On Friday, several of the youth in our church went to downtown Phoenix and served six hundred BBQ'd hot dogs to the homeless. They also gave a huge amount of clothes that had been donated. It was awesome in so many ways.

I love seeing the purpose on our students' faces as they set up and served. Their smiles, also, are priceless! They put their faith and love for Christ into action; they back up what James 1:25 says - "The person who continues to study God’s perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don’t merely listen and forget; they actually do what His teachings say."

Several parents helped alongside our teens. I love it when the age groups come together to get a task done. I guess, for me, it makes it feel like a church and not just a single age group...it's about unity! From sorting clothes, to setting up the grill and serving the meal, everyone worked together.

My husband, Jim, brought his little pocket trumpet and played tunes while people waited in line to get their food. A huge highlight for me was seeing this guy's face light up (the one on the left in the picture) when Jim played "Amazing Grace." Immediately after, he requested that Jim play "Jesus, Lover of My Soul". I know that to stand in this line and wait for food must be difficult, but no matter how bad the circumstance is, Jesus can still make a face shine with joy.

We go because we love Jesus. He has done so much for us that our response is to go and do the same. I am beyond thrilled to see our youth rising up to show the world who Jesus is, both in their actions and in their words.

The length of our lives is just a drop in the bucket compared to how long our life in eternity is. Make it worthwhile!

Women of Faith

Last weekend I went to my third "Women of Faith" conference. If you haven't been to one, I highly recommend it. Check it out…they could be in a city near you soon! :)

I loved how this weekend worked out. I needed a little time to myself (so I chose to spend it with thousands of women and the very few men that were there!) and I had hardly given the conference a thought because I didn't think I could afford it. Well, last week I discovered I might possibly be able to swing it, so I looked up the theme of the conference online. It was "Imagine" based on Ephesians 3:20 (look it up!). It's one of my favorite verses, and since God has given me a creative side, I love both expressing it, and being encouraged to do so.

I spent the first part of the session of Friday by myself soaking everything in like a sponge…thoroughly enjoying it. I found a great seat, row one in the stands, and about six feet from the woman that translated for the deaf that attended. That was one of the many highlights for me. There is something very beautiful about the worship songs being signed, so expressive!

One thing I love about this conference is that the stage area is called “The Porch”. And, that’s exactly what it feels like. The speakers get up and share, and their stories and lives are so easy to relate to that it feels like you could easily sit on the porch with them talking about anything and everything.

The speakers covered the subject of “Imagine” so well. They touched on areas like finding your strengths, making them more prominent in your life, expressing your God-given self even through tragedy and hurts, encouraging your kids in their abilities, and more. God gives us strengths, abilities, and talents for a REASON; they should not be hidden away. I like what one of the speakers (Marcus Cunningham) said regarding personal strengths, “Use it. Claim it. Contribute it.” Everyone wins when you use your strengths and talents. And, when you use them to lift God high, he does more with them than we could ever imagine.

When the afternoon session was over, I went over to GCU to pick up Alyssa so she could attend the rest of the conference with me. The day session was open seating, and evening and Saturday’s are the seats you pay for. I don’t know why I didn’t buy the seats at the end of the row! I even thought of it when I was selecting my seats online. For me, it’s key, because I can tend to feel claustrophobic when I feel closed in. Alyssa and I had the third and fourth seats into the row, and when the two women sat down in the first two seats, I told Alyssa, “We gotta move.” She gave me a look, and I decided to stay put and give this claustrophobia a run for its money. Yeah, I get through it! Lol.

Lisa Harper spoke during that evening session. She is such a great speaker and a great story teller. I must confess that for a short part of her talk, I instead listened to the woman behind me. I didn’t want to listen to the woman behind me, but she made herself very audible! Long story short, somebody coming into the row bumped the (glass) bottle of tea the woman had, and it fell. Then the woman made it a point to let the other woman (and us because the commotion caught our attention) know that this was a $5.00 bottle of tea that just broke. All the while, I was disappointed my attention wasn’t focused on Lisa Harper. The ridiculous thing about this exchange, though, was that this bottle of tea was fermented! It STUNK! Fortunately we had just a few minutes more until break, and I scanned the arena looking for open seats. We found great ones three rows from stage. For the rest of Friday evening, and most of Saturday, this is where Alyssa and I sat. It was great!

