A Poem For Your Enjoyment

I recently joined a Writer's Workshop and have been blessed by the quality of writers who attend. At one of the meetings, I told them of my decision I have made regarding my home. The next week, one of the writers, Mr. Robert Louis Covington aka Bob, who has been published several times and writes incredible poetry told me he had written a poem in my honor. When Bob told us the title, one of the ladies commented that perhaps I should wait and hear the poem before accepting it as an honor. We all got a chuckle out of that.

As soon as he started reading the poem, I knew what he was referring to but noticed several others took a little longer to figure it out. Let's see if you can figure out what it is about.

Twenty-four seven, the modern way
Time fixed, lots to weigh, to convey

Whatever network one may choose
Blabber similar blues of breaking news

Thriving on the sensational, any prey
Luminary iniquity, overkill every day

Guys and girls, competitive sites speak
The suave, sophisticated, the chic

News flashes, vicissitudes bemoaned
To entities widespread, industry, homes

Few stories told with truth, full of facts
Naive eyes and ears with imprudence act

Myriad images, futuristic turbo HD
Concocted in cahoots for you and me

Beckoning all day, only the foolish cling
After thirty minutes, it didn't say anything

That blabbering box, ranting with clout
Most of which the wise can do without

Copyrighted 2009 Robert Louis Covington

Did you figure it out? Let me know what you think it is about and I will reveal the title of this wonderfully written poem in a future post. Hint: The title is found in the last stanza.

Uniformity and Surprises

Have you ever had someone answer your query about their day with the phrase "Oh, it's just the same-old-same-old?" How quickly we humans choose to sum up our lives in soundbites that negate the true impact each day brings. There is no same old uniform life to be lived. No matter whether you do essentially the same pattern of work each day, there will always be something that makes that day unique.

Our task, should we choose to accept it, is to look beyond the daily drudgery, climb out of the morass of uniformity, and actively search for the surprises each day offers. Whether they be small and inconsequential or largely monumental, happy and exciting or sadly devastating, we should anticipate these revelatory moments. Then take our pen and capture our thoughts, emotions, and reactions. This is the fabric of a writer's life.

Uniform never
New day, fresh, yet unwritten
Presents surprises

Of Love Unworthy

Poem I wrote back in 1986 and which won an award at my secular public high school.

This is a message of Jesus' true love
Called by the prophet a heavenly dove
Hundreds of years ago, he came to Earth
To provide for man a plan of rebirth.

Born to a virgin, a mere baby boy
Grew up a child with a favorite toy
Infinite wisdom to scholars he showed
Miracles amazing in Him abode

Teardrops filled footprints up Calvary's road
As blood from His wounded side freely flowed
His voice cried out and His body grew still
And storm clouds gathered with thunderings shrill

Our Heavenly Father gave up the ghost
To redeem from sin those whom he loved most

Copyright 1986 Jana McVay

Illumination

The room was dark and cold
Yet she really felt quite bold
Tonight her nightmares she would banish
Her fears and tears she would vanquish
No more would she cower
Like a spineless, wilting flower
So from her bed she arose
'Crept 'cross the floor on tiptoes
Shivers ran down her spine
What, she wondered, would she find?
Shadows loomed dark and fierce
The monsters grew larger as she neared
In an instant filled with dread
She almost turned back to her bed
Her face was pale, her lips were white
Yet determined onward she marched to fight
Suddenly a moonbeam shined thru
Dispelling darkness from the room
Illuminated now in the light
Was this what had tormented her nights?
Giggling aloud she danced with joy
Those monsters were simply...toys

Dry Spell Over?

After a long self-imposed/spirit imposed separation from an intimate time of music each day with God, I took the first step back to reconnecting with the special anointing, song-writing, composing, etc. that I once had. For years (almost ALL my life), I spent time EVERY day at the piano, mostly just playing, worshiping, praying and having special communion with God. Out of those times came close to 100 God-given choruses and songs of which I have sung and played almost all (at some point over the last 21 years) in church. Some were just special choruses of praise that I shared only with God. Others were for choirs, worship choruses and special songs.

Yet, there came a time where I didn't spend as much time in communion with Him and as a result, some things happened in my life. Things I allowed to separate me from God's anointing. This was a very short time but it has had lasting repercussions for the last three or so years. Talking yesterday to someone who is becoming a VERY good friend and who encouraged me SOO much, I confessed some fears that I had.

