The Sweet Heart, The Charmer

Nali and I very hesitantly left for the vet's office this morning. Her echocardiogram was scheduled for 11:00am, and they assured me that I would know the results just a few minutes after it was over. We went into the lobby and didn't have to wait too long before the vet tech called for her. I unfortunately had to wait in the lobby but only for a few minutes.

~

Let me just say for the record that my dog really is a charmer. I don't say that to boast in my pet, but Nali is a charmer and a flirt. I don't know how many treats the techs and the doctor himself gave her while we were there simply because she's so obedient and completely adorable. While the tech was checking Nali's weight, she licked his face instead of shaking uncontrollably as most dogs would. When they called me back to hear the results of the echo, the vet said, "Wow, she just laid there perfectly calm while we were running the test. I wish all the dogs that came through here were so relaxed!" And of course, Nali being the dog she is who knows when people are complimenting her, she was walking around in circles wagging her tail and smiling the whole time.

~

The results of the echocardiogram were excellent! Nali shows no signs of heart disease or anything else serious, just a valve in her heart that's not fully cooperating. This is the best news to receive in regard to a heart murmur because it's the most minor cause and leaves little to no reason for concern. All he said was that he will continue monitoring her heartbeat at the annual appointments...and then he gave her another treat before we headed out the door. I think when all was said and done Nali received at least six treats during the half hour we were there!

To wrap up such good news with more good news -

Nali's lost 7 pounds!

I love my dog :)

Worth Your Time to Read

Let me begin by saying that on mornings such as this, I am extremely thankful for those leaders and elders who are far more poignant in their speech than I could ever hope. Let me also say that regardless of how the election was going to turn out last night, Christians were going to be faced with crucial issues to contend with as far as our nation is concerned. Whether political, economic, ethical, or social concerns, Christians are always faced with difficult national and world matters, and I have already heard many commentators make mention of this (some of whom may not even be professing believers).

Please take a few moments today, whether stopping in the middle of a hectic workday, or during your quiet moments of prayer and reflection, and read the post Dr. Al Mohler wrote early this morning. I could not have been so eloquent in writing out my own thoughts regarding this unique and nation-altering election:

America Has Chosen a President

In his blog entry yesterday prior to the election results, Dr. Mohler also listed some specific ways in which we can be praying for our country and her leaders:

• Pray that God will bless America with leaders better than we deserve.
• We should pray that Americans will be motivated to fulfill the responsibilities of citizenship, yet also that we will be stripped of an unhealthy and idolatrous confidence in the power of government to save us.
• We should pray that God will prick the conscience of the nation on issues of morality, righteousness, and respect for marriage as the central institution of human civilization.
• We should pray that this election would lead to even greater opportunities to preach the Gospel, and that the freedom of the church will be respected, honored, and protected.
• We must pray for the church, praying that the church of the Lord Jesus Christ would be strengthened in the truth, grounded in the faith, and empowered for witness and ministry.
• May God grant us mercy and grace as we seek to fulfill our responsibilities as citizens -- and our responsibilities as Christians. This world is not our home, but we do bear responsibilities as followers of Christ as we are living here. May God bless America, not because this nation deserves to be blessed, but because He is a God of grace and mercy. Oh God . . . save us from ourselves.

The Early Morning of Election Day

While the sun was still far below the horizon, with frost on my car and coffee mug in hand, I slipped out my front door this morning to be at my designated polling place in the St. Matthews area. I was glad after all that I decided to arrive early (though my brain and warm sheets were telling me otherwise before I climbed out of bed) since the line was already spilling out the door when I arrived at 6:05.

I tend to jump to conclusions during such crucial times, particularly when so much is at stake. My mind starts reeling at the slightest thought of all the seemingly countless implications that come with whichever candidates are elected. I am reminded of my convictions, the truths which I cannot sacrifice at the altar of comfort, potential change, or even financial stability. If my grandparents were able to persevere through such seasons as the Great Depression and the second World War, then I am encouraged knowing that millions have gone before us through their own significant periods of time. Every generation is defined by particular political, economic and ethical issues, and we have all been reminded in recent weeks and months of those which will define us, those aspects of our time which will be remembered in the history books to come.

The purpose of this post is not to voice my political stance. This is not an opportunity for me to put my opinions up on a pedestal, though I am assuming that those of you who know me can probably guess where I stand during this particular election season. I read a good reminder for all of us on someone else's blog early this morning: candidates are not perfect. With an attitude of humility, we must remember that candidates for any political race are fallen human beings just as we are, and may we exercise the same level of respect and humility towards them as we would hope they would have for us were the tables turned. With this in mind, knowing that we are all imperfect, I can only put forward to you the mindset I had as I approached the voting booth this morning.

It begins with admitting that I don't know all of the details, the ins and outs, of every single issue at stake this year. Particularly in regard to discussions of the economy, my mind starts swimming either out of frustration or confusion (or both). Regardless of the particular issues at hand, all I can do is return to the principles of my worldview. When my head is clouded with what I don't know, I must return to those things which I do know:

• On what ground do I determine what is right and wrong, ethical and unethical?
• What is the foundation on which I base all of my principles and convictions? Is that foundation solid?
• What is a Christian worldview?
• What are the principles that are fleshed out based on a Christian worldview?
• What are the principles I absolutely cannot move away from? What are the principles I am unwilling to sacrifice? (i.e. the sanctity of human life)
• When I set aside all of the media garbage, all of the talking heads and their personal opinions, what are the real issues at stake and what do I truly believe?

