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I Forgot that I was tagged!

Tagged by Sister Annette to list 10 random thoughts. I don't usually do these things...but for some reason I'm going to, but I'm not going to tag anyone else.

1. Where are the all good Christian single young men?
2 I look forward to having a son.
3. I wish I played the piano.
4. I can't imagine life without God.
5. If my relationship with God depended on people I would have backslid a long time ago. I would've backslid this past week. I would have backslid today.
6. I love my job, most the time.
7. I wonder where I'll be next year at this time.
8. Brother Nowling won airline tickets to Italy.
9. I won salesperson of the month two months in a row.
10. I love playing games.

That's it!

I Know I've Been A Slacker!

I guess I've joined the ranks of slackers. I don't know why. First I was really busy and then I just wasn't in the mood.

Christmas weekend we had our youth Christmas party at Jessa and Jenna's on Saturday night and then Sunday night we had our church fellowship. Both went well but I spent a lot of time getting ready for Christmas and them.

I don't know about everyone else but we didn't send many cards this year. We basically sent to our extended family and one or two others. We do want thank the Clemens from KS, Thompsons from MN, Sister Albizure from IA, Rosentreters of Canada for their cards and words of encouragement. We actually received a card from a lady that lived across from us when we pastored in Janesville, WI 23 years ago. Wow. If any of the Lewis' read this, Delores Podiwel is still alive and living in her jungle across from what was then The Church of God of Prophecy. We also received a phone call and card, from John Bosio who we knew from that same time in our life and haven't heard from since we left. Quite amazing. Thank you all for your Christmas wishes.

Our Christmas day went good. Life is different with the girls older and our extended family not around. But all and all it was good. We slept in until 7 am and then everyone went back to bed. Usually I don't but I started dozing on the couch so I joined the nap club and took a two hour nap. Then got everyone up and we made a ham dinner. That evening Josh and Jackie came over and we watched a movie and then played Phase 10 and Sister Smith I actually WON!!! Yes, I'm not a total loser.

The rest of the week was frustrating. I'm sick of people and their attitudes.

Today Jenna helped me take down all the Christmas decorations and rearrange the furniture. We're looking for a small living room chair as we need more sitting space when we have company. I don't want to pay big dollars but I want something decent. The thrift stores had several blue ones, but my living room is mauve and greens. So NO to blue! We found a small rose colored recliner but I'm not sure. It's a little to on the pink side for my taste. We'll check out another used store tomorrow and if we don't find anything there we may go with the rose one. I don't know.

Anyway, that's about all that's been happening in my life. Hopefully 2007 will go out good and with 2008 bringing great anticipation of goods things in the Lord.

Now I'm Paying!!!

The nine hours of Rummikube was fun and thank you Sister Smith for confirming that I'm not a sore loser. Brother Nowling read it too...great big grin. But this past weekend I spent so much time playing games (and I loved every moment of it) but now I'm paying the price for it. I am soooooo behind on my Christmas stuff. Be it baking, shopping, cards or wrapping gifts, I don't have any of it done and I have no one to blame but myself. The nine hours was just Rummicube. We played Mad Gab, Balderdash (I kept score), THEY played spoons (Jackie I don't think even if you took it easy on me that you could get me to play that one ~ that one is just to fast for me), Bible Scattergories (which I watched). Come to think of it other then Rummikube and Mad Gab I didn't play all the other games, but I wasn't getting anything done. So as soon as I'm done posting, wrapping gifts I will be doing.

Oh by the way, my major online shopping still hasn't all showed up. Only one shipment out of five. Tomorrow's the last day, if it doesn't come tomorrow then Saturday I'll have to go out and get some of the gifts that are missing. The ones for the girls, they'll just get EVENTUALLY but I had other people's gifts in there. Ugh. The company told me if there was things I didn't get in time for Christmas and I didn't want to call them and they'd send a free return label. That's great, but that means setting on hold for 20 minutes before getting through.

The youth Christmas party is Saturday night so I lose Saturday night so I've got to get a lot accomplished tonight as tomorrow and Saturday morning I'll have to do some shopping. I know stop complaining and get to work. Bye!

After 9 Hours....

After playing 9 hours of Rummikub I remain....drum roll please...defeated. Yes, between Saturday night at 7 pm and tonight at 10 pm we (Isaiah, Jenna, with Matthew coming on board Sunday night and tonight, and Joleesa for a short time Saturday night) played 9, yes 9 hours of one game, Rummikub. I told Isaiah Saturday night he couldn't go back to Bethel until I one just one round. That wasn't asking for much. I said just one round...and I couldn't do it. Brother Nowling always is saying I'm a sore loser, which I always adamently deny and I think I've proved it. We tried to figure out how many games we've played and we're thinking about 40, but undeniably it was 9 hours!!! And I just couldn't win. Many times I would get down to one tile but just couldn't do it. Ugh!. The last two games Matthew would check things out after I did my thing and I still couldn't win. Though I haven't come to hate the game, because I do see the challenge of it...it will be a long time before I play it again (I don't doubt that Isaiah and Jenna feel the same way).

The youth came over yesterday afternoon and made tacos and we played Mad Gab. It was hilarious. Then last night it was Balderdash in teams (I kept score on that one). It was great fun. I love playing games like that and I'm so greatful the youth don't think I "cramp their style" and encourage me to play with them.

But starting tomorrow I've got to get down to business and start wrapping gifts. I also have a little more shopping to do. Where has the time gone.

