As I settle into my big chair in the family room, laptop in my lap, le Tour on the T.V. (last day of le Tour *sigh*) I am reflecting on my day... as I do let me digress.

Yesterday, the weather got in the way of some plans I had for the weekend. Most of you know that I cycle. Every year in August I, along with my friend Kate and her friend Tracy, lead a ride south of my home for CIBA (Central Indiana Bicycling Association) As a ride leader you are responsible for the route, SAG support, marking the route etc. One of the more tedious jobs is marking the route. This involves spray painting Dan Henry's on the road. Now marking the route isn't necessarily a difficult task... but it's a time consuming task. Four ride legnths between 15 miles and 60 miles... that's a lot of spray paint, 4 way stops, right turns, left turns etc. (I won't go into all the particulars of how to mark a route... I do want to keep your attention.) Fortunatley for me, the past two years we have hosted, I haven't had to be a part of the "ride marking". That task fell to Tracy and Kate. Tracy was unable to help this year due to a family celebration, so had I not helped Kate would have been on her own.

Yesterday morning the thunder rolled and the rain fell. Kate and I were scheduled to meet at 8:30 am to head out and mark the route. Wet roads and spray paint don't mix! The only other time Kate was available to get this task done was this morning, Sunday! What? Sunday morning? Don't mess with my worship time! Now, I have to tell you... not going to worship in order to mark a cycling route isn't what I really wanted to do. Worship on Sunday is extremely important to me and when I am unable to attend it's difficult for me. I have to admit I was doing a bit of grumbling about it yesterday. But the Spirit gave me a nudge. Yes, I had to give up going to church, but I was helping a friend... a friend who needed me.

This morning, after Jim left for church I sat down at the kitchen table for some prayer time. Pouring my heart out to Jesus. A few tears even fell. After prayer, I opened "Coffee Break with God" a devotional I have had for many years, but had not used in some time. After all I was enjoying my morning coffee in this quiet time. I asked the Lord to speak to me... and I opened the book. Speak to me He did. I do want to share what God said to me in that devotion... the meat of that will have to wait for another day.

At 8:30am I had to head out the door. I was meeting Kate and her boyfriend (he graciously helped as well). The 20 minute drive was glorious. I put in some praise music (thank You Lord for Travis Cottrell) and I drove south. Singing and praising God at the top of my lungs in the car. (I am sure any passers by thought I was nuts - yes sir, nuts for the Lord) It was glorious! The sun was shining and I was praising Him for the day, His creation and for giving me a brief moment on a Sunday morning to worship Him in a very different way. Now, please know that I am not condoning giving up corporate worship. (Hebrews 10:25 is coming to mind right now: Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.) But I have to say... my worship time today was a gift from my Father that I will always cherish. He knew I needed to help my friend, but He also knew I needed to worship Him. He gave me that opportunity and it was precious, precious time w/ my Father. I worship & praise Him this way many times during the week, for example on the way to the office each morning etc. But today, today it was a bit different. Perhaps because where I thought I really wanted to be this morning wasn't where He wanted me to be. There are reasons that rain comes... and we don't always know why. We grumble when the weather forces a change of plans. For me the rain came yesterday, not to mess up my schedule, but to give me the opportunity to fully worship my God, in a different way than the normal, and give Him all the glory for this life He has so graciously given me. The words of one of the praise songs are still ringing in my ears as I type this... as I wind down this Sunday evening... I pray they touch your heart and move you as they move me... I love you friends!

You alone are my passion forever
Song of my soul, desire of my heart
You alone are my passion, my treasure
I love You for all that You are

To the ends of the earth I will follow
There's nothing that I will not do
You alone are my reason for living
Jesus, my passion is You

My life, my love, my God
You are my life, my love, my God

Random Musings....

It sure does seem like I just don't have or take the time to blog much in the summer. I do miss visiting w/ my favorite blog pals as well as sitting down w/ my laptop and pouring out this heart of mine...

Summer seems as if it is flying by. Actually w/ the weather we have been experiencing in Indy it hasn't seemed much like summer at all. In fact, last weekend it was so chilly that I told Jim if it were Septemeber we would have had a fire in the fireplace.

I am becoming impatient w/ my garden. The cool days just aren't ripening my tomatoes. I am sure once they ripen I will have a boatload all at one time. *Sigh* Guess I will get out the canner. I love canning... by doing so I can have a bit of summer in the dark of winter. I won't complain however. I am not a hot, humind and hazy loving gal. Low 80's, low humidity and sunshine - that's what I call ideal summer weather.

