We're home from vacation. We thought we might not get home until today so Johnny is off and we're just hanging out. Haha! Do you ever really get to just hang out after vacation? NO! The yard has to be mowed, tons of laundry and unpacking needs to be done, and I have to go to the grocery store.
We had a really fabulous vacation. Thursday we went mountain biking at Crested Butte. It's really cool -- they put the bikes on the ski lift then you can ride down. It was kind of scary at times. Jessica read my previous post about the white water rafting (the part about hoping to not have an incident report) and said, "Too bad you fell off your bike!" Ok, ok, I did fall off and scraped my leg up. However, the scenery was beautiful. We might think everything is bigger and better in our great state of Texas but our state flower, the Bluebonnet, grows way bigger in Colorado.
We cleaned up our friends' house and left on Saturday to drive to Pueblo to see the new Batman movie. It's really good -- I was on the edge of my seat. There was more than once when I thought the movie was just about over and the action starts up again. I guess we were having media withdrawals -- no tv, no internet, no cell phone service for 6 days. Then I got home last night and flipped through the channels and was reminded that there really isn't much of anything worth watching on tv anyway. Nope, I didn't miss tv afterall.
Well, time to get busy! I do have more to write about vacation, how God spoke to me, and some new things coming up in the Dickerson family but I'll leave them for a future post!
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Into the River
I’m typing this on July 16, 2008, even though it will be several days until I can post it because we don’t have internet access where we are staying. We are in beautiful Gunnison, Colorado. Yesterday we hiked – 2 hours up and 1 hour back down. The entire trail had a gain of 2,500 feet – I’m not sure if we made it all the way to the top but from where we stopped the view was breath-taking. God is the Master Creator.
Today, our adventure was white water rafting. We went to a place called Three Rivers, paid our money, put on our water shirts & life jackets (am more than thankful for both of those as you will read below), listened to the “safety speech”, and got our paddling instructions from our guide, Larry. We got our boat into the water, Johnny in front on the right side with me behind him and Jessica behind me. Josh was in the front on the left with Jacob behind him, then Monica in the back. Larry, of course, was center in the back. Then we set off down the river.
We really had not gone very far at all when the left side was being overpowered in paddling by the right side. Not good when going down roaring rapids. We hit a rock sideways and the boat tipped – Johnny and I fell into the water. Yes, JOHNNY AND I WERE OUT OF THE BOAT AND IN THE RIVER. First of all, the water was about 46-48 degrees so immediately I am not only shocked that I am in the river but my breath is taken away by the freezing, cold water. Gasping and wiping the water out of my contacts, I begin to look for the boat. In any given situation there are two things that will always be true – I will panic and Johnny will be calm. He followed the instructions from the safety speech – nose and toes pointed down the river. I, on the other hand, screamed and panicked. Larry reached out and grabbed my life jacket. He had me and was trying to pull me into the boat. I was screaming, “Where’s my husband?” Larry just wanted to get me in the boat so we could head on down the river and pick up Johnny. Larry pulled me in, where I sat on the floor of the boat in the space where Larry’s feet were supposed to be. Josh pulled Johnny in and Larry got us to a stop on a rock in the middle of the river. “Let’s re-group,” he said. That was an understatement.
When someone falls out of the boat (a “swimmer” they call it) an incident report has to be filled out. I listed our kids and Monica as the witnesses. Larry listed Josh as the “savior” because he pulled Johnny in.
Larry said something about karma being involved in my falling out because I asked where the safest place was in the boat the first time I got in. I told Larry I didn’t believe in karma but in God. Larry said he was the one that pulled me in the boat so he saved me. I am thankful to Larry but also that am glad that I had a chance to tell him Who I think is really responsible for my safety.
Tomorrow we are mountain biking. I hope to have a great adventure that does not include an incident report.
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Today, our adventure was white water rafting. We went to a place called Three Rivers, paid our money, put on our water shirts & life jackets (am more than thankful for both of those as you will read below), listened to the “safety speech”, and got our paddling instructions from our guide, Larry. We got our boat into the water, Johnny in front on the right side with me behind him and Jessica behind me. Josh was in the front on the left with Jacob behind him, then Monica in the back. Larry, of course, was center in the back. Then we set off down the river.