Please pray for Brother Nowling's mom, she had a knee replacement. After being up here this past summer and not being able to do as much as she would've liked to because of her knees, she decided to have it taken care of so that she can come back this summer and do more. The doctor says her knee was shot. She came through the surgery good but she'll have a long road of recovery. She'll be going in the nursing home for rehabilitation. So if you would keep her in your prayers for a quick recovery I know she'd appreciate it.

A Good Week-end

We had a great weekend. Our precious friends from Bethel, the Suttons visited. It was a relaxing, enjoyable weekend. I truly feel like the Lord put the weekend together for us. Brother Nowling invited Brother Sutton to preach on Sunday. Everything came together on their end and on ours as Brother Nowling actually had the weekend off. He's been training on days last week and so he had the weekend off (and hopefully will this weekend again). Friday night we went Benihanna's for my birthday, a Japenese steak restraunt that prepares your meal at your table. Jessa went with us so there was the five of us. It was one of the most pleasant evenings I've had in a long time. To top that off the food was great too. Then I wanted to play Ibuy but Brother Nowling convince us to go to Best Buy instead. That's ok. We got some Christmas shopping done. And Suttons really enjoyed it. We went home and visited a bit before going to bed. We slept in Saturday, I fix bacon and eggs, then we headed to pick up Jenna and take her work and then shopped at the mall. I guess the Suttons hadn't been to the 5th Avenue mall so they enjoyed it and we all got to do some Christmas shopping done. But then the worst part of my weekend happened. I went to get my hair cut and my regular stylist wasn't in but I thought I'd have it done anyway. The lady butchered my hair. I put my glasses on and I cried. She said she guess we just miscommunicated. She didn't have me pay. I left to go find Jody. I passed a mirror on my way and I started bawling. By the time I found him I was really crying...his response was "you could wear a hat" ~ ugh, men. I went and found a bathroom and cried some more and then washed my face. When Sister Annette found me she hugged me big and I started crying again. I never considered myself vain but I always have felt if I liked my hair, and dressed nicely, even if I was heavy, it was ok. But now my hair looked horrible. If I counted how many times people told me it'll grow out...but it will. I just won't look in the mirror for a few weeks. I do feel sorry for everyone has to look at me though.

Anyway, we then came home and fixed homemade pizza and played Ibuy with Jackie and Josh (the men skipped out with the excuse of Best Buy again, Brother Sutton had to take something back). As you already heard Annette won, but that was fine. It was fun.

Sunday School, morning and evening services were good and the afternoon was relaxing.

I thank the Lord for giving us these kind of weekends (minus the botched haircut; I'm still trying to learn God's purpose for that). Isaiah will be coming this weekend and like I said hopefully Brother Nowling will be off again...if nothing else I finish my Christmas shopping.

Tree is Up AND I Played Ibuy AND WON!!!

This weekend was a good weekend. I had a good time shopping even though I didn't get very much. Then Saturday night we had our youth Bible study and Jeremy was in charge of the study. He did a great job! Then Sunday of course was SS. Matthew came out and after service he, Josh and Jackie and Jenna went and got our tree from the girls apartment. We ate some lunch and then Matthew put the snowflake lights up across the front of the carport (Josh assisted him by moving his truck around so he could reach). The lights are kind of sad looking but they'll do. Matthew had to leave but Jackie was motivated to help with the tree. Her and Jenna brought the decorations up from the crawl space. Then Josh helped position the tree with Jackie underneath in the back. She got stuck and had us laughing so hard. Jenna got a video of it. Maybe she'll post it. Jackie and Jenna put the lights and garland on, then Jenna proceded with the ornaments while I put the decorations around the house. I forgot how much we had gotten rid of when we moved, but that's ok. The house still looks great. My favorite this year I think is how Josh hung our stockings on the wall. They look cool.

Then I finally got to play Ibuy. The four of us had a great time. Whoever we play that game with, we always have a lot of fun and laughs and Sunday was no exception.
The best thing about it all was that I WON! and Jenna LOST ~ smile. Actually that's a game I enjoy whether I win or lose. And I do think I've lost more than I've won.

I really PTL for our youth. It meant so much that the three of them helped (and Jenna too ~smile). Jessa, Joleesa and Jody are working so much, and I am tired all the time and even though I'm really tired, I've really been having trouble sleeping. So they probably don't even begin to realize how much I appreciate their help and their fellowship.

Well I'm going to be early and pray I'll sleep soundly.

Going Shopping, But No Tree Yet!

Yeah, I'm going to do some Christmas shopping today, BUT we still don't have our tree ~ ugh. It's in the girls storage. Brother Nowling's had training Monday and Tuesday (his usual days off), and then worked his usual graveyard shift. When could he do it. It times like this (and many others) I wish I had a son!!! Although, I'm always exhausted so I need my girls help to decorate any way and I don't know when that would happen either. BUT I'm going SHOPPING!. I don't know what I'm going to get everyone yet, BUT I'm going SHOPPING!

Oh by the way, I hate ordering online. I ordered mega things online from house decorations, to Christmas gifts for work, church and family. They were shipped in several packages throughout the month as early as November 3rd and they're STILL not here! Ugh! Now what do I do. Brother Nowling called on it Wednesday morning (the company is IL so the time difference makes it hard for me too) and they told him to give it until the 30th and if doesn't come then they'll fill out paperwork for us! The 30th has come and gone and still no gifts. I haven't paid for it as it's something you can pay after you receive it...but so many of the items were just right for the people I chose them for and even better yet, so was the price! Deep sight!

