Going to a celebrity wedding,oooohh, ahhhh

My cousin, Jennifer Pena, is a Tejano star, Google her. I am really proud of her. She is way younger than me and we were never really all that close, but, hey, she is blood. She is getting married this weekend and I made the list, yay! I get to see how the other half lives. This should be sweet. I am really excited because I get to see lots of family I have not seen in years. I get to visit with my little grandma, that by the way is the pastor of a little church in South Texas. I miss them soo much. This is going to be great. I will try to sneak a camera in. Or at least get some side shots.

My heart is bursting with a song of joy!

My Daughter Mia makes me so proud!

Today she went to State competition as a soloist. She went to state last year too. Last year she was so nervous and left in tears- this year she had a Godly confidence.
Today, I had a vision of angels sewing golden stings onto her vocal chords.
Today, I praise God for giving Mia the desires of her heart.
Today, is a gift from God to a daughter and the heart of a mother.

She got a ONE! High score.

I know there are other things to pray for
I know there is death and destruction
However
Today, we celebrate the freedom of song
Our soldiers have fought and died to give us this gift of life
Today, I am grateful for those who lost their lives
Lost time with their families
Were injured or wounded
For the sake of this country and my family

Today we celebrate the song of life!



p.s. Congrats to Courtney Lane as well! Another number one!

Garden Mama- maybe be the birth of a new blog.

( These are actually Mia's Sunflowers I have nt taken any pictures of mine yet.)

As I have watched our video at Erica's blog an unknown number of times. I am at a loss for words. At least specific words. I guess, since I have a garden now, and God gives me an infinite number of pictue paralells in the garden I will use the analogy of the radish.
Being a rooky gardener, I planted radish among other yummy things. I don't remember how many days to germination or how many days to harvest, I just dug out the weeds, laid the compost and dirt in my little raised beds and sowed seed. I decreed frutifulness over our property and declared the glory of God in Clyde and specifically - my garden. Guess what? It rained and rained and rained. Everytime I made a little addition to my garden family, He did it again. He really is faithful to see a good work to completion. Then it happened, the sprouts bursting through the soil. Little infants in the ground. SO curious to see the maker. Not me. The creator. God.They were gorgeous and me- proud mama. Anyway, just one little problem. Too many seeds- too close together. Surely they could not produce fruit- or at least radish which techincally is a root. SO guess that means Garden Mama (GM) must fix it. GM must move her babies for their own protection. Only, I think I pulled them a wee bit too soon. SO the new row is looking wimpy. There was so much goodness at BFW. I am needing to rearrange my spirit man to make room for all the seedlings of truth to take root- not go into shock and they must reach the highest heights. SO that they can not only produce fruit, but eventually go to seed and reproduce around them. Now there are weeds that crop up to try to steal nourishment on the occassion. But the gates of hell will not prevail in my garden. Not physically or spiritually. NO weapon!
The experiences I had this weekend surpassed any other in the intensity of my passion for Him. Wow! How about you- how is your heart now?

Change

Coming soon to a neighborhood near you. Came this weekend wrapped up in intimate healing, sealed with a bliss. Describe to you later. Peace.

Random Stuff

I thought this was a beautiful picture of my parents.

I passed the semester! Eight weeks to go. Countdown to graduation.

I got my tickets to Thailand and Cambodia in August. Woohoo! I met Joel 15 years ago this year. We get to have a honeymoon. We are so excited. This is an odd year for a honey moon, 11 years married in July, but who cares!I am going to Thailand.

In January I was so bummed. I felt outed by God, like I was intentionally excluded from the medical mission trip. I felt really wintery and buried. Well, I figured out that I was excluded. It was not my time. He had other plans for me. He knows best for me. And guess what? He was right. Go figure. The creator of the universe knows what it right for me. I am so happy that all the things I have dreamed of are coming to pass. So, three weeks to chill. I am excited about working a little, not just for the cash, but because there it feels good to love strangers. People are scared in the hospital and I am there so infrequently these days, I can really love them. I am full to love them. In the past having a job as a nurse burnt me. I worked myself to nothing. I was in a vacuum. I work way less now and feel so free. I don't have it all. But I am blessed.

Beautiful

Me and my man at the Soft ball tournament on Fri evning
I had a beautiful day. I woke up at six this morning and said goodbye to my big girl as she drove to her job. I laid in bed for 8 more minutes and talked to God, mostly it was just whisperings. I woke up my next child and had her get ready for Softball tournament. Dropped her off and went to buy fruit and snacks for the day. Her team won the first two games, lost the third and fourth. BUT- she hit her first homerun today. Too cool! It was so fun to see her own suprise as she came home. We ran to the store after the last game and got Nash and Bella new outfits, ran over to Candy's and changed, jumped in the car and went to the FGF Missions banquet.Joel prepared food from all the nations supported tonight- I did not get to taste any it all- after all I was late.


The auction items were superb. The tables were beautifully decorated. The feature speaker Randy Boyd of Prepare International was such a beautiful man of God. He is so in love with the purpose of his life, to fellowship with God and bring others into the fellowship of God. He gave many examples of extravagant love he had witnessed. I was able to speak with many people that are beautiful to me. Kind hearts and givers, servants and missionaries. It was sweet. I think

The biggest thing for me today was
To hear the heart of God for me
To hear his love for me again, today
To be called again
To be chosen again
Yes, I know the first time is so special
But as anyone who is married knows-
To be chosen again and again by someone you love
Only knits your heart more tightly
Only weaves the stitches more securely
Until your heartbeat truly is one
For that moment
Your name is called, whispered
And the joy of knowing how much you are loved returns
It is passionate
It is a wax and wane of intimacy
Even in a room filled with people
It is your little secret garden
If but for a moment, in the spirit lease on earth
It is a deposit on an eternal purchase in the heavenlies

Comic relief

SO this morning I have reconsolidated my student loan- we will just call it a second mortgage. Faxed, received faxes, emailed, thought about the rescource center funding, staff for Tru Blu Catering, nominated an employee for an award, worked on a paper for school, took my niacin and aspirin, got the kids off to school, won the best wife in the morning award, and worked on this research study thing that takes too long to explain. I thought I could uses some R and R. All I got was this......

If you ever feel a little stupid, just dig this up and read it again; you'll begin to think you're a genius

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(On September 17, 1994, Alabama's Heather Whitestone was selected as Miss America 1995.)
Question: If you could live forever, would you and why?
Answer: "I would not live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever,"
--Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest.
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"Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff."
--Mariah Carey
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"Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life,"
-- Brooke Shields, during an interview to become spokesperson for federal anti-smoking campaign.
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"I've never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body,"
--Winston Bennett, University of Kentucky basketball forward.
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"Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country,"
--Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, DC. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"That lowdown scoundrel deserves to be kicked to death by a jackass, and I'm just the one to do it,"
--A congressional candidate in Texas.
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"Half this game is ninety percent mental."
--Philadelphia Phillies manager, Danny Ozark
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"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's ! the impu rities in our air and water that are doing it."
--Al Gore, Vice President
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"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
--Dan QuayleI>
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"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
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"The word "genius" isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."

