My Journey Toward A Trusting Heart

Yes, I'm still here...

I have been crazy busy, and I don't think I'm doing any of it 'well.' TRYING to, yes, but I don't think its working.

This will be short, but I did want to at least surface and say that its a beautiful winter here in Chicago...our family is warm and content and we are basking in the goodness of God.

I'll post the Christmas letter I'm mailing out -- it'll either be emailed, or snail mailed. If I don't have an address for you, then hopefully you'll read this and get caught up on all the excitement!

If I don't get back here before Christmas Day, please know how valued each of you are...to me, if I know you, and certainly by those who DO know you. We are each important to someone, and we matter very much to God. His birth was for all of us, regardless of our 'station' in life and He has so much to offer.

I pray each of us will reflect on His glory and His mercies this Season, and keep in mind His gift to us -- Himself. As we celebrate His first coming, let's be humble enough to admit our faults and accept His grace. He is lavish with that -- I ought to know. I draw on that every single day...

Also, you will find a post with something I received from a friend the other day. Its a poignant reminder of all that's important to those of us who know Christ personally.

Merry Christmas!

The Book and Other Stuff

I finally finished a "do'able" draft of The Book. I need to take it to Kinkos and get it printed off and bound then mailed to Mom and Dad Driver.

It feels good to have it done...but I'm not trying to navigate through the waters of publishing...do I do it myself? Do I take a risk and try to find a publisher? I don't know yet, but one things for sure -- my friends are behind me 100% and that is such a great feeling!

I did send out feelers -- and got back great encouragement...GO FOR IT, and YOU CAN DO IT, for starters...but also encouragement to not get in a hurry. Certainly I do not want to get down the road and think, "Man, I should have put this in, or that...etc" ya know? SO, we'll take it a step at a time.

I changed my signature on my emails..."Spinning A Few Plates" -- boy howdy! Some days I wonder what I am thinking...yikes! I'm sure not bored, tho, I can assure you of that!

And with all the busyness, I've had virutally no time to write. I must find that again, don't you think?

And time is running away again, so I'll make this short.

We are gearing up for the Advent season -- take time, as we go along, to reflect on the Goodness of our God; His benevolent BOUNTY -- think about all of it. And give thanks.

A Ten-Year Celebration (of sorts)

We are on the threshold of it being TEN YEARS since Mike passed away. Sometimes it seem unreal that that much time has passed. Other days it seems like just last week...and especially right now, as I'm digging through those old emails -- both sent and received before, during, and after his Home-going.

It really dredges up so many feelings...I've laughed over some, and cried over others. I am SO very thankful my friends had the foresight to keep my emails. I just never thought about it at that time, but someone suggested I keep them. To that point I hadn't, and so then was frantically trying to find someone who had...and I know for sure that a friend in St. Joseph, Salli Freudenthal, had kept most of them...so she graciously sent them back to me; I copied them, and that's what I'm digging thru these days.

I'm finally writing The Book. Right now my focus is just getting it together enough to send a copy to Mike's mom and Dad on this 10th anniversary. I feel it'll be meaningful to them...I wish $$ were no object, then I could afford to make enough copies for Mike's sister and brothers, and the girls. So, I'm praying about that.

I'm also praying about moving toward getting it published 'for real.' I may have to send out a survey to find out who would buy it. I think I'd have plenty of takers, but the financial outlay is pretty great, and I just don't know....I'm talking about 'self-publishing" or "Print-On-Demand." There seem to be a few good companies out there, but we just don't have the cash. Wish I knew someone rich who would loan me the $ on speculation...at least interest free until we recouped the investment by selling the book -- even for what it costs to do it. Pipe-dreams...but I know, too, that God COULD do that if He saw fit.

Guess I need to pray about that one a little more, eh?

The other thing is, I'd like to find the intestinal fortitude to approach a 'real' publisher. I just don't know if there's a market out there for personal stories...what do you think??

and I've also thought about doing an "E-Book." Seems to be a hot thing right now...but who would read it?

Anyway, if you are reading this, will you pray about this with me? I don't know where to start, and I want to do it right and with class.

So, best wishes for a grand day...

ITS SNOWING IN CHICAGOLAND!

Yep, believe it or not...we've got snow. My boys said, "Christmas!" Well, not quite...but I do have most of my shopping done for them! YIPEE!

Its a gorgeous snowfall...pretty heavy. I know it won't stick around long because the ground is still warm'ish, but it sure is pretty. The boys could not wait to get outside in it. So they are bundled up in their snowpants and coats, hats and gloves. Connor needs boots this year...so for today its his tennies.

