Wise Women Part 1

I have been REALLY avoiding blogging lately…it’s nothing personal, I just haven’t been sure how much to ‘share’ over the world-wide web so I haven’t shared anything! I’m super good about throwing the baby out with the bath water!
What better way to get back into the bloggy-world than to create a list of my favorite things at this moment in time!?!

Stuff Christians Like: I adore this website! Okay, maybe not adore since that’s an emotion that should be for God alone…but I really am enjoying this guy’s blog. In it he humorously looks at things that we Christians have in common…our tendencies, church trends, bad habits, clichés, hobbies, tv shows, etc. Not only is it funny, but it also has a lot of spiritual truth to it. Seriously, check it out! http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/

Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge: I’ve been dealing with lots of “stuff Christians don’t like”—sin, my own and others’—so, being the smart Kay that I am, I’ve resumed meeting with a very wise woman at church…Joanne. She suggested I read Captivating and--wow--was that just what I needed!?! I've been learning so much I can hardly contain myself! More to come on that since I've been rediscovering my "creative writing" side (Miss Reno would be so proud!) so I'm trying to work up the courage to share a few of my analogies.

Wise Women: Can I just give say that God is SOOOO good to have placed so many wise women in my path!?! Okay, let’s list the wise women who have planted in me over the years (attempting to list in chronological order):

My mom-the obvious, immeasurable and eternal investment

Debbie Cornelius-prayed for me in the womb at Ft. Leavenworth, invested in me through prayer and was my home away from home during college breaks and vacations!

Mrs. Guilford-again, prayed me through childhood (as my Mom’s prayer partner) and showered me with love, prayer and PACKAGES when I was in college!

Brenda Urice-deeply sowed God’s word into my heart as the leader of my very first Precept class-the book of Daniel, for teens. Her passion and love for the Lord was similar to what I saw in my Mom my whole life, but different enough to free me to pursue God without having to be exactly like Mom. I also kicked my high school eating disorder during this study…as God’s word went in, the lies went out and I was able to go to college 100% free of disordered eating (umm...what was it that Jesus said about a house swept clean getting 7 times worse when the dirt comes back? No condemnation-just an observation. Sigh).

Betty Williams-Wesley Foundation director during my college years. Because I was on council and then president at Wesley, we met weekly for 4 years. Wow. I had forgotten how MUCH she sewed into my heart! Truly, she’s one “mighty” woman—even though she’s about as petite as they come! Also, curiously, she’s an Army wife, just like my Mom, Debbie and Mrs. Guilford.

Marie Wheat—my Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill (hee, makes me sound like the elected Rep, instead of the LOWEST lass on the totem pole!)…VERY wise woman who was just barely 10 years older than me. She has been successful in her career because she held tight to her integrity and to the real application of her strong relationship with Christ. I still recall little bits of advice-both practical and philosophical- that she shared with me and Kirstie-we all sat close together and would chat while working hard for the taxpayers of South Carolina (lest you think we were goofing off!).

ICS Teachers--Ahhhh…this is hard to narrow down to ONE so I’m going to have to make a blanket category. I could specifically name the teachers whose words and faces are now flooding my memory, but then I’d camp here forever and you all would stop reading!

Jeanette Faris—it’s ‘her’ fault that I left the Hill to become a teacher! I taught Sunday school under her and then realized that teaching kids was my favorite part of life. I taught her son my first year and was constantly nourished in my soul by her encouragement and loving acceptance (she was also my room mom). Seriously, I learned more about being a TRUE person from her example and also gleaned some big marriage tips from watching her and Mark.

Kathy Young-where would I be without Gary and Kathy? Not married to Tim, that’s for sure! I met my husband at their Tuesday night Bible study and then sat “under their feet” for our marriage counseling. To this day, we are still under their umbrella as they are the teacher/leaders in our Sunday school. I admire this woman very much and aspire to ‘teach’ the way she does—with her life, authentically engaged on the journey toward Christ -likeness.

My Mom-in-law, Jayne—Sigh. Can I even put words into how Tim’s Mom has showered me with love and acceptance? I’ve been so flawed in the ways I’ve returned that love (probably more connected to the flawed ways I love my husband), but the great thing is the forgiveness is always there and we can move forward in our relationship/friendship! What a great example of the way God loves me!

Bookstore Babes-again, my early marriage mentors who got me through the beginning stages of life with Tim. Bonnie, Pam, Sheryl, Jan, Diann—SO much wisdom shared while we sold books! If I ever went back in time to relive a great experience, THAT’s where I’d go!

Well folks, my baby is up and requesting MY time (somewhat whine-ily) and investment in her life! I'd be very foolish indeed if I ignored her requests for my attention in order to continue writing about all the women who have blessed ME with their attention and wisdom. Thanks for reading!

Vote for Cassie!

Tim has taken on a new project. He has entered Cassie's picture in a baby beauty contest. A local radio station is running this and the prize is $5000--money Tim wants to put in Cassie's college fund. Would you care to vote for Cassie on our behalf? Here's the link. Sadly, it does require you to "register" so be sure to opt out of any newsletter-type mailings! Thanks in advance if you do take the time to vote! :)

She is listed as Cassie-Alexandria. http://www.hot995.com/pages/babyidolvote_can-che.html

Mothers' Day 2008

Happy Mothers' Day to all you Mommies--and to me too! It was a good day with church, Sunday school, lunch with MY Mudder (and the rest of the family), home for a catnap, and then Financial Peace University. I brought snacks this week, and since Dave Ramsay is famous for telling people to save money by eating "beans and rice" that's exactly what I brought! Beans and rice chili with chips, cheese, and pretzels. Another lady brought the "sweets" so I was off the hook for that!

We're home now--without our baby though! She's spending tonight with my parents because I have a dentist appointment tomorrow. Last I heard, Cassie and Mimi were coloring.

For Mothers' Day, Cassie and Tim bought me a Bluetooth earpiece for my cell phone. It's very cool and works quite well. I'm glad I'll be more safe as I drive...plus, it'll be easier to push Cassie's stroller while talking on the phone now. Before I had to cradle it between my head/neck and that was NOT comfortable! My big sister also bought me Mother-gifts! The world's softest robe is now in MY possession--it's light blue and yellow and will soon become my new uniform here at home! :) Beka also gave me the Reynolds Vac-seal bag/kit and TWO new swimsuits for Cassie. We'll do a little fashion show soon and post the results. Also, Beka gave our Mom a dress for Cassie--it's a red sundress (Cassie's wearing it in the first pic)...very beautiful! My sister is definitely the thoughtful one in the family. I think happy thoughts about people but I don't seem to get organized in time to coordinate gifts. My big sister is STILL waiting for her birthday gift from me...her birthday was in January. Sigh.

Allison (Masker friend from college) and I took our kids to the Natural History Museum on Friday. It was a TOTAL hit! The kids (her Matthew just turned 1) seemed to have a blast and I enjoyed being with Alli. She's a precious link to my college years...I'm glad she's close by and only wish she had all the freetime that I have as a stay at home mom so we could do more (she works mostly fulltime). Here are the pictures from our adventure:

Museum Adventure

And just cause I forgot to take any Mothers' Day pics with my camera, here is the link to LAST year's Mother's Day (by the way, which way is correct? Oh, Miss Reeeeeno-is it Mother's Day or Mothers' Day? Hee...Isn't it nice to have an English teacher as my most faithful blog-reader!?!) :)
Cassie really has matured over the last year...she doesn't really look like a baby anymore. Sigh.

2007 Mother's Day