Wallpaper

I spent pretty much the entire day yesterday getting wallpaper off my kitchen walls. Not really even the whole kitchen, just the breakfast area. AND, the wallpaper was only below the chair rail. I thought it would be a snap. I thought I would have all the paper off, the walls prepped, and new paper up all in one day. So much for my plans...

Jessica and I took the wallpaper off the walls in her bathroom last summer. It came right off -- we hardly had to work at all. In fact, we didn't texture the walls or anything after we took the paper down. They were in perfect shape. We just painted the walls neon orange. Her bathroom glows! It's amazing how much easier the job was when there was a good foundation. Someone (the house builder) took the time to prep the walls upstairs in the bathroom but not the kitchen.

So yesterday I sprayed the walls with wallpaper remover, scraped (even with my fingernails at times - yikes!), sanded, scraped more, sanded more. I finally painted the Clear Wall Size on at about 9:00 last night. Next time, that paper will come off!

Isn't that just the way life is? Really, when you get to those hard spots -- and they will come, they always do -- isn't it so much better if you have a good foundation? You can run to God and pour your heart out. The relationship is familiar and comforting and safe. Not like those times when you've been negligent in your relationship with Him. You've got to work so much harder just re-establishing the relationship. Not because He's not there but something has come between you. The long days of working and scraping and doing all the prep work... Ugh!

I would rather pull wallpaper off a prepped wall than go through yesterday ever again.

So it is between me and God. I think I'll just stick right here in the close spot -- it's the best place to be.

Serving the King,

Jeanette

Happy Memorial Day!

We're headed to a cook-out with some friends in a while but so far today we've been working in the yard -- getting ready for the big pool/graduation party for Josh & Monica on Saturday. Here's some pics from the day! Let me just add, however, that I am so thankful to live in America. Despite our faults, this is the best country on the face of the planet. I've been to some places around the world where people are not free and are living in dire circumstances. I am thankful for those who have gone before me who have provided for my very freedom. My cousin, even now, is in Iraq. I am thankful for him and his service, even as his wife and two small children are left in the US without him. I am mostly thankful to God because I could have been born anywhere -- thank You, You are so Good! Praise Your Holy Name!

Johnny on the roof getting ready to paint. The hail a few weeks ago literally pounded the paint off the house. We couldn't get a painter out here before Saturday (because everyone's house needs repainting!!) so he's doing it himself.

My old cooler thing I pulled out of PawPaw's barn filled with plants...

If you look really closely you can see my very first tomato...can you see it? I kind of got a late start on my garden but here's my row of beans and my row of squash!
Have a great holiday!! Jeanette

Prom Day

It's prom day for Mansfield High School. Josh got some help from his dad putting on the tux -- Jacob took a turn trying on the vest (he is such a funny kid!) --
This is just before Josh walked out the door to pick up Monica --
Jessica and I followed Josh to Monica's house so she could see Monica's dress. Josh was in a group of 10 couples that rented 2 limos to go to prom. The first stop, however, was the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth. Johnny and I drove over (as did several of the other parents) and followed the kids around the gardens taking pictures. Ours was not the only group at the gardens. There were several groups there. We went to dinner, following the picture-taking and after we sent our kids on their way, with some other parents. It was all a lot of fun. I must rest, however, because I am working 12:30-3:30 (AM!!) at the big after-prom party at the high school. For this privilege (cough, cough) I spent a few hours volunteering to prepare for the big event. Not only did I sell cookies a few weeks ago, I spent 6 hours yesterday decorating for the big event. These parents really know how to put on a party!

Today is just another reminder of how close we are to graduation. It's just a little over 2 weeks away. Next weekend we will have Josh and Monica's graduation pool party. The next weekend the grandparents will arrive and we will celebrate once again. I am totally amazed at how quickly it will be here. The day that I have thought about, planned for, anticipated all this year (at least this year) is almost here. My boy is just about to spread his wings and fly out of the nest.

Today, however, (err tonight) I hope he is having a blast! He and Monica looked beautiful -- and they are both really great kids!

I've got to go rest....Jeanette

Every 15 minutes

My son's girlfriend, Monica, is dead. Not really -- don't panic. She's here, though, with white face paint and a copy of her obituary that her mom had to write a few weeks ago. They announced at school today that she had died in a tragic car accident involving a drunk driver. There was a portrayal of a fatal car crash on the school parking lot where a student died, one went to the hospital, and one went to jail after failing the drunk driving test. The parents of all the students who die today, every 15 minutes, will be contacted by the police and one of the pastors from our church. The sound of a heartbeat plays over the intercom at school, slowing down until all you hear is the sound of a flat line. A student is taken from class by the grim reaper amd the obituary is read.