--Joe Theisman, NFL football quarterback & sports analyst.
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"We don't necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude certain types of people."
-- Colonel Gerald Wellman, ROTC Instrutor.
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"Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances."
--Department of Social Services, Greenville, South Carolina
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"Traditionally, most of Australia's imports come from overseas."
--Keppel Enderbery
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"If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug this jack in at night as they go to bed and it will monitor their heart throughout the night. And the next morning, when they wake up dead, there'll be a record."
--Mark S. Fowler, FCC Chairman
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Feeling smarter yet?

Amazing

God is so amazing to me. The testimonies and revelations given to others in the Body of Christ are unsettling to my status quo. I love moving forward to a heightened intimacy with the Father. I love to yearn for His face to shine upon me. I die to sit in His Presence in the throne room of praise and prayer, love and peace.

And then in the other room, kids won't stay in bed. But hey am I blessed or what?

Simple Joy

As I entered the room everyone was seeking
The presence of the Holy Spirit was Fertile
I sat and the words came to me as though in a dream
" I am alive!"
Flew above my head
Scrolling through the ceiling window

"Where do you love me?" He spoke to my heart.

In a prom dress flowing?
In a field of flowers?
In a wedding dress?
On the golf course?
In a fishing boat?
In the mundane daily rowing?
On the hunt?
In the nails and screws?
Nuts and bolts?
Files and trials?
Shots and droughts?

Or is joy in the daily dishes?

Simple Joy

"I want to frame my joy in the dance of your life."
"In your song of life you may or may not ever 'sing'
For the world
With your Voice
But you will sing For Me
In your Worship
You will sing in our Promise
Of Love
That is Strength and Honor
And Tender Mercy
And ALWAYS ready for you to receive me
Excited to be intimate
With Me

I will give you more than a promise
I will give you the keys to the kingdom...



A word of pregnancy was spoken
A word of birth soon come
The waters would be broken
Creativity undone
From bondage bound up tight
Hidden from light's eyes
The head crowns to reveal
Freedom's precious sons to rise




Trish Trueblood

I am a grandmother!

Gotcha! I have actually been a build a bear grandmother for a while now. My kids are fascinated with these ridiculous bears. SO Nash recently went to San Antonio with my husband. For some reason he decided to spoil the boy and take him to Build-a-Bear. On the way home Nash calls me and says, "Mom,you are a grandma again! I got a girl this time. I always wanted a daughter!" He is seven. Geeze. I am too young for this. Okay so maybe I am not.No wise cracks about my teenager either ;)

kaliedoscopepeople

peoplearekaleidoscope
humansedges
overlappingformingbeauty
orcontrasting
differentshapesandshades
outlinedbyeyesthattwist
thepiecesoftheeyes
perceivingyetanothermove
ormoodorgroove
comecloserlayercorners
nearthebeamoflightthatenters
atthecenterofthehollowend
thatalignssowecanhaveourmomentshine
NOWSHAKE



trishtrueblood

The Void

“You were a quiet little girl- do you remember me when you were little?”
“No, you worked a lot.”

******************************
The Void: A Silent Conversation


Where were you when she was born?
I was working, well I was there for a little while
I remember her when they handed her to me
She smiled
Have you ever seen a newborn smile?

I had to work
I needed insurance
They all needed insurance.
What about when she crawled for the first time?
When she took her first steps?
Said her first words?
I did breast feed her for six months
I pumped as long as I produced milk
I didn’t notice that she was really hungry until she started smacking her lips when people were eating around her
She was beautiful
I remember her little white and pink face
Her black tuft of hair
She was so sweet
She grew fast
She was wild
Not like the first
She was unpredictable
Red boots in training pants
Climbing fences
I wrote a country song about her once, I didn't even like country

Fast forward……more void

Working again?
Didn’t stop, just more hours, needed the money, who doesn’t?
Too tired to notice new teeth
She slept through the night very early- I worked nights
She was quiet
I didn’t teach her much after moon and nose and eyes
She went to a decent school
I didn’t read much more than Runaway Bunny and Goodnight Moon
Dr Seuss was always fun

What about the others?
Oh.
They are also a blur, a shadow, pictures jog a little.

Why is it that time goes so fast when you look back, but so slowly while you are watching the sand fall, day in day out?
If I could go back in time…I would do it differently
I would remember not to forget all the firsts and lasts
I would enjoy more than complain
I would talk to and not at
I would listen to them and look into their eyes
Pleading with them to be filled with the sense of my love
I am their mother
I want good things for them
I was wrong in that other life
I cannot undo being gone

God help me to be present in the now of what you have given me
Help me not to hurt over failures and indifference of the past
Help me to be strong in standing in the center of your fountain of love in my family
In my place
My home
It is not a prison
It is a gift
It is your gift to me
Thank you
As I stroke their sleeping cheeks and tears roll gently into tomorrow’s lifewave
Let me ride high on the surfboard of motherhood
High Tide
Good ride…..No Fear




Trish Trueblood

png file by flyguydesigns.com


I can see you tucked behind the seemingly warm petal-blanket of the flowers
I can see your hands pulling on the fine linens of the rose
I can see your sihlouette dancing in the morning sunlight
I can see the dust of dreams falling from your feet
I can see you trying to be hidden from the world that would deny you
I can see you with my hidden eyes that need not look to find you
Can you see me as I see you?
Tucked and pulling
Dancing and dreaming
Hidden, yet seen.

trishtrueblood

spaghetti a la frantasticara

Well, I know there have been some dashed hopes in many lives. Meanwhile there have also been some big blessings. More importantly, for the purposes of this blog there have been some neighborly blessings going on around Sunset drive. SO there are some days during the week we affectionately call scrounge night. Usually, I am tired, Joel is busy or gone and well whatever we find in the cabinet or freezer is for supper.
This blog is a shout, clap and spin for some neighborly spaghetti via the Hafner house. Let me tell you what ( like the old timers in Clyde say) that girl can cook. Thanks Fran, once again you have confirmed your title. Frantastic. All you other shmo's except Erica ( cause she wouldn't like it anyway) eat your heart out.

And He said, "Love your neighbors...." some have an easier job than others.

SpringPics

CenterHouse

Not mine. Not yours.
Ours?
Needs.Theirs.
Bleeds for love.
Reaks of hope.
Dreams deferred, dreams confirmed.
Community unity?
To be or maybe not?

Gathering covering for warmth
Provision will abound
Gathering sticks build vision
Faithful hear the sound

Pipes are used to transfer from one to another
Taking from abundance to distribute for mother, sister, brother.
Underground. Alternative. Off the grid. No chart.
Father please hear my plea
Fill up this cart.