I was fearful that when I finally sat down at the piano again for those special moments, that I would feel nothing. That the special anointing that I had felt would no longer be there. See, I have played for services, sang songs, learned new music someone else had written and which I HAD to learn, and felt a smidge of the former anointing that I had had. I know that I have JUST been FULFILLING an OBLIGATION to the call on my life to minister through song. And while doing so, I was questioning whether God would ever use me like he had, would I ever re-obtain the former glory, would I ever be inspired by a message and write a chorus as the minister/pastor was calling me to play for altar call? I had just been praying enough, playing enough to get by.

My friend reminded me of a message my pastor preached on Sunday. He had mentioned that some of us were scared of making those first steps back to deeper communion, that our past mistakes and failures to do so were hindering us. He said, "Take it one step at a time." Just take a moment and pray, even if we don't feel what we think we should or it doesn't last as long as we want it to. One step. Just one.

So, this morning, I arose, checked my emails and instead of taking "refuge" in surfing the net, answering e-mails, etc. I stood up and took the first step. I walked to my piano, sat down, put my fingers on the keys and let my soul cry out to my maker. IMMEDIATELY, I felt the anointing I had longed for, the special communion I had thirst for, the chills that encompass your whole being when God shows up in a special way. One step. That was all it took!

As tears streamed down my face, I began to play and sing my heart's cry. Out of that first step came a song...yes, the first time in 3 years of famine a song was birthed. It is not complete. I believe that is so I will return again tomorrow for a second step. So, as I continue on this journey back to where I belong, please pray for me. I will be praying for you to take that first step too.

Age...Falling Apart...OUCH!

To be honest, I appraoched my fortieth birthday without any qualms or the angst that most people feel. My hubby and I CELEBRATED this milestone and loved every second. However, it appears that since that day of celebration, every part of my body has gone out of calibration! :-)
First, I had a physical exam and all the prerequesite tests and found I had to see a Cardiologist for a suspicious EKG and for my pre-hypertensive blood pressure readings. Everthing else came back normal, thank you, Jesus. Then, the aches started. My jaw is back to aching regularly and I am not sure if I will be able to get my insurance to allow me to see the specialist again. My back had started aching and so off to the Chiropractor I went. I was alllllll better until this last week!

After a week of vacationing you would think everything would be all good. That seems to NOT be the case with this aged body. I am now in excrutiating pain that even the Chiropractor, Naproxen, nor Darvocet could not relieve. Three days and counting. I have severe pain in my middle back and it radiates UP AND DOWN my spine. At moments my left arm is tingly and "numb" when in the next moment, it is my left foot and leg that are experience the same. It is the PITS! There have been tears, pills, back rubs, kisses and prayers from my kids and hubby, and I still arose this morning with pain as my companion.

I do believe my Uncle is correct, aging is the pits! At least in regards to the aches and pains that come. Aging is another matter when it comes to wisdom and such. Love that aspect because I am making fewer poor choices and learning more about how to deal with life, kids, friends, temptations, etc. So, in my estimation: Aging is a 50/50 venture!

Please pray for my backpain for I know the prayers of the righteous availeth much!
Today is Independence Day and I am going to try to celebrate my blessings of freedom and family. Just wish I was "free" of this ugly pain!!!

God bless you and yours as you celebrate the freedoms our forefathers fought for and secured for you. Later today I will be posting my thoughts on this lovely holiday and its history.

Now off to find another Naproxen and offer more prayers of Thanksgiving to my Healer.

Not Knowing....

As a music director, I spend a lot of time thinking/praying about the songs we will sing and play for services. Last night was a new adventure for me. I came to choir practice with no idea what we would sing. There were at least 4 songs fighting for dominance in my head. So, not knowing what to do, we practiced all of them. In one hours' time, with multiple new members, we went over 4 songs. Most Sunday afternoon practices we are lucky to finish practicing the two we will sing for service!! Somehow we were able to practice all of them.

At the end of practice, I had to admit to the choir I still had no idea what we would sing during service. We had prayed at the beginning of practice for direction, didn't feel we had gotten it yet, and prayed again at the end. Service started and I honestly just put my heart into worshipping Christ and forgot about the choir songs. It was lovely....until we were done with the preliminaries and I still had no idea what to sing. Then I felt a nudge toward the slower of the songs. So, I shared this with Sarah, who was directing, and the musicians. We sang that song and the anointing was so powerful!!! At the end of "Faithful Is Our God" I felt God finally direct me towards the second song. What a time we had as Sarah Booker blessed the Lord with her vocals on "Thank God For Saving Me!!" It was a blowout from that point forward!!

Not knowing....that was good for me as a lesson on just putting my trust in the ONE who KNOWS all!!! He was in control, not me! Not the choir! Not the musicians! GOD had HIS perfect way through our yielding control to him!

