Me!

“This is my story, this is my song” is one of my favorite lyrics from the hymn “Blessed Assurance.” I have mentioned it before, probably once a year, since I started this journey of writing a column.  It takes me back to Caney Baptist with my Pappaw, and also the fact that I believe we all have a story, a song, a purpose.  My story began in Fairfield, TX back in 1973.  More importantly though – it really started when I discovered that God had plans for me. 

It would be more of a “hook” to say my assignment on earth was still some unknown mystery.   However, I vividly recall when I discovered why God put me here. I am a “kid” person.  Don’t get me wrong, I love adults.  I visited with one girlfriend on the road last night for over an hour.  The random, adult conversations that take place daily in my library keep me going.  We laugh and cry on nearly a daily basis. 

I obviously love adult company, but even the grownups in my life know and fully accept the fact that I really prefer the company of little people!  Kids follow me around like little ducks all in a line, without me even trying. I entertain them without even trying!  A month or so ago, I was sitting by a fire pit and enjoying adult conversation, but found my way indoors and helped a group of precious young girls build the tent of all tents.  My friend probably cursed me the next morning when she had to clean it all up!  We used ponytails, rubber bands, and anything we could possible find to create their royal palace!   

I first knew kids were a key part of my identity, my salvation, and my reason to keep on getting up in the morning at Agnew Middle School in Mesquite, Texas.  Those 7^th graders changed my life. I taught them literature, grammar, reading, and writing, but they taught me a lot more.  I discovered I was needed, and that I had a reason to be on this earth.  When the old Agnew was torn down and the new one was built, I moved in.  That was also the year I invited Jesus into my heart.  If I remember correctly, it was my third period who ministered to me in a huge way.  That class roll included Levi, Francheska, Jennifer Williams, and the Bouyer twins. They introduced me to Kirk Franklin too.  By that point, I was a mother of two as well. 

Fast-forward many years, and I still credit my students and my own crew for keeping me going!  Last week, one of my precious first graders dug deep into her pocket and said she had something to give me.  It looked like a piece of thread, but after closer examination and listening to her explanation, it was a flower.  It was more brown than yellow, dried up than flourishing, but I loved it and knew what she meant.  She absolutely made my day, my week!  Even though I claim to know my purpose here on earth, so much is still unknown to me and my life is definitely full of struggles, ups and downs. 

Ask the Lord this week why you are here.  We all have significant roles and a job in the Kingdom.  When you find yourself in doubt, read Romans 8:28 out loud “We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purposes.” 

My birthday

I strongly suspect we all have a public and a somewhat private life.  Our public life comprises of how we behave when we work, attend events around town, and run errands.  Privately too, we all have our own dislikes, likes, hobbies, and things that nobody has a clue about or really cares about.

For example, I love sunshine.  It makes me smile.  It surprises me that I lived in England for nine months.  It is gray – much like Seattle.  I walked to and from school.  My afternoon cup of hot tea was the best. I missed my Texas sunshine, but enjoyed being fully submerged in another culture and scurrying around London. 

I also love purple martins.  A few scouts showed up this week.  I talked to them.  I am a full-blown “bird nerd.”  Nobody may care, but it fits where I am going with my column this week.

Likewise, only a few people know that I am not a fan of my birthday.  It was last week.  I turned forty-six.  Never have I been able to put my finger on the exact source of my mood or my disapproval.

My kids know, and they often avoid me.  Luckily, I do know it has nothing to do with my age. I feel better in my mid-forties than I did in my mid-twenties.  Age has served me well!  The lessons I learned along the way have served me well too. I am who I am. The way I see the world and treat the world is a direct result of my experiences here on earth. I am thankful!

My birthday, February 15^th, this year was remarkably different.  Celebrations began on Valentine’s Day.  Before 8:00 that morning, I knew something was up!  Kids coming down the hallway were saying “Happy Birthday.”  I got the most sincere hugs and smiles ever.

When an entire Pre-K class paused in front of the library and sang to me, I knew it was public knowledge!  Mrs. Ransom announces birthdays in the morning meeting.  Since we were out of school on my actual birthday, Thursday was my day!

Shockingly, I was happy about my special day, although it was still one day away. Each and every student who wished me “Happy Birthday” changed the way I felt about my often “melancholy” day. 

When my oldest came home from college on Friday at noon, she was surprised to find me in good spirits. I embraced my gifts and even “milked” my day the whole weekend.  I got laundry out of my kids, dishes, trash, and even a few errands by claiming it was my birthday!   

Remarkably too, my day was sunny.  I spent the entire afternoon in shorts and a tank top on my back porch.  Who would think that February 15^th could be so warm?  I sat in the sun and smiled, thinking God warmed up the earth just for me.  Is that possible?  I think so.

I vividly remember the first time my husband and I had three sporting events to attend at the same time, in different locations.  One remarkably got canceled.  I knew that was just for us!  We were not accustomed yet to missing anything with our crew.

Hebrews 13:5 says “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”  That promise is true!  It amazingly includes an all-encompassing love that encompasses the big stuff and the little stuff in life, our public and our private!   It is precious!  Embrace it.  Rest in it this week.   Know you are loved and known fully by the King of Kings, the Lord or Lords. 

My cleaning routines...BAD!

The guests who frequent our house these days will laugh at this statement, might fall in the floor, or flat out call me a liar! I was once an obsessive housekeeper.  When we lived in Dallas, Thursday meant cleaning day.  Our house looked absolutely precious and spotless at all times!  Now, the closets were stuffed full and cabinets were never in excellent order, but everything looked fabulous!

I must confess though, my obsession caused my first motherhood fail.   My oldest rolled out of a chair when she was only a month old; when I ran to the back of the house to get my “Swifter” mop. Oh, I cried and cried!  I questioned my ability to parent; however, parenting was not the real issue. The real problem stemmed from my tidy house obsession.

When we moved to the country, I miraculously kept up the pace!  It took the dust a year or so to settle down, although my husband quickly planted grass seed.  He watered and nurtured it day after day, year after year. Thanks to him, eventually the dirt subsided and the Bermuda took over.

