - - - what have I done this summer?

* Recovered from the wedding - that included getting my house back in order as well as emotionally adjusting to my daughter being married.

* Spent time with the grandkids! I had 10 straight days with them - that is the longest stretch I have spent with them. It was soooo much fun!!! We went to the Tiger Sanctuary, The Magic House, The Zoo, and Black River. It was also soooo exhausting!!! I think it took me 5 days to get rested and recovered. But it was WELL worth it!!!!

* Enjoyed several outings with my Sister Chicks!!! We went to Caledonia for antiquing, bar-q-cue, candy, and ice cream. We went shopping in Cape and ate at My Daddy's Cheesecake. We went to the Delmar Loop for a day of pottery making and visiting Soulard's Farmers Market. We went to the movies together. Lots of good times with my girls.

* Enjoyed time with my kiddos. Life with adult children is so different. They are so much fun and I love spending time with them. We have cooked together, played games together, and just hung out together.

* Attended 3 weddings!!! My Kate got married. My BFF's daughter, Molly, got married, and Kate's BFF got married! All 3 weddings were beautiful and all 3 couldn't have been more different. Lord, please bless all three of these marriages. May they grow closer to You and to their mate each day.

Wow! It has been a busy summer! It has been a LOT of fun and I am so blessed!

I am glad I sat down and wrote this today. I have been in a bit of a pit! I even said these words yesterday, "I hate my life!" Lord, forgive me for being so ungrateful!

It has seemed that almost everything I touch breaks. During the past month I have had:

1. my lawn mower quit working
2. my car was leaking water on the passenger's floor board
3. my garbage disposal broke
4. the light on my carport is hanging by 1 wire
5. my cell phone broke; and YESTERDAY
6. I came home on the hottest day of the year (100 degrees) and my air conditioner was broke

7. Even my corn cob holder broke off in my hand last weekend!!

BUT - God you are faithful! You are my provider! You are awesome!

You sent my dear friend, Gay Ann, to my aid. She got me motivated in the right direction to deal with these issues.

1. Jake fixed my lawnmower. He is a good son-in-law and a great addition to our family!
2. Kate's friend, Jason, fixed my car (along with Jake). Bless Jason and his family, Lord. They are facing some financial hardships since he lost his job.
3. I can live without a garbage disposal and am doing just fine! :)
4. Jason said he could fix my carport light - so I bought a new one and am waiting to hear back from him.
5. I got a new cell phone - an ipone and I love it!
6. I spent the night with Kate & Jake last night (that was a sweet blessing) The air conditioner man was here at 8:30 this morning and it was a lose wire. So, the air conditioner is fixed and I am once again a happy gal! AND
7. I bought me some new corn cob holders for .97 at Wally World!

Thank you, Father, for showing me what a Wonderful Life I have! It is all because of You that I have such amazing friends and a fantastic family. Thank you for providing for my needs.

I really wish I could live my life in complete freedom from doubt and despair. Satan likes to sneak in and whisper lies in my ear. It seems that he camps out on my shoulder a lot. But today I am reminded to face those lies with the truth! The truth is that I am a daughter of the King and He is bigger than that stinking old devil! I am going to listen to the Voice of Truth!

Wedding Day

The Beautiful Bride

I can't believe it! 23 years ago today I gave birth to my baby girl and today she is off on her honeymoon. Time really does fly and I was determined to enjoy every bit of this wedding stuff - from the engagement to the planning to the shopping to the anticipating to the decorating to the ceremony to the reception to the opening of the gifts and finally to the honeymoon departure. It has all been a fantastic time with my daughter! But now, Kate's wedding has come and gone. I don't want to ever forget this weekend!