These are questions we MUST be asking ourselves as we evaluate the real reasons we are supporting a particular candidate. In a world of imperfect people, leaders included, only one Source is reliable and will lead us into all truth as we seek wisdom. When we don't have all of the answers, when the decisions pertaining to our society and government are muddled, we can rest knowing that there is one Source of truth that is immovable and only on Him can we fully rely. I can't help but think of the opportunity I have as a believer to simply and graciously talk with others, particularly those in close proximity at my workplace, about why I choose the way I do. This is not an opportunity to boast in what we claim to know, to trump our opinions as absolute truth, but to engage in conversation with others when they are receptive. I have learned that it is possible to state your convictions and engage in conversation with others as an opportunity to share grace and truth with them. Seasons of change such as this one are full of opportunities for believers to share the reality that we don't put our trust and hope in man and why we don't! The candidate with whom we align ourselves should represent our worldview (or as close as possible), and as believers we should be prepared at a moment's notice to give an answer for the choices we make, including the candidates we support.

Ponder these words by John Piper written with the past couple of weeks: "We deal with the system. We deal with the news. We deal with the candidates. We deal with the issues. But we deal with it all as if not dealing with it. It does not have our fullest attention. It is not the great thing in our lives. Christ is. And Christ will be ruling over his people with perfect supremacy no matter who is elected and no matter what government stands or falls. So we vote as though not voting. By all means vote. But remember: 'The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever' (1 John 2:17)." Remember these words in any opportunity you are given to engage in conversation with someone regarding the current trends in our society.

While I am on a seemingly endless trend of rambling this morning (I blame rising in the wee hours of the morning!), I will go ahead and close with these brief thoughts I received from my dear friend in a recent email forward:

TEN PROMISES NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

The Aroma of Christ in Life and In Death

My mother has had a rare and unforgettable opportunity in comparison to that of most other public school teachers. She had the opportunity to teach for many years at an elementary school unlike any I have ever seen. The teachers at this school were like a band of sisters, living life together both inside and outside of the classrooms. The majority of them were believers, making that bond of unity all the more strong. I personally, by extension of my mom, was blessed to know them as well. I witnessed friendships among women that will last a lifetime, and I was encouraged as a young woman by the fervent prayer support among them.

~

It was through these friendships and various connections that my mother and I were asked to sing in a wedding during the winter of 1998. I was a junior in high school, and the niece of my mom's principal at her school was getting married. My mom told the family that we would be more than happy to sing at the ceremony, and I still remember that intimate night in the small chapel where this sweet couple stated their vows to one another and entered into the covenant of marriage.

Almost ten years later, the Kaylor family is in the midst of a journey they would have never imagined for themselves. Jessica and Jake have been blessed with three beautiful daughters (two are in the picture above), and their extended family and friends have grown even more important and dear to them in recent years. In the spring of 2005, Jessica was diagnosed with breast cancer. It would be an understatement to simply say that the journey from then until now has been a rollercoaster. There were times early on when her body seemed free and clear, and then there were times when it seemed as if every inch of her body was taken over by this aggressive cancer. My mom has continued sending me updates these past three years, and some of the emails have been more hopeful than others. One thing has remained constant through the long and painful process - this family's faith in the Lord of all creation has been steadfast. I can only imagine how much Jessica and Jake's faith in Christ will have a lasting impact on those precious girls. I only met Jessica and Jake that weekend of their wedding many years ago, but I have still been encouraged as I have read the updates on how they are doing in the midst of the pain and seemingly endless struggle.

~

The email I received from my mom yesterday made my heart sink as I read the words over and over to myself. Yesterday was Jessica's last day. She had been at home with hospice care for many days with the family understanding that this day was at hand. Jake was notified by Jessica's nurse in the early hours of the morning yesterday that the moment would soon come. Jessica was surrounded by her precious family as she breathed her last and entered into that eternal rest. Yesterday was also their middle daughter's 7th birthday, and the family chose to celebrate even in the midst of the sorrow, showing their thanks to the Lord and celebrating the life He gives.

~

The believer's perspective on life and death is so foreign to that of the world (or should be). How can we possibly rejoice when faced with death and praise when someone has been taken from us? Do we see it as someone being taken from us, or do we view it as someone getting to see Christ before we do? We are all impacted in unique ways by death, depending on who we are and also on the one who as touched our lives and is passing. These were some of the thoughts running through my mind as we mourned the passing of my grandmother four years ago, and these thoughts returned yesterday as I read about Jessica's passing. For Christians who are approaching death, there is a strange combination of deep sorrow and peace. Our perspective on life and death should be foreign to those in the world because we have hope in the only One who lavishes peace on those whom He calls His own. We have hope because of that moment when He lavished His saving grace on us, we have hope for today as He is continually purifying us even when the process is seemingly unbearable, and we have hope for the day to come. We have hope because He promised us that future, that glorious day when we will finally see Him for whom we have so longed.

~

In the quiet moments of reflection and prayer for the Kaylor family yesterday, the song came to mind that my mom and I sang at Jessica and Jake's wedding almost ten years ago...

~

All I once held dear built my life upon

All this world reveres, and wars to own

All I once thought gain I have counted loss

Spent and worthless now, compared to this

(Chorus)Knowing you, Jesus knowing You

There is no greater thing

You're my all you're my rest

You're my joy, my righteousness

And I love you, Lord

Now my heart's desire is to know You more

To be found in You, and known as Yours

To possess by faith what I could not earn

All surpassing gift of righteousness

(Chorus)

Oh to know the power of Your risen life

And to know You in your suffering

To become like You in Your death my Lord

So with You to live and never die

(Chorus)

~

May you be encouraged by the Kaylors' journey on their blog: www.jessicakaylor.blogspot.com

Thoughts on Two Extra-Special Birthdays...

I had every intention of posting yesterday on the actual day when I was thinking of and celebrating two very special birthdays, but the hours just slipped on by. When it came time for me to wind down and relax on the couch, the times when I most prefer blogging or reading, my husband was using the laptop to prepare a sermon for his preaching class. Yeah, I think sermon preparation is a little more important than what I had in mind for myself last night...