I commend the choir on their stellar performance and for seeking God's anointing, worshipping with abandon, and allowing themselves to be used! Even more so, I am so Holy Ghost proud of the band!!! They had no idea what they would be playing until moments before each song and yet they played them as if they had spent days practicing!!!! Thank you ILC Sanctuary Choir and Band!!! You are a blessing to me!!!! I love you all! Let's keep trusting God to use us for HIS glory and bless the Lord at all times!!!

Summertime

Summertime is here. School is almost over for my home-schooled kiddos. They look forward to a break and fun in the sun.

Sunday my sister called and said she was coming to visit. She and my gorgeous nephews arrived Monday afternoon. We visited, ate, watched the kids play wii, got panicked when we were told Trevor had hurt his eye, Jennifer got to go to Kaiser so Trevor could have 4 stitches to close up the eye wound, and then they left the next day (Wednesday.) It was wonderful to have them visit and I look forward to seeing them again in July AND hopefully in August!!

This next week we leave for our timeshare vacation in San Diego. A week of relaxation and family fun!!! We are all looking forward to beach time, swim time, reading time, nap time, etc.!! Looking for cheap activities for us to do while there. Got any ideas for us?

July holds several trips in store for us. First, a trip to NorCal to visit family. Second, the girls go to Peak in Tulsa. Oh, and I get to have a Nuclear Stress Test that same week. Ain't I lucky?? :-)

In August we will go to Knottsberry Farm and who knows what else. One last trip is planned for the girls' birthdays in October (not summer, I know) to Big Bear. They are excited about that as well!

Well, I hope your summertime is enjoyable...check back for pictures of our summer trips and such. Have a great one!!!

Frustrations

I THOUGHT I only had one math class to complete before transfering to University as a Junior. Well, I was sort-of right....one math class to complete my General Education requirements. However, I have 2 more classes to complete for my major! Oh, I knew I should have met with a different counselor after the first one just focused on my Gen Ed only!!!

So, frustrations abound in my heart today but it will be alright. God is on His throne and in control. And when I finally follow through with all these requirements and get solid information, the frustrations will just become new ones! :-) And no, I am not proclaiming gloom and doom or having catastrophic expectations...I am just being honest and realistic. Frustrations are lessons learned (I hope) and the end result will be worth every second!!

As I Pray

Sitting in my car
Tears streaming from my eyes
Tired of this ragged race
Hungry to see Your face

The unceasing grind
Leaves me weary and undone
Pain and stress engulf me
I thirst for some relief

My soul begs for more
A closer walk with You
Searching both day and night
Lord, help me to win the fight

Now a new day dawns
Refresh me, Lord, I pray
These tears offer cleansing release
As Your perfect will I seek

Guide through every day
My life is Yours' to use
I lift my heart, my voice to say
Thank You for answering me today

As I pray

Kreativ Blogger Award and 7 Things I Love

Sis. Shirley Buxton has so graciously awarded me the Kreativ Blogger Award. I am honored to have such a great writer give me an award for my sometimes awkward attempts at blogging.

Though I could go on and on and on and on and...well you get the drift, here are the top 7 things I love in life:

1. God
He has never ever let me down and has seen me through many dark trials, failures, and
valleys. Yet He always leads me back to the mountain top where I find joy and strength. His
eye is on this little "sparrow" and I know He is watching me. He is the best friend you could
ever ask for!

2. My husband, Mark
Mark has exemplified Christ's love for me on many occasions. Quiet though he may be, he
never hesitates to let me know he loves me and how he feels about what I am doing! LOL

3. My children: Marissa, Jessica, and Justin
Creative, bright, full of love and laughter, my children have been an inspiration to me. I
MUST continue to walk with God and show His love to my children so that they can draw
ever closer to the One who loves them beyond measure.

4. Apostolic Truth
I have been fortunate to be raised in the Apostolic faith from birth. I am 4th generation
Pentecost and my children are 5th generation. Having the Word of God to turn to and stand
upon is the best thing. Knowing that I am founded in Truth and striving for Holiness assures
me of a day when I will hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of
thy lord."

5. My family
My mother, father, sister, brother, in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles are a blessing in my life.
There have been many laughs over the years and hopefully many more to come. May God
bless my family, especially those that have walked away from truth and those who have
never come to know Him in the Holy Ghost.

6. Music
I know, I know this is not very original (see Sis. Buxton's blog, as well as many other Kreativ
Blogger winners) but it is definitely in my top 7!!! Jazz, classical, gospel, contemporary, show
tunes, a little country, even less bluegrass, it doesn't matter, I like it! I want to learn more,
practice more often, increase my ability to play the more challenging styles, and more than
anything want God's anointing on all of it. May He bless me with more songs to write and sing
for His glory!

