Aaaahh, Chick-Fil-A - Part 2

The more to the story (see part 1) unfolded as I was sitting quietly in my booth, enjoying my Chicken Minis, strawberry smoothie, and my September edition of "P31 Woman" magazine ...

Enter stage left: A Party of 6. And 1 of the 6 was bearing a beautiful gift. Being a people watcher, and a girl who appreciates the beauty of a pretty package, this display captured my attention. I began to wonder ... What's the story here? What's the occasion? What are they celebrating? Why at Chick-Fil-A? I was intrigued, and deeply distracted, as I tried not to stare. There was something about this party, something different. Something that compelled me to stay awhile longer.

After ordering their food they walked toward me, closer and closer, until they settled in the booth directly in front of me! I had a front row seat, and was going to get to see it - - Who gets the gift? What is the gift? I was so excited!

They ate, they talked, and then the gift was presented.

It was given to a young woman, approximately 20 years old, from the older men and women in the party.

What was the gift? A pair of athletic shoes.

What was her response? Sheer delight! She actually squeeled! It was fun to watch.

Unfortunately, I have no idea what they were celebrating. It didn't appear to be a birthday. And their table talk was no help at all! But I did get the answer to one of my questions ... "Why Chick-Fil-A?" So I could see it!

As I watched her receive the gift. A gift she obviously needed, and wanted! A gift she would use with great joy! My mind went back to the reason I had needed to escape my house that morning, my cluttered closets, cabinets, drawers, and garage.

This is when it became clear I was NOT there by chance. This is also when God got all in my business of clutter.

Don't laugh...

Possibly for the first time in my life, I realized I buy things (a lot of things) that I do NOT need. My cabinets, closets, drawers, and garage are proof of that pattern.

Sure, by the time it ends up in my garage, I donate it. Donating is good, right? But better would be to buy only things I will use and enjoy. This would clear my clutter and UNDOUBTEDLY free up money I could use to buy specific things for ... specific people with specific needs. Now that's a win-win combination!

I can still hear the sound of delight in the young woman's voice when she opened her athletic shoes. I hope I always will. : )

Sat(her)day - Aaahhh, Chick-Fil-A ...

This morning it was quite necessary for me to get out of the house. I needed some space ... Space from all the weekend distractions of home. You know things like ... closets, and cabinets, and drawers, and a garage (oh my!) that have become so cluttered they sometimes keep me awake at night. (Sorry if this comes as a shock to you but yes, I battle with clutter!)

So I did what any woman in my position would do - I ran away from home! It was the only way I was going to meet my "Sat(her)day" deadline! On the way out the door, I grabbed the September edition of "P31 Woman" and was free, free, FREE! I would escape to a place where they are always kind, always happy to see me, and where its their "pleasure" to serve me! Chick-Fil-A, of course!

Followng a brief surprise encounter with one of my dearest friends, I settled into a quiet table and began to devour my chicken minis and my "P31 Woman" magazine. It was a nice 30 minute diversion. And I am once again glad I opened my BIG mouth a few weeks ago making myself accountable to a weekly "Sat(her)day" blog.

I enjoyed my time out of the house, and was refreshed from a mentally exhausting week. But it got even better, join me on Monday for the rest of the story... :- )

"Sat (Her) Day" - Keeping It Real

What was I thinking? Why in the world would I write on humility? Obviously, because I would be "living it" all week! I will spare you the details and simply say ... the humility lesson from "SonDay, Sunday!" is fresh and new "in" me! : )

This week has made me glad I opened my big mouth last Saturday (see "Sat Her Day! - Over the Top Good") because without the accountability of those strong promises ... my day would not have started the way it did today.

Last night, knowing I would need to hit the ground running to attend to all the FULLNESS of this day of celebration, I set my alarm extra early. When the alarm went off, I retreated to my sanctuary (a.k.a. the bathtub!)