Actually, according to the website for the organization in charge of "Every 15 Minutes" someone dies in accident related to alcohol every 15 minutes. In a news report recently on FoxNews.com, it was stated that 115 fatal accidents occur on US roadways every day. 115. 80% of those are reportedly caused by distracted driving. The article was about cell phone use while driving. Texting is the particular cause for concern among teenagers.

Although my son does not drink, he is often out on the road feeling invincible as most teenagers do. "It won't happen to me," is a common way of thinking for teens. He probably talks on his cell phone and even texts. I encourage him not to. Today is a sobering reminder that we are not invincible and that life is precious. Although the visits to the homes by the police and pastor are not real today, they could be. All the more reason to pray like crazy and teach them while we can.

Serving the King,

Jeanette

Yard Work

Or maybe I should just title this blog "exhaustion." I worked in the yard for the better part of today. I put out some new plants, pulled tons of weeds and grass that had grown in my flower beds, and also planted a couple of cantaloupe plants in my garden. Maybe I should say I put 1 1/2 cantaloup plants out because the puppy managed to get ahold of one before I had a chance to plant it.

Jacob is gone to Schlitterbahn today with his middle school band. They had to be at school at 3 am. No, that's not a typo - I did mean 3 in the morning. Repeatedly today I have thought about him, prayed for him, and hoped he remembered to put on that sunscreen I put in his bag last night.

So, I am sitting here eating a bag of nuts that my friend, Melissa, coated in some kind of spicy yumminess. I am contemplating getting out my notes for my Life Group lesson tomorrow. I know I should (and I will) but I am just so darned tired -- and now my mouth is burning a little bit. The lesson is on mentoring and the Scripture text is the account of Elijah passing the mantle to Elisha. (literally and figuratively!)

I love old things. I pulled a bunch of stuff most people would call junk out of Johnny's PawPaw's barn after he died. I brought two old coolers home and they've been sitting in my garage for almost three years. They are old metal coolers that you could fill with water or another beverage and there's the spout thing at the bottom -- you know, you press the button and the drink comes out. One is label "Igloo" and the other is "Artic Boy." I pulled them out of the garage and filled them with dirt and flowers and put them out in my yard. The old and the new are pretty cool together.

People who are older than us, who have already walked where we are walking have much to offer. I know a lady at my church who really is not that much older than me but she already has adult children. I will call her for advice in a heartbeat -- and have done so on more than one occasion.

The apostle Paul gave some pretty good advice for the body of Christ when he wrote that older women are to set a good example by the way they live and to teach the younger women. He wrote similar instructions for the guys, too. (Titus 2)

The body of Christ, encouraging one another, living to build one another up. A thing of beauty, like my flowers!

Serving the King,

Jeanette

Memory Lapse

You would think I would remember some things - big things, like, what it takes to get a driver's license in the state of Texas. I've done the "Parent Taught" driver's ed once, I should remember what it's all about. But no, I don't. Jessica reminded me it's only been 2 years since her older brother got his license. A little over two years, I reminded her, thank you very much. Alas, I forgot. For goodness sakes, I've got all the information for a master's degree in my brain. (jk, of course. It doesn't even sound like a good excuse!) So, today I printed out the form from the DPS and sent off for the info to get started with driver's ed. While I will miss having a teenage driver in my house when Josh leaves (yes, I do like having a teenage driver -- it's someone to run errands, pick up siblings, etc.) I can hardly believe I will have another one driving. Wow! We will be cutting it close for her to get her permit within 6 months of her 16th birthday. In some ways too close and in some ways not near far enough away...

I had big plans for this week. BIG PLANS. House cleaning, yard work, organization of the chaos that's happened over the past months. That didn't happen either. Two dentist appts. for 2 different teenagers, I took 2 shopping on 2 separate days, I took the Sr. to order flowers for prom, I shopped for a project board for a middle school project, I helped organize and type a works cited page for a research paper for the senior. I'm worn out and hardly anything is crossed off my original list. Why, you might ask, am I typing instead of working. I don't know, is the answer.

Now I've got to get off. This computer has the best monitor and Jess must watch last week's episode of "Lost" before the new one comes on tonight... and I've got to get back to the list.

