In Christ Alone! - Homeschool Blogger

Twenty-One and Still Young!

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 07:17:00 -0500

Howdy Y'all,

IT'S MY 21st BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!!!

I'm so excited!!!!

THE PERFECT DAY: The Day I Got Everything Done

Thu, 8 Feb 2007 01:32:00 -0600

Hey all, Wow... long time no write... my deepest apologies for not writing or visiting or commenting! I hope to do some visiting soon. Life's been crazy!

I was waiting to share this with you until I found out the results of the TOS's short story writing contest. I entered the following story, but didn't win. I probably need to do some revisions, but I am excited to share it with you all. At nearly 2,500 words... I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think... be critical if you can! ha!

Thanks,
Stephanie

THE PERFECT DAY: The Day I Got Everything Done

The moon shone brightly through the window, gently resting upon the weary face of a mother. She laid silently in bed watching as the clock ticked slowly and both hands approached the twelve, ending another Monday. Glancing over at her sleeping husband a tear rolled silently past her ear to the pillow.

“Why?” She thought to herself. “Why can’t I ever get it all done?” She had asked this question a hundred times, to herself, to her friends, to her forgiving husband, and still no answer.

“Tomorrow is a new day.” She thought positively. “I’m not going to be a Nobody; I’m going to be a Somebody. And I am going to get everything done, no matter what it takes.” She rolled over and grabbed the notebook on her night stand. Searching for a writing utensil her fingers stumbled upon a broken crayon. She leaned further into the moon light and began writing:

To Do List for Tuesday:
-walk on treadmill (15 min.)
-shower, look decent
-wash bed sheets
-wash towels
-wash 3 loads of clothes
-clean off desk
-correct school work
-make sure kids get school work done
-vacuum living & dining room floors
-wash kitchen floor
-clean both bathrooms / wash toilets
-organize game closet
-read book (30 min.)
-pay over-due bills
-get milk at grocery store

Excited and eager to fulfill her plan, she flopped the notebook back on her night stand and tossed the crayon beyond the foot of the bed. Before she could think of anything else she closed her eyes and was fast asleep.

“BZZZZ!”

The annoying sound roused her at six o’clock in the morning. She sat up softly so not to wake her sleeping husband and stared into the darkness. Glancing back at the alarm clock, she read, 6:02 AM.

“What? Have I been sitting here for two minutes already?” She quickly headed to the bathroom, sweats in hand. After changing and throwing her blonde locks in a pony tail, she hurried to the cluttered living room.

Flipping on the lights, she groaned. “At least the treadmill hadn’t been used in part of ‘the fort.’” She flipped the radio on, hopped on the machine, and started out with a mild jog. Wanting to make sure she got her fifteen minutes in she looked at the clock across the room. It read 6:09 AM. Quickly calculating in her head, “Great, I’ll be done way before 6:30.”

She had three minutes to go when a blonde head peeked around the corner.

“Hey Mommy,” the groggy voice mumbled, “whatcha doing?”

“I’m exercising, Sweetie. What are you doing up so early?” she panted, out of breath.

“I just woke up.” The little five year old plopped herself at the table. “I’m hungry. Can you make some breakfast?”

Determined to accomplish what she had set out to do, she disregarded her daughter’s question, looked down at the digital figures, and kept walking. So far she’d burned approximately 130 calories. Eating breakfast would surely nullify her last fifteen minutes.

“We could have a party, just us two!” Her daughter’s voice had perked up along with her body.

“Not now. I’m busy. Go wake up Jill, or Samantha. Tell them, ‘Mommy said.’” Winded she stepped off the treadmill. Sweat was building on her forehead, but she smiled with determination. Feeling a tad light headed walking back to her bedroom she paused to lean against the wall. Soon, however, she was crossing off the first item on her list.

“I’m going to take a shower, Hope.” She spoke to the little girl still sitting at the table, her head resting on her folded arms. “I’ll get one of your sisters to come up here and make you some breakfast, OK?”

“K,” Hope mumbled, not moving an inch.

“Girls, time to get up!” She flipped on the light and started tugging at blankets. Three sleeping lumps simultaneously moaned as each held tight to her covers.

“Jill, go fix some breakfast for Hope. She’s upstairs waiting.” She patted her twelve year old on the back.

“Sam, you get the living room straightened up. I’ve got a lot to do today.” She rustled her ten year old daughter’s sandy hair.