However, kids romping meant there was always a thin layer of grime. So, I dusted, cleaned, hired help, and went through two robot vacuum cleaners in no time at all. When we were outside or not home, my robot friend was working.  Sadly, Roomba was a new invention at the time and not durable enough for the workload she battled here. I gave up and went back to my traditional vacuum, because the show had to go on!   

What happened?  Something sure did!  One of my daughter’s friends recently asked if I even owned a vacuum.  I can go to bed with dishes in my sink and leave for an entire weekend without my chores complete.  The change was gradual…one woman in particular shared her housework battle with us in a Bible Study. She called it a spiritual stronghold.  From studying Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free,” I knew that meant big business.  She also had a large family.  The Lord revealed to her that her attitude/obsession with her house was sin. Her words woke me up!  

Khris Roller opened my eyes to my own priority problem, and then cancer kept them wide open.  I never viewed laundry again as an immediate need. I learned it could wait if there was someone who needed my attention.  The Lord healed me of cancer, but also of much more during that season of life. Sadly, I have forgotten some of the lessons I learned, allowed junk to creep back in.  Life sure is a process and a daily battle of obedience and staying in the Word. 

Where am I going with this “Good Housekeeping” saga? Well, I broke down for my birthday and ordered a new robot vacuum!  After hours of research and using my parent’s robot for a trial run, I proudly submitted my online purchase.  I love my new friend.

Now, do not get me wrong! Dishes are currently overflowing from my sink and my windows are a travesty. My only obsession for at least the next four years around here will be my family!  However, my robot vacuum is truly awesome! 

You might say I came full circle with this deal and learned lots of lessons along the way.  Life is all about successes and failures, tests and testimonies, messes and messages.  Thankfully, we are never alone.   We can walk and talk with Jesus every step of the way.   Psalm 118:14 says “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”  Have a blessed week and remember the Lord is with you. 

Spring Break 2019

Day two of Spring Break – I feel extremely pleased to announce that the meteorologists were wrong!   I am currently perched on our front porch, enjoying partly, and cloudy skies with peaks of beautiful sunshine.  Since we are not traveling, the local weather is a big deal!  The rain may come tomorrow, but I am thankful for two days of spring.

Spring Break equals low-key for us.  The only tradition we ever formed was an afternoon at White Rock with the Dallas Monicos.  To say it was the best of times is an understatement.  We loaded up Bear’s van with bikes, tricycles, a cooler full of drinks, and our blankets to spread on the hill of our favorite area of the lake.

The day simply meant…kids zooming past on bikes, sitting, and visiting.  We often spotted the SMU rowing team gracefully out on the water. Families BBQ, feed the ducks, and play on the playground. 

Laughter, fussing, and a multitude of languages filled the air. Thankfully, I have no regrets.  I knew these times were to be treasured.  I snapped pictures to prove it.  I predict myself tonight digging through old scrapbooks and boxes. 

The ice cream man pulling up attested to be the highlight of the day.  He was typically on the phone, never made eye contact, but managed to get the orders right and collect his money.  After the line subsided, he cranked his music back up and drove off.

If the stars line up and Bear is off tomorrow, we are headed north to recreate it all.    Monday is the only day all four kids are free.  We will see!  If not, seasons change and we know to embrace them all! 

What else?  Little sister and I sunbathed.  Husband sprayed weeds.  I weeded our garden and swept the carport.  The flowerbeds are next on my list.  If and when it starts raining, I will move in.  Until then - I am happy and outside.

Eyes have rolled, but I have told the kids that the butterflies are out, the grass is green, and that the birds are singing. My purple martins always serenade me.  Today while laying “out” with Blaise, there were so many birds singing that I had to focus on what was what, who was who. 

I know for sure that over to our left was a Mockingbird!  Mockingbirds are quite fascinating.  They mimic other birds, sounds, and even humans. 

My conclusion…humans behave a lot like Mockingbirds.  I worked at the Outback Steakhouse for years and spoke “restaurant” talk.  Thank the Lord, I cleaned up that talk and learned to communicate properly at Agnew Middle School in Mesquite.  Next was baby talk and toddler talk! 

Fast-forward to big kids, four teens.  We talk differently now.  That is a good and a bad thing. I was convicted today that I must be intentional with my words and my actions!

Honestly, our talk at home is often negative; consequently, my goal for the week is to be positive, give God praise, to speak Words of Life, and to offer thanksgiving in the name of Jesus! 

When I return to school, I must do the same. When my kids return to school, I must remind them to do the same!

We can’t change much in our world, but we can obviously monitor and consciously choose our own words and actions.   Join me this week and speak Words of Life!    Psalms 19:14 says “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.” 

The FLU

Tomorrow we re-enter the world after our “flucation.”  Our district made a wise call and cancelled school last Thursday and Friday.  The extra-long weekend lasted forever!  Even though the Super Bowl is blaring, I will soon turn into crazy momma and make everyone find their necessities. 

Thankfully, the flu only marked its territory on one member of our family; however, I witnessed kids and staff drop like flies.  My youngest, Blaise, called me last Monday after lunch.  I picked her up, and she has yet to return to school.  Years ago, my girls both suffered from the flu at the same time.  They moaned, groaned, and claimed that their feet hurt.

Last week’s episode proved to be much less severe!  Sister felt bad, but was not totally down for the count.  I managed to work and check on her throughout the day.  By day four though, she was very melancholy!  I tried to make her laugh and failed.  I tried to make her smile and failed.  I did succeed in making her leave her room daily and moving into the living room. 

Even when she physically regained strength, she still faced a mental battle from being home for so long.  Bless her heart…the highlight of her day was when her big brothers arrived home after baseball and shared their stories. 

An unexpected visit from her best friend late Thursday afternoon saved her!  She immediately came to life!  Her coloring looked rosy, her voice changed, and she was moving around!  I witnessed the whole scene and teared up.  Happy tears fell down my cheeks because I was reminded how special friends are!  This particular, spontaneous visit proved to be a game-changer!  You might call these two “kindred spirits.” 

Thanks to the unanticipated holiday, they traveled to Abilene the next morning for a weekend of softball.  Banner, the oldest of our crew, attends Hardin-Simmons.  She was born independent and possessed leadership skills from a young age.  Since she moved into her dorm, there has been little to none homesickness.  If I had to guess what she misses the most, I would say Blaise and Paige.  Her little sister and her BFF were her running buddies.   Again, I witnessed a wonderful example of kindred spirits when they approached the HSU bullpen and leaned on the chain-link fence to visit with her. 

