Hey Girls,

I'm too lazy to root through all the pages to find the original Small Talk that Makena started for us...where is she, by the way? But, I'm feeling yappy tonight, and none of it is particularly important, but I just wanted to share with you.

First off, I am once again in awe of the way the Lord has drawn us together. Praying with you girls is the bestest thing! When that rotten old enemy wakes me up in the middle of the night and tries to keep me awake, I just start praying, and I want you to know that your names make my list on a fairly regular basis. It is a joy and a privilege to lift you in prayer, and just so much FUN to get to walk with you here in this place. Won't Heaven be a blast?

This week has been helter-skelter from the beginning. Sunday night we had company over for dinner. For the life of me, I can't even remember what I did on Monday. However, I did somehow manage to get out of taking the Princess to cheer practice. Tuesday, I took the Good Son to the dentist--I had to call and wake him up--twice--and when he arrived he just reeked of cigarette smoke. Having been a smoker, I know that it is completely possible to NOT reek like smoke. Kids!

Wed--was that yesterday? Wed, there was a band concert at school. The Princess is playing the clarinet for the first time...I must say, they sound better as a group than as individuals. And, having heard the "advanced" group play (mostly 7th and 8th grade), I stand amazed at the difference one year makes. They were awesome!

Last night, Hubby and I took off and drove two hours to pick up some new wheels for one of his cars. I love riding with him. Some of our best conversations come while driving down the road. I told him that I believe the Lord has told me that I'm to come and run the counter at the shop for a few months. He didn't seem very excited about that--I completely understand--I don't want to do it either...but, I would rather be obedient than obnoxious (most of the time!)...therefore, we'd better both get ready.

My dad called earlier in the week. He is beginning to realize that the chances that a cure for Alzheimer's will be found in time to help him, are slim and none. So, he has finally begun to take care of some things and wanted to discuss funeral arrangements. While we were talking, I told him that I thought it would be nice if each of the kids could have a momento from his life. What I was thinking is that it would be nice if he helped them choose something now while he can explain what special significance each item holds.

Well, apparently he told his wife this and she went bonkers. She sent me a note telling me not to start "picking over their bones" before they were even dead--that "provisions "had been made." I asked her why they didn't have a will, healthcare proxy, advance directive, etc. if "provisions had been made.

She went on to say that "We are old, but we are not stupid." I sent her a note back telling her she wasn't old--but she was stupid b/c she is shoving away the very people who are trying to be there for her as she goes through the next 10 or 20 years. (Yes, I really did tell her she was stupid, and I'm not taking it back.) Some days I can be a real joy-killer.

Yesterday I went to the funeral of one of my uncles. It was so precious. His girls had called and asked if I would come read a poem for them because they knew I could do it "without crying." So I went, and shared a memory, and a few verses. I can't remember (w/o looking) which one of you encouraged me to meditate on these verses earlier in the week, but the Lord had already beaten you to it. The best part was, they were perfect for yesterday as well: Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

Aren't we lucky, that in this fallen world, we still find glimpses of that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy? I think many of those words would describe how I see and experience you ladies! And best yet, that is how our Father sees us through the lense of Christ. We are blessed!

Well, it is now Friday, and I have spoilt myself by taking these few minutes to spend with you. I'm off to the kitchen now...so much to prepare. I'm cooking lunch for my back doc and his crew. I am SO grateful to him! And, then I'm going to try to catch up with the Princess on her field trip, and to have lunch with her and her class. Then she and I are going to put together her brother's Christmas present and pray that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get it to him by Christmas. (It will. He's worth it.)

But, in case I don't get back here much in the next few days...as I imagine many of us won't, I just want to say, I love each of you. Merry, Merry Christmas! God bless and keep you, and grant you peace during these Holy-days.

In His Amazing grip,

Teresa

Today, I ran across the state to speak at my uncle's funeral. Surprisingly , my dad came too.

Teresa, as always thanks for sharing.
How has your princess been doing after the medical problem (a couple years back now wasnt it?).
I remember praying for her and you........

I miss Makena, too.

Do you think we all have bad breath?

Seems like so many have run away and I miss every one of them! Muriel, Makena, hisgirl, mindy, gracechild, BB, lovencompassion, blossom, belovedheather. I keep up with Amanda Jones (Beth Moore's daughter) on her blog. TEP was a blessing on here so many years ago and she just vanished. Man, so many have moved on...and I sure hope they have kept on walking their faithwalk with Jesus Christ.

Teresa, you are so sweet to cook lunch for your back doc's office! I'll bet they never get that kind of care.

I pray that your father will work out your request. And not one person will hinder this.

Bless you and merry, merry Christmas to you,too. With love on top!

Well? How was Christmas for each of you?