Have any of you met a man that loves candles. Yes, I said a MAN. My husband LOVES, LOVES, LOVES candles. Get this, have any of you been to a Partylite party? You know those gorgeous, beautiful, terribly expensive candle parties. Well I guess someone where my husband works brought in a book for one of those parties and he bought this beautiful moose/tree shadow centerpiece for a coffee table. It's gorgeous, but I would never had pay the price for it that he did. Jenna asked me if he got it for my birthday ~ laugh, roll on the floor ~ she knows better, he bought because HE likes it. He has reminded me oodles of time while I'm out SHOPPING today to be sure and get a candle for it. I better not forget or he may not let me in. I tell you though, strange as it may seem for a man to like candles. It's great for us!!! ~big smile.

Oh, Jackie and Sister Smith said they'd play Ibuy with me, oh and Nathan too. I'm a happy lady, the only thing is the obvious; Sister Smith's in TN and Nathan's in Bethel. But Jackie's here so I guess there's hope.

Everyone have a great day. I'M GOING SHOPPING! (You'd think I'm shopping deprived ~grin, but actually last Saturday I bummed around the stores by myself and bought a few Christmas decorations - I'm just in the mood today.)

Christmas ~ I can't get in the mood!!!

Nothing new in this home. I'm having a hard time getting into the Christmas "spirit". I'm usually so excited to decorate, shop, the whole thing. But...I know I just haven't been able to.

I got the living room switched around and the carpet clean. Jody actually started cleaning it Saturday afternoon and got half done and the pump went out on the rug doctor we rented ~ ugh!!! So we took it back and got another one and Jody and I went out to dinner, then we came home and he laid down before going to work. He figured he'd finish it right after church Sunday...NOT. We decided to go out to lunch with Sister Connie, Nate and Matthew (and several of the church people). So that meant when we got home, Jody went to bed (he worked all night) and I finished shampooing the carpet. Jessa stepped in and relieved me, and relieved I was as my arm was killing me. It actually looks preety good. All week I've sat looking at the big empty spot in front of the window where the tree is going to go EVENTUALLY. Jody's got to get it from the girls storage room with the truck. It's something I CAN'T do as it was taken apart and there's no way I could get in the truck.

I now know why when people get older they downsize on Christmas decorating. I just don't have the energy to do it and I'm not sure who's going to be around to help.

I'm sorry to be so down. I think it's due to my constant exhaustion and life changing with the girls being older and Jody's hours.

Maybe this weekend excitement will set in some.

By the way, anyone in for a good game of "I Buy". I so want to play ~ grin.

Relaxing Thanksgiving

We had a very relaxing Thanksgiving. Other than cleaning a little and fixing dinner everyone slept. I dozed several times myself even. Brother Nowling and Joleesa slept until 2 pm after working all night. They got up and helped get everything on the table and visited for a short time and went back to bed and I laid down for another nap on the couch. I got them both up to help me move furniture around to get ready for our Christmas tree. We won't put that up until Saturday night as I will be shampooing the carpet Saturday as it desperately needs it. Brother Nowling then went to work, Jessa came home from work and ate leftovers but all of us went to bed at our normal time.

I slept so sound but got up this morning to go to work but could've slept even longer, but off to work I go.

Oh, we did have one guest. Joleesa (we) are taking care of Matthew Peter's dog Kershaw while he is gone this week. She is a good dog (except for when she stinks up the house and we can't breathe ~ lol). She so likes to be loved.

Gotta run. Have a good day.

Happy Thanksgiving to those Near and Far

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com


This will be a different Thanksgiving for us, Jody works tonight and tomorrow night; Joleesa is working McDonald's tonight (ugh-she's choosing to); Jessa works tomorrow 11 am - 8 pm; Jenna's in AZ but I'm still going to fix a Thanksgiving dinner and make it special. We have so much to be thankful and that's what it's all about.

We did get a very special surprise gift from Heather tonight. She stopped by our house before church and brought us a fresh out of the oven pumpkin pie. I hadn't gotten a pie because I wasn't sure what kind to get. We were actually going to go after church now we don't have to. I don't know if she'll ever know how special that gesture meant to us.

Everyone have a blessed Thanksgiving day.

Summary of my Life this past Week!

Constantly exhausted! I've been busy but still have gotten plenty of sleep but I have been tired day and night ugh!

Monday my dear husband got me something I wanted last winter so bad an autostart for my car. I asked for one with my "big" commission check and he did it. It is awesome to stand at my desk on the second floor and start my car. It takes about 10 minutes by the time I walk through the building and out to the car so this is great. That actually was a highlight of my week.

Every night it seemed like I was out doing something or working late and yet I can't remember what I did. Thursday was Brother Texter's funeral. It was a beautiful funeral and the military honor at the graveside was serene in the winter beauty and the last goodbye. There were lots of tears. He was a precious man and I look forward to seeing him again in heaven. Sister Texter desperately needs our prayers, she is so worn out and looks so lost. She came out to church yesterday morning but wasn't feeling good last night.

I'm tired of shopping and I haven't began my Christmas shopping yet (well kind of, I've done my online stuff and stocking stuffers). My shopping has been for winter boots and I've had a terrible time finding any to go over my fat ankles. I finally found some at Burlington Coat Factor. I love them, they're so warm BUT they have a bit of a wedged heel and I really didn't want that...but it was the best I could find as I had gotten desperate with all the snow we've gotten.