We can sow
In the flow
Pass the Salt down river
Firelight in the dark
Shines bright beyond the quiver
Straighten backs you arrows

Lift your heads you gates
Open up your eyes
See the dead before you
Breathe life from bones that dried
Tables are all set
To greet the King of Kings

Poet People

photojpaulcypert

This one goes out to my poetry people
Sneaking to write that thought in the night
Highways and byways that muse with your mind
Flowers and stars and someone's huge behind
Kids that don't baaa
And some that do
Food that is smeared and
Green colored pooh
Intently and fiercely
Wringing inspiration
Finding your rhythm
Spelling the nations
Water and nature and how the cock crows
Pork rinds and school time and how the wind blows
Some may touch you, some in despair
Some may inspire you to change what you wear
Some may be serious
Some just plain fun
Some somewhat sickly under the gun
Mostly I love you, my people that write, or photo or make things
that bring peace to that fight
That place in the core of you
Art won't let you stop
And the room may smell sweeter if you decided to mop
But smell the rose and tell the nose how to fall in love
with a scent that's not spent on springs' window shut closed

Oil the hinges
A season is new
Blow in sweet spirit
Rise mine to the kite
You'll find a wineskin that's stretched and oiled and ready
For the harvest to be poured in
As you will walk steady
Or dance in position
Oh how I love you my friends,peeps and tribe
You just make me grateful and happy to be alive

Trish Trueblood

Conductor of Praise

Conductor of praise
That is what I am
I can wave my arms like a madman
Frantically freakish
Look at me God
I am not sheepish
I can wear my tuxedo
My proper primness so stuffy
I can intimidate the audience with my pompous ruffles so fluffy

Conductor of praise
That is what I am
I can choose to be trained
By the work of His hands
I can yield all my muscles
To respond to His usher
I can, with each motion
Wield force to the gust of Glorious Bluster

Conductor of Praise
Bring the Kingdom to Earth
Those who have eyes
And those who have ears
Pray scales will fall fiercley
As heaven reveres
The Creator
The Maker
The God over all

Conductor of praise
To my knees
To the ground
To my agenda's death
Fall without sound
Take my wand and break it
As you show me the way
To love my neighbor
Foregoing the stage

To usher in sweetly
To love and be loved
To trust and be trusted
With the peace of a dove




Trish Trueblood

Kite

Flying high
The child smiles
Lifted up under tufts of breeze
A sneeze of wonder
In the pollens of spring
The string extends from his hand
He manuevers position
To gain his command
Reeling and feeling the winds as they change
Rising to heights
Holding the reigns
Walking backwards and forwards, dancing in spades
Blue skies and a tail
That demands your gaze
As you walk in the park
And the sun comes to rest
The dragon of colors gently descends
Daddy and Mommy are ready to go
The boy wishes silent for time to move slow
For him this string is more than a leash
It is a connection with more than the grown-ups can see
It is a world of adventure and courage and wars in the sea
The castles are calling for victory dawn
The princess is waiting for the sword that has won
The colors are not in the twenty-four pack

If I bring him down now
Do you promise to bring me back?

Transition

Don't ya kinda dislike that word? Change, to me, is much more optimistic. I have been thinking about big things for people. Big change. Big movements. Big Callings. Divinely orchestrated networks. What if we all met here and now for such a time as this? What if we were all kings and rulers of this domain,region,message? What if we were to all assemble together to glorify the KING of Kings and in that we were blessed just calling in His presence? What if- like the Kings in the Bible that chose to follow God or not our stories are being written? Do you have a paragraph or chapters devoted to how you have lived your lives thus far? What if we tore down all of the altars to false idols of our forefathers and purified the temples and decreed over our dominion: holiness, fruitfulness, basicallly, heaven on Earth? What if we did not choose to bury our talents for safekeeping, but multiplied them over and over and over? ( Money and Gifts). This is the middle of something glorious, this is this middle of something great, this is a call to arms. Arms lifted high in prayer, in praise, in purpose, in community. We have already begun, let us pick up momentum through encouragment, prayer and prophecy. I decree that you that read this are gaining momentum. You are being infused with creativity from the maker. You are being poured into with wisdom as a thick honey coating your being. You are purified through your confessions and forgiven of iniquities. You are excited to see what is coming. You are not afraid of the call. You will not quiver but will be still under HIS wing of protection and love. At the same time you are released to be who are. What your purpose is, what you were knit together for.

Guess what? We are here for such a time as this.

Every mother's fear

No you never, ever sleep with the peace that you slept with before you have children. You think infancy is worse than post diaper time, think again.

I awoke suddenly at 3:03 AM, I must have sensed something in my spirit. I then heard hurried feet across the hardwood floors and I knew something was quite wrong. My eldest daughter in her teenage panic began to express her fear of the "creeper at her window". She had been up, afraid to move for the noises outside. She sat in the darkness for at least twenty minutes, thought she might wet her pants. She prayed and finally had the courage to move, to get help, or at least go to the bathroom. She then, to her horror, looked outside the window just in time to see the black "thing" cross her path! "Mom!" She didn't know that instincts had already awaken me, (that spiritual connection you have with your children.) She recapped the story, and then said, " I finally looked out the living room window and the llama was in the street!"
Joel, who had been listening, didn't flinch until he heard that, then he was out of the bed and clothed in 2.3 seconds. I cringed, knowing that I had to help. I wanted to say, "Why did you get those animals, again?" but I didn't, I just got up, got dressed, wound up the emergency flash light, that by the way is well worth the $2.95 on 75% clearance, and joined my husband in rounding up the donkeys. He had already gotten the llama in the gate with corn. Mia and I were basically to guard the path. Joel did his "scary jump" and the donkeys returned to the pen. As I was walking back up to the house I said, Mia, why didn't you just say, " The animals are out." She said, " Well, then you wouldn't have listened to my story."

So, just thought I would give you nonparents and parents of little ones, something to look forward to. If not the animal story then something else, but trust me there will always be something else! Meanwhile, I tossed and turned for the next 2 1/2 hours. Gotta love it.

God Bless Candy too

P.S. Next time you see Candy Hallford give her a hug for being so selfless in everything she does for so many. She is like a secret warrior that never calls attention to how much she really does. She has been caring for Granny and Crystal and still tries to make time for grandkids cupcake valentine things. I am grateful to have a grandmother to my kids like her.

Aunt Crystal Update

Heart Report

Crystal went to Lubbock to see a special heart doctor. He performed a cardiac catheterization. Which basically means he took pictures using moving xrays to look at the arteries of her heart and measure the pumping chamber's strength. She can breathe better now because her lungs are better, but her heart is still pumping at 15- 20%, normal is considered 70%. Praise God that He is caring for her. Most doctors in Abilene would not have even done that test, she made it through without any complications. God has recovered her lungs and has plans to restore her completely, let's press in for full recovery. Full restoration, He who is faithful, will see Crystal's restoration complete. Thank you guys for praying.

True Brew

Percolate like coffee
Waiting for the brew
Eyes of a child looking straight at you
How is it that one minute
I feel so full of grace
Yet with the minute past
The spirit heart's misplaced
Selfishness, the monster
Eats the wholeness rising
Bread that should be baked, my Lord
Has chilled in fraternizing
With doubt and insecurity
My Lord, my shepard come!
The cliff is calling me
Jagged edge descent
My flesh must die here now
I fear my life is spent

"I will catch you as you fall,"
The lover's voice proclaims
From lamb's uncertain blind
To Lion's assured reign
You are altogether mine
I will refine my fold
Lovely will you shine
As soon as you let go
Quiver not in yielding
Flesh is overated
The ascent to heavens tower
Is flowered in the quaking
Earth moving in the minute
Godspeak in curtain call
Open on stage right
Bow and take your fall

The beans you grind were roasted
To release the flavored cup
The babe dreams divinely
The silver is aglow
Raise me higher bread keeper
Burn my fleshly binds
Forged for your endeavor
Forever love accrue
Empowered and enlisted
Whisper to your royal few
Readied for the battle
Always to be true
Death it has no sting
To know the end with you.