Hubby closed the shop for 4 days straight--a rare occurance. He and the Princess and I had a "family date" on Saturday. We went to dinner and a movie (Alvin and the Chipmunks--really cute!). It was a sweet and RELAXED time--something that is hard to lay hands on too often.

Sunday, we went to church (duh) and then had a whole mess of folks (20 or so) over for dinner and games in the evening. Lots of fun!

Christmas Eve, we were basically lazy. Got all dressed up to go to the Christmas Eve service, only to discover that we had the time wrong. We were early for the 6:30 service...only problem was that it started at 6! So, we went home and relaxed and enjoyed opening gifts with our kids. Our Georgia son called just in time to list the three things he was most grateful for...a Christmas Eve tradition at our house. It was a good time.

Christmas--we didn't travel--what joy! We had breakfast with the in-love's (less than 3 miles away)...took a break...came home to cook oatmeal pie and roast a chicken...then back for Christmas dinner. Oh my! I thought I just might explode, I ate so much.

Today came too soon.

So, what about ya'll? Did you have a good Christmas? I pray it was so!

Blessings and peace.

In His generous grip,

Teresa

What a lot of fun you have at your house! Our family and friends enjoy games, too.

We are going to be celebrating our Christmas Eve tonight and our Christmas day tomorrow due to various obligations. This actually freed up a lot more time for Christmas Eve services on Monday which was a wonderful blessing. We attended services at our church and took our daughter to the service at a church she enjoyed participating in as a high school student. I really liked seeing the differences in the services, the use of scripture, music, and drama and it gave us a lot more opportunity to sing Christmas Carols! Later in the evening, my husband joined the oldest daughter at another service, so he went from a large service, all the way down to a tiny, intimate one.

I like your family tradition of saying three things you are grateful for--kind of like the gifts of the three wise men from the East. I will try to incorporate that into our evening activities. It will be interesting to see how our youngest responds. I believe the others will share, and I will just let the youngest do what she is comfortable with doing.

Blessings to you all!

Carol

Hi, everybody!

Well, if we DO have bad breath, Makena has a supersonic sense of smell...all the way across the pond!

I would love to hear how the "old gang" is doing, too, Twinkle...and I am enjoying getting to know the "new folks" too. This forum -- the gathering of my cybersisters -- is and has been such a blessing, even during those times I haven't posted much...

Teresa, I am so very, very glad to see how busy and happy and tuned in to Him your life seems to be now. What a change from a few months ago! Thanks be to Him...

I like the three thankful things tradition too. Anything to nurture the Attitude of Gratitude in the kids...and the grownups too.

I am a little sad that Christmastime is drawing to a close. Once I get the "hafta"s out of the way, I love to just savor the time...but this year it seems to be ending too soon. Partly, I guess, because I miss my oldest -- she didn't get to join us -- and my 13 year old (who is with her aunt this year to go to school in MI) was not here nearly long enough.

May God bless you all richly in the coming year...and may His purposes for this forum in 2008 be fulfilled...

Love,
Alyson

Well, girls... I too, thank God for this forum and all my cybersisters here. Posting and Praying are two of my favorite things - though I have made precious little time for it in the past couple of years.

You ladies walked me through a terrificly difficult time and now that I am in a "holding pattern" at the new church sorting out the where's, who's and what fors... you guys are my touchstone - a place to come and share and vent and explore and then talk to God about it all.

Our Christmas was fantabulous... we had all 16 of our side of the family and one more with our adopted son, Colten (Brittany's boyfriend), but we officially adopted him at the end of the summer before they were even very good friends.

Anywho... God is good, and He is ever faithful. I have taken on Daniel's fast for 39 days, I did broth and water on New Year's Day - this is by no means bragging, just talking I guess. I was hoping for some big revelation, and all I heard was, "WAIT! This is a time of preparation and dedication." (Okay, so I can spend this time in word study on those two words huh.) I have also given up television to observe the churchwide fast that ends next Thursday. I am totally excited about tomorrow night! Jack Hayford will be at our church speaking to our congregation about putting God first in every area of our lives. I love to listen to Him teach - he cuts to the chase, is matter of fact and so to the point every time I tune in.

Willie George, R. T. Kendall, Ken Ulmer and Jimmy Evans round out our four day conference speaker list. Jimmy Evans spoke at our regular church service today (He is the pastor of Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, TX and they are the church that planted us. He and his wife Karen have a television show called Marriage Today.) He is just a hoot. His church gives up television and media for the first week of each new year - he said, except for the Dallas Cowboys, of course they don't count - he is after all not a total heretic (Can you tell we are in Texas?). But, all other football teams are by standard off limits. He said for those who were not Cowboys fans, they would have an opportunity to be saved at the end of the service. My daughter cracked up. She took notes like her hands were on fire - so did I. His message was about how God always gives a vision before He does anything and our desire should always be to seek His wisdom before doing anything. Which is an old message ... in a new way. They post it on the website at gatewaypeople.com sometime on Monday if you liked to give it a go.