Because of the snow yesterday morning I was digging through my shoe box to try to find some shoes that had some substance to cover my feet and not just my little flats. Some how I did the dumbest thing, I wore two different shoes to church. They had the same size heel and both covered my feet but one has two zippers on it and the other one a decorative buckle. They look nothing a like but on my feet they felt the same. I looked at them so many times and never realized it....go ahead and laugh it gets better. I was even in front of the SS class and the zipper one was hurting my foot a little so I unzipped and took it off for a moment and put it back on, still didn't notice it ~ shaking head. When Jenna went to close out SS she hugged me and said "mom you have two different shoes on", I looked down and wanted to die. Brother Nowling told me to just take my shoes off to lead song service but I thought that would draw more attention and the floor is cement under the carpet and cold...so I put them back on and led song service. Only one person commented TO ME and the comment "was love your shoes" from one our young men...ugh. Now Brother Nowling has some more arsenol to use on me. He always uses my being directionally challenged. I told him that at least I still have my MEMORY (he forgets constantly) his response was when I really get ahlzheimers, you'll be the first to go...and then he laughed (along with Jessa) for hours, with tears rolling down his cheeks. Can you believe it, the same loving husband that got me my fabulous autostart is that mean. ~giggle

Saturday night was our youth activity and we had a lot of good laughs together. Then last night we had our VLB service and I really wanted to focus on things to be thankful for and each youth did a wonderful job of bringing the tears. I really love our youth. Please pray for them as several of them are nowing having to work Sundays. They desperately need the money but I can't believe God wants them to sacrifice this time with Him. I know HE can make it work.

Well need to get ready for work. God bless.

Houston We Have SNOW!

If you read Jenna's blog you found out we got a considerable amount of snow and we're getting more this morning. Something about that first snowfall; so beautiful puts you in the Christmas spirit. My shopping consisted of geat deals on stocking stuffers. It was fairly warm out so we walked outside around downtown. I really enjoyed myself, but days like that remind me how out of shape I am as I began to really hurt.

Homemade chicken noodle soup was a great cap on the first "significant" snowfall. Along with the first snows come accidents. Yesterday was no difference. Downtown had about 5 blocks barricaded off for I guess 4-5 hours. It turned out a semi-truck somehow rolled over a pedestrian and I didn't know it because: it's a semi-truck, it was dark, and the snow. It has got to be one of the most gruesome accidents ever as it went several blocks before another driver flagged him down as he saw the victim under the truck. You can imagine the rest. They haven't identified the victim yet, but that is a family that is really going to need prayer. THEN last night, when Brother Nowling was taking Jenna home, a couple blocks from our house their was a major accident right in front of the high school. With at least one car turned over on it's roof, from what I understand.

Life is full of so many things that are good in themselves, but if not handled, or used properly they become a detrement.

My purpose was not to be negative, as the snow is still beautiful TODAY ~smile. And I'm glad it waited until November to really come. The weather person said we are to have a cold winter with minimal snow ~ ugh. I'd rather have the snow then the cold. BUT tomorrow I get an autostart put on my car ~yippee. I work in a BIG place with a huge parking lot and I usually have to start my car and sit in a very cold car while it warms up, because by the time I walk across the parking lot I'm freezing anyway. This is a great thing.

Sorry, enough rambling, I need to get a roast in the oven and get ready for church. I hope everyone else had a great service. Several of our young people will be gone today do to work, going out of town or other things. We'll be small today, but where two or three are gathered, He'll be in the midst.

Quick note about the funeral. Brother Texture is a veteran and will be buried at Fort Richardson, having said that, the military needs 48hour notice and they're closed on Monday so the funeral won't be until Thursday or Friday.

Brother Texture, Home with the Lord

Brother Texture went home to be with our Lord at 3:23 am Friday, 11/9/07. I guess about 9:00 last night the nurse was over and said his body was shutting down and it would be a matter of hours. Sister Texture was experiencing chest pains yesterday and desperately needs our prayers. Wednesday night when I was there Brother Texture wasn't good at all. When I hugged Sister Texture she said she thought that since he was lingering for so long that maybe God was going to heal him, but she didn't want him to have live this way. She sounded very weak. The family is rejoicing over his reaching heavens gates after 50+ years of serving God. As we all know very well know, they are physically and emotionally exhausted and they will difinitely feel the loss. Our little church has one of our very precious members leave us to go to his final reward. We too will miss him and his words of encouragement; whenever we told him "God bless you", his words back to us would be "He do". Even in his last days when he was saying very little there were times he would still respond as such.

If you desire their address to send condolences, leave a comment or email me and I will forward it to you. The funeral will be at a funeral home in 2 or 3 days. The Church of God of Prophey minister who has been a long time friend of Sister Texture's and she is the nurse that has been helping them since they brought him home, will be officiating. I do not know her name, but she's been a big help to the family.

Thank you for the prayers, please keep them coming.

Brother Texture Up Date

Brother Texture is still with us. His breathing is very shallow. Actually there are times his breathing stops and then he starts in again. They actually had the whole family there tonight as they don't think he'll linger too much longer. We had church next door while they were all there. It was difficult at first but we knew we needed to. Then several took turns going over as that's what Sister Texture wanted. The grace of God is helping the family. Sister Grant has had someone at work donate vacation time to her. Between that and her sick time she's been able to be with her parents. Her sister also works for Alaska Airlines in Juneau and they are allowing her to use sick time. They appreciate the prayers, please continue. The hardest part is the waiting and watching.

It's like watching Brother Nowling's dad as he passed away several years ago. Although there's a major difference, Brother Nowling's dad wasn't saved, unless during our visits as he had me sing to him and the tears ran down his cheeks, that maybe repentence came. With Brother Texture, we know where he's going and we can celebrate his homecoming and know that we will see him again someday.

I'll try to keep everyone updated. Sister Tammi, they got your local church's Birthday card on Friday. They really appreciated it. His wall is covered with cards of love.

Update!

