Lighting the Candle of Hope

Today is the first Sunday of the Advent Season. I haven't really paid much attention to the meanings of the traditional ceremony. But we celebrate some deep rooted traditions concerning advent~as I learned with a little Internet research. I was inspired to learn about the candle colors, scriptures, songs, etc associated with this season. The word advent, from Latin, means "the coming." It is a time of spiritual reflection as well as cheer and anticipation.

So today we lit the candle of "hope" I kind of wandering into my own thoughts about what "hope" means in my life. The traditional meaning: hope for the coming King. We as many other congregations lifted our voices to sing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

But for me, I am not ready for the coming King. While I would love to lay down this earthly body and join in the angelic choir singing praises to by Abba Father... I have this unsatisfied feeling that my work is not done. It is a weird stirring in my soul, God's work isn't done. I haven't completed my kaleo (calling)!!

It never ceases to amaze me why God could not have chosen "better" people to do His work in the world. Yet if God can use them, and reveal Himself through them in such marvelous ways, it means that He might be able to use me, inadequate, and unwise, and too often lacking that I am. I am just wondering what the rest of the season will hold and what God's kaleo will be.

Happy Birthday Blog!

Today is the 1st birthday of my blog...which means I survived and posted for a whole year! This time last year, I didn't think it was possible. I suffered much emotional pain which was even manifested physically. What a journey the Lord and I have been on.
Here are some of the lessons:
~The SAME God who parted the seas and performed miracle is the SAME God that works in my life today.
~Sometimes God must injure you in order to bless you! (Jacob in Genesis)
~Everything meant for evil will be used for God's good!
~ I can handle A LOT... I am a strong women.
~The journey of infertility is not one that I suffer alone. It is a lonely journey, but MANY women are feeling the same struggles. Including many in the Bible.
~I am one blessed women.
~I am learning to hear God's voice and learning to obey!

I have been making uberexcuses not to get myself to the gym. I truely love that me time and kicking the IPOD on and praising God or listening to a sermon. It is truely a great time~~once I get there. That is the problem...Making myself get in the car and drive there. I have this treadmill workout, I have been wanting to try since Nov. 18 but I have made excuses. They are good ones and have kept me away. But...now it is time to make it there. I will feel better for it! So I am off to the gym and then will spend the day with Evy and preparing for the Bedlam showdown!

***UPDATE!!!****
I went to the gym this morning and did that workout!I did alter it because a 3.5 gets into a jogging pace for me on the treadmill, so I started at a 2.5 instead of a 3- According to the stats it burned 262 calories! I also did some work on my arms- bicep curls, tricept extensions, lateral sqeezes and upper arm row- 30lbs for 15-12-10 reps!

Happy Thanksgiving

So today is a day set aside to give Thanks. I am thankful that I have a wonderful family and awesome husband, especially during trying times. This afternoon we enjoyed a delicious feast shared with my parents, sister, aunt, grandma, cousin, husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law. During dinner my sister-in-law played with Evy because neither one was hungry. We enjoyed all the traditional dishes...and pies! YUMMY :)

Before the hub-bub of the cooking, I was able to sneak away and spend some time with our Abba. It was a great time of giving thanks and learning about Saul. I also got some time to read a blog entry from Angie about being thankful. She referenced her brother's blog. I was moved by this story and spent my day thinking about the scriptures concerning thankfulness. Ephesians 5:20 says, "giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (ESV)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (ESV)

Gregg's blog challenged me to determine if I was thankful for everything. It seems hard to be thankful for the miscarriage, or the illness of FIL, the loss of babies for others, the economy issues, etc. When bad things happen, can we be thankful for them?

Now I can truly say I am thankful "for" the loss of Autumn. I would not be the women that I am NOW without that loss. Does that mean I don't grieve it?- heck no- does it mean that I would change it and still be that old sinful women and have my baby? I don't know- but in honesty maybe. Part of me wants to say YES (and definitely in Nov07- August08) I would want to have and hold Autumn and live "in the OK"~ with mediocre Christan faith and superficial happiness. Part of me says NO because of the lessons I have learned through this journey that remarkably strengthened my faith and love for the LORD. Had I held her and looked at her great beauty- the answer would have been harder. I am pretty sure we can all say that. I know that it seems odd to say that I am thankful for the most sorrowful event in my life, but it strengthened my faith and for that I am thankful.
Romans 8:28 says "And we KNOW that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose" If we put these verses together it may help us to focus on how we can be grateful for everything...because we know that this is HIS purpose...that He is in control of every detail...and that through this we are ultimately becoming more like Christ.