A grunt followed by more moaning from the other side of the room indicated that it was only 6:30 AM and wished to go back to sleep.

“Up, Marissa!” She responded to her seventeen year old daughter before making her way to the boys’ room.

“Rise and shine boys!” She said, flipping on their lights.

“The garbage needs to be taken out, Kyle.” Her fifteen year old son groaned.

“Brent, make sure all the bathrooms get cleaned this morning.” Her thirteen year old son squinted at her.

“And Peter,” she whispered in her seven year old son’s ear, “you help Sam get the living room back in order.”

After a hot shower she hurried upstairs to cross it off ‘the list.’ Two down, and only thirteen more to go.

“Good morning, Honey!” Her husband said, rolling out of bed. “Why you’re up awful early. It’s only 7:00 and you’re dressed and nearly ready for the day.” He rubbed his eyes and looked at the clock to clarify what he had just said.

“Yup! I’m going to get everything done today, continuing with washing these sheets.” She yanked at the covers and pulled off the pillow cases. While heading to the laundry room with an arm load of sheets, clothes, and towels gathered from here there and everywhere she perceived that she was in high demand.

“Mom!” said Brent.

“Mommy!” said Peter.

“Hey, Mom?” asked Jill.

“Good Morning, Mom.” said Samantha.

“Hi, Mommy!” said Hope.

“Sorry kids, I have to start some laundry and get school corrected. Why don’t you all get dressed, make your beds, and finish picking up the living room. ‘The fort’ must be taken apart too. Peter. Samantha.” She looked at them squarely as she passed through the room.

Seventeen minutes later she was working away at the stack of text books, red pen in one hand, and the answer key in the other.

“Could I check my E-mail, Mom?” Marissa asked, sauntering to the desk in her pajamas.

“I just sat down! Not now.” She said, determined not to get behind.

“Have a good day at work, Honey!” She hollered as her husband walked out the door.

“Marissa, I woke you up,” she looked at the clock, “nearly an hour ago. Why aren’t you dressed yet?”

Marissa had a puzzled expression as she turned to go back down to her room. “Good morning to you too.” She mumbled under her breath.

As the morning drug on, she crossed more and more things off her list. Wash bed sheets, wash towels, clean off desk, correct school work, and between washing, drying, and folding the three loads of clothes, she made sure each child was getting their book work done before lunch.

The afternoon went much the same. Her children would ask questions, make comments, beg for her attention, but she stayed focused on ‘the list.’ Pretty soon she had the vacuuming done, both bathrooms cleaned… correctly (Brent obviously wasn’t a perfectionist), the kitchen floor washed, and the bills paid. With just three things left, she was feeling pretty confident.

“I’m running to the grocery store to get some milk, guys. Be good. I’ll be back shortly.” She grabbed her purse and dug around for her keys as she headed for the door.

“Hey Mom,” Kyle asked sweetly, as only fifteen year old boys can. “May I drive you? I’m supposed to have a bunch of hours of driving in before I take Drivers Education in the summer.”

“Kyle,” She paused, as if she were actually contemplating the idea. “I – I just – I’ll be quicker if I go by myself. Maybe another time. OK?” She patted his drooped shoulders and shut the door behind her.

Soon she had 5 gallons of milk, two pounds of butter, three loaves of bread, and a few frozen pizzas put away. She quickly crossed out another item leaving only two left. Heading for the unruly game closet she called out for runners. But by this time, even reluctant help was hard to find. Her children were avoiding her as much as possible; they obviously hadn’t understood her mission of completing ‘the list.’

The game closet was finally under control around 6:39 PM and the troops were starved. A few frozen pizzas later, they all sought out quiet corners while she completed the final item on her list, reading a book.

“Can you read this to me, Mommy?” Her littlest daughter asked, placing a Winnie-the-Pooh favorite on her lap.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Hope. I have to read my own book right now.” She held up a brand new ‘child training’ book. “You look like you could use a rest. Why don’t you go lay down on my bed for a little bit.”

“Could you come sleep with me?” Hope grabbed her mother’s hand and tried to pull her out of the chair she’d settled in.

“Hope, I can’t right now. You go lay down.” She pointed to the bedroom with one hand while opening her book with the other. She eventually blocked out her little girl’s whimpers, and ended up reading for a whole hour.