We really had not gone very far at all when the left side was being overpowered in paddling by the right side. Not good when going down roaring rapids. We hit a rock sideways and the boat tipped – Johnny and I fell into the water. Yes, JOHNNY AND I WERE OUT OF THE BOAT AND IN THE RIVER. First of all, the water was about 46-48 degrees so immediately I am not only shocked that I am in the river but my breath is taken away by the freezing, cold water. Gasping and wiping the water out of my contacts, I begin to look for the boat. In any given situation there are two things that will always be true – I will panic and Johnny will be calm. He followed the instructions from the safety speech – nose and toes pointed down the river. I, on the other hand, screamed and panicked. Larry reached out and grabbed my life jacket. He had me and was trying to pull me into the boat. I was screaming, “Where’s my husband?” Larry just wanted to get me in the boat so we could head on down the river and pick up Johnny. Larry pulled me in, where I sat on the floor of the boat in the space where Larry’s feet were supposed to be. Josh pulled Johnny in and Larry got us to a stop on a rock in the middle of the river. “Let’s re-group,” he said. That was an understatement.
When someone falls out of the boat (a “swimmer” they call it) an incident report has to be filled out. I listed our kids and Monica as the witnesses. Larry listed Josh as the “savior” because he pulled Johnny in.
Larry said something about karma being involved in my falling out because I asked where the safest place was in the boat the first time I got in. I told Larry I didn’t believe in karma but in God. Larry said he was the one that pulled me in the boat so he saved me. I am thankful to Larry but also that am glad that I had a chance to tell him Who I think is really responsible for my safety.
Tomorrow we are mountain biking. I hope to have a great adventure that does not include an incident report.
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Friday, July 11, 2008
Taking a breath
A friend commented the other day that I must be relieved to be done with school. I am. The next comment was something about all the free time I should have since I'm done. In theory, I should have tons of free time. No studying or writing papers. Three teenagers that pretty much take care of themselves, except when they need a ride somewhere or a bit of cash. The summer has been super busy, though, and I've been busy. I can't tell you what I've done or where the time has gone because I have not accomplished anything worthwhile. The only thing routine right now is that I wash towels every stinking day. The beach towels from the pool that is because one, apparently, cannot go outside to the pool and use a towel more than once. Really, that's enough about that.
I'm not sleeping either. Please, please, somebody send me a remedy for the hot flashes! Girls, I am in desperate need...
I want so much to hear God's voice. We've some big decisions to make and I don't want to mess up. The kids, the dog (who is chewing on everything these days), and the reality of life are so distracting. So, I'm going to the mountains and I'm going to sit on the back porch of the cabin and I'm going to wait, to listen, to be still.
Check out this verse from Habakkuk -- "I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved." (2:1)
I don't know about you, but sometimes I have my prayer time then jump up and head on to the next thing. The reason I am not hearing God's voice is because I am simply not slowing down enough to listen. Habakkuk had some serious questions he was asking of God. The answers were not what he expected. But at the end of the book, Habakkuk realized that no matter what, no matter what life's circumstances were, God was worthy to be praised. I love that.
"Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places." (3:18-19)
Yet, I will praise Him,
Jeanette
I'm not sleeping either. Please, please, somebody send me a remedy for the hot flashes! Girls, I am in desperate need...
I want so much to hear God's voice. We've some big decisions to make and I don't want to mess up. The kids, the dog (who is chewing on everything these days), and the reality of life are so distracting. So, I'm going to the mountains and I'm going to sit on the back porch of the cabin and I'm going to wait, to listen, to be still.
Check out this verse from Habakkuk -- "I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved." (2:1)
I don't know about you, but sometimes I have my prayer time then jump up and head on to the next thing. The reason I am not hearing God's voice is because I am simply not slowing down enough to listen. Habakkuk had some serious questions he was asking of God. The answers were not what he expected. But at the end of the book, Habakkuk realized that no matter what, no matter what life's circumstances were, God was worthy to be praised. I love that.
"Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places." (3:18-19)
Yet, I will praise Him,
Jeanette
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Almost vacation time....
This week my kids are working on a local mission project and I am getting ready for vacation!! In less than one week I will be in the beautiful state of Colorado -- we are calling this our adventure vacation as we are planning to go white water rafting, hiking, and mountain biking! I've been going to the gym everyday in a last minute effort to be fit enough to do all that. It may be too late...