Serving the King,
(even though it doesn't seem like it this week)

Jeanette

Tuesday

I keep feeling like I should be doing some homework...I've been really busy today and yesterday catching up on stuff. I worked in the yard yesterday. Johnny built me a raised area in the back (for my mother's day gift -- the kids got me Brighton sunglasses!) so I could plant some veggies in my yard. I bought 4 tomato plants and a watermelon plant. I really want cantaloupe so I'm in search of that. It may be a little late to start seeds but I also put out beans seeds, squash seeds, and cilantro seeds. I started basil, parsley, and mint in my kitchen and have transferred the basil and parsley outside. I can't wait to see how my first try at growing vegetables goes. When I was growing up not only did we have a few cows we also had a huge garden every year. I hated picking beans, peas, etc., when I was a teenager but I only hope I get something to pick this year.

I watched American Idol without guilt tonight because I wasn't doing it when I should have been reading for school. Now that our Texas boy, Jason Castro, is out I'm a big fan of David Cook. I think he was great tonight! Even though I think it will be the two Davids as the final 2 it's a toss-up for me between David A. and Syesha.

Things are getting a little better for some of my friends in Burma. They even have some electricity. Things are really harsh for those that lived in the region where the cyclone hit the hardest. Thousands and thousands are homeless and hungry. Those that are experts in providing aid on a large scale are still not being allowed in the country so keep praying. Also keep praying for the ones that are in the country to have wisdom dealing with the situation on a day to day basis. Because they have some relief now it will be easier for them to concentrate on how to help those that need it the most. Also, please pray that as they hand out food to provide for the physical needs that they will have opportunity to tell of the Bread of Life!

Serving the King,

Jeanette

For the Pastor's Wives

My friend, Kathy, posted the link to this video on my comments -- hope you sister pastors' wives enjoy this! My husband stopped talking about me a while back when he crossed the line telling my birth stories from the pulpit...ummmhmmmm... not about me. The kids, well, that's another story...

Jeanette

The Countdown - G day

G = graduation


Me receiving my master's degree and concentration certificate from Dr. Patterson. I know you can't see from this photo but I have on new shoes. During the rehearsal they informed us we would be walking through the grass so heels were out. So, I went to the mall and got some cute flats.

Josh, Jessica, the graduate, Johnny, and Jacob -- I don't think anyone minded missing a day of school!
The graduation was on the great lawn in front of the Rotunda, the building you see in the background. It's the 100th year of SWBTS so we were the Centennial graduating class which is printed on my diploma. The weather in Texas is usually unpredictable but we've had pretty mild weather until, that is, yesterday and today. I got sunburned at graduation rehearsal yesterday. Today was pretty warm even though graduation started at 9 am. Johnny thought Dr. Patterson was mercifully brief during his commencement address.

It's over. I'm done. Tonight we p-a-r-t-y!

Serving the King,

the graduate (Jeanette)

The Countdown - 1 day

Done and done. I turned in my project (all 109 pages of it) and finished my last final. Today is graduation rehearsal and a dinner for the people in my area of study. Tomorrow is the big day.

So, I'm back in the mom business today. Not that I ever left that but for years, when the kids were little, that's all I did. I'm taking lunch to the youngest at school today. Not going to sit with him or even stay...at first he just wanted me to leave it in the office. He's 13, that's to be expected. I promised not to embarrass him or even say anything so now I can hand it off to him in the hall as he heads to the lunch room. Jess wants me to bring her lunch as well. For goodness sakes, I haven't done it all year and we're down to the last 3 1/2 weeks. She wants ChickfilA and Jacob wants Subway. I can do that. Then, I mentioned to Josh that I might not be here when he comes home for lunch. He gets out of school around 12:30 and usually comes by the house and inhales some food before he has to be at work at 1:00. What, he said, I thought you didn't have to leave for graduation rehearsal until 2:00. He's right. I didn't mention that the place I was going to be instead of the house to eat lunch with him was Kohl's. I guess Kohl's can wait. Yes, Josh, I will get lunch for you as well.

Speaking of 13, there's something magical about that age...The 13 year old got a new cell phone for his birthday. (just a few weeks later because he had to decide if that's what he really wanted) We decided to add unlimited text messages to his cell phone because, up until now, only the two older teenagers had it. The best way to do that for us was to add all of us -- I now have unlimited text as well. I know, I know. Some of you out there are opposed to text messaging. It's becoming an impersonal society and all that. But, how else will the teenagers get their lunch order to me so I can deliver it to their campus at the appropriate time? I mean, come on, what else do I have to do?? I can't go to Kohl's everday...

Just kidding, of course. Some day they will all leave me then I'll just be wishing for a text message asking me to bring lunch...