No news on the homefront, other than my DISCOVERY TOYS business is off to a great start. Better than I could have ever imagined. Maybe I've found my niche! Right now I have "7" -- count 'em SEVEN parties booked, including another one of my own, and (hopefully) one for my brother and s-i-l in KC. Its such a great time to shop for the kids. And having a party is a great way to earn free stuff! I had my 'kick-off' party last week -- I won $160 in FREE TOYS. Plus 2 half-price items. Most of that will be Christmas -- and will double as my demo toys! So, I'm happy its going so well. I know there will be some disappointments, but that goes with it. I've just never had such a great start to ANYTHING. And I figured it out the other day, I've tried TWELVE direct-sales businesses!! TWELVE! Crazy. I just want to find something FUN, and something that will generate a little extra $. I'm not really that ambitious -- or maybe I'm just guarded -- but my sights are not set on BIG money...just a little extra. And I'll work as much as I can, and ask God to bless it. What comes out the other side will be His benevolence. I'll work at it, but leave the increase to him!

Hope you are having a great day...drop me a line, will you?

Faithwriters Magazine feature

Hey all!

Here's the link to my article featured this month at Faithwriters Magazine:

http://www.faithwritersmagazine.com/October06/ascribe.php

Thanks for reading it and for passing it along to your list! Readership is important!

I've got some things 'churning' in my heart-- now if I can just find the time to get them out!

We're taking the boys to the Museum of Science and Industry today. Should be fun. We do so little in the way of 'field trips' this will be good one.

so, we're off. Have a fab day yourselves...and drop me a line, will you?

ATM - article

Feedback, if you please...

ATM

Recently, while my husband and I and our two boys were running errands, we stopped by our bank’s ATM.

From his car seat, our two year-old asked, “What doing, Daddy?”

His six year-old brother answered, “Daddy’s making money, Connor.”

My husband and I had a nice laugh over that one. Boy, if it were only that easy.

You know, God Himself has an ATM….and what that really means for us is: All That’s Mine. 

As a child of God we are “entitled” to all His bounty offers. I don’t mean that in a self-centered way…I, for one, tend to run the other way when it comes to claiming all God has for me. I want the balance of being content in my current circumstances but also living in the plenty God ordains for me.

And notice I said, “in the plenty God ordains for ME.” I believe God gives differing measures of ‘plenty’ to each of us. That’s why we are not all rich, nor are we all in poverty. I don’t have the calculations for any of that, nor do I pretend have a universal explanation for it, but this one thing I know: God gives good gifts to His children.

As a Christ-follower I have at my disposal all God has. It is not based on what I put in: my charity, my gifts of time or talent…nothing. It is all the GRACE of God lavished upon me.

Unlike the bank’s ATM, where I have to make deposits before I can make withdrawals, God’s account for my life is continualy filled by His grace – by the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, and my acceptance of that Truth and my life in Christ Himself.

Another way to look at this is by considering that God generously supplies All That Matters. This goes WAY beyond the material.

God does not yearn for our comforts. He yearns for our maturity. He offers gifts that will get us closer to that. Gifts that will enable us for the journey. Gifts like:

©   Love—John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes on Him will have eternal life.”

©   Wisdom—James 1:5  “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

©   Peace—John 14:27  “Peace I leave with you,  My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

©   Comfort—2 Corinthians 1:3, 4  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation…”

©   Forgiveness—Psalm 103:12  “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

©   Deliverance—John 8:36  “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Need I say more? The list goes on and on. God’s supply for all that matters is endless.

There are no guarantees that we’ll have all the material possessions we think we ‘need.’ But God’s word does promise us that He will BE all we need in every circumstance of our lives.

What are you asking for? God’s ATM is open 24/7. He offers EVERYTHING that matters – life and hope and peace. What more could you want?

Prayers for a friend...

I learned today that my friend, Eva, has breast cancer. Its very serious. She is learning today whether she'll have to have a mastectomy, and how radical it may be. Eva is 40 y/o. She has three kids who are 13, 11 and 2-1/2; she is married to Mike.

Eva is such a lovely person... my heart aches for her fear and her questions and all the uncertainty about the days ahead.

Please pray for her, will you?

I'll post more as I learn more...thank you...

Kanner Lake -- "Alive" and Well

Well, I somehow found a roll w/ Janet...THANKS to my dear friends Marjorie and Lorraine. They each gave me some great feedback w/ some fabulous stories that were so adaptable to life in Kanner Lake.

Lorraine gave me a wonderful story about a sweet elderly couple in her church; the husband just passed away...a dear saint of God. It was so easy to use Elam's story in a characterization of the Detcher's church family. THANK YOU, Lorraine, for your inspiring input.