The Lord has blessed me abundantly with wonderful friends.  From my childhood playmates to my current co-workers, and everything in between-I too experience all of the major ups and downs of life with the support of friends who support me.  I purchased two of my favorite necklaces last week from Juls by Juls – one of my golden friends.  This particular necklace simply says “Blessed.”  I bought it in gold and silver. 

I made a new friend in the Abilene mall, Glory.  She was working in one of the kiosks.  I know without a doubt we were meant to meet.  We talked religion and our favorite places in the world effortlessly.  God prompted me to give her the “Blessed” necklace I was wearing.  All of a sudden, I remembered I had the silver one in my purse too.  We could match!  I gave her the silver necklace.  She cried. I probably will never see Glory again, but I know we met for a reason.  We are kindred spirits. 

It all boils down to Luke 6:31 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  How great would life be if we all lived out this verse? Although we will never be perfect, join me this week and give it a try!

Going to Dew, Texas

Not often at the age of 45 do I experience new things.  Most of life falls into the category of “Been there, done that, and I own a t-shirt or two to prove it. “  Last week, I had a heart to heart with a beloved co-worker about how we somewhat fear new things and are guilty of only doing what we know we can do well.  Even with parenting, seldom do I encounter new issues.

However, last week I experienced several firsts.   I attended my first power lifting meet.  You would think with four, athletic, and active kids, I would have done it all, but that is not true.  I ventured to Bosqueville alone to my first ever power lifting meet.  I felt nervous, but luckily found myself a great spot to stand in the corner by my son’s station.  I gave up biting my nails in Jr. High School, but did pick at my cuticles and fidget from time to time when it was his turn to lift.  At the end of the day, I concluded I loved the sport and was thankful that I saw something new! 

My other new occurrence last week was attending a sporting event in Dew. For my non-local readers, Dew is a small community ten miles south.  They have a phenomenal school that houses kids until the reach high school.  My nephew played basketball there.  I was free for the evening and ventured out to watch him.  Never had I been to Dew ISD for a sporting event.  I have escorted my kids from state to state, school to school, but never there.

Another unusual for me is watching a series.  It is “Friday Night Lights.” My television hours have been slim to nothing since I started having kids many years ago.  My nights are consumed with homework and beckoning kids to get ready for the next day. 

However, this television show, if you call it that, totally consumes me. I love it!  I identify with it; and promised my daughter I would not watch another episode until she returned home this summer.  I broke that agreement last night. 

Tammy Taylor, the main “mom” character, said something that made me grab my notepad.  I have heard her type of wisdom before, but it seemed somewhat new to my ears!

Tammy said to her daughter “I just want you to have faith, faith in something that will hold you when I won’t be able to hold you anymore.”  Tammy and I are a lot alike.  My daughter’s friends over the years often have asked me if I watched the show and told me I was like her. 

Her words last night resonated clearly with my heart and with my desires for my children regarding faith!  The day will come when I will not hold any of them, but the Lord will.  I so want them to know Him in a personal way! 

Charles Stanley this morning preached about Daniel.  He said “There aren’t any lions in your life that God can’t help you overcome.”  His message reminded me of faith and knowing that God has a plan and always offers us protection when we are obedient.   

Since we did not attend church, I watched another service and made the kids sit down with me.  Bishop T.D. Jakes addressed the power of the mind and the necessity of not worrying about tomorrow.  In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus gives a powerful word about this.  The birds do not worry!  We are much more meaningful than them.  They are secure.  We must be too!  Join me this week and live with trust in Jesus.   Live in faith! 

Daddy, daughter fiasco

The stretch of precious time between winter and spring just a few years ago meant getting bulbs in the ground, t-ball cleats, and treating one final ear infection. 

Things have changed.  I currently find myself raising money for Project Graduation. Before I blink, we will be thinking prom and 8^th grade dance.  Needless to say, I do not expect any tulips to bloom this year.  That was another season of life, but may return.

The Daddy/Daughter dance, one of the main Project Graduation fundraisers, took place last night.  I joyfully headed it up, but will joyfully let others be in charge of what comes next. 

Luckily, dads and daughters are pretty low maintenance. Decorations were simple and the menu included cookies and pink lemonade.  The “store bought cookies” went just as fast as the homemade ones, and even tied with the Collin Street Bakery assortment. I put eating a Collin Street Bakery cookie on my to-do list, but forgot to go back by!  I walked around mesmerized by the little girls dressed up and having the time of their lives. 

Last night taught me a few lessons too.  The punch table collapsed about an hour into the event.  Our DJ was fabulous.  The dance floor was full!  Everyone was happily entertained when it happened….except for those in line for a drink.   

Guess who set up that table and forgot to secure the legs?  Yours truly! I apologized to our faithful helpers at that station.  Next time - I will double check the tables.  The ladies said nobody got mad or hurt over the ruckus.  It was a quick spill.  However, the clean-up was sticky and not quite so quick. 

This fiasco reminds me a lot of human nature and sin.  We all have “spills” no matter our level of spiritual maturity.  Thankfully though, the Lord promises to clean us up.  There may be consequences or messes to deal with afterwards, but we are absolutely and completely forgiven when we repent and turn back to God. 

Acts 3:19 says “Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  Our lemonade table was refreshed and cleaned up. It just took a few minutes.  When we know Jesus as our Savior, dealing with sin is the same. We are able to get cleaned up!

There was an ongoing issue too with the door prizes! We typically ask for goodie bags and randomly draw names. The DJ calls out the winners.  She gets swarmed on stage by a multitude of little girls.  They all look different and are all dressed differently, but all share one thing in common- they desperately want their name called! 

When the final name was announced last night, a sense of disappointment fell on the dancefloor.  My heart broke. I mentally noted to scrap the door prizes! 

I would love to say this specific group is the only one who wants to be called out, the only one desiring to feel like they are chosen and special.  I know that is not true! 

We all do.  Whether we are male, female, old, young, working in a factory, an office, or even sitting in a desk at school-we all long to feel like we are one of the chosen!  We all want our name called!   