It is....

It is still 4 days until Thanksgiving but it seems the focus has already turned to Christmas. I recall Christmas music began at major stores on the day after Halloween,now people are putting up Christmas lights. So, in all fairness Michael and I did some decorating this weekend as well. First we spent Saturday at his parents putting up their tree. They haven't had a tree for a couple of years so we wanted to make sure it happened this year. Tonight we drug out the boxes and put up the tree. We also did some outdoor lights and even added a blow up penguin. It isn't finished and I am also a bad judge of the amount of lights we needed, but it is a start. I had fun putting up the ornaments and remember who gave them to me. We added another angel for Autumn AND some of Michael's childhood ornaments. Evy even has a little tree in her room, but of course in Evy fashion her first words were "It isn't bigger enough!"

Prayers for this week

Dear Friends,

In a week, my blog will be 1 year old! This is a great blessing, but, it also marks to one year anniversary of the greatest sorrow- losing Baby Autumn. I became aware on Nov. 22 (Thanksgiving last year) that there was a chance I could be loosing the baby, on Nov. 25 it was confirmed by ultrasound at ER, and then surgery on Nov. 28th. So, for those of you who pray, keep me on your list week. I really don't want to relaspe into the bitterness, anger and depression that pushed me into a pit! I am on my knees, but can already tell I am going to need an army behind me!

My deepest thanks,

Amy

Thank You, Neighbor!

Not that they read my blog, but I want to give out a shout of thanks to my neighbor.
He has ALREADY put up his Christmas lights and my little one is fascinated by them. They take her breath away! So, she believes our house needs to be just as pretty. I guarantee it won't because this momma isn't getting on the roof. We did however, go and by some additional lights to create a more "beautiful" house for Christmas! oh, and a blow up penguin. Thinking back it isn't money we needed to (or should of) spent, but I find myself continually trying to make her happy. For this, she is greatly spoiled!

I imagine this is similar to the Holy Trinity. God sent his son to die so that we could live (and be happy)! He sends his Spirit and angels to protect and walk with us though each day so we are not alone (happy)! Each day he lives with us, answering prayers, making himself known, displaying beautiful creations all around in order to make us happy. Are we? Do we look at God's creations and his workings with a thankful heart or a yearning heart for more that really doesn't matter. I think (at least for me) a little of both.

My little one is always wanting MORE. I think it is built into our flesh. The desire for more of what we can't have. I probably have feed that desire in her because I want her to be happy and not feel that yearning. I know that I can get caught up in the secular things to make me happy and content. New IPOD, latest purse design, new shoes, brand names, fancy dinners, cars, appearances, etc. These things AREN'T important, yet they sometimes top my list of things to do/get. (stupid huh?) I have paid for things that I didn't need instead of giving extra back to God. I am finding that God has called us to do so much more for others than for ourselves~in time and money. I am challenged and changing, but finding that continual struggle between flesh and spirit. I just hope that God smiles more than he cries because I am learning not to be stupid.

Lord, I confess to you that I'm not as good as I ought to be, but I thank you that I'm a bit better than I used to be.

"She's very ambitious."

Is that a compliment or a criticism?

Do I want to be known as ambitious?

Would I prefer to be known as someone who has no ambition?

We know that it's not like Christ to climb over people, to politick for influence, or be driven blindly for wealth, position, or fame. But it's also unChristian to be slothful, dispassionate about the quality of your work, or without motivation.

Hmmm. Ambitious: to be or not to be?

I have lived the last year with the Pretty Women mentality: "flying by the seat of my pants: moment to moment." and it seems to be a mess. Now I want some direction, some ambition to set my steps in order. So, in light of the fact that I have completed (hopefully) the most difficult year ever, I am setting some goals for the next year. I know it is a bit early to set some "New Year's Resolutions" so we call this an Individualized Goal Plan! Really I want to do alot of [those] things... I am choosing just a few to focus on.

1. I want to hear God's voice and live under His Will. I will continue to spend time daily with The Father, restoring my relationship and becoming a student of the Bible.

2. I want to create a better body temple. I will make healthier choices for my body, eating and exercising. I want to be able to run and do pull-ups and push-ups. I want to complete a triathalon. I want to learn how to eat better and eventually be have to not take the meds for PCOS.

3. I want to finish what I start. I read the list of great goals and want to do A LOT of them, but the main thing is to finish what I start. Like lots of good moms, I have lists of things to do and drawers full of projects begun but never finished. I want to be known as a finisher.

Okay...so if I have learned anything...setting goals is a good thing. It helps maintain focus and work toward something. And...like every good IEP- I have a year to achieve them.