Anway... So God is just walking with me and we are taking our time. He is so good. Did I say that already? Well He is.... blessing in the New Year. Pray for my older girl, Brittany, she has 8 weeks until she is officially done with high school and is growing lazier by the minute! To quote Teresa, "Kids!"

Some days you want to hug 'em and others you just want to pinch their heads off... not really, but they sure do walk on your heart at times.

Blessings one and all.

Love ya'
Michele

Carol Joy and Alyson, I want you to know the origin of our "thanksgiving" tradition. (I've told it here before, but not lately.)

For several years before my mom passed, she began collecting glass candlesticks. From each pair, she would set aside one for my eldest daughter, Stephanie. Now, I don't know about your families, but our family has a couple of strange traditions that I no longer follow b/c I have no idea of the "why" we do them--for instance, in my dad's family, the tradition was to put you under your bed first thing in the morning on your birthday. Hello?

So, after my mom's death, I wanted to begin a new tradition. With her candlesticks and Stephanie's rejoined, there were well over 50. And so, that first Christmas without her, we placed candlesticks all over the living room--the mantle, the hearth, the tables--they were everywhere--and when they were lit, they cast such a lovely glow; it was magical. (I mean that in a good way!)

Within the light of the Christmas tree and the candles, our new tradition sprung. To me, those candles represent not just my mom, but all who have passed through the veil--grandparents, my first husband: father to my three eldest, the babies I have lost to miscarriage--and so on. Before we opened our presents that night--and every Christmas since--we went around our family circle three times, with each member of the family called to offer up three things for which they can give thanks.

Unless you are very small, these things can't be generic "I'm thankful for my family" type offerings. No, they must go deeper than that--they must come from your heart. They don't have to be big, or miraculous--merely true. Sometimes it takes us quite a while to get around our family circle, and there are often tears of joy mingled with our laughter. Sometimes, there come those holy pauses, when the Spirit of the Lord falls on us and we hold our breath overwhelmed by the weight of His grace.

One day, I will let Steph take all of her candlesticks home, but I have already begun to continue the tradition by purchasing candles for my eldest son and his fiancee. Though they live in Georgia--which to everyone but Twink, is like livin' on the other side of the planet--they are still part of our circle of family and thanksgiving.

I pray that the "tradition" that we have begun will be one that will last beyond my lifetime--that this will be the one that everyone can reach back and say, "This is why we light candles and offer thanks..." But, even if it should end with my own death, I will know that for a little while we remembered the true Gift of Christmas: the grace of God among us, our Immanuel.

In His safe grip,

Teresa

Teresa, I'm stuck laughing at the "under the bed" tradition. I am TRYING to not wake up the kids...but really! Under the BED?!?!?!?! Now, that may actually be one to keep...starting the day laughing your head off can't be all bad!!!



Okay <deep breath> I do wanna thank you for explaining the three things...that is amazing. Especially using the candles around you to remember the saints that surround us...kinda reminds me of that "cloud of witnesses" piece. Even precious little babies-that-weren't...

May your kids all remember "This is why..."

Love,
Alyson

Here's ya'lls laugh for the day:

The Princess, 12, and her mama (me), are both sporting spare tires around our bellies. So, I told her that she and I were going to start exercising together--fun stuff. Her choices were playing Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) on the Playstation, or, "Boxing" on the Wii, or going for a walk at the lake, or doing "Hip Hop Abs" (a fun aerobic dancing thing). She chose Boxing (altho, technically, she wanted to play bowling). So, we Boxed for several rounds, and when I noticed my arms--esp my right arm--were getting really sore, we switched to "tennis." After several rounds of tennis, I had to figure out how to play left-handed b/c my right arm was sore!

Today is Wednesday--the day that I cook at church. We prepared meals for about 300. But, when I got up this morning I wasn't sure I was going to be able to go cook, I could barely lift my arm! I had to take some pain meds (OTC, not narcotic), and ice my shoulder before I even went to the kitchen.

Fortunately, we had SUCH a good time in the kitchen that I quickly forgot about my arm (and the drugs and ice helped--a lot!). I laughed so much today, and then we had a great lesson tonight! Both arms are whining now, but I'm sure a few more rounds of boxing will sort them out. I just hope the Princess picks a different exercise for tomorrow.

Is that not just pathetic? Even I couldn't believe I was so out of shape!

(Pity the people who made diet resolutions last week--we made Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, rolls, a tossed salad, brownies, and apple-sauce cake. It was SOOOOO yummy!!!)

Teresa,

I didn't make a diet resolution, but as I previously wrote, I am altering my eating habits in deference to God. As I sit here eating with relish my brussel sprouts, pinto beans and brown rice, I think... pity me? I'm having the time of my life... who knew? Sounds deee-lish... I would have probably brought my own veggies and sampled some of yours and come anyway just to enjoy the fellowship! But that is the curse of the socials you know!