~

The birthday I'll acknowledge first is that of my irresistible, big-hearted girl, Nali. My collie-border collie turned 5 years old yesterday, and we could hardly believe it as we watched her check out her birthday presents after I got home from work. Yes, we give our dogs presents for birthdays and Christmas! See the picture above? That was taken over two years ago when Nali's little sis came into the world and graced (?) us with her presence. Any plush toy you see atop Nali is now resting in peace. So we, of course, have to get her a special toy every once in awhile. Last night I got her a small plush soccer ball on my way home from work, and she loved it! We played for a little while before I tucked the ball away behind the couch (where her plush purple hippo dwells).
Nali's real presents this year, though, are a diet, increased exercise, and an echocardiogram. You would think she was a person! In all seriousness, though, at a followup appointment with the vet last week, he confirmed that the heart murmur he detected six months ago has gotten worse. While things are not critical yet, he still had to order an echocardiogram for her in order to figure out the cause. He strictly encouraged the diet and exercise, not only because any added weight can create added pressure on the heart, but also because she simply needs it. Since last week, we've enjoyed evening walks together. We either go by ourselves, or my husband takes her when he gets home from school in the afternoons. I must say, the walks have been a nice opportunity to simply exhale, unwind from a busy day, and, here recently, reflect on the past five years. Was there a time before Nali? Trying to imagine my life without her corresponds with trying to imagine my life prior to meeting my husband. The Lord so often blesses our lives with simple joys, and Nali's been that for both of us since the first day we laid eyes on her.

The other birthday I want to acknowledge is that of my niece, Isabelle, who turned 9 years old yesterday. The above picture was taken almost two years ago, and it's the most recent one I have. Not only am I prevented from being able to see her living hundreds of miles away, but the rest of my family also has not seen her in two years. We weren't able to send birthday cards or make phone calls either since we don't know where Belle, her younger half-sister, and her mom are living. I still remember this last time I visited her so vividly. I was home for the Thanksgiving holidays as usual, and my dad and brother took me over to visit her at her mom's house. We stayed for several hours, mainly since we couldn't bear to leave. Each time my dad has seen her, and by extension me seeing her, there is always the lingering question of how soon we will see her again. It breaks my heart how disunity can rip people apart from one another, and especially when it involves my niece. Belle is one of the most stunningly beautiful children I have ever laid eyes upon, there is no doubt that she is bright and loves to read, and yet we can't see her. We don't know when we'll see her again. The continual prayers for my brother always include her, primarily because his choices are what prevent us from being involved in her life. We pray fervently that one day she will know that there is a family who loves her, despite what other voices may be telling her right now. She is innocent and not to blame for what has led to this gulf in our relationship to her, but she is the one being made to suffer because of the actions and decisions of her parents. She is the one being fed suggestions and ideas that are not true, so we pray for truth. We pray that her heart will be convicted in ways that she may not be able to comprehend as a child, and that her eyes will be enlightened to the truth at some point. We can't see her, we don't know when we'll see her again, so we pray. We pray because we believe in a God who is sovereign over all the ways of man. Happy birthday, sweet Belle~

Fall Chili Cookoff!! (a.k.a. Productivity in the Workplace)

Perhaps the most anticipated team event where I work is the annual Fall Chili Cookoff. Each of the event teams (we're randomly assigned our event teams at the beginning of every year) picks a theme which is kept top secret from all of the other teams until the day of the cookoff. We are assigned a conference room and are able to decorate it according to our theme. Real judges come in from outside of the company to judge our team's chili, overall theme, and this year was added the pumpkin decorating. I was volunteered for that task even though I have never carved or painted a pumpkin in my life! So I stared at this ginormous pumpkin on my dining room table almost the entire week leading up to Friday before sitting down and attempting to make it look halfway presentable. See below for the results after SEVEN hours of work on Thursday night~


This side of the pumpkin was a mural of all things pertaining to my team's theme - The Price is Right!!

As I mentioned to a few people, I really was going to attempt drawing Bob Barker's face on this side of the pumpkin. Needless to say, drawing a cartoon face on paper is much easier than on the side of a pumpkin. So this side of the pumpkin stayed blank until about 11pm on Thursday night when I decided at the last minute to paint the show's logo.

The TV screen at the front desk of the office on Friday welcomed the judges who were coming in to judge the teams~

Tourists aren't tourists at The Price is Right without cheesy t-shirts (or just taping signs to themselves)! Mine was the actual shirt I wore to the show five years ago with my church's college group. The front says "The Price is Right with Jesus" and on the back is the passage from Corinthians "for you were bought with a price."

"Brian from Cocoa Beach" is elated to meet "Drew Carey" for the first time (the man who played Drew is actually a small British man who had to stuff his suit in order to get the effect of being puffy)

Our company has grown so much that we have to share conference rooms now for the chili cookoff. Our team shared a room with the team who had Winter Olympics as their theme. One of the Olympians tried to sneak into the show, and "Drew" managed to get an interview and sign an autograph before shooing her away~

"Drew" getting a photo op with one of his biggest fans~

We had three featured games from The Price is Right and "Plinko" proved to be the favorite!

Ms. Rhonda was on the team that had an 80s theme, and she definitely fit the part with her tight-rolled jeans!

Even some of our executives take the time to dress in a grass skirt if it means they are on the island vacation team~

This is a picture of productivity in the workplace - an ongoing game of Cornhole in the regional area~

My friend, Mindy, was on the team with the island vacation theme. She played the role of a tourist and took it as a great opportunity to bring sweet Rylie with her to work!

