Jesus said to pray

I know this is a very serious blog but I couldn't resist showing you Kayla's most recent pictures! She's already a year old, wow!

In church, when Pastor Mike read the words of Jesus to us, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” I felt the heavy hand of the Lord descend on me. No individual came to my mind, but a whole group of people, perhaps even a nation. Specifically, I thought of the Islamic Nation and the Terrorists who rise up to defend her tenets by killing the innocent. Two men who drove a flaming car into Glasgow airport came to mind. And those who left two cars loaded with explosives in the middle of London, in order to kill and injury and terrify innocent people. I consider these people to be my enemies. Is Jesus is asking me to pray for them, and yes, to even love them?

This is very hard. It’s not within my power or heart to do this. It must be supernatural in order for me to obey Jesus’ command. Only His love in me and flowing out of me could be so pure and unconditional. He who said, over and over, “Forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

That I think I can say, because they don’t really know what they are doing, do they? They don’t know that they are following a false god who delights in massacre and death, in taking souls to hell. They are caught in spiritual blindness and totally deceived. So, in truth they don’t know what they are doing, not on a spiritual level at least. I can pray for them to see the Truth, for Jesus to open their eyes and hearts to Him. I can call out for their salvation and so take an active role in stemming the tide of hate and revenge—by praying in love for them. Just like Jesus told me to do.

“So, Lord, because you ask me to, I pray for these terrorists, so blind, so mislead, so lost. I ask that you would soften their hearts and bring your powerful Word to them and their children. That salvation would spring up and flow out and that many would turn to you and be set free. And Lord, I ask you to turn my fear and hate into love and concern. To the praise of your glory. Amen.”

READING IN THE QUIET MOMENTS

The other day, while watching after Ethne I was delighted to find her sitting—comfortably—reading

one of my articles in a Focus on the Family magazine. I’m actually relieved she can’t really read yet

since it’s an article about sexual satisfaction in marriage and we all know that she is much too young

to be married.

AN APPOINTED DAY

Here are some new pictures of the new baby and some new thoughts from me.

ONE APPOINTED DAY

One reason I chose to sit in this place to work on my laptop is that I enjoy the view out of the large windows—but not today. My husband and I were just sitting in our usual places, doing our usual things, when we heard a thud. I looked up to see a small bird fall to the ground. He’d flown straight into our windowpane and now was gasping for breath on pavement that surrounds our pool.

I had not seen him coming. It happened unexpectedly, suddenly. Of course I prayed. Craig said, “It usually just stuns them and they’re able to fly away after a few moments.” Not this time. I watched as his little chest heaved. “Is there something we can do? Give him some water?”

Craig shook his head. “That would probably kill him.”

His little beak opened and closed several times and then stopped moving

as his eye lids closed over his shiny brown eyes. Just moments ago I watched him die and I feel really sad. I don’t know why the Lord didn’t answer my prayer and revive the little creature. But the Bible says, “There is a time for everything. . . a time to live and a time to die.”

I suppose each death seems sudden to us humans. Mine. Yours. Those we love. It will always take our attention away from the usual things we do and in stunned reaction we’ll pray and hope—and sometimes wonder why God allows death and does not rise the injured one back up.

The truth is we each have an appointed time to die. I’ve been thinking a lot lately that my days are limited and about how I want to live out the days remaining for me. I’ve decided I don’t want to just go along any longer, just allow life to take me as it wills—no, I want to take life. Take the life I’ve been given, every minute, every day and live it in such a way that others will know and love Jesus more.

I’m not really sure how to do this—how to let His life flow out from me—in increasing measure year by year. But I am ready to learn. To lay aside the life I have lived, where I take my days for granted and act as if how I live is my choosing, and doesn’t really matter. I want to begin to live like Jesus. To be disciplined in how I use this limited resource of time, which God has entrusted to me. To be constantly aware that all around me are people flying through life, headed for their appointed day of dying and to do what I can to help them be ready for that unexpected moment. To reach out and tell them that there is a God and He loves them so much He has made arrangements so that they can live forever, simply close their eyes and open them again on the other side.

Josh PhD

Hi Friends,
Today I'm posting the announcements we ran in our local newspaper. It's been fun to run into people around town who say they read them and then congratulate us. What a blessing!

Photo courtesy of robertfuel.com

Ten years ago, Joshua Cameron was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by Franklin High School’s first graduating class. This year he earned his PhD in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame where he’s now employed as a Visiting Professor.

Joshua’s dissertation, “Stall Inception in a High-Speed Axial Compressor,” has gained international attention and helped him to earn the Shaheen Graduate School Award as the outstanding graduate student for the college of Engineering.

His parents, Dr. Craig and Sue Cameron of El Paso, wish to acknowledge God’s faithfulness to their son and Joshua’s diligence in pursuing his dreams. Joshua and his wife, Shauna, daughter of Ron and Debbie Acton of El Paso, live in Granger, Indiana with their two young sons.

