30 Days of Gratitude - Day 22 - Draft Posts

So it has been a crazy busy day with work, rush hour traffic, Indian taco dinner time with family, shopping and then cooking a meal for work tomorrow, leaving me wondering what will I post? Then I saw this "draft post" hanging out. Today on this weary day that is almost tomorrow, I am thankful for my job. Thankful for time with my family at our Indian Taco dinner tonight, but most of all on this weary night I am thankful for this "draft post" that I started back at the beginning of summer. It is now serving as a fill in for my lack of being able to post something/anything of gratitude today.

The High School Basketball Coaches and Players hosted a 3 on 3 Fundraiser Basketball Tournament this past weekend. You make up your own team and your own shirts, Darya got a group of girls together to play. I was thinking 3 on 3 GIRLS basketball tournament, when we arrived we saw nothing but BOYS! Of course, Darya's team had the best looking shirts thanks to Bridgette's mom. They lost both games, but the last one they only lost by 1 point. Check out  Darya's FROG form of shooting below. I guess it worked for her, she scored all the points.

The shot below is of her stealing the ball from the "Thunder Dude". He was trying to pass it to the guy to the right of Darya and she stole it and I am pretty sure she said, "Thanks that's my ball!" as she smoked past him. I am actually glad they didn't win because I had to see boys cry.

Darryl worked on the pool this past week and had it open by Friday. Just so you know a freezing ice cold water swim is a must, because by mid-June the water will be like a nice warm bath and by July it will be more like a hot tub than a swimming pool.

These were the yummiest stuffed green bell peppers I have ever had! I reviewed some online recipes and then combined what I like out of about three different ones to come up with these and they were especially yummy!

This is what I call my Pink Pee Wee Herman bike. I love it because it is so pretty and has a nice, big comfy seat, but it is a one speed bike meaning "old-granny" speed. This granny needs some gears because I have a need for speed. Anyone want to buy it? I purchased it at Al's Bicycle, may need to go trade it in.

Oh, how I wished I had the posture of Bryleigh, she sits up sooo straight! Look at that perfect shaped head, the cute little ears, the non fat thighs, the baby soft skin, the....

BIG BROWN eyes...okay I couldn't resist throwing one more picture in.

This is my SUPER smart, very generous, big hearted Sister-in-Law/Sister-in-Christ, who happens to be a NURSE and fellow U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Officer. I am so proud of her, she not only finished her RN program but followed it up with a Masters in Nursing! She is always volunteering and helping any way she can, she has a true servant's heart. Here she is working an immunization booth at the Moore Community Center and she don't even live in Moore!

Here is another baby that I love much and could spend hours watching her cute, chubby self exploring. She has sooo much energy, it was difficult to catch her in any photos. She wanted Darya to read to her and almost to the second after Darya sat her down and started to show her the book, I snapped this picture than she was gone off to a new adventure.

The funny thing is once she found her cell phone it was glued to her ear. I am sure hoping her momma has unlimited minutes because she talked all night.

A few seconds here, a few seconds there she was every where! In case you were wondering the best way to teeter totter, stick up your feet, stick out your tongue and begin rocking.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 20 - Senor Harjo

Senor Harjo, our chihuahua, has been apart of our family since 2000. He may be small in stature, but he is big and vicious when it comes to protecting our home. Check out Senor Harjo as "Chihuahua Warrior" as he fights off the Warthog.

Today I am thankful for pets. Senor Harjo came to us when Darya was two years old and suffering with asthma and once he came to live with us her asthma went away. He has been apart of our family ever since then and has brought us hours of laughter and a ton of love.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 21 - Megan Marie

It is hard to believe that it has been 16 years since that a little girl named Megan Marie came in to my life.

I feel once again caught between the bitter and the sweet. There is so much I could say about that little girl who became a part of my life, so much sweet. As well as bitter, bitter because as much as I love and adore my husband and the biological children he has given me, I hate that Megan and Brandon had the heartache of divorce. But now. Now Megan is no longer that child pursuing and seeking after her mother, but a grown woman herself gracing the age of 24 and pursuing her own life.

Darryl and I checked them out of school to their surprise and took a quick
road trip to Eureka Springs to celebrate the end of school and beginning of summer.

Sweet 16

Because her birthday is in November, right smack in the middle of the chaos that is part of the holiday season of giving thanks and gratitude. I want to give her an attitude of gratitude blog, kind of like a birthday shout out of a thankful and humorous sort as I reflect back over these 16 years.

She is obviously loved much by her siblings.