7. Chocolate
Quite different from the rest of my favorites. I, like most people, adore chocolate. My
foremost choice will now and for all time be.....Dark chocolate. I love the bittersweet bite! And
when you melt it around almonds, well, I might think I have died and gone to heaven!!!! In
fact, Lord, please make sure we have some dark chocolate covered almonds on the
smorgasbord of eternity!!

I am tagging the following people and awarding them the Kreativ Blogger Award.

Theresa Lozano at Lozano Family
Katie Booker at Life at the Booker Household
Sarrah Dillon at She's a Bad Mamma Jamma
Jarron Brown at Jarron's Blog
Preston Brown at Preston's Ramblings
Bekki Simpson at The Art of Dancing in the Rain
Erica Rose Marxer at Erica's Place

It's Official...

It has officially begun. Marissa and Jessica are now babysitters! Yes, I am overwhelmed with this new status of my babies. How did they get old enough to be watching someone else's children? Where did the time go?

My girls are babysitting, even now, as I type this post. They are watching the cutest of twins, John and Isabella. The first time the girls started watching the twins was a doozy!! In fact, they met my husband at the backdoor as he came home from work, dropped both babies into his arms, and ran for cover! LOL The next time, which was last week, was Oh, SO much better. The babies just needed to get used to the girls and our home. They love the "woowoo" aka as Anabelle, our Dachshund. She is pretty good with them and loves the attention.

I keep calling them babies but I believe they are around 1 1/2 years old now. They are both beautiful children and have overcome the effects of their extra early birth . If I am correct, they were born at 26 weeks gestation. They were in the hospital for several months until they were 4 pounds or so. Maureen, their gorgeous mommy, has had her hands full, FOR SURE!

Today, the girls seem to have a great grasp on how to meet any and all situations. It makes me proud to see them care for these babies with so much love and natural ability. It also makes me happy to see them earning a little money for themselves. When you earn the money yourself, you are more apt to be more careful how you spend it and take better care of what you buy.

To see pictures of these cuties, visit my friend Laura Berrier's blog. She shot some candid shots of both kids at Heather and Joe Serna's recent wedding reception. Now, I am going to go check on my girls and see how they and the babies are doing. See you again soon.

Neglecting This Blog...

Life has surely been busy around here for the last few weeks. School, work, church, birthdays, and much more. Just wanted to let anybody (of the three who read this regularly) who was concerned know that I am alive and kicking. Perhaps I will have time later this week to post something that has been on my mind. For now, keep checking back and I hope you forgive me for not posting!

Have a blessed Monday...mine hasn't been too great so far...we shall see how it turns out!

The Tattered Tome

After an activity in which we evaluated our Self-Concept during Interpersonal Communication and a rousing discussion during our Study Session, I started driving home. Out of nowhere came the first two lines you will read below. I stopped for milk and other necessities and yet these phrases kept sounding in my head.

So, I sat down at the computer and let the phrases flow and I am amazed at what came about.

*******************************************************************************************

If only everyone else could see me as I see myself

Like a worn and tattered tome on a secondhand bookstore shelf

The jacket that I wear is hiding what is really inside

It only offers me a sense of false and temporary pride

The outside may be clean and dusted, colorful and neat

But underneath the jacket is a history of defeat

The naked bindings of my life

Show many stains of tears, anger, pain and strife

My corners are battered, my edges abused,

And my facade has been negligently misused

Inside are hidden secrets written on pages torn

They are filled with self-recriminations, failures and scorn

Occasional triumphs are recorded, few and far between

Kind words others shared are treasured, make me feel like a queen

If someone were to be allowed to read this shattered account

I am sure they would be surprised at the wasted amount

Of joy that didn’t last long enough, or peace too fleeting

Of the things I allowed to be written, instead of from sin fleeing

If only others could see my life as I really see

Perhaps they would stop judging and just help me become a better me.

**********************************************************************

Do you identify with the Book or with the ones to whom the Book is talking to?

I am not sure where I stand, perhaps I identify a little with both parties.

Miracle Received

This weekend my sister and I will be singing a song about a miracle received. Just to give you a short taste of the lyrics, here is a part of the chorus: "If you could see me now, I'm walking streets of gold. If you could see me now, I'm standing strong and whole. If you could see me now, you'd know I've seen His face. If you could see me now, you'd know the pain is erased. You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place. If you could only see me now."

