Sing to the East and the West!

"O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day." (Psalm 96:1-2) These were some of my favorite verses while I was in college. I actually went to a bus ministry Sunday school which was called the "B" Sunday school, and there was an awesome Spanish lady, named Mrs. Zada Torres. She taught the teen girls this song in English and Spanish. I often sang it throughout my school week. It was so refreshing to me, maybe because I love music so much.
I do know that when I first went to college, I was used to singing weekly in my home church's choir and in groups. Needless to say, at college, they had a "we'll come to you if we want you" policy! Wow! I was left aghast at the thought because I loved to sing. That didn't stop me from trying out for every group they formed, and eventually, I ended up in the Ladies' Ensemble! My, how I loved that group! I sang "girl's bass" in the group because I had informed the director that I could sing any part she threw at me! I really could follow music; so, I knew I could do it! Hardly anyone tried out for the bass part; so, I received that part and loved every minute of it! We dressed alike; so, I have one beautiful red suit still in my trunk along with a nice cranberry jacket and a scarf! We were an awesome group! Every Christmas, we went Christmas caroling throughout the college to all of the offices; so, we were asked to sing in the annual Christmas tree lighting concert downtown Chicago! I had a blast even though I didn't have a date! I was so very disappointed when I couldn't stay with the group my student teaching year which was my senior year! They really wanted me to stay, but I couldn't make the 9 AM practices due to student teaching! I was heart-broken! I did enjoy the singing in the church in front of thousands of people! That in itself is an experience of a lifetime! The Ladies' Ensemble with Sara Mitchell...what memories!

Thoughts from a Mom

I suppose most every mom could agree that the most important thing in their mind's eye is the raising of their kids. I refuse to believe that there are mothers out there that truly don't care about their own children. I do know that the mothers that don't show their caring are not in their right minds because once you look into your child's eyes for the first time, your heart is instantly bonded to theirs and there is no turning back. I believe there are confused moms out there that are trying their hardest to do their very best. It's not our place to look down nor tell them how to do their job. The thing is, it is only in your own heart how to raise your child. Yes, God can and will give you the wisdom you need if you but ask Him. I can't really have the answers you seek to be a good mom. I have to find the answers for myself as you have to find your own answers.
Most every day is the same for me and my family. We wake up, some of us as early as the sun-rise, but we all come downstairs and eat breakfast. When I am not well, I just give my children a cereal bar, fruit or toast. Mostly, I love making them breakfast! I thoroughly enjoy my job. I love getting their outfits coordinated and doing their hair. I often plan the evening's meal that morning, and do some "prep" work if needed! I allow them to watch a movie or a TV show while I do all of this. Recently, we've all taken turns being sick and then I had this surgery; so, we've kind of been out of routine. I make them lunch and allow them to watch something funny or their favorite show. I have them play until nap-time, and I often spend that time doing what I love doing, either reading, writing or just resting. I try and do laundry daily as that helps me out a great deal not to get behind. All of this to say, we are very laid back, and don't let anything rattle us. We don't live by a rigid schedule, and I clean all day long instead of like a crazy person freaking out when they mess everything up! I used to be that way; believe me. But it just didn't work out for me at all! I just step back and allow them to be kids and do my work around them! Now, I don't allow them to do whatever they want; don't get me wrong at all! We have structure, yet I'm learning to mellow out and not get all "fired up" when they spill something or break something.
My children are my pride and joy, and I try daily to show them how much they mean to me. Not only them, my husband was and always be first in my life. I try to daily make his life easier. I love him like no other, and I have to say that he is my best friend. I constantly keep in touch with him throughout the day. (yeah texting!) I often can't wait for him to come home, and am like a little girl when he does! I just love being around him. He has a pleasant personality. This is my life, my family. As you can plainly tell, I would trade it for no other profession on this planet! I used to think that I wanted a career, but I have one right here in my lap! I pity those who "endure" their mom profession. I embrace this with a smile on my face and joy in my heart, for God has allowed me two beautiful healthy children to raise for Him. These are just some of my thoughts.

The Sound of Church Bells

As I sit here recovering from my oral surgery, I am reminded of the many years that I have gone to church. I guess one doesn't really stop and think about such things until they are not there. I grew up in church for as long as I can remember. Actually, I don't ever remember being asked if I would like to go; it was just a given just like it was a given that I go to school every week. I am thankful for godly parents who brought me up in church, and I don't regret one minute attending. I grew up attending the only Baptist church in McDonald, Ohio, and it was a quaint little building, brick with a huge brick lighted sign out front. I played "baby Jesus" my very first Christmas on earth, and I was also married there a little over 5 years ago. But, it isn't the building that stores all of the memories...it's also the people who attended. I have many fond memories of Grandma Bobbi, Grandma Clawson, and so many more who saw me grow up. I often loved hearing the church bells ringing every Saturday and Sunday, even though the bells didn't come from my church. I often would sit in the park there in town and just listen to the old church bells play some of my favorite hymns. Whenever I heard those bells, I thought of church and the many people who influenced my life growing up. As I sit here, I can still hear those bells, loud and clear, chiming "Amazing Grace." My how, I loved church! I still do love it to this day even though I am living in another state attending another church. Church became my life, and it is my life, but more importantly recently, I have become to realize church as a people, not a building. It's a place where the people come to meet our God...it's a place to remember why we are here on this earth. Church can be anywhere we make it as long as we are assembled together with believers. I have grown up with many great people of faith who knew their God. I grew up in the church that taught me the meaning of life. I cannot imagine life without my God. The sound of those church bells rings clearly in my mind, reminding me of all of this. He is ever present with me, and I will forever be grateful to the many mentors who "light" my way in this darkened world. Church is where I met them, but in my heart they will forever remain. My, how I love those church bells!