WEDNESDAY, May 19, 2010
Kate and I began the day with tanning and that was followed with pedicures. It felt so good to sit and enjoy someone pampering us. Our toes looked so good and our legs and feet felt so good! Next we went looking for an umbrella since the weather forcast was NOT good - calling for rain on Thursday and Friday! We did not have any luck finding an umbrella and she decided if it rained we would just get one from 'good ole' Wally World.
Next we went on an interesting adventure to Proffer Produce to pick up the fruit we had ordered for the reception. Once we found the location we had to find the office. After driving around several buildings and walking around we finally located the office. Then we were questioned about our qualifications to be purchasing from their wholesale warehouse. I believe the little man felt sorry for us and was infatuated with my daughter so he gave us our fruit. We were then on our merry little way to Lana's house to drop off the forbidden fruit! Finally, we headed home to wait for Tina to arrive. Wednesday evening we did some last minute gathering up of wedding stuff. We ended up at Wal-Mart at 11 p.m. purchasing some last minute wedding stuff. The entire day was full of prayers for no rain! It seemed like every 2 hours one of us was checking the weather forecast!

THURSDAY, May 20, 2010
Tina took me out for a birthday breakfast at Huddle House! She is such a blessing to me - thank you friend!! We had a lot of rain during the night and it was raining lightly as we went to breakfast. BUT after breakfast it was NOT raining!! Thank You God!!! Tina, Kate and I headed out a little later on a mission to locate some tulle for ceremony decorating. We ended up going to Hobby Lobby to get the ribbon and some more last minute wedding stuff. I remember Lana telling me "You will be making several trips to the city the week of the wedding". I thought she was crazy - there was no way I was going to be doing that. Well . . . she was right! And when we got back to Farmington we had to make a stop at . . . you guessed it . . . Wal-Mart! My third trip in 24 hours. I was a little concerned they might put a blue vest on me!! Dad was at the house when we got home! It was great to see him. He came from Fort Worth, Texas to be part of his granddaughter's big day. Next, it was time to head down to the vineyard to hang lights and get ready for rehearsal. We did encounter some stressful moments during this part of the weekend, but I don't want to dwell on the lack of communication between the event planner and the staff (nough said). We had some sprinkles as we were hanging lights - but NO rain for rehearsal. Thank You God!!! After rehearsal we all went to Pasta House for the rehearsal dinner. While we were there Seth, Jessica, Colby and Carson arrived. Colby came in carrying a BIG bouquet of flowers for my birthday!!! What a sweet surprise!!! After dinner we headed home and Tina and I prepared breakfast for the Bridesmaids Brunch the next morning.


FRIDAY, May 21, 2010
The big day arrived! We had a BIG storm during the night - But NO rain in the morning! I knew God was going to bless this day with NO rain!! At 10 a.m. we had brunch of Egg Souffle, Breakfast Pizza, Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bars, and Mimosas! It was yummy and was a good start to the day! The cars were loaded, our tummies were full, and we were eager to head to the Vineyard for decorating! We arrived and more stress began! But. . . I don't want to go there - so, moving on to the good stuff! We were hustling around FAST and trying to get everything done so Tina and I could get home by 2:30 to get ready. We did not have to fight rain, but we did have to fight the wind. Finally at about 2:30 Tina, Jessica and I headed home to get ready. Actually, Jessica and Tina went to . . . Wal-Mart to get different vases because the wind kept blowing over the vases we had. Kate and the bridesmaids were up in the guest room of the Restaurant getting their hair and makeup done. At 4:00 we were headed back down for the pre-wedding pictures!

How many people does it take to zip a wedding dress?

Isn't she beautiful! She was so excited to marry Jake! She was waiting for the horse drawn carriage that was going to take her down to the ceremony sight in the vineyard. Unfortunately, he had vehicle problems and we found out 10 minutes before the ceremony that he was not going to make it. I hated to tell Kate that! But she took it so well! She just said, "Oh, that's okay. I'll just walk down. It will just give us more money for the honeymoon."

After walking down the loooooong driveway with her dad and friend, Bekka carrying her train, she walked down the aisle to her waiting groom.


