Well, the Lord's been on Teresa like a dog on a June-bug and I'm feeling a little out of my depth. (Go figure. Arguing with the Creator, and I feel out of my depth?!)

The issue is control. I want it. Intellectually, I absolutely know that controlling the universe is His job. I just seem to have an inordinate need to want to hang on to my little corner of it. Everywhere I turn, there is something else I feel I have to "help" Him with. Let's not even start a list.

Bless my poor husband (really, "bless him") b/c his frazzled wife is about to send him around the bend. While I feel strangely calm about a business move coming up in our near future, I still want to talk to our banker and attorney. I'm not 100% sure that it is wrong to do so--as in a "control" issue. After all, my big girl is fixing to have her first baby, and I would never expect her to skip the childbirth class. She knows she's having a baby, and she knows Who's in control. However, having answers and concerns addressed is not going to send her into the hospital trying to run the maternity floor. Instead, it simply prepares her. That's how I feel about the banker and attorney. They've had "babies" before--and could give us some idea of what to expect.

So, please pray that I will not kill my husband (I AM kidding), and vise-versa (kidding AGAIN), while we make our way through this new situation.

And, as to the rest of the list, pray that I choose to let go before the Lord has to break my arm to get me to do so!

The Lord has been generous in so many areas of our lives. My back is doing great (thanks for asking Malva--I saw you did so on another thread!), the kids are healthy. The house is reasonably clean. I've almost gotten my husband to agree to help me do the prep work to re-paint the bedroom.

Words just cannot describe how much he LOVES--heavy sarcasm--to paint! I just want him to help me move furniture, mask and tape. Especially since I plan on re-texturing the walls first and he's really REALLY happy about that.

It will be worth it in the end, and paint is cheap.

Anyway, please pray for Tim because he lives with a tempestuous, complicated woman.

Love to all. Haven't been here for a few days...trying to get caught up on what everyone's been up to...You guys have been busy!

In HIS grip (not the other way around!)

Teresa

P.S. Just realized I missed something big. Please pray for Sophie, our Sheltie. She had a probable cancer removed from her hiney on Tuesday. We're not worried about the cancer thing...BUT I am going to rock her to sleep with a great big rock if she cannot stop chasing her bottom.

I know it hurts/itches/feels weird, etc. If I knew how to get her to let me put an ice-pack on it, I would. She runs at the scent of bacon grease b/c she knows it means a pill is coming...and, since she can get that tongue going before I can get past it, it usually means it is coming more than once.

She has run around here like her tail is on fire for two days and two nights (not to mention the two weeks before, while the vet was thinking it was just an angry anal sac), and neither her pain meds, nor Benedryl slow her down or give her relief.

I'm a nurse. Her hiney is fine (no infection), it is just healing but it needs to do so FASTER before she drives me out of my ever-lovin' mind (whats left of it). Last night I dreamed--no lie--that she licked it so long that her tongue literally tore from her mouth. I woke up gasping for air and pleading with the Lord to make it not so. (Thank You, Lord, that it was just a dream.) Anyhow, Sophie and I both need some rest. As lame as it is, please pray that her hiney gets better soon.

Thanks Girls! I know you're critter-lovers too, and your prayers will mean much.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tntkart,

Hey Teresa,

This sounds just like the stuggle all the NOG (No Other Gods) girls are having over at the Discussion thread in the Life forum.

I'll be praying for you and little Sophie. Especially with the painting situation. God is up to something big.

Perhaps, Teresa, you could remind your husband in a gentle, respectful way that being a good steward of what God has given you means to legally cross every "t" and dot every "i." This means meeting with bankers and lawyers and addressing the legal and financial issues and concerns related to your business venture. It is stewardship and not control to make sure that you are doing everything legally and financially possible to be responsible for the good return of God's gifts.

Blessings,
Michelle

Teresa,have you ever tried ,the cleaning pads with witch hazel,they don't burn and do help with itching.I have used them om my puppies.

Teresa...deep breath. Now try again... whew! Sounds like you have zillions of irons on the fire; no wonder you are reaching for control! Having a lot going on tends to make me do that, anyway...and with a grandbaby coming...which you have NO control over...well.

Saw a poster once. It was a picture of the globe. At the top it said, "He's got the whole world in His hands." Then curved around the bottom of the world, it said, "You can let go now!" Got anybody at your house that can draw that for you and plaster it on your fridge?

Keeping you in prayer, that He will give you His peace; that He will show you more of Himself, so it's easier to trust Him; that He will distract you, as needed (!), from those subjects that set your head spinning back into run-the-world mode.