Patricia Munoz Trueblood
February 17, 2007

I'm Coming After You

I'm coming after you
I'm coming after you I 'm coming after YOUhoo
I am yours
You are mine
I refuse to be denied

These words are simply haunting me
As I fall into dreams
As I drift into consciousness of day
As I become ever more aware of
How much God wants to dance with me
How much He wants to be close to me
How much I make Him smile
How much His eyes twinkle when I look for Him
How much He wants to hold my hands
How much He wants to sign my permission slips
How much He wants to provide me with every comfort
How much He thinks I am pretty
How often he places His warm hand on my forehead and pushes my hair back again
How much He knows I can do anything
How much He looks for me
How much it grieves Him when I deny Him my heart for the sake of activity
How He welcomes me no matter what
How many times He restarts my race so that I can feel confident to run it
In God's eyes I am not slow, out of shape, goanna get a charlie horse or fall
In my Father's eyes He will sustain me and cover me and love me and make me breakfast in bed and bathe me in His beauty clothe me in his grace and walk with me and talk with me and lead me beside still waters where He will again refuse to be denied, I will drink from His cup.
I am His

Cause He is coming after me, coming after mehee
I love Him and He wouldn't have it any other way

WOW was awesome last night, wish I could bottle it and send it to every woman I know. I am blessed to have been chosen to be part of this body of believers. It was all His idea you know.

Props Rock or Poprocks? For Sister Jennifer

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Waitress in a Mom and Pop Mexican Restaurant with huge fish tanks and candles on the tables named Memo's
2. Receptionist in a OB/Gyn office (my uncle)
3. Olive Garden-sang the songs
4. NURSE in NICU, PICU, Cath Lab, GI Lab,Nuclear Medicine, Mother/ Baby,Wound care, now in school!

Movies I would watch over and over:
5. Gladiator
6. Sound of Music and Terms of Endearment
7. Nacho Libre or the Waltons
8. Elf and Zoolander

Four places you have lived:
9. Charlottesville , Virginia
10. Corpus Christi, TX- Corpus Christi makes my eyes misty , this is David Lee Roth from Van Halen tellin ya so! Had to be there.1986.
11. Point Richmond, CA
12. Altamonte Springs, FL

Four places you have been on vacation:
13. Disneyland
14. Disneyworld
15. Taos, NM
16. New York, NY

Four of my favorite foods are:
17. Pad Thai
18. Barbacoa with homemade corn tortillas and lime with pico de gallo
19. Chichen Tikka Masala, Onion Kulcha or Naan
20. Mom's anything


Four places I would rather be right now:
21. In bed
22. Heaven
23. Some beach, somewhere
24. On a honey moon with my husband with no kidruptions

You guys know where this came from! I am 100 list challenged so this is next best!
Copy and paste on your own blog. Delete my answers and insert your own. Have fun!

New Video, Same Old Awesome Husband

Joel and the Cooking Chicks



My Handsome and Talented Culinary Friend( Also Bound in Holy Matrimony)


Yes, many of you know I am the blessed wife of the sexiest Chef in Clyde. I wanted to invite you all to go to the Tru Blu Site http://trublucatering.com/ and watch an awesome video produced by Tim Prosser of Silhouette Cinematography(www.lifeiscinema.com). For those of you that had the advantage of being there and those of you that were unable to attend- Experience Iron Kitchen Blog Style...and let me know if you like, we might series video blog. I am thinking about co-producing videos with Tim. Starring......Chef Joel, with regular guest star appearances by Brenda Becker......and also Chef Steve Howard. Looking for members of the creative team for pilot show development, any takers?
I know, don't I have enough on my plate? Yes, but, to whom much is given, much is required. If God gave my handsome husband talent, who am I to bury that talent? That would make me a wicked and lazy servant. SO, go watch the video, and let me know what you think! Click on Tru Blu Blog at the top of the page, then click underneath the entry that says, The "Eagle" has landed! read more....

Back to school

Hi,

School is in full swing. I am trying to keep it together. Pray for me if you will. It is hard to enter into community with a stack of books to the ceiling calling your name.

Joel's Aunt Crystal

Many of you know that Joel's Aunt Crystal is in ICU. She has a HUGE blood clot in her heart. The Doctors are pretty shocked that she is "here". I am pretty sure they don't think she will be much longer. We REJECT this thinking and want to war for her life. Please pray for her. She is a young woman that wants to live. She wants to see her kids, Aaron become a man and Shea get married. She is scared. Please pray for the peace of God to be upon her. Pray for the miraculous. Pray for the Lord himself to allow a string from the hem of his garment ot touch Crystal Roth that she will be restored!. I feel as though I am wrestling spiritually for the enemy to be pinned down and the referree to bang his hand and declare the finish. I know the Lord has already resolved the authority matter. I know he even resolved the identity matter. I just need to experience a miracle in medicine. As some of you know Bella was a miracle. Truly. Ask me how if you don't know. I am not doubting it can be done. I just crave to see it. I long for it. My soul pants for the glory of God to descend from heaven in Crystal's room and divinely heal her heart. Just do it Father! Please. Please. Please.

I WISH THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A POST ABOUT Joel's cool Aunt Crystal. But with a little divine intervention, I will post about God's cool/hot miracle on Joel's cool Aunt.

Lines of Love

My Bellalina ( Bella)

"A line is a collection of points along a straight path that goes on and on in opposite directions. A line has no endpoints."

Apparently, they are learning basic geometry in the fourth grade. The cool thing is the analogies that develop in their minds.
Bella said, "Hey Mommy, did you know that lines with a dot on the end means it stops." She closed her fists with her arms spread out to demonstrate. She went on to stretch her hands out straight and said, " And did you know that a line with arrows never ends?" I said ,"Yeah, I knew that, finite and infinite." She looked at me and smiled, "Mommy, I love you like this."
Guess how she held her hands.

"A line is a collection of points along a straight path that goes on and on in opposite directions. A line has no endpoints."

Remember, this is fourth grade stuff. Don't get too deep on me and ask me to explain all the intersections of lines in the whole wide world and why some are perpendicular and some are infinitely parallel. That is for someone else to know.

One more thing, I read this the other day and found it to be slightly comforting...