Ben did a marvelous job with the ceremony! They took communion. The funny thing was they were suppose to actually drink the wine from the glass but there was a fly in it so they just dipped the bread instead. Kate wanted to do a sand ceremony so she bought pink sand for her and green sand for Jake and then she wanted to incorporate white sand to represent Christ. They were learning about the marriage covenant and wanted that incorporated into the sand ceremony. It was a beautiful part of the ceremony.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Musgrove

The reception was a blast!! The food was delicious! We had appetizers of Crab Rangoon, Chicken Pot Stickers, Jalapeno Poppers, Shrimp Cocktail, and a beautiful Fruit Bar put together by my awesome sister chicks - Lana, Gay Ann, Tracy, and Ann. Dinner was salad, bread, meatballs, spaghetti, fettuccini, grilled chicken breasts, mushrooms, and seasonal veggies! Yum Yum!!

Haley had a sweet toast and Anthony gave Jake some great advice!

The DJ was fantastic!!! He had some fun activities for the crowd! Ric won the dance contest with his Michael Jackson impersonation. He beat out Tina's River Dance impersonation, Haley's John Travolta impersonation, and Jordan's air guitar performance. Jake and his groomsmen did a paper bag dance contest that was hillarious!!! Anthony has some great dance moves and a great sense of humor!

Kate did an awesome job of planning her wedding! But . . . all the glory goes to God! Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God forever!!

Lord, Thank you for the wonderful relationship I have with Kate. Thank you for the wonderful and beautiful young lady she has grown into! Thank You for blessing us with the perfect weather for both days!

Now I want to ask you to bless their marriage together! May they always keep you at the center of their lives! May they be obedient to you and serve you. I pray they remember their vows and the covenant they have with you, Lord. Most of all, may You be glorified through their lives always!
Amen

Memories Light the Corners of my Mind

The Hennrich house is in FULL Wedding Planning mode!!!

The countdown is on - less than 2 months till my baby becomes a Mrs.
It really is hard to believe.

I have been having such fun and I hope Kate is having as much fun as I am.

I really thought that most of the work would be finished by this point and we could
spend the last few months coasting into the wedding.
But . . . I was wrong!!!

All major decisions have been made.
Everything is booked and purchased.
Invitations have been mailed.

What could possibly be left to do????

Well . . . let's see . . . let me count the things . . .

music selections
shoes for the bride and mother of the bride
RSVP's to keep up with
last minute food decisions
programs to be created
bridal showers
and . . .

Tomorrow is the second dress fitting, possibly the final one; and tonite I sit here and
remember. . .

* hearing the fantastic words "It's a girl!"
* rocking my sweet baby
* watching as she picked out her first pet - the scrawniest kitten in the bunch that she insisted on rescuing
* taking that first day of school picture and leaving the kindergarten classroom as she sat with a big grin on her face assuring me she was ok
* watching in amazement as she worked so hard to keep up with her 2 big brothers
* how she always wanted to help me
* that special night when she prayed asking Jesus to live in her heart forever AND the very special Sunday that she was baptized!!!
* how very much she loved spending time with her grandma and how she helped her grandma during her final months of life (I knew without a doubt then that my baby was destined for great things)
* watching her on the volleyball court, soccer field, and basketball court and thanking the Lord that she was not like me
* hearing a teacher tell me that "Kate is comfortable in her own skin and you should be proud of that" - and I was!!!
* helping her get ready for her very first formal dance and thinking "Oh my gosh - she is so gorgeous!"
* being amazed at how she made her mind up about her career and went full steam ahead to achieve that goal
* how proud I was when she found out she was accepted into the RN program and then finding out she was the youngest in the program
* being even more proud of her when she graduated and attributed her nursing choice to her grandma
* the excitement of her first job as a Registered Nurse
* helping her move into her own apartment - I couldn't believe the independence she had at the tender age of 20!!
* the shock of hearing her say, "I think I want to do Nurses Without Borders"
* the apprehension I felt as she traveled to Nicaragua (another step towards her goal of changing the world) and the pride I felt at the same time
* the fear I felt when she announced, upon returning from Nicaragua, that she was going to contact Nurses Without Borders (I had secretly hoped the mission trip would change her mind)
* the humility and tears shed as I realized my baby really belonged to my Heavenly Father and I had no right to hold her back!
* the look on her face when she told me she met someone and the next month when she told me she loved him

And now here we are . . . in less than 2 months she will no longer be Kate Hennrich - but will be Mrs. Jacob Musgrove - Kate Musgrove.