Eric & Amy

Photo courtesy of robertfuel.com

The parents of Amy Blevins and Eric Cameron wish to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for his blessing of uniting their children in marriage. Out-of-town family and friends witnessed the couple exchange wedding vows at Coronado Baptist Church on April 7, 2007. Then the newlyweds and their guests celebrated during a reception at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, which included dinner, dancing and a beautifully decorated ice cream cake.

The couple met while travelling with Wycliffe Dinner Theatre. Amy, the daughter of Katie Blevins of Tigard, Oregon and Mike Blevins of Decorah, Iowa, earned a Theatre Degree from Seattle Pacific University. Eric, son of Dr. Craig and Sue Cameron of El Paso, currently works at Jaxon’s restaurant and is pursuing a degree in Film Production at NMSU.

New Grand-baby!

ANNOUNCING

The birth of our sixth grandchild!

Emeline Liberty Feuille

June 15, 2007

6 pounds 4 ounces

19 ¾ inches long

We didn’t expect her for about three weeks, but she came anyway. In answer to Aimee’s prayer, her labor was spontaneous and she was able to deliver naturally. Her dad was there to help, in fact to his delight; he delivered his granddaughter into the world at 11:02 AM (between cases at another hospital). Although I rushed to the hospital I missed the actual birth arriving within moments of her first cry! What a little sweetie-pie. Right now I’m calling her “Squeeky,” because she makes a lot of little sqeeky sounds! Aimee, Robert and the girls are living with us for a week or two while Aimee recovers. We love it and are so thankful to the Lord for His generous blessings to us.

Tea Picnic and Being Found

Ethne stayed with us this weekend and this morning she awoke early. I asked her if she would like to have a tea party. She got excited and said, “We’ll have a tea picnic?” Here are pictures of her having tea.

Recently, Ethne joined Craig and I at graduation party. She twirled, kicked and hopped around the dance floor. I swung her in circles and sway around a bit myself. Being near a dance floor, in charge of a two-year-old, is lots of fun. No excuses needed for acting childlike if you’re with a youngster.

We ate. Folks sang karaoke, we clapped for them. And from time to time we took the trip to the far side of the building to visit the bathroom. On the way back from one such journey, I turned aside for a moment to get a cup of coffee. Ethne was off to my left as I quickly prepared my drink. The next thing I knew she was rushing back toward the dance area, with a worried look and a little voice, calling, “Grammy!”

I squatted and reached out to her, turning her to face me. “What’s wrong?”

“You lost me!” she replied.

I didn’t. I hadn’t. But this truth had no effect on how my little granddaughter perceived losing sight of me, even though I had sight of her.

Do you ever feel like the Lord has lost sight of you? That He isn’t aware of where you are and maybe doesn’t even care that you’re afraid? Or, have you lost sight of Him? Has the image of His constant love grown dim in your heart?

It’s a good time to turn from where you are and rush into His waiting arms. Cry out. Let Him hold you and whisper truth, “I have engraved you in the palm of my hand.” The mark of you He bears on His wounded hands will never go away. You are always with Him, in His heart and in His sight even when you don’t feel like it’s true.

Listening Well

(Eric and Ethne working on their computers.)

The phone rang. Even though friends and I were in the middle of discussing plans for a women’s Bible study, I rose to answer it.

“Hello.”

My husband said, “Never mind I got it.”

He seemed to be talking to someone in the background so I asked, “What?”

“I needed a phone number, but I found it. Remember I’m going to lunch with Pastor today.”

“Yeah. Where are you going?”

“San Francisco . . .”

I almost blurted, “San Francisco? How in the world can you do that? We live in El Paso.” Thankfully I didn’t.

“. . . Oven,” he finished his statement.

I struggle with interrupting my husband with really stupid questions because I jump to conclusions before listening well. If I just allow him to finish his thought and complete his sentences, I usually understand what he’s saying. It’s not a problem in the delivery but in the listening.

I wonder if I do this with God? Think I heard what He was saying without allowing Him to finish and then jump to an incorrect conclusion and so miss the point altogether. “Oh Lord, please put a guard over my mouth and teach me the discipline of silence so that I can hear the all Words you are speaking to my heart. Amen.”

GOOD GIFTS

The Lord is the giver of every good gift. Some times, we act a little bit like Him and give gifts to one another. Recently I received a gift that means a lot to me. It is a quilt, handmade by my sweet friend, Jeanne. She is moving away. Usually when a friend leaves, they get the gifts, but she gave me this beautiful reminder of the years we spent ministering side-by-side in our ladies Bible study, W.O.W. (Workmen of the Word).

A few things you should know. When she moved to El Paso, she had a vision to begin this Bible study for women as a place they could be encouraged to study God’s Word on their own and a enjoy the friendships of other women. Remember, she was new to El Paso. She had left behind her support group of friends; she wasn’t a well known face around our church, yet she stepped out in faith and obedience. The result has been many years of lots of women gathering for fellowship and being changed by the power of God’s own expressed Word. WOW.