The company I work for continually promotes a positive environment and this is one of the many ways in which they do that. The team events not only allow us to pause and take a breath in the middle of an otherwise hectic week or season, but we also get to meet people from other departments that we may not really know otherwise. I had a great time, and it reminded me all the more of how much I love this time of the year!

(P.S. Our team came in 6th place out of 14, but we still had a blast! And my pumpkin came in 7th place...what??? Oh well, my team liked it at least!)

What Is Your Praise?

O My God,

You fairest, greatest, first of all objects,

My heart admires, adores, loves You,

For my little vessel is as full as it can be,

And I would pour out all that fullness before You in ceaseless flow...

I love You above the powers of language to express,

For what You are to Your creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

~Excerpt of a prayer of thanksgiving from Valley of Vision~

Each of us experiences seasons of praise, seasons of crying out, seasons of wondering where in the world the Lord has us or is taking us. If we stop each day and examine how many times we complain compared to how many times we are truly thankful, the contrast may be more surprising than expected. Even when we have reason to question, even in the darkest hour of the night, those whom He has called His own will always have reason to be thankful. Sometimes it takes a lightning bolt to remind us of His provision and goodness, and at other times it only requires a mere detail in an otherwise typical day.

Today, my moment of praise was somewhere in between the lightning bolt and the small detail. As many of my dear friends know, I had surgery on my mouth this summer. Even after health insurance covered their portion (insurance for which I am most grateful given my circumstances), the amount I owed was enough to make my stomach turn anytime I happened to glance at the bill - $1100. To some that may not seem like a huge deal, but for a young wife still in school and working to get her husband through school, such an amount left me feeling anxious to say the least. I immediately requested the hospital's application for financial assistance. I knew that it was a long shot since I don't consider myself poverty-stricken by any means, but I also knew that I should explore all of my options (i.e. anything to avoid the credit card, which I wouldn't be able to charge in good conscience). After almost two months of waiting, I received the letter in the mail today informing me of their decision upon reviewing my application. After taking a few deep breaths, I opened the envelope and read those long-awaited words, "We are pleased to inform you..." The balance I owed the hospital went from $1100 to $0. The hospital not only accepted my application for financial assistance, but they covered the entire balance.

Any feelings of anxiety for money over the coming months to pay for the surgery melted away instantly. One piece of paper reminded me of His overwhelming presence, His continual provision, and the peace only He can bring. I am still in awe of the fact that I owe absolutely nothing, and I can only attribute such a blessing to the Lord. I mailed that application knowing full well that the hospital did not have to grant me a penny of assistance, but He provided in this way. And even if the hospital had turned me down, He still provides and He leads us through every season in life.

Now I turn the topic over to any of you who may be reading. What is your praise this week? What was the instance, whether big or seemingly small, in which you were reminded of His goodness in your life? For those whom He calls by name, we never have far to look in order to see His hand at work.

Ladies Fall Tea

What better time of year for a ladies tea than the beginning of the autumn season? A handful of ladies from church put together a splendid tea on Saturday and the mid-morning turned out to be a sweet time of fellowship and listening to one woman's personal testimony.

The decor was so beautiful and a truly warm and welcoming atmosphere for the coming of autumn. We each left with the goodies on our plates - honey dipping spoons for our own hot tea at home and a cinnamon stick hot tea bag!

The ladies of Grace - Not all were able to attend, of course, but I was glad for the ones who were there. I am still getting to know many of the women at church, and this was such a wonderful opportunity to do so.

This why I am determined to learn how to cook and bake! Cranberry chicken salad sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, apple cinnamon bread, pumpkin bread, lavendar cookies, gingerbread scones...are you hungry yet? The spread was exquisite!

This sweet woman was our guest speaker at the tea on Saturday. She is a member at the church from which our church was planted, and it was truly encouraging to have her share with us. She gave her personal testimony, and God's grace was evident throughout. She reminded us that any pain in our lives should be neither watered down as if insignificant, nor should pain be magnified to the point that such experiences are the central focus. We should always view our suffering in light of God's sovereign grace in our lives. Even when we aren't aware, He is orchestrating it all for our good, sanctifying us, and preparing us for Himself.

Thank you, ladies, for such a memorable day! I am eager to see how the Lord continues to grow us together~

Stayin' Put or Movin' On Up?

Some friends and family may vaguely remember my feeble attempts at explaining my job when I first started at the company just over three years ago. It admittedly took me at least six months to come up with a semi-coherent summary sentence describing what Summit does, and even then, I was never confident about the garbled words coming out of my mouth. (And garbled they were!) I completely understand, especially now looking back, why I was received with the awkward smile and nod by those to whom I really did try explaining my job. It was just really difficult to explain to people, especially with my little to nonexistent knowledge of anything related to energy or the business world. Not to mention how my job even remotely related to my college degree and masters program...

If you're just tuning in, I work for an energy management company. Summit contracts with clients for the purpose of managing their electric power and natural gas usage to ensure that they are receiving the best for their buck. Now, these aren't residential clients with whom we contract, but rather companies that have large industrial sites that spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on their energy usage. For every unit of energy used there is a unit cost: multiply those and you get the total cost. (That is a very dumbed down explanation, but again, my explanation is a work in progress.) Imagine how effective the service of researching rates can be in saving such clients a significant amount of money in their overall spend. While Summit doesn't necessarily promise dollar savings, there is a whole gamut of services provided to the clients that. Not only do we contract with clients here in the U.S., but we have in the last year or two expanded to clients in other countries. Such growth is exciting and good for the company, but also understandably comes with its fair share of challenges.