I should say here that Lorraine is one of those unexpected blessings...we 'met' thru Ebay! -- yep, about 4 years ago, I think. She bought an item from me, and we somehow connected and now here we are...friends, tho we've never met face-to-face. I hope to remedy that one of these days!   Lorraine is a true Christ-follower and has sharpened my 'iron' on many occaisions. It was truly a God-thing that Lorraine came into my life! She is a wonderful communicator and has also been a great encouragement to me in my own efforts.  The possibly-upcoming Janet-entry about "Elmer and Gloria" is based on Lorraine's friends in Pennsylvania. There are a couple of my own contributions to that story but the basis of it is Elam and Gertie. Boy I wish I had known them...but, truth is, I know several Elam's and Gertie's! Thank God for them.

And to Marj -- oh my. Marjorie Harris is a one-in-a-million woman! Marj and I met in December of 1982. My first husband, Mike, and I were invited by Steve and Marj to be the first youth pastors in their little church in Brush Colorado. It was a match made in heaven! Steve and Marj embraced us as family, and they still do. Marjorie was the older sister I never had and to this day has taught me so much about life and ministry... She has been one of my biggest fans and inspirations...she believes in me like few others.    I love you, Marj!

I sent a "Brush" story to Brandilyn for the Blog; not sure when it'll show up, but just know that when/if it does, the story is based on real people and real events--a part of which I actually lived! It was a perfect fit for New Community Church! And by the way, "Skip and Dawn Harris" are really Steve and Marj! Tho they were not the actual 'directors' of our music in Brush, they had a profound and gifted influence on the music -- both being great singers and musicians in their own right...Marj can make a piano 'talk!'

anyway, just wanted to give praise and gratitude where it is due...and while I'm at it, for those of you who know Julie Nott -- my dear friend and fellow Blogger here at HSB, Julie was the inspiration for the July 4 "Larry Cellaway" story. The eye-glasses thing actually did happen to her, and I just embellished it a bit to fit the tone of the blog entry. THANK YOU Julie...for everything!

I guess I'm in a thank you mode today...thing is, I have so many people in my life who inspire me and believe and hope the best for me...and I'll bet you do, too.

SO, with that in mind, why don't you take a few minutes TODAY to tell them!? Pick up the phone or drop a card or an email and say "THANK YOU for what you have meant in my life" -- you just never know what that note will mean, and how timely it just might be. Don't miss an opportunity to bless the ones who've blessed you! 

I'm on it....

More from Janet Detcher -- coming up!

Well, Janet Detcher is on the move again.

Got an email from Brandilyn saying she needed something from Janet, so I've sent her a couple entries for the Kanner Lake blog...if you get time, take a look. Not sure what day they will show up -- and two separate days at that, but hopefully they will be both entertaining and inspiring.

Because I'm in this writing funk, I cannot even find great fodder for Janet. But SOMEHOW I managed to put a couple things together....out of real life, of course.

The 'camping' story is true, but it actually happened when my dad took my brother and cousin camping. Kevin and Shannon were pretty young--maybe 10 and 8'ish. And Dad was the culprit of the prank...the actual reaction is verbatim. You'll get a kick out of it.

The other will not be difficult for you to figure out. You faithful friends have heard it 1000 times...but it still fit in well with "Hank's" latest entry about "Tommy."

Thanks for reading those Blogs...please do leave a comment. You do not have to be a blogger yourself, tho you do have to register with a username. Still, you don't have to Blog...but do leave comments for the other characters. Its a great shot of encouragement and motivation for all the writers who make these fictional people come alive. Honestly, I can almost 'see' all of them myself when I read those entries. They DO seem like real people...and if you haven't read the book, "Violet Dawn" please get it. You'll LOVE it and Brandilyn Collins will be on your favorites list!

Home tomorrow from FL. Its been a good week. My boys are brown as little bears...I'm the vanilla one, with the sunburned face! But the boys have done well. It does seem to get easier with them as they get bigger/older. I'm more relaxed, too, and that makes a huge difference in how I navigate thru the week.   Mark has had a profitable week, too, w/ the business he's been able to do. New contacts, and some deals that are in the works. Face-to-face is always Mark's forte...he thinks it goes a long way in customer loyalty and getting business in gen'l. Doesn't always work/pay off, but he feels its worth the time and effort.

So, we're heading home tomorrow afternoon. I miss Kate. And I think she's ready for us to be home, too.

Okay...time to sign off for today. Pray I can get my thoughts together and make some progress on a few items I've been working on.

Oh, and one more thing...I've recently decided to be a Rep for "Discovery Toys" .  Since I cannot 'sell' my way out of a paper sack, I decided to join DT  so I can easily purchase the products for us, and also be a source for others to get them. I don't have time or energy to make a business out of this, but DT does provide a nice website for their "Educational Consultants" -- so take a look: www.discoverytoyslink.com/kkccmom

You can order directly, on line, and it'll ship straight to you. I've loved Discovery Toys since the girls were little and now that we are homeschooling I see much value in the products and believe it'll enhance our efforts.