There were a few times during the conference where God must’ve stopped the goings on of Heaven and told everyone to look and listen (that’s what I think anyway :). When Natalie Grant sang “It Is Well”, and the audience spontaneously responded and sang with her on the chorus, she held her arms open wide and received the blessing of that, tears running down her cheeks. It was beautiful, both the sound of the voices, and watching her being ministered to. And, I know God must have been smiling wide when the six year old daughter of one of the singers from “Mary Mary” got up on stage and sang, while playing with the tassels on her dress, “God Bless America”. What a great voice!!! And, huge loads of cuteness!

So anyway, to wrap this up, if you have never been, go! I wish I could have instantly memorized lots of what the speakers said. You’ll enjoy it. And, just a tip…the arena sells bottles of water for $5.00, but Starbucks on site sells grande pumpkin spice lattes for $4.75! It’s like striking gold!!

Entirely faithful...

I read a verse this morning that really reflects how I feel. The second part of Psalm 89:8, "Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? You are entirely faithful."
No matter how difficult some days have been in the last few months and even couple years, I've seen God's goodness in them too. I am convinced that there is nothing God can't touch, heal, help, speak calmness to, and strengthen. He is faithful every day.

Becky started high school this year, which means she just completed the junior high years. Yep, they were filled with the things junior high is filled with...friendship problems, drama, peer pressure, choices, homework stresses, etc...and yet, through her difficult times I saw God working in her life. There is nothing so beautiful and great to watch as this. It's my favorite part of being a parent.

When her freshman year started, at a new school, with new people, I prayed that God would give her a good friend (or two), that like her, even in the midst of all the struggles, temptations, setbacks and triumphs that life and school presents, is growing in their relationship with Christ. So when the first day came that I dropped her off in front of the school, I watched her walk up the school's front sidewalk, guitar in one hand, and her bright yellow backpack slung across her back. I had one of those moments where I knew I was letting her go, and at the same time, waiting with faith to see how God would answer my prayer for her. And by the way, one of my favorite parts of my mornings is watching her walk into school with her guitar and yellow backpack...she is so cool! :)

I could see from day one or two that God heard my prayer. He answered even more than I prayed. He is such a WOW factor for me...I love seeing him work! Becky told me that there is a group of kids from school that go to a church in Phoenix called "Catalyst" (http://ignitephx.com/). She sat with them at lunch and after a couple more days she told me that she wanted to check out their youth group at their church. Well, we are used to driving a distance to church, and this is just about as far in the other direction...lol. I don't mind, though, and I am convinced that God wants us to be united with other believers.

We took Becky and a friend of hers to Catalyst's youth group service a few Sunday nights ago. Jim, Heidi, and I walked in with them since they didn't know anyone and we were a couple minutes late. Right away a youth group leader showed them a place to sit, and another leader asked if we wanted to hang out. We sat in the back and thoroughly enjoyed what we saw...the fellowship of knowing Christ is good anywhere! For now, Becky wants to go every other Sunday night since she likes going to youth group at our church in Anthem on Sunday nights, too. Totally okay with me!

Which brings me to yesterday and today... yesterday when I picked her up after school, she told me that right after I dropped her off yesterday morning, a couple of her friends from Catalyst asked if she wanted to meet with them at the pole for prayer. I could tell from the way she was telling me that she was glad she did. Even though, when she looked around her, kids were pointing and laughing at them. It was obvious she and her friends were praying. But, for me, the best part of the conversation with Becky was when she told me, "It made me happy." God says if you lay down your life for His sake, you will find yours. I think this is the truth what Becky experienced yesterday.

