My New Hero - Sarah Palin

Oh my goodness! What an awesome day! I don't know much about her yet but am already an admirer of Sarah Palin. She was just a regular gal - star of her high school basketball team and beauty pagent participant raised by school teachers. She married her high school sweetheart after she finished college. She got involved in public office to fight injustices she saw. She's a hunter, a fisher, a mother of 5, a political reformer, a wife, and, important to me, an advocate of life and the family. Today, she is celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary (I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary this year) and SHE'S MY AGE! She looks like Tina Fey and is eloquent and smart and is governor of the largest state of our great country. She's held elected office for 13 years already. The lefties and Democrats have already started their attacks. She had to know it was coming and she said "yes" anyway. Wow! She must be a scrapper as well.

Ok, I'll stop gushing. I'm all in now. I have to admit I am hugely patriotic and conservative and strong in my beliefs. I'm in favor of women being strong and independent when they need to be. I'm for family values and the fact that life begins at conception. I'm for limited government and freedom for all.

Really, that's all for now.

Jeanette

Riding in the Car

I’m typing this into my word processor and hope to cut & paste it when I get home. We’re in the car…driving home from a volleyball game in Wichita Falls. Yes, we drove 2 hours to watch volleyball. I do have a new appreciation for volleyball following the recent Olympic Games but, mostly, I have a love for my daughter. Johnny and I questioned the reasoning behind driving so far but then both said, “That’s what we do.” We support our kids. I’d walk through shards of glass with bare feet for those 3 that I gave birth to if the need arose. (hopefully, it won’t) However, as I am typing, we are STOPPED trying to get onto I-35. At 9:09 at night. Ugh! Anyway, as we are adjusting to our new school and schedule this week I have noticed that I have spent a LOT more time in the car this week. Our old high school was less than 2 blocks from our house. Not our new school – 10 minutes from the house on a good traffic day. And, with sports, they don’t get out at the same time. That’s what we do. We support our kids. If I didn’t miss Josh so stinking much maybe I’d be a little less eager to spend so much extra time driving back and forth. I am just reminded that time is short. Tonight Johnny asked what we’d be doing if we weren’t driving to the game. Watching TV (thank goodness I am saved from the torture of watching the Democratic National Convention!!!!), going to the gym, cleaning house (don’t mind missing that either), or some other chore.

So, on Tuesday I start my new job. Beth, my new coworker, told me she already set up my email. I am so excited! I have a work email!! A first for me. My first project will be to get ready for my trip to India in October. Beth and I are going with a team of other people. It should be a big adventure. I will be speaking to women in India. I am also seeking God for some other projects that I would like to do. I just want to be sure that it’s God’s plan and not my own. I think about it constantly. I am dreaming and praying and seeking.

One last thought before my laptop battery dies. I am reading Same Kind of Different as Me. I am just a few chapters into it but am mesmerized. I purchased it yesterday with a gift card I received for my graduation. I was looking at it in the bookstore, getting ready to buy it, and a lady came up and gave me a card for a free coffee in the bookstore. I decided to get the free coffee (duh!) and sit and read my new book. I had to close it abruptly at the end of chapter 3 because I was about to bust out crying right there in the coffee shop of the bookstore. Though I have not finished the book, I am going to step out on a limb and recommend it. Yeah, it’s one of those life-altering, attitude-changing books.

Well, we’ll be home soon. Whew! I just texted Jessica (she’s on the team bus) and they haven’t even gotten to the stopped traffic yet. It’s going to be a late night for that girl.

Serving the King,
Jeanette

Middle of the First Week

Well, so good so far. Or, is it so far, so good? All I'm trying to say (write) is that we are off to a pretty good start. Except for the fact that we got the school starting time wrong. Johnny took the kids the first day. To get to the school you have to go in a narrow winding road. I thought there might be a lot of traffic. When I talked to Johnny later that day he said, no, there was not a lot of traffic. Hmmm, I thought. The next day I thought we were supposed to pick up our friend, Jared. Johnny and the kids stopped at his house and he didn't come out. Johnny called and asked me to call his momma. I did. She wasn't sure we were coming so she took him. THE REASON SHE THOUGHT WE WEREN'T COMING IS BECAUSE SHE KNEW THE RIGHT START TIME AND WE DIDN'T. How does one start a new school and not make sure to know the correct start time? Good question. I had to hang up the phone with the momma and call the husband to tell him the kids WERE LATE!!! Then, the husband had to go into the school (joy of his life) because Jacob has the strickest teacher EVER for his first class. (This teacher has 6 pages of classroom rules....6 PAGES -- I have a feeling I will be referring to the packet of instructions frequently over the year since BOTH of my kids have her for a class.)

