The Grill in the Pool

Something totally hilarious happened yesterday...I can only admit that now. Yesterday, it wasn't so funny. I thought I was back in West Texas. The wind was blowing 5,000 miles an hour and the sky turned orange...West Texans are used to such, but here in North Texas it's rather odd. Anyway, Johnny was gone to a meeting and I looked out to see his new gas grill at the bottom of the pool...yes, the gas grill had blown into the pool with the gas tank and cover going down with it. It was only me and the younger two at home and there was no way that we could get that grill out... BTW, if you read my last blog you might remember that one thing that I know for sure is that the water in the pool is WAY TO COLD FOR SWIMMING or any other activity, for that matter. For emphasis, let me inform you that the water is FREEZING! We attempted to get in, none the less. I, with my clothes on and including my socks (as if that would make it less cold), could only get in on the ledge that put the water a little above my knees. Johnny could not be convinced to leave his meeting to come home he just told his daughter to text message her brother and tell him to get home. He was at the movies but he left early and came home with a buddy. I didn't say a word, I just pointed to the bottom of the pool when they came out to the backyard. They retreated to the house to find some swimsuits and came running out and jumped in the pool without even hesitating or thinking...that's good, because if they thought about it or tried to ease in they would have never gotten in! The buddy said, "I can't breathe!" I am serious, the coldness will take your breath away. Remember, the wind is still blowing 5,000 miles an hour. (only a mild exaggeration!) They finally dragged the grill over to the steps and my daughter had to join them to get the propane tank while they pulled the grill out. We moved the grill out to the grass...far away from the pool...and went in to warm up.

It seems like we have little emergencies every once in a while to get our adrenaline pumping and to propel us into action. It's hard to be complacent when the grill is in the bottom of the pool. I wonder if that's why God doesn't often let our lives get to be too boring. Sometimes we need a little excitement to get us moving...

Blessings to ya,

Jeanette

What I Know for Sure

I know for sure that it gets really hot in Texas in the summer. I've lived here most of my life. I know that roasted broccoli is really good because I've made it and tasted it. Hey, the kids even like it! I know the water in my pool is way too cold for swimming because I put my hand in it the other day. I know that eating too much dessert is not healthy or good for the waistline -- unfortunately. I know that my car won't run without gas and I can't get to class in under 20 minutes. I know for sure that Johnny loves me -- he tells me and shows me every single day. I know by experience. I was reading John 6 today. Toward the end of the chapter, John records that some of the disciples (not the "12" but some of the other people following Jesus) fell away. Wow, that happens today. People fall away... Jesus then asked "the twelve" if they would turn away as well. Peter answered -- he was always good at speaking up, it seems. He said, "Where would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed and we know by what we have experienced that you are the Holy One of God!" (ok, that's my interpretation of his answer and not a direct quote from any translation) That word "know" indicates an experiencial knowledge, not something that was learnd secondhand. I can tell you that roasted broccoli is really good and you could even tell someone else that it's good, but until you experience it for yourself, you won't really know. That's how it is with really knowing God. You've got to experience it for yourself. The thing is, knowing Him makes me want to know Him more. Experiencing His power makes me want more. Knowing peace in uncertainty leaves me desperate for it. Where else could I go to find what I am desperately looking for -- I know for sure where the answers are. Knowing...what do you know for sure?

Backing down

I read in an article today that Merck is going to stop trying to get state legislatures to push young school girls to be required to take their new vaccine in order to attend school. Their vaccine is to protect against a STD that can lead to cervical cancer and not an airborne virus like measels, etc. We'll wait and see what happens in our great state of Texas!

School Work

Hah! I have two papers due today and I finished both with plenty of time to spare... I didn't even have to stay up too late to finish. Well, I did stay up late but that's because I was watching last night's double episode of 24 that I recorded because I had a meeting earlier in the evening. I didn't put this in my profile, but I really am a 24 addict. Our disciple now is this weekend and the theme is....24!! Well, it's actually 24/7: It's a New Day based on Exodus 24:7 -- Then he (Moses) took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient." We will have a house full of girls which I am totally excited about, but this will be our first year to not have either of our own older kids at our house. It's great for them, though, to be able to go somewhere else and not have mom and dad constantly around! We are affectionately known as the "wacko stalker parents" so I guess we'll take a break this weekend.

Seventeen

My oldest will be 17 this month. Seventeen...how is that possible? It seems like yesterday that he was learning to walk and talk and finding out just how far he could push his limits...he's always done that. I always say he is bonded to his dad. They are so much alike. I had some complications after his delivery and his dad did everything for him except feed him for the first few days. I have a photo of that sweet baby asleep on his daddy's chest at the hospital...daddy asleep as well, legs hanging over that little chair in the hospital room. When he was older and it was just he and I at home, he would throw himself on the floor in front of the door when daddy went off to work. "I want my daddy!" he would cry. "Hello...I'm still here," I would think.

He doesn't say "daddy" anymore. In fact, he's a bit taller than dad now. I feel such a sense of urgency with him. Just a year and a half and he's off to college. That's overwhelming. We have a lot to accomplish between now and then. Like, learning to get up in the morning when the alarm clock goes off. How to budget and keep up with a bank account. Actually, he's a miser when it comes to his own money...it's just our money he doesn't mind spending. How to love God with his whole heart and learn to depend on Him when life gets tough. It's going to get tough...that's a given.

We have to keep on praying...for him and his brother and sister. God is faithful...they are really great kids! I am blessed and thankful!

A Mandated Vaccine

Ok, I am doing research on this topic and want to know your viewpoint on this important matter. Our governor, Rick Perry, signed into legislation Friday a bill that will mandate all school girls in the state of Texas to receive the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine which is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer. The idea is to give the shots to girls before they enter the 6th grade so it's before they might become sexually active. (Actually, one article I read used the terminology, before they are LIKELY to be sexually active.) I believe it's a series of 3 shots at a cost of $360. Of course, the state will be providing the vaccine to 11 and 12 year old girls and will also provide it for those without insurance between the ages of 9 - 26 years. The maker of the vaccine, Merck, contributed a few thousand dollars to Governor Perry's re-election campaign. Also, they are lobbying other states to make the vaccine a requirement. Just an aside. If you, as a parent, do not want your daughter to receive the vaccination you can file a conscientious objection affidavit with the state of Texas. I have to add, Governor Perry is a Christian with conservative values. He does not support abortion or testing on embryonic stem cells. I heard him speak last year at a Southern Baptist of Texas convention and have no doubt that he probably shares many of my same values -- I am just not sure about this particular issue.

I would love to have your input...

Jeanette

It's Raining Again

Living in Texas, I never, ever want to complain about the rain. We've been in a drought too long! It seems like we've had days and days of dreary weather, though. I wonder what ole Noah thought when he shut that door to the ark and it started to rain...it rained and rained and rained. 40 days and 40 nights. Whew! The rain finally stopped, though, and the Lord caused the water to recede. When Noah and his family walked out of the ark onto dry land I wonder if their steps were a little shaky at first after rockin' in that boat for so many days. God's Word tells us that He put a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant with Noah.

I recently saw the biggest, brightest rainbow that I had ever seen. Not only did I see the entire arch of the rainbow, but it was a double rainbow. I had just picked up my daughter and one of her friends. They pulled out the cellphone cameras and I raced home to tell my two boys to hurry out to see such an awesome sight. I marveled at God's handiwork and couldn't help but be reminded that His words are true and He always keeps His promises.

I didn't see a rainbow today and more rain is expected for tomorrow...maybe even some ice. I have the image of that rainbow saved, though. It's a great reminder that eventually the rain is going to stop and the sun will shine again.