SO, think about Christmas and birthdays...for your kids, your grandkids...keep in mind that there is a great selection of toys for older kids, too. Its not just for babies!! So, check it out.

AND, if you'd like a catalog, let me know and I'll mail you one!

Ciao!

Nope. No bolts of lightening...

Another day w/ no inspiration.

I did try to write a piece for the FW challenge...but got bogged down in trying to sort it all out. IF I finish it I'll stick it here and there and see what comes of it. Its a multi-faceted topic -- or at least it can go several ways, but I can't decide which way to go...

We've met a delightful senior lady here at the resort. She's Mae...from NJ. Has the lilt in her voice for it, too. She seems to like our company. She'll come out of her own condo when we are at the pool. Last night she came out when we were down, and sat for a couple hours. I went out, ALONE, bought a book and some odds and ends at WM, and Mark said she stayed a long while after I left. She's alone, so I expect she does enjoy the friendly faces. The boys certainly make for action and adventure. Today I hope to get to know more about her.

Pool time. Mark is out for the day so I'm left to keep these boys entertained.

TTFN...

A few words about very little...

Well, I was SURE I'd added a new entry here recently...but now that I think about it, I believe Connor got on here when I was interrupted and somehow shut down the whole computer and w/ it went my latest words of wisdom. No great loss, I am sure...but a waste of time all the same!

SO, we are in FL this week. Mark and the boys and me. Mr. Thomas is here on biz and the guys and I came along to keep him company. So far so good.

This morning we spent about an hour in the pool. Came in for lunch and Connor's nap...sometime during before naptime, Connor lavishly sprayed Daddy's cologne (not cheap!) all over the bedroom. What I once thought delicious is now almost nauseating! I'm thinking that now I'm into the Second Stage of the Dennis the Menace Syndrome...Colton had his turn and now Connor is up to it. OH MY.

I've  not written much lately. I've been uninspired. I'm trying to find some inspiration, though. But as usual, I'm doubting myself and not willing that anyone should have to endure the pain of reading anything. And honestly, there just isn't much to say right now. No, nothing's 'wrong', but I'm just in a dry spot and will have to find a way to get out of it.

I spent a glorious hour on the beach this morning...ALONE. Just me a my Bible, and the "Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul" book. I sort of feel like a fraud, reading a book for "writers" since I don't think I really qualify, but all the same, I'm finding that many of the contributors felt the same. Many, for years. So I guess I'm in good company. I think I truly do fit the "artist" mold, tho...we creative sorts tend to be moody, and almost bi-polar. I don't think I qualify for medication, but boy its some hard days.

I'm afraid to jump out there and submit anything to any publications. I don't think its a fear of rejection itself, but rather just this nagging fear that its just not worth it. There are too many details...and I am not a detail person. Now if someone were to look at some of my work, and say to me, "this would work well here" and then do it FOR ME, well, that'd be easier. But I don't think that's realistic. And I do know that "real" writers would tell me I'm a coward, and that I have to beleive in MYSELF first.

I know.

But knowing and moving ahead are two different things.

So, for all this musing, I am till stuck in the No Man's Land for the Uninspired.

But keep watching. You never know when a bolt of lightening will strike and I'll roll out something marvelous. Maybe later today...

A Website you MUST bookmark!

In the intro to my poem, I mentioned Kenn Allen.

If I can figure out how to set up a click-on link from my homepage, I'll do that. But for now, here again is Kenn's web address:

http://webpages.charter.net/freelancing4christ/index.html

Please do yourself a favor and stop by Kenn's site and read his work. I tell you, its just wonderful! He is truly a gentleman and such a gifted writer.

Be sure to read the poem about "Lucinda Druell" Its amazing.

I'm pleased to pass him along to you. I feel certain he will make you smile!

Reflections on our week

I felt my remarks connected to Connor's misfortune deserved a separate post...so...

We had a great week last week. My folks and our daughter were with us Sat-Tuesday. They had to move along, so then it was just Mark and me and our boys. We had a good two days together, time at the pool, then a few minutes "shopping" at Bass Pro. The boys got some new toys, so they were happy.

Thursday evening we were blessed by the company of our DEAR friends Jeff and Kim Smith. The Smiths joined us on staff at Northview Christian Life Church in Carmel IN about a year after we had gone -- so probably in 2001. They have recently taken the Lead Pastor role at a near-by church, Genesis Church, in Westfield/Noblesville IN. It was exciting to hear what God is doing there, and to sense their excitement about what lies a head, by faith, in the heart of God's people at Genesis.

Jeff and Kim are wonderful people. If you ever get to that area of Indiana, I'd STRONGLY urge you to look them up and visit Genesis Church...you'll LOVE it, and them!

