My Uncle, Burleigh Briggs went home to see The Lord last night. Please pray for my family as our hearts are broken, but we rejoice that he is free from pain, and with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, prayerfully we too will soon see him again!! Pray for Asa and I as we travel home this weekend!!
Thank You!!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Disappointment
Have you ever been disappointed? Silly question,I know. Unfortunately we live in a world where it's extremely difficult to avoid. Either we are disappointed or disappointing someone. Lately I have dealt with what I think is more than my share. This past week has been challenging to say the least. I looked up the word in the dictionary to get a better understanding of the definition.
Disappointment- the act or an instance of disappointing; the state or emotion of being disappointed.
Disappointing- failing to meet expectations
Disappointed- defeated in expectation or hope; obsolete; not adequately equipped.
I thought about it for a bit and then decided to look in the Bible to see if there was anything about the subject. Well I didn't have to look far, the book of Genesis chapter 3, the first disappointment, Adam and Eve "failed to meet expectations" of God. The book of Job, yes I know totally being disappointed,(if you never read it, it's a tough read, you start out wondering if your being encouraged or feeling depressed). Then you have the book of Matthew, where the story of the crucifixion, lots of disappointments there.
Could it be that we are not prepared for the situation at hand? Could it be our expectations are un-realistic? It's a bit of both I think. Sometimes I think we set ourselves up for failure. You, know take a test, before studying for it, and get a failing grade. Going against your morals in a situation because your afraid, only to feel disappointed later in yourself.
Have you ever heard of the saying "God doesn't give you more than you can handle"? I will be honest, I always thought that was a bowl of crap, I mean really? In the mist of the storm your certainly not saying to yourself," hey bring it on, I can handle it". But a close friend of mine said that saying to me recently and I thought I was going to vomit. I said, "where is that in the Bible"? She said "1 Corinthians 10:13" At that point all I could say is "oh". I looked it up and she was right, now it doesn't say it in those words, but it was clear what God was saying.
Well that verse gave me hope, it allowed me to see that God knows what is going on. Regardless of if we were at fault for the situation or not, he will carry us through.
All through out the Bible it shows that our disappointments in life, are character builders, developing patience and faith,giving us hope and teaching us to trust God and not ourselves. If we allowed God to work in our lives more, maybe we wouldn't notice the "disappointments".
Thanks for reading!!!
Disappointment- the act or an instance of disappointing; the state or emotion of being disappointed.
Disappointing- failing to meet expectations
Disappointed- defeated in expectation or hope; obsolete; not adequately equipped.
I thought about it for a bit and then decided to look in the Bible to see if there was anything about the subject. Well I didn't have to look far, the book of Genesis chapter 3, the first disappointment, Adam and Eve "failed to meet expectations" of God. The book of Job, yes I know totally being disappointed,(if you never read it, it's a tough read, you start out wondering if your being encouraged or feeling depressed). Then you have the book of Matthew, where the story of the crucifixion, lots of disappointments there.
Could it be that we are not prepared for the situation at hand? Could it be our expectations are un-realistic? It's a bit of both I think. Sometimes I think we set ourselves up for failure. You, know take a test, before studying for it, and get a failing grade. Going against your morals in a situation because your afraid, only to feel disappointed later in yourself.
Have you ever heard of the saying "God doesn't give you more than you can handle"? I will be honest, I always thought that was a bowl of crap, I mean really? In the mist of the storm your certainly not saying to yourself," hey bring it on, I can handle it". But a close friend of mine said that saying to me recently and I thought I was going to vomit. I said, "where is that in the Bible"? She said "1 Corinthians 10:13" At that point all I could say is "oh". I looked it up and she was right, now it doesn't say it in those words, but it was clear what God was saying.
Well that verse gave me hope, it allowed me to see that God knows what is going on. Regardless of if we were at fault for the situation or not, he will carry us through.
All through out the Bible it shows that our disappointments in life, are character builders, developing patience and faith,giving us hope and teaching us to trust God and not ourselves. If we allowed God to work in our lives more, maybe we wouldn't notice the "disappointments".
Thanks for reading!!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Oh My, Do I Have A Tale To Tell!!
First and foremost for all of you who know, I recently had my heart broken by "J". I have been a bit unsocial, but after praying about it, I understand I need to move on no matter how I feel. Thank you all who have supported me these past five weeks and have endured my sad days and nights. Well things turn around on dime ladies. This past Friday I was asked by a friend of mine, to go and help her support her boyfriend, who is in a local band. For those of you who know me, understand that when the clock strikes 9:00pm,I am in bed ready to turn on, one of my many men."Rabbit, Mr Darcy, Mc Steamy, Mc Dreamy and my all time favorite doctor "House". And when I feel so inclined, I entertain one of my bad boys, either a "Shark or a Jet", those "West Side" boys really make me sing!!
