Then Sings My Soul Saturdays 4 (early) / Be Still Sunday (early)

It's sad that I'm going to have to post the Saturday Song of the week on Friday morning.

Even more sad is that I'm going to have to squeeze in my Sabbath time on the 4-hour trip to camp tomorrow morning when I'm in the car by myself ~ just God and me.

But that's the pace of our lives these days.

This week's song is another by SCC. Not trying to monopolize him on the Saturday Songs list, but let's face it, the songs are awesome. We're coming up on another extremely busy and stressful week, one we can only endure by the grace of God.

I will go get kids from camp on Saturday. Sunday is Andy's last day at church, and there's a luncheon in his honor, including a prayer time for us all. BUT, T.J. and I will not be there due to freshman orientation at Tech. He'll spend the night downtown, and I'll come home, Andy replacing me on Monday to talk with the finance people and help him as needed in getting registered for fall classes. Tuesday is OUR DAY -- probably going out to eat and to a movie for the fam. Wednesday is T-minus-zero, the flight date. Thursday is T.J.'s oral surgery, and Friday I go to work. My maternity leave has lasted 18 years, and for six weeks, I'll be immersed in 6th grade Social Studies as I get my feet wet for a possible second round of the career. And somewhere in the middle of all that, he has to finish packing.

But that's the future. We honestly don't know what tomorrow holds. We see what's on our calendar, but we aren't promised the next day or even the next minute.

So enjoy the song. It's one he wrote for his wife after the first couple years into their marriage.

And please pray for soldiers everywhere who are separated from their families. Thanks.

p.s. I've come back to add this one.more.song.

I'll admit to listening to a Fort Polk praise team CD ~ and tearin' up the harmonies in my den ~ and crying because the music is gorgeous ~ and missing friends all over the world ~ and knowing that Andy's going away for a while. Whew. So here's the other song. I personally think my friend, Ang, does a much-better job!

Christmas in July

What? There's no snow here ~ as if there ever was. It's humid ~ muggy ~ warm on this late July morning. But our favorite radio station is playing Christmas songs! I just thought you might want to know....it's great just to turn it on your computer and let it play.

The songs of the Incarnation are welcome EVERY DAY of the year ~ so go out there and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ today!

BTW, Marti's and Drew's camp is also doing a Christmas theme this week. They all arrived last week with their Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, and the camp was decorated in wreaths and fir trees!

Online now....This, this, is Christ the King whom shepherds guard, and angels sing, "Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, the babe, the son of Mary......

So why do I blog?

I began blogging back in October 2005. The title comes from my favorite childhood movie ~ The Wizard of Oz ~ the movie that my sister and I can quote from memory and the one we used to act out with all our stuffed animals. I began the blog as a way to practice some writing skills, and quickly it became an outlet to keep up with friends and family worldwide. I have been taking pictures, keeping journals, and working on yearbook/newsletters/and now websites for over 30 years total. I guess it's a deep need within me -- to express myself in writing and to connect it somehow to the Great Commission -- to share the Good News of Jesus in whatever medium is available.

Over the past almost-three years, it's been fun to learn new skills with this technology. I frequently post songs that I've found on YouTube, especially praise songs that uplift anyone that reads this blog.

My blog has become more than just a place to talk about my kids, husband or the stuff we do. It represents who we are, what we believe, what we do, hopefully all in a way that is God-honoring. It's become a place of resources for theology, education, ministry, music, and idea swapping. I have met lots of fun people through this thing we call blogging. Moms, homeschoolers, Catholics, Protestants, theologians, co-workers in ministry, and very often, just the random blogger that sparks an interest by their own creative words. Writers, all. It's become more than just a hobby for me; and while I've been known to be obsessive about hobbies in the past, this one goes even a step further. To be able to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to share favorite Scriptures and songs, to describe a fallible life following an infallible God, and to connect to people I rarely get to see in person -- well, I guess that's why I blog. Also about the title: We move around a lot. We currently live near family and somewhat near my childhood home. That's almost unheard of in the military lifestyle, but it's where God has us. Home. That's what my first blog was about. Trying to set the stage for this concept that is not as concrete as we'd like to think it is. Home. It's actually wherever the Army sends us. Or where God has in mind for us to serve Him. Or where our families are. Or where our closest friends or future friends live.

I think the obstacle I experience of ever truly calling any one place on this earth "home" is that my home is not of this world. It is in Heaven. It is only then that I'll find that perfect place of rest, peace, contentment and "home."

I can't print out the entire text of Scripture in this space, and you know as well as I do that it's just about impossible to find ONE verse to summarize why we do what we do. But how about this:

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:16-17 NASB

Blogging. It's what I do. ~SDG~

Blog Surfing

I would rather read interesting blogs than watch TV any day. Here are some interesting thoughts I have read today.

In Defense of Creeds

Bare-Bones Christianity

Becoming Me - Blog Mission Tour

Coffee in the Morning

All over the blog world -- and thus the real world -- people are asking the big questions.
What do I believe? How can I articulate that into a concise set of words? How can I communicate that to the world, or at least, to my loved ones? And people are hurting.