I don't know what the future holds for my baby - But I do know who holds her future!! She may no longer be considering Nurses Without Borders - but together with her fiance they are considering mission trips together. I also know that she loves the Lord and God will use Kate and Jake in a mighty way for his kingdom's work!

Blessings with a Heavy Heart

My heart was heavy this morning!

Yesterday a young man I watched grow up across the street from me and who went to school with my children decided life was too hard and took his own life.

Last night I heard about a 6th grade boy in the community I teach in who had an accident with a wood splitter. He lost 3 fingers and was facing 18-24 hours of surgery in an attempt to repair the damage.

I continue to feel great pain for the people of Haiti as they face such devastation, pain, suffering, and loss.

On my way to worship this morning I was praying for these huge situations and crying out to God!

As always He is faithful! The service began with "Blessed Be Your Name" and these words washed over my soul!

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

How awesome that the God of the universe;
the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;
the Creator of everything would take time to
remind me of the privilege of knowing Him!

Pastor Lance spoke of how our life should be a
pursuit towards God, not things!
My life should work around God not the other way
around!

But God said to him, 'You fool!  This very night your
life will be demanded from you.  Then who will get
what you have prepared for yourself?'
"This is how it will be with those who store up things
for themselves but are not rich toward God."
Luke 12: 20-21

Life is so much better when we depend on our
Heavenly Father. He knows best and He has great
things planned for us!  I want to pursue Him and the
permanent things of heaven, not the trivial things
of this life - not the temporary things.

Father,
You are my sanctuary!  
You are my rock and my fortress!
I want to pursue you with everything in me!
I want to praise You!

Every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to praise!
When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I'm gonna say

Blessed be the name of the Lord -
Blessed be Your name!
Blessed be the name of the Lord -
Blessed be Your glorious Name!

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Blessed be your name!

I want to always remember to praise
and bless your name -
in the good and bad -
in the happy and sad -
in the joy and in the pain.
Blessed be Your Name Jesus!

From Helpless to Hopeful

Do you ever feel empty? Useless? Tired? Burdened? Overwhelmed? Helpless?

I think a LOT of people are probably feeling some or all of these feelings these days.

The bills after Christmas burden us!

The sunless days of winter make us tired!

The fast pace of society wears us down!

Someone we love faces a medical scare and we feel useless!

A dear friend loses a loved one and we feel helpless!

ALL of these things have happened recently and I have been feeling empty - burdened - tired - helpless and overwhelmed!

And now...

The devastation in Haiti ... It is overwhelming!!!

This earthquake kind of puts things into perspective, don't you think?

God has been prodding me and reminding me that He is the only source of strength!

God is our protection and our strength.
He always helps in times of trouble.
The Lord All-Powerful is with us;
the God of Jacob is our defender.
Psalm 46:1, 11


He is our only hope!!

He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak. The people who trust the LORD will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired. Isaiah 40:29, 31


My SisterChick, Lana, has a daughter, Heather. Heather is married to Gerson, a Haitian, and they have been living in St. Louis. During the past week Lana's father passed away and then the country of Haiti experienced the devastating earthquake. For days Heather and Gerson knew nothing about his family. Thank God they have found out that his family is alive. I cannot imagine the fear that gripped them. They have such an amazing faith and have continued to place their hope and trust in our Heavenly Father. Heather and Gerson are traveling to Haiti this next week with a medical team from our church.

It is so exciting to see God at work!