Trying to be a good friend, I found myself in a near by town at a place called "The Rock". (lesson #1, note to self, investigate the establishment) Now being a christian woman that I am, having no experience, had to inquire about the dress code. I was informed that it was unnecessary for me to "dress up". So I took it upon myself to put on a benign outfit, you know the kind that allows you to not be seen. Black turtle neck, blue denim jeans, black boots, hair pulled back in a sophisticated pony tail. I looked good, not too good, but good.
As we approached the building you could hear the piercing of the lead guitar and feel the vibrations of the drums being stroked with their melodic rhythm. Instantly your tympanum membrane starts to go into overload as it's trying to recover from the overwhelming force of air, that transmits the sound to your middle ear.(lesson #2 purchase ear plugs) The first two bands were not that bad for someone who is not a fan of metal rock. I am not sure however, if its because of their talents or if it's because I have been conditioned by my 19 year old's musical selection.
After hearing my friends band play, which by the way was several hours later and past my bedtime. We were saying our congratulations and goodbyes to the band members. We made our way back stage and found two of the band members packing up the equipment. A member of the band is sitting on the coffee table staring at me. Now I'm not sure how long it was, but it was enough time for me to realize that I couldn't continue to ignore him. He leans towards me and says" did you have fun tonight?" I, trying to be polite and not offend said " yeah". Hoping that would suffice the need for conversation. He then continues to speak by telling me he was watching me and noticed I didn't crack a smile the whole time I was there. Shocked and a little stumped for words (I know right)I managed to mumble out "what"
He then stretches out his hand, making bunny fingers and grabs my nose as if he were going to perform a magic trick. Again thinking if I didn't make eye contact and continue to "ignore" this would all go away. However I am here to tell you, that was only the beginning. All of a sudden, in a blink of an eye this man chest butts me. The force was powerful enough to press me up against a wall. At that moment all I could think about was an escape route. My eyes were scanning the room, looking for the neon exit sign, or a window to jump out of. Realizing that I am confined to a small room located behind a stage where rock music was blaring. If there was a need for a rescue, who would help me?
Trying not to look like this was bothering me (again in denial) I just smiled and moved toward my friend. Thinking the worse was over, we were heading out the door and the same man gives me "the hug". Yes people you know what type of hug. The type where his arms are wrapped tightly around your neck and upper back. Embarrassing you as if you were long time lovers entangled in the dance of desire. This was a little too intimate for me, I don't even know this man. Its sad to say I took comfort in the fact that he was so loaded,(and I mean with alcohol, not the occasional outbursts of flatulence)he might pass out, at which time I would carefully step over his lifeless body.
Finally were were outside, braving the artic night air, that only Minnesota can bring. I must say, just when you are feeling a little low and unattractive, head on over to your local music venue. A few minutes of being "felt up" can really lift your spirits,lol.
Thanks for reading:)
Trying to be a good friend, I found myself in a near by town at a place called "The Rock". (lesson #1, note to self, investigate the establishment) Now being a christian woman that I am, having no experience, had to inquire about the dress code. I was informed that it was unnecessary for me to "dress up". So I took it upon myself to put on a benign outfit, you know the kind that allows you to not be seen. Black turtle neck, blue denim jeans, black boots, hair pulled back in a sophisticated pony tail. I looked good, not too good, but good.
As we approached the building you could hear the piercing of the lead guitar and feel the vibrations of the drums being stroked with their melodic rhythm. Instantly your tympanum membrane starts to go into overload as it's trying to recover from the overwhelming force of air, that transmits the sound to your middle ear.(lesson #2 purchase ear plugs) The first two bands were not that bad for someone who is not a fan of metal rock. I am not sure however, if its because of their talents or if it's because I have been conditioned by my 19 year old's musical selection.