With a smile on her face, she crossed out the last remaining item on ‘the list.’ Glancing at the clock she was ecstatic to see that it was only half past eight. “I think I’ll put up my feet and watch some TV.” She thought. “I deserve a break for all my hard work.”

“Jill, could you massage my shoulders? I’m going to watch a little TV.” She said, upon reaching the living room. She switched on the set and sat on the sofa.

“Hey Sam, want to lotion my feet?” She looked around for her children.

Usually, they would have been more than willing to pamper her, because they loved her so much and that also meant getting to stay up past their bed time. Not tonight, however.

“Uh,” Jill faked a yawn. “My hands are a little tired; I think I’ll go to bed.” Before her mother could reply she was out of the room and down the stairs.

Samantha looked up from the book she’d been flipping through. “Yeah, I am kind of tired too. I hope you get some good sleep tonight, Mom.” She put the book on the bookshelf and hurried after her sister.

“Peter?” she asked softly. “I’ll let you stay up…” Her voice trailed off. He was on his way downstairs too.

In fact, one by one, each of her children headed to bed, without being told, without giving hugs, without blowing kisses, without even saying goodnight. In just moments she was alone, staring after her dear children.

“… you didn’t hear a word I just said, and you obviously don’t care about anyone but yourself!” The angry voice of an obviously offended girlfriend brought her attention to the television. “Goodbye, Mr. Selfish Peter.”

“SLAM!”

She flinched as the door on the TV was thrown shut. Immediately, she turned it off. As she sat in silence she thought, “What just happened?” She suddenly felt as worthless and rejected as the boyfriend had looked just before terminating the program. Today was supposed to be her perfect day, the day she got everything done. Why then did she feel worthless, rejected, like she was a real Nobody.

She picked up the notebook beside her. Bright green crayon read: To Do List for Tuesday. The following items were all crossed off, but it didn’t seem to matter now. She turned the page and noticed some sloppy handwriting. It read:

I called your name, but you didn’t listen.
I touched your shoulder, and you turned away.
I wanted to say, I love you, Mom,
But you were too busy, I guess, today.

Tears that had welled up after the first line were rolling down her cheeks. Heavy sobs shook her body. How could she have done this to her children? Why hadn’t she given them just a moment of her day? How did ‘the list’ get to be so much more important than spending time with and loving her children? She chucked the notebook across the room and buried her face in her hands.

“Honey?” She could hear her husband’s voice. “Sweetheart?” Had he come home from work finally? Why was he whispering? Suddenly, his warm arms were wrapped around her. “Honey, wake up!” She heard him clearly now. “You must have been having a horrible dream. Are you alright, Sweetie?”

She was startled. “What day is it? What time is it? The kids. Do they still love me?”

He held her close, gently answering her questions. “It’s very early Tuesday morning, Dear. It’s not even 2:00 AM yet. The kids are fine, and I’m sure they still love you, Darling.”

She sat up and squinted through the lamp light into her husband’s eyes. Abruptly, she reached over to her night stand and grabbed the notebook, terrified of what she might find. She read, in green scribbled crayon: To Do List for Tuesday. Not a single item had been crossed off, she was thrilled. She looked at her husband with a smile that gradually became a troubled expression. The poem. She turned over the page. And read:

I called your name, and you stopped to listen.
I touched your shoulder, and you smiled at me.
I wanted to say, I love you, Mom,
You’re never too busy, for me, I see.

Tears again moistened her eyes, but this time she was filled with peace, contentment, and joy. She scrambled to the foot of the bed, her husband staring after her. She was searching for something. Finally, she got on the floor, hands and knees, and started feeling around.

“I found it!” she announced, holding up a broken green crayon.

Still puzzled, and wondering if his wife wasn’t still sleeping, her husband looked on.

She tore out the sheet with ‘the list’ on it, crumpled it up, and threw it clear out of the room. She then found a clean page and wrote at the top:

*New* To Do List for Tuesday:
-Love my children
-Spend time with my children
-Do something for my children
-Play with my children
-Teach my children
-Hug my children
-Train my children
-Protect my children
-Appreciate my children
-Enjoy my children
-Live for my children

With that done, she gently laid the notebook back in its place, and rolled over to look at her husband.

She said, “Tomorrow is a new day. I’m not going to be a Nobody, because I’m already a Somebody. And I am going to get everything done, no matter what it takes.”