Patience with others is Love
Patience with self is Hope
Patience with God is Faith

HEY YOU-

Joel and Paul

Okay so now that I have your attention I would like to recruit some of you for selfish purposes. My missionary, world changing, warrior for the Kingdom of God friends have been battling a weird illness. Paul, who, if you knew him, it would make sense that he would be the one to get something "weird", really, is a great guy, a little gassy , but great. First of all, he is married to my sisterfriend, Leah, which, by association makes him great. But aside from that he is an obedant servant to the Most High God. He loves the message of the cross and left the States to serve in Southeast Asia because he believed in his wife and her calling to set the captives free. What he did not realize at the time was that he was also called to the same task. Thus, his faithfulness brought prosperity through his photography. Let me tell you- this guy told me that when they tested him for field work, he tested out as an artistic genius. I am sitting there looking at him going, "yeah right , kid! Get a grip!" Well, guess what, turns out he really is an artistic genius, he photographed some of the most amazing pictures of Joel's food in like fifteen minutes. Totally impromptu. This past year, World Concern, the same organization where Leah is a Child Project Advisor, hired him on as their Digital Media Specialist. He has also photographed Jimmy Carter, and a wedding at the British Embassy- the ambassador's son. He is simply amazingly blessed to document the work they are doing there in Bangkok and surrounding countries.
Well, we have not even gotten to Leah. She felt called to minister to women sold into prostitution in Bangkok. In one year fifteen Women came out and were set free through Rahab ministries, the organization she worked for last year (2005). God did not stop there. He increased her territory from a grassroots outreach to FIVE NATIONS. HE opened doors for her to minister, and use the compassion He birthed in her to develop best practices to fight against the sex trafficking of children, as well as network development of other industry NGO's( nongovernment organization) in the region.
I can brag on them all day. God joined my heart to them. Their cause is my cause. Joel and I pray for them like they belong to us. Our hearts are burdened right now , our brother Paul is sick. He has had a fever for about a week. He had flu like symptoms and is still sitting at around 101 degrees F. He has a rash and is red all over. The enemys want to hurt him. I want him to be healed and continue in the work God has laid before him. Please stand with Joel and I for Paul's healing and Leah's protection. Thanks you guys! The gates of hell shall not prevail in the Cypert home. No weapon formed against them shall prosper! By HIS Stripes Paul is Healed! Stand Firm! Perfect Love will cast out all disease from Paul's body! Speak Life warriors!

Princess Mine-My (First) Princess

Mia

My Three

I would like to dedicate this blog to my 17 year old daughter (Actual b-day January 24). Wow. There was a time I would have been like wow you must be old to have a 17 y.o. But now it is just a joy to be able to see what a great girl, I mean young lady she is turning into. She is not only beautiful, and multi-talented (sings, creates jewelry and crafts), but she is a hard worker (she really does get up to work in the donut shop), she helps with housework and watches the younger kids, and the best part of all is that she loves me. Even when I don't give her all the time she deserves, all the clothes she deserves and whatever else you can think of, she has grace for me and still loves me. This past snow day I had to go study to stay caught up in school, I did make breakfast and lunch for all the kids before I left. Mia made it fun. Mia made it memorable. Mia also made snickerdoodle cookies. She is the kind of kid entertainer I want to be. See the following pictures......By the way Mia Sara really does mean my princess. I think God knew that.



This is the snow rapper pose


Nash Bella Landree And Snoguy


Nash and Snow Mickey


Nash Bella Landree with Snow Bob


All the kids trying to catch falling snow flakes- cute!

She does babysit. To the highest bidder!

my favorite salad

Mixed organic greens
Stawberries sliced
Fuji chopped
Extra virgin olive oil
Braggs apple cider vinegar
Braggs amino acids
Amish gorgonzola
Mediterranean sea salt and
Tellicherry pepper

The Lifter of my Head

My little calendar....

We need not strive to raise ourselves up. God knows our weaknesses and strengths. By HIS grace we can rid ourselves of vocabularies of every "I can't" and be lifted above our fears and failures.

THE Lifter of my head....Psalms 3:3

Last night I actually began to realize that I was kinda like a little kid who's daddy said, "not yet" and I was pouting selfishly. I really do know that God knows me better than I know myself. SO the joy comes in the morning... gotta love it.

Blu Growth

Not feeling so hot. Got dumped by a good client today. Found out that the medical mission trip to BKK and Cambodia is scheduled days before I graduate. I am just blu.

I want so badly to be THERE...
in that place
where I know my purpose is
not around the corner
not being birthed in the ground
before it reaches plain sight of
the sun's rays
but reaching higher and higher
my face, the flower, that knows the maker
is meeting me in the light of his love
in his garden

I am growing
through hard ground
not so patiently pushing
the rocks of resistance to
my purpose
lift my eyes away from the dirt
of the earth and the seed that is within me
bursting, birthing, becoming
let me see whatever is true
whatever is noble, right, pure and lovely
let me see you

Update to progress

December 27th I boldly declared some things, I thought for the sake of accountability I would give you an update.

I reorganized my room- it did involve moving furniture- I have a desk complete with computer- same one- and organized books for school. I am ready to complete the task set before me. I believe God has given me the grace to gain my FNP for His purposes. Pray for me and my family to be strong ang happy during this busy season to the finish line- August 5th!

Prayer strategy theme- Whoa! Did the year ever start out amazing? It is as thought God answered that one for me. Hey- I guess that is exactly what prayer is about. I would like to chronicle the three day prayer fast at a later time- I had some amazing stuff happen. Plus, I will post a picture of what I believe to be angel jet streams or the beginning of God's Hand over Clyde. Then there was the prophetic conference. New levels. I received gifts from God I never even considered as well as some major prophetic words over my life. I am still processing much of this.

Exercise- weak- diet- weak. I finally got my bike on the trainer today, I actually performed my work out as designed, just started 15 days late. Hey, that means I have to step it up right- I mean- I can't let all you guys get to be hot and leave me in the lukewarm mombody mode.

Money- terrible start. Income was way lower than par. Hard to budget when it is just not there. I am not worried, we are always provided for. Unfortunately, I fall back on going to work as a nurse to back us up. This is a mixed blessing. I could let us get totally behind with bills- thinking with the flesh ( I am the provider in this version), or I could be thankful I am healthy and have a profession that allows for -as needed- working to help us bridge the gap till we get more jobs. I have been tempted to quit altogether to learn to trust God completely for my provision. I mean during the school session we never have a problem.

As far as the budget. I have pulled out my Dave Ramsey worksheets again in hopes that this time I WILL DO IT. Serious prayer in this area would be appreciated.

Wife and Mom- The mom part is probably the best it has ever been for me. I am really enjoying my not so little babies. Reading lots, talking lots. Gaming, movies, hugs and kisses.
Wife- I love my husband,however, have not been too terribly in tune with his needs. I came back from XMAS with the family and "took care" of his physical needs while he was sick. We had a couple of dates, but we really needed the alone healthy time and did not get it due to the storm (were supposed to go to Fredericksburg this weekend). I hope we get to have a mini get away soon- we need to fall in love for a little while.