After hearing my friends band play, which by the way was several hours later and past my bedtime. We were saying our congratulations and goodbyes to the band members. We made our way back stage and found two of the band members packing up the equipment. A member of the band is sitting on the coffee table staring at me. Now I'm not sure how long it was, but it was enough time for me to realize that I couldn't continue to ignore him. He leans towards me and says" did you have fun tonight?" I, trying to be polite and not offend said " yeah". Hoping that would suffice the need for conversation. He then continues to speak by telling me he was watching me and noticed I didn't crack a smile the whole time I was there. Shocked and a little stumped for words (I know right)I managed to mumble out "what"
He then stretches out his hand, making bunny fingers and grabs my nose as if he were going to perform a magic trick. Again thinking if I didn't make eye contact and continue to "ignore" this would all go away. However I am here to tell you, that was only the beginning. All of a sudden, in a blink of an eye this man chest butts me. The force was powerful enough to press me up against a wall. At that moment all I could think about was an escape route. My eyes were scanning the room, looking for the neon exit sign, or a window to jump out of. Realizing that I am confined to a small room located behind a stage where rock music was blaring. If there was a need for a rescue, who would help me?
Trying not to look like this was bothering me (again in denial) I just smiled and moved toward my friend. Thinking the worse was over, we were heading out the door and the same man gives me "the hug". Yes people you know what type of hug. The type where his arms are wrapped tightly around your neck and upper back. Embarrassing you as if you were long time lovers entangled in the dance of desire. This was a little too intimate for me, I don't even know this man. Its sad to say I took comfort in the fact that he was so loaded,(and I mean with alcohol, not the occasional outbursts of flatulence)he might pass out, at which time I would carefully step over his lifeless body.
Finally were were outside, braving the artic night air, that only Minnesota can bring. I must say, just when you are feeling a little low and unattractive, head on over to your local music venue. A few minutes of being "felt up" can really lift your spirits,lol.
Thanks for reading:)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Prayer Request
Most of you know that my Uncle, Burleigh Briggs has stage 4 cancer. Recently he was admitted to the hospital with renal failure. I ask that you keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. My Uncle is a saved man who loves and lives for the Lord. Although we are comforted by the scriptures that tell us ,when his time here on earth is through, he will be in paradise with the Lord. We still feel a sense of sadness that future memories will not be made. But we hold on to hope that one day we will see him in heaven. Please pray for my son, who is having a difficult time dealing with this. Asa is very close to all his Uncles as they are a strong presence in his life. My prayer is that this will draw him closer to the Lord and strengthen his faith. We are praying that the Lord will provide the funds for us to visit with him soon.
Isaiah 66:13 says "As one whom his mother comforteth,so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted...."
It is a privilege to pray for one another, please share your prayer request with me.
Matthew 18:20 " For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them".
Thank you!
Isaiah 66:13 says "As one whom his mother comforteth,so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted...."
It is a privilege to pray for one another, please share your prayer request with me.
Matthew 18:20 " For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them".
Thank you!
Monday, January 4, 2010
, here it is, a brief summary of the events that lead us here to the Artic state of Minnesota. It all started sometime early April of 2008, at this time Asa was in his senior year in high school. His plan was to join the "military" in the form of Border Patrol. Now, for those of you who are not familiar with this, they are the men and women who protect our borders from terrorist, illegal immigrants and the like. Border Patrol is not easy getting into, unlike the Army, Marine or Air Force, you cannot just sign up. You need to apply, prepare for a written, and physical test, (which they informed you that all fail at least the first time)and then wait weeks for the acceptance letter if your lucky. Now this was not my first choice for my child, I had other dreams for the one who I bathed,clothed and sacrificed my life for, but any hoo this was what he was excited about. Granted, when he explained to me that he would be carrying a weapon, riding around in a cool paramedic hummer and living in warm weather climate, I was thinking "hey do they take mom's?". That thought only lasted for a moment, when I remembered that I could die. So I only did was a christian mom would do, pray that their child would fail the test. Yes people I did just that, having confidence in what the officials told me, I put it out of my mind. (note to self, count on Jesus not the people)
It was sometime in the fall when we received an official sealed letter from the United States of Office Personal Management. Here is was, the anticipated letter of denial, NOT. I have never experienced the over whelming feeling of nausea like this before. Suddenly the room was spinning faster than the tea cup ride at Canobie. Visual scenes of what the future might hold was playing in my head, like a movie premiere event at the IMAX theatre. Gee could this possibly be, I have home schooled a child that could pass such a difficult test, that current Border Patrol Officers themselves admitted to failing the first time. YES people, it was true, not only did the boy pass, he got a perfect score!!!!! Lesson #1 friends, caution when teaching your children how to read, you never now where it will lead.