Sadly, we cannot guarantee this type of recognition will ever take place on earth. Our only hope and absolute security is with Jesus. 

Isaiah 43:1 says “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, and you are mine.” Rest in the security of that this week! 

Bed, Bath, & Beyond

Christmas gifting for four teens challenged my finances and creativity this year.  They asked for clothes and shopped for themselves.  Our daily conversations in December were centered on their latest discoveries, and if I would grant permission to purchase.  My oldest helped on Cyber Monday with electronics.  Little sister was happy! 

We intentionally shopped local too.  Visiting from shop to shop blessed me!  There is something to be said about a small town. One merchant reminded me to not to just take up a pew on Sundays, but do something!  I needed her words of wisdom.  While marking items off of my list, I laughed with old friends, new friends, and joyfully spent money here at home with “my people.” 

My dentist practices in Dallas; therefore, I traditionally schedule a morning appointment before Christmas and make a fast dash around the metroplex.  Now, that day shopping wore me slap out!  I made friends standing in line, but the crowds and traffic made me feel more frazzled than peaceful!

With coupon in hand, I ventured into Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  The creative side of my brain inspired me to redecorate my boy’s room.  Sadly, their beds are usually covered with very faded, tattered, and worn cowboy quilts my cousin gave us when we moved in here over ten years ago.  I have tried to replace them!  I purchased camo comforters once.  Before they “broke” them in, one ended up at the deer lease and the other remains in the back of our hall closet. 

Thankfully, I found matching gray bedding for them!  I also bought my nephew his traditional “annoy my brother” gift, a toilet paper gun.  Bed, Bath, and Beyond could easily be called “Random.”  Everything in the store is random if you ask me, but the coupon hooked me, and I nearly bought an Uggs sweater for my dog.

One night before Christmas, I snuck into the boy’s room.  I cleaned and revamped their beds. Everything looked awesome!  I experienced Christmas cheer in giving them an unexpected gift, and hoped my efforts would also encourage them to keep their room cleaner. 

Much to my dismay, the new comforters were stripped off in only a day or two and the old cowboy quilts were back on their beds!  Why?  I washed everything, but it was not enough!  My boys liked the “look “and thanked me for the gift of cleanliness; however, the bedding was not soft enough, worn in enough, and as warm as their antique quilts.  (My plan is to wash, dry, and repeat until their desired softness is achieved, but I have ten plus years of wear and tear to compete with.) 

Our small and insignificant Christmas bedspread dilemma made the think about holding onto stuff, habits, or even relationships that provide comfort.  I asked myself “good or bad?”

 I confess to still wearing an Oxford sweatshirt from England I bought 27 years ago, no clue why I still have it or how it held up?

Hold onto or let go is a very complicated issue.  Psalm 139:23 comes to mind.  It says “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.” 

This entire chapter in Psalms never ceases to amaze me, but this week it showed up in a different way.  The Word of God always meets us where we are!  If you wonder this week if you should hold on or let go, mediate on this passage and be blessed!

New Year 2019

Tomorrow officially marks the first day of the New Year for me.  January 1^st included black eyed peas, cornbread, and my favorite, cabbage. We also briefly tossed around the idea of resolutions here. However, the first day back to school is when I really see fireworks and think new beginnings!   I assume other educators agree.  We get a generous Christmas vacation that continues on way past the New Year.  Thus, we mentally postpone the idea of transformation.

Now that we have a house full of teens- the late nights, lazy mornings, unscheduled meals, trips to the movies and friends coming and going lasts for what seems like forever!  We do have a revolving door, and I love it! 

Come tomorrow morning at 7:00, it all comes to an abrupt, somewhat screeching, halt for me personally.  I go back to school and for the first time in many years, full-time…prayers appreciated!  I feel like this is the right move.  I love my job and surprisingly have discovered I need the structure of working more in my mid-forties than less. 

My kids scattered this afternoon and vowed to enjoy one more day of freedom tomorrow.  As of Tuesday though, we are all back on schedule!  I probably should get out my pom-poms and make up a chant that includes phrases like get up, get moving, let’s do this, wake up, and no excuses.  It excites me!  We are being handed a new beginning, a new year, a new semester!  Since this is not my first rodeo, I have a few thoughts to share:

Schedule changes, like going back to school after summer or Christmas break, take time and patience for everyone involved.  This week will be trial and error and require some major attitude and priority adjustments.  The chaos and confusion most of us have allowed in our homes must get back to some type of order and structure – but it may take a week or even two.

This is also a great time to implement new ideas.  I pray I can revamp study time and phone time here.  I know better though than to roll out my plan until I think it through fully.  I need to “up” my parenting game, but not cause a major rebellion.  Likewise, I need to eat better, but not follow a fad.  The library needs my attention, but it will happen one book, one class at a time – not overnight! 

Resolutions fade quickly, but when we seek the Lord daily, He promises to guide and help us with necessary changes.  Jesus says in John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.  Apart from me, you can do nothing.”  This verse never gets old to me. My honest desire is to bear good fruit and to do something good every day!  This requires a constant connection to the Lord. 

My pastor today said something that totally summed up my desires for 2019.  He said “Let us be known as a loving church.”

How great is that?  I quickly wrote it down and added a few more lines.

Let me be known as a loving person.

Let us be known as a loving family.

Let us be known as a loving school.

Let us be known as a loving community. 

This is my humble goal and will not be accomplished if I operate in my own flesh.  I must seek Jesus Christ daily. Join me.  If you need a fresh idea for 2019, then borrow “Let me be known as a loving person.” 

Have a blessed week! 

Polar Express 2018

I witness a lot at school.   Trust me, I am not the only one!  Most educators silently dream of writing a book about their daily escapades and retiring early from the earnings on their own bestseller.  Teachers mentally store sentimental stories, silly stories, and outrageous stories that no one outside of education would even begin to fathom.  We file them all deep inside of our minds, but really deep inside of our hearts.   

My funny tales outnumber too many to even recall.  I vividly remember the time a kindergarten student brought her teacher a “scratch-off lottery ticket” and asked if she could cash it in and put the money on her lunch account.   It was a winner!   She got her lunch money. 