She told me that they were meeting for prayer again this morning in the same place. I was curious to know which pole in the school yard she was talking about. When we drove up this morning, she pointed it out to me. This pole is right beside the main sidewalk and closest to the front doors of the school. Every student passes within three feet of that pole there when going into school every morning. I am so excited by Becky's courage, her friends' courage, and about their deepening, real relationship with the One that offers life at its best! God is so faithful...I can't wait to see how God keeps answering my prayer.

Mama's baby grew up to be an excited college student.

What a weekend...and I'm including last Thursday in that! The time finally came...Alyssa is officially a student at Grand Canyon University, a happy and excited student. As much as it is hard to let her go, it does a heart good to see your child fully embrace what she's facing.

We got the car packed up before 7a.m. last Thursday so we could drop Becky off to school on the way to GCU. Each step was bittersweet for me...packing, watching Alyssa and Heidi hug goodbye, taking a picture of Alyssa and Becky outside Becky's school, stopping for coffee with Alyssa...ahhh! My tears want to spill just thinking about it.

Here's Alyssa with her coffee :)

I had no idea there could be so many tidbits of advice to give in the twenty-five minute drive there. I wonder how many other parents crammed in all the last bits of advice like I did. We covered safety, relational issues, studies, etc!

I am so impressed with GCU. From the moment we drove onto campus and throughout the day, the staff and students were so helpful! We never felt lost or wondered what to do next. They do communicating very well!

We waited in a long line outside to get Alyssa's room assignment. It's August...translate that to a typically hot, sunshiny, muggy day! I know someone prayed for good weather (and later on, I found out I was right)! It was still warm, but overcast, and while we waited in line, it rained hard! We loved it. In AZ, that makes for a perfect summer day. We just happened to be standing behind someone who picked up the big umbrella that GCU provided, and he carried it as the line moved along. I'm not talking a small, handheld umbrella... this was one of the big, semi-stationary ones. Yeah, I wasn't going to stop him. My hair was getting flat, and we stood under it with him! ;)

We eventually made it to the front of the line, which put us at the table where a GCU student handed Alyssa her dorm room assignment. My heart instantly went into a tug-of-war battle as she took the papers. It is difficult to let go!! Fortunately that battle was a private one in my heart, and I didn't reach across the table handing the papers back! ;) So far so good, no tears spilled yet that morning.

We got to the dorm, walked to the second floor, and found Alyssa's room, with her name on the wall outside of it. That's when I lost it. It sank in...her new home! Outside of mine. Even though I knew this was as it should be, that just didn't feel right! Hugs all around!

The day was good. I helped Alyssa get moved in, there were parent meetings, and one of the best times of the day was the Invocation service. GCU is a Christian university, and to listen to the faculy speak from their hearts about caring for the students was awesome. Also awesome was the worship led by "The Gathering", which is the student worship band at GCU. There is something about coming together and praising our great God that feels so good and right. It is a great way to start out the school year. I know God will do a masterpiece of work among the students there this year.

Alyssa wanted to go to a university that didn't make students fill out a statement of faith. I really respect that. She and I both know that wherever you attend, perfection isn't to be found. She wanted to be with believers and non-believers, though, to have more opportunity to share Jesus. This is what I love about GCU...nothing is forced on the students, attendance at chapels and worship services attendance isn't required, no dress code, etc. The faculty loves the Lord, and they intend on showing that to the students. I've seen it every time I've been on campus. There are Christian student leaders on every floor of the dorm. They offer a small group for whoever would like to attend. There are opportunities for service, worship, etc. I think the leadership at GCU has the heart of Jesus...they really care about the students eternal well-being, and have extended an invitation to the students to know Jesus. I am so excited to see how God works this year.

Enjoy your year, Alyssa...your family loves you very much!

Well, THAT was a first!