That kind of living speaks to me. She didn’t sit around longing for what she left behind, or complaining about what she didn’t have. I bet she felt lonely and so she prayed and the Lord showed her that other women new to the area also felt lonely. In His strength she took action and did something about her situation and many lives have benefited.

This is a good example. At times we may feel frustrated or unhappy with the way our life is or about a certain situation. I do and some of my responses are: blame someone else, get grumpy, complain, feel sorry for myself. Or when things are hard we think God should do something—and get mad when He doesn’t. Maybe He is doing something, maybe He’s waiting for us to do something.

Well, that’s the story of this wonderful gift given to me. Now I want to tell you about the gift we gave our son to congratulate him for earning his PhD. As background you need to know that when Craig earned his medical degree his parents bought him a recliner. We wanted to do this for Josh but wanted him to choose the chair. He actually wasn’t crazy about the recliners he tried out but really loved another chair with ottoman. So that’s the one he got and he calls it ‘the chair of all chairs.’ It’s nice to receive gifts of love and it’s nice to give them too! Here’s to gift giving, let’s follow the example of the Giver of all things and give with great generosity and joy!

(Cameron and Grammy having a picnic by the river)















(With sweet Kayla)

(Written last week, but I couldn’t get on-line to post)

Today we played with our grandchildren in Kentucky. First Craig and I took Kayla for a walk around the neighbourhood. She is a dainty little thing, nearly a year old, with a sweet personality. She watches her big brother and imitates just about everything he does. Whenever she hears some one laugh, she joins in. And her laugh is so cute that it’s contagious and so we all end up laughing. I think she liked having our full attention this morning and we sure enjoyed giving it to her.

When we picked up Cameron from pre-school we went to the river for a picnic. The day was perfect—the air had the feel of spring, with a slight breeze that was present but not distracting. Three-year-old Cameron joined Granddad in throwing sticks into the river. They were joined by a large black Retriever who did what he was born to do—by bounding into the water to fetch one of the sticks. Then the pup (I’m sure this dog was a youngster because he bounced with great exuberance) came up on shore and shook violently, sending a light shower of dirty river water on both boys. Now, this puppy didn’t have the slightest idea that Granddad isn’t a real fan of furry four legged animals of any kind. He just shook joyfully, rolled in the grass and then stood and looked around for some more fun.

By this time, Cameron had stooped and picked up another stick but before he could turn and throw it in the river, his new playmate rushed up behind him—front paws lifted—trying to invite our grandson to frolic. Cameron didn’t see the puppy coming, and it happened so fast there wasn’t time to shout out a warning, the dog knocked Cameron to the ground. He was startled but unhurt and at that moment the puppy’s owner, who was watching from the distance, yelled, “Come!” and off when the wet, blackhaired, four-legged-friend.

Granddad quickly scooped up our little guy saying, “The doggie wanted to play with you.” I think he might have been thinking something less positive.

Later, Cameron told his Daddy, “The dog jumped on me.”

Next, we raced up the hill with some wild flowers. Cameron presented these to his Mommy who was pushing Kayla in a baby swing. “Happy Birthday Mommy. I got you some flowers.”

These are two wonderful little people and they add such joy to our lives. It is such a blessing to know them. I’m just sad that we don’t live nearer to them, for I know from firsthand experience that when your back is turned, and you’re busy doing other things, time can sneak up behind you and knock you down and before you can right yourself, it runs off, taking your children into adulthood.

ENJOYING MY CHILDREN

(Josh and Shauna)















(With Josh after graduation)

Wow. Josh was one of only four graduate students up on stage, since he was chosen as the outstanding student for the Engineering department at Notre Dame. His name will be engraved on a plague that hangs in the office for Graduate Students. They presented him with a beautiful award that looks like a glass square with a golden engraved plate inside. He also got a check which means he and Shauna can go off together to celebrate their tenth anniversary (isn’t God good?)

When Joshua’s amazing achievements were being read I sat silently, thanking the Lord for the way He has held onto Josh and directed his steps. As a parent there were times when I nearly panicked over our firstborn. He could out think me from an early age so I had to try to out-pray him. While I’m not (in anyway) taking credit for all of his brilliance and hard work and good heart, I am acknowledging that the Lord has graciously intervened when Josh needed a helping hand to push him in a righteous direction. I am so thankful for this.

Today I am still praying and trusting the Lord as the Good Shepherd of my children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Only He knows how He has made each one. He understands what they need to live life joyfully. He can carry them in their sorrow and dance over them with singing in time of triumph. They are His, from the moment of conception, on loan to us to enjoy.

As a young mother this became my primary goal—to enjoy my children. I recognized that Scripture calls children a gift so I asked myself, When I give a gift to someone I love, why do I do it? I concluded I want them to enjoy it.

So, I figured that when the Lord gave me our precious four gifts He wanted me to delight in his presents (and be thankful to Him for His wise generosity).