We left Branson Friday morning, heading for St. Louis. StL is our 1/2 way mark from Branson to home...so its a reasonable drive time coming and going, and we made plans to stay overnight there....we'd had hotel reseervations, but were invited to stay with a friend of Mark's. Rusty Lewis, and his wife Andrea, were so gracious to open their home to us. We arrived at about 5pm, got acquainted (I'd never met them) and then we eagerly left the boys in the care of their teenaged kids (13 and 15), and the four adults went out to dinner at a very nice place near their home.

It was a delightful evening and we enjoyed the company so much. We had more-than-comfortable accomodations, and the boys were thrilled to have so much room to roam....the Lewis's have a BEAUTIFUL home, on three acres, in Wentzville MO. They are a neat family -- who also love the Lord, and have the gift of hospitality.

Rusty is a consultant for a Capital Stewardship company called "Generis". He helps churches coordinate their campaigns for raising money for new buildings, or whatever. SO, if you are ever in the market for someone in that line of work, let me know....we can put you in touch with the right guy!

On Saturday morning, we were moving by about 8:30...on to the home of another dear friend in the St. Louis area, the Ereharts. Don and Ann were the youth pastors at Northview (not sure how many years!?)...they have three beautiful children -- Katie, and Ellie, and Payne. Payne was born on July 4 -- just like Colton, about 3 hours earlier than Colton. They are great pals. We are determined to keep them in touch as much as we can. They play so well together...its truly a blessing.

Don and Ann are now the youth pastors at a large E-Free church in Manchester MO. They really love it, and I know God will do great things through them there. Don and Ann have a passion for young people that is hard to find....they are "seasoned" in ministry and in life and are commited to leading people to Christ. Mark and I are ALWAYS blessed when we spend time with Don and Ann.

This trip, however, Don was not home. He was on his way from a missions trip to Mexico -- we missed him by about 12 hours! We spent a couple hours with Ann and soaked up the sunshine that she is!

Anyway, we love Don and Ann and thank the Lord He has allowed them to be part of our life and our family....

Mark and I are hoping to coordinate a week's vacation with Don and Ann and Jeff and Kim and our families -- maybe next summer!? We adults agree that it'll be a blast...so we're going to set our sights on working that out.

Mark and I talked about the value of these friendships in our lives -- and our LIFE as a family...we truly felt it was "iron sharpening iron" -- except that honestly, I think it was one-way.....WE were sharpened, encouraged and inspired by each of these families. Our faith was built by listening to the Lewis's story of God's provision in an uncertain job transition...we were blessed to watch Jeff and Kim glow with excitement about the opportunity they have to take a church through an important transitional time. We were blessed to hear about the new relationships they are finding, and the new ways to use their gifts to serve God and this congregation.

We were so moved to hear Ann share her passion for "their kids" at this new ( for them) church....they have already pegged some strong leaders and Ann was so excited for what she is seeing develop in their lives and is so passionate about Don's and her role in mentoring these kids for service in the Kingdom.

My prayer now, after seeing these wonderful friends, is that "I" would be open to allowing God to do in me all the things they have allowed Him to do in them...each of them are in places in their lives that are unique from each other, but unquestionably they are commited to Christ and to fulfilling His call on their life. They are content with this season -- but all of them know that God could change their pre-conceived course at any time -- so none of them are holding on too tightly...

It was probably the most encouraging vacation we've ever had....only because of the THREE families we got to spend time with. It cost us about $300 in gas, but it was worth every penny!

Find people who will fill your heart and life the way these people have filled mine...better yet, BE a person who will be this to someone else...Ask God, who gives liberally to all...

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig...

...to market, to market to buy a fat pig...

I'm sure most of you have heard that one...?

We ARE back home. Got here yesterday afternoon, at about 5pm. We had a fine trip home...no problems.

Last Saturday, however, on our way from St. Louis to Branson, Connor did get sick. He has motion sickness -- at least in the car. I hadn't given him the Dramamine soon enough and the poor little guy lost his breakfast. THREE TIMES. What a mess.

On the third episode, we finally did just fore-go dressing him at all...obviously we'd have to strip his pukey clothes off, and then we just decided that it was comfortable enough in the truck (Suburban) that he'd be fine in just a diaper...and so it was.

The only other car time he had through Thursday was from our resort to the Lake, where he went on the jet ski with Mark, my dad (Papa), Colton and my daugther Krissi and her guy Matt...so no problems.

However, on Thursday, we (just Mark and I and the boys) decided to drive over to the new Bass Pro Shop at the new Branson Landing shopping area... not a 10 minute drive...and Connor tossed his cookies. Being so close to "home", it never occured to me to bring a change of clothes, or even a diaper/wipes...so here we were in a web of traffic....we found a little grocery store; Mark bought some wipes and we cleaned him up.