So what do I, a seminary student with a church ministry undergraduate degree who prayed to pass any math or business classes I took in school, actually do at such a company?? Well, after spending the first two years in data management departments ("paper pushing" and glorified auditing of invoices), I have been on the new client team since February 2007. My team of four serves as the messengers between the client managers and our internal departments. We ensure that any new clients are correctly and completely entered into our computer system. We receive the data from the client via their assigned client manager, whether invoices or contracts, take it to the necessary departments for their expertise, and ultimately notify the client manager when their client has been completely setup in our system. What are helpful personality traits for the kind of position I am in? A people person who is able to communicate clearly and positively, someone with exceptional attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and pristine organization. Hmm...yeah, I would say the position I'm in is a pretty good fit (as long as you don't try to compare my work organization with my home organization!!). Now if only you could be a fly on the wall and see me attempt to apply all of these to a phone conversation with client manager who lives in Belgium but is originally from France, you might be in for some real entertainment!

I can look back on the past couple of years and clearly see the ways in which I have grown both individually and in how I relate to and work with others (I don't studder as much). My convictions have been sharpened when it comes to my role as a witness right in the middle of comfortable, middle America, and I have become increasingly more thankful for the ways in which the Lord has clearly provided by means of this particular job. After almost two years of being in this position, I am still always open for any opportunity for continued growth, which is why I applied last week for a position in a different department at Summit. I did not apply out of any negative feelings for my current job or co-workers, but simply for the opportunity to dive deeper into the actual services that Summit performs for our clients. The analyst position is a much more concentrated responsibility, one in which the individual becomes the "expert in residence" for whichever market he or she is assigned. I was eager to apply for the position as I could see the ways in which I had potentially been prepared for this kind of a move. The interview took place last Thursday, and I still had not received word when the weekend arrived. And then I didn't receive word on Monday. And then on Tuesday. Finally, after that many days of waiting anxiously (but honestly trying not to be anxious), I received the phone call late this afternoon. I timidly entered the regional manager's office and he proceeded to tell me the simple reasons for why I would not be the ideal candidate for this position. Everything he said was completely understandable, and I walked out feeling confident in the level of his honesty with me, but also encouraged by the positive things he told me about my career thus far at Summit.

So with a potential move up in the company (this move would have been a promotion of sorts), I spent the better part of the past several days asking myself "x-ray" questions, analyzing my heart and motives and dealing with the possibility of not being selected for the position. Regardless of whether or not I was offered the job, am I thankful for where I am at right now? What would such a transition solve, if anything, in my life right now? Would the increase in salary be worth it? Am I prepared for "no," or am I consumed with any self-centered notion that I had better be the one offered that job? Such were some of the questions I was flipping through as I prepared myself for the conversation that occurred today. When I arrived home after work, my husband obviously asked whether or not I had been offered the position since we have been waiting for this all week. He asked if I was alright with the decision they made, or if I was disappointed, and in all honesty...I was able to take a very refreshing breath and tell him that I am honestly completely at peace with the outcome. I have no reason at this point in my life to be disappointed because I have been given much more than I could have ever asked for or anticipated. The Lord has continually provided, and will only continue to do so in the ways He deems best. I couldn't ask for more...

His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. ~Psalm 147:10-11

Song for Sunday (and a look back at life just one year ago)

Almighty God

(T. Hughes)

~

The rising Sun that fills the sky

The starry host that lights the night

Reflecting Your glory

The mountain heights, forever stand

The rain that falls to soak the land

Respond to Your glory

~

Almighty God, in every way

You are above and beyond understanding

If we did not praise, the rocks would cry out

Glorious God, high above understanding

~

The vast expanse of earth and sea

Held by You in harmony

Speaks of Your glory

All You've made, since time began

Life itself, Your perfect plan

And it's all for You glory

~

Almighty God, in every way

You are above and beyond understanding

If we did not praise, the rocks would cry out

Glorious God, high above understanding

~

Creation joins as one to sing 'Glorious God'

So far about all earthly things

~

Almighty God, in every way

You are above and beyond understanding

If we did not praise, the rocks would cry out

Glorious God, high above understanding

Hiding Place

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. ~Psalm 91:1

Even before my sweet grandmother became ill and eventually went home to be with the Lord, she gave me two worn, paperback autobiographies. I remember my grandmother telling me stories about Corrie ten Boom and the honor I felt to receive these books about her life. More than ten years later, I have finally taken the time to read through them both. Now I know why she spoke so fondly as I have now been personally encouraged by the courageous life of this simple woman from Holland.

The Hiding Place is Corrie's retelling of her life growing up in a quaint Dutch town as the daughter of a watchmaker, and provides vivid detail of the night when everything changed forever. The ten Booms were some of the few Christians who hid Jewish families in their home, including a widespread networking system with other safe houses. The number of those hidden across the network was upwards of 800 by the time men from Hitler's regime broke down the door of the ten Booms' home and dragged them away to certain death in German concentration camps. Corrie tells of the heartache when she received news by word of mouth that her father did not last ten days, and I was then brought to tears as she described the experience of witnessing her sister Betsie also pass away. Corrie was finally released after spending roughly three years in several concentration camps. She did not find out until many months had passed, beyond the final liberation of these prisons, that she was released due to a clerical error. Corrie ten Boom was not supposed to leave the doom of the German camp that day. Less than a week after she walked outside the gates in freedom, all adults of her age group were sent to the gas chambers. In the sovereign plan of her Maker, she was supposed to leave that day, for He had more in mind for her life than she could have even remotely comprehended.


One of the most vivid memories I have from my time in Israel as a youth was that of the Jewish Holocaust museum we visited. Outside the building was a garden scattered with trees, each one marked by a humble nameplate on the ground. There was a particular tree I passed by which was planted in memory of Corrie ten Boom. Our guide for the museum tour explained to us the incredible impact this woman had on thousands of people to the extent that this tree stands in her honor. Amidst all of the famous names of great leaders from that horrific time in history, that of the watchmaker's daughter is remembered and deeply treasured.