With a smile on his face her husband turned off the lamp and they both fell fast asleep.

2007 is HERE!!!!

Mon, 1 Jan 2007 00:52:00 -0600

so.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Sorry I haven't been on here in a while folks.... lots going on. I hope you all have had a very blessed Christmas season and have remembered the reason for it all! We have so much to be thankful for! Have a blessed and wonderfully joy filled new year of 2007! And have a great week celebrating it!

~ Stephanie

Thanksgiving......

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 20:44:00 -0600

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!!!!

I wish I could say something grand and profound on this glorious day of Thanksgiving, but I think I'll let one of my more wise friends do that this time.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. I love Christmas and New Years Day and Independence day, but the day of Thanksgiving, I believe, is my favorite. Why? I don't know, but everything that goes into and comes out of it is wonderful. We get our entire house cleaned, and being a cleany it's a wonderful feeling. We get to cook a LOT of delicious food. We get to share all the tasty food with our relatives, whom I love. We have a marvelous time eating, talking, having fun, playing games, eating pie, and just having fun. I just love the whole "Giving Thanks" atmosphere as well. And all throughout the week I am constantly sending up extra special little "Thank you, God" prayers. It's beautiful.

In addition to the wonderful holiday itself, we have also had a tradition for the last eight years that thrills me. The annual "Thanksgiving Sleep-over!" I guess I was twelve when we started it, and we've been doing it ever since. Two family friends' older kids come over and ....... after all the eating, games, movies, talking, having a good time ........ sleep! The guys sleep OUTSIDE, in the barn, (the first year there was no barn, just stars), while the girls sleep inside where it's warm! haha We have a blast. Only.... this year.... two of my good friends can't make it, so it'll be Josh's two friends, and one of mine. I'm still thrilled though!!!!! It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the following Friday-Saturday Sleep-Over, but I'm sure some people might think it's a bit odd to continue now that we're ranging in ages from 18 to 23.

So, slightly more serious, what are some extra special things that I am thankful for this year?

my family
the opportunity to work for the lady with Alzheimer's and watching how God worked throughout the whole thing, and His timing, incredible
being single yet satisfied
friendship, lots and lots of good Christian friendship (you guys don't know how much of a blessing you are to me, really)
my hair
my health
the way God has provided me with income throughout the year
my relatives, especially my Grandma (Mom's Mom)
the way God has worked in my brother Caleb's life with both jobs and relationships
my Mom
we now have no horses, no cows, no turkeys, no chickens, no dogs, and only one cat
the way news about our family singing has spread and how busy we've become sharing our talents with others and sharing Christ's love wherever we perform (we now have a booking that is over a year away)
we sold our first CD already, but since it's not actually made yet, we have good reason to get one made first thing in year 2007 (I'm pumped!)
we have at least two stores willing to sell our CD's once they're out

Oh, I could really go on forever couldn't I? I just start thinking positively and ......... it's never-ending. haha

I would love to hear a few things that you guys are especially thankful for this year!

Have a great weekend!
Stephanie

9 Weird Things About Me

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 22:59:00 -0600

My friend Leah "tagged" me, so I'm going to share 9 weird things about me. (This shouldn't be to hard, I'm weird! HA )

*HINT* However, don't ask your family "What are nine weird things about me?" They won't know where to start or when to stop, for me at least.

1. I am obsessed with hair, especially my own. I am always making mental judgements of others' hair and their "do's" or styles. And when it comes to my own, I'm constantly primping, scrunching, touching, fluffing, feeling it, and running to a mirror to check on it..... it drives my family nuts!

2. I am horrible about blowing my nose. I cherish my Puffs (because toilet paper gets rough) to the point that I have caused myself to be over conservative. I will blow, fold, blow, fold, blow, fold, wipe, fold, wipe, fold and with the last clean piece of tissue available wipe once more before finally throwing it away. I've even found half used tissues by my bed..... I was saving it for next time, in case the brand new box ran out or ran off...... I guess.

3. I have TMJ..... basically a constantly popping completely irritating jaw. I can't open my mouth all of the way unless I dislocate it, and when chewing gum or food, my jaw pops with every chomp and becomes quite sore and stiff after a limited extended period of continual use. *sigh* I get it from my Mom.

4. I love anything green. Green clothes, green scarfs, green hats, green notebooks, green blankets, green carpet........ yeah, it's bad.