I know this may be a little much for some but ... there in the stillness of the (EARLY) morning, while soaking in a bubble bath - - I met with my God. I allowed the bubbles to take away the physical stress, and I poured out my heart (worries, concerns, hurts of the week) to my God.

That is how I did something "good" for me today. It required an adjustment in my schedule but it was well worth it! ... I am off, and running! Taking the time "for me" this morning to prepare physically, mentally, and spirtually was a good investment.

Gotta run, my son is here in ten minutes with his little birthday girl, and grammy is equipped to make this a day to remember for the most precious little 8 year old who ever lived, and her daddy! : )

How will you "prepare yourself" this week?

"A Celebration of Life!"

Today has been a celebration of life ... the life of the most precious little girl to ever live! Strong words, you say? Not if that precious little girl calls you "grammy!" : )

It seems like only a moment ago when ...

... I first laid eyes on her.

... I first held her in my arms.

... I first kissed her cheek.

... I first whispered in her ear.

... I first fell head-over-heels in love with her.

Being a grandmother is the most challenging, and (I admit) the most humbling assignment I have ever accepted but - - is the most rewarding!

Happy Birthday baby girl!

The party began 8 years ago - and is still going strong!

I love you so much and I always will. And I'm so glad God picked me to be your Grammy.

"SonDay, Sunday" - Humility

In my Adult Bible Fellowship (a.k.a. adult Sunday School) this week we had a guest speaker from our church counseling ministry. I was deeply moved by this portion of his presentation - I am posting it here (with his permission, of course) in hopes it will be an encouragement to you, or someone you know ...


I want to be your friend, but first I must be your Lord.
Your pride is the primary hindrance to intimacy with Me.
I will help you deal with your pride.

As your sovereign, loving Lord, I will allow painful, unpleasant
circumstances into your life offering you the opportunity to
surrender to My wisdom, My ways, My plans, and My agenda.

Your surrender in itself will be saying no to your pride and
embracing humility … allowing you to draw closer to Me.
As you surrender more and more of your will to Me,
you will experience profound emotional peace.

Jesus
________________________________________

Will you surrender? Begin today. Or begin again, today.

"Sat (Her) Day, Saturday!" - Over the Top Good

This morning was "over-the-top" good ya'll ... and it wasn't even planned!

I was awakened by the silence of an empty house. No, that's not the good part and before rumors start flying around - there's no trouble on the home front. Hubby was simply playing an early morning round of golf. :- )

My "over-the-top" good morning began in the kitchen, when I did the UNTHINKABLE task of ... preparing a fantastic breakfast JUST FOR ME! I enjoyed my "girly" favorite, veggie omelet and an assortment of fresh fruits, and discovered cooking for one is fun, and yummy!

After cleaning up the kitchen, I got dressed and went to the gym. (Proof-positive of the connection between food and behavior ... Let's just say, I have never gone to the gym at 7am on a Saturday after eating an EggMcMuffin!)

After a shower, with the spontaneity still in the air, I remembered an unused gift certificate I had been given for a manicure & pedicure ... and it was calling my name! Mani & Pedi - here I come!

That's how my Saturday morning turned into "Sat (Her) Day!" morning.
I'm NOT writing this to brag, I'm writing this to encourage you to "go and do likewise" ...


Easy now, hang on - - Am I saying, kick everyone out of the house on Saturday? Certainly Not!

Am I saying, cook for only yourself on Saturday? Certainly Not!

Am I saying, to spend every Saturday at the gym, or getting a pedicure? Certainly Not!

Am I saying, to seek an "over the top" good "Sat (Her) Day!" experience every week? Certainly Not!

What I'm saying is ... my "over-the-top" experience reminded me it is okay and (dare I say???) HEALTHY to do "good" to ourselves on a regular basis.

That said, in an effort to hold you (and myself!) accountable, "Sat (Her) Day!" will be a regular feature on my blog. Every Saturday, I will share how I have chosen to do "good" to myself (some weeks may be an entire morning, other weeks might be just 5 minutes) and I will encourage you to do likewise ... by doing something "just for you" on Saturday, or the day of your choice during the week.