Corrie ten Boom did not claim anything about which she could boast. Her only claim in life was that she was bought, was spared, and persevered because of the blood of Jesus Christ. This was her fuel upon leaving the concentration camp and following the path that would lead her all around the world in the years to come. She left knowing that she had no strength of her own, but that in her weakness Christ would be proclaimed. Corrie was still traveling to all corners of the world well into her 80s, including Germany. In the sequel to The Hiding Place, Tramp for the Lord, she candidly tells of the great pain she experienced knowing that she was called to forgive those who had persecuted her to the very threat of death. Only by God's grace was she able to stand before her captors and tell them with all sincerity of God's forgiveness.

The lessons learned from a woman such as Corrie ten Boom are astounding and much more room would be needed in order to fully elaborate on the encouragement I received from reading her story. She is an example of why we should regularly read on the lives of those who have gone before us. Such individuals were not giants among men according to human standards. Corrie was a simple woman, sometimes envious of her sister's beauty, often sighing over her own awkwardness, in the habit of admitting that she was a sinner in the hands of a loving and merciful Lord. During a particular interview (one of many) conducted in 1974, Corrie was asked, "What was it that got you through the dark nights?" Her response: "It wasn't what, it was Who got me through."

Song for Sunday ~ Hymns are good for the soul...

My Jesus, I Love Thee

(W. Featherstone, A. Gordon)

~

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;

For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

~

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ’tis now.

~

I’ll love Thee in life, and I’ll love Thee in death,

I’ll praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;

And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ’tis now.

~

In mansions of glory and endless delight,

I’ll ever adore Thee in Heaven so bright;

And sing with the glittering crown on my brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ’tis now.

A Reflection on Our Electric Lives

Power Outage - A Reflection on Our Electric Lives ~ R. Albert Mohler
The remnants of Hurricane Ike brought a very unexpected windstorm to Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday. Worshippers in area churches heard and felt the massive winds hit at just about the time morning services were ending. By the time most got home, the winds -- sustained at over 70 miles per hour -- had done significant damage to trees and power lines.
By nightfall, the impact was obvious. We are not threatened by short interruptions in electrical power. We generally assume the power will soon come back on. In this case, most of the city appeared to be dark -- very dark.
Our immediate responsibility was to take care of the hundreds of students and student families on the campus, and the whole seminary community pulled together. There were signs of God's mercy around us. First of all, no one was hurt. There was no structural damage to our campus. The weather was cool and the moon was bright. Our prayers were with those in genuine distress, such as the residents and refugees who suffered real losses in Hurricane Ike's earlier history.
We were not in danger, so long as we took care of the vulnerable here. We were, for the most part, inconvenienced. But . . . as the hours and days ahead made clear, we were very inconvenienced. In fact, we were largely out of commission.
We could not hold classes. There was no way we could safely bring hundreds of people into darkened buildings for instruction. It was not just about being without power for laptops and video screens; it was about safety. No lights to see in hallways and bathrooms. No adequate security and alarm systems. No means of communication in case of emergency.
Nevertheless, we learned a lot in the dark. For one thing, we were forced to face the reality that electrical power is so woven into our lives that being without it is not only inconvenient, but potentially life threatening. Food quickly spoils, medicines go bad, systems start to fail, and evildoers have the cover of darkness.
Our homes are largely uninhabitable without power over days. Our institutions are often reduced to darkened buildings. Phones go unanswered, computers no longer compute. Basic and emergency services are, as the military says, lean on the ground. Communication is itself a problem. How do people without power check for information on the Internet? Cell phones quickly die, and folks are seen charging phones in cars -- assuming that the cell systems work anyway.
The usual entertainments of the digital age go dead, and the elegant pleasure of reading a book becomes difficult. Reading by candlelight is nostalgic, but not easy. The legacy of scholars, readers, and writers of previous eras -- all before the electric light -- grows more impressive.
People go outside and sit in what remains of the natural light. Our homes and buildings seem designed more to keep that light out, rather than to let it in. Why did we not notice this before?
We have grown dependent on electrical power, and there appears to be no turning back. Given the choice, there is no way we are going to return to a day without electric lights, ventilators in hospitals, traffic lights at intersections, air conditioning, computers, and air traffic control.
There is no going back. Electricity is now basic to our way of life -- to cities and farms, to hygiene and health, to eating and cooking, to even how we can communicate with each other. We find this out in the dark.
Folks who want us to cut back on energy consumption and to develop alternative energy sources -- both worthy goals -- go on the electronic media to make their case against reliance on electricity. We can certainly learn to save energy, but it does not appear that we can function well without it.
Now, for most of our campus, the power is back. Still, well over 150,000 homes and businesses, including many involving our friends, faculty, and neighbors, remain without power -- perhaps for some time. Area schools remain out of session and nerves are growing frayed.
The Lord, as the Bible says, causes it to rain on both the just and the unjust. Churches and taverns are both dark. Darkness fell on those doing good and those doing evil. The difference may not be evident again until the lights come back on.
In John 9:4, Jesus tells his disciples, "We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work."
This week, that verse has taken on a whole new meaning.

"Taking Shelter in His Massive Sovereignty"

photo courtesy of FoxNews.com

1,000 miles from Galveston, TX, the primary location where the effects of Hurricane Ike have been felt, this massive storm unexpectedly made its presence known when it collided with another storm system. I look at the image above of Galveston, look at the damage our city here has suffered, and all I can do is thank the Lord. After what we have witnessed here in Louisville since Sunday, I absolutely cannot imagine the horror of hunkering down in the face of even more ominous winds. We were spared much, but also reminded of both the Lord's provision and His sovereign power over the greatest of storms.