What Satan meant for evil for the country of Haiti, God can use for good! Many people have come together to help the poor people of Haiti. God can and will use them to make a difference for His kingdom! May His will be done.

Abba, You are mighty and You are God! That is all we need to know - but You have provided us with so much more! Your word assures us that You are the Great I AM - the Alpha and the Omega - the Beginning and the End - the Creator - the Great Physician! In James, Your word tell us "When a believing person prays, great things happen". Father, all over this world believers are praying for the people of Haiti and for the overwhelming taks that are ahead for them and the relief workers. We anticipate and claim the promise of the great things You have planned for Haiti.

I ask that You provide strength, materials, workers, and provisions for these selfless people.

I pray for the many, many people who still do not know if their loved ones are dead or alive.

I pray especially for Heather and Gerson as they return to Gerson's family. I know that there is no way they can be prepared for what they will see, Lord, but just hold them close and may their faith be seen by others.

I pray for Jon and Lisa Bird, Dr. Killion, and the others from our community who are giving of themselves to help the injured and hurting people of Haiti. Father, guide them and provide for them as they are Your hands and feet in a lost and hurting part of Your world.

And Father I ask that you would work in my life. I have so much to be thankful for and yet I am so selfish! I want to stay focused on You, Lord. I want to live for You. I want to listen to You. I want to be obedient to You. I want to be fueled by You on a continuous basis! I want everday to be about You - not me!

I love you, Jesus!

Christmas Vacation

Wow! My Christmas break is almost over!!! I can't believe that I have had 2 weeks off. It seems like such a blur - What did I do? Hmmmm - let's see -

Kate and I went wedding shopping! that was fun

I baked some goodies - yum

Cleaned the house - yuck!

Got caught up on laundry - yea!!!

I wrapped the few gifts I purchased - since we have simplified Christmas that is not near the job it use to be!

I decorated the Christmas tree - it stood bare for several days - poor thing!

I picked my Dad up at the airport on Christmas morning! - slipping and sliding the whole way and I believe I saw about 10 accidents!!

We had Christmas lunch at Jack in the Box - that was a first for me!

Games and Carols Night was a little different this year - the kids had some new people join us and Seth & Jessica arrived just in time!

I had 3 wonderful days with the grandsons! They are getting so big!! It is so cool to watch my son interact with his sons! Colby and Carson have great parents!!!

More wedding shopping - this time with Kate and Jessica!! - we also purchased some honeymoon lingerie - ooh la la!!

Got my house back in order after all the company went home - that is always a sad day!! :(

Enjoyed New Years Eve with some wonderful Christian friends!!!

Took down the Christmas tree and packed up all the Christmas decorations - always seems like a bigger job than getting it all out.

Cleaned my house - everything is back in its spot!

Did laundry - again!!

Wow! I'm exhausted and need a break!!!

That's my Christmas - a big bluuuurrrrrr of activities!!!

Did I take enough time to focus on the One that Christmas is all about? Did I give anything to Him on His birthday? I am ashamed to say that I did not focus on my Savior enough during this Christmas season.

Lord, I am sorry that I lost focus during this season that is suppose to be all about you! I am so very thankful that You never lose focus of me!

As I look back at 2009 I remember how You worked in my life - how I was sweetly broken by You - how You molded my life each day - how You surrounded me with Christian friends - how You made me eat my words. I imagine You must have said SO many times "Oh yeah Jeanna. You think so? Well, daughter, I have a different plan for you. A much better plan that is going to change your life for the better."

I love You Jesus and want 2010 to be the year I grow closer to You and more like You. I want people to see you when they look at my life. I want these same things for my children and grandchildren.

Lord, make this Your year!!!

I love You!!!

Your child,
Jeanna

WHAT? It's almost Christmas?

I have been so busy thinking "Wedding - Wedding - Wedding" that I haven't got my tree decorated!

It is standing but it does not have a single ornament on it and Christmas is less than a week away!

I haven't wrapped any gifts yet either!

Yikes!!!

I better get busy!!!