Basic to enjoying a child is openly accepting and loving them for who they are and delighting in watching them unfold. It’s sharing their wonder as they discover their world. It’s liking to be with them. It’s not working to make them into someone different, but helping in every way to aid them in becoming who they are created to be. It doesn’t mean you don’t teach and give boundaries but it means (at least for me) you follow God’s pattern in the garden. Lots of free provision for fun and ‘yeses’ and only one ‘no.’ You might say, ‘Well that didn’t go so well, did it?’ That actually brings me comfort because God, the perfect the parent had disobedient children, and although He sure didn’t approve of their choice, He loved them and made provision to rescue them.

Well, I’m rambling. I just felt, as I saw our son cross that stage and be recognised at Doctor Cameron—Professor Cameron, that I felt thankful that when I think back to the years of raising him I smile, because we had so much fun and I sure did enjoy being his mom (still do.)

Amazing Show

A little blurry-- but this is a picture of what our counter looks like on Thursday nights, when a group of men join Craig to study the Bible. As you can see they studied the book of Romans (and so did I in a day time study I attended.) I cook for them, but we're taking a break for the summer.
Here is a strange and beautiful bird I saw in England. Does anyone know what it is? It looked like a Rooster/Parrot. Very bright colors and an awful sounding screech.


I've just finished looking at a wonderful slide show of Eric and Amy's wedding! (Take a look.) Robert and Aimee did a great job on the photography. If you watch it I want you to know that song that is playing is the one that was played as the couple was pronounced husband and wife and walked up the isle out of the church. ENJOY!

ANNOUNCING—Let’s Pray Today!

The project produced four CD's. Prayer for Beginners, Praying to Overcome Anxiety and Depression, Praying for My Children, and Praying for My Husband and Marriage.

ANNOUNCING—Let’s Pray Today!

Since today is the National Day of Prayer, it seems a perfect day to announce the arrival of my newest ‘baby’—which relates to prayer, as you’ll see. I’ve always thought it was a bit weird for people to talk about their artist work as offspring, but in some ways the analogy fits.

Birthing a creative work demands a change in lifestyle and can even take over your life for a time. You might even feel nauseous from time to time or weighted down. There may be a craving for a bit of relief from carrying the burden of bringing the concept to life. Some days, you wish you could go back and not allow the idea to be conceived in the first place, so that life could just return to normal. Then, when time drags on and it seems as if the end will never come irrational fears creep into your mind. “This is never going to be ready,” and “Let’s just forget the whole thing.” But as in pregnancy, it is with an idea that presents itself, it will grow and grow and one day it will be too large to contain and will need to take on a life of its own. And even though you believe that the moment of birth will never arrive, and that you’ll never be delivered—it happens!

And when the baby arrives—oh, the joy, the wonder, the relief, and THE ANNOUNCEMENT! So, to all of you dear ones who prayed with me and for me as I wrote and recorded these prayers, let me present the offspring of our combined efforts. Thank you.

LET’S PRAY TODAY!

www.letspraytoday.com

National Day of Prayer

Eric turned 21 and he really liked his dirt cake, Ethne liked it too!


Today is the National Day of Prayer. Will you join me in praying?

"Lord thank you that this day is a day to focus on praying for our nation, You are the one that
decided we woud be born in this land of opportunity. Please help us to make the most of all
you've given so that your kingdom would increase and your Name be lifted up. Give us hearts that are fully yours and minds and bodies that all we are would delight and honor you. Please give our leaders supernatural wisdom and hearts that hear you and follow your ways. Protect them from greed and power and falsehood. Give each one, at the national, state and local level a standard of righteousness lift up your banner of love over us. Forgive us, have mercy on us, save us Oh Lord make us a people who honor you in truth and live lives that bring you glory. Amen."

Today's lesson

(Katie, Amy's mom and I lighting the unity candle at the wedding.)

I’m always a bit stunned when I realize that I have miscommunicated. After all I’m a communicator—an author, teacher, speaker. Sometimes I’m paid for my words but that doesn’t mean that I don’t make mistakes. James 3:2 says, “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”

It’s easy to admit I’m not perfect, but what that means is that I unintentionally hurt people. I hate that—don’t you? Thankfully the friend that I offended is mature enough that she called me and asked me to explain myself. Wow, if she hadn’t done that, things would have been so much worse.

This has reminded me of the mighty, weighty, power of words—for good

or bad. “Lord please help me to be a careful listener and wise in speech. Put a guard over my mouth. Holy Spirit, control my tongue and may I bring blessing and life with the words I speak and write. To the praise of Your Glory. Amen.”

Mt 12:36 -

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

Just Pictures

Wedding pictures. Amy and her dad, Mike Blevins.

Eric and Amy Cameron cutting the ice cream cake (from Cold Stone Creamery.)



Beautiful cake table decorated by Amy's Aunt Sue.

Hydrangea Power

If you're a mother you probably remember what it was like to go out in public with your new baby. People stopped you wherever you went. They cooed at the baby and said nice things to you. Most offered congratulatons. Going to the grocery store was transformed into a time of affirmation, when people noticed you and your beautiful baby and complete stangers felt compelled to strike up a conversation.