Serving the King and the kids,

Jeanette

The Countdown - 2 days

I am studying for my last final ever!! I do not intend to be in school again so this is it. I am so distracted today, however. I received an email from a friend in Burma through a partner in the US. The news is about the same. If you want to know more or have the desire to help you can go here.

Thanks! Jeanette

The Countdown - 3 days

I have received emails concerning some of my friends who are living in Burma. All are safe but there is a real crisis over there due to the cyclone that hit over the weekend. I just read a news article that puts the death count over 22,000. I don't even know what to write...my heart is heavy. The main city, Yangon, was hit hard. They are without electricity and running water. Gas prices have soared as well as for other commodities. There is damage all over the city. Some people live in little more than huts. I cannot even imagine that some of those structures were able to withstand the high winds of the storm. If you did not see my post from Sunday, I am just asking again that you will pray for that nation. Please pray for my friends living there that they will have wisdom in dealing with their own situation as well as how to help the nationals.

Jeanette

The Countdown - 4 days

I have to type in a big hurry -- I'm waiting for some pictures to download on my laptop to the Walgreens.com website. Jacob has a family tree (due tomorrow, of course -- nothing like procrastination!) and I'm trying to get some pictures printed today. This is something on the computer that I actually know how to do and love the convenience of it. Now all I have to do is send it to the store and then go pick them up later today!!

I got my "clearance for graduation" today and picked up my cap and gown. They also gave me a laminated, credit card size copy of my diploma. The big day is almost here. One project and one final is all I have left!

This morning I was reading from 1 Thessalonians. I would like to tell you that it was meant to be a "quiet time" between me and my God but it started out as prep for my final on Wednesday. Paul started the letter with a greeting, which is pretty typical of his letters. Verse 2 of chapter one says that he was thankful for the believers and he was praying for them. He was thankful for their faithfulness to the gospel message. Verse 4 of chapter 1 is this: "...knowing, brethren, beloved by God, His choice of you." Whether you are a Calvinist or lean toward Arminianism, you cannot get away from the fact that God chose us. It was His will and act of grace that brought those of us who are believers and followers of Christ into His family and kingdom.

So, all I really wanted to say today is I am so glad I am chosen.

Gotta run pick Jacob up from school....

Jeanette

The Countdown - 5 days

We just came in from eating lunch out beside the pool. The weather is absolutely perfect. Although the water is freezing (by my standard) the boys got in the pool and threw the football around for a little while. Our church is having a picnic and outdoor worship later this afternoon. God is so good -- He gave us the most awesome day for it.

While I am rejoicing and being thankful some of my friends living overseas are experiencing harship. There was a natural disaster in the Pacific Rim in the area I visited in January. I am sure it is a very difficult situation for my friends who are living there. I did find out that they are all safe but are without electricity and have experienced some damage and loss. There was already a serious economic situation there and this will most certainly compound the problems. Will you please pray for those affected by this disaster.

Thanking you, in advance, for your prayers,

Jeanette

The Countdown - 7 days

I'm fasting. Not from food because I seriously need it during this time of stress. (ok, I'm giggling about that) I've given up something else instead. Here's a definition of fasting: "Fasting is an intentional self-denial for the purpose of gaining spiritual insight or becoming spiritually stronger." (DiscipleShape by Dan Crawford, 139) We generally think of fasting as going without food because that is what fasting was in Scripture. According to Crawford a fast can be abstinence from just about anything. It's the purpose and the focus of the fast that's important. Who among us could not use a little more spiritual strength? I'm the one with my hand up.

I have a specific purpose for my fast. It's a matter I'm talking to God about concerning another person. I'm intensely aware that I am not in control of outcomes and situations. I wanna be. I am also aware that my petition may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things. People are starving, Christians are being persecuted, lost souls are not hearing the Good News. Yet, I stand and ask because I want what I want. I bow my knees because I want to be in a position so He knows I am serious. I put my face to the floor in total humility so my posture reflects that I am completely without hope without Him.

I love the story of Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. I just read it again recently for my OT class. When they refused to bow down and worship the golden image they were arrested. The consequence for not bowing was to be thrown into the fiery furnace. When asked why they did not bow down when they knew the consequence they said,

"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18, NASB)

They knew that God was able. They didn't doubt that. But even if He did not rescue them their faith would not be changed. Sometimes rescue is not in His plan.

At the end of today my fast will be over and I will know the outcome. Whether it turns out the way I want it to or not, it will not change what I know to be true about God. I hope I am stronger either way.

Serving the King,

Jeanette