I am thankful for her the delight she brings through her explosive laughter. Her laugh alone is so infectious it could be used to cheer up anyone on a day of gloom.

Never too young to enjoy a ride at the park.

I am thankful that she still gets excited over her birthday by posting countdowns on FB.

6th grade friends

I am thankful that her feet finally quit stinking and this is an especially true gratitude since she is living under our roof again.

Thankful that she is home again, even if it is for a short time. Isn’t all life short though? Praying the goodness of God will capture her heart.

The famous Beatle Bowl hair cut!

Thankful that her great uncle tagged her with the nickname "Domski" after Dom DeLuise, because nicknames stick in this family. See what the cuteness of baby fat gets you in my husband’s family?

Doesn't she look like a little chipmunk?

I am thankful she is seeing something now at her age as she is working through all those past things and people that seem right at the moment. That Proverbs 16:25 is true (I learned) – “that there is a way that seems right, but its end is the way of death”. On a Facebook post this morning I saw, “in young we learn…in age we understand”. Thankful for some wise Christian counseling I once was told that when we make mistakes in life we can either call them a mistake or an education. A mistake means you didn’t learn anything and you will repeat it, but if you learn something from it and don’t repeat it means that it is an education.

A young adult now, even though she is throwing Cheetos at people.

I am thankful for Megan, I am thankful the Lord has granted us this precious stewardship of being a part of her life at this point in her life, and I pray for her, as I pray for all my children, that she would know the depth, the width, of His forgiveness and love – that she would flee from all evil that is ever present in this world and run into the arms of Jesus who will never leave nor forsake her. The One who will always protect her and never fail her as she pursues His will for her through His perfect, timely Word; and finally, that she would love the Lord with all her heart, all her mind, all her soul. Happy 24th Birthday Megan Marie, I love you!

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 19 - School Band and College Football

Band Nerds...I heard one of Darya's friend mock her when she said that she would be doing band as her elective rather than "block"; being all spiritual as I am...I returned  the mock, well they are…they are….Block Heads! Okay, I didn’t really say it - remember I am wimp, but I thought it and therefore it technically still counts. Evidently, momma bear came out wagging her paw saying apparently you don’t you know research shows that playing music enhances cognitive learning and facilitates growth in many areas of human development, i.e., motivation, social skills, time management, situational awareness, aesthetic appreciation, etc. Why is it that people have to mock others for their choices? Whether it is band or block, or do I dare…Cowboys or Sooners.

Darya's 7th Grade "Beat the Holiday Rush" Band Concert.

She plays a baritone horn. She is on the back row, next to the BIG Ole' Tuba.

I know I am probably treading on some dangerous ground since there has been so much and so many people posting on Facebook about the “other fans” about losing and winning. Is football that serious? Apparently it is in Oklahoma. You either bleed orange or crimson, should you cross the state line, you best declare your loyalty to one or our state teams. Hopefully, the fans would quit confusing wins/loses with what really matters in life. That our perspective would see the wins and losses for what they are…temporal. Football, touchdowns, victories will all fade, but what we do for Christ is what matters and is all that will last.

As a believer in and follower of Christ, I choose not to call out the other team’s fans in any form of taunting or provoking. I don’t know how many times, I read, “Where are they now?” “They sure are quiet now?” “Now that you are losing, I don’t hear you!”, etc…

God’s word instructs me as a believer and follower of Christ, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4). Which is what this time of year is supposed to be about, being thankful. Why not be thankful that we have always had two very strong state college teams? While I am a Sooner fan and alumni, I root for the Cowboys on every game except when they play the Sooners and I certainly don’t rejoice in their losses rather it be on or off the field, the court, or any other place.

Let’s not loss our minds over this, build walls and hold grudges. Let’s do the opposite, let’s do what the Word of God tells us to do and let’s be thankful.

So, here it is another blog post of my weakness, my wimpyness, another confession of my failure and my need for grace,…much grace. On this day I am thankful 1) for band and the opportunities that it affords Darya; and 2) for state college football. I pray God will help me gain a heart of wisdom and grant me an eternal perspective, to help me see what truly matters. May my time here, in this place, in this stage, count for eternity!