Keep writing, my friends; keep writing.
I'm stll working on my Blog Mission Tour entry.
I know I'm late in this game. I have a lot to sort through.

Bonclarken / Flat Rock, NC photos

Here are some photos from Bonclarken and the surrounding areas. I've been up there twice already this summer. The oldest building at the conference center is called the Heidelburg House, and the pictures of guestrooms with antiques is an option when staying there overnight. I loved walking around the big, old house, trying to picture what the huge family would've been like when they lived there prior to WWI. I have stayed in Founder's Hall, which is more like a "regular" modern hotel. There are pics from the two churches I visited on Sunday and others of Marti and Drew as camp was beginning. Drew and I found a WONDERFUL German restaurant and ate lunch there Sunday. I'll probably take a few more pics on Saturday with all of us; that's another 4-hour drive up there and 4 hours back. But at least we'll all be together in the car. Enjoy your week! I think we're going to try to get the house pressure-washed and porch painted; finally!

Wanted -- Dead or Alive

No, this is not a Bon Jovi song from the late '80s. Oh, now I've done it; I've confessed to having liked Bon Jovi....

We were gone to Florida for four days, came home for one, and I was in NC for two. So now I'm home with over 400 posts in my Google Reader. How did that happen? In my ecumenical lurking of the blogosphere, I came across this post. I about fell out of my chair laughing. (Is yours on the list? what about your name??)



The Saints. They're not just for the liturgical churches any more. Check this out.

Hebrews 12:1-2 -- Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumberance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NASB)

I corporately worshipped God twice today. It was awesome. Drew and I had already made plans to attend Pinecrest ARP at their 10:55 service, and we did. It was a very familiar order or worship, and it was encouraging to us to hear a solidly biblical sermon on God's blessings due to obedience. Marti and the other counselors were in attendance, plus a soldier coming home from his second tour in Iraq, heading out to Afghanistan. The congregation clapped for all of them.

The other church I attended was St. John in the Wilderness; its service began at 8:45. It was beautiful. The readings, the music, the homily (short sermon), the passing of the peace, the Communion at the rail, the sacredness and holiness that saturated the place. I loved it. After worship was over, I obtained permission to go around the grounds and take some pictures. The place was gorgeous, and I could tell their sense of history and connectedness to those gone on before them was important. It reminded me of the Communion of Saints. We recited the Nicene Creed at St. John and the Apostles' Creed at Pinecrest. Talk about a good start to answering Jesus' prayer in John 17. I do NOT typically report things in my spiritual growth as "oh, it felt good," but this just did. To be connected to the Believers across all time due to their faith in Christ was so evident -- and Hebrews 12 (among my faves) calls it the great cloud of witnesses. It comes right after chapter 11, the "hall of faith," where some of the elect are mentioned as being His due to their faith in God - and in the promise of the coming Messiah.

Revelation 5:9 has always been one of my favorite verses of prophecy since it mentions the "every tribe and tongue and people and nation" that Christ purchased with His own blood. But guess what comes before it? Verse 8 says, "And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

Golden bowls of incense. That will be at the end of time. And the bowls of incense (or the incense itself) "are the prayers of the saints." I was thinking of this during the worship service at St. Johns. The liturgy was said, not sung, and there was no "real" incense that we could smell. But the prayers of the saints -- those present in the sanctuary AND those who used to attend that church when they prayed during their life on earth -- were evident. The heritage of that local expression of the Body of Christ goes back a couple hundred years. Much like our own White Oak. And the heritage Christ left us a couple thousand years ago continues to this day, too.

Anyway. Those are my Sunday night thoughts.
This is Andy's last full week here, and we anticipate two doctor appointments this week, my meeting up at the middle school, possibly my local PWOC group day, working on a White Oak project I'm doing, plus a PWOC project, and heading back to camp on Saturday to get Marti and Drew.

Have a wonderful week glorifying the living God -- and enjoying your family. We start school August 6th; what about y'all?

blogging from camp again

Marti had to be up here at Bonclarken by 3pm so we left this morning -- two still in bed, one ready with wide-eyed wonder (hmmmm.....my youngest?!), and a sick hubby -- with enough time for a stop at the Lego store that's on the way. Marti found the other counselors, and Drew and I went out to go exploring. I hardly go anywhere anymore without my digital camera, and wouldn't you know it? I took a picture of them at the Lego store! and eating Japanese food! Mother, please....

So Drew and I went to see a fun movie this afternoon -- Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG). Very well done. Reminded me a little of the ride from Tokyo DisneySea with the same name.

We drove around Hendersonville and Flat Rock and located the German restaurant where we'll eat after church tomorrow. We plan on worshiping at the Pinecrest ARP Church just outside of the Bonclarken grounds. Then he checks into camp by 3, and I'll be on the road. I have some good John MacArthur CDs to listen to on the way home, and I've found that theology is best left to my solo drives. That is, of course, the plan is to put everyone else to sleep.

Rest well, and have a glorious Lord's Day!