Ugh! I just had the longest post that I've done in a long time and I lost it. So here's the short of it. Brother Texture is home. When we visited last night, his speech was much better, he had some ice chips and a couple of teaspoons of applesauce but he couldn't swallow even with assistance from the physical thereapist's help. He was complaining of a headache when he came in, which was expected. He missed their dog Zoe so much that the family decided to have him spend his last days at home. So around 5 pm the ambulance brought him home, according to Brother Grant. We haven't gone to see him tonight as we actually cancelled church for the first time since we've been here. Brother Nowlng has the stomach flu. It actually started with the Textures and he went and visited them when they were sick. Then Jenna got it, and now him. Usually I would cover, but I didn't even know he was sick until about 5:30 pm and I had to go get him soup and 7 up. He had such a migraine with it I didn't want to leave him alone, and I just didn't feel like I could do it. Obviously, Brother Grant, although he probably would've been willing to, had a hard week and we couldn't expect him to.

We got a new laptop. It'll be mine as Brother Nowling has all his Bible programs on the old one. It had one day left on it's warranty so he took it in to get the sound card and probably the network card fixed, and who knows what else. It'll be nice not share. It never fails, we always seem to both want to be on it at the same time. So in 8 weeks, when he gets his back, no more sharing. He actually picked it out. I didn't care. I just wanted excel, Word, a sound card and internet capabilities. I did pick out a nice computer case. It has a pinkish, mauve lining. It's classy.

One last thing, May I brag a little...I took first for the most sales for September. Which means I got the Big Bear Award, which means I get the BIG Bear trophy on my desk for the next month (and it is BIG). I get my picture on the wall of the front office (across from my desk ~ they can take their time on that)and a bonus (but I don't know for how much). I never dreamed I'd ever get first but now I understand why I had to work the overtime and I was so stressed. It feels good to have been rewarded for working hard.

Up Date

Brother Texture made it through another day. His speech was much better but otherwise nothing much had change. The plan is for him to go home tomorrow so he can be with Zoe their dog. The hospital's bringing over a bed and will put under hospice care. It's a waiting game at this point, but they decided to wait it out in the comfort of his home. This is really wearing on the family. Sister Texture and the immediate family spent the night last night. Tonight Sister Grant is staying so Sister Texture can go home and get things ready for him, which includes giving Zoe a bath and rearranging the living room for the bed. Brother Texture said it's the best news he's had in a long time.

Thanks for the prayers. I know the family appreciates them.

Brother Texture

Our precious Brother Texture had another huge stroke. The doctors don't give him much time. Brother Nowling spent about 3 hours with him this morning and they went hunting and fishing through his stories. Apparently just minutes after he left he had another major stroke. They didn't know the total impact until they received the MRI results this evening. Brother Nowling and I went out to dinner and Sister Grant called Brother Nowling on behalf of Sister Texture and we headed to the hospital. Their children were there along with some of the grandchildren and great children.

This brother is so precious. My hands are always cold and when I come in and shake his hand he takes my hands in both of his and warms them up. Then when we leave I always say "love you, God bless you" and he always responds with "He do". When I went to leave tonight I took his hand and told him he needed to warm it up. Sister Texture told me to tell him Jesus loves him, so I went through my usual and he managed to say "He do". Then he said something about the "reunion".

He turns 80 on Thursday and the family was talking about his celebrating his 80 birthday with Jesus. You rejoice and hurt at the same time. Watching the love between Sister Texture and him is heart rendering as she wants him to feel free to go to Jesus but you can feel the torture of her loss. She even went as far to tell him he was free to go and that she wouldn't be too far behind him. This is a man that is so loved by his family.

I couldn't help but think about my parents in the nursing home. They're in their early 80's and not in good health away....

Please pray for the family and our little church here as he is so precious to us all.

Quick Post

I had an overall quiet weekend. I actually slept a lot. I finally got my B12 shot Saturday afternoon but it takes a few hours to kick in. I had to find a doctor that would give me a perscription that would let Brother Nowling give it to me like he's been doing for over a year. The one I went to for my physical (because the doctor I originally scheduled for had a family emergency) wouldn't. So Friday I went to the original one, and she had no problem. But until I got the shot and it kicked in, all I wanted to do is sleep.

Saturday, was our first youth activity planned by one of the youth. Jackie planned an old movie night and we watched "It's a Wonderful Life". We have the movie but I've never watched it. It is really good but because some of youth were over an hour late we didn't start on time and it was getting too late for me and I left before it was over. It was at Josh and Jackie's house which is about an hours drive "for Me" and I hate driving at night by myself and none of the girls were able to make it. So now I'll have to pull our movie out and watch the ending. Every youth event is to begin with a devotion and Jackie did a great job with it. From now on, we start on time no matter's who's there or not. Ugh!

Sunday morning's SS went fine, but before SS Brother Texture fell and then during SS it became evident that he had a stroke and Brother Grant called 911 and he was taken to the hospital. (The adult SS class is in the Texture's house so all we knew was that he had fallen. Brother Grant called 911 after SS was over and we didn't know of this until after service.) His family is all here. Brother Nowling is there now visiting again and we'll see what the status is. Please be praying for him and their whole family.

Also, there is a very heavy need in our family that we need God to intervene in. Please help us pray. Also, continue to pray for Jenna, she thought it was only the 24 hour flu but she's home sick today. Pray we all don't get it to.

WOW What A Service!