How has your weekend been?

Love,
Alyson

Teresa,

Do you have Beth's book, "Praying God's Word"??? or her PGW cards???

I think that having at least 1 of these 2 would really help you in dealing with surrender, etc......

In Christ's Love,

Jennifer

Hey, Teresa, how's your doggie? Have you recovered yet from her little...ummm...medical condition??

Love,
Alyson

Bless your heart. This has been on my mind alot lately too. I have never thought of myself as a controlling person. But I am. I have always tried to fix everything and everybody. I don't want anybody to be unhappy or anxious about anything. If I see it coming I run to fix it. Everybody needs to be in their places doing what needs to be done. And NOBODY can do things like I can.

I'm tired. Everybody just keeps getting out of the neat little box I put them in. They also can fix things on their own. I have never been a nag about it. I just Gently suggest a better, quicker way to do things. Sometimes they listen and sometimes not.

Strange as it may seem, God has stepped in and fixed my kids all by himself beyond anything I could ever have imagined. Not once did He have to ask for my advise. The husband needs a little more work, but then so do I. I think I will step back and let Him handle it.

Such widsom lynn... Such wisdom.

Hang in there, release and surrender are so hard, but once we live there a while - we don't ever want to go back... Blessings.

Thanks Girls,

Things are progressing slowly. Sophie's fanny finally healed...now our other dog, Deacon, has a double-ear infection. (Fortunately, I don't need a vet to diagnose that one...we've been down this road before and have the meds on-hand.)

Hubby has finally decided it would be a good idea to meet with the bank and the lawyer. Duh. Just think, if we'd called them 10 days ago, most of our questions would already be answered! (No. First he wanted to celebrate the 4th and then go racing last w/e. Two weeks wasted.) I am really angry with him right now. I have ceded to his wishes regarding setting up meetings (as in waiting without complaining) but I am ready to strangle him right now. Before long, he'll be wanting me to sign a lease or a note--that I will be responsible for if something happens to him. If I'm not going to be included in the decision-making process, then I will not sign the papers either. For those of you who think that's excessive, just imagine--would any of the men you know sign off on a business loan or lease if they knew that they would be responsible if something happened? No.

I've lost one husband--it can happen.

Went to baby class with my big girl last night. Now we're in the clear until our last class on the 30th--breathing class! We need that one. I don't know how her tummy can get much bigger. She was already dilating (a little early for a 1st) ten days ago, but as of this week, we cross the 36 week marker, and things are all good. Any earlier, and they would have shipped her to a big hospital with a NICU (neonatal ICU).

Hubby and I are going to see Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick in a week. (Where does the time go???) We're going with friends, taking a limo down and have backstage passes. So, here's what cracks me up. I'd give anything for the headline to read: Kari Jobe, Third Day, Chris Rice, Jeremy Camp, Mercy Me, 33 Miles...etc. I haven't listened to secular music in so long that I had to go refresh my memory as to what the bands sang by watching old video clips on youtube! (Sad, but true. After all, this is the music of my teens and young adulthood!) I really don't have any desire to go to the concert--could not care less--BUT--watching our friend in his element--that will be priceless. I just hope I don't run into any band members b/c the experience would be completely wasted on me.

Still working on the control stuff--asking myself, often, if my motivation is in line with God, or with a need to "direct." (I can be very bossy but I prefer to think of it as "efficient.") I'm not all that worried about what is going to happen to the shop in general terms. I am concerned that we have agreed to have the bulk of it figured out in too little time. Praying that God will make our path clear as to whether to rent or to buy. (This is why I'm so ticked with dh--a lot of this could have been worked out while he was playing--now, our time is much more limited in which to make a wise, considered, decision. It is the pressure to act--brought to bear by the buyers of the property that we rent--that makes me jumpy.)

Gotta get to the farmer's market before they close. Blessings all. Thanks for your wisdom...and some laughs too!

In His timely grip,

Teresa

Teresa, what a blast from the past! Haven't heard those names for ages. My kids haven't even heard of them. I do remember Heart; maybe we saw them at one point...or maybe we just talked about it. Makes me feel really old, to not remember!

Keeping you in prayer re: the control stuff, the grandbaby, the bank stuff, and the band trip...think you've got enough going on right now? Praying that He would keep your peace safe; that your focus would be on His path for you; that the trip would be a blessing re: fellowship with your friends and your dh; and, of course, praying for your girl and her upcoming adventure. And for His wisdom to be the obvious path for both you and your dh...

Blessings...

