Surviving Rush Hour

photo © 2009 versageek | more info (via: Wylio)

Last week, I had the "privilege" of driving in morning and afternoon rush hour to cart Nathan to and from piano camp. I was supposed to take Ben to golf camp in the city -- same week to save myself some driving -- but he got sick. Instead, I'm driving him this week. (Thankful that the NCSU Golf School was willing to change his camp without added cost. Not thankful that I'm driving in rush hour traffic again.) Yep, another week of back and forth driving to the city. During rush hour.

God can teach a lot to a captive audience in such a situation. He spoke clearly last week, "Stay in your lane, Karen. Just stay in your lane."

Have you noticed how some people zig this way and zag that way, trying to get ahead? I'm talking about drivers here -- they switch lanes non-stop. The "lucky" ones move ahead three or four cars, but that's about it. They just think they're going somewhere. I must admit that I enjoy watching these guys get busted for speeding! I'm not very nice.

Sane drivers stay in their lane. Sometimes they move a little faster. Sometimes they slow down. They move steadily to their destination. With a lot less stress! I learned this lesson quickly -- and spared myself a lot of stress and tension.

That's when God spoke in that sweet whisper, "Stay in your lane. It's true for life, my sweet child." You see, I want to rush ahead. For years, I've patiently (okay, not so patiently) supported my husband, raised my kids and served God in my church. I want to start my life now. Yep, now would be good.

Others pass me by -- in the fast lane. Why not me?

Why not me? Wrong question!

Instead, I should be asking, "What else, God?" What else can I learn? What else do you want me to understand? What else should I do, God, while I wait? 

God's got a good and pleasing plan for my life. I know it's true! His word says, "I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). Just like a driver who stays sane in rush hour, I need to stay in my lane and focus on the goal -- God's plan. His vision. His destination. 

It's true in rush hour. It's true in life.

Praying for a Military Hero

Dear friends,
Please join me today in praying for the family of Mark Bradley, a fallen soldier whose funeral is today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_4TRFGppjU&feature=share

Father God,

Please be with Samantha, Mark's wife, and all of Mark's family and friends as they say "good-bye." Please fill them with your peace. May Your Comfort fill the empty places in their hearts. God, help them to know that their sacrifice -- Mark's and theirs -- is appreciated. We will not forget their sacrifice for our freedom.

In your Son's name,

Amen

Psalm 37:3

Trust in the LORD and do good. 
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Psalm 37:3

As I prepare to attend my first She Speaks conference, I wonder if I'm finally on my way to my destiny? My heart longs to share God's truth with other women. I hope and pray God will use my life experience to encourage others. You can overcome depression. You can break the chains. You can become more than you ever thought you would be... Just trust in Him. Let go of you. Take the plunge.

I'm 45 and still trying to figure it out. It's not always easy to wait. Or wonder.

My son is seventeen. One short year from now, he'll be packing bags and boxes, preparing for that big step into college. He shares my questions. What's the plan, Mom? Do you think I'd do well with this? What did you think I would become (when I was seven)? Does it help to hear that I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up? There's just so much to choose -- so many things to do.

My prayer today, Nathan, is that you will trust God in the journey. Whether you choose one career like Daddy or my more circuitous path, I pray you will simply TRUST. Take the next step confidently. Don't look too far down the road. And while you're trusting, do good. Make a difference. Encourage others. Share your love of God. Rejoice in the journey. Let God lead you wherever He wants you to go and know. This is God's plan for you. In His Name I pray. Amen

God's direction

While shopping earlier today (for a special little someone's very pink birthday party tomorrow), the lady in front of me was finalizing her purchases when one of the items fell apart in her hands. She looked down at it, shook her head just a little side to side and exclaimed, "Well, I guess God didn't want me buying that today." She set it aside.

I giggled and replied, "I think the same way when that happens."

We got to talking about that little voice that keeps us from making bad decisions. Big or little. And how much we appreciate that guidance. It was one of those conversations where more was said in between the words than in the actual conversation. She said good-bye with a warm smile I know I'll see again one day.

Now I'm thinking... "God, can you put my speech together just as easy?" Thanks!!!

Happy Daddy's Day!!!

Anyone can be a father.

It takes someone special to be a Daddy.

Happy Daddy's Day!

Happy Daddy's Day, Rob! I am so glad that I am your wife and the mother of our children. You make our world more beautiful -- blessing us with your peace, calm, patience, wisdom and understanding. You smooth my rough edges to everyone's benefit. You are generous with your time, focus and care for all of us. 