Other than that, we're off to a pretty good start, I suppose. I got to see the college boy twice yesterday. Johnny and I had lunch with him then he showed up at Jessica's volleyball game. I was surprised but he told me Jessica texted him and asked him to come. He hugged her after the game and when we got home she said, "Joshua gives really good hugs." The parents, apparently, aren't the only ones who miss the college boy.

We're still adjusting. I am thankful that there's a holiday on Monday -- I'm already ready for a rest. We'll get into a groove, I'm sure.

Serving the King,

Jeanette

First Day at the New School

Here are a couple of pics from the morning of the first day of school. First they posed with Josh's senior pictures in the background...so he could be in the picture!
Here they are! Ready for the first day at their new school! Notice that Jacob is now taller than his older sister.

So another school is underway. ho hum...

And I have a week then I start my new job...

I've talked to the college boy once on the phone but I've also chatted on facebook as well as left him a message (or two or so) on facebook. Ok, I admit it! I feel like a stalker...I find myself getting on facebook just to see if he's on.

Admitting there's a problem is the first step to recovery.

Maybe the other two won't find me lurking in the bushes outside their new school.

Just kidding, really!

Jeanette

Let Him Who Boasts, Boast in the Lord

Ok, ok, I've totally taken a portion of Scripture out of context (1 Cor. 1:31) but hang with me for just a second...

In my previous post, I was boasting about my dry eyes at the big college move-in. If you don't know, I cry at EVERYTHING. Anything can bring a tear to my eyes. And, I have cried a bazillion tears already about the transition in our family with Josh moving out to college. For me, not to cry as we said our final goodbye before we left our boy at college was huge. But, apparently, had nothing to do with me really. Since Monday I have received emails, text messages, and facebook notes on my wall and inbox of people (dear sisters in Christ) who have been and are praying for me. I am blown away and grateful. Grateful to all who have prayed and grateful to God for caring about all the details of our lives. (Thank You, Lord. You are so good!)

Now, if you all will just keep praying and while you're at it, would you pray that Josh will get up out of that dorm bed every single day for his 8:00 classes. That will be near miraculous!

Serving the King,

Jeanette

College Move-In Day

Josh and Justin in Josh's room. Justin's room is just 2 doors down. Yes, that's Josh's bed above their heads. The room is TINY and it was hard to fit 3 beds and stuff for 3 guys in there!
Johnny and Josh in the hall near Josh's room.

Well, I've been lamenting and celebrating this day over and over again but it finally happened. MY SON WENT TO COLLEGE TODAY! We met the roommates. Johnny actually knows one the guy's granddad! Small world. We got all Josh's stuff in the room -- except the cool chair we bought at IKEA. It's in his room upstairs at our house -- I guess he can sit in it when he's home because there's no way it was going to fit in that dorm room. The move went smoothly. I helped unpack, Johnny created a shelf that hangs off Josh's bed. We had to go out to Target and get MORE stuff but it was finally time for him to go and start SWAT (Student Welcome and Transition) week. We said goodbye and I DIDN'T CRY. Nope, not one tear. Honestly! There was a parent session and we stayed -- Johnny only for a little while. I rode home with my friend, Mary.

Well, I've got to get Johnny out the door. He's going to Nashville for a trustee meeting. Maybe it will hit me later that he's really gone. Josh, I mean. That he's not coming back. Right now it really just seems like he's off to camp or mission trip.

And, now I've got to clean his room -- which he left in a gigantic mess.

Proud, proud mama,

Jeanette

Tomorrow is the big day

We packed clothes last night. We made note of things that still need to be purchased. Johnny put together the items we bought at IKEA. We are almost ready - at least as far as the physical getting ready is concerned.

Jessica had a volleyball game yesterday and I had to ask a teammate's mom to give her a ride home from practice on Wednesday. "I can get her to practice," I explained. "I just need to see if you can give her a ride home because (sniff, sniff) we are moving her brother to college." YES, I teared up at the volleyball game asking a mom to give my daughter a ride home from practice. This mom does not know me that well yet. Jessica's friend, Jordyn, that went with us to the game LAUGHED at me. Jordyn knows how I am, though, and she was not all that surprised that I was at bit emotional.

MY SON IS MOVING TO COLLEGE TOMORROW!

What more can I say?