Even though I had a hint this was coming, it still took me by surprise. Last night, to still Becky's cries (this is what she posted on Facebook yesterday, "Phone!Phone! Neeed my phone! Mommmy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol"), and in order to fully satisfy my list for the day of "To Do" things, I did the dreaded item of calling Sprint to activate a different phone for Becky because hers broke. Heidi got a new phone for her birthday so I activated her old one. I hate making these phone calls...it's just a hassle. (Two tries to get through to the operator, which means two phone calls, and more than a few menu options...yes, the conveniences we have are a hassle :). When I got through to the operator, we went through all the normal account questions, and then she asked me to take the battery out of the phone so I could read the serial number to her. No problem. No, wait...it was a problem. No matter how hard I squinted I just couldn't tell if I was looking at a 6 or an 8... I asked the operator to hold on, then asked Heidi to read the string of numbers out loud. The 6 or the 8 I had been trying to decipher was actually a 5. And the 3 was an 8.
Okay, I admit it...I could be aging a little! That was kind of a rude awakening. I can see (clearly) for the first time that reading glasses are in my immediate future. I'm sorry, Hon, for rolling my eyes at you when you couldn't read the restaurant menu...I totally get it now (but, could you please remember to bring your glasses next time? I may need them!). Lol. It really is quite a helpless feeling when you can't see the print in front of you. I felt even more helpless when I asked the Sprint operator to hold on, and, without success, frantically looked around for your reading glasses! Glad Heidi was next to me :). And, Becky's glad because she has a working phone. Let the texting commence!

Tonight, tomorrow, and...

...then Thursday will come (most likely!!), the day that Alyssa moves into her dorm at GCU. We have been having a really good time getting ready...shopping, going through pictures and taking them to Walmart to have them printed out. Walmart does such a great job with their photo printing and the photo machines (I know these are called a different name!) are fun to use. Alyssa has made a 16x20 poster, an 11x14 collage, a few 8x10 collages, and some prints of various pictures. And, the prices are so reasonable!
Some of the pictures we came across have been so cute...like Libby when she was a puppy. And even cuter, Becky holding her!

Another picture we printed was one of all three girls with Cindy. It was taken after their piano recital. We ended up printing 4 of them...a 4x6 for each of the girls, and a 5x7 for me. I love this picture...my girls...Cindy...all so beautiful. It is a really nice way to remember Cindy.

It's bittersweet to get help Alyssa get ready for college, but I am so excited for her. And, excited that she's excited. I am thrilled that she will be experiencing so many new things, and independently! It's really cool to see her so confident about it.

Taking the time...

...to write. I'm thinking this should be as regular for me as exercise should be! Yeah, now you have a hint as to how disciplined I am at it.
This is going to be a milestone week, and I am flooded with emotions over it. Alyssa is moving into her dorm, starting college, this Thursday, August 26th. I am so excited for all the opportunities that she will face, I'm a little nervous (any Mom must wonder, "Did I teach them how to handle all the situations they will come up against??"), and I'm more than a little sad. Wow! Childhood passes so quickly.
I look up to Alyssa. She has been an amazing example of discipline to me, her MOM. :) If her discipline were to be displayed physically, she would be winning top prizes at fitness competitions...she would be ripped! :)
God has blessed me with my heart's desire. I am watching my kids grow in the knowledge and goodness of Christ. There is nothing else I want more. I love seeing God at work in each of my kids...He knows just how to reach them and teach them. He is creating individual masterpieces. My prayer is that my kids would continue to be more and more open to him...the all perfect friend, father, comfort, truth.
On another note, I have been thinking the last couple days about what kinds of things pierce darkness. What gives light to dark times? I could write a long list of ways that God has lit up my dark times over the years. Recalling his goodness. But, I don't think God wants us to just recall it and keep it for ourselves...he wants us to share the light that He gives us, to realize that's where satisfaction lies. It's all about giving it away.
Heidi wasn't feeling good this morning...her allergies make her feel sick at times. But I sent her to school anyway. It may seem a little trivial, but for her that is a dark time, having to go to school feeling stuffed up and blah! After giving her more allergy meds, it felt perfect and satisfying to pray with her and invite God to be with her today.
And now...it's time to get this Monday morning "crack-a-lackin'", as Alyssa would say :)