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 18 - KLOVE

Just wanted to say thanks to KLOVE radio station for making me cry this day, but all for a good reason. If you really know me, I am rarely able to cry tears of sorrow, only tears of joy! Oh joy it is too!  I am not even sure how the call started out, why the guy called in; but I heard the new morning DJ either Craig or Kankelfritz ask the caller “Todd” if he could ask him a question to see where he was at spiritually. The guy agreed. The DJ said, “If you were to stand before God today and He asked you why should I let you into My heaven, what would you say?” The guy replied that he didn’t know. That he wasn’t the most righteous person, and the most faithful and in about in time I didn’t even believe in God about a couple months ago and I was even a devil worshipper. Then the DJ said would you like to know how for sure that you are going to heaven? He said, he would like that more than anything. The DJ went on to share with him how we have all missed the mark, even Billy Graham, that we all are imperfect. We’ve all sinned. Lied, stolen (stolen from employers, cheated on taxes, value doesn’t matter), etc…he went on to share the plan of salvation and then asked if he wanted to pray to receive Christ as his Lord and Savior today. He said, yes!!

God’s grace comes to us free and clear, with no strings attached. Unworthy. Undeserving.  Flawed we are, but out of His abundance He gave the most precious gift! His only Son. Can you imagine giving your child, who did no wrong, to receive punishment for others who have done wrong? It’s all grace. Unmerited grace. One grace after another…spiritual blessing…upon spiritual blessing…favor upon favor…and gift upon gift. Praise to the Trinity!

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 17 - Darryl

I know I have already said I am thankful for my husband, once, but I am thankful that he understands my love language of service. Especially on cold mornings that leave frost on your window.

While in actuality the frost was minimally this morning and probably looked a lot like the top part of the picture below - minus the snow.

 In my mind it looked more like this picture, can you see why I am so grateful?

 So you can see my gratitude in having a husband who comes out and starts my car, turns on the seat warmer and defrosting, cleans my windows and loads my car. I’m truly blessed!

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 16 - Youth

What an encouragement it was to see almost all the seats full in the youth room last night, but not only that, but to hear three students open up and share how God is working in their lives. No wonder God tells us not to give up meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25) because it is encouraging!

While we had great plans to show the 11-11-11 Digital Scavenger Hunt results followed by Session Three of Frances Chan’s Surrender, God must have had other plans because the video/sound was not cooperating.

So proud of my husband’s pinch hitting skills and leading us in a time of review and reflection over the first two sessions. Most of you probably don’t know (or maybe you do) but my husband is temporarily leading out in our youth group at church until a permanent youth minister is hired. So while, others may be very skilled and have years of experience at leading out groups and speaking in front of people, my husband is rather new to it, but he is doing a great job and I knew he would. First and foremost he has a heart for God. Which means he has a servant's heart and not only that a heart full of love, compassion and mercy. With that said, I know he would tell you, that it is all God, but I am still proud and thankful for the opportunity to watch him serve in that capacity. There is nothing more sexy than a man that loves Jesus!

This was my bumper sticker on my Mustang when I met Darryl.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 15 - Answered Prayers

Wow, I am falling behind on the blog-a-tude of gratitude. I am four days behind. The good thing is each day, I spend a short amount of time writing but didn't finish the posts, so the weekend is here and it's time to play catch up! Seems like when the work week hits, I fall behind, not surprised! One thing I have learned through this little challenge of mine is that I always have something to say, but time is so limited. It has been challenging in that, my typical blog post is one I like to marinate over time and re-read and change; but, with one a day there isn’t much time for marinating the blog, so some may be a bit rough.

The days are so chocked full that some days Darryl and I barely have time to talk until our heads hit the pillows. Are your days like that too? Please say yes. This week he has shared several answered prayers with me. I wished I could shout them from the roof top but I am not sure the people we’ve had the privilege of praying for are ready to have some broadcasted, but in some time it will happen!

As Christians, we all know that God answers prayers, it is just sometimes we have a hard time because He doesn’t answer on our time schedule or even according to our prayres, but He is faithful to answer. I get such a thrill praying for someone or something and then seeing God grant that prayer. I wished I could say my faith was strong and I never get disappointed when I don’t see God answering, but the truth is I am guilty of praying for something or someone and then getting discouraged because I am not physically seeing any changes in the things I have prayed for.

I want to have that 24/7 confident expectation knowing beyond any shadow of doubt that my prayer was heard and will be answered, but even more so I want to accept without question the answers I am given. Fully trusting. After all, God says He will supply all my needs, not my wants – He is El Shaddai, “The Provider of All” and He knows what I don’t know, He sees what I can’t see, and because of that He knows what is best for me. Today I am thankful for perfectly answered prayers given to me from God. I leave you with Amy Grant's beautiful song El Shaddai.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 14 - Jayden

The other day I saw a friend post a picture on Facebook of donkeys in her pantry. That’s right, donkeys. Of course, they were about an inch tall and hard plastic, but still yet donkeys. Which directly sent me to Memory Lane, doesn’t the thought of donkeys send you to memory lane?

