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!