It was early December 2008, most of you know that I was recovering from a major surgery. For those of you who were lucky enough to see me during my post op days, IT WASN"T PRETTY!! My beautiful child who I helped raise (I say this because my mom was a BIG help)came to me and said,"Mom, I'm not going to Border Patrol, I think I want to go to college". There it was, the most beautiful statement in the world. However I have to admit I thought I was dreaming or thought it was the pain killers having a tricky effect on me. Now for those of you who are mothers (I say moms and not parents,b/c its usually the moms that have radar for whats ahead) you understand from that statement alone, creates a bigger problem. We are at the end of the year, college applications already went out, acceptance letters are going out in the next couple of weeks. I carefully tried to explain to my child that we are a little late to be thinking of that. He gently assures me that he has already begun the research and we have two weeks left to get into the "late" application list. Notice he said "WE", yes indeed we moms know what "WE" really means, MOM!!
Fast forward to March 2009, after weeks of frantic searching, emailing, filing and applying we (Asa) was notified that he was accepted to several schools. You would think that this was a relief, well it was just the beginning of added weight to our shoulders. At this time Asa wasn't sure what he wanted to do, he enjoyed so many things and was good at most. He narrowed it down to two majors, Music Engineering and Bio Medical Engineering. I know from one extreme to the other, its kind of funny in a way,if you take a closer look at both areas they are almost the same. We started making plans to visit the colleges and to help guide him in his decision. All the while I am praying to Jesus to help make this a painless as possible. Asa finally decided on McNally Smith school of music in downtown St. Paul. This school was AWESOME, it had a great program, one of the best in the country for Music Engineering, and it was in the beautiful St.Paul. Where is St.Paul you ask? Well I wasn't sure but the pictures was gorgeous.(Yes I passed geography in high school, I was under pressure and couldn't think that quickly)
Well, I started to "click and flick" online and found out it was located in Minnesota?, Yes that's what I said. You see loved ones,I have been taking Asa on vacation to warm weather places, hoping that he would get the hint. You know, the hint, when he goes to college Mama has a place to visit and maybe relocate. Sunny skies, warm temperatures, pretty sun dresses, and jimmy choo"s. Colorful drinks with umbrellas sandy beaches and the clearest blue waters eva. Well since your reading this, you obviously see that the hint was not taken:( No one was more shocked than myself, when I realized that Minnesota is Santa's second home, does the movie "New in Town", with Rene Zellweger ring any bells to anyone?
Since the college was located in down town St.Paul, dormitories were not available, student housing was. After careful investigation and prayer we decided that it would be best for me to relocate with Asa. Again for those who know me well, not my first choice of places to live. Plans were being made, and to save money we humbled ourselves (okay I begged) to ask one of my closest friends to live with them for a couple of months. I have to tell you that it was the best time ever, I was even threatening Meredith (that's her name, Hi Mere:) that I was going to send Asa and come back and live with them permanently. Lets just say her husband,was less then thrilled with that idea, and I bet he was on his knees praying for a smooth transition, haha.
Now it was July 2009, at this time we have gone to MN several times and now we were leaving to secure a place to live in only a week. During this whole process I said to Jesus, "if this is where you want us to go, please allow me to find a good bible believing church. A church that lives by the word and one where I can get involved in several ministries and feel like home". I searched the Internet and called what seemed to be dozens of churches. I was getting a little discouraged and was wondering were there any Bible believing churches left? You wouldn't believe some of the "statements of faith" that some had, or lack there of.
I came across one church, Maranatha Christina Church. Now for those of you who grew up in the church with me, you recognize the name. I think we were involved with almost every musical they made, Psalty the singing song book,Charity Church Mouse, LOVE IT:) I called and spoke with the Pastor and it was an interesting conversation to say the least. I started out asking the generic questions first that everyone asks when looking for a church. Then well, the Pastor asked me some questions, what? Your interviewing me, that was different. At the end of our conversation I knew I had found my church.
August 2009 we headed out at 11:30 pm, moving van,car on carrier, IPod loaded,(thanks to Beth) and snacks (thanks to Mere). Again for those of you who know me, driving more than 45 minutes is not my thing. I HATE it, hurts my back, I get sick, just not a fan. I am the "fly your friendly skies kind of girl,so imagine the
anxiety I had when the Lord didn't provide me with the cash to have my things moved by a professional company. Really, what possible lesson did I need to learn, driving 40 hours. (lesson #2, don't ever ask the Lord what you need to learn)
Driving a moving truck filled with heavy things and trailing a car was alot of work and harder than I thought. I was so tired, every bone in my body ached, due to the fact the van lacked leather massaging seats that recline, ah. After longs hours, several stops to potty and refuel, nights in wonderful hotels (thanks to Linda and Heather). Crying every hour, wanting to give up and leave the truck on the side of the road, and just call home where ever we were at the time. Under estimating the cost of our vehicles when going through what seemed to be a toll both every 100 yards ( at $54.00 a pop). I never prayed so much in my life, It got to the point where I hit repeat on my I-Pod when the song "I Will Praise You in the Storm" from Casting Crowns came on. It was the only thing that kept me going, that and the encouraging prayers and calls from my mom and Pastor Noah.