Yes, the much dreaded/anticipated healing has arrived for my Granny. Tonight at 11:16 PM CST she went to be with Jesus, Pawpaw, Uncle Harold, my great grandparents, and many other friends and family members who are worshipping at the feet of Jesus Christ. These worshippers are whole, no longer in pain from their ailments or diseases, and they are basking in the presence of Almighty God.

My sister and I would appreciate your prayers this weekend in behalf of the Chance family. My Granny, W. Frances Chance is now at rest and I won't complain (see previous post) nor cry too many tears because I would NEVER ask her to leave Heaven and her healing just so that I could be with her one more time.

Healing done, miracle received. 

Good Days and Bad Days

The past few days have been difficult, sad days as we have heard more about my Grandmother's illness. My sister and I are dealing with self-recriminations over lack of constant contact with Granny and with a little anger of the fact that we are in California, she is in Arkansas; we have not been moneyed enough to buy tickets for our whole families to regularly visit her; and we are jealous of our cousins who ARE close enough to visit with her. After an intense conversation with my sister this morning and feeling sad because I had gotten to talk with my Grandmother but my sister hasn't, I was walking across the campus parking lot on my way to Algebra when I heard music coming from one of the vehicles. What was so neat about that?

Then I heard the words..."I've had some good days and I've had some hills to climb. I've had some weary days and some lonely nights. But when I look around and I think things all out, all of my good days outweigh the bad days. I won't complain" Immediately, I knew God had allowed me to hear that to help remind me that He is in control and that He loves me. I started crying and called my sister to share the moment with her. I wanted to stand there in the middle of a parking lot, while tears streamed down my face, and just listen. I didn't have to though because I know the words of the chorus: "God is so good to me. So very good to me. More than this world could ever be. God is so good, I won't complain." This has been a song that has blessed me more times than I can count yet here I was complaining and focusing on the problems I faced.

I am truly blessed today. God is SO good to me. He loves my grandmother and knows what is happening in her life. I WILL trust Him to do what is best. He is aware of my sorrow and frustration. I trust Him to see me through these dark days. He knew what He was doing when He moved us to California so many years ago. I believe I am in His will.

Another song just started playing as I am typing this. It is in the player at the bottom of my blog. Darwin Hobbs is singing "Free." As I listen, I am encouraged. This song has been a HUGE blessing to me for the last month. One of these days, I WILL be free from my past, from the temptations of sin, from the sorrow that comes with the passing of a loved one. Free from the guilt that I heap on myself for not being "good enough", not calling often enough, not visiting like I wanted, for opportunities that I did not take and now are no longer available to me, for words quickly spoken, anger spent without thought, and choices I made that were detrimental to my soul and to the souls of others. Free, I want to be free to dance on streets of gold, at the feet of my savior, singing His praises for eternity. I can't wait to be FREE!

My grandmother will soon experience this freedom. I asked her to tell Jesus that I am trying my best to make Heaven. One day soon, she will be reunited with my Pawpaw and together they will be FREE to dance, FREE from pain, FREE from heartache, FREE from sin, FREE for ETERNITY!

So...I won't complain....

Urgent Prayer Requests

Please pray for my grandmother, W. Frances Chance, who is currently in the hospital undergoing extensive tests for bone cancer. They have not come right out and said that is what she has but she is in SEVERE pain all throughout her body and there are multiple suspicious spots on her bones as indicated by the CAT scans. We will know more on Monday when her doctor comes in and reads the reports. In the mean time, please pray that the pain lessens and that her appetite returns.


She was a pastor's wife for over 50 years before God called my PawPaw home. She is a prayer warrior and wonderful speaker. It is her turn to covet the prayers of other prayer warriors.

This is not a great picture but it was the only one on my computer that you could see her
beautiful face.

Also pray for her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Al Harrison, who are both in poor health due to cancer. She has colon cancer and he has brain cancer. Our family has really been hit by cancer. We just lost Sister Sharon Chance at Thanksgiving and have lost other family members to cancer as well.

My father-in-law, David McVay, is in very poor health due to Diabetes and Heart problems. He needs a miracle! Pray for my mother-in-law who is having surgery on the 24th for shoulder problems and needs to be able to care for my father-in-law.

Another request, Pastor Ron Lawrence in Sunnyvale, CA. told his congregation Wednesday night that he too has been diagnosed with cancer. My in-laws attend his church and he has been a close family friend for over 30 years.

I am not worried by these requests, just saddened that so many are suffering. I DO know a GREAT BIG God who loves His children and will meet them at their time of need.

Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Back to Work

Tomorrow is the first day of work for me this semester. I am only SI'ing for one class this semester though. That should make it an easier semester!