We are truly blessed.

We love you!

Let me know when the kids are smiling...

Fathers, do not exasperate your children;

instead, bring them up in the training

 and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

Congratulations, Graduates!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,

"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 
plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

The graduating class of 2011 includes many remarkable young people I've had the privilege to know. My prayer for these wonderful students is that they'll keep changing the world for Jesus!

But, I must admit... 

...thinking of tonight's graduation ceremony leaves me a little weepy. 

Because next year....

...it will be him. 

And I'm not quite ready to let him go.

Praying for today's graduates, their mamas and their daddies, their plans, their dreams and their futures. 

Funny stuff

I gave up twitter this week. Of course, ever since doing so, my kids have been absolutely hilarious! Since I can't tweet their "isms" I decided to dedicate this post to the very funny -- sometimes inspirational -- things they say.

Nathan, "Ethos. Pathos and Logos.  Everything we say boils down to one of these three." Me, "Huh?" (I wonder which one my response falls in.)

Ben, "Which do you like better, Mom? Concrete roads or asphalt roads?" (Really... I see a future in Civil Engineering!)

Ellie, "I can't wait till tomorrow." (Said Tuesday, June 7th.) Mom, "Why?" "Because tomorrow I can be the first one to wish Ben a happy birthday!" Mom, "Do you know that his birthday isn't till Thursday, June 9th?" Ellie, "Yes. That's why I want to tell him happy birthday on Wednesday." (Gotta love a girl with a plan!)

Nathan, "Nice job, Mom." (Said without sarcasm!!! I'll treasure those words said in that tone forever! He's 17.)

Ben, "I really think we need to invent flying cars. I'm not exactly sure what we'd do with all these roads, but flying cars would be a lot cheaper." (See -- he's going to be an incredible Civil Engineer!)

Me to Ellie, "Do you have gym today?" Ellie, "What's gym?" Me, "It's the same as P.E." Ellie, "Mom, can we just call it P.E.?" (At least she didn't say I am out of touch, old, or old fashioned.)

Nathan, "I thought I told you that..." (He has lots of imaginary conversations with me!)

Ben, "Why can't more people write good books?" (He exclaimed after reading a football story written by Tim Green for the middle school boy audience. So much for Twain, C. S. Lewis, and Steinbeck... apparently they aren't all they are cracked up to be.)

Ellie, "Wow! When you invite people to church, they actually come." (Wisdom, from the mouth of a six year old to her mama's -- and hopefully your -- heart! An evangelist to be!)

Fourteen years ago...

Fourteen years ago, my sweet son, Ben, came into the world. The whole thing started kind of rocky -- I was on bedrest most of the pregnancy trying to keep him in so he could "cook" long enough. The being born part went really well -- but I'll spare you the details. And then, three hours later, I began hemorrhaging. Emergency surgery. A spinal headache. Rough.

Little did we know then that the roller coaster pregnancy and pain foreshadowed Ben's life. I've posted often about his trials. The communication disorder. Friends who couldn't understand. His rages of frustration. His self-hate. My fear.

And then...

Our boy arrived. Seriously. The past ten months or so have been entirely different from anything we've ever known with Ben. Somehow, he became a confident student. He stopped defining himself by what he can't do and embraced all that he is good at. He even grew in his areas of weakness -- leaping years ahead of where he had been. We actually find him in bed late at night reading by flashlight. We want to scold him for staying up late, but our eyes well with tears. Our sweet boy reads. Ben is discovering the joy of a good story.

Of course, we still take the flashlight and book away. (We've been parenting a long time and know he needs sleep too.)

He took second place in a science fair this year. His project, building bricks by hand using various ratios of water to concrete mix. He understands that hand-mixing concrete is difficult. He realizes that the people of Haiti need machines to mix concrete so that their homes won't crumble again in another earthquake. He presented that project to adult judges, clearly articulating his research and findings. No fear. "Mom," he said, "that was a whole lot easier than I thought it would be." Music to my ears.

His class participated in a mock trial competition. I watched, amazed -- and again, teary-eyed, as my young "prosecutor" worked through how to question a witness and catch her in a lie. He knew his stuff. He modified his plan. This boy, who at one time ran screaming when called on to think spontaneously, conducted himself professionally in front of more than 100 people. No fear. Never in a million years did I expect him to become this guy.

