Let earth receive her King

As 2010 begins.......................

Let earth receive her King...

Everyone

See Him

Know Him

Love Him

Take Him at His word...

Creator of heaven and earth

Giver of dreams

Keeper of promises

Love of my soul...

I receive my King

My hope

My joy

No desire compares

To the fullness of His arms

His breathtaking presence...

I join the angels in His praise

And declare

Let earth receive her King

Everyone

See Him

Know Him

Love Him

Take Him at His word

Creator of heaven and earth

Giver of dreams

Keeper of promises

Lover of my soul...

I receive my King...

Shaken, not stirred

So, I had a motorcycle accident last week. Broke my foot. It is amazing what you find out about yourself when you are subject to the assistance of others. I discovered there are some shaky areas in my life that I really need and want to shore up! I listened to Pastor Kirk's message from 3-8-09 today, and even though I didn't "see" the pic he used, I could see it in my head. It was a pic of a beach after Hurricane Ike. One house was left standing? Why? Because the owners had seen the destruction of hurricanes before, and they wanted their house to withstand one. The other home-owners on the beach did not list that as a consideration while building their homes...

I did not consider a motorcycle accident a "storm." I had no idea last Friday that walking out to that bike would be the last time I would "walk" for several weeks. I had no idea how to prepare for that. And, I had no idea how it would affect me! I was scared, antsy, drugged, fought little spurts of depression and feelings of uselessness. It was a heavier weight than the big boot on my foot...it was a weight on my heart. WOW!!!

There was a glimmer the morning after it happened. I contemplated the death of the dream to ride, and thought about some other dreams I've had to die to over the years. Then a line to a song came to mind and chopped through all that, well, crud: "All the dreams that I have do not compare to my Saviour's arms - you'll find me there..." Nothing compares to Him, and whatever dream dies He replaces with something that brings so much more than just satisfaction...

Then today happened - 1 week later. God's Word is a life-changer - a spirit-lifter - and hearing it from an anointed man of God like our Pastor is like breathing in fresh, mountain air. I felt scales fall from my eyes. I felt God lift me above this PASSING set of circumstances. He really does cause everything to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. I believe it. I believe there will be something taken from this storm that will re-set my world and others will benefit from the splashes. I believe it will be an adventure with regular discoveries and valuable moments with the King of Kings.

I look forward to this 6-8 week journey and pray I don't waste it...

2009

Well, since it's now 2009, I figured I should post again. I'm 2.5 classes into school; The Rock Christmas Eve Service was a complete blast; we've been to Florida and New York between then and now; Mega Worship was last Saturday and it was INCREDIBLE!!!; we've kicked off another fun, exciting, God-filled, purpose-driven, creative year at the Rock with 21 days of prayer and fasting...and the wheels on the bus go round and round!

What I want in 2009 - for me and everyone around me - is for this year to truly be one of passion. That may sound cliche, but if we're not decidedly passionate about it, why do it? Passion takes work and commitment - you aren't going to sustain it by accident. Pastor said Sunday, "The price you pay to have the presence of God in your life is time alone with God." Yep. Time is a passion-sustainer, and it's absolutely true for anything you have a passion for. To keep my passion for Dennis, I have to spend time with him. To keep my passion for the Bible, I have to make time to read and study it. To keep (or re-gain) a passion for the guitar, I have to spend time with it.

So in 2009, make the sacrifices necessary in order to build and sustain YOUR passions...and let God bring the best ones for you into focus. These are my main passions: God - His presence & Word; Dennis; life - living and loving it; the house of God; music - worship, leading, learning (and improving) instruments; people - loving and helping them see & achieve their potential; family - making time for them while I have them. What are your passions? What will you do to make the time necessary to sustain them?

Back to School

Well, it looks like I'm becoming an official student of the University of Phoenix! Yep! In about 2.5 years, I will have a Masters of Science in Psychology, and 6 months to decide if I want to continue onto my doctorate. "Who'd a thought it?"