I look forward to working with Micherri Wiggs again! This semester she is not teaching Public Speaking. Instead she is teaching Interpersonal Communication. I took that class and SI'd for it last semester with Ms. Joanie Gibbons-Anderson. She is an incredible instructor!! I would have loved to work with both ladies but my schedule does not permit me to do so. So, it will be interesting to see how Micherri approaches the curriculum after seeing Ms. G-A's approach.

Gonna be fun!!!

If I am not on here very often, I apologize in advance. I will do my best to post at least once a week.

God bless and keep you!!!!

From My Heart To Yours

New background

Okay...wanna know what ya'll think of the background I created for this site. Please be honest but gentle...

Thank you...

The Stranger....A MUST Read For Everyone!

This was sent to my husband by a family member. I found it to be quite interesting and correct.

The Stranger

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small Texas town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger...he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped

Talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.

Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home... Not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol. But the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular

Basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished.

He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.

I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?.... .. .

We just call him 'TV.'

(Note: This should be required reading for every household in America !)

He has a wife now....We call her 'Computer.'

Family members who read this blog and have chosen this path...again...Please reconsider! I am not your judge and am not without fault in hosting the stranger and his wife in the past, yet I am worried at the things my nephews and nieces are being introduced to by this stranger. My own children and I struggle at times with the strangers' wife so I definitely am not judging. However, it is time to tell the stranger, "No thanks to the vile conversations that he holds, the suggestive remarks and examples he shows, the politics and values that he has perverted" and tell him to leave and maybe even take his wife with him! The muzzle we have on his wife here at this home helps somewhat...but we still spend too much time entertaining her and not the Honored Guest who lives here too! The Honored Guest MUST not become a stranger and He has told us He cannot live in a divided house! Yet His family is bringing in the other stranger and his wife and making them the honored guests.

Please kick the Stranger out and make LOTS of room for our Honored Guest who simply wants to spend time with us and help us make His home our own one day soon.

A Melancholy Morning? Not any longer!!!

Last night I took a trip down memory lane. I found a neat site that has pictures, updated information, etc. about my graduating class from high school. It was funny looking at the way people dressed back then and I even saw a goofy picture of myself. In fact, I showed that picture to my son this morning and he said there was NO way that could have been me....Not sure if that is a compliment or not! LOL

As I scrolled through the site, seeing the pictures of the 10 and 20 year reunions which I was unable to attend, I realized that even though I went to that school, I was never really a part of it. What I mean is that I was a Pentecostal (one of two that I knew about) girl who wore skirts, had uncut hair, wore no make-up, and was not in the "in crowd." I didn't attend the football games (except for my senior year homecoming game), didn't party very often (except my rebellious senior year), didn't have a whole lot of friends, etc. I seriously doubt very many of the people I did count as friends even remember me today, I was that "unassuming."

At first I felt a little ache in my heart that I was so forgettable. That if I were to run into one of my classmates, or even attend the 25th reunion, they probably would have to put on one of those fake smiles we use when we are trying to pretend we remember someone and say, "Oh, my, it is SOO good to see you!" while not even having a clue to who I was or how they knew me. But then the Lord reminded me that His Word says that I am to be in the world but not a part of it. We, the believer who has been blood bought, are to come out of the world and be a separate people. I must say that this helped me to reconcile my unpopularity in high school.

While searching through the archives, I found some old friends and I have sent them e-mails letting them know that I am alive and look forward to reminiscing with them. I already received one reply and that too helped me overcome my melancholy. Kendra was so excited to hear from me after all these years (I think it has been at least 8 years since we last reconnected.) We are going to be chatting via e-mail and such to catch up with each other. How exciting!

So...if you promise not to laugh TOO hard, here are some pictures of me from that long ago era of high school and the 80's style!

Did you promise???? Truly??? Cross your heart and all that stuff???

Okay...here goes....

Funny huh? Oh, well...you too probably have pictures you would rather never ever again saw the light of day!!! LOL

I am thankful that I have a heavenly Father who loves me just as I am and who has called me to come out of the world and to be a separate people! The people of the Name MUST continue to be a separate, holy people as this world grows more wicked and rapidly approaches the return of Christ!

Stand up and be counted as a Holy Ghost filled, One God Apostolic, Tongue talking, Holy roller, Born Again believer in the liberated power of Jesus' name!!! I am determined to stand for holiness and righteousness of the inward AND outward man come what may!