Minister's convention was good but Sunday night the Holy Ghost really saturated the place. We had a rough weekend in spite of the convention. Sunday afternoon we took Brother Ammons out for dinner and then came home and all of us took a nap. I rarely take a nap but I hadn't had much sleep for several nights and I was totally exhausted. I fell asleep but all weekend there was a chorus going through my head and as I slept, I slept but that chorus was literally be song in my head. The chorus was "Change my heart oh God. Make it ever new. Change my heart oh God. NMAKE ME MORE LIKE YOU. You are the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me, that is why I pray." It wasn't that I hadn't recently heard the song, actually I don't even remember when I heard or sang it last. But I guess it was my prayer throughout the weekend. Anyway, I woke up about 1/2 before the alarm went off and I prayed "Lord what would you have me lead for worship?" He laid out the songs for me and even what I should say between songs. I then wondered who would play piano for me (Joleesa wasn't up, Jessa was out of town, and I knew Sister Grant didn't really know the songs) and then it came to me Brother Ammons. He played for me at camp one year. We got to church and I asked him if he knew the one chorus "Create in Me a clean heart". He wasn't sure so I sang it to him softly, we didn't have a chance to pratice but he said he thought he could figure it out. Brother Ammons had preached Wednesday night on "Passionate Worship".

Brother Nowling opened sharing some heavy thoughts of his own with tears. When it was turned over to me everyone was sitting and instead of asking everyone to stand, one of the things laid out to me as I laid in bed was to not have everyone stand for worship but start out with everyone sitting and when they came to the place of true worship for them, then stand. I could see on the faces they thought this was wierd...I was literally shaking behind the pulpit. We began with "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus". We sang and sang, and then it was like some whispered in my ear "turn the lights off". It was already dark out, but the whisper continued, until I asked Brother Jacob to turn the lights off as it's easy to have eyes on Jesus when we're together but the world is dark and full of troubles, BUT that's when we really need to turn our eyes on Him. It was dark in there but the electric piano had a blue light so Brother Ammons had no problem playing. After singing it through once I had them turn the lights back on but we continued to sing. Somewhere along the way Sister Heather stood. For some time she stood alone. Then we went into "What a Friend We have in Jesus" and then "Create in Me A Clean Heart". One by one, slowly, not all at once by no means, they started to stand (even our visitor stood and worshipped). You knew when they stood they truly were standing in worship. The Holy Ghost came down and though there was a heaviness for souls in our midst, the Holy Ghost was releasing some. It was awesome. 3/4 of the people were standing. Everyone worshipping in their own way. I then turned it to Brother Nowling and the worship continued. Before he turned it to Brother Ammons he instructed us to greet our neighbors. As I hugged one individual's neck the Holy Ghost started all over again. My heart was heavy for the souls in the house but yet I had a peace in my heart because God was moving. Then Brother Ammons preached on going through the fire. It was a great message and he preached under the annointing. BUT there was no altar call given. Did you ever feel like there should be an altar call but they don't. I really felt like some people just prayed off the conviction but a call to the altar would've brought them to make a decision...but no call was made. I prayed for Brother Ammons and then Brother Nowling to be guided by the Spirit...but no altar call. Was it just me...Anyway, I thank God for the move He had and the hearts He spoke to. Though I had some very heavy needs and concerns still surrounding me, I had such peace that carried me even into today. Today was a good day at work and I haven't had one of them in a long time.

I have never FELT so led in the leading of worship as I did Sunday night. I felt the "Passionate Worship". God is soooo good. But please pray for our local body. God wants to really do something and there are those that just won't surrender. But I am so greatful for His love, mercy and His moving on His people.

Stress!!!

Wow! What a stress filled week. Life at work has been so stressful. It's really bad when it's only 9:30 am and I'm already in the bathroom sobbing because I can't deal with any more problems. I just got my September numbers I had an amazing September in sales. I sold over $429,000 of advertising. Now people should understand why I've been so overwhelmed at my desk. And that is just MY sales I don't get credit for the other desk's sales that I made while it was empty.

Before we moved to Alaska I had this job offer and another. The other job even counter offered but the timing for that type of job didn't feel right. Well he took me to breakfast after I got here any way, plus he's called me three times since and this last time he's very adament that I'm the one for his business. I want to ignor it because I don't want to have to make that kind of decision again. BUT I can't because I don't know if this is God bringing it back to me. This man owns a lot of property here in AK, in Seattle and in Hawaii. He just recently purchased the old IMAX theatre here in town is planning on getting it operating again. Plus he has purchased two strip malls. I've been praying diligently for a building for a church building...so who knows. Above that he's 85 years and a staunch Catholic and is very open about religion...so who knows. So November 6th I'm meeting him over dinner. I hope Jody will be able to go with me. Please be praying.

We're in ministers convention and I like to say I'm excited for it but I'm so tired, physically, mentally and emotionally. I can't turn the tears off. Even right now the tears are flowing and I'm not exactly sure why except for stress. I've been praying and singing all morning trying to get my mind on Him. Last night I worked until 6:30 pm and went right to church and had to lead worship, I prayed all the way to church (on an empty stomach, as there was no time for dinner) that the Lord would help me to focus on Him. I had planned up beat songs, but when I got there I couldn't get a way from the song "Wonderful Peace". I kept arguing but this is start of convention we've got rejoice with fast songs. "SAYS WHO"!!! I told the people this was what I felt and this was what I needed so we sang and then went into worship choruses. What I didn't know as Brother Nowling's evangelism boost followed with "Throw out the Lifeline" and he spoke of Jesus in the boat during the temptuous storm and how the decisples cried for calm and peace and Jesus answered. My spirit and soul was calmed (my body still felt the exhaustion). Sister Annette's ABM boost was good as passed out play doh for everyone and they were to quickly make mini-me's of it. Then plates were given to the band leaders and pastor in Anchorage's case (Brother Nowling has been able to get peace as to band leaders yet) as they carried the load of each of those individuals on their plates. Then the plates were passed to the pastor and then the pastor's to overseer. It was very good. My mini-me was a tear drop. That's what I felt represented me at that time. Brother Ammons preached a good message (although, I'm almost certain I heard it before when we were in WI ~ smile) but my mind was tired and my stomach was so hungry I had a hard time following.