My youngest turns 21 on Saturday so it’s been a long time since I experienced being popular at the grocery store—until today. I didn’t have one of my beautiful grandchildren with me but I did enter Walmart through the garden section—I did this so I could buy an empty flowerpot for Eric’s birthday. He asked for “Dirt Cake,” a desert using crushed Oreo’s, which resemble dark rich soil. You add high calorie, low nutritional ingredients like Cool Whip, Vanilla Pudding and Gummy Worms in layers. To finish off the deception, you might stick a fake flower into the pot before serving it.

Anyway, I went to look for a flowerpot and on my way I saw some gorgeous Hydrangeas. These are my favourite flower and the decorations in my house proved it. These fabulous flowers called out to me and begged me to take them home. I couldn’t resist and placed them carefully in the front of my shopping basket then headed over to the food section.

That’s when it began to happen. Women everywhere spoke to me, “Are those flowers real?” “What beautiful flowers.” “Jut look at those Hydrangeas!” “I can’t believe the color!”

I must have had six complete strangers talk to me. That hasn’t happened since the baby days. Beauty draws people. God planned it that way, didn’t He? There is a part of us that responds to beauty for He is the Maker and the Source of all things bright and beautiful and there is a place in our soul that was created for Him—for beauty.

So, if you’re feeling lonely just place a beautiful flower in the front of your grocery cart at your local supermarket. You don’t have to buy it, just stroll down the isles and enjoy the conversations, when you’re filled up, you can replace the flower or, if you’re able to spoil yourself, take it home and absorb the joy for days to come.

“Thank You Lord for creating beauty that takes our breath away. Prepare our hearts to see you, Oh Beautiful Eternal Gardener and Friend, Amen.”

God's Handiwork

We’re back from London, what a great trip! It may seem strange to go all that way and then to choose to post pictures of flowers on my blog. No shots of Big Ben or Buckingham Palace (I do have some). Manmade edifices, even fabulous ones, just can’t compare with God’s handiwork.

I do have a funny story about the day we went to Kew Gardens, that’s where we saw these orange tulips—it’s a wonderful place.

As we prepared to pay to go in we questioned the lady at the ticket window about all the different options. We finally settled on our tickets and to confirm what I asked for she said, “One adult ticket?”

Thinking I was being clever I answered, “Did you ask that because I look so young you thought I might be a child?”

Puzzled she said, “No. We do have senior tickets as well.”

The nasty truth hit me that she was asking not because I looked young but because I didn’t! Oh my, it is so easy to interpret the world through our own viewpoint and so hard to see ourselves as others see us!

Well, now that the wedding is over (and the new marriage is started) and the trip to Europe is accomplished, I hope to be visiting you more often here.

In closing I have a wonderful blessing to share. The prayer CD I worked on (along with three others) are now available. Check it out at “Let’s Pray Today.”

Blessings! Sue

The Wedding!

(Cameron and Ethne, Ringbearer and Flowergirl)

Mr. & Mrs. Eric Cameron!


I imagine that many of you pray for your children. I’ve prayed about many things, but foremost are two requests. First, that each child entrusted to us will come to know the Lord Jesus in a fully personal and powerful way. Next, that if the Lord has planned for them to marry, that their mate will be a perfect God-designed match for them and that the two will share great joy in becoming one (for the rest of their lives.)

My heart is so thankful that the Lord has answered these prayers I’ve held up to Him. More than that, I believe He is the very one who planted the desire in my heart to make these two requests in the first place—for He has desired these to be fulfilled in my children’s lives long before He created each one and loaned them to me.

So, now I’ve witnessed our youngest exchanging heartfelt vows with the woman he loves, and she with him. There is something sacred about those words passing out of the heart through sincere lips—“Oh, Lord, give them the strength and determination to faithfully fullfill their promises to each other, day-by-day, year-by-year!”

It will take some time before I feel rested and that our life is back to normal. But great once-in-a-lifetime celebrations are worth all the effort beforehand and recovery time afterwards! We enjoyed all the out-of-town family who came to share our joy and all the new family we’ve gained through this marriage. I used to think that when my children grew up I’d lose them, but the truth is, I’ve gained many new people to love— daughters and son’s-in-law and grandchildren. The blessings just increase and this is wonderful blessing! Maybe now I’ll get back to blogging on a regular basis (although I’m not sure I’ve ever been very regular about blogging).

Let's Celebrate!

(Here I am working at my computer—notice the reflection in my glasses)

(Newly planted flowers in pots near my front door)

It’s time to plant flowers! I know it’s only March but with Eric’s wedding only weeks away—it’s time! I want everything to look nice for the guests. Sadly, we won’t have the remodeling done (or even started). Our tile “Conquest” by Interceramic, was discontinued about 4 or 5 years ago. We’re having a hard time finding it and need quite a bit to match the floor and counter tops. We didn’t want the house to be torn up when our company is here, so we have to wait until after the wedding to begin the project.