Been on the bike a lot this summer as well. Last night a nice little downpour (which was not forecast) visited our ride. Pouring rain and rooster tails off the bike in front of me made for a wet, icky ride. I was glad to get home last night! Ride was good, hard and fast... I am getting stronger. Being only one of a very few girls it's hard to stay w/ the big, strong men. But they all take care of me and make sure I am OK. I am so thankful that Jim and I love to cycle together.

My strength and endurance class is still one I love. On Monday's and Wednesday's our instructor, Dodi, kicks our rear ends. I am thankful for her because I can see and feel the difference! I am also thankful that the Lord has given me the time and privelege to pursue a healthy lifestyle!

Work has been keeping us busy and we have definitely seen a nice turn-around in the market as of late. What a blessing it has been as I am sure this winter will be another slow time for the real estate market. I am thankful for how the Lord continues to bless and provide. He never ceases to amaze me! I will continue to trust in Him for all that I need!

My sister lost her dear mother-in-law last week. The Lord took Joy home after a nine year, courageous battle w/ cancer. (I hate cancer) She was a true imitator of Jesus by how she loved and how she gave of herself to others. She was a true prayer warrior. She will be missed by so many...

Jim's mom is doing well. It's hard to believe that it's almost been a year since Jim's dad passed away. Not too long ago she said to Jim "I am getting used to living alone." Thank goodness she might live alone, but she's not alone! She has the Lord and all of us trapsing in and out of her house! And of course every Sunday we are there after church for her yummy breakfasts!

My niece Stephanie has become engaged and will be married on 01/01/10! Yes, New Year's Day. Thank goodness it's New Year's Day Night... :) I am looking forward to seeing another one of my dear, precious gifts from God getting married. My niece Ashley just finished her first year of dental school. Jim and I couldn't be more proud. My sister's daughters are gearing up for High School. Kimberly will be a sophomore and Sarah a freshman. They continue to train hard in gymnastics. Kimberly will begin to be recruited by college scouts this next year. Sarah will tag along the following year. The boys have been busy w/ baseball and now football, yes football starts next week. Fall is coming isn't it. I can't complain... I LOVE FOOTBALL!

July has also kept me from really knowing what's going on in the world around me because the news almost ceases to exist. Le Tour de France is on the T.V. and the daily stages are re-broadcast many times a day. I know, call me crazy but I can watch the same stage over and over again. Lance Armstrong has made it exciting again!

Well, enough randomness. I need to let the dog out. I do believe he has all four legs crossed.

I hope this post finds each of you enjoying all the blessings the Lord has given you. If you are hurting or in a difficult time, may you feel His loving arms wrapping you up and carrying you through a difficult time. If this post finds you scurrying about in the "busy" ness of life... I pray you can take time to slow down and inhale all He is and all He can show you today!

Much Love!

Double Blessing...

Some of you recall my friend Paula who has adopted twins from Ethiopia (I had asked you to pray for her and her family many times).

Well yesterday I had a special treat! I finally got to meet those sweet little girls. They are so teeny, tiny. Their smiles light up a room and those eyes... gorgeous. When I arrived at Paula's mom's home the twins were at the kitchen table with their Aunt Laura writing the alphabet. Paula says they enjoy pushing buttons that light things up... remotes, telephones etc!

Adjusting hasn't been easy, but the Lord is blessing their family. Please continue to pray for Paula and her family as they transition into a new chapter of their lives. The challenges are there, but the blessings out number the challenges!

Before I left I had Paula take a picture of me w/ the girls. Candace Selam is the one with the sunglasses on (I called her Hollywood) and Sarah Fikir is the other twin who was not so happy at the time because her sunglasses needed fixing. Mama was going to take care of that task quickly! ;) They were so cute with their itty bitty ipods that Paula filled with Ethiopian Children's music. (that helped with the flight back from Ethiopia)

I cannot wait to see how the lives of these blessed little ones unfold. A new world, a new family... and smiles as big as the sun! I am definitely buying a plane ticket to Nebraska sometime soon! I miss my friend! I don't think I realize how much until we can have a few moments together when she comes to Indiana.

Yes, yesterday was a double blessing for me... I got to meet the twins and spend time with my dear friend Paula!

Love you Paula!

Wishing you all a Blessed & Happy 4th of July...

Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, that will be; We unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care & protection & for the great degree of tranquility, union and plenty which we have enjoyed; We most humbly offer... our prayers & supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations.

~ George Washington

Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the LORD

~ Psalm 33:12a

Praying today for our nation. That as a whole we turn our face back to the LORD and worship Him in Whom our true freedom lies.

God bless you my friends, and may God continue to bless America!