Operation Christmas Child

For the past 12 years, it has been my privilege to be involved with Operation Christmas Child. Anyone can get involved in helping send Christ's love, packed in a shoebox, to children around the world.

Operation Christmas Child is able to enter into countries that have been affected by war, disease, famine, poverty and the like and give just a little bit of Christmas cheer in the name of Christ to children and their families.

I can hardly watch the videos of kids, so happy to receive a little box with soap, toothpaste & toothbrush, and a few small toys. We, who have so much can certainly give...it takes so little!

This year, I have determined to do more than I have ever done before. My daughter, Emily, is using her birthday money to fill a shoebox.

If you are in the KC area and want to fill a shoebox or need more info, leave me a comment. If you want more info, click on the picture above and it will take you to the website.

For me, its just another way to minister to those who can so easily be forgotten.

Comfort One Another (Especially those who can easily be forgotten)

Ever since I was a child, I've always seemed to have a hard time adjusting to things that mark the passing of time. As I've gotten older, I seem, for the most part, to have an easier time dealing with it.

Yesterday, however, was a tough one. For the past almost 14 years we've been here in KS, there has been a sweet, sweet older couple in our church. This past year, they lost both a son and son-in-law to cancer. Just a few weeks after the death of their son-in-law, this older lady had a major stroke. Because her left side is paralyzed, she's had to be placed in a nursing home.

I went to see her yesterday. Next to saying goodbye to my grandpa in the hospital, this was one of the hardest visits I've ever made. I found her laying in her bed sobbing. All I could think to do was hold her, stroke her hair, wipe her tears and tell her that we love her. Thankfully she fell asleep and I left....and went to the car and cried. This is not the woman I knew. In just a short, short period of time, this self-sufficient, proud woman lies in a bed sobbing tears of hopelessness.

I said all that to say this. As hard as it is, we can't forget these people. In fact, she needs our love and caring more than she ever did. Ever since yesterday, I've been asking God to comfort her in that part of her soul that feels hopeless...to reach down and wrap her in His arms and give her peace. I'm going back at the end of the week and I'm bringing things to comfort her soul. Music CDs and God's Word and prayers.

One day that will be my parents. One day that will be me.

A Drive By The Lake

We went to the lake to get pictures like this...

and this.
But when a boy ignores a sign like this...

and thinks he can walk down a ramp like this...

You get a picture like this!!

I Had A Feeling

Call it mother's intuition, call it what you will, but when Amy brought this dog home several months ago I had a feeling he'd end up at my house. Right after she bought him, her hours changed at work and during the week, she works long, late hours. This little guy, Lou, was home alone....alot. And he hasn't done well at home all by himself for long periods of time. In fact, he's been quite naughty.

Amy knew she was going to have to find him a good home and I wished her good luck. Yeah...the joke was on me because my son, Jacob, wouldn't hear of that dog going to another home...especially since Lou had been beaten so badly in his previous home. So, arrangements were made and as much as I don't want or need a 3rd dog, Lou was on his way. As part of the arrangement, Amy had to take one of my cats. Missy, who has been with me for 7 or 8 years. She's a sweet little cat but I've often thought that she'd do great in a home where she was the only animal.

The day of the great exchange, I think both Amy and Lou were a little traumatized (he had been exceptionally bad his last day at home with her.)

She took the cat and I got the dog. And I'm proud to say, he's doing great. He sweet and loving and needed attention and needs a yard where he can run (and potty).

Jazz Men

Part of the Fall Festival festivities sponsored by Bethel College, is a Jazz Fest on the green. Under a large tent, the two college jazz band along with a local high-school jazz band performed all afternoon.

I brought along my camera but only snapped about 4 pictures. This was one of them. My nephew, Zack, my son, Josh, and my dad...enjoying the cool sounds of big bands and jazz.

Into The Woods

This year's musical: "Into The Woods." It's a bunch of fairy tales. Josh played the Wolf to Red Riding Hood and Prince Charming to Cinderella. It was GREAT!!!!! In my opinion, he played the sinster wolf part just a little too well :-)

I had a couple books by Stormie Omartian, one of which was,

"The Power of a Praying Parent."

It was a great resource while my kids were young. However, in the last couple years, I really wished there was something out there for parents of adult kids. Because frankly, there are days when I just have no idea what to do or what my role is, when I should say something, when I should be quiet, etc.

Then I found this book and its been incredible! In fact, I offered a book club/small group for mom's of adult kids at our church and the response has been overwhelming. (Apparantly I wasn't the only one who didn't have a clue)!

The author offers sound, scriptural, godly, and practical advice for parents. I've learned alot about my kids and I've learned alot about myself and most important, I'm learning how to more effectively pray for them. Frankly there were some areas where I needed an attitude adjustment.

We are in the process of having another one turn 18. He's already wanting more and more independent. I know the process by now. I don't always like it but I know it and I know how the process ends....another one leaving. This time around, I feel a bit wiser and to his benefit, the first two broke me in. :-)

Uncle Bill

Growing up, some of the most special people in my life were my aunts and uncles. Unfortunately for most of my life, I have lived a pretty good distance away from them. My Uncle Bill and Aunt Sue were probably at the top of the fun charts when I was a kid. They just always had a knack for interacting well with kids.

Much to our sadness, Aunt Sue passed away early in 2009. Her passing leaves an absence in our family that cannot be filled. Even from this distance, I miss her.

It was so very good, to see and spend some time with my Uncle Bill this past weekend. I think, perhaps, one of the coolest things was that my kids got to know him. He's still fun and he still interacts so well with kids. He played games with them and took them to dinner. And they got to see how much alike he and their grandma are!

I admire my Uncle so much. I admire the man of God he is. He's humble, he's quiet, he's godly, and his character and faithfulness through his life speak volumes to me and his great-neices and nephews.

An afternoon at the Racetrack

So NASCAR came to town last weekend. The track is so close that if you are a fan, it's almost impossible not to feel the excitement. We had talked about going on Friday (Qualifying Day) and at first, both of my kids and my nephew Zack were going to go. Because of school commitments, neither one of the kids ended up going and it turned out to be just Zack and I.

First off, I didn't know Zack was such a fan. We had such a good time and the weather was about as perfect as it could get.

This is the SPEED stage (if you are a racing fan, you know this channel). They were just starting audience warm-ups for the show and we really, really wanted to stay and be on TV and see Jimmie Johnson. We stayed as long as we could before we had to leave to honor a dinner engagement!

This is our favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. This is an actual hood from a car he drove at Talledega. Zack is telling me in this picture he can feel the power!!