Ten- not Bo Derek

I am at the end of a four day work stretch, 10-11 hours each. Someone died yesterday, got snapped at by a doc, literally. I am tired, but wanted you to know I was still here. I have been thinking about a lot. School is impending. I am trying to suck as much life in before I start the semester. It is like taking a deep breath before you go under water to see who can hold their breath the longest. Ahh to be

ten in the summer time
at the pool by grandma's house
and grandpa-in-the- garage, waiting
to make you a hamburger and the best red kool-aid ever
green grass
merry go round
finding the quarter underwater after the life guards blow the whistle
to get back in
blue skies
with white cumulus nimbus
running with cousins
with arms way out
circles until we fall
the raspa man with the mustache and smile
more quarters from grandpa-in- the- garage
to buy whatever color sno-cone
hide in the closet and hope mom and dad leave me here
just a little longer

Tru Blu Update

Please revisit our site and let me know what you think. It might be a slow load since I added a slide show and a Tru Blu blog. I need feedback from pals not afraid to be honest. I want to grow the business. Thanks you guys! And Happy New Year!!!

www.trublucatering.com

Happyday

This was a preconference post-

Wow. I love God. God is faithful, loving, wonderful, magnificent, holy, powerful, etc. etc. I was at a book store yesterday. There was a book that presented the case, very articulately, and rationally for the emphatic resolution to the atheistic stance of many persons in society. Good for them. Good for us. One of the main tenets of that position is that so many people have died in the name of religion;therefore, religious beliefs should be considered as outdated due to the irrational behaviors of those who believe. Hmmm. I will just be honest here. I have questioned many aspects of Christianity. The supposed hypocrisy, the male dominance, the narrow view of salvation, the wars. I have processed and come to an understanding of each of those things.

Here is part of my response. I believe. I believe simply and genuinely. I am humbled in the presence. My rational mind is subdued with supernatural love for a God of reconciliation, restoration and resurrection. My common sense in daily life is replaced with supernatural sense in appreciation for the healing and wholeness I have received and for the miracles I have witnessed. Men and women that absolutely disagree in Higher power ( the unknown God) have never experienced prayer and presence of the Holy Spirit. How sad it must be to live a life void of the possibility of the God.

Is this irrational, maybe. Is this ignorant? Am I foolng myself and brainwashing my children? I think not-I know the emptiness of rejecting your calling. I know the pain of being broken. I know rejection and insecurity. I know ugly. I know weakness. I know sorrow. I know evil.

I am a child of the living God. I am walking in my destiny. I am whole. I am redeemed. I am accepted. I am secure. I am strong. I know good. Real good.

SO to me it matters not if others disagree. I will receive my blessings, as will my children.

This year I want to shine brighter, walk taller, be healthier and resonate with a glorious life. The last four days and nights, we cried out in prayer for many things. I will see them all come to pass and then some. Praise God for strategy.

Derek Wayne

SO, I was driving home from San Antonio at night. I was really allowing fear to grip. (When I had that terrible accident with Bella, it was just before Santa Ana). I prayed naturally, called Joel to ask him to "cover me"- he was at home- too sick to come to Xmas at my Mother's- me being the good wife- left him home. I really was thinking about him too much to enjoy my family. But anyway, I stopped in Santa Ana at the Dairy Queen- having gotten past the spooky part. Coming out of the bathroom this man walks up to me- not sure if he had one too many spiked egg nogs and said, " Mam, I like your hair." I said thanks. He proceeded to point to the truck out side of the DerekWayne ( Texan talk) and said, "see my wife out there in the truck, she's got hair just like yours and I just really like it." Hmm. Was God trying to tell me something here? Like see- even after your fearful episode I want you to know I notice the shiny black hairs on your head- even in DerekWayne. I called Joel and said, " Did you pray for that?" Guess you just had to be there.

Funny kid

So I was sitting with my husband trying to enjoy a movie-(The truth is he had never seen Nacho Libre, I was trying to educate him.) Nash kept climbing on me- he is seven and still loves to climb on me. I said Nash why do you love to sit on me so much. He said, " You are the refrigerator and I am the magnet." Is that a compliment? It was funny anyway.

Road Revelations

Driving in the dark. I began to feel like Jack Kerouac. I have often fancied myself one of those roaming writers from the50's, 60's or 70's. I have never been much of a Christmas person. I have always struggled with it- in my adult life. I did have that one awesome Xmas 1976 when Santa bought me that pink Huffy. Sweet. I heard the bells and everything. It was also the year I lost my two front teeth. But back to the road. Back to the stream of consciousness, flight of ideas that the road produces. It is a drug you know. It explains the gypsies, the Dead Heads, and nomads of any type or creed.
So, I have been organizing my thoughts, what direction to go with- the spiritual, the intellectual, the creative, the physical, the natural tendencies and the discipline challenged facets of me. I have been doing a mental house cleaning. I have not been the best housekeeper for several years. I have been actually pretty close to the worst. But I am good at it when I have to. WHen I clean, I have to move furniture. It sort of drives my husband crazy. SO I have to wait til he is not watching to do it. I have big plans for my house this year- so pray for lots of business for Tru Blu so that my house can get a new do.

I have been thinking about prayer- not in the folded hands at dinner sort of way- not at the shout at the devil with a mega phone sort of way either. Just very intentional. I have been praying about direction of involvements and obligations. I pray for several people. Some diligently than others. I want and need a strategy. I want and need a strategy. This could go on for hours.

Part of the reorganization involves my room. I need study space. I discovered that I did not get adequate study time while studying in the same room as my kids after school- hmm. You think it a no brainer. I have always studied with my kids. I actually have been blessed with the ability to do well with little effort- until this year. Then it got really, really , really hard. SO- I must rise to the challenge of organized life. God help us all.

I am going to become the health freak I have always imagined myself being in mid life- yes people I am there. No fancy red car. No plastic surgery (yet) but I am there. Plan for exercise- start with 10 minutes elliptical, 10 minutes bike, 10 minutes floor- 3 min armcurls, 3min lunges, 4 min crunches. Everyday. I will keep you posted. Hopefully in six weeks you can let me know if I need to step it up or start a health club. ( I still think Ginny Hawk should do an exercise show on CBN.)

Lastly, I sincerely want, desire to be a good mother and wife. I have never been a stay at home mom. I am actually intimidated by it. You have to be so creative to find the moral lesson in the simple things. You have to have this never ending patience. I like my personal time. I have to learn how to manage my time with kid time and Honey time. I bought several books about how to smarten my kids- encourage their intellect. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. I already hug and kiss alot.

I thought alot about covering tonight. I pictured my man- husband as a blanket over me. How he was responsible to make sure that even my toes were warm. From the outside in. He is responsible to know and love me. Does that make me equally responsible to love him from the inside out? Am I to make sure all of his exposed lining (he is still a blanket in my mind) is well cared for? Of course. So while I am underneath the covers I will be thinking about how I can keep him happy and warm and secure in our tent.

I might talk more about my holidays later- My favorite is Easter though- maybe then I can capture the moments.

Closing thoughts: Blogging is evolutionary, SuperVolcanoes are scary, Nieces and Nephews are wonderful. I am home.

Pictures

Erica and Trish's WOW table- I think our winter wonderland and christmas night scripure was sweet!




Pics from Joel's trip to Cambodia, then pics from Iron Kitchen to tease until the real ones arrive

There is a time....