Devil, I serve notice on your little army of wIMPs...you know the ending of the Book and I come against your vile attempts to destroy my family in the name of Jesus! Satan, you are defeated and I have a Master who is working ALL things for my good! He hears my cries for my lost loved ones and the ones who are falling away from Truth and Holiness. Come what may, I will fight you for the souls of my children...and I WILL win because I have a larger army at my disposal and my General...he knows every move you might make and He will counter them at every turn!!

Whew....feel like dancing on the enemy right now! I hope you feel the same way....Excuse me while I go shout!

Promised Pictures and More

The promised pictures of Justin's "whiskers" are below. Sorry they are so dark. His hand is healing nicely and we continue to thank God for protecting Justin's life.


A side view of the cut

The "whisker smile"

Full view of the hand and injury

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A new addition to our family of sorts. Freckles has come to live with us. He is a "mutt" LOL His previous owner said that he is Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua/and who knows what else. The kids love him and carry him everywhere they go in the house. He is a cutie but Mark and I are not SOOO excited about the potty training and teething that comes with a puppy, cute though he may be.

The following pictures are of Freckles and his introduction to Anabelle, our Dachshund.


"I am no threat to your reign...really!"


"Whew...I am so tired from all this meet and greet."

Freckles...a cutie, huh?

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Here are some silly pictures of Justin from last night. He was eating an orange and decided to make "Billy Bob" teeth from the peelings. Hope these bring you a chuckle like it did for us.

A cheesey grin...

Bucktooth grin...

"Look ma, I am losing my teeth!"

Emergency Room Joy

WOW...4+ hours later and I have just gotten home from a trip to the Emergency Room with Justin. We have had quite the excitement tonight! Justin cut his hand quite deeply on a piece of glass from a picture frame and we couldn't get it to stop bleeding. SO...here came the EMT's and Fire Department. Nice guys!! The 911 operator had given us good instruction on how to lessen the bleeding and then the emergency crew helped to make sure he wasn't going to bleed to death on us. They wrapped it with some gauze and made sure it had a good pressure on the wound. We opted to drive Justin to the ER ourselves and quickly were seen by the RN's and even a Dr! Then the wait began!!!

After the Dr. had cut off the bandage looked at the wound, she told us her A-team would be coming to sew him up. So, with the wound covered lightly by the cut bandage, we sat there and waited, and waited, and waited. Then, Justin says, "I feel liquid running down my arm!" Sure enough, there was a river of blood streaming down his wrist. So, I wiped it off and we went back to waiting and reading a comic book together. A few minutes later, more blood flowing down his arm. I got a couple of napkins from the dispenser and laid them under Justin's hand. It wasn't long until Justin said, "I feel wetness on my leg!" The bleeding had gotten worse and now his brand new gray courderoy pants had a huge blood stain! Okay, it was time for help.

One of the nurses walked by and I asked if there was something we could lay on his lap since the bleeding was ruining his clothing. She came over and lifted the bandage to see what was up....there, up on his forearm, was a sign of arterial bleeding!!!!!! She was cool about it but immediately started checking out the wound more. She could see a pulsing when the wound was bleeding and so she put a pressure, and I mean PRESSURE, bandage and wrapped his hand to see if the bleeding would stop. Back to waiting.

When the Resident came to do the stitches, he knew that he needed to be watching for the arterial bleed signs. As he removed the pressure wrap, he was surprised by the amount of blood that had bled out. If there had only be veinous bleeding, the pressure bandage would have stopped the flow. With the amount of blood on the pressure bandage, it indicated that indeed the artery had been nicked or cut. So, before he began the stitching, he placed a blood pressure cuff on Justin's forearm and pumped it up to 120 to slow the blow of blood to the hand.

After the injections of the Lydocaine and Epi, which Justin was VERY brave in how he handled the pain, Dr. Brown, the Resident, and a student PA, gave Justin 8 very nice stitches. Justin says it looks like a cat's face with all the "whiskers" on his smiley shaped cut. LOL Justin just about talked the ears off the doctor but the doctor enjoyed the banter and was very patient with him!

Justin and his wrapped hand. The cut is at the base of his Right thumb.
I will try to get a shot of the "whiskers" tomorrow.
The pressure of the bandage needs to stay on his hand to make sure he
doesn't continue to bleed.

Right now as I type, I am crying as I realize how close we came to having a serious injury tonight! The artery must have been nicked and with the initial pressure from me as we waited on the ambulance and then the first pressure bandage, there was no spray of blood. But after the removal of the bandage and Justin moving around while waiting for 1 and half hours to have the stitches put in, the nick grew larger. I am very thankful that God had his hand on Justin and didn't allow him to "bleed out" from an arterial cut! I am also thankful that though the cut is VERY deep and over 5 centimeters long, there was no nerve or tendon damage! Justin will still have full mobility and feeling in his thumb and hand. He WILL have a very impressive scar as a reminder!