Thanksgiving time...

Thanksgiving is approaching...I can tell it is getting closer as the stores stock up on traditional meal ingredients and the Christmas decor is beginning to go up around town. It seems the days of November are flying by the like the leaves of the trees. November is such of month of turmoil for me. While it was one of my most favorite months, last Thanksgiving and the days that follow are a blur. We began to experience sorrow, "true sorrow" for the first time in my life. I won't recount the whole story for you, but I knew on Thanksgiving evening that our little one was gone. I spent weekend days "resting" hoping about all hopes I was wrong. But to no avail, a week later- it was finished. As I approach November 22, I am glad that I don't have to relive those moments again but Oh, so Thankful that I can celebrate this day of thankfulness with friends and family on Nov. 26- in the middle of the two days of sorry/ Today I am learning to focus on what is in the now and in the future vs. in the past. So, I am looking forward to the family that will come to my house, for the cards that will be played, for the meals that will be served, for the girls to play together, for the pies we will eat, for the games that will be watched, for OSU to beat OU and for the new memories to overshadow the sorrow!

Prayer without Ceasing!

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Pray Continually? The other day I was driving home alone talking to Evy and Michael right before bed. They were reading stories to me over the phone and then...no phone reception. I shortly received a message that she was going to play a game and I could call back 10 min. later. I started praying and 30 minutes later I got a phone call. While praying, I was thinking about the "pray continually" command in Thessalonians. How can I do that? I get caught up in the decisions of my day and before I know it-- it is over! Then I thought about my phone. Throughout the day, I receive messages from people or email. That little buzz of the phone makes me want to know what is coming through...so why not use my phone as a reminder to pray. While driving on the dark road, there was no way to find out if this "service" existed. I thought of a way to use twitter (www.twitter.com) to send prayer messages to myself and others throughout the day. This would also let several of "us" to form that cord of "three of more." I envision this as a short little prayer (possibly scripture prayers) that can be uttered in a quick moment-because that is all I have during my teaching day- quick moments. If anyone is on board--let me know!

Some scriptures on Prayer
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15).

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26).

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (James 4:3).

Medicaltreatmentphobic or Claustrophobic?

So the next step in the shoulder/neck pain saga is an MRI... which I had this afternoon. I don't have the results or anything yet, but let me just say... I am SO glad that is done. I am not really "into" the hospital scene. My blood pressure raises and my pulse quickens... it is sometimes followed by a short loss of consciousness.(Even when just visiting those in the hospital) Today was no different. "It" starts several hours before some medical appointment. The thought of what may be is frightening. There is probably some psychological issue going on(medicaltreatmentphobia), but I have no official diagnosis! I get myself worked up into a sweat, sick stomach, the works! As I signed papers that mentioned the use of an IV, I became terrified. Thankfully, no needles were used in today's torture. However, I felt like I was stuffed in a comet can. You don't really see what they are doing to you, so the imagination takes off. First headphones are placed on your ears, then a cloth covers your eyes. Next, some metal contraptions are placed over you head to your chest and then over your head to "lock" you into place. I had several scans of my spine, which sounded as if I were inside a printer on the fritz. The first two were easy- 1 minute of no moving (I could breath) and then they got longer. By the 3rd scan (3 minutes long) I was started to get a little overwhelmed, feeling a sense of urgency to get out of there. I just focused on the music and prayed... it helped, I was calm enough I thought I might fall asleep. That didn't happen, but the rest of the time went quick and without serious freakout. I was thinking about the Cyber-knife and floating tumor treatments offered for serious conditions like cancer- I would have to find some superhuman strength to that again (without sedation). I am not so sure that it is claustrophobia but I am thinking we need to add medicaltreatmentphobia to the DSM-IV.

Updates!

Okay... so it is a busy week, I have something major and long every night... and it is just Tuesday. I have a couple things to update.

1. The 7x7 prayer thing is GREAT! But, I didn't get it *all* in yesterday. It was the first official day and I left my cute book at home. I was busy at school and didn't even think to pray different prayers (duh!?!). I prayed in the morning and at night for her. Prayer is something that I am constantly working on. The wonderfulness of "talking to God" escapes me in the formal setting. I don't make as much time as I should. I get distracted, too overwhelmed with the shear amount of things to talk to God about. When I am at school there isn't much "down" time to sit and meditate. At home, there is dishes, laundry, dinner, all of which are interrupted continuously with husband's comments or toddler stories. I get sidetracked and frustrated. There I said it... it is all about honesty and accountability, right?.