Love,
Alyson

Man, O man! I found the most p-e-r-f-e-c-t- piece of property--well within in our price range--in a great location--and Hubby is ASLEEP!!! Gosh I hate that.

My only question is how it is zoned--that info isn't in the listing. But, I'm willing to write an earnest money check tomorrow if the zoning is commercial. I'd be more than happy to risk the money if only to stake out the property for a month.

Regardless, I know Whose hands this is in. If it is to be "ours," it will be available when we're ready.

If I go to bed, then morning will come sooner, right?

BTW Alyson, sadly enough, I haven't begun to list all that is going on right now. Even worse, this is our life ALL the time. Never a dull moment. Still, what I wouldn't give for a houseful of teen boys and a dozen snakes right now. Then, at least I'd feel useful.

Oh well, Grandson #1 is only weeks away...I hope he likes snakes!

Teresa, How are you and your daughter? I haven't seen any news of the baby's birth yet, but I may have missed it somewhere/somehow.

Did the storms around you quiet down yet?

Have you started writing any columns again? If so, please give us the link to read them. The one or two that I've read before, blessed me.

May the birth of your daughter's baby be one of the high lights of her entire life (and yours too, of course)! Praying for it to be so.

Blessings,
Malva

No baby yet, Malva, but the doc says he could come anytime. I'm praying he will arrive on (or after) the Princess' B-day--Sunday (Aug 3rd). She will be 13 and is finally taking the plunge (so to speak)--she's decided she is ready to be baptized.

Big sister and I will be going to "labor breathing" class on Wednesday night.

We would LOVE to have some storms. It has been hot (over 100) and steamy for several days now. I know south Texas got a drenching, but we're still waiting our turn.

I'm not writing yet. I am instead reading and re-reading "Your God is too Safe," as well as listening to a sermon on idolatry. (It's so good that I've listened to it five times...and am looking forward to looking to listening to it again and again until I "get it.")

I'll let you know when Baby arrives. We can hardly wait!

Big weekend, and big prayer request.

First the exciting news: Baby is here! He's so cute. You can read the details in "ministry." (I posted there by accident.)

Also, The Princess, our youngest, was baptized yesterday--on her 13th birthday! It was a great b-day in every way!!!

Now the big prayer request. We meet with the school today about our business lease (they want to use the property for something else, but we have 30 months left on our lease). We want to accommodate them, but chose to first seek counsel from our banker, lawyer, and several Christian businessmen from our church.

End result is that we will be asking for a much larger amount of money than we (inexperienced as we are) would have thought to ask. It is not a greedy amount--it will probably take years to rebound from the move, esp if we can't find a property that is located in as high-traffic as the one we have now. Still, the amount is almost enough to make my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth.

Please pray that we remember Who is really in control, that we don't become defensive or flustered, nor allow ourselves to be pushed into an unwise decision. We want the situation to be smooth and fair to all sides, and we want to represent the Lord in an honorable manner.

Please pray too, for those who will be making the decision. They are good people trying to do right by all they serve.

Thanks for your prayers.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for Your kindness and the wonderful miracles You give us. We praise You for Your faithfulness and kindness to all of our dear Lifeway ladies.

I pray that You will bless Teresa and her family and every one whom she loves, especially Baby and the Princess. We are so grateful that everything went well during the birth.
Thank You for taking care of them and guarding them.

Lord, I want to pray now for all our Lifeway ladies & families, especially the kids:
Please continue to fulfill Your purposes for their lives (Ps 138:8), order their footsteps (Ps 37:23), give them strength and make their way perfect (Ps 18:32), let Your Presence be with them and give them Your rest (Ex 33:14). Bless them with the peace that passes all understanding (Phil 4:7) and keep them fruitful in every work, increasing in their knowledge of You (Col 1:10).
You always know what they need – thank You for providing in everything (Phil 4:19).
May they be joyful always! (1 Thess 5:16).
In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.

A blessing to you all:

The LORD will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
NKJV Isa 58:11

Malva

Bless you Malva, for blessing all of us!

Baby is having to have additional testing on Monday. His screening test (for the gazillion things they test for at birth) came back as positive for Cystic Fibrosis. The follow-up DNA screen showed that he carries the gene, but the test itself (sweat test) will reveal if he is among the 3-5% of babies that screen positive and actually have CF. Other than that, he is doing awesome, and we are trusting the Lord to manifest His will in this situation. Worrying will change nothing.