A fellow co-worker recently announced over the loud speaker to our precious janitorial helper that we needed a clean-up in the boy’s bathroom.   Her initial request was acceptable, but then she went on to say “There is number 2 all over it, and I know you are busy-but please hurry.”  Only educators can truly appreciate this type of a mess. 

Truthfully, educators often get delirious.  It is not just the kids that are challenging.  It is more often the paperwork, test scores, and meetings that get us.  The best times of my life have been in a hallway when the adults get totally childlike, ecstatic, and just let go.  I’ve seen grown men and women dance, cheer, sing, and totally let loose before ten o’clock in the morning when it will benefit their students.  There is no other profession like education. I love it!

My best times of my life as a teacher have also been quite serious, sad, and somber. A few kids have asked to come and live with me.  One in particular is now in his twenties and sadly still dealing with many of the same challenges he had in third grade.  He knows I love him.  I pray for him.  He loves me too.  

My Mesquite students stay in touch with social media.  They taught me way more than I ever taught them.  I once wanted a counseling degree, but teachers are natural counselors for sure with the help of the LORD. I have humbly been the go-to with big issues like divorce, death, and extreme disappointment. 

Having no money to shop at the book fair or not having a parent present for specials events at school also top my list of counseling experiences.  I will say that hugs are miracle workers.  Let’s all smile for 30 seconds and see what happens is also a wonderful “go-to” that always guarantees laughter and happiness. 

“The Polar Express” reminded me the past two weeks that children are amazing and often will teach adults more than we can teach them.  The library at my elementary school hosts a major, traditional, experience.  It includes an imaginary train ride, lights, decorations, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, dancing, singing, and much more. Our favorite songs are Rudolf and Jingle Bells.  Everyone gets up and active.  I lost weight because of the extreme cardio. 

What captivated me last week was “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS.”  I witnessed with class after class the same thing.  Kids instantly joined arms, stood up without prompting, and even requested for me to play that song again. 

My conclusion is of this phenomenon is that even with Amazon, the hustle, bustle, and obvious excitement over the coming of Santa and his reindeer, that Jesus still means the most!

Jesse Tree

If you find yourself in need of a conversation starter during this holiday season and lack the necessary creative juices to come up with one - just roll with “What are your holiday traditions?”  This question always opens up a can of worms! 

It brings to mind what customs we grew up with, what we do now, and what we would love to do with our people in the future.  I personally always liked the idea of hiding a pickle in the tree.  Whoever finds the pickle ornament gets a prize.  I have no clue where I even heard this and never have managed to implement it.  Perhaps next year? 

Years ago, a dear woman in town introduced many of us to the “Jesse Tree.”  I am forever grateful that she did.  When my kids were younger and life was crazy, “Jesse Tree” devotionals and ornaments kept us focused on Jesus during the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

So, what are our traditions now?  We gather on Christmas Eve to dip pretzels and cookies in white chocolate.  We then adorn them with colorful, sugary sprinkles and usually consume most instantly.

On Christmas Day, we bake a cake and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus after the real food and dishes are finished.  The chaos here has calmed way down over the years.  There are no toys to assemble.  Nevertheless, Santa continues to enjoy our cookies and milk.  There are still six stockings proudly hanging and waiting for him to arrive and stuff full of treats. 

Our pastor asked me to do the children’s message this week. My topic was Christmas and what I love about it.  Some of my favorites were planned from my Bible, but some were totally spontaneous. 

I was caught off guard when a precious family lit the Second Advent candle.  The baby of the bunch was ready to protest.  She was absolutely beautiful in her red dress, but appeared bored and agitated with  the shenanigans.  Her dad eloquently delivered his message about the candle and big sister helped him light it.  Big brother watched.  

I wondered what was next.  I have never been “THE” family lighting the advent candle, but I have been in the spotlight often and outnumbered by children.  Baby girl began to fuss, squirm, and let her presence be known!  

The most amazing thing happened though right in front of our eyes. When her mom stepped up to the mic holding her and began to pray, she was suddenly silent and totally content.  I know from experience that the Word of God is life and death.  It can transform any situation- but I saw it today again with this family in a real way. 

I did peek during the prayer to see if someone had shoved a bottle into her mouth.  Nope, The Word calmed her.  It was a beautiful and unexpected testimony of Christmas and the power of Jesus.  I referenced this “phenomenon” in the children’s message.   

The choir then sang “Blessings” by Laura Story right in the middle of the traditional Christmas cantata.  The lyrics include this “What if your blessings come through raindrops, What if your healing comes through tears, what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near.  What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?”

I absolutely loved this part of our worship.  It was unexpected, but very fitting for what we all deal with in real life.

Likewise, Luke 2:10 also includes us all.  It says “Do not be afraid, I bring good news that will be for all of the people.”  All of the people?  That includes you.  That includes me.  Claim and live in the Good News this week. 

Christmas 2018

If you find yourself in need of a conversation starter during this holiday season and lack the necessary creative juices to come up with one - just roll with “What are your holiday traditions?”  This question typically opens up a whole can of worms! 

It brings to mind what customs we grew up with, what we do now, and what we would love to do in our own homes and circles in the future.  I personally have always liked the idea of hiding a pickle in the tree.  Whoever finds the pickle ornament gets a prize.  I honestly have no clue where I even heard this one and never have managed to implement it.  Perhaps next year? 

Years ago, a dear woman in town introduced many of us to the “Jesse Tree” experience.  I am forever grateful that she shared it.  When my kids were younger and life here was absolutely crazy, our “Jesse Tree” devotionals and daily ornaments kept us grounded and focused on Jesus Christ during the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

So, what are our traditions?  We gather here on Christmas Eve afternoon to dip pretzels and sugar cookies in white chocolate and adorn them with an abundance of colorful, sugary sprinkles.  

On Christmas Day, we bake a cake or find something to put a candle in and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.  The chaos here has calmed way down over the years.  There are no toys to assemble.  Nevertheless, Santa continues to enjoy our cookies and milk.  There are still six stockings proudly hanging and waiting for him to arrive and stuff full of treats. 

Our Pastor asked me to do the children’s message today. My topic was Christmas and what I love about it.  Some of my favorites were planned, but some were totally spontaneous. 