It will be fun, and encouraging, as we hold one another accountable in the weeks ahead ...

CAUTION - This practice of doing "good" to yourself will greatly affect your attitude while doing "good" to others. Be prepared to be caught smiling more often! :-)

Church Directory Picture Day!

Every couple of years our church updates the pictoral directory. This is "update" year! At our family sitting we attempted the impossible... finding a pose we ALL looked our best.

The ones I looked my best, my hubby had a glare on his glasses. The ones he looked his best, my eyes were closed. And with the privilege of having our granddaughter with us in the picture... The ones she looked her best, both my hubby & I were making "blooper" faces!

Anyone relating with me here? Challenging times, these family pics.

After looking through 20 poses, we found it. Although it was not the best one of ANY of us, it was the one.







The one because ...


it was best for our family.


I am pleased with this church directory picture but... it's NOT my favorite. My favorite is one of the bloopers. NO, you may NOT see it - some things need to remain private. :- ) Why is the blooper my favorite? Because it's a good reminder...

It reminds me of my need to look out for the interests of others before my own.

And

It reminds me when I do... it makes a beautiful picture.

"Double Portion Of Bizarre!" Part 2

Damage was minor, delay shorter than expected, and I was on my way home... Long gone was my "ahead of schedule" efficiency streak, but I didn't care. My only concern was to get home to my man. This was our final evening together and I was determined NOT to be distracted! I was able to keep my focus because I was prepared. Yes, preparation is good.

The next morning (rested and ready) I set out for the conference. Winding through the mountains of North Carolina, surrounded by nothing but HUGE rocks, I was suddenly very aware how small and vulnerable I was. And how glad I am that my very big God has His eyes on me. My heart turned to thanksgiving and praise.

I arrived at "SheSpeaks" with a full heart despite the severe thunderstorms which had followed me for the past 5 hours. With every session, and every encounter, God continued to repeat what He had already spoken to me on my drive ... "I am big. And My eyes are on you."

I left the conference with an action list a page and a half long, and was looking forward to processing all I had learned on my drive home. My plans (once again) took a 180 degree turn while traveling along I-85. I was in the center lane and there was a truck (not a semi, but a moving type truck) traveling in the fast lane. The truck decided he wanted the center lane which was already occupied by a unsuspecting mini-van! I was BEHIND the mini-van... I prepared for impact.

The truck took the middle lane, and in doing so... pushed the minivan (much like you would push aside a child's toy) into the far right lane of traffic. There was an explosion of glass that came back on my windshield. Both vehicles continued driving until it was safe to pull over, and no other cars were impacted by the collision.

I was speechless.

My mind went back to a conversation (okay disagreement) I had with my husband 2 weeks prior over which car I would drive to the conference. I thought it made perfect sense for me to take our convertible. It would use less gas and it would certainly add to my enjoyment. He insisted it was not safe - - He won. Needless to say, I whole-heartedly agree with his decision now! I don't even want to think about how that might have played out if I had been in the convertible when the glass came flying at me.

God continued to speak what He started on the trip up, "I am big and I have My eyes on you" and He added... "don't be irritated with your husband when I choose to protect you through him."

Not exactly the lesson I expected from this year's SheSpeaks but... I wouldn't trade it for the world! The "take away" I pray I will never forget is this - -

Do not be irritated with your husband when God chooses to use him to protect you. Respect your husband and remember... God is big, and He has His eyes on you.

Again my heart is filled with thanksgiving and praise, and a deeper respect for my man. :- )

"Double Portion Of Bizarre" ~ Part 1

This year marks the third consecutive year I have had the privilege of attending SheSpeaks, a women's conference for Speakers, Writers, and Ministry Leaders, so I am no stranger to the "weird" occurrences prior to (and during!) the conference. This year, I received a double portion of “bizarre”…

On the eve of the conference I was fully prepared (a first!), and had 2 FULL hours before my hubby would be home. So I decided to tackle some of the things on my “to do” list for the following week. It was incredible! I don't think I have ever had such an efficient day! Sitting just one traffic light from home, and still ahead of schedule, is where my plan took a 180 degree turn.