I want to bear witness to the fact that the Lord is a gracious Provider. First, since our insurance doesn’t cover anything related to sleep disorders, and a long-time friend completed my sleep study at no cost. Next, my flight out there was a gift from the couple who are producing the “Let’s Pray Today,” CD series. And finally, after returning home and pricing CPAP units (a machine to force air into my airways while I sleep), our friends Kenny and Angela gave me one! So, now I’m nearly set to begin using it, just need to have it calibrated according to my prescription.

Our pastor at church is preaching about the spiritual disciplines. It is very challenging to me personally. This week I was surprised to learn that one of the disciplines is celebration. This is so amazing. As children we know all about celebrating. I still remember our Sara on her birthday. Every cell of her being was full of joy knowing that it was her very own special day. She glowed from the moment she awoke until her head hit the pillow at night. She enjoyed her day, fully, lavishly, with no regrets. But often, as adults, we forget how to celebrate and have to be disciplined to keep it a part of our life.

It has always interested me that the Lord commanded His people to observe so many feasts, many lasting a week or more. Their year was filled with celebration—they took so many holidays that by North American standards, we might consider it to be excessive. The Lord didn’t, doesn’t. He wanted them to live that way. I think He still wants us to live that way, but we’re too busy being productive to experience our real purpose.

Our pastor said—only one fast was required but all these feasts. It shows God’s generosity. His desire for us, is “do,” not “don’t.” “Yes,” not “no.” Like in the garden— one ‘don’t touch’ too a multitude of ‘touch,’ ‘touch,’ ‘touch.’ And, that one “don’t” was given to keep us safe. Fun, God’s idea! Feasting, God’s idea! Laughing, enjoying life, celebrating, smiling—all His plan.

How often do we allow ourselves to be swept away? We can, if we discipline ourselves. It seems a contradiction, but it’s not. Discipline myself to stop working and play. Discipline myself to stop rushing and take time to listen to the birds and watch children be children. Notice the sunset and enjoy the smell and taste of food. Dance in response to the song in my heart. Live life freely. Doesn’t it sound tempting? Yummy? Those who are spiritually disciplined know how to live a life of celebration.

What would my life be like if I rejoiced and celebrated all of the time? If the reality of His constant love flowing down on me washed me away from the mundane tasks into a joyful river of thankfulness as I went about my daily routines? This has much more to do with attitude than about circumstances. I want to live in the fullness of His joy, don’t you? So, this week, I will take time to celebrate, I hope you’ll join me!

Oh, Sleepy Head!

(Here I am with Kayla, enjoying my favorite passtime.)

Have you ever discovered that something you thought was really good, wasn’t? Until this morning I thought I had the gift of sleeping. For most people sleep is actually a natural occurrence not a unique gift but I’ve always given thanks for my incredible ability in this area.

I fall asleep within minutes of going to bed, nap every day for exactly twenty minutes and can sleep at any time, in any place, at will. Doesn’t that sound like a special power to you?

Well, it isn’t. It’s a disorder. A sleep disorder called sleep apnea. I went to bed last night at the Georgetown Sleep Center, an amazing facility owned by our good friends, Jim and Lisa Curlee.

I was wired. Literally. Multicolored wires taped to my scalp, dangling down my legs, monitors stuck to my back and chest, all feeding into a small box which recorded the details of the amount of oxygen in my blood, my heart rate, what stage of sleep I was in, and the pattern of my breathing. I failed the breathing part. I stopped breathing about 70 times an hour. This happens when a person has an obstructed airway. The result is that my brain had to arouse me to take a breath, over and over and over again. Seems I was so busy concentrating on breathing that I didn’t really sleep very well at all. (30 obstructions an hour is considered, severe sleep apnea.) So much for my ‘gift.’

I’m sure the Lord has another special gift for me, one that isn’t imagined to be good but is actually good. But I sort of hate to say good-bye to this life long friend—except that keeping this friendship substantially increases my risk of heart attack and stroke (and other bad stuff). So, I’m going to become the masked woman at bedtime, wearing a small device over my nose while a CPAP machine forces air into my airways. I’m supposed to feel a difference. The fact is, in the fifty years I’ve been living I may have never experience what it feels like to get a good night’s sleep; never known how it is to be well rested; am unaware of the true beauty of sleep. And all this time I thought I had a gift.

Life is like that. We can so easily be deceived to into thinking something is normal,

the way it’s meant to be, simply because it’s all we know and we’ve never experienced

anything different. In fact, our ‘normal’ may actually be abnormal. We may be

unaware of the negative affect certain behaviors have on our spiritual health.

Just because we were raised a certain way doesn’t mean it the best way to live in our adult lives. In fact, as believers, we’re supposed to adjust our behaviors to God’s word. He says things like, forgive, be patient, give a soft answer and speak the truth in love.