I was caught off guard right before my turn when a precious family lit the Second Advent candle.  The baby of the bunch was ready to protest.  She was absolutely beautiful in her red dress, but appeared bored and agitated with all of the shenanigans.  Her Dad delivered his message about the candle.  Then, big sister helped him light it, while big brother looked on quietly.  I wondered what was next.  I have never been “THE” family lighting the advent candle, but I have been in the spotlight many times and outnumbered by children.  Baby girl began to fuss, squirm, and let her presence be known!  

The most amazing thing happened though right in front of all of our eyes. When her Mom stepped up to the mic with her on her hip and began to pray, she was silent and totally content.  I know that the Word of God is life and death.  It can transform any situation- but I saw it today again.  I peeked during the prayer to see if they had shoved a bottle or pacifier into her mouth.  There was nothing!  The Word of God calmed and made her totally content.  It was a beautiful testimony of Christmas and Jesus.  It caught me off guard; therefore, I referenced it in the children’s message. 

The choir sang “Blessings” by Laura Story.  The lyrics include this “What if Your healing comes through tears, what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near.  What is if trials of this life are your mercies in desquise.

What now?

This is the last afternoon of our wonderful Thanksgiving break at home.  Actually, that is a lie.  Every minute of life here is not wonderful!   I cannot say we really fight, but we spat, stress each other out, and sometimes spontaneously leave the room to escape to find our own peace.

Even with the ups and downs that come naturally with family dynamics, I have enjoyed my time at home. Thankfully too, our house is decorated for Christmas.  My laundry is nearly finished, and we have left-overs in the fridge to get us by until Wednesday.  I like being here to casually entertain whoever shows up.  I stress the word casually, because nothing here is fancy.  My expectations of “home” sure have changed over the years. 

When we only had two kids and lived in Dallas, I was a slave to my home.  I still am, but in a very different way.  Back in the day, my floors were spotless!  My pillows were fluffed and furniture was dusted.  Sadly though, I wasted time trying to make stuff look good, marking everything off of my to-do list, and being busy!  Currently, I just cook whatever I can find and line up paper plates on the bar for kids to eat and enjoy. 

If there is one thing I regret as an older mother, it is not spending enough time with my kids when they were younger. My priorities were a mess!   I wanted a perfect home!    Dishes in the sink and toys not picked up sent me over the edge. 

In an odd way and addressing the topic again, cancer was good for me.  It taught me that life boils down to people.  When I take my last breath, I will not think…are the beds made?  I will ask…who is here with me and who is going to meet me one day in heaven?

Why such a serious topic this week?  I could have chosen leaves falling or thankfulness; however, a season has ended for us, another one begins tomorrow. 

Thanksgiving Break will abruptly come to an end at 6:30 in the morning when my alarm clock goes off.  We need to get back on task with schoolwork, working out, eating well, and going to bed at a decent time.  I also have one or two topics I need to address specifically with my kids.  I need to “reel” them back in – and myself!   The past two weeks have been nothing but Eagle football, holiday festivities, and fun.

I love football and specifically my boys playing football.  Thursday and Friday nights since late August have been consumed by it.  So many of “my people” are involved.  I love our band, they are the heartbeat of Friday nights.  I love the cheerleaders, parents, grandparents, my elementary principal showing up, our coaches, their families, the volunteers who make sure the flags are flying in town and that the hot dogs are ready.

Friday was the last game of our season.  It left me with the thought:  What now?  It forced me to think… what needs to happen next with me personally and with my family?  Before I could think forwardly, I looked back.  That took me to back to the old days of trying to keep my house perfect and sweating the small stuff, like I mentioned.  I thank God that is over! 

What is next?  Psalm 37 is one of my favs.  It says “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  I am starting there this week. Join me please. 

2013- Eagle football!

Me in an auto parts store

I went on a real adventure Saturday afternoon.  My husband sent me on an errand.  The objective was simple.  I was given a spark plug and told to get another spark plug just like it at the auto parts store. 

Auto parts stores on Saturday afternoon are very busy.  On this particular day, there were local townsfolk shopping for batteries and such, but there were also several people just passing through town who encountered trouble and needed help. 

There were two men in need of a carburetor.  Luckily, the gentleman at the counter had the exact carburetor they needed; however, there was evidently nobody in town to replace the old one.  The men got busy on their phones and tried to find the closest place that could help them.  They decided on Madisonville and set out as advised, without their air turned off and their fingers crossed, to hopefully make it to their destination. Another woman was stranded I guess because a tow truck came and towed her out of the parking lot.

My task seemed simple compared to all of theirs.  The kind lady looked at my spark plug and quickly searched for a match on her computer.  She found one and sent me on my way. 

When I got home and proudly showed it to my husband, he immediately knew it was the wrong one.  I could have given up at that point and let him go to town like he offered, but I did not.  I accepted the challenge, hopped back in the car, and headed back to town. 

Round two:  Upon closer inspection, the spark plug that had been used in our old Chevy was an after-market one.  There was not an exact match, but I got one that would work. 

I laughed as usual at the fiasco I found myself in.  I mean…me at the auto parts store, two times, talking spark plugs, yet not having a clue what I was talking about.  I obviously did not have any background knowledge of spark plugs to use as a reference point. I did not even know if I was on the right track or not.  I was clueless!  All I could do was laugh and “act” the part.

There are obviously things in life that are more important and crucial to me than spark plugs.  I can fully accept not knowing random truck parts.  I don’t even want to know about truck parts.  However, there are things I cannot accept knowing nothing about, such as having a good marriage, raising decent children, how to make my school better, how to help my community, etc. 

Most of all though, I want to know more about living a life that pleases the LORD and points others in the right direction, in HIS direction.  Even if I openly admit that life as a Christian is not perfect and that sin sure can get the best of me, I know without a doubt that walking hand in hand with Jesus Christ is the only way to go.  Jesus is peace, joy, and an abundance of everything good!  He is life.

If I want to know more about living a life pleasing to God, I will have to intentionally study the Word, listen to Christian music, pray, and spend time with the Lord.  Nothing good is going to come to me via osmosis.  My walk with the Lord does not just affect me either.  It is a ripple effect that touches my husband, children, students, and others in my community.   

In Acts 4:13 Luke writes about Peter and John “they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” 

My goal this week is to be with Jesus.  Join me. 

truck full of junk!