~Pictures below were taken yesterday at our complex, the first one from a news source and the others from my camera~

Less than an hour after arriving home from church on Sunday afternoon, the power was out and we had the weather radio tuned in to receive any updates they could offer. The abrupt arrival of the storm sent us into a flurry of wondering what we were going to do, planning on how to salvage our food, all the while trying our best not to worry or panic. As the next couple of hours creeped by, we began hearing the specific details of what was taking place outside beyond the safety of our four walls. Our unexpecting city sustained 70mph winds for an hour straight, at times gusting up to 80mph, against the backdrop of a clear blue sky with not a drop of rain. People began calling in with the reports of downed trees and power lines, and by around 5:00pm they had the approximate total - 280,000 people in Louisville were without power. As the late afternoon wore on, my tendency toward worry and impatience continued to be tested...

Local officials were asking all residents to stay put unless an emergency called for getting out on the roads. We heeded the warning, but the question lingered as to how long the power would be out and what we should do with our newly-stocked refridgerator. We decided to brave the dark, debris-covered roads in search of ice. You don't realize just how crucial the glow of traffic lights are until you don't have them. The busiest of streets in Louisville had no lights, so it felt as if every vehicle was at one another's mercy in order to see. We spent the rest of the evening after arriving home getting our ice chest and freezer filled with as much ice as would fit in order to preserve whatever we could. In the background, long after the sun had set, we heard the radion station give the latest update -- it could take up to a week for residents to have power restored... As my husband and I were settling down on the couches for what we hoped would be a restful night's sleep (our upstairs gets very stuffy without any air conditioning), our minds were still reeling over the "what if" questions. Then, at 3:00 in the morning, we were ripped from our sleep from the lamps and TV coming back on. The relief at the light and sound were enough to move me to tears.

I didn't find out until coming in for work yesterday morning that we are the only ones I know of who lost power and had it restored. Everyone else I have spoken with who lost power on Sunday are still without. I have heard countless conversations about families staying with other families, creative ideas on how to preserve food, and one of our friends invited us for dinner last night as he was cooking over his dutch ovens what would otherwise spoil. All but two of the traffic lights I drive through while coming to work are still out, and the scenes of trees laying in yards and on roofs is hard to take in. We have been completely overwhelmed the past 48 hours at the magnitude of a storm that first made landfall 1,000 miles from here. Who would have anticipated winds of such a level turning our city upside down? In an instant we were completely powerless with no answer as to when things would return to normalcy. I couldn't help but think of those on the Gulf coast, trying to imagine what damage those residents have sustained in comparison to what we have. I have also thought about the families in Louisville who are still without power, those with children to care for, and wondering how they are doing with this incredible weight that has been placed on their shoulders.

We are some of the few I know who had the ability to brew coffee this morning. I was able to prepare for work this morning with the lights in the bathroom, rather than by dim candlelight. I am able to write this morning because the IT department at my company worked around the clock to ensure that our systems would be restored. We are some of the few who aren't frantically lined up at grocery stores wondering what kinds of food to buy over the next few days or how to preserve the fresh food bought just days prior to the storm. My mind has been reeling with such thoughts since Sunday, and all of this under the comfort of the Lord's sovereignty. He is good and He is near even when all seems lost. He displayed a measure of grace to us in that our power was unexpectedly restored much earlier than that of countless others, and showed His magnificent power over this storm that rocked even us who are twenty hours inland from the coast. I am overwhelmed by how much He has afforded us, and moved by the outpouring of service and support to those still in need.

Lessons learned? Though small and simple as these lessons may sound, we have been shown how quickly the unexpected can occur. We have been shown just how fortunate we truly are, and the utter waste of even the most minor of complaints. We have also learned the value of simple steps to helping others, whether delivering any ice we may have on hand in order that a friend not lose food, or telling a manager at one of the many inundated restaurants in town, "Hey, you're doing a good job." Always have your ears and eyes open to even the smallest ways in which you can help others with the resources you have been afforded. These lessons do often come through such tests and trials, and if that is what the Lord ordained, then we gladly and humbly welcome what He has taught and revealed to us.

"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." ~ Corrie ten Boom

May We Never Forget

Not a Political Ad

The following post was written by Albert Mohler on his blog back in May. He referenced it several days ago when Governor Sarah Palin's name was suddenly thrust into the limelight. I refer to this post with deep respect for a female leader, one who is clearly conservative and more grounded than the tacky media can even comprehend. I don't refer to this to promote some political agenda, though I am firmly convicted that Christians have a responsibility to weigh the principles to which potential government leaders adhere. We are each of us fallen, and were this an ideal world we may not be talking about a woman holding public office. But here we are and ample opportunity has been provided for us to observe the men and women involved in this year's very tense campaign. I can say that I like Sarah Palin, and I don't just mean that I'm fond of her trendy glasses.