I want to do what He says, don’t you? So, I’m asking Him to test me, to probe with the sharp tip of His Word, and measure my reactions, and to reveal any areas that need attention. I want to be truly and totally spiritually whole, so that on that day when I go to sleep for the last time, I’ll wake up and find Jesus with open arms and a smile on His face and I’ll smile back, with no regrets.

THANKS FOR PRAYING (update)!

(These are the earrnings we gave Ethne for her birthday. She liked them, but the magnets were too tight and hurt her ears.)

Thank you so much for praying for my trip to Georgetown, TX., to record the CD, “Let’s Pray Today! Praying for my husband and Marriage.” Here’s a short report.

Several days before leaving El Paso, my throat started to feel clogged and I began coughing and trying to clear it. My voice was weak and strained. Many prayed and I had a peace about just going ahead with the trip as planned. I arrived Sunday and met with Cathy, who is heading up the project, and one of the other authors. We had a photo session, hoping to get a good head shot for the back of CD cover. It was a blast.

Then we drove to the studio and walked around the property and prayed for God to surround the place with His angels and to keep the evil one away. I met Scott, a great and gentle man, who owns and operates the studio. That evening I read several of the prayers to my friend, Lisa (I stayed with her) and discovered there was too much material for the allotted time. I decided to cut out a lot of my extra ‘commentary,’ keeping the focus on the actual prayers.

On Monday, I awoke full of joy and excitement. I sensed the prayers that surrounded me. My throat still felt squeezed and my voice sounded raspy but Scot said, “Just pause and cough. Drink water whenever you need. Since it’s a digital recording I can easily cut out those parts.” So, I did.

The five prayers with introduction and conclusion took about 2 ½ hours to record (coughing and drinking water take a lot of time)! The ladies who were in the other room praying came out with tear-filled eyes saying that it was good. I’ll leave this determination to the Lord, I’m just so blessed to be a part of this and thankful that all went well.

Once finished, we drove to lunch. As soon as I got in the car I felt my throat clear—completely. The change was drastic. I told Lisa, “My voice is normal again!” She agreed. Whew! That’s when I knew how vital your prayers had been. Then, after lunch, Cathy returned to the studio to see how Scott was doing with the editing. She found him sweeping leaves and dirt out of the small room where I’d been sitting.

“What happened?” she asked.

“After you all left a huge gust of wind blew in with all these leaves and dirt and it even ripped the door of the hinge, and knocked some equipment over.”

So, you see how powerful and necessary your prayers were to protect us and to allow this work to go forward? I REALLY appreciate your time and concern and for the way you joined me in providing this resource to women.

“We bless your Name Lord Almighty for you alone have all authority over all powers! Thank you for protecting us and please watch over the rest of the recordings! Lord please bless those who took the time to pray for this project. Thank you for hearing and answering all of our prayers! Please use this CD to glorify your name and to bring your life into many marriages. Amen.”

I just want you all to know that Cathy and her husband Eric have committed to giving the potential profits of this project fully to missions. Isn’t that wonderful?

Thanks again,

Sue

Losing and Gaining

(Here's a new picture of Cameron and Kayla.)

After turning fifty, going on a cruise and eating my way through the Christmas season, I noticed that I'd outgrown my clothes. I love buying new outfits but not if they are a bigger size. Going to the gym wasn't helping (yes, I actually worked out--some).
So I decided to join Weight Watchers on-line. I felt real hunger pains and pity pains for the first five days. Then I weighed myself (two days early) and realized all my suffering and self-denial hadn’t resulted in any weight loss, not even half a pound!

I felt indignant; cheated! I expected my good deeds and self-sacrifice to pay off, quickly. I hadn’t eaten my chocolate cookies or snacked on the Mint Crispies Craig had given me for Valentine’s Day. I felt entitled to some results and encouragement in the form of losing some weight. When I didn’t get what I was expecting I just about gave up, more out of indignation than anything else. I’m used to congratulating myself on effort, even a little bit of effort. When I exercise, I don’t push myself, I rationalize, “At least I’m not sitting at home.” And with this diet I figured, “I’ve gone without chocolate for five days, some one ought to notice (someone besides me)!

My reaction was quite severe and I whined to several people about my lack of progress. I got very little pity, but I did get a lot of advice. Basically others told me, “Stick with it. It’s too early to expect results!” I felt like shouting, Too early? I don’t ever deny myself and it’s been five whole days. But I didn’t yell, instead I thought about their suggestions and realized I am a wimp. Really. Now you may have already reached this conclusion, but to me it was a revelation of sorts. I don’t know how to persevere, to work hard for a long time, to be patient and faithful and steady in the process of moving toward a goal. I think it’s time to grow up in this area.

We watched the movie Amazing Grace, this weekend. William Wilburforce is a great example of a person who did not give up and in the end his perseverance paid off for millions. But he was tempted to quit. God gave him strength to keep struggling in the battle to end slavery.

So, I didn’t stop limiting my caloric intake and I’m pleased to say that by day 7 I had actually seen the number on my scale drop. I intend to stay faithful at least until the wedding in an attempt to reach my goal.