7:00 am Sunday morning we arrived at Pastor Noah's home,PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD!!! I though we would never make it, we were so grateful to be welcomed with home cooked food, and caring hugs. We needed to stay the night at the Pastor's home because our apartment wouldn't be ready till Monday morning. Now here is where the excitement starts.
We were blessed to find a newly renovated apartment in Bloomington that is down the street from the church. At first I wanted to live in Burnsville, about 15 minutes away, doesn't seem that big of a deal right. Well with weather like this I thank God I'm down the road, other wise I would never make it to church. I love my apartment, this is the first time I am living in a apartment style building. I have always had a town home, or home or duplex. So living in a building where someone is above, below and on the side of you takes a lot of getting used to. During this process I prayed for certain things that I wanted in my apartment. Garage, new kitchen and bathroom (OCD needed), wood floors, large windows a wonderful Landlord, great neighbors,yaddy yaddy yaddy, you get the picture. Lesson #3, do not be afraid to be more specific in what your asking. Being general leaves it up to grabs for the Lord to grant. Why you say, well I have a new kitchen and bathroom, no dishwasher or garbage disposal. No whirlpool tub for soaking and listening to Micheal Buble, sipping on a Shirley Temple. I have a garage, that is not attached to my building, leaving me to bare the cold elements and no garage door opener, leaving me to pull a muscle to open the door. Large windows that are over sized that you can't simply go to Target and get blinds on the cheap for. Wood floors that are laminate and when wet, brings you back to the days of the slip-n-slide that you had in the back yard in the summer time, understand?
Monday morning, we all got up early and headed to our new home, not far from the Pastor's home. Remember we are carrying our car on a car carrier behind a moving truck. We arrived at our new home and took the car off the carrier and started to unload. Now my apartment still wasn't quite ready, because they were still doing construction on it. My landlord, btw his name, get this is Joe Abraham, I told him everytime I talk to him I want to sing that song. You know my friends, "father Abraham, had many sons, many sons had father Abraham, I am one of them and so are you, so lets just praise the Lord". HA HA HA it cracks me up, for those of you who don't know it, your missing out on a great Sunday school song. Anyways, this was the first time I really saw the apartment. When we came in July it was just studs, so I was overwhelmed with how beautiful it really was. Joe said he made mine special and added alot of "extras", love him!!
Most everything was done except for the floors in the bedrooms and minor little things. I didn't care, after being on the road, Asa and I just wanted to be home. We only had a half hour left to bring the truck back to the rental place. So we put the carrier back on(had to remove for unloading) and we headed off. Just a little note here, during the trip Asa had to check every time we stopped for proper safety and connections on the carrier. He was a pro and I couldn't of done it with out him, so he knew what he was doing. When you get free help from other people you are grateful and try not to cause drama. The carrier was put back on, not by Asa, so with that said I will proceed. I started the truck and headed down towards the drive way hill, went and turned the corner, when all of a sudden I heard a loud, piercing scraping metal sound. Then I heard and felt rumbling, felt like I was hit, then in the background I heard a faint voice that said, "MOM, STOP!!!!". Yes ladies and gentlemen, the car carrier left the moving truck, and started to roll down the street. However it didn't go far because the electrical wires were still attached to the truck. There I was, sitting in the drivers seat, horrified and the dollar signs that are flashing before my eyes. Remembering what the man said at the rental place about damages. Not only that, the noise was so loud you could hear it over the highway sound barrier walls that were in front on the building. Everyone rushed to my aid and tried to figure out what happened. I will however leave out my teenager's view point, of how we should of listened to him and not brush him off as not knowing anything.
So there I was in the middle of the street blocking all traffic, WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD!! It took about an hour to fix this issue, you see for safety purposes, the car carrier has this device that locks, so in the event that it is not securely attached to the truck it will not rolled too far in traffic.
Well those are the highlights of how we ended up where we are. I have more to tell but I will let you all digest this first. I will post in a couple of days to let you know what the Lord has been doing in my life, exciting as it is , it's very scary.
Thanks for reading
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