Welcome to the World, Trig Paxson Van Palin
A little boy with an extra chromosome was born on April 18. His name is Trig Paxson Van Palin and his new home is the Alaska Governor's Mansion in Juneau. His mom is Governor Sarah Palin, who along with her husband Todd, has welcomed Trig as their second son and fifth child.
Governor Palin has already made a mark on the political scene. A high school basketball star and beauty queen, she was elected Alaska's governor in 2006. She is often mentioned as a potential running mate for Sen. John McCain. The Palins' other children include Track, their oldest son, who now serves in the U.S. Army. They also have three daughters, Bristol, Willow, and Piper.
Trig made news long before he was born, as Alaska's citizens learned that their governor was pregnant. Then, for the Palins, the story got more complicated.
This past December, Sarah Palin was told that her baby was likely to have Down syndrome -- just one extra chromosome.
As the Associated Press reports:
The doctor's announcement in December, when Palin was four months pregnant, presented her with a possible life- and career-changing development.
"I've never had problems with my other pregnancies, so I was shocked," said Palin.
"It took a while to open up the book that the doctor gave me about children with Down syndrome, and a while to log on to the Web site and start reading facts about the situation."
When he was told, Todd Palin quickly said, "We shouldn't be asking, 'Why us?' We should be saying, 'Well, why not us?'"
The Palins never considered aborting the baby. That means that Trig Palin is now is a very rare group of very special children, because it is now believed that the vast majority of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome before birth are being aborted.
Modern diagnostic tests are driving a "search and destroy mission" to eliminate babies judged to be inferior, disabled, or deformed. Some experts now believe that up to 90 percent of all pregnancies diagnosed as having a likelihood of Down syndrome end in abortion.
Back in 2005, ethicist George Neumayr commented: "Each year in America fewer and fewer disabled infants are born. The reason is eugenic abortion. Doctors and their patients use prenatal technology to screen unborn children for disabilities, then they use that information to abort a high percentage of them. Without much scrutiny or debate, a eugenics designed to weed out the disabled has become commonplace."
The Palins would not even consider aborting their baby. "We've both been very vocal about being pro-life," Governor Palin said. "We understand that every innocent life has wonderful potential."
She loves her baby boy and is proud of him. "I'm looking at him right now, and I see perfection," Palin told the Associated Press. "Yeah, he has an extra chromosome. I keep thinking, in our world, what is normal and what is perfect?"
Some ethicists now go so far as to argue for a "duty" to abort a baby with a Down diagnosis. This is an assault upon the dignity of every human being. The fact that so few Down syndrome babies now make it to birth is a sign that America is making its own pact with the Culture of Death.
Trig Paxson Van Palin has an extra chromosome, two proud and loving parents, four very happy siblings, and he will bring his own joy to untold numbers of lives.
He will face some unique challenges, but he has a loving family who will face those with him. They will learn together the wonder and beauty of a Down syndrome child and will learn to see the glory of God in his trusting face.
Mothers Day 2008 is certain to be a special day in the Alaska Governor's Mansion. What an unspeakable tragedy that so many other homes will have aborted that joy.
Welcome to the world, Trig Paxson Van Palin. Your very existence defies the Culture of Death and gives us all hope.

Song for Sunday

Speak, O Lord

(Keith Getty & Stuart Townend)

~

Speak, O Lord, as we come to You

To receive the food of Your Holy Word.

Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;

Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,

That the light of Christ might be seen today

In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.

Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us

All Your purposes for Your glory.

~

Teach us, Lord, full obedience,

Holy reverence, true humility;

Test our thoughts and our attitudes

In the radiance of Your purity.

Cause our faith to rise; cause our eyes to see

Your majestic love and authority.

Words of pow'r that can never fail—

Let their truth prevail over unbelief.

~

Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds;

Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us—

Truths unchanged from the dawn of time

That will echo down through eternity.

And by grace we'll stand on Your promises,

And by faith we'll walk as You walk with us.

Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built

And the earth is filled with Your glory.

A Long-Awaited Sigh of Relief

While checking my email yesterday after work, I noticed that there was a new one in my inbox from my mother-in-law. Needless to say, friends and family all breathed a sigh of relief as we heard the news we have been anticipating. Short and sweet, here is the email she sent:

Well, my lady friends, I just wanted to let you know that I took my last Herceptin treatment today. The doctor said the year had passed by so fast. I informed him that the speed of the passing year was dependent upon which side of the treatments one was on! Anyway, I wanted to let you know that this phase of my battle is behind me. I want to thank each one of you for supporting, encouraging, and praying for me. You will never know what each of you has meant to my recovery. I feel truly blessed to have had so many in my corner all these months. Thanks again and God bless each of you.

Love, C

I am convinced that I have the greatest mother-in-law in the world. She truly showed her strength during what was an often excruciating season. After this, her second round of cancer, I have more love, respect and admiration for her than ever before (which I didn't really think was possible!). Everyone who knows her is blessed, and praise the Lord for His nearness in the valleys and His presence when a new day finally dawns.

A Good Time for Good Fellowship

This weekend proved the ideal opportunity for some much needed rest. I went into the long weekend with heavy thoughts I was struggling to even process. Unexpected news was received from one of my doctors on Friday afternoon, just before the workday ended, news that remained uncertain as I looked forward to a few days of rest and sweet fellowship. Saturday was the perfect day to spend at Scrap Mania with my favorite scrapbooking ladies, and my husband commented that he was glad I was able to go in order to get my mind off all of the things going on. It was all I hoped for: fun, productive, and a sweet time with this small group of women. We then spent Sunday resting at home and preparing for the next day's event -- Labor Day cookout at the Party Palace!

Monday was blazing, but some still opted to play outdoors the whole time. I learned over the course of the evening that I am not good at Corn Hole, once again proving that I truly am athletically challenged!Most of the ladies were smart and chatted indoors~

Nate & Sara (enjoying little Anson's nap)

Here are some of the men (including my handsome husband!) discussing everything from swords to...well, I mostly heard them talking about swords~

The youngest of the Party Palace Pack was in a very silly mood. Have you had much experience around a small child who is being silly, then realizes they're being silly, so they start saying or doing the same thing over and over? My stomach hurt I was laughing so hard~

This is MOST of the Party Palace Pack! Dr. P & and the oldest son aren't in the picture, but Wooster managed to sneak in for a cute photo opportunity~

BEFE - Best Elbow Friends Forever! (Nate volunteered to take this picture of us, but got a beautiful shot of our elbows on the first attempt)

The day wasn't complete without having a picture taken of us. And a Labor Day cookout isn't quite the same unless everyone is sweaty and exhausted from all the fun. We truly enjoyed the fellowship, as it did provide the encouragement of fellowship we were looking forward to. I've said it before, and I will say it again; we are so thankful for this little church body the Lord has so clearly and richly provided.