The Monico crew is beginning round two of baseball and softball this week.  Sadly, both of my high school players are finished.  I mourned the end of their seasons and caught myself thinking…what now?  Even though my daughter will play softball for most of the summer and my son will individually work here on his baseball skills, there is nothing like supporting your kids and their high school teammates. 

Round two begins for us officially though because the younger two Monicos play their first games this week.  There has been some fierce instruction the past few days in the backyard.  Luckily, my only job is to fetch stray balls.  The dogs and I stay busy trying to keep up with Blaise and her pitching. 

Yesterday, I had a date with just Bosque and Blaise.  We spent the afternoon in Dallas getting Bosque outfitted and ready for the year.  It was a quick, successful, and expensive trip to his favorite store, Dick’s Sporting Goods.  We made a pit stop at Starbucks on the way home, so my day was complete! 

At one point when we were barreling south down I-45, we came upon a pick-up truck packed completely full of mattresses and boxes.  The truck bed was jam-packed and moving slowly with its hazards on.  A smaller car followed closely behind it with its hazards on as well. 

I thought to myself, as we zoomed past them, that I sure was glad they were cautiously creeping along, because if they lost their load, it would be a mess!  The construction along I-45 is already is a fiasco.  I cannot even imagine what kind of a delay travelers might face with mattresses and home goods everywhere.

The thought occurred to me as we passed the truck that we all move slower when we are bogged down.  Carrying a heavy load always means more labored movement.  That is true for vehicles and it is true for us.  In Psalm 38:4 David says “For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.” 

Sin always makes me feel YUCK!  It zaps my energy, creativity, and joy.  I move slower and think slower when I get myself in a bind.  I feel weighed down and like I am carrying a heavier load than normal when I am out of fellowship with the LORD and living in disobedience.  I also feel alone!

Luckily, the truck had another vehicle traveling right behind it.  The driver of that car had two jobs I assume.  The first job was to operate her own car.  Her second job was to watch the load that was in front of her and make sure that it did not shift or start to move.  The shifting of just one box could have been disastrous.  It was important that everything remained strapped on stayed put. 

That is NOT true for us and sin.  We need NOT keep old junk strapped on and carry it around like a heavy burden.  Sin does not need to stay put!  Sin needs to go!  

Psalm 38 gets worse as it goes on.  David is violently troubled by his own sin, but cries out to the LORD at the end.  Verse 21 and 22 say “LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.  Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.” 

Just like David, we can ask the LORD to help us this week.  Call out to your Lord and Savior. Forgiveness begins with Him.  Why carry such a load? 

If you give a mouse a cookie...

I read one of my favorite books to a group of kids last week at reading camp.  I absolutely love watching the eyes of little ones light up when they hear a story for the first time.  They usually lean in to get closer to the book to seemingly absorb every detail possible.   Storytime is the main reason I love working in a library. 

I still  believe in the power of storytelling. By that I mean… a real story told by a real human being, not a computer or phone.  It may sound cliché, but books can come to life! 

Last week we journeyed through several genres and made sure we had fun along the way.  “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff was one of our top picks.  One thing leads to another with the mouse in this circular tale.  

The mouse gets a cookie, then he wants milk, then a straw, then a mirror to check for a milk mustache. The story goes on and on until it circles back to him wanting a cookie.  In another version, there is a mouse who wants a muffin.  This leads to apple juice, his Grandmother’s sweater, and so on. I saw several eyes roll at the ridiculousness of the characters not controling their own thinking, desires, and actions.

I laughed with my group last week, but I also wanted to cry!  I realized as I read “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” that I was somewhat like the character in the book.   One thing has led to another, as it typically does in the spring with my family!  My thoughts and actions have been moving quickly…leaving me a bit dizzy from so much going on and finally desperately in need of rest. 

Therefore, I planned a day of NOTHING!  By this I mean an intentional, guilt-free day of rest.

My rest began yesterday morning.  I dropped off my son and work at 7:00 and snuck by the donut store to buy an apple fritter.  A warm apple fritter and a cold glass of milk have always been among my favorite indulgences.  Something about the apple flavor, texture, and the sweetness of it all combined puts a smile on my face and puts me in a carbohydrate coma. 

My plan worked. I rested and slept. I sat in my husband’s chair and sipped my coffee. I relaxed more.  I did absolutely nothing until early afternoon.  Then I was ready to get up, and I l felt so much better.   I was back! 

I looked back over the blur of the past few months.  High school softball lead to high school baseball, which lead to prom, homework, and standardized tests.  More school work led to Project Graduation, which led to numerous end of the year activities and awards ceremonies.  Little league softball and baseball began, the school year ended, and that took us right into the county fair.  We closed out the fair with Father’s Day, and I started reading camp. 

By the time reading camp concluded, I was tired!  I do not regret a single second I spent in bleachers, the car, the library, or at the fairgrounds; however, every season has an end.  My spring is complete. I now am officially in slow, summer mode. 

Mark 6 tells the story of Jesus going, going, and going.  After feeding the five thousand, Jesus told his disciples in verse 31 “Come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.” 

I believe in living life to the fullest. I also believe in rest!  Join me this week and do both. 

FCA

Friday mornings are one of my favorite times of the week.  I hang out with a bunch of junior high kids at Fellowship of Christian Athletes, otherwise known as F.C.A.  We gather in the gym at 7:30 for a few minutes.

 Kids volunteer most of the time and share what the LORD has laid on their heart.  They typically pair up and lead as a team. It is quite amazing to sit there on the gym floor and listen as they minister to their peers.  Their courage impresses me to say the least.  I do sit on the floor with the students, Indian style, as we used to call it when I was in grade school.  The proper term now is “criss-cross apple sauce.”  It takes me a few minutes to get up off of the gym floor, but I usually can count on a kid or two to grab my hand and pull me up. 

Something happens in school buildings a few weeks after Spring Break…and that “something” is bad!  Nearly everyone gets lazy and starts acting like the year is over, when it is not over at all!  We as educators and students still have a lot to accomplish. 

Our F.C.A. attendance has even been down. On a particular week in late March, I went into the girl’s locker room and started pulling girls out.  The “regulars” were not even being regular!  I let them know real quickly that I was not afraid to hunt them down. 