Specifically, it quickly transported me to the manager scene at Christmas time. We have this really nice (at least in my opinion) manger scene. I found the figurines at an after Christmas sale at Target one year and my mom gave me the manger which has a light and serves as a great nightlight for us during the Christmas season. Each Christmas since Jayden could walk Baby Jesus has been visited by Choo-Choo Trains, dinosaurs, and even visitors from a far, away land…a.k.a. Star Wars characters.

The other night he was hopping through the house saying, “hot lava on the floor…hot lava on the floor”. He is also mastering blowing a bubble with bubble gum, as well as getting a high score on how many times he can jump up and touch the ceiling fan chain in a row. I know important feats and they are all happening right under my roof. I may have to sell tickets! Finally, Jayden’s choice of library books this week were about building a fort (if only he could convince his dad) and learning to draw. Jayden has so much he wants to do. He wants to learn to sing, play a guitar, and even be a salesman.

I know...those are some pretty high goals, especially the salesman part. Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with being a salesman, it certainly pays bills and puts food on the table, but when he wants to sale used hubcaps and other junk, I think “Ohhhhhh….Elizabeth!! I am coming!!” Yes, my mind is a weird place to be, it is a good thing I keep my mouth shut (for the most part) in public places, and especially in work meetings.

Do you remember Sanford & Son? The sitcom that starred Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford? He was a junk collector and ran a junk collection business out of his home. His son Lamont lived with him and every time his son would threaten to move, Fred would fake a heart ache and call out his deceased wife’s name holding his chest? Remember?

Jayden loves exploring the creek behind our house. Darryl allows it, I cringe at it. I am thinking of all those nasty disease I am sure he is going to get from being down there and touching something, then touching his eyes, nose or mouth – it sends shivers up my spine and makes my stomach feel ill at the thought. Saturday was a Creek Exploration day and he brought home two or parts of two hubcaps and an old cracked bowling ball with the name Willie on it. When we asked what his plans were, he said he was going to sell them! Ohhhhh…..Elizabeth!!! I am coming!!

Update: The boy's mother in the middle must feel the same way, because he was
told not to go in the creek anymore and guess where he went?
Yup! The creek. So now he is grounded. According to Jayden,...for life!

So I encouraged him to go set up business with a For Sale sign and desk in the front yard and see if anyone stops and buys them. To my horror he said, no, I have to get more! Apparently they need a variety to choose from, I didn’t realize hubcaps were equal to shoes. He is already throwing the idea of removing ours from our cars to increase his sales! So in our garage sits a Mitsubishi and part of a Chevrolet hubcap, plus a bowling ball inscribed Willie if you are interested in purchasing, I am pretty sure he will make you a great deal! Or if you lost one about five years ago, I am guessing that is how long it would have taken to travel down the creek to our house, then you can just come pick it up!

A close up just in case you're interested.

So as of November 2011, this is life with Jayden. I am thankful for the son God gave me, the beauty of feeling him grow inside me and then the privilege to watch him grow on the outside. May we as his parents not hinder him in achieving his goals, even if it is to be a salesman; but most importantly I hope he knows he is greatly loved by God and us. In the short time we have left with Jayden at this tender age I pray that God would allow us to fully grasp how fast this time will pass and that we will make the most of the things that truly matter, not just in parenting but in eternity as we attempt to train Jayden and our other children in the way they should go.

One of my favorite pictures of my little guy! Oh how time flies!

Finally, I wonder if this year there will be any visitors to the manger, or not. I hope so! As the years pass those inanimate objects are slowing being replaced by digitalized video games. The days of having Jayden in the house playing are being replaced with him out exploring. So, yes, I am having a bit of melancholy, because he is growing up way too fast, becoming a young man before my eyes, but as I have told him no matter his age or height, he will always be my baby boy.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 13 - Imagination

We LOVE the nights we get to spend in the nursery at church. Some nights we have many tonight only four little girls. They never fail to bring us laughter as we talk and play with them. So with a room full of mostly girls, you can imagine it was all about shopping and spa treatments!

Shopping for those perfect gifts!

Tonight was my Spa Night!! They had me lay down, put "hot stones" (cookies) on my back, while they did my nails. I tried to get up once, the next thing I know they slammed my head back down and said, "you can't get up", in fact I tried several times to get up but they wouldn't let me. Only if the real spa was like that!