I’m starting to think that this process really isn’t about losing weight but about gaining maturity.

Feeling Special

Ethne turned two. It is her last birthday as an only child. The last one as the only grandchild in town. We gave her a pair of magnetic earrings and a music box princess doll that plays ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Her other grandparents gave her purple butterfly wings with a matching skirt and hair ribbing. Ethne felt pretty, she felt special, she felt pretty special!

Having a sibling will be quite an adjustment. There were eleven adults present for her pancake dinner. Each one totally focused on her, singing to her, celebrating her. In one sense this is how the Lord loves us, totally, individually, with undivided attention. He is my Father--but He is also yours. His love is not diminished in the giving and I don’t think a parent’s love lessens as more babies come. I think love grows when we give it. Each time we reach out to express love more springs up in our hearts. Maybe that’s why it’s more blessed to give than to receive because when we give, God’s is shoveling twice as much into our storehouse.

Ethne understands many things, some she can’t express verbally. She’s been whacking her baby doll lately. Hits, kicks, punches, that dolls has even been thrown through the air. Each time she picks her up hugs and pats her saying, “Poor baby, poor baby.” I’m glad she’s getting these uneasy feelings about the upcoming intrusion out of her system and pretty soon here we’ll start the training. “It’s okay to hit you doll, but we never kick or hurt the new baby.” “You’re the big sister and it’s your job to help mommy and daddy take good care of the new baby.”

I hope you enjoy these pictures of our pretty special granddaughter. She’s not our only grandchild, but she is the topic of the most blogs since she right here, involved in our lives. Another, “that’s like Jesus” thought—the closer we are to Jesus, the more time we spend enjoying Him and being with Him the more often He comes up in our thoughts, in our speech and in our blogs! Love and blessings, GrammySue

Reflections on returning HOME

Reflections!

Of all the memories, I think that taste is perhaps one of the strongest. When I think of San Diego my mouth waters for the Coconut Cream pie from the College Restaurant, but it’s no longer in business. Also, when the kids were little and Craig and I managed a date night we’d pick up burritos at El Indio’s and go up to Mission Park to eat them. The view from there is fabulous and I remember exactly the wonderful taste of those yummy burritos. Recently, on a trip to San Diego, we stopped by El Indio’s, which instead of going out of business has expanded and even added a parking lot across the street. When we went inside, the smells seemed familiar, but still I had my doubts, after all it’s been nearly 30 years. But all doubts vanished when I took that first bite. It tasted exactly as I remembered. With each bite I remarked about this fact, because although I had hoped and longed and wished, I wasn’t sure it could ever be as good as I remembered it to be.

Will the smell of heaven be familiar? When we see the light and hear God’s voice will we suddenly remember what is was like before time began or do our memories only start at our birth in this world? Somehow I think we have a slight knowing of something before and beyond—it’s like a whisper in our soul. When I ‘came to Jesus,’ it was like turning around and understanding that He’d always been there right behind me with His arms wrapped around me, just waiting for the moment when I’d turn and return His embrace. He’s never let me go. It is a safe place. It is home. It is where I belong. And when I leave this temporary world I will be returning to a place I know, where my Father lives. So, I think that maybe the sights, smells, tastes, sounds and feelings will not seem strange or even surprising, but cozy and welcoming and just like returning home again.

( Today I watched Ethne. She loves Edamame (frozen soybeans you cook and then pop out of the pod). She spread a tablecloth out on the carpet so she could eat her beans in the same room where I was working on the computer.

Today I went to the gym early, so early that I didn’t really wake up until half way through my workout. I’m very laid back and don’t see much need to push myself, so on the elliptical trainer I usually set the resistance level at 2 or 3. Today I choose a pre-set cross-country program and quickly realized it was not my normal routine. The resistance level varied from a low of about 6 to a high of 16. I did the same distance as usual but I worked a lot harder.

I thought about how faith is like that, at times walking by faith doesn’t seem to take much effort. But life isn’t constant, it changes and each new challenge requires us to exercise our faith a bit more. Climbing those hills seems impossible but somehow we manage it even if we go slow and sweat a lot in the process. Faith is actually strengthen when times demand a lot of us, and we often learn we are stronger than we realized, or at least, able to endure more. By the end of my workout the resistance level of 6 seemed easy to me. Funny I had never even tried to go past 3 before, never even been tempted, but now I know that 3 is really too easy for me and 6 has got to be my new easy level.

I really do want to grow in faith and mature as a Christian, but I don’t often plan a course of action that will force me to gain strength, don’t often put myself into demanding situations. I’m at the point of considering one now. Tomorrow I am going to training to be a ‘Marriage Educator’ a person trained to teach The Six Building Blocks of A Healthy Marriage to couples in our community. It’s a big stretch for me, a harder climb. It’s reaching beyond my comfort zone. I’m just praying that the Lord will enable me to be stronger than I think I am and that marriages will be enriched through this program.