Felt like a wild ride this last few days. Elated, dashed hopes, a little bit more hope, another possiblity, another way, miraculous possibility- which I completely believe in. Then the status quo- which is : no ticket, no plan, no trip to Thailand & Cambodia just yet. AM I disappointed? My life is good. I have a wonderful husband that was supportive of the desires of my heart, children that are healthy and beautiful- a little unruly at times, but nothing God, Joel and I cannot handle together. I have plans to prosper, a hope and a future. In my heart, I believe this absolutely, and it is well with my soul.

Now- I was a little quiter yesterday. I sort of needed to be. Here is the truth, Trish is a big chicken. Trish had major fears about flying that far for that long. Thoughts like, the selfish desire of my heart would lead to my death and abandonment of my children without a mother. Oddly enough as I came closer than I have ever been to a probable departure overseas. The fear I used to have was dissolved, replaced with anticipation about the cause of Christ and the goals to glorify God through the plans He laid before me. So, for what ever reason this did not work out this time. I felt truly as though I would be His vessel and it would be right. I trust my Lord. I have patience for whatever cause He orchestrates in my life. I am but an instrument. Though not musical, I am perfectly capable of being used for the application of His peace, healing, mercy, forgiveness, love, thoughtfulness, caring and discipline. (This is very much a confession of faith, in some areas). SO have a great day, I am going to clean and pray over my house today. Probably drink too much coffee, and I will exercise (another confession of faith). xoxox

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” MLKJr.

Cambodia-Thailand

Okay so last night I got the call. Do you want to go to BKK December 31 to help plan two mission trips children's ministry and medical. I am so excited I can hardly breathe. I want to go. It is the desire of my heart to go. But then there is money, right before Christmas. Where will it come from? I spoke to the husband as soon as he got home, he said I he would support it, but I would have to come up with the cash. I have not been working much because of school. I suppose I could learn to work more for a little while. That is not it. I feel like God will provide if He wants me to go. One of the reasons I know that God has allowed me to get my education is to serve HIS children with it. I don't have $1350 to go on the trip. I need to give an answer today. Lord I pray that your will be done. I am a daughter of The King of Kings. With your permission, I will be a companion on this journey.

So much So little So much

Yes, yes yes finito, done, did it. I actually passed the semester- by the grace of God and the skin on my teeth. I cannot believe how hard this semseter has been for me. I had to pray and cry and beg God to help me. I had to visualize the tree being blown to the ground -just for me( a lesson from Spencer). See High in Demand link http://high-in-demand.blogspot.com/2006/12/jan-newsletter-for-church-sneak-preview.html. Anyway, Mia had a dream I passed, then I had a dream I passed the test but failed the semester. It was too much. Our business, our family, our mission trips, our commitments. I overextended. I was past the limit. I lost the strechability (See Starling's Law). Then one day God breathed renewal, life, hope and His purposes back into my heart. Just like taking my hand and saying, "you can do it precious." "I called you to rise. You are not dead, you are just sleeping. You are not burnt out, you are refined. You are my workmanship. My workmanship doesn't give up out of weariness." It was as though He placed me back into His quiver to be placed back in the bow for a direct hit this time. No more wavering, no more obstacles, no weapon formed against me to prosper. I Love GOD- He is the best. He is fantasteek( Nacho Libre fans chime in here). So I got into the car after class and bawled like a baby. I still did not know for sure, and I was tired. I met a buddy at Carino's and I got the call. My instructor , knowing how scared I was, called the house to assure me that I was still in."I will see you next semester. " My sweet husband called me to give me the good news. Whew! Tears of Joy!

Next- I have failed to put pictures of the event of the year for Tru Blu up- as soon as I get some photos from A Little Bling Bling maybe I can share with you. You have heard of Iron Chef- well in Abilene there is Iron Kitchen- a fundraiser from the United Way to benefit women and children of our community. It was a blast.

Hopefully, we can do a little with our Tapas for Thailand Fundraiser next fall. Most of you know we support missionaries Paul and Leah Cypert. More on that later, that is a whole blog series. For details visit their site link- and Leah's got a blog corner too. Now you can get to to her and love her like I do.

Blessings! Hey did I tell you I passed?

Deep to Deep

Deep calls to deep
On reservation land
Deep calls to deep
While I sleep in my bed
Mysteries revealed to a child so frail
While deep calls to deep doth my life unveil
Witness to sorrow and sickness and shame
Eyes that have known a life filled with pain
Deep calls to deep as my spirit is freed
Deep calls to deep
Hand extended in need
Deep calls to deep
When it is hard and alone
When we stand in our stance in our status quo homes
Deep is too deep if one measures with sticks
Deep is to deep
One soothing the soul
As Hope is to Life
That's consumed by the blow
Knowing the life of a truly good man
Deep is to deep
Indiginous circumstance
Deep is to Deep are you there?
Do you know?
Deep is to Deep
From the depths of my soul.


Patricia Munoz Trueblood

A Confession

They say that admission is the first step to recovery. I have a hard time talking about it, but I think this is the right thing to do.
I am an addict. I can't wait for my next fix. My next time to experience the high of a Mountain.

Here goes..I have to, almost need to watch the Walton's as often as I can. I know what your thinking. How can you find the time to luxuriously long for the Blue Ridge of Virginia- for Walton's Mountain, for the seven red headed children? I love John Boy, he wants to be a writer you know. I love Olivia, she learned to drive just so she could paint, Even though Grandma thought it foolish for a woman to drive. I love the way her husband loves her, and the way Grandpa loves life and the way the whole family loves each other, even when they poke fun. I love how they quote scripture and I love they way they walk around without shoes on. It is just too much. I am halfway through season three. I think I should go ahead and order season four before I run out. See what I mean, I am addicted. Words of wisdom, anyone?

Epidemiology

What is that- well it just so happens after this semester, I can almost tell you-it is the study of the patterns, causes, and control of disease in groups of people. It is sotra like CSI. We did our big presentation today- group project. Tuberculosis in Texas Correction Systems. It was great to be done. I think even in something as dry sounding as epidemiology. There is a beauty that is just dying to be recognized. Patterns-I have always been fascinated with patterns. Natural beauty in the earth, in flowers, in microbiology and landscape, disease as ugly as it can be also follows patterns. For the trained eye or one who appreciates patterns, information can be discovered than can and do save lives. TB is one scary dude. So many nations in the world are affected, including the United States. The big mean brother in the TB family is Drug Resistant. I learned so much being involved with this project from surveillance to strategy, from genotyping to geography. There is some great work being done out there. There is so much more to go. Please be informed. Be wary of coughers, especially persons not from the US. The prevalence of TB is so much higher in other countries. Go to the CDC website when you are curious. You will find everything you ever wanted to know about any disease, and probably some things you wish you did not know. We have to care. We have to be aware of ways that lives can be destroyed. Like they say- an ounce of prevention.....

Yuk stuff Good stuff

Today, I felt human. Imperfect. Foot in the mouth. Missed the point, let some people down. (Felt every centimeter of the distance down.) I did on the up side make some really good tortillas. I make great tortillas. I may stink at relationships, but in tortilla land- I am the Man!