The girls LOVE to play games. One of their favorites is to hide and we act like we don't see them. Then we panic because parents are coming and we lost the kids at church! How can that happen? This time only one kid was missing, but the other kid wouldn't let us look under those blankets on the ground. This went on for about 3 minutes. It was the strangest thing! Sounds of a puppy was coming from beneath the blanket, but we didn't need a puppy, we needed to find the lost kid! Then a foot appeared....and another foot, but her friend said, "you didn't see that!"

Notice there is no furniture around them in this picture plus shoes are off, but
in the next picture shoes are on and the furniture is there.
That is how long this scenario played out.

The puppy sounds continued and I love puppies!! I want to see the puppy! She then said, "okay, you want to see the puppy? Here she is!" Then she threw off the blanket and they BUSTED out laughing! It was so funny. We laughed so hard!

As you can tell I was laughing so hard, my camera skills are a bit crooked.

Today I am thankful for the imagination that God gives us as children. If you aren't serving in your church nursery. You are missing out! It is not about changing diapers, but changing lives! Not just their lives, but yours too.



30 Days of Gratitude - Day 12 - Saturdays

I love Saturdays for many reasons, but one it is a time when my husband and I can spend time together in worship, bible study and prayer. There is nothing sweeter than being still with your soulmate and knowing that the God of the universe is with you. Feeling His presence, His love, His forgiveness.

A day started out with worship, bible study and prayer can never go wrong for me. It puts my perspective straight. One of my favorite Christian authors Warren Wiersbe says, "outlook determines outcome" and "attitude determines actions". As long as my outlook and attitude is grounded and guided by truth, and truth being the Word of God, then the outcomes and my actions will follow even in trials.

In James 1:2 we are told to count it all joy when we fall into various trials, not IF, but when. Trials are expected in this life. The difference for living a life that follows Christ is that when we fall into various trials we can 1) count (1:2); know (1:3); let (1:4 and 9-11), and ask (1:5-8). Or to put it another way, there are four necessary elements for victory in trials: a joyful attitude, an understanding mind, a surrendered will, and a heart that wants to believe.

No, that above is not mine it comes out of Warren Wiersbe Be Mature book that looks at the book of James in the Bible. I just love it so much that I have committed it to memory. In fact, I shared it yesterday on Facebook with a high school friend who posted a status update about each second we have an opportunity to change our life. He was speaking about we can choice to live in the past or learn from the past, we can choose to rejoice or complain, etc..., and that we change the way we feel, our life changes. Which made me think of what Warren said about Outlook determines Outcomes and Attitudes determines Actions.

Today I am thankful that while my life changes, my thoughts, attitudes, actions and feelings vary, I am thankful that my Heavenly Father, is the same, yesterday, today and forever. It is my desire to follow Him in His perfect example and that I will be a reflection of His goodness both in the good and bad times, so that He may be glorified.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 11 - Freedom

The next time you get upset at an older person because they are driving, walking or moving too slow. Instead of honking at them or zooming past them in frustration, consider that you may be passing a veteran, that served unselfishly so that you could live in freedom. Even if they aren't a veteran, respect them because they are an elder and one day, if the Lord tarries, you will be one too.

Okay I am going to take the easy way out for today's post, simply because I have the freedom to do that. I hope you will take the time to watch this touching reminder of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make so that we can enjoy freedoms here in America. Today I am thankful for freedom. Thankful for all our service men and women, past, present and future who serve to protect. Finally, I am thankful for the freedom that Christ has set me free from the curse of sin.

30 Days of Gratitute - Day 10 - Death of His Saints

On the 10 of November I went to the funeral of my co-worker’s wife. As I sat there and looked at the screen that displayed her full name with her birth date and date of death, I let my mind drift into morbidity. Wondering how I would feel seeing my spouse’s name on the screen. Then I thought about how it would feel to see your child’s name on the screen. Both of her parents are still living. I can’t even imagine either loss. My heart ached for their loss, yet it rejoiced that she was no longer suffering and I reflected on the truth sung by Chris Tomlin, “I will Rise”.

The service was all together God glorifying as the family celebrated her life and her home going. I know the word celebration may seem like an odd description to use in regards to a funeral, but for those who are saved, not of themselves or their works, but it is a gift. Gifts are worth celebrating, especially a gift like salvation, eternal life in heaven. Life without pain. Without suffering…hate…tears,…without sin. A reunion with other believers, but most importantly with our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Worthy is the Lamb!

The officiating minister of the funeral made the truth of life, death, eternity and salvation very clear. He pointed to the casket and said one day we will all be here. True. From dust we come to dust we go. When life is given, death will come and so will judgment. For it is appointed for man once to die and then to face the judgment and then life eternal. Eternity in hell or heaven.

