Tuesday Tidbits

1. Everything seems to be in proper working order now in our "necessary" (as they referred to it in the days of long ago!). And I am very thankful that this did not happen during the three weeks I was without a washing machine!

2. I was horrified yet amused at the way that seemingly innocent fall blog quiz backfired. I certainly hope it's wrong about those of you it pegged as soon-to-die!

3. Thanks to all of you who provided information about how care needs are met at your church. I had a great meeting with our new pastor Monday and am excited about the possibilities of refining and expanding our care ministry.

4. Speaking of care, remember that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I would advise you to get a mammogram if you are over 40 and haven't had one in the last year. And be diligent about those self-checks.

5. A month ago I was minding my own business, so to speak. Then God intervened, and now my kids are each apparently going on mission trips in other countries next year, one over spring break and the other in the summer. Exciting times. (Expensive times!)

6. Due to #5, we are in the process of getting passports for them. Have you ever gotten a passport for one of your kids?! First of all, the application has to be submitted in person, not via mail. And both parents have to show up as well, or else you have to bring a boatload of notarized documents and vials of blood or court orders proving that the other parent gives permission for said child to obtain passport. (The only part I'm kidding about is the blood!) And then in our city, the passport facilities (located at post offices) require appointments. Between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Which, even with documentation from this official governmental agency, the school does not recognize it as an excused absence. Finally, one woman took pity on me at about the third post office I called and told me about ONE that took appointments on Saturdays. So I don't care if the swine flu or any other disaster befalls us, we will be at that appointment this Saturday!

7. We've been studying Romans a few verses at a time the last however-many-months in our Sunday morning Bible study classes. Such rich doctrine throughout this incredible book, and now that we are in chapter 12, it builds on that doctrine with some down-to-earth, practical advice for living the Christian life. And tucked in the end of chapter 11 is a doxology of praise that contains some of my favorite verses:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable His judgments,
and His paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay Him?"
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36

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Coming Up to Breathe & A Sweet Surprise

Thought I'd stick my head above water for just a moment to say hi and that I haven't disappeared entirely. It's not that I've been away from my laptop, not by any stretch - just completely immersed in Powerpoint getting ready for this weekend's Ladies Retreat. And meeting with our Worship Pastor to learn the ropes - or maybe I should say learn the cables! - of setting up all the mics, speakers, amps, etc. (I'm going to be ready for a retreat myself when it's all said and done!) I've managed to scan a few blogs this week, although my comments have usually been non-existent or extremely brief as I try to type it one-handed while eating.

But what a delightful blessing I received when I did surface today! Angela of Becoming Me gave me the sweetest award! The “You Make My Day” award is a way to let fellow bloggers know that they have touched your heart, brought you happiness and inspiration, and make you look forward to coming to the blogworld every day. My mouth fell open with some of the kind things she said, and I'm still not convinced she doesn't have the wrong person!

Now it's my dilemma delight to pass it along to a few someones. How to choose?! So many of you have blessed my life beyond belief in these 4 short months I've been doing this blog thing. But choose I must, so I send a hug and say "You Make My Day" to:

Xandra - a kindred spirit I have discovered in this sweet friend. Her heart for God and her family just shine, and like me, she cut her teeth on The Baptist Hymnal and loves those old songs like I do! I love reading her posts & smile when I see her name in my comments!

Kelli - what a precious sister in Christ this gal is. She is a sweet encouragement and an inspiration to me in her passion for her Lord. And every once in a while among the writings sublime, she'll post something like a picture of a Toilet for 2!

Linda - this gal's blog seriously cracks me up. . . .and then turns around and makes me stop and think! She's a busy woman with quite a public to keep up with and all, since famous people email her, so it makes my day when she stops by my blog or responds to a comment. If only she wasn't so Lost in American Idol!

Angela Hunt - I still can't believe that an author of 112 books not only has a blog, but she lets regular ol' folks like me interact with her! She is a delight! She loves the Lord and she is an absolute pro at wielding the pen, or should I say, keyboard. I love the glimpses she gives us into the process behind the books. And her posts are just plain fun! I am not delusional enough to think she waits for my visits, but hey, if she can write fiction, then I can pretend!

So thanks to each of you for refreshing my life and to the rest of you as well. I could give this to everyone who takes the time to stop by my blog and leave a comment! I think I'm going to hold on to this and surprise a few of you with it from time to time!

BTW, for the multitude 1 or 2 of you who may be wondering, I survived my smashogram from last Friday without incident. No results yet, but this is generally one of those situations where no news is good news.
Update: Got the results in the mail today that all is normal!!

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Pressing Matters

(Don't forget to comment on Do Hard Things by noon CDT today if you want to be in my drawing!)

What a Week. Doctor's appointments. Taxes. My 40,000 mile "free" oil change today that cost over $400, thanks to worn out brake pads. Notices of costuming that my girl needs for their upcoming May choir Broadway Follies show. A rapidly approaching retreat next weekend for which I need to put together all manner of Powerpoints and other tech stuff for the worship times and speakers.

Unfortunately, the joy and sigh of relief that Friday usually brings is tempered by the knowledge that this is in my day.

Those of you over 40 know exactly what that picture represents! So Friday, while you are prancing around in your new shoes or landscaping, or blogging about your Idol-atry, or wallpapering your house with super-sticky Post-its, or primping for your husband's early return from China, or fretting that grace has been replaced by word verification, or spring cleaning or changing diapers or getting pedicures or eating bonbons or whatever you find to do ---- I'll be in The Torture Chamber getting my mammogram.

You young gals think I jest? Fine, here's a real one:

I had to look long and hard to find a picture of one without either (1) a woman actually being scanned (I didn't want to traumatize you too much! Or get kicked out of the Family Friendly Network!) or (2) a tech standing next to it with a gleeful smile on her face as if she were Vanna White.

Oh, and don't worry if you are minimally endowed. They have special training in Tug of War to get you right where you need to be. All while you put your right hand here and your left hand there and your head back there and . . . "okay, now don't breathe!" I'd like to hokey-pokey right out of there!

I'll take stirrups at the Gyn's office any day over this!

Seriously, I am faithful about scheduling this every year on the dot. It only takes a few minutes, it really isn't that bad, and it is absolutely worth it. My USA-residing sister had a malignancy 11 years ago and I do not want to follow in her footsteps.

Don't put it off if you are over 40 or if you are younger and have a family history of breast cancer. For more info, go here. It could save your life.

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