Not to be deterred, we went over to Bass Pro, and Mark went in to see about shorts and a t-shirt for Connor. The boys and I waited; about 10 mins later, Mark comes out with only a t-shirt. There were no shorts to be had...So, we put his shirt on him, found a shopping cart as soon as we could, and hoped that no one would notice that he was in just a t-shirt and diaper...we didn't want to look like we had no pride in how our kids looked.....

And in thinking about that...how often do we work SO hard at keeping the outside looking respectable and presentable, when our insides are a mess? If you are reading this, then chances are you know someone who does just that...maybe its YOU!? There is a pretense that everything is beautiful, when all the time, the wood underneath the paint is rotting away.

Its like those whitewashed tombs Jesus talked about in Matthew...all pretty on the outside but nothing but death on the inside...

Think about it...

These Shoes Will Fit -- Article

This piece was written for the July 27 Faithwriters Weekly Challenge...it did not place, but I still hope it speaks to someone out there...

_____________________________________________________________

Some women are obsessed with their feet and the shoes they put on them.

I recently saw a news report that said women are having “cosmetic toe amputation surgery” to fit into a certain style of shoe! NO KIDDING! They are actually having their toes shortened. Some of the women featured in the story have spent hundreds of dollars on designer shoes. The problem is they don’t have the feet for the shoes!  “If the shoe doesn’t fit, fix the feet” is their motto. Too bad Cinderella’s stepsisters didn’t have this opportunity…boy, how different THAT story might have ended!

You may recall the infamous Imelda Marcos, wife of the late Philippine president, Ferdinand. It is reported that Mrs. Marcos owned over 3,000 pairs of shoes. What in the world can a person do with 3,000 pairs of shoes? Wouldn’t you forget what you have?

Most women I know, including myself, have more shoes than they need. I think we justify this by rationalizing a need for a certain style of shoe for a certain task or event. We also have several different styles of black shoes: pumps, flats, sandals, boots...just to name a few.

There are several pairs of dress shoes in my closet, mostly of the “pump” variety. I have them in a wide range of colors, with a few differing characteristics. I wear them with dresses – they make my legs look slimmer, and I wear them with slacks because I want to believe they make me look taller. The truth is, though, none of them are very comfortable. They do serve a reasonable function, but comfort isn’t it. And frankly, that doesn’t matter. They look sharp and THAT is the point.

In my closet you’ll also find a pair of athletic shoes. The primary function of these shoes is to cushion my feet during exercise. They look brand new. Guess that tells you something, doesn’t it? However, when I do take advantage of them, they do what they were designed to do – protect my feet.

You know, walking with Christ requires a change of shoes now and then. As a Christ-follower, the road of life will ask many things of me. I have to be ready, at a moment’s notice, to put on the right shoes for the task I am called to.

Occasionally Christ asks me to get dirty. Sometimes, in order to fulfill His call, I have to get my hands and feet down into the mud. I have to shake off my prissiness, put on my work boots, and be willing to be grubby. Personally, this has meant taking missions trips to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Jamaica. It was in these foreign places I learned to serve without thought of getting dirt under my nails or getting my shoes dirty. It was pure joy to serve Christ in this way.

When I have my running shoes on, I can be so effective for Christ. I am busy and productive. But, there’s also the risk of doing too much. Sometimes in my life there is an increasing need to produce more, to achieve more, to succeed. These can be worthwhile gains, but on the other hand, often I am moving too fast. If I am honest, I’m either running away from something, or trying too hard to catch something else. The Holy Spirit would say, “Slow down!” Its all right to stroll, to walk. Running the race is not all there is to life. There is a time for me to put on my running shoes, and a time to take them off.

My life’s call is to walk as Jesus walked. To love and serve selflessly and unconditionally. This walk will require me to change my shoes frequently so that, like Paul, I can be all things to all men – so that I may bring them to Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:19ff).

And another thing: God is the only designer who will tailor make those shoes, especially for me, so that I can serve Him effectively. He expects nothing more than that I put them on and walk with him. And the only surgery required is the one on my heart…so that I will have HIS heart in bringing the lost to Christ!

I can sing, “Hallelujah, I’m walking with the King”. And these shoes fit me to a tee!

Workin Hard or Hardly Workin?

The Discovery Channel is one of our family's favorites. On average we watch more programming on that channel than any other.

“Dirty Jobs” is one of our favorite programs. The show features a host, Mike, who goes around the country learning about all the various jobs that make life easier for the rest of us.  We’ve watched Mike clean out storm drains in LA, exterminate cockroaches and termites, and catch baby alligators with his bare hands…you name it and Mike has done it. I’ve often said, “Hmmm…I wondered how they did that!” The show is entertaining and educational. And those people work hard.