With the earthquake last night and this cut tonight, I hope my children are listening to the warnings God is giving them! The earthquake happened as I was dealing with attitude from Jessi and tonight's experience came because of an explosion of temper after being teased. No, Justin did not punch anything or break anything. However, he did storm off into the front room and in the dark did not see that Jessi had left a piece of glass from a picture frame lying in the chair he threw himself onto in his fit of anger.

Jessi learned a lesson tonight...follow through and put things in their proper place. Justin learned that he should not overreact and throw a "fit" when he is upset. Marissa learned that she should not tease her brother and cause him to sin in his anger. I learned that I still have a love for medicine and a fascination with how things were done tonight in the care of Justin's wound. Who knows, perhaps I will find a way to complete my education in the field of medicine of some sort, as well as pursuing my love of Speech communication.

I pray your evening was less eventful than ours. This has been quite cathartic to write about the experience AND it has helped me to finally wind down and be sleepy enough to finally crawl into bed and rest. Pray for Justin to heal quickly and for the McVay family to listen and learn from all life's lessons!!!

Good night...ummm...morning... :-)

Sundry Joys...

Today was the beginning of the Bible Quizzing Season. JOYful, JOYful...a time of intense practice and studying, and a time of fun and friends as the tournaments begin. Jessi and Justin have learned 20 and 15 verses this week, respectively. They are studying the book of Luke and are doing very well so far. Jessi is learning 5 verses each day for the Senior Division and Justin is learning 4 a day for the Junior Division. They had pizza and juice before a team meeting and overview of what is expected. They will have their first tournament the end of January. Jessi has to know over 90 verse while Justin needs to know 65 by then. Marissa is opting out of the quizzing experience but she will be learning verses each day as part of her homeschooling.

Mark and I need you prayers. We are facing a big decision over the next week and want to make the right one. Mark wants to be sure that we follow Biblical principles as we make this decision. Our hope is in the Lord and we trust Him to lead us to make the right decision. Not a lot of JOY in this section but I keep reminding myself...the JOY of the Lord is my strength.

Tonight at dinner, Jessi was having a moment of "attitude" and we were discussing how she needs to be careful not to be disrespectful due to the impact that could have on her soul. ALL of a sudden, the whole house started shaking, rolling and rocking. Earthquake! After the shaking stopped, we all were holding hands, making sure everyone was okay, while Mark checked the gas lines and such, when I said, "See, we have to always be ready for God to come for us." Jessica immediately looked at me with a white face and said, "I was just thinking that." She felt that God had made sure she got the impact of what we were discussing! I have to agree the timing was PERFECT! :-D I think she will not soon forget that discussion and I pray that it helps her to be more careful of her attitude. Oh, the JOYS of teenagers and pre-teens!

Now, it is time for bed and I am exhausted. My eyes have been hurting all day and I have been fighting a headache. My glasses help a "little" but only to keep the blurriness from getting worse.
Oh, and thanks for stopping by every now and again to catch up on the JOYS of the McVay household!

A Resolution?? The Joys of Dieting!

Well, here we are in 2009 and still overweight! However, I am determined to do what I can to lose the weight this year. I have noticed other friends who have blogged about this same topic and are determined to lose weight in '09. I wish them success!

To help with motivation and tracking my journey of loss, I joined a really cool website called SparkPeople.com. They have a nutritional tracker which gives you a suggested menu for each day, counting the calories, carbs, protein and fat grams you intake. Their exercise tracker helps you build a custom plan for your lifestyle and goals.

I WILL lose weight....Slowly...50 pounds over 12 months averages a little over 4 pounds a month. I am challenging Mark and Marissa to lose weight as well and challenge all 5 of us to exercise regularly!!!! I am tracking all 5 of us through SparkPeople so that we can each see how successful we can be at getting healthy.

It is time to take control of our health, physically AND spiritually. Along with the diet and exercise, we will endeavor to spend less time on the computer and more time reading and learning the Word of God. We have already made strides with making the Bible first priority yesterday. We read and discussed several chapters from Proverbs and Psalms and we prayed together as well.

Are these resolutions? Probably....but not ones we are going to break!!

In Jesus' name, we have the strength to overcome our physical weaknesses of junk food and lack exercise! In Jesus' name, we have the power to overcome our prideful ways, lack of spiritual growth, and the power to stand strong in the face of compromise around us.

I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me! So can Mark, Rissa, Jessi and Justin!
As well as YOU my blogger friend!!