2. The neck injury/pain **maybe** a little more extensive than I originally thought. After a visit to the PT and an initial evaluation, he talked as though it might be a bulging or herniated disk in the neck area. We started a treatment that will help if it is bulging. Surgery is almost the only option for the herniation. I go for an MRI tomorrow. So, in the mean time for the next 4 weeks I will visit him 3x each week to get "traction" and other treatments. I had a traction treatment yesterday, trying to pull the neck back into place to stop whatever is pinching the nerves. This morning both sides of the neck are a little sore. (but I did one set of exercises).

Oh, and another lesson in Genesis: You have to feel the pain to feel God moving! More on that later!

I came across this from http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/11/seven-prayers-day.html Her story is incrediable...much harder than mine. I weeped!

From Bring the Rain..........
If you are a mom (or have someone else you want to pray for specifically), I hope you will join me as I do this for the next 7 days. It struck me that I need reminders during the day to be praying over my girls, and I decided to choose 7 events in a day that would remind me to do so. Then, I chose verses that had to do with that time of the day (for example: as my kids are getting dressed in the morning) and then I put them on notecards.

Here are the events and verses I chose:

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

Where are my readers from?

Several blogs I read daily have this counter that registers traffic to the site. (FEEDJIT). I added the application at the end of my sidebar, wondering if anyone stops at my sight to read it. Not that I really care - I write more for myself than others- but I was interested! :)

I always wondered if people are reading my thoughts. Am I ministering or making them crazy... who knows! I probably won't ever know... but maybe in some small, tiny, miniscue way they getting "something" they are searching for. I have been there, searching for something, but as much as I searched on the internet, I didn't find it. I hope they are seeing God's love through my writing, because that was what I needed!

Last night, I checked on it (feedjit) surprised to find several people popped by my blog from blogger.com from ALL around the world. And all around the USA too! I know that several people are just surfing around, wasting time (I do it too!) clicking on the "next blog" button to see what pops up. But some come in directly. That means they have to have a link on their favorites button, find (like through facebook) or know my address. AMAZING. And these aren't my friends I know read, either.

So... if you are reading my blog- reguarly (or not) I should add a #7 random thing about me!

• I love getting mail and email! I love reading comments! I even read other blogs comments. My sweet husband always saves the mail for me in the box, so I can get it myself at the end of the day. My blog comments forwarded to my phone, so I can read them during the day! (because I can't access my blog at school) So... if you are reading~~Let me know!

AND for those of you who I read daily... I will start leaving more comments for you! Even if it is just a "hello"!

In honor of Autumn...

Last year after we lost our little Autumn, I bought an angel ornament to hang on the Christmas tree. It was one of the more important purchases. I thought that since we didn't have a proper burial for her (didn't know it was an option at the time) I would honor her memory by purchasing an Angel each Christmas season. We choose not to have a formal funeral setting. While shopping with my family today, Hobby Lobby had their Christmas ornaments on sale and I was really thinking about this time of year. The date of the miscarriage is less than two weeks away. I looked and looked at oranments. Some were ugly, some were pretty, but none just caught my attention until I found this one. It reads "I am with you always"! I had picked several that "would do" but this one is perfect. I am trying to find a way to display them all year.

So... while browsing for the Autumn Angel, I found the perfect ornament for Evy as well. My mom has started the tradition of buying or making the grandbabies oranaments for their collection. She said it will be great for them to have some for their own tree when they leave home. Since Evy has started dance this year- and is love with her dance teacher (she invited her to Christmas), I thought it would be fitting. It is a very cute little girl.


Now I can't wait to put up my Christmas tree!

Celebrating Randomness

My friend Chrissy tagged me, and here are the rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along!

Rather simple, so first here are the six random things about me:

#1. I am a flower person. I love flowers-- all types: Gerber Daisies, Roses, Heather, Vincas and many others. I like to plant them, but I forget to water them. My dearest most thoughtful husband keeps them alive!

#2. Sometimes I find it hard not to laugh when Evy does or says something funny. These are usually times when I need to follow up with some sort of life lesson or discipline. It is usually not the time to be laughing. She is truly funny.

#3 I really like to make things, but tend not to finish projects. I have material for cross shirts, stamps for making cards, tons of scrapbooking materials but rarely use them. I have all these cool ideas, but they never turn out and I end up frustrated. I found a new card making magazine today and was somewhat inspired to try again. It just isn't too fun to do it alone or with a toddler at your feet!

