Being Called

When you use the word "called" often time people think you are crazy or that it just applies to "ministry."

I don't think that's true. I think everyone is called to do something. To create, to write, to learn, to parent, to teach, to sing....the list goes on.

The one thing I am certain of in my life is the calling that has been placed on my life to teach. I taught middle school for many years and left when a lucrative offer came my way for a career change. In that new career I continued to teach...but now adults.

I have ventured out into a new arena. Women's bible study. Last night I started a group and we are studying, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, by Joanna Weaver. It is a wonderful book that was given to me a few years ago and I have always wanted to share it with a group of women. And we started last night.

It was wonderful! We have a fantastic group of about 12 women, all very different. All bringing wonderful stories and perspectives to the table.

I am so honored to be a part of this dynamic group of women. I pray that I am up to the task to facilitate and lead all to a deeper understanding of the Word of God.

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. catalogs
2. kleenex
3. retreats
4. new outfits
5. choo-choos

Wonderful News!

I am so excited! Our hematologist called today and Christian's inhibitor levels are the lowest they have ever been! It looks like the chemo is working!

All of the trips, all of the money, all of the waiting, all of the crying and doubt about whether or not we made the right decision....I could go on and on.

God's timing is perfect. He has led us down this path and now we see the results.

I am so overjoyed that I can hardly put words together!

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. phone calls
2. test results
3. teacher's that care
4. watered plants
5. the weekly newspaper

4 Years Ago

4 years ago today, my life changed. I gave birth to my second son, Christian. For four years my husband and I tried to conceive (our oldest son is 10 years older than Christian). When we finally gave up trying, there he was!

To say we were utterly amazed that we were blessed with another child is an understatement. The pregnancy was difficult but worth every minute.

Not only did our lives change because we were bringing a newborn into our home after 10 years, but he, too, was diagnosed with Severe Hemophilia. I only thought I knew how to handle Hemophilia after dealing with Lance's condition...Christian has taken us down a road with a bleeding disorder that I never dreamed.

After many hospitalizations, surgeries, and chemotherapy my life is filled with a joy I never imagined.

The Lord has provided for us in ways too numerous to list. And entrusting us with two amazing lives to raise is beyond words.

I am not sure what is in store for us, but I know the Lord will never give us more than we are able to handle.

Happy Birthday, my sweet, Christian. The best is yet to come.


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. candles
2. birthday cake
3. email
4. presents
5. tokens

My Christian

My Christian has been having a rough time. He's had a knee bleed and an ankle bleed back to back within the past two weeks. It's been very painful for him. To see him crawling and limping just hurts my heart. I spent Wednesday morning with him...from midnight until 4 am, holding him to try and soothe his pain.

As a parent, I would do anything in the world to take the pain of hemophilia away from my children. But it's just not in the plan. All I can do is be there in every way possible for both of my boys. To make sure they have their factor, that it is administered properly, to hold them when they are in pain and all has been done except let time pass for the injury to heal.

Tonight has been one of those nights as we wait in the hotel in Albuquerque and administer fluids before his chemo on Friday. The waiting, the re-accessing of his port, the anticipation of yet another new drug in the hopes that his inhibitor will be eradicated.

We wait and we pray for God's will to be done.

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. my homecare company
2. our nurse S.
3. chocolate cake
4. chicken strips
5. anticipation

A Big Day

I've been working on a presentation to give to offices in my work network across the country. It was an idea I had and was given the go ahead to run with the project. Today I give my first conference call twice...the first one in an hour!

When you feel passionately about something, step out in faith and make it happen. It can sure be scary, but the Lord will be with you when it is truly the right thing to do.

Prayers appreciated :)

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. ice, cold water
2. clean dishes
3. fluorescent lamps
4. dusty plants
5. cold rooms

Give God a Year

I was considering the "picture a day" idea for 2010 where you take a picture a day in your life and post 365-1, 365-2, etc. But I've had a better idea.

I'm giving God a year. In my never ending quest to lose weight, I came across a new book written by Carole Lewis, "Give God a Year." So far it's a really good read. The whole idea is to commit to a year of giving God first place in your day and everything else falls into place. It's not about "losing weight" but getting your priorities in order where your relationship with Christ is concerned.

The week before Christmas I started my year. I am pretty good at my daily devotional time, but I want to deepen my relationship with Christ. I am committing myself to a regular daily time with God where I am journaling and right now working on a First Place 4 Health Bible study.

I could easily say that my committment is to lose X number of pounds, exercise regularly, etc. but I think that working on my relationship will help everything else fall into place.

What have you resolved to do this year that is different than in the past?

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. droopy plants
2. space heaters
3. this morning's sunrise
4. Joe making his flight home
5. gift card holders

Back to the Grind

It's tough going back to school (work) after the holidays!



I hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday season.

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. hamburgers
2. dinner invitations
3. long conversations
4. decorations being put away
5. routine