This morning we have our leadership meeting ~ugh. Brother Nowling won't be coming as he worked all night. Lord help me to keep my mouth shut when I must.

Then we start again at 6 pm and I have ladies retreat boost and camp boost. I really do want a "brand new touch" so please pray for our convention.

What A Relaxing Weekend!

Jody and I really had what turned out to be one of the most relaxing times we've had in years. Actually, there was times I went stir crazy bored. We went to Chena Hot Springs resort. My boss really really encouraged (as did his boss) us going there when everything fell through for Minnesota. So the cost wasn't going to be much different then the standby airline tickets on Northwest and the rental car...the difference is we had to eat out versus staying with family and friends. Anyway, what I didn't realize was this resort was a "WILDERNESS" resort. And we were in Fairbanks. Cold Fairbanks where there was already snow. Brrrrrr~ Only four tv channels (Disney, CNN, the weather channel and a QVC like channel), no internet, no cell phone service, no phone in our room (there was public telephone that we used our cc to let the girls know how to get a hold of us if they needed to). It wasn't winter enough to enjoy winter sports, but too cold to enjoy being outside. Jody worked all night Thursday night so after flying in we rented a car (a 2008 Ford Edge ~ oh I really liked it) and headed to the North Pole, a quaint little town (and I mean little) that has candy cane street lights and Christmas signs and decorations up year round, and then Santa Claus' house (huge gift shop). We were there for about 20 minutes. We then headed the 60 miles to the resort. We checked in and Jody had to sleep. That's ok, I'll read. I read a lot, I actually finished a book in two days. I don't remember the last time I did that. I finally couldn't read any more so I woke him at 6 pm and we went over to the restaurant for supper. Awesome food. I ordered a bowl of vegetable soup and Jody ordered the fish and chips. Oh the best Halibut...ahhhh he shared with me. We then went back to the room, we played some cribbage and he slept some more and I read some more. Then finally fell asleep on what I think is the hardest beds ever. My hips and back have never hurt so bad. We got up early Saturday morning to check out the rock pool hot springs...no one around. Awesome. About 9 degrees outside and 146 degree hotsprings. The fog, the colored lights, the hoar frost on the trees, the clear water, the sulfur smell. An awesome experience and sight. We had the whole springs to ourselves...but we didn't want to take any chances so we only stayed in for about 45 minutes. It was soooooo cold going in and coming out (my hair froze) but while in it, it was sooo awesome but I really got overheated, as I got real dizzy, flushed and my heart was really racing, even after showering and all. We went for breakfast before the gas fireplace and I drank lots and lots of water, and I started feeling better. We took a drive around the Chena River area and took some pictures and then went back to our room played some more cribbage and Jody slept some more and I read some more (I wanted to sleep but the bed was way tooo hard). After reading for two hours I woke Jody up and had to go for a walk or something. Then we went out to the ice museum which was awesome and then supper at the restaurant. I took the comforter off and folded it up to sleep on, but it didn't help...I think the floor actually would've been more comfortable.

I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy myself, but I did. It felt like a second honeymoon (we stayed at a resort in Lutsen, MN for our honeymoon). It felt sooo good to leave life behind, and be with the man I love more each year. BUT I am one who rarely does just "one" thing and to have SOOOO much time on my hands...I had a time dealing with it. I could see why my boss encouraged us. He has a hard time understanding my life revolving around people so much. One of the last things I said to our new employee when he left on Thursday was "let Mark know I'll have my cell phone if they need me". Yeah, I'm sure he got quite the laugh.

It truly was a "new" experience for me and makes me ready for the business of life again.

I'll post pictures once Jenna get's done "fixing" them for me. I couldn't use the flash in the ice museum and I just left the setting on AUTO so she's doing some adjusting, surprised, NAH!

NOTE: Click on my profile picture to "ACTUALLY" be able to see it ~ smile, we can't figure out why it's so small but I love the picture.

Pray flor Joleesa!

We want her out of McDonald's, she needs out of McDonald's and SHE actually is wanting out of McDonalds' AND she's got an interview at the Hotel Captain Cook. There's openings for Front desk clerk and reservations both. This is where Jenna works. There's so much potential for her there. It's much better pay. Much better atmosphere. And it'll probably be M-F days. She actually went out and bought two dress suits. She wears dresses to church of course but not anything "professional" and she got great deals on them. She really wants one of these jobs. So please pray. Of course we want God's will...but we know it's not God's will for her to stay at McDonalds.

Also, we're still trying to make it Minnesota but if we don't it looks like we'll be going to Fairbanks and then to the North Pole. Yes, the North Pole is only about 60 miles or so from Fairbanks. Though I'm really disappointed (it'll be a miracle if we get a flight, but he's trying again to night) about not going to Alaska, I'm really looking forward to getting away and having time with my husband, which is so rare these days.

But Why!

We can't go to Minnesota. There is absolutely NO open flights available. They tried to take us through Portland, through Seattle, through Chicago and even if we were to purchase a ticket, all flights were full. It's not going to happen. For some reason it's not meant to happen. I don't understand but I'm glad I didn't get my parents hopes up. We'll also not get to visit with the Thompsons and our dear brothers and sisters that we pastored 12 years ago. AND we won't get to be with the Smiths.