The last few days have been full of excitement. Saturday, we got a call that Jessica was going to the emergency room in smalltown Texas where she was visiting with a friend. Johnny and I made a hurried (Johnny driving with his emergency flashers on like he was sitting at the wheel of a video game -- I am not kidding, I was praying that the 2 of us did not end up in the emergency room or worse) trip to get her. No worries, she's fine. We've had some other issues come up that have caused some moments of drama. Then, I had a pool full of teenage boys yesterday that had quite a rough game of basketball going on. Two of my friends and I were visiting and kids kept coming and going. I actually love that part -- the teenagers hanging out at our house. Somebody left a Dr. Pepper can in the yard, though, and the dog chewed it up... a can, the dog chewed up a can...
I am actually sending out a resume today. I don't know where it will lead, if anywhere. I am moving forward, trying to figure out what all my options are -- what direction God has for me. It's way scary -- I haven't had a real job in 18 years. 18 years is a LONG time. I am totally motivated, though, because one of the women contenders on Gladiator last night was 52 years old. (did you see that?) My kids were watching it while I was cooking dinner -- and they thought I was old...
Serving the King,
Jeanette
The last few days have been full of excitement. Saturday, we got a call that Jessica was going to the emergency room in smalltown Texas where she was visiting with a friend. Johnny and I made a hurried (Johnny driving with his emergency flashers on like he was sitting at the wheel of a video game -- I am not kidding, I was praying that the 2 of us did not end up in the emergency room or worse) trip to get her. No worries, she's fine. We've had some other issues come up that have caused some moments of drama. Then, I had a pool full of teenage boys yesterday that had quite a rough game of basketball going on. Two of my friends and I were visiting and kids kept coming and going. I actually love that part -- the teenagers hanging out at our house. Somebody left a Dr. Pepper can in the yard, though, and the dog chewed it up... a can, the dog chewed up a can...
I am actually sending out a resume today. I don't know where it will lead, if anywhere. I am moving forward, trying to figure out what all my options are -- what direction God has for me. It's way scary -- I haven't had a real job in 18 years. 18 years is a LONG time. I am totally motivated, though, because one of the women contenders on Gladiator last night was 52 years old. (did you see that?) My kids were watching it while I was cooking dinner -- and they thought I was old...
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Friday, July 4, 2008
Worthy is the Lamb
I need to head out to the store to pick up some fruit for the 4th of July we're going to later but, instead, I'm here at my desk with books piled up. I woke up with the song "Worthy is the Lamb" in my head (check out the post from last night). To get the full impact of the song you need to go to Revelation 5. Go ahead....get your Bible, I'll wait. Think about the Apostle John, the author of the book. By the time he wrote the Revelation he was old. He outlived all the other disciples which had long since been martyred for their life of service to the King. He was exiled on the island of Patmos, separated from his beloved church at Ephesus by the Aegean Sea. He was worshiping (Rev. 1:10) when he heard a loud voice. The rest of the book of Revelation is the message he received, what he both saw and heard.
Revelation 4 is a description of what John saw in the throne room of heaven. In Rev. 5:1 John looks to see a book in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. The strong angel asks, "Who is worthy to open the book?" (my paraphrase from 5:2-3)
Who is worthy?
John was crying because he thought there was no one who was worthy to open the book. An elder tells him to stop -- there is One that is worthy. Only One. The One who had overcome.
Then John sees Him and He is magnificent. He came and took the book. As soon as He did, the heavenly beings fell down. Then they sang:
"Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." (5:9)
Then the worship really gets started:
"Worthy is the Lamb that was salin to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (5:12)
Ok, you've got your Bible there, read it for yourself.
Worthy are You, Lord. Only You are worthy of my praise and adoration.
Jeanette
Revelation 4 is a description of what John saw in the throne room of heaven. In Rev. 5:1 John looks to see a book in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. The strong angel asks, "Who is worthy to open the book?" (my paraphrase from 5:2-3)
Who is worthy?
John was crying because he thought there was no one who was worthy to open the book. An elder tells him to stop -- there is One that is worthy. Only One. The One who had overcome.