Since the moment I first "met" my boy, rolling around inside me, until today, he has been a fighter.
My prayer, Ben, is that you'll keep fighting for what's right. Seek God's wisdom in all areas of your life. Never quit.

Happy Birthday, Ben!
I love you, always and forever.
Love,
Mom

Thought you should know

Next month, I'll be traveling to Charlotte with a friend for a speakers' conference. My first. Her second. I look forward to learning more about effective communication and refining my skills. I know the speakers there will be encouraging. I'm a bit giddy at the idea of three days for "me" without mommy duties... but don't tell the kids.

When I travel, my quirks will go with me. Of course. So, Leigh, here's your warning. Thought you should know that:

• I sleep with a pillow over my head. Yes, it's true. My little head, squished between two pillows like a sandwich. I've slept this way my whole life -- or at least as long as I can remember. Honestly, I didn't know it was a little weird until my last road trip with a friend. She found it quite hilarious!
• I can't survive a day without popcorn. Perhaps I could survive a day, but I'm certain I can't survive three without it! I share -- but only begrudgingly.
• I don't wake up till the coffee cup has been drained -- at least once. Some days, I need two cups before complete, rational sentences form on these lips.
• I always check the bed for bedbugs. Always. Long before the recent bedbug scare.
• I don't consider myself arrived until the bags are unpacked. Sadly, I'm not a drop the bags and run for fun girl... Unpacking settles me. (Note: I am good at leaving the bags when I arrive before check-in. It's just that I consider myself "checked in" only once I'm "settled in.")
• I always hit the snooze! Always! At least once. Usually twice. Or three times. Why rush the waking process... See note on coffee above.
• I need to know the day's weather report. It's almost as essential as coffee. Don't ask me why. Especially going to a conference in a hotel where I won't be outside... If I go back to college, I think I might study meteorology.
• I sleep best with my sound machine, set on ocean waves. Very soothing. However, I can go without it if you can't sleep with the ocean in the background. I think. Maybe.

That's about it. Now you know what you signed up for -- I'm glad that was non-refundable, because you're stuck with me now!

"The Vest" and John Edwards

For those who don't know me personally, I am a passionate Buckeye. I have followed the Ohio State Buckeye football team through coaching ups and downs, championship seasons and rebuilding seasons. My husband says he married the best woman on the planet because I'm as knowledgeable about football as he is. Our kids follow the Buckeyes too. Really, they don't have an option. No non-Buckeyes eat at our family table!

The past ten years, Jim Tressel, aka "The Vest," has been a strong example of integrity and faith. He often benched players for bad grades or bad attitudes. Then, Tressel resigned as Buckeye coach this week, amid allegations and investigations by the NCAA (non-sports readers, the NCAA regulates college sports and is responsible for disciplining teams, schools and coaches who violate the rules). I don't know the whole story, but Tressel compromised his integrity somewhere along the line and allowed student athletes to violate NCAA rules. His coverup is a rule violation too. Did those misdeeds help the team on the field? Did they help the students off the field? Who knows.

I hope my kids will learn that all it takes is one step away from the path God has for us to crumble and fall. It takes just one mistake. One bad choice. One compromise of values. Just one can change our lives forever.

John Edwards... same story. He's a North Carolina man. He dreamed of becoming president. His campaign screeched to a halt after having an affair with an aide, fathering her child, and (allegedly) trying to cover it up with misappropriated campaign funds.

One mistake... that slid into another... and another... and destroyed a dream. A career. A family.

Of course, God is bigger than either Tressel or Edwards' mistakes. God can redeem their lives. He alone can put the pieces back together to do something amazing -- despite their choices. May that happen for both these men.

Today I pray for my kids. May they learn from their hero's mistake. May they understand that compromising Christian values leads to problems. There's no such thing as a successful coverup, just more lies. Kids, I pray you will learn that what you do today -- right or wrong -- affects what happens in your life tomorrow.

And God, help me model wisdom. Help me nurture my kids to love what You love, to desire what You desire, and to follow You every day of their lives. Thank You for the gift of forgiveness when we do mess up. Thank You that we don't do this alone!

Teens: A Stressed Out Generation

A friend posted this article on Facebook this morning. I can't say it any better.

Parents, finish strong! They're not done being kids just because they think our ideas are "stupid." They need us to guide them through high school, set boundaries and enforce them, and be a greater influence than the world is. Of course, discipline and instruction look different with teens than with younger kids, but they are still necessary!

Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. 

Proverbs 19:18

Stepping off my soapbox now.

Thanks for listening.