I happened to be teaching this particular day and the Lord totally took me in a direction I had not planned.  I gave the kids and adults in the room a good, old fashioned pep talk about how we still had to come together and meet!  I pleaded with them to keep on coming, keep on working, and that every single one of them mattered to Jesus and to our group.  Teenagers often feel invisible.  I wanted them to know that without a doubt each and every one of them was significant. 

I thought of the parable in Luke 15:4 when Jesus poses the question “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.  Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” 

I sent one kiddo over to the corner isolated from the group.  I left the group and walked towards her, showing them how Jesus will search us out individually like the parable teaches.  I brought the young lady back with me, illustrating how Jesus will even bring us back when we go astray. 

I took it to another level and sent Michelle, my volunteer, out through the middle of the crowd, across the gym from where I was.  Again, I walked towards her.  This time, totally led by the Lord, I explained to the kids that one sheep had drifted again; however, Jesus was going to get her.  When I got to Michelle, I asked her to fall down.  She did, but I picked her up.  At this point, she had drifted, fallen down, and needed help to get back to the group.  I assumed the role of Jesus and did just what He does so often.  I picked her up and carried her back to the crowd on my back.  That sure does resonate with me.

Today, being Easter, and I woke up thinking how grateful I was that Jesus died for an unworthy person like me.  Without Him, I would be such a mess!  He came to seek and save what was lost. That includes me.  That includes you. 

County fair lambs

Our family increased by three the week after Spring Break when the lambs for the county fair moved in.  The kids named them Butch, Festus, and Winchester.

I showed lambs and heifers when I was a kid too.  I remember well the walking, feeding, and one fight in particular I had with my brother over who was going to carry the bucket of water out to the pen.  We both got spankings.

The county fair and camping out at the Emmons camp was the highlight of my year.  One of the reasons we loved it was the animal judging.  The real reason we loved the fair though was the meeting and mingling that took place over the five days and five nights. 

You see, boys and girls from all over the county came together dolled up and cleaned up in their best western attire.  Everyone tended to collide right in front of the Ferris wheel or over by the show pen, and it was fun!

Back to present tense…our kids work hard with their projects.  One may feed in the morning and one may feed at night, but they all individually walk and work with their lambs.  There is no substitute for knowing and nurturing your own animal. 

Brazos, the oldest one involved here, really has developed a knack for setting up his lamb and showmanship. He coaches his younger siblings and sometimes even takes their lambs into his own hands to “show” them what to do.

He demonstrates and then passes the lamb back to its rightful owner. My job is usually includes standing outside of the pen, keeping my shoes free of poop, and offering encouragement. 

We had a hiccup this week.  Blaise, the youngest of our fair participants, was as sick as a dog.  She spent three days in her Dad’s chair sipping on Ginger Ale, taking medicine, and trying to hold down crackers.  Obviously, she did not work with her lamb because of her illness.

Last night when Blaise was well enough to get back to business, her lamb acted like a fool! After three work sessions, we are nearly back to the point that Blaise can control her animal.  The time away from her sheep made a difference….and not a positive one.    

Her lamb does not responding to her like it did last week, and it is not just the lamb.  Blaise feels more frustration than joy and excitement.  It is going to take time!  Thank God we have a few more days until show time. 

This county fair project relates to most “projects” in life.  Anything that we want to do good in takes time, dedication, and work!  When we neglect our assignment, there will be consequences.  Often too…others can help out, but nothing can substitute for us personally connecting with our task and our own hard work. 

This is true for our relationship with the LORD too.  Others can pray for us and teach us, but the time we spend alone in Word and with our heavenly Father must be done personally. We must show up, there are substitutions or a way to pass the buck to someone else.    

In John 3:3, Jesus said “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”  Much like with the lamb, nothing can take the place of you personally connecting with your Father. Spend time with Him this week.  

Are you born again?  If so, spend some time this week with your Father.  If not, call on the name of Jesus, you will be saved; however, no one can do it for you.  You must call out to Him. 

Dodge pick-ups

This is an old journal entry I found from 2012.  It proves to be very significant now that Brazos has his driving permit and will get his license next year.

Brazos just turned 11.  He loves George Jones, Tom T. Hall, and his Dad's old pick-ups. The green Dodge is a 1990 model. Braz has big plans to drive it to high school. He said this week that he will never sell his Dad's old trucks. He even went so far as to say that HIS kids better not sell them! He wants the trucks to be here forever. "Can I take them to heaven, Mom?" he asked me yesterday.

I had to break it to him that he can't take anything to heaven. Then I changed my anything to...there is one thing we CAN take with us to heaven I believe: the people we have told about Jesus. We can take them.

When we share the love of Jesus with others and they too invite Him into their hearts, we are in a way taking them with us to heaven. Our relationships with people are the only thing that really will outlast this earth.

John 15:16 says "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last."

Share something with someone today that will last! A smile, a word of encouragement, a verse, an invitation to a CHRISTmas celebration, an apology, a second chance, a bit of your time to show you care. Show someone Jesus today. Be Jesus today to someone! That is guaranteed to last!

Oh, and if God is making a room in heaven right now for my son, I believe it will be full of old pick-ups; however, the trucks will MEET Brazos there. He will not take them with him!

It is now 2017 and a lot has changed around here.  I have changed a lot, some positive and some negative if I am completely honest.  My kids have grown up.  They are bigger and stronger than me, both physically and mentally in some areas. 

One of the things that has remained the same is how Brazos loves his Dad’s old Dodge.  When he gets his license in the Fall, the green Dodge will be his first vehicle.  We run our errands in it now.  I used to drive him around.  Now…he drives me.

I still remind him and my other kids about the truths I wrote many years ago in this journal entry.  We are active and more in the community than ever.  Just for old time’s sake, I will repeat them again.

Share something with someone today that will last! A smile, a word of encouragement, a verse, an invitation to a CHRISTmas celebration or a church service, an apology, a second chance, a bit of your time to show you care. Show someone Jesus today. Be Jesus today to someone! That is guaranteed to last! 

I pray this week that we all will bear fruit that will last and show someone else the LOVE of Jesus Christ.  Time sure is passing quickly…be blessed this week and be a blessing!