Even my six-year-old son loves the show. As a matter of fact, he’s been found to experiment with his own “dirty jobs” in our back yard.

One day, he put on his “work boots”, which are actually last year’s snow boots, then headed outside to his “worm hole.” The worm hole is an area of our backyard that is not landscaped. He poured water into a hole he dug with a big spoon, and, well, worms.

When he came to the back door, looking like he’d just surfaced from a coal mine, I asked him what he’d been doing. “I’m doing Dirty Jobs, Mom.” He then proceeded to explain to me every step in the process of digging for worms. He was working hard.

I don’t think I found any worms in his pockets when I did the laundry.

The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:23 and 24 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Of course the Dirty Jobs show does not tell us whether any of those people are Christ-followers, but for me, the show does hold up a standard of hard work. As a Christ-follower myself, I am challenged to examine my own perspectives on working for Christ, and what I’m willing to do for Him.

When my husband and I answered the call to serve God as missionaries in Lithuania, in my self I was scared to death. But at the same time, there was an abiding sense of peace that flooded my heart and gave me an excitement for what might lie ahead. God put people in my path who could teach me what I would need to know about living in a different country and culture. And of course, there would be things I would have to learn the hard way…just by being there and living among new people. I knew it would be hard work, but I was ready for the challenge.

Like Paul says in Colossians, I knew there was an inheritance from the Lord. Maybe here, but likely in eternity.

God’s call to work for Him is highly individualized. He doesn’t sort us out randomly. He calls each of us to a particular task and then provides what we need to get the job done. Yes, sometimes it’s on-the-job-training. But He is a patient teacher and gives us no more and no less than is required for us to understand what needs to be done to accomplish His will. When He calls, He equips.

As I worship Christ, I become intimate with Him in ways that will transform my life. As a worshiper, I will be drawn to walk with Christ, to know His word and to learn to hear His voice. Once I’ve walked with Him a while, I will be drawn to work for Him. I cannot sit idly by and let those around me fall. As a Believer, my work for Christ is intentional -- to bring others to Him and to share His love with those who desperately need Him.

How about you? Are you workin’ hard for Christ, or hardly workin’? Its time to pick up your spoon and get with it! You might be called upon to find your own “dirty job.” But the rewards are out of this world!

New Article

I'm adding a new article...I worked it up LAST MINUTE to get it into this past week's "Writers Challenge" at Faithwriters...its hard for me to write when I'm away from home...at least with the distraction of the kids and lack of concentration....but I slept poorly all night long, writing and rewriting a piece...only to be an hour late when I finally was ready to submit it.

Oh well...it seems the winners are mostly fiction writers...and I don't think I'm up to that yet. Maybe never...BUT, the fact that one of my obscure pieces did find its way to the eyes of the FW magazine editor...guess that makes it worth going ahead and submitting. I doubt I'll "win" because I am not clever enough to make up a story (and the winning stories are VERY good  -- very deserving), so I guess I'll will keep doing what I do, and leave the end results to God. Good idea, eh?

Anyway, I'll post my latest piece, and you can let me know what you think. The previous week's didn't make it either, so I'll post that too and will be looking for a new home for it.

Happy Reading!

Live from Branson MO

We are on Day Four of our week's stay here in the Ozarks...its HOT HOT HOT. Really! Hotter here than it was in Orlando a couple weeks ago...I've not been to the pool yet...mainly because my folks were here and my mom does NOT swim...so I just hang out with her -- which is great...but sadly they had to head back to KC today. Dad has to be back for a drywall job tomorrow morning.

Krissi and her boyfriend Matt were here, too. It was fun to have them. Matt and Krissi have been dating almost a year. I doubt she'll date anyone else. They are a good match. We like Matt, and just pray the Lord will direct their paths.

So, they left this afternoon and Mr. Thomas got this machine up and running for me...and I had a couple neat emails in my box!

The first was a note from the Director of Submissions for "Hearts At Home" magazine. I submitted my "YAMGT" article for consideration...and I rec'd a note that the Submissons gal would be forwarding it on to the next level. IF they accept it for publication, I'll get "5" copies. Its a wonderful opportunity for getting something out there...great exposure. I'm exctied. OF COURSE, I don't now for sure that it'll be published...but we'll see. The fact that they are looking seriously at it is really cool!

Second, last week I submitted a piece for the Faithwriters Weekly Challenge...don't know how it did overall, as far as "placing" but I did get three very nice comments...here's the link for the piece and the remarks:

http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-level1.php?id=9773

Let me know what YOU think, will you??

We have a few more days here...drop a line if you get a chance...and pray I can find some inspiration for this week's challenge: "Work." I've got a few ideas, but time and space (for entering) is ticking (there's a limit of 200 entries), so I"ve GOT to do it ASAP!