5. I hate ants. More than any other bug, I hate ants. They freak me out! And that is that. Ewww!!!

6. I have a personal property fobia called, "Don't touch my stuff!" It drives me crazy when people touch my car, sit on my bed, play with my hair, touch me in any way, touch my desk, touch my clothes, touch my ANYTHING really. I think I'm getting better, hopefully, and someday I hope and pray that I won't be so posessive, but...... *sigh* It's one of my greater faults.

7. I love take-home boxes from restaurants. Especially from Lomita's, our local mexican restaurant. Part of it may be that I can't stand wasting things, but partly I just LOVE the food inside them. (Maybe I'm deprived of eating out on a regular basis, but I doubt it.)

8. I always order milk, when I do eat out. No matter where we are, or what I'm eating, I stare at the "drinks" available and always get a milk. Occasionally I'll have a rasberry iced tea, and only sometimes do I get a lemonade or a rootbeer, but milk is most common.

9. I do not like, no that is to light of a word, I can't stand the smell or taste of popcorn and nuts of any kind. They make me sick, give me a headache, and gross me out. It's tough because both are "movie snacks" and popular "gathering treats."

Ok, Leah, (and the rest of you) these are probably way more weird than you cared to know, but ........ it's me.

Have a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!!!!

~ Stephanie

Psalm 37 ~ my wish

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 23:18:00 -0600

Who needs me, O Lord, When there is Thee?

"If I could wish one thing upon the world, what would it be?" Have you ever been asked that before? "If you could have one wish, what would it be?" I've pondered on that a long time without ever coming up with a definite answer, until now.

If I could wish one thing upon the world, it would be this. That every person, man, woman, boy, girl, child, adult, republican, democrat, American, or some other nationality..... I wish that every person on the face of the earth could be and would learn to be happy and content in the Lord. Happy in Christ. Filled with the peace, love, joy, and happiness that one gets only after entrusting their life and every aspect of it into the Hands of the One True God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Children, could sleep peacefully at night knowing their God is watching over them. Adults, could be satisfied with life knowing that their God loves them unconditionally and is bigger than all of their problems. Single young people (like myself), could be content with their state of singleness because the only One who can truly satisfy their heart, does.

I have never thought of this, like this before.

We are supposed to lead the world to Christ, right? Well, I was raised Baptist and taught that "winning souls" was getting someone to pray the sinners' prayer and then hope they learned the rest of the Christian walk naturally (or something.) After observing how "Christians" shoved "Christianity" down unsaved people's throats then bragged about their numbers of "souls led to the Lord" time and time again, I nearly rebeled, completely refusing to "witness to the lost."

How sad.

But after over five years of simply being a Christian, a follower of Christ, and getting to know my God for myself, tonight my eyes have been opened to a new refreshing excitement for sharing my God with others.

I want everyone to need nothing, nothing but a personal intimate loving relationship with Jesus. My Jesus. The Jesus that was born of a virgin, lived without sin, was crucified, buried, and rose the third day so that WE, any and all who call upon His name, might be saved and come to know the peace that passeth all understanding!!!!

*moment of silence to ponder*

The Lord placed Psalm 37 upon my heart many months ago, and upon my heart it remains. I feel obligated to share it with you.

    Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
    Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
    Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
    Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
    Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
    Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
    For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
    The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
    The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
    A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.
    The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
    The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
    For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
    The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
    Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved forever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
    The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart: none of his steps shall slide.
    The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
    Wait on the Lord and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shall see it.
    I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
    Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Oh such sweet words they are. Although my scripture reading has been less than desirable of late, you can be sure this girl will be meditating on this chapter often throughout the next few weeks at least. Tonight, the Lord has spoken to my heart, and tonight I will hearken unto His words.

Til next time, may you find contentment and fulfillment in the Love of our Savior!
~ Stephanie

"Lonely In a Crowd?"

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 22:56:00 -0500

Hello my fellow Homeschool Bloggers!

It has been sooo long since I've been on here, it's shameful! However, I have been extremely busy and my dear Heavenly Father has been teaching me more than I could have ever imagined. I could go on and on about what I've been up to, but I don't have time tonight. I did however update my other blog (www.xanga.com/krowned1) so if you really want to know what I've been busy with, and see some neat pictures, go there! hahahaha

The following is an article I found in the Ladies Home Journal written by Rick Warren author of The Purpose Driven Life books. I was extremely impressed with it, and wanted to share it with you all. If any of you still visit, let me know what you think!