Then John sees Him and He is magnificent. He came and took the book. As soon as He did, the heavenly beings fell down. Then they sang:
"Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." (5:9)
Then the worship really gets started:
"Worthy is the Lamb that was salin to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (5:12)
Ok, you've got your Bible there, read it for yourself.
Worthy are You, Lord. Only You are worthy of my praise and adoration.
Jeanette
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Workout tip
Tonight Johnny and I went to the gym. I gotta admit, just minutes before departure I had fallen asleep on the couch while watching a mindless half-hour tv show. No, I did not feel like going to the gym. However, I made a commitment to go and knew it was the heart-healthy thing to do. I generally take my iPod with me. It's an old shuffle -- the long thin ones without a screen. I can't pick my songs and don't even know what's coming next. My playlist includes lots of stuff from the Passion cds and, of course my favorite, David Crowder Band. I also have some Relient K and Chris Tomlin. I'm a big fan of all that!! Tonight my favorite was Travis Cottrell from his cd Unashamed Love. I tried to find it on youtube to add to my blog but was unsuccessful but the song of the night was a medley of "In The Cross/Worthy is the Lamb/Crown Him with Many Crowns." You really must hear it -- go straight to the store and purchase the cd or download it from the internet right away. Then, put it on your iPod or mp3 player and take it to your next workout. The medley is 8 minutes and 40 seconds and I listened to it twice. It is so awesome that I worked out the hardest of the night for that 17 minutes and 20 seconds. I was on the elliptical thing and I wanted to raise my hands but not embarrass myself in front of everyone at the gym so I just worked out harder and harder. I don't think I sang out loud....I hope I didn't.
Can we praise God in our exercise? I think I did tonight!
Have a happy 4th of July!
Jeanette
Can we praise God in our exercise? I think I did tonight!
Have a happy 4th of July!
Jeanette
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tenacity
Tenacious - "seeking something valued or desired" (http://www.m-w.com/)
Yesterday I had a headache from the time I woke up. It was one of those headaches that just about made me sick. I took several pain killers - none of which even eased the pain. Finally, when I went to my monthly Keeno night, DG gave me some BC powder. I've never taken it. She had it in her purse! "Just put it on your tongue," she said. I put a little on my tongue, as instructed, and gagged in front of the whole group. It was awful, I mean, really awful. I walked around the corner to the living room so the girls couldn't see me gagging as I poured the rest out on my tongue. However, it worked. This is not a commercial for BC powder, but if you can stand the taste it seems to work.
So, we started playing Keeno and I was winning. Let me just add right here that I usually NEVER win. Like, maybe one game the whole entire night. I had the hot card last night, though. And, there was one particular prize that I really wanted - a green flower pot. In case you don't know, when someone wins a round of Keeno, they can steal your prize -- the flower pot went around the table but I was determined to bring that flower pot home. Try as they might, those other girls couldn't keep the flower pot away from me. It's on my kitchen counter right now, just waiting for me to go to the nursery to pick out some flowers to fill it.
Here's the question of the day -- am I pursuing goals or spiritual things with the same tenacity as I did a green flower pot?
Ouch.
Serving the King,
Jeanette
Yesterday I had a headache from the time I woke up. It was one of those headaches that just about made me sick. I took several pain killers - none of which even eased the pain. Finally, when I went to my monthly Keeno night, DG gave me some BC powder. I've never taken it. She had it in her purse! "Just put it on your tongue," she said. I put a little on my tongue, as instructed, and gagged in front of the whole group. It was awful, I mean, really awful. I walked around the corner to the living room so the girls couldn't see me gagging as I poured the rest out on my tongue. However, it worked. This is not a commercial for BC powder, but if you can stand the taste it seems to work.
So, we started playing Keeno and I was winning. Let me just add right here that I usually NEVER win. Like, maybe one game the whole entire night. I had the hot card last night, though. And, there was one particular prize that I really wanted - a green flower pot. In case you don't know, when someone wins a round of Keeno, they can steal your prize -- the flower pot went around the table but I was determined to bring that flower pot home. Try as they might, those other girls couldn't keep the flower pot away from me. It's on my kitchen counter right now, just waiting for me to go to the nursery to pick out some flowers to fill it.
Here's the question of the day -- am I pursuing goals or spiritual things with the same tenacity as I did a green flower pot?
Ouch.
Serving the King,
Jeanette
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