What a blessing to have such community in your church home. Too funny about the wii experience - they even have conditions now like wii elbow, etc. because of the injuries people have received playing the very energetic video game. What do you know... a video game that could be good for your health - in moderation that is!

Well, I better get going... Have a blessed day.

Hi girls!!! Just felt prompted to stop by for a quick hello. I don't have a lot of time for computer stuff anymore...but since today is a sick day for me...and I have no energy to really do anything...the computer is my friend today!!!

I still think of you all. I just got back from a wonderful conference in the Dallas area...it was put on by a church in Denton that I'm connected to. It was wonderful. Talked all about new beginnings. I'm expected great things for this year...and promise I shall return to testify as such!

My latest thing I'm busy with is my new great nephew. He's a month old now and I'm helping his mommy out...I try to spend at least one day a week with her...sometimes two..to give her a break. He's a cutie. So little. His name is Ethan.

Well...I need to get a cup of tea...so I shall be off. Just stopped by for a quick visit.

Blessings to you all.

h2p

Hey, h2p!

Good to see you back today! Wow, sounds like a great way to spend a day or two, with that little guy. And no nighttime duty...just the ticket!

Welcome back...

--- Alyson

Good to hear from you heart2pray and so sorry you are sick! Check in often, ok?

Glad to hear from you heart2pray, and I'm also praying that you'll soon be well.

Hi everyone. H2P told me you were asking about me.

Just dropping in as well.

Things are going well, super busy at work (new position), and at a new church and new adventure there! God is so good and the Spirit is moving like a mighty rushing wind in our new church!

2007 has been an interesting year. We left our church because of lack of teaching and when there was teaching it was distorted.

In July, my dear younger sister passed away suddenly while away in FL for work. She leaves behind a 17 yo son and husband. Family is now working with the son (my nephew) to ensure he has a future and goes on to college. Father has never had much to do with his son's life and we waited a couple months into the school year to see if he would do anything. He didn't so we stepped in.

In the meantime, my own children are getting better established in Ontario. My son and his fiance officially ended their relationship (Praise God!!!!). My daughter got a "career" job and is experiencing the joys and pains of working a full-time job for the first time in her life.

DH & I are weathering a bad economy in the automotive industry in SE Michigan. We are both still employed, so the Lord is good and his mercy shines on us. So many are not so fortunate. Being in this industry we sadly watch more and more manufacturing go overseas to China, India and the new up & coming low cost countries Thailand and VietNam. Sadly, those jobs will probably never return to the U.S.

Well, must get back to it . . .

I have not been much more than a "lurker" here through the years---am not sure why I haven't been more vocal, but for whatever reason, I haven't. I still visit the site every once in a while, and was "drawn" to read this thread. When I saw that Twinkle spoke of Tep, I realized that you all might be interested to know that she has been serving in student ministry in Spain. I, too, missed her sometime after some of us met her in Baltimore at the Patriarchs taping, and eventually found her website and figured out what had happened to her. It is www.tepinspain.com, if you're interested in keeping up with her.

Maybe I'll join you all more often!

Pam

Mixed blessings today. My bestest-friend, Susan, (I have several bestest-friends.) came to say goodbye. She is closing on her house in Ft. Worth tomorrow. We've been friends for over 24 years! But, since she will only be 20 min from my fav shopping center (Southlake--see ya there, Michelle!), I will probably have to make the ultimate sacrifice and go and visit her. It will be hard, but someone has to do it!

On the other hand, I got to see my grandbaby's first pics today! Would it be tacky to call it "the blob," or maybe "the blur?" Due date has been moved forward by a week to Aug 12, but she either has to have it on Aug 3rd, or on Sept 3rd, otherwise I may never remember his/her b-day. (Aug=The Princess, Sept=Michael.)

Cooked for close to 300--had so much fun! I love Wednesday's.

Blessings All!

We're glad to have you here, Pam... You must've done Believing God with many of us in Fall 2002, according to your sign in date on the bottom of your post, huh?

I love this community, these sisters are so caring and loving... Please "talk" more often, okay?

That is so cool about Tep! Good for her!

In Christ's Love,

Jennifer

Just tell me when Teresa... and I will be there with bells on! Tell your friend she is welcome to email me anytime if she would like to visit our Gateway --- we have an awesome women's ministry and well, worship has been amazing today!

Love ya bunches... and so excited what was on the menu Wednesday?

P.S. I have discovered the Cotton Patch Cafe and decided their Wabbit Plate is delivered straight from the kitchen of heaven! okay... so I am a slow study, we don't eat out much, but the last two Sundays it has been CPC... Veggies, Veggies all the way! I have 13 days until my season of fasting is over... hard to believe we are nearly to the end of January - God is so good.

Blessings