God Bless,

Stephanie

LONELY IN A CROWD?

If I were to ask you what you considered to be the most common pain people suffer, what would you say: Depression? Stress? Resentment?

How about loneliness?

After all my conversations as a pastor over the past 30 years, I'm certain loneliness is not only common, it's epidemic. I started noticing this when people would admit to me they were lonely -- extremely lonely. Ironically the holidays only heightened it.

Perhaps you and your husband are not talking to each other much, or you're dealing with the death of a loved one. Perhaps in the busyness of raising kids you've lost meaningful adult connections. A recent study found that, compared with 1985, Americans report that they have fewer people with whom they can discuss important matters. Nearly 25 percent of the people said they had no one with whom they could discuss such issues. That means roughly a quarter of Americans don't have anyone with whom they can share their deepest fears and greatest joys. Isn't it ironic that as we've become more "connected" by cell phones and the Internet, we've really found more anonymity and isolation?

God doesn't want us to be lonely, and that's why he offers us several ways to reduce the pain of loneliness:

He Gives Us a Plan for Life

It's likely that you're surrounded all day long by people who need you -- a spouse who needs your companionship, coworkers who need your expertise, children who need your protection, friends who need your laughter and parents who need your care. But you may still feel that no one really knows you or understands what really matters to you. Frankly, you may be lonely.

Yet God says this to you: "I made you. I put you on this earth for a purpose. I care about you. I love you and I have a plan for your life." When you're focusing on living God's plan for your life, it gives new meaning to all your relationships.

He Gives Us Other People

Most of us think we're to busy to have these kinds of relationships -- and the truth is we are! So many things cut into our time and energy and distract us from building relationships.

God's plan to overcome loneliness is for us to get the focus off ourselves and onto the lives of other people. One of the purposes of the church is to provide you with opportunities to develop deep, close relationships. You may be involved in many groups, like scrapbooking clubs, an exercise class or the school board. But I encourage you to take the initiative and get involved with a small group of people who are interested in building deep relationships -- even if that means giving up some other groups. For example, instead of taking an anonymous exercise class, invite a coworker or neighbor to join you for a jog or walk a few times a week; as you exercise, you'll likely see a real friendship blossom.

He Gives Us His Presence

We were made to have an intimate, personal and close relationship with God, and no person, pill possession, experience, success, fortune or fame is going to fill that aching hole in your heart. Regardless of the source of your loneliness, God is right there with you. He knows your deepest hopes and concerns, and you can call on His help to conquer the loneliness in your life. He will help you out and see you through.

Unexpected Answers ~

Sun, 24 Sep 2006 23:08:00 -0500

Matthew 7:7-8 says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Those verses have been so familiar to me all my growing up years. Many a time have I held to those promises and claimed them as my own while asking, seeking, and knocking in various areas. However, there are and have been times when I believe them without applying Faith. I know the words are true, yet I don't really have faith that what I'm asking, seeking out, or knocking on will come about. But God is faithful through it all. And more times than I can count he has answered my prayers unexpectedly, but answered none the less.

Recently, especially over the past week, I have been wondering, thinking, pondering, praying, and thinking some more (half of my thoughts become prayers, I believe) about my future. I am a 20 year old single girl.... young lady.... woman.... with a whole future ahead of me. I don't want to waste my life; my one, God-given, Jesus-died-for, blessed with such an awesome upbringing, life. I want to live my signature life, a life that I'll proudly sign my name to when it is accomplished, now. But how? What am I doing now, that is big and grand and God's Will? What am I doing now, that is leading me to a prosperous future of glorifying God? Which of my talents and passions am I supposed to pursue and polish and put to practice most? So many questions....

Please tell me you all have had questions and doubts and similar confusing thoughts!!!

My main prayer for my life is that I would be a blessing to people and minister unto others no matter what I'm doing. I always envisioned myself in the youth ministry, or as a Christian children's writer in my spare time while being a stay-at-home Mom. But since none of those things have been coming about recently I start second guessing myself. Is what I'm doing really God's Will for my life?