Jeanette

"The Changeless Christ"

I just flipped open my Bible (the Thompson Chain-Reference Study Bible, NASB) and landed on the last chapter of the book of Hebrews. The chapter title is "The Changeless Christ." Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever." Life changes. We've got big changes ahead - Josh to college, the other 2 kids to a new school, I am starting a new job - but Jesus is the same, from eternity past and forever. Hallelujah!

Yesterday we ended our study of the Old Testament in Life Group. We started at Genesis and flew through the OT and the last lesson in the curriculum was from the book of Nehemiah. I have loved it. It was pretty cool to be in OT I and II in my master's degree at the same time I was working through the OT for my lesson prep. I have learned so much literally and historically about the times and writing of the OT. But, the best part is how God has spoken to me through the pages that are His Word to His people. I am amazed at how He worked in history and how I could apply that to how He works in me.

His Word is always true. He is always faithful. He will never leave me or forsake me. He is always worthy of praise.

But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise Him yet more and more.
My mouth will tell of His righteousness, and of His salvation all day long;
For I do not know the sum of them. Psalm 71:14-15

Glory to His Name!

Jeanette

Waiting for Wednesday

I'm sitting on the couch, watching the Olympics (the 10,000 meter race...it's a nail-biter!LOL), and making cookies -- the kind Justin ordered. Josh and his buddy, Justin, move into the dorm at DBU this coming Wednesday. Justin's parents cooked steak and other favorites for the guys last night. Tonight we'll have the cookies and, apparently, they want lemon chicken this week as well, which is one of my family's favorites. This week only they can have whatever they want.

We took Josh to IKEA over the weekend to pick up some dorm stuff. Jacob twisted his foot at football practice and has been on crutches. He decided he didn't want to hobble around IKEA so he asked for a wheelchair -- and they let him use one!! We wheeled him all around the store (which is ginormous). In fact, the wheelchair added to the experience because, otherwise, Jacob would not have been thrilled to be shopping (for one) and at IKEA (for another).

Josh already started his new job at DBU bookstore (thanks to our friend, JS!). It's so odd to think that the day we have anticipated is almost here. I want him to go (because that's what we've been preparing him for and have expected of him) but, yet, I don't want him to go. But, it's almost here. I've washed his new sheets, bought dorm stuff -- I bought him some stuff at Target this weekend, too -- he's registered, he's ready.

I was thinking about the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. When Moses knew he would not be going into the Promised Land with his people, he wanted to make sure he told them everything they needed to know to go on without him. That's (simplistically) what the book of Deuteronomy is -- Moses's final addresses to the Hebrews. Have I said everything I need to have said to Josh? Have I adequately prepared Josh to go on without us? Will I have time in the next two and a half days to say everything that is left to be said?

I guess we'll see over the next couple of days.

Serving the King,

Jeanette

Drumroll please

I always knew this day would come -- the day when I would transition from full-time mom to full-time mom plus something else. Is there such thing as part-time mom? I don't think so! I have dreamed and planned and wondered what I would do when I grew up. Well, as of September I will be working for Alpha International Ministries as the Director of Women's Ministries. I would love to give you a synopsis of their ministries but it would be better, if you have time, to check it out here. I will be doing lots of stuff -- some women's and outreach ministries in my community as well as planning for some conferences and other trips in India and, eventually, other nations as well. I will be going to India in October and, hopefully, again in the spring of next year. I feel way overwhelmed and excited and scared and humbled and privileged.

So, that's what God's up to with me. What is God doing in your life? How is He molding you and preparing you for what's ahead? Do you know what's ahead or are you just stepping out in faith and moving forward, counting on Him the whole time?

I would love to read your stories.

Blessings,

Jeanette

Surprise in the Mail

I hate to toot my own horn but (toot,toot) I got a surprise in the mail today that has made me quite proud. I got a letter from the outgoing Dean of Educational Ministries of SWBTS (where I just finished my master's degree) and a certificate that states the following:

"In recognition of significant academic achievement while enrolled as a full-time student in the School of Educational Ministries Jeanette Dickerson has been named to the Dean's Academic Honor List for the Spring Semester 2008."

The Academic Honor List! Ha! I made really good grades the whole time I was there but was rarely a full-time student, just taking a few hours per semester. Truthfully, I obsessed about my grades at times (no comment from you, Johnny Dickerson) but I really just wanted to do my best and learn as much as possible while I was there. It was a great privilege to study and learn and complete my degree.

