Learning the Technology

I just wanted to point out that I have added some things to my blog. Thanks to my friend, Lepido, I now have added "My Favorite Blogs" and some "Links" that I am proud to reference to. I had the pleasure of talking to my blogging buddy, Lepido, by phone, because he was so generous to offer his help. I can be quite "dumb" when it comes to computer technology. Next, we will tackle posting pictures!!

Please notice and visit my link to "Rebekah's blog" so you can visit there and pray for this special little girl. She is fighting a battle with a rare cancer and sure could use your prayers. Her parents keep this site updated frequently with the latest news on her. It is really awesome to see how many people are lifting them up in prayer.

God's Promises are Real

It's been almost two years ago, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. That's how it is when you witness God at work.

My stepfather was in the hospital, dieing of cancer. I had the greatest burden on my heart for his salvation. My greatest fear was that he would die without accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

He and my mother married when I was 10. He was such a wonderful blessing in our lives. Very gentle, kind and patient. A hardworker and good provider. He was really good to my mom, brother and myself. The only thing missing was a relationship with Jesus. Now as a child, growing up, I thought him nearly perfect. It was only after I became a Christian that I became aware that he was missing out on the most important thing in life.

His first round with cancer was in early 1995 and his surgery was successful. But a few years later, he began having some problems and finally almost 3 yrs later, they found out he had another kind of cancer. It took them too long to find it and it had spread. We didn't know just how much it had spread until after he died. I think he was trying to protect Mom. Anyway, we found out it was in his liver in the summer of '93. He began having chemo and it really wiped him out fast. He ended up in the hospital, and was so very sick and weak. He didn't have any appetite and seemed to just want to sleep. As the days turned to weeks, I began getting really worried that he would die before I ever got to witness to him. Up until this time, I had kept waiting for the Lord to bring the conversation about. I never knew how to lead into it or bring up the subject of Jesus. I didn't want him to think that I thought he was dieing,but I did.

One night I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I just felt like someone was sitting on my chest, I was so burdened. I got up and got my Bible. I said a little prayer asking God to show me what to read. As I flipped thru the pages, the words,"Jesus Comforts His Followers" caught my attention. I was in John chapter 14, verse 1 began, "Jesus said, 'Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me.'" Ok, now if that wasn't exactly what I needed God to tell me! As I continued to read, I could feel the very real presence of the Holy Spirit. When I got to verse 11 and continued reading, I knew I had to act on the promise I found. "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or believe because of the miracles I have done. I tell you the truth, whoever believes in me will do the same things that I do. Those who believe will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And if you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you so that the Father's glory will be shown through the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it."

What a promise! I could ask Jesus for anything and He would do it. Now I knew whatever I asked, had to be according to His Will. I also knew the thing I wanted most was for my stepfather to be saved and I knew Jesus wanted that too. I also knew that He gave each of us a free will and would not force anyone to believe something. So I prayed, "Jesus I know you wanted me to read these words right now. I know this promise is for me and I am claiming it right now for my stepfather. I know that you won't force him to believe anything, it has to be his own free will. But Lord, I just ask that you not take him until I've had a chance to tell him about you. Please Lord, let him be well enough for us to have a conversation. Please give me the right words to say and help him to see the need for you."

I felt so much peace and excitement after I prayed. I had read that passage of the Bible before, but that night it took on new meaning. It was personalized in a new way. To be continued...

Life as a Coaches Wife

Ok - I have to share a story at my husband's expense. He's a good sport though. (no pun intended)

As some of you know, my husband teaches Chemistry and is the Varsity Assistant Football coach. Last night, I was awakened by my son letting out a moan followed by jibberish, while sleeping. Right afterward, my husband raises his head and looks at the door. "What?" I ask him. He ignores my question. Again I ask, "What?" He mumbles something I cannot distinguish, and rolls over. Getting a little irritated this time, I again and more emphatically ask, "What?" "This is a passing play and I was looking to see if the receivers are going out." I errupted into laughter, waking him a little more and getting him to chuckle too. "Honey, take a break from football for a few hrs and get some rest - K?"


Tonight is the first big game of the season, so I know it's only natural for him to be a little consumed right now. Of course he will continue to be consumed until the last game of the season. Such is the life as a coaches wife. Good thing I love football too! :)

School Is Back In Session!

Well, today is the first day of school. So what does that mean for me? It means that it is very quiet here at home today and that once I clean up the house this morning, it will stay that way until tonight!! YEA!! It also means that the rat race is back on. With my husband teaching chemistry and coaching football, and my son being a sophomore, and playing football - their days are long and our time together as a family is short. BUMMER!!

It's even harder, because I know my son only has three more years here at home, before he's off into the world and on his own. This is on my mind so much. My husband had to go to school to work in his classroom last evening, and so my son and I had some "Mother/Son" time. We both enjoy these times so much - even though I'm sure he wouldn't readily admit it.

Here is how we spent the evening: I made dinner and he suggested we find something we both wanted to watch, on TV. We got the pillows all arranged on the bed and piled in; food, drinks, cats and remote. Then as we scanned thru the channels, we decided on "The Pacifier" on PPV. It was an enjoyable move, even though he pushed the wrong button and we got the 7:00pm show instead of the 7:30pm one we intended. Missing the first 32 minutes only made it a little harder to figure out the character relationships, but we soon caught on. But the best part was the times he would lean over and rest his head on my shoulder and sharing smiles and laughter at the funny parts of the movie. I'm sure he would also add how much he enjoys my reactions when I have to "share" his air space as he puts me thru the "gas chamber". (why do boys get such a big kick out of that?!!) :)

I know God is really trying to teach me alot thru this time. As I watch time vanish in the blink of an eye, I find myself trying to hold on ever so tightly. I look back and see him as a small child and it seems such a very short time ago. I look ahead and know someday soon I will long for the times we share together now. (yes, even the gas chamber) But the reality is, he is not only my child, he is more importantly "a child of God". I know that God loves him even more deeply than I do and is so much better able to care for him. I know God wants me to trust and rely on Him to watch over and protect my precious child. That is why I found this prayer from Stormie Omartian's book "The Power of a Praying Parent" exactly what I need to pray:

Father, I come to you in Jesus' name and give Dustin to You. I'm convinced that You alone know what is best for him. You alone know what he needs. I release him to You to care for and protect, and I commit myself to pray for everythng concerning him that I can think of or that You put upon my heart. Teach me how to pray and guide me in what to pray about. Help me not to impose my own will when I'm praying for him, but rather enable me to pray that Your will be done in his life.

Thank You that I can partner with You in raising him and that I don't have to do it alone. I'm grateful that I don't have to rely on the world's unreliable and ever-changing methods for child rearing, but that I can have clear directions from Your Word and wisdom as I pray to You for answers.

Thank You, Lord, for the precious gift of this child. Because Your Word says that every good gift comes from You, I know that You have given him to me to care for and raise. Help me to do that. Show me places where I continue to hang on to him and enable me to release him to Your protection, guidance, and counsel. Help me not to live in fear of possible dangers, but in the joy and peace of knowing that You are in control. I rely on You for everything, and this day I trust my child to You and release him into Your hands. Thru Jesus I pray - Amen