We met with the school and nearly gave them heart-failure with our big number. We had wise Christian counsel to guide us, and though the number sounds huge to us too, we will have a lot to recover from when we move our business. They have the option of leaving us where we are until our lease runs out (in fact, we would be paying them rent for the privilege), but that would buy us the benefit of time. If possible, we'd like to settle somewhere in the middle--take a smaller amount (but probably still more than they'd like) but have longer in which to find an alternate location and prepare our customers. Advertising is unbelievably expensive, and our current location is in a highly traveled area--an area outside of our financial reach without God's intervention. But, that is just where we are--in His grip--not that of the school. It's not their money, it is His. It's not our business, it is His. Whatever happens will not happen outside of His will, so we are resting on that.

So, yes, Sweet Malva, we are relying on Him to guide us continually, to satisfy our souls in drought, to strengthen our bones. We desire to be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail--to His glory, and only His.

Blessings All,

Thanks for your prayers.

In His trustworthy grip,

Teresa

Continuing to pray for you and yours tntkart. Praying the prayer that never fails.

Can you believe yet just how amazingly wonderful it is to be a grandma? I always think the best word to describe the experience is JOY.

Malva, bless you for your tender heart towards all of us. Your prayers are always such a blessing to me.

Blessings,
Deb

Teresa, praying for Grandbaby and your oldest girl and you as you wait for the CF test results. Sounds like your business is exactly where it belongs...in His loving hands. Praying for your peace as this piece plays itself out.

Love,
Alyson

Thanks Alyson.

Sissy (my big girl) needs all the prayers she can get. Her husband and in-laws are about to drive her around the bend. Either they are weeping because the baby "might" have CF. (Seriously, why do we assume the worst?) Or bickering b/c they have to "make an appointment" to see the baby. All she has asked is that they call to see if it's a good time. Supposedly, "her" family gets to see the baby anytime they want. Really? I saw him twice when she stopped by to feed him at our house last week. Her little sister has seen him maybe four times if we count the two times she saw him in the hospital. One brother has seen him ONCE; the other brother lives out of state and hasn't seen him at all; and Hubby, the baby's grandfather, has only seen him TWICE.

This baby is going to be here (God willing) for y-e-a-r-s. What is up with letting this young mama get some rest, and have just a little control of when people come by. She's nursing, so she doesn't particularly want an audience during feeding time.

I'm ranting here so that I don't let the mama bear in me loose on those who are badgering my daughter. At the same time, she and her husband are learning what it means to be married (hello--anyone familiar with the word "compromise?"), as well as becoming accustomed to parenthood.

The baby will be retested on the 29th--I'm praying that the test will be conclusive--one way or the other, so that we can get on with life in whatever way it's going to go.

Regarding the business. We have not heard from the school since the reps met with the school board. We are not calling them until the end of the month to find out where they want their rent check to be sent. We want to be sure they understand that we really are content to stay here until our lease concludes. We trust that God has a plan and if it is for us to move on our own, then we'll save like crazy and keep our eyes peeled for the "right" place. Please pray that we listen carefully to the Lord, and that our faith not waver.

Lots going on with my dad and his Alzheimer's. His wife has taken to her bed, and maybe her bottle. He had to get the neighbors to help him get her back in bed one day, and called the fire department on another occasion. This has been going on for several weeks. He has been scheduled for a colonoscopy twice (having lost 60-70 lbs in the last 7 or 8 months), but his wife refuses to help him with the prep and to drive him to the doctor. She's 55, he's 72. My uncle has made plans to take him to his next colonoscopy appointment. I'd do it myself but she doesn't want me in the house (I am the evil step-daughter--too much "like my mother."), and my 80 year old uncle thinks everything is "okay." Much more of this and they will find DHS on their doorstep. I know that I am no longer able to be objective, and I have serious doubts that my uncle can maintain objectivity as well.

After refusing to drive after dark for the last several years, my dad is now taking off in the middle of the night. They still have loaded guns in their home b/c he likes to shoot the critters that get in his garden. I am terrified that something awful is going to happen if no one intervenes, but both my brother and uncle want me to leave it alone.

Let's not even talk about my 20 year old son who is in the midst of the stupids.

So, a little on my mind, and a lot in my prayers.

Thanks for your prayers too.

In His steady grip,

Teresa

To top it off, he is unsaved.

Teresa, it seems to me that you are in the "Valley of Troubles". (I so love the Bible's poetic descriptions.)
However, being in that place is hard and painful and it seems endless and at times unbearable. May the God of all compassion enable you all to travel through safely. He is your faithful Guide, Protector and Companion.
I pray for wisdom and the peace that passes all understanding.
(Maybe later you can write a travelogue similar to "Pilgrim's Progress" on your journey through this valley? I would love to read it!)
Blessings,
Malva