Blessings to all!

On the Road Again...

Yep, its Happy Trails again...tomorrow morning. I think I know what has to be loaded...tho I am far from having it done. I've made my list(s) -- now if I can just find them...

I think we'll be fine. First time I've taken a long trip w/ the boys, w/o Mark. Should be interesting. Mr. Thomas is in Chicago, at a conference. Then tomorrow he has Sales Mtg with his collegues and the Home Office team. The boys and I are driving to St. Louis and will meet Mark at the airport there. Then Saturday we'll drive to Branson. We will be spending some time with my folks, Shorty and Dee, and also my oldest daughter, Krissi, and boyfriend Matt will be with us for a few days...should be fun. Crowded in our small 2-bdrm condo, but fun. (We do time-share vacations...if you ever wanna here how great it is, let me know! -- We've got a GREAT sales pitch, born out of our fab experiences with it all....we'll never hotel-vacation again!)

It also brings me closer to when my Sweet Katie will be home from her Summer of Wanderings (August 9)...she's had a great time -- with friends and family -- but WE MISS HER and are so ready to see her sweet little face...She will have been gone just about FIVE WEEKS!     I've gotten used to Krissi being gone...and I do miss her so much...but Kate is still a regular fixture (for another three years! yea!!), and I miss her voice and our chats...my girls are the best! If you know them, you know I am right...I know their Dad would be SO very proud of both of them. They are pretty, they love the Lord, they are ambitious, they are smart, they are talented....okay...I'm their mother...but they are just the best. I know God has great things in store for them.

Kris is loving college at Evangel University...she'll be a soph. She's committed to several organizations and leadership roles for the coming year. I knew she'd love it.

Krissi is very organized and is a deep thinker. She's got a very steady head and is pretty straightforward when it comes to "issues" -- She can be very direct. In her pursuit of a counseling degree (and MA), that will come in handy.  Kris recently signed up to be a Mary Kay consultant...I think she'll do better with that than I did (even after 3 attempts...I can't sell a thing!)...but she seems to be enjoying the professionalism and order that comes with that experience. I think she'll do well. She's manager material...just like her Dad!

Not sure where Kate will land for school...she's not sure what she wants to "be" when she grows up! Hopefully she'll begin to get some sense of it this year, as a HS soph. She's really good in Math and Science, but also excels in Language Arts...she's in the Honors level for Chemestry and English next year. ... But we'll see. Kate is gregarious and has many friends. She always knows how to have a great time, and to make everyone feel welcomed and wanted. She's a hard worker and doesn't have to have credit for it...She's so much like her Dad in that area. He was a hard worker and often just showed up and said, "What do you need?" Kate is like that. The adult leaders at church LOVE Kate. She's eager to pitch in and is a willing student. And she's sweet. Kate is probably the most giving and generous person I know. I know the Lord will bless that.

Are you sick of hearing about my kids???...and I haven't even started on the boys!!...okay, we'll take a break...

CHANGE OF SUBJECT....

I put a visitor counter on here...so I can track how many visitors come to read...I'm actually a bit stunned at the amount of traffic...and amazingly I can also find out WHERE the visitors are from ... It does not tell names, but it gives location...

SO, I know you're out there...I just don't know for sure WHO you are...So, how about you just leave me a note and say HI -- I'd love to know who's visiting and how you found me...Of course there are some obvious ones but many that are not familiar -- and if this offends you, thinking "She surely knows its ME from HERE" -- I do apologize. I know a couple people from almost everywhere, so I'm a little sketchy on some details...

So, please do let me know who's visiting...I'd love to know it.

Pray for me as I formulate an idea to paper...its one of those I've been working/thinking on for several weeks, and it keeps surfacing so I think its time to put forward some real effort toward getting it together. I think it'll be a good one...but I'm depending on the Holy Spirit to help me work out the kinks.

Anyway, sweet dreams, Friends...My eyes will be wide open at 6am, and I'll need to get rolling so we can be moving on down the highway by 10'ish.

I'll be popping in while we're gone next week...maybe I'll have something new to tell you!?

Janet Detcher LIVES!

Okay...last one for today...

JANET DETCHER has come alive on the Kanner Lake "Scenes and Beans Blog" -- so go check it out...and leave a comment, will you? RELATED ONLY TO THE FICTIONAL JANET and the post...not to or about the Real Me.

The story I related there is true...and its almost verbatim of what I submitted to Brandilyn...she did tweak it a bit for content but the meat of the story is as it was when I sent it...and you should also know that the story itself is based on a TRUE STORY that happened to some dear DEAR friends of mine, early in their own ministry...the names have been changed to protect the guilty! and to fit into the Kanner Lake thing, of course!

So, check it out: www.kannerlake.blogspot.com

See ya next time!