Bam! Crunch, crackle, thud … What just happened? Oh, no! Please, don't tell me ...

Are you kidding me?

How does a car ... already at a complete stop, hit the car in front of it? ? ? ?

Rather easily (it seems) WHEN the car behind it doesn't stop!

A young man, while attempting to change lanes missed two very important details ...
1) Traffic was stopped.
2) The lane he wished to occupy was ALREADY taken!
His mistake was a rude awakening to the car behind me, and (in turn) to me.

Because I was prayed up, and prepared for a Christian conference (smile), grace flowed somewhat easily through me as I said, “Accidents happen, no one was hurt.” I called in the report, and our little “parade” settled in to wait for a police officer to respond. It was rush hour, and our accident was without injury, so we were told the wait would (most likely) be LONG.

Funny thing about waits, they give you time to reflect ...

Poor planning on my part the year before had resulted in pulling an (almost) all-nighter the night before the conference. Needless to say, the 4 ½ hour drive the next morning was tough! I smiled as I thought, this year is better. Inconvenient, aggravating, not without incident, and not without cost, but STILL way better than last year! I would be home soon, and I was prepared...

What was still to come would leave me speechless! Check back on Monday for part 2 of "Double Portion Of Bizarre"

Guest Writer ~ "God's Red-Hot Gift!" Part 3

My friend, and guest writer, Carol will continue to paint a picture of "a sensuous wife."

(The following list is taken from Intimate Issues, written by Lorraine Pintus and Linda Dillow.)

1. She is responsive ~ ~ Shulamith whispers longingly in Solomon’s ear: “Make my garden breathe out fragrance, let its spices be wafted abroad. May my beloved come into his garden and eat its choice fruits!” (4:16).

2. She is adventurous ~ ~ At times Shulamith receives sexual pleasure from her husband. Other times she is the initiator, aggressively stimulating her lover through intoxicating fragrances, seductive sights, and the promise of ecstasy. This clever wife titillates her husband by suggesting they take a vacation together in the country and make love outdoors. There among the vineyards, she will offer him old sexual delicacies and new sexual delights (7:11-13).

3. She is uninhibited ~ ~ Shulamith tells her husband where to touch her (2:6 and 4:16). She tantalizes him and entices him (7:1-3).

4. She is expressive ~ ~ Shulamith is verbally expressive: “My beloved is mine and I am his” (2:16). She expresses praise for his masculinity: “How handsome you are, my beloved” (1:16). “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men” (2:3).

5. She is sensuous ~ ~ A sensuous woman is tuned in to her body and the pleasure she receives through her five senses. She delights in her senses. In Song of Solomon 5:10-16, Shulamith gives into her sexuality and thinks about her husband in very sensuous terms. She dwells on his sensuous lips, his muscular shoulders, and strong legs and ends her daydreaming by saying: “His mouth is full of sweetness. And he is wholly desirable” (5:16).

No doubt about it, Shulamith was a sensuous, sexual woman, and God describes her sensuousness in explicit terms. God wants us to understand the beauty and freedom of our sexuality. Through the young bride Shulamith, God unveils the portrait of a godly, sensuous wife and, because His blessing was upon her, we can follow her example with confidence.

If you are thinking, I could never be like that, don’t be discouraged. God does not expect us to become sensuous saints overnight. He asks instead that we go forward in becoming the lovers He created us to be. Christian women should be the greatest lovers on earth because as believers, we not only possess physical passion, we have the ability to infuse holiness into our sensuousness.”

If a new beginning is what you want, you can start today, this very minute. Change can happen, but the change does not start in the bedroom—it starts on your knees. A change in action comes directly from a change in attitude, and that begins when you talk to Jesus. Pray Romans 12:1-2 back to Him.

Therefore, I urge you, (sisters), in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.