They spoke of her as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend, a Sunday School teacher, and a sister-in-Christ who was always ministering to other women, but what caught my ear was the prayer journal she kept. They read her last entry. Which was of course for her family, for them to know Christ, that her life would bring glory to Him and that He always answers prayers, that He is faithful.
What a testimony to leave.

She was obviously thought of well by others and I am sure she has heard what I hope to hear one day and that is, “well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord”.

Today I am thankful that it is true, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15)

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 9 - God's Word

The 5.6 earthquake and all the aftershocks have shaken my son’s security to the core. Since we’ve experienced that honker of quake, my nine-year old son has had a spirit of fear and uneasiness over him. Especially when the evening comes, the time the quake happened; he begins to ask a lot of questions about earthquakes and our safety. I have to agree with him that it indeed was a scary 45 seconds of shaking our life up and wondering when and if it was going to stop.

The people in California where earthquakes are common tell me they would much rather deal with an earthquake than tornadoes. I disagree, with tornadoes we know they are coming and have time to take shelter; with earthquakes you get no warning.

Fear that torments is a horrible thing to experience and live with and that is why God didn’t give us that type of fear. That type of fear paralyzes you. I know, I seen the fear turn my chatty boy into a boy that could have won the “silent game”. It is hard to watch someone you love and care for living in fear of the unknown and while fear is difficult; there is a healthy fear, a type of fear that brings wisdom and safety for the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7).

Tuesday night fear still had a grip on my son, but his dad and I weren’t going to allow it. Before his dad came home from working the church banquet. Jayden begin to spit back to me scripture that we had already instilled in him and that is “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind…right, mom?” That’s right Jayden. “And perfect love casts out all fear.” That’s right Jayden and we are perfectly loved. Today I am thankful for God's Word which is truth. It brings comfort when we hide it in our hearts, He brings it to memory when we need it. To God be the glory!

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 8 - BFFs

Pamela. Spam. Pamelita. Goober. Names of my BFF. I could probably write a book, wait…I have written a book on my adventures with Pam. Let’s just say some people have written songs about our legendary adventures. While some are performed live, others like Francesca Battistelli “This is the Stuff” just fit and we tag as ours because well she is always losing her keys in the great unknown and she is always saying call me because I can’t find my phone. Me? 45 in a 35…sirens and fines….while I am running behind. We’ve been through a lot together and most of it has been her fault. :O) However, we both know how incredibly we are blessed in our little mess and stress of life.

Pam is the kind of person that when you meet her you never-ever forget her! More than likely because she has made you laugh or feel good about yourself, or both. People are always asking us if we are sisters, but God knew that one mother couldn’t handle us both, so he gave us each our own mother, but we both claim each other’s mom. While we are a lot alike in some ways, I think we are more complete opposite, more like the “Odd Couple” for example, I prefer the city, she is a country gal. I prefer the beach, she prefers the mountains. I need organization, she needs a labeling system. I choose variety, she prefers consistency. I need order, she thrives in disorder.

I met Pam about 10 years ago in a CHR PCC Coding Class I was teaching. She was the student in my class that always had her hand up. She wanted to learn and she wanted to learn it all…NOW.

She is now our National Lead CHR PCC Training Coordinator and goes from Alaska to Nashville and all the places in between to teach CHR PCC Coding, Data Entry and Reports for us. In the good ole’ days we traveled a lot together...our theme song was Johnny Cash “We’ve Been Everywhere Man” we even took our picture by the Tenbuck2 sign. Now…hardly ever.

Today we had a one day coding training so she came up the day before to spend a night. The kids were thrilled because “Aunt Pam” was coming to spend a night and that means FUN! She is better than the Cat in the Hat and she has more stuff in her bag than the Barney bag. She is a quarter past silly and that is why they love her.

It is a tradition the moment she arrives at my house, that is if she doesn’t get lost and go to the wrong house, that Jayden and her play “tag..you’re it!” and run through my entire house screaming. In my life time, I never thought I would have to tell an adult not to run and scream in my house, but then again, I have never known anyone like Pam.

Jayden, Darya, Pam and I went to Blockbusters to get a movie. I stayed in the car and watched from afar, but I could tell on the faces of the kids that they were enjoying her. Later Jayden said, “she totally embarrassed me” I said, yeah that’s because she is from Wynnewood. What was so embarrassing? It was her child-like reaction when she spotted the Jiffy Pop!! Can you imagine an adult jumping up and down in a store begging the kids to get the Jiffy Pop? Well, try your best. That is Spam!

Jayden is still in shock of being embarrassed at Blockbuster by Spam.