It seems as though I might have a job opportunity -- Johnny and I are going to a meeting tomorrow to finalize the details so please check back for an announcement tomorrow! I am awed by the opportunity being presented to me.

Well, the rest of the day will be spent making 4 trips back and forth to my kids' new school -- 2 sports practices that are, of course, at different starting and ending times. The taxi service is in operation.

Taxi driver #1,

Jeanette

Monday Afternoon

I KNOW, two posts in one day. What is the world coming to? This one is out of desperation. You see, we have drums at our house now. Real drums. Not those neat electric ones that you can plug headphones into so you can play to your heart's content without disturbing everyone else in the house. Nobody ever played the electric drums -- not so with the REAL drums. Jacob has a friend over (there were some other guys here earlier but they left already) and Jacob is playing the drums...for hours...and the friend is playing guitar. Jessica said (before she left for volleyball practice), "Mom, you can tell him to stop." Johnny called -- I had to go OUTSIDE to talk on the phone because it is so loud in here (the drums are in the media room right above my bedroom where I am diligently folding laundry & unpacking Johnny's suitcase which is right where he left it when he got home Friday night) oh, I forgot where I was, oh yeah, Johnny called and he said, "You can tell him to stop." Yes, I could. I know I could. But, football starts one week from today and then school is right around the corner. Summer is almost over. I don't want to wish it away ... not one second. That time is flying by is so apparent to me with college move-in day being only 16 days away. SIXTEEN DAYS, friends! School is busy -- homework, sports, church activities. There won't be near as much time to play the drums. Or hang out with friends. I don't want to wish for peace and quiet because peace and quiet means the kids are at school, not home with me, and they are growing up way too fast. But, on the other hand, peace and quiet would be so nice right about now...

Maybe I should just go buy some ear plugs...

Or take a pain killer...

Or go shopping...

just for a little while...

til the drumming is over...

oh wait, it's quiet.....ugh, I typed that too soon...

Head pounding,

Jeanette

Monday Morning

My guys and the whole group made it back from Venezuela. I've gotten bits and pieces of information about the trip all throughout the weekend. I am so amazed at the work our partners are doing down there. It's both exciting and motivating.

I have quite the good news to announce -- I (me, myself) fixed the dishwasher problem previously mentioned on this blog before Johnny got home. I gotta give a shout-out to my friend, Sally, for giving me the tip that solved the problem!!

If that wasn't the kind of good news you were hoping for then let me give you some more -- here it is --

We have a great High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses. Even though He was tempted, as we are, He did not sin. Therefore, we can draw near to Him with confidence, to His throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and grace from Him when we need it.
(my very loose paraphrase from Hebrews 4:14-16)

So what's the good news? Whatever it is that you are struggling with today, whatever it is that you are sad about, whatever it is that is making you mad or getting you down, He understands. He hears your prayer. He answers when you all out to Him. He's there, always there.

Now that's some good news!

Serving the King,

Jeanette

Waiting on the travelers to get home

The itinerary says my guys should be on their way home about now. Until they land back on US soil I won't really know for sure. I talked to Johnny yesterday -- he called my cell phone. I don't know why I thought that was so odd but he called my cell phone from Venezuela. They have had such a great trip. I cannot wait to hear about it from Josh's perspective.

Johnny called yesterday to check on a meeting I had earlier in the afternoon. It did not go the way I hoped or dreamed. Do you do that? Have an appointment and before you even get there you have everything planned that you will say and how it will go and what the anticipated result of the meeting will be. I did and, needless to say, things did not go accordingly. I was bummed.

I don't know if read my blog about falling out of the boat during whitewater rafting in Colorado. You can scroll down to see it -- I could put that link right here and be all technical and smart but I just don't feel like it. Anyway, our guide, Larry, got Johnny and me back in the boat (out of the freezing water of the Taylor River which is really melted snow, BTW) and stopped us on a rock and said, "We need to regroup." I had to get up off the floor of the boat, out of the space where Larry's feet were supposed to be, and get back on the seat and pick up my paddle. (that is, after we got it from the boat ahead of us who kindly fetched it out of the water and waited for us to give it back to me) I had to do my part in the work of paddling to get us down the river. And, the rafting really would not have been any fun from the floor of the boat. I had to get back on the seat to enjoy the ride.

So, that's where I am today. Regrouping. Getting back on the seat where I can see what's ahead and enjoy the ride. Getting to work because that's what we're called to do as Christians.

No sitting on the floor of the boat wishing I had not fallen in for me -- nope, just moving forward.

Serving the King,

Jeanette