It all started with a conversation and a phrase from my own mouth..."If I ever went back to school, it would probably be for counseling..." And then the thoughts began..."What if I did go back to school?" "How would that work?" "Why haven't I considered that before now?" "Do I really have time for that?" "Am I really wired for that?" So, I started putting it out there in circles of people whose opinion I really value. Most have said something to the effect of, "Why, of course! I can totally see that!" That's reassuring, I must say. If it weren't a potential gift, it would be a significant waste of time! :-) The only real push back I have gotten has been "Where will you find the time?" That's legit...and I've really thought about it, prayed about it, talked about it, and weighed out all the pros and cons. I think it's more than doable, and I think it will be hugely beneficial when I am finished.

The COOL thing is just how it works. 1 class every 6 weeks...all on-line...all at my own leisure - no set meeting times. 1 class at a time, and I'm considered full-time! Cool! 12-15 hours per week of reading/doing assignments/posting comments in online chat rooms. I can take up to 4 weeks off between classes. It's completely designed for working people who can't just uproot, enroll in a college and quit their daily lives. Plus, every advisor assigned to you is helpful, friendly, and committed to your success. Fantastic!

I see a need in our church for more qualified counselors. I've always had at least a "lean" in that direction. Why not take an interest, combine it with training, and become part of the solution?

Oh...and Dennis is excited about calling me "Doctor Pash!" It helps to have your spouse as your biggest cheerleader! Now, let's strap on our helmets and chaps and just see where this road leads!

At the Crab Shack!

This was perhaps my favorite single event of the trip. We passed DC and crossed the water into Maryland when Dennis suddenly pulled off. He had seen a restaurant on the water and thought it would be a good place for some pics (see the blog/pics that ended up AFTER my parents' bit). I liked the close-up of him with the bridge behind him...I mean, wow!

We passed this local crab shack on the way, and after taking pics, we stopped in for lunch. It was a tiny little place, but had the best crab cakes we'd ever had! And, there's something about "eating like the locals eat" that gives you a taste (no pun intended) of culture that chain restaurants can't.

So, it was my favorite single event because it was spontaneous and fun, and it reminded me (again) of one of my favorite qualities of Dennis. I told him a long time ago, "I love the beauty of your unleashed heart." Not everyone sees that. When he's on the job trying to make things happen for others, he is focused, determined, and works harder and faster than three "normal" guys. But don't be fooled - Dennis is a man who takes life & living it (as well as fun and playing) pretty seriously. He loves adventure. He loves people. He spent the whole day of riding just talking to God in very plain terms. he said he felt like He said, "I love spending time with you...I love having your undivided attention." I love that he listens for that.

So, ride free, love deep, play hard, and live life to the fullest! Oh - and make sure you keep your eyes open for those "moments" worth getting off the main road for...the memories are priceless!

50 Years and Counting

OK, BEFORE vacation, we gave my parents a surprise 50th wedding anniversary party. It actually remained a total surprise. My folks' faces were priceless. There were about 60 people there - balloons, smiles, tears, a surprise musician from Mom's first 4th grade class, 2 members of their actual wedding party, lots of old and new friends, all the kids and grandkids. Mom said it was her very first surprise party. Wow!

It made me think of what an incredible milestone 50 years of marriage is...and unfortunately not a normal number to reach. I am proud of my parents and the example they are. I have been blessed to have my parents remain married, remain in love...and remain friends. In fact, I think they love (and like) each other more now than ever before. Dennis and I are coming on 2 years, and I would love to see us reach an "Abraham & Sarah style" 50th. I would love to have another party for my parents on their 75th. Regardless, I am taking my "cue" from Mom & Dad to make every moment count and build a life of love and joy and friendship and future and destiny and purpose and hope and dreams with the love of my life.

Rock ON, Mom & Dad! I love you!

Biker Bliss Pics

The love birds..................... Oh how we both looooooooove the Blue Ridge Parkway!!!

Something about a guy and a bike!!!

There are more with deeper thoughts that I will save for later. These are completely self-serving..."can't help lovin' dat man of mine!"