Can you see the thrill of Jiffy Pop on her face?

It's so easy to entertain my kids!

At this puffy point, Jay was done. I'm pretty sure he thought it was going to explode.

So Spam had to take over, which is a dangerous thing. Anything that can cause
burns, cuts or poisionings are a dangerous thing in the hands of Pam. But no
worries, I was there to document the entire thing!

So we had our CHR PCC One Day Training and the one thing that students nationwide LOVE about Pam is her teaching style. She has a gift not only to teach, but to do it in a way the students don't fall sleep and have fun. She is the only instructor that has received such high marks nationwide, coast to coast that the National Training Center asked her to write her top ten tips for training!

She made me play "Ben Bailey" and Cash Cab. Are you impressed I can
drive a cab with my legs crossed?

My contestants were winning, they were so happy they weren't going to
have to walk to Wal-Mart. Afterall that's were the Indians meet...it's Gathering of Nations.

O no my passengers got kicked to the curb with the third X.

The 18 pizzas I ordered for our working lunch

End of day, they all survived and give us a THUMBS up!

I love my job. I love making a difference. What I really love is having someone special to share it with. Pam makes those unbearable mettings - tolerable; those intimidating deadlines ~ attainable; those long flights ~ both productive and entertaining; those lonely times ~ bearable. When I "discovered" Pam, I sound like Columbus, huh? I knew I found a gem, not only her ability to teach others, but her willingness to help and most importantly she reminds me that the gift of laughter and fun ~ free the mind from barriers and restrictions that we encounter daily at work.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 7 - Hope

It was a dark and gloomy Monday, not only because of the weather but because when we arrived at work we learned that one of our co-worker’s wife had passed away over the weekend.

She had been battling cancer. As you can imagine our hearts are heavy for our co-worker and his sons. I do know from talking with him over the years that both he and his wife share the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. So though I grieve, because a co-worker (a brother-in-Christ) is grieving, I know he does not grieve without hope.

I am praying that God’s grace will surround them. His comfort will hold them during this time of saying their earthly good-byes. To those on the outside of knowing God’s promise and gift of salvation, seem to always stand amazed at the hope we have as Christians. And what a hope it is! It does not disappoint.

It is not a hope of wishful thinking, but of a confident expectation. I know. I know that what He has promised He is faithful and true to all His promises.

The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;

he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

The LORD helps them and delivers them;

he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

because they take refuge in him. ~Psalm 37:39-40

 Today as a Christian I am thankful that our hope is not for this life only.

30 Days Gratitude - Day 6 - Third Day

Have you ever heard of Third Day? They are my absolute favorite Christian rock band. The band has earned 27 No. 1 singles and sold more than 7 million albums which reflect 2 RIAA Platinum and 9 Gold Certifications. If you haven't heard them, check them out below.

A reminder of Matthew 12:36-37 that one day, a day of judgement, will come where we all will stand and will give account for every careless word we've spoke, and by our words we will be justified, and by our words we will be condemned. Thankfully, Jesus is my Redeemer, my Lord forever, He is the Holy One. My Great Deliverer. My strong Defender!

Cross references:

1. Matthew 12:36 : Eph 5:4, 11; 2 Pet 1:8
2. Matthew 12:36 : Eccles 12:14; Rom 14:12; 1 Pet 4:5
3. Matthew 12:36 : Acts 17:31
4. Matthew 12:37 : Matthew 5:22; James 3:2-12

There is another video on YouTube of Third Day doing a show in Tikrit, Iraq for soldiers and Mac Powell (lead singer) pulls up some soldiers on stage to play the drums and sing Consuming Fire. The quality isn't that great, but it brought a smile to my face watching the soldiers singing asking God to send His spirit.

Darryl and I got to see Third Day this past year at the Choctaw Nation Festival and their evident love for God and their rockin' songs stole a place in my heart. I've always loved Third Day, but after seeing them perform live and hearing their testimonies, I am a total fan now and can't wait to see them again. I am not sure when or if they are coming to Oklahoma again, the shows they have listed through December are all around us in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas.

Two of my favorite pictures I took of Mac Powell at the concert.

I don't know a lot about instruments but I know they switched out a lot of different guitars and other instruments which made it for an interesting show. Today I am thankful for musicians of all kinds that first have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and use their gifts to glorify His name. My all time other favorite Christian musician and performer is Chris Tomlin.He, too, shows no shows around us here and they are all sold out in to December. I will leave you with one from him today.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 5 - Titus 2 Evening

November 5, 2011

I am thankful for Ms. Shirley.