As my pastor has said a million and one times, "Grow where you are planted." I thought that would be easy. I'm constantly being proven different. Growing includes stretching in ways that are uncomfortable, being scorched with the blazing sun, nearly drowning in floods of rain, being tossed around by the winds of every which way. And although we don't notice the good in all those things, we're growing stronger, taller, and healthier every day into the people God wants us to be.

Proverbs 22:1 says, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold."

But what that verse doesn't say, is that a good name will keep the town talking about you and loving favor will keep you forever busy. I couldn't possibly list how many times people call us up and ask us if we could help them out somehow. And as tiresome, frustrating, and time consuming as it all gets, it is amazing!

Just this past weekend God opened my eyes and showed me that in the little things of my life, in the midst of my growing, I am being a blessing to people and ministering to others.

A few days ago my sister and I got asked to care for a lady we knew of (her name is Faith, imagine that) who has the beginning stages of alzheimer's. Her husband, and care giver, is currently in the hospital with serious pneumonia and has slim chances of making it. My sister has had experience with watching an older woman with alzheimer's before, but for me, it's an all new world. Her children wanted someone with her at all times, so we'll be switching off days, nights, whatever fits our schedule. I am trying to look at this opportunity as great training. Training for what, I haven't yet figured out, but I know I want to do my best in all that I do, because our Lord most likely won't train me for something that I won't need later on.

This could last a week, two, three, who knows. I'm hoping the sooner it's over, the better. Because it slightly (ok more than slightly) messes up some family routines. It all depends on what happens to the husband, and if the children think Faith should go to a nursing home or not. Everything is new ground to all of us right now, so we just don't know.

SO!! I guess this is a multipurpose post. I'm letting you know how God had been answering my prayers in unexpected ways. I'm letting you know that my schedule will be chaotic throughout the next few weeks. And I'm asking for prayer that I would be patient in this time of training and growing and that everything would run smoothly.

Thank you all!
~His humble servant~
Stephanie

What a day!

Sun, 27 Aug 2006 23:24:00 -0500

What a day! I wish I had the time to go into detail, but I don't at this time. The highlights of my day were:

1) My sister REBEKAH turned 16 today, Happy Birthday, Bub!!!!! Yeah!

2) The Lord was with us as we ministered unto a pastorless church in Oelwein today. Walking in without a service order and without a clue about the congregation, the Spirit of God was present and touched nearly every heart. WOW!

3) A sad, yet very touching moment of my day.... I said goodbye to a very dear friend, mentor, leader, ensample of Christ; the best youth pastor I have ever had the honor and privilege of meeting and getting to work with. He wasn't a part of our church, but he was and is a part of God's church. He will be missed dearly by many, but he leaves following God's calling to become the shepherd of his own flock. Praise God!

And lastly, (I don't think this should be considered a point) I can't describe the amazing feelings and emotions and thoughts and words that are overflowing within me at this very moment.

Goodnight and God bless!

For Him,
Stephanie

I've been tagged!! (again)

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 11:07:00 -0500

I have been tagged by Ashley! But instead of doing more of the generic answers, I'm going to tell you what I have, that most people might not. ;-) I am different that way. hehe Here goes!

5 things in my freezer:

1. roast round rump - boneless

2. boneless skinless chicken breasts (YUM!)

3. leaf spinich (good in specific recipies only)

4. mixed veggies/peas

5. whole strawberries

5 things in my closet:

1. Quill Art - Floral Mineratures Craft Kit

2. Porcelain Doll (still in the box)

3. large box of Dominoes

4. Every American Girl box for both Kristen & Kaya's complete sets (we'll just say my Grandma loves them too... when I have my own house, I'm designating one room just to their stuff. lol)

5. Bob Ross /Master/ Paint set

5 things in my car: (well, when I get a car, I will have...)

1. CD player

2. Sunglasses

3. Ice Scraper thingy

4. Disinfecting car wipes

5. and Kleenex or something (my nose runs at the most unopportune times)

5 things in my purse:

1. mini mirror

2. camera/battery

3. trident spearmint white chewing gum

4. miniature new testament/psalms/proverbs (normally, happens to be missing)

5. notebook for my ever-forgettful memory

5 things in my wallet:

1. a few pictures of seniors this year (including my brother Caleb)

2. drivers license

3. expired free bowling card

4. voter card

5. Medi-Care Insurance card (I think that's what it is)

5 people I tag:

alaska0girl
heartofvirtue
MissSprite
Jocelyndixon
friends4tea