Sometimes, I think we look at ourselves with humility which is good, but then we get hung up on the magnifying mirror that somehow makes a tiny red bump look like GODZILLA on steroids. Why is that? Why can't I just say, I had not as good a day today as I will have tomorrow. I will feel good- I will not be sick, I will not be cursed. I will trust the Lord to allow His Holy Spirit to prompt me into action for whatever is required of me. I will be joyful. I will be grateful. I will be thankful. I will be loving. I will, I will, I will. Help me Lord to be all that you called me to be. Help me to not get so caught up in myself that I miss your point of being free. Empower me with your strength. Help me to walk in forgiveness as well as be forgiven. Grace, Mercy, all of you so that I might in turn be able to give it out what you give me and truly be the vessel, that instrument that transports peace, healing and wholeness.

I was reading the Bible and trying to figure out how faith in healing were so integrated. How often Jesus refererred to "your faith that made you well." Or something similar. In some versions the words are that you are made "whole". It dawned on me that until you are able to receive your healing. Until you are able to admit you are in need- there is a good chance you will walk around in parts. 8 tenths of a pizza pie- not a whole pizza pie. Until you have full faith in healing and being healed, you cannot see yourself "all the way". Father I want to see myself complete in your healing. I want more faith to FILL me completely so that I might understand all that I have missed in my life by not having enough faith. Please help me. I do believe.

List

It is a good day.
Nothing extraordinary or profound.
It is well with my soul.
The wind is blowing sweetly.
I am in a calm peace. The tinkling of the wind chimes.
Perfect still.
I am about to begin my day of errands and tasks.
This moment is about to pass
I will do all that I have to - no more, no less.
No list.
I think I was born to challenge list oriented people in some ways.
I rarely wear a watch, it is as though they elude me. I get one, it breaks, I lose it or it escapes me.
I do sense time, I do cherish moments. I do appreciate, respect and admire the integrity of all of the list lovers.
But I am content with my blank page of ebb and flow, easy come and easy go, way to feel about today,
God still loves me anyway, gives me grace to accomplish and pray for life, love, prosperity, protection, provision, pastors, parents, health, happiness, hope, missionaries, meals, marriage, mercy,miracles, children.
Okay so if that was list, it wasn't my idea, God is just funny that way.

I think I can...

In reference to my painful educational process...

I have discovered that I was resolved to quitting. And it was okay with me. The weird part about it is that it was such a painful resolution that I was literally sick. Stressed and feeling pretty yuk.
Then one day, over the course of several flags in the form of people and prayers, my soul resonated with an answer to my question. DO I really need to finish? Someone that I am not very close to took the time to write me a personal and moving account of her angst in this course plan for our education. Apparently, she is in a similar situation. She is just more resolved to finishing than I was until last Sunday. It soooo made me cry. Not that it is so hard to make me cry- just that it was moving and I am girlie. I finally realized that I was a waffle. Flipping over whenever it got too hot on one side. I just made it a comfortable place to go to in my mind- quitting was like real life. Where completion was like death. Being seared to charred on one side and raw on the other. Truly, If I just remained steadfast and "Stood Firm" I would complete without being burned. I was an arrow with a crooked spine, my feathers were ruffled and I in no way could hit the target. Once I realized that GOD did not allow me this far to fail me & that it was I who failed Him by doubting the grace He has given me to serve Him in this capacity- Then I got my rooftop epiphany of "go for it!" Finish well, finish. He is faithful to see me to completion. My children will know that I love them- they are well cared for. There may be some minor sacrifices, but it will be okay. All is well with my soul. Thanks to My GOD, my family and a few fearless friendflags. Whew! Pray for success.

I am the Hulk? Wow- I was hoping for WonderWoman!

Your results:
You are Hulk

Hulk 80% Green Lantern 80% Spider-Man 65% Wonder Woman 65% Superman 65% Batman 60% Robin 55% Supergirl 55% The Flash 50% Iron Man 30% Catwoman 10%

You are a wanderer with amazing strength.

Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...

Time to Understand

DO you ever wonder what motivates people in their freedom to approach people regarding situations? I do.
I have a friend whose adult child committed suicide. Painful. Losing a child, at any time is incomprehensible to all but the unfortunate that have to experience it.

I had this habit- ritual- if you will, with all three of my babies. I would stare at their newborn to infant faces, trying to memorize them. They were so beautiful. The features, faces, fingers and breaths were such an awesome reminder of my entering into the miracle God -the creation and birthing of life. I knew more acutely with each child how,try as I may, I would never completely memorize them. That somehow they would change right before my eyes and grow. They are still beautiful to me, but they never grow as fast as the first year of life.

Anyway back to my friend. People are calling her- three months after the death of her young adult child, admitting their battles with depression.

Why? She is still hurting. She is still mourning. She does not want to counsel. She- is trying to remember everything about the time with her baby, child, teenager, young adult. She is probably yearning to look at his face, to love all over again from birth. She trying to not blame herself for decisions or interactions that might have been hurtful. Her educated head tells her it has nothing to do with her- her heart, just hurts. Needs to heal.

I know she is numb to their "needs" right now, cause it just hurts too much to go there. It just reminds me of something another friends' grandmother said, "God keeps a bottle for your tears." I believe that my friend will heal. I believe she will use that tincture from her tears to minister to others, that are emotionally or physically wounded. But for now, I pray she simply heals. That God's peace that surpasses ALL understanding envelop her. I pray that she knows the presence of the Holy Spirit anointing her for such a time as this. That as she guides other young people into their development of their called or chosen profession, she is restored with a sense of God given purpose as a healer, teacher, giver of care, lover of beauty and beautiful qualities, and as an instrument of peace.

In the midst of all my junk and circumstance- she is that to me. She may not think so, but she still shines.

TangerineTInselbreeze

I really don't have time to blog, but I am doing it anyway. I am frustrated. I feel that my goal of getting my nurse practioner is "murderizing my mommyhood". And I have this sense of time slipping through my fingers. Yet at the same time, I have such an appreciation for education and treatment of those in need of healthcare that I can't stop. I know what my priorities should be. My immediate sphere of influence. However, I am two semesters shy of completion. This is such a painfully revealing time for me. I read about cultural nursing, where this PhD prepared woman observed the Peoples Republic of China and reported that they were so innately aware of taking care of themselves that speaking of preventative health maintenance was a mute point. There were no words to convey- health maintenance. They practiced Tai Chi and walked around barefoot and were at peace with their lives. It was poetic and beautiful" as though they were one with the earth." I often wonder if all of the strife I have toward wanting to get people healthy (as a nurse practioner) is a mute point if I am not balanced. I kept trying to convince myself that if I could just get done- finished. I can have that garden and read books and be involved with a community of believers.I could have a super clean house, help my husband with his, our business. I could do my part to serve God and love my family. Sounds like a pipe dream. lalalalala. I am doing all that stuff and then some. School is suffering. I think I might just be getting a little burnt. Pray for me. I know God opened these doors. I just want to know if my foot in the jam is holding that almost shut door open now or if HE really wants me to finish.