Ms. Shirley is an older lady in our church who tells us she is just a West Virginia hillbilly who loves the Lord. Saturday night, some of our college and career girls organized our first “Titus 2 Evening” and asked Ms. Shirley to come speak to our youth and college/career girls.

Paul instructs in Titus 2:3-5, “the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things – that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”

One thing about Ms. Shirley is you never have to wonder what she is thinking because she will tell you. Ms. Shirley is the kind of person you’d love to have a sleepover with, she is a performer and there is never a dull moment. She is not a performer for attention or accolades, but a natural God-given performer who can tell a story better than Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Shirley shared with us about growing up, one parent was born in the late 1800’s and the other parent born in 190’something. I am horrible with numbers! The one thing about all her life stories is that they all speak of God’s faithfulness in her life. She is a teacher of good things. Like children always obeying their parents’ even if and when they don’t deserve it. She spoke about loving and praying your children through bad times. She spoke of respecting your husband. She spoke…and she spoke all of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

I am not sure what Tara was doing, other than eyeing those cookies on the table.

I do hope that we continue with the Titus 2 Ministry. So that we may not be strangers to the goodness of God that is in each of our lives, for we are family – members of the household of God with Christ as our cornerstone, the Chief Cornerstone. As family we are all partakers of His grace, goodness and mercy and because of that we should meet often and take pleasure in all He has done and is doing for us. For His promises for us are yes and Amen!

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 4 - Work

After a long week of work, I am thankful for my job and career that the Lord has blessed me and my family with. I am thankful for Fridays, knowing that days with my family and times of rest and creativity outlet follow in the form of a Saturday and Sunday.

Thankful for parents who taught and modeled a strong work ethic in that even when they didn’t feel like it, even if they had sniffles, even if they were tired, even if there was something else better to do, even if…even if….they always went to work. Thanks dad and mom for modeling responsibility and dedication by faithfully working day in and day out.
I am thankful for the benefits and health insurance that my job affords us.

I am especially thankful that our new agency head has curtailed our travels or at least mine. I have gone from approximately 25 weeks of travel out of a year to 8 weeks this year! Guess what? One can get a whole lot more done when they are actually in their office. That excites me. I am sure my airline and hotel points are suffering, but my family and I love it.

Most people I know don’t have a clue what I do, so I will attempt to give a short breakdown. I am a CDR, which is an O-5, active duty U.S. Public Health Service Officer and I work for Indian Health Service (IHS). This is what confuses people, my daily uniform (not the BDUs below) look like a Navy uniform. In fact, our working kahki, summer whites and service dress blue uniform are exactly the same except the insignia and yes, we hold the same rank. The USPHS insignia is an anchor and a medical caduceus. We are active duty, we are deployable and we receive the same benefits as our military counterparts. We are all commissioned and we have no enlisted. Our mission is to protect, promote and advance the health and safety of our nation. As you can imagine that is a big job for only about 6,500 officers. If you want to know more you can visit the USPHS Commissioned Corps webpage.

OK RDF-4 at Camp Bullis, San Antonio, TX

I am currently serving as the Assistant Director for the National Community Health Representative (CHR) Program. I do a variety of tasks, but at the moment I am writing policy and curriculum, planning a national training and conference, preparing to teach a class and give a keynote at a conference, reviewing data, responding to congressional inquiries, assisting programs when requested in program management and doing reports. Lots of reports. After all I work for the federal government and they require documentation on the documentation.

I remember my mom coming home from her civilian federal job and talking about “all that red tape”. I, being crafty and creative (at least until the Government smashed it out of me) thought , “red tape!?” I want some of that red tape! Oooo the things I could do with it, our school colors, go Del City Eagles! What a disappointment it was when as an adult that I learned that red tape isn’t really red and it isn’t fun at all!

My grandma working as an Alcohol Substance Abuse Counselor

I am a third generation I/T/U (Indian Health Service/Tribal/Urban) employee. My grandmother was the first Native American women in the big old state of Texas to become a certified alcohol and drug counselor and worked at the Dallas Inter Tribal Urban Clinic. My mother worked for IHS in a variety of different departments as an Administrative Assistant and knew everything about anything with the government and IHS. Everything she told me about both has held true to this day.

I know that some people think that federal government jobs are easy jobs for slackers; but I can testify that those that I work with, officers and civilians, all work hard. It is nothing to work 10 to 12 hours each day with no extra compensation. We work to make a difference. I do my best to honor the Lord in my work by honoring His Word. I have this scripture hanging in my office which serves a reminder for me which is needed often, especially when you work for the federal government. "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" Colossians 3:23