#4 I am a TV addict. I love to watch TV, so much so that Michael and I have 2 TIVOs and a dual tuner DVR from the cable company... it is my weekend indulgence. I love to watch the Biggest Loser and eat popcorn and junk...great example huh? I am however finding that most TV is adding scenes and storylines that I don't want to put in my head.

#5 I secretly (oops! not anymore) want to learn ballet and play team sports (soccer or volleyball or something). But, Enid, America doesn't have a ton of chooses and I don't have a lot of courage to go at it alone.

#6 I love to listen to "my" music jamming loud in the car with the windows down and the sun roof open. It doesn't happen too often (since someone is always in the car) but when I am alone, I might drive the long way just to hear one more song. I also imagine that I have some sleek sporty car vs. my large SUV... secret desires revealed!

So... what randomness do you have. I tag:

Michael
Hesterwoman
Amy V.
Lisa S.
Jessica
Dawn

Randomness

So, I have had a ton of thoughts on my mind my none seemed complete enough to write a blog about. So, I am thinking I will make a quick list to expand at later dates. I still haven't figured out what in the world this blog is for. It seems to change and my poor readers probably feel as emotionally drained as my me by the end of the post. (Sorry!)

• Thinking of researching women of the Bible vs. barren women of the Bible. It seems that barren women always made some HUGE impact in the Old Testament.
• I am currently praying about taking a family mission trip to Texas/Mexico this summer with MBMS. I have always felt like God was urging me to missions, but was never allowed to go as a youth group member. The first few years of marriage it didn't present itself and then I kept pushing it away- trying to start a family, jobs, etc. Now, it seems to be ever present again. I don't want to disobey.
• Thinking about how to deal with disciplining children. I want Evy to grow up to be a Godly women, so am I giving her a good example. She is a typical three year old (maybe not?) and is pushing those limits... also we are having HUGE food issues... she is such a slow and picker eater. Should their be consequences for that? should we just leave her at the table to finish? will that effect/affect her attention issues? Am I giving her a good enough example?
• Dreams.... why am I having dreams again? these seem to only happen when I am pregnant- and I am not THAT!! these are... terrible dreams. I am in the part of the Patriarchs study that Joesph has interrupted the dreams of the butler, baker and Pharoah. I am hoping mine are nothing more than a SUPER tired spirit who is studying about dreams.
• Shoulder issues... I finally have a partial answer to the problem. It is probably a pinched nerve in my neck causing all the pain. While that sounds like a small and fixable issue- the researched causes of the pinched nerve are not generally great. I had an overwhelming fear that it was possibly a cancerous tumor on my spine which put me into a little hysteria last night (only lasted about 10-15 min) I think the researched information coupled with the dream about Mom only have 5-8 months to live after a bone scan (I am having an MRI on Tuesday) was a little more than I could handle last night-- kind of the like bulter and bakers dreams were preparation for their life's outcome- one restored and one destroyed!
• I am a little sad that in less than 2 weeks my study will be over... although I have been making the time (almost) every morning and to spend time before school (or internet) to complete a lesson. It has become a treasured time in just a short while. I am already prepared for the interuim time before the next study. I will become more faithful to reading the BM "David" study I am suppose to be sharing with my friend Amy in Ohio.
• I am still praying/searching for a mentor/friend whom I can get counsel from. It has been on my mind and then was asked in a church survey. I can remember the best spritial conversations between my mentor years ago... I sure miss that!

Okay... if you are still reading... it seems like I am falling apart, but I am not! I am truly blessed and love my new lease on life. What a wonderful, glorious life to leave in healing. I have that to owe to My Jesus!

A great weekend!!!

It has been a very fun weekend, despite Michael's sickness. We had a blast with our family and the girls really love each other. They are so fun to watch. I wish they were able to spend more time together, but alas life gets in the way. But, Jess found a house in Enid... so maybe they will move here and then get jobs and a new life (wink...wink...)

Thankfully school on Friday was chaos but not madness and we all survived... so that is a great praise.

Saturday after the family left to go home, Mom and I went to the store and then to the Kiner's to let the dogs out. When I opened the door and the alarm started beeping at me, I knew I was in trouble. I had about 30 seconds to figure out how to turn it off. I knew the code, but had never actually disarmed it! So it went off and I was calling Michael, trying to figure out how to get it to stop. I was shaking like a leaf. The company called and thankfully, I thought to answer the phone and no police were called. I felt like a big idiot and was still shaking after we left. After church, I went back, but this time... no alarm! Thank the Lord!

Sunday has been great so far, wonderful worship, yummy homemade lunch, time with Michael, catching up on TV, a nap, and a light dinner. Oh, and the Pokes won their game... who could ask for more!