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays 3

There are tons of songs I could choose from that would describe my own Philosophy of Ministry, but when I reheard this song for the thousandth time a couple of weeks ago, I knew I wanted to add it to my Saturday Songs list. I volunteer my time and have poured out my life into this amazing ministry we have in the military chapel. While we filter all we do on the 4 Aims ~ Lead, Teach, Develop and Involve ~ it needs to be done in love. The world we live in is a place full of hurt. And we know the God of all compassion, love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. We are to love them like Jesus.

Vacation Photos

I'm so excited to be able to post photos like this! This is only about 1/10 of the pictures I took. Enjoy!

The Vacation From The Vacation

Andy has been sick since we arrived home late last night.

I took Daniel to have x-rays this morning since he cracked his collarbone three weeks ago. The x-rays show that new bone is growing, and so he does not have to wear his figure-8 brace anymore. But be careful, Daniel-chan! It could recrack with the wrong movement or too much pressure on it. Be still, Daniel! Right....

So after waiting over an hour for the x-rays, we were finally seen, and by then we were hungry. He wanted a McD's cheeseburger, and conveniently enough, there's a McD's at the neighboring Wal-Mart. After a quick lunch with much-needed protein for both of us (and probably too much caffeine for me....shhhh....is there such a thing?), we began the back-to-school hunt for the right school supplies. School supplies for highschoolers. School supplies for elementary guys. School supplies for a first-year college student. And a few things for a middle school teacher who's been on maternity leave for 18 years (me). Two hours and almost $300 later.....we emerged. Tired. Hungry again. Ready for another vacation. Or at least a nap.

I thought I would be getting a jump start on the supply shopping. I guess everyone else in town had the same idea, too.

Enjoy your weekend! Marti, Drew and I leave early in the morning for Bonclarken. Drew'll be a camper, and Marti, a junior counselor. I'll be home Sunday night for one last week of having Andy home. Let's see. What else is there to do before school starts? Marti's orthodontist program begins. T.J.'ll have his wisdom teeth out. Six Flags. Braves game. Other doctor appointments. And all the paperwork that goes with life.

It's 4:03 in the afternoon. I'm going to bed.

Vacation Prose

Ours was an online friendship
before God allowed our paths to cross.

It took being stationed in Japan
to knit our families
and over the years
we continue to encourage each other
in our schooling choices
parenting toddlers to teenagers
and diverse paths as
God shows us His beautiful Bride.

Memories of snow-skiing at Naeve
swimming at Summer Land water park
worshiping at the Bridge the Gap service
celebrating at Evan and Liz's wedding
playing at Six Flags over Georgia

Doing life together with the Chastains

My fourth trip to this part of Florida
the kids' third
Andy's second

So we returned for another vacation with the Chastains

Girls welcomed us on the corner of their street
Evening photo shoot on the beach with Savannah
Early morning track practice for Ben, Joel, and Ivy
Free movie in Destin with our favorite talking vegetables
"The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything"
Two large refillable popcorn tubs to share
Water park fountains at the outdoor mall

Vacationing with the Chastains

Remembering mutual friends from Yokota
Praying with those burdened for their sick children
Hurting for those going through though times
Seeing my only-child husband laughing with his God-given brother

Thankful for the Chastains

Hurlburt Field "sound side" - canoes, kayaks, beaches
Library Day for David, Anna, Jeannette and Ivy - stories, games, snacks
Starbuck's at the Target with Laura, Grant and Liberty - juices, frozen lemonades, my iced green tea latte
Eglin marina - boating, swimming, playing in the water
"Storming the beaches" and doing the low crawl - that would be David acting out what he's learned from the Military Channel
Special friendships continue - Trinity says Daniel is her favorite
Those teens and their video games....

CiCi's Pizza for 18, two-for-one deals
Goofy Golf, $1 for kids, $2 for adults
Observing T.J., Marti and Drew as they interact with children of all ages, especially the littles
Loving that they still play

Parents-only lunch
Prayers of thanksgiving to our great God
Packing to return home

Ivy, Anna, and Jeannette escorting us out of the neighborhood with smiles and waves

That's how it is when we vacation with the Chastains

10:45 Sunday night....

....and I'm still doing laundry. We leave in the morning for the beach and to visit with our dear friends we knew at Yokota. I'm sure there'll be lots of stories and pics next week. It is the coolest thing to see my hubby have a real brother to relate to.....even if this friend has twice as many kids as we do!

We had so much rain today -- thanks, God!! We sure do need it! The dogs were played with; our teens had fun with their neighborhood friends; and our Sunday School class is the best.

We've been studying the book of Acts for seveal months as the preface to our new study, City on a Hill, by Philip Graham Ryken. We are very excited to be starting this study, not only because the subtitle is "Reclaiming the Biblical Pattern for the Church in the 21st Century," but also because, as we've said, this class is the future of White Oak. The friendships are growing, and the prayer time we share with them is increasingly encouraging as we invest in this small group. I'm sure there'll be a book review sometime soon.

The dryer beeper is calling for me....and tomorrow we pack the Yukon and head down to the panhandle to spend some quality time with likeminded friends with whom we can be ourselves -- and mirrors for each other -- iron sharpening iron. Have a great week.

Be Still Sunday - see the button on the right - Remember the Sabbath Day, keeping it holy