I'll call my parents this weekend and let them know we will try again after the 1st of the year. I do fear that time is getting away and I pray that time will hold for me to see them again.

I'm hoping I can still convince Jody to go somewhere within Alaska with me. It's been so long since we've really had any time together. Our 25th anniversary came and went and we didn't go anywhere. Our 26th anniversary came and went and we didn't go anywhere. I'm hoping we can go to Cordova or somewhere just for Friday night and come back Saturday.

I am sooooo bummed. I came home and hoped to discuss our plans with Jody and he's been sleeping because, here it's his night off, but he's helping out with Fed ex and driving to Kenai tonight so he's sleeping. I haven't even seen him.

Ugh!

We're Going to Minnesota!!!

PTL! Brother Nowling got the time off for us to go see my parents in the nursing home in MN. We told them when we left we would try to visit once a year. We figured probably October would be the best time. While at the assembly the Thompsons in Minnesota said the Smiths were coming to Minnesota to hold a weekend revival in October. Jody and I talked about seeing if we could make our visit co-inside with their revival. For Jody to get off work he has to find someone to cover his 10 hour, 9 pm - 7 am shift. Not an easy thing to do but he promised me he'd try. It took a few days before he got a response. I had decided I wasn't going to go without him this time. The assembly was too hard AND he needed to get away. Then he got one night covered but he needed two nights. Last night he walked into work and someone yelled out "Jody I'll cover for you". PTL. The two of us are going. My boss already told me I could have Friday off (he said he had it on ice for me in case it worked out - he's a good boss). Now we just need the flights to work out as we are going to try to fly standby on Northwest into MPLS. We need God to open the seats up.

My parents don't know and I won't tell them until we're on the plane. I don't want them to be disappointed and after all, they're in a nursing home so I don't have to worry about them being gone.

I am dreading flying again. I use to think it was the better way to go when we were driving several hours each month...but I'll take the driving any day. The long flights are hard. I actually tried to get Joleesa to go and she wouldn't because she did not want to fly that far so soon after our lonnnnnng, hard flight to the assembly. I tell you I applaud all those that have to fly long flights frequently. Oh, I like the 1-3 hour ones ok. Beyond that yuck! I can't sleep on the plane (if it's full) and I'm too tired to read. And I can't stop at a rest area, or a gas station to stretch and get a snack. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I do thank the Lord that He's been so good to us in making a way for us to get places.

Please be praying for the flight issue and remember the revival. The Minnesota folks are small in number but they have a huge appetite for the Word of God.

Thanks For the Prayers

I'm feeling quite a bit better. It seems I have a kidney infection. Because I have horseshoe kidneys there is more pressure when I lay down. Last night I slept on my side with a pillow behind me. This afternoon I just dozed in the recliner because if I laid down it hurt. I'm grateful that the pain is pretty much gone if I'm not laying down and that is much better than it was.

Last Sunday and this Sunday we have had really good SS and services. Last Sunday night the Spirit really moved doing a worship. We have a precious brother (from TCOGO)that visits his brother during the summer month's here in Alaska and lives in TN otherwise. He was recently diagnosed with a serious illness. As I was leading worship I felt led to have the brother come forward and be annointed with prayer. The Spirit fell and it was great to see so many moved. Tonight it was a SWEEEET Spirit in the place. So, so sweet. It was great.

God has been soooo good...please help us pray for a building. We took Sister Heather's transfer today and Brother Jeremy's will be coming. We will soon be at 15 members and it's nothing to have 20 or more in service. We only have a couple of empty chairs. Please Lord we need a building.

Everyone have a great week. By the way, bear with me as we still have computer problems. I should say internet computer problems. The internet doesn't like our computer so I'm still borrowing computers.

Please Pray for Me!

I have had a very long, hard week. I've been putting in 10-12 hour days (plus worked last Saturday, said absolutely no to tomorrow). I have been so exhausted. But the reason I need your prayers is my lower left back has been really causing me pain. It even woke me up in the middle of the night last night. For several days now it's been bothering me. Some times it would lighten up but not go completely away. Tonight it has travelled to my lower right back as well and into my midsection. It feels like the back labor I had with Jessa. Then again it feels like the many gall bladder attacks I had before I had my gallbladder removed. It also feels like the worse gas ever (but I've not been one to have that problem). I went to bed at 9 pm so very tired. It was bothering me then but I was able to fall sleep. At 11 pm the pain woke me up very excutiating. It doesn't matter if I sit or stand it's there but I do think it's the worse when I'm laying down. There is sooooo much pressure. I feel fine except for that!

I know most, if not everyone is sleeping due to the time difference. AND I don't know who if anyone will read this seeing as I haven't been posting regular. But please if you do, pray for me. AND if you have any suggestions as to what it might be and have any natural rememedies, I'm open to anything almost.

Thanks.

Computers, Computers!!!

Our computer does not like the internet and hasn't since Brother Nowling downloaded a spyware program. Apparently the spyware program booted out our IP# for internet (or something like that - I'll never understand that end of computers; and you know what, I really don't want to either), anyway, no matter what anyone tries we cannot get internet on it. Our desk top is in the spare room, which is where Jeremy is and though he has no problem with us going in and using it, that stupid computer has cable problems. Brother Nowling got Jessa's OOOOOOOld HP working but it is sooooooooo slow I can take a shower and get ready for work before it ever loads. Hence, why I haven't been on the computer much. I have to borrow Joleesa's or Jenna's (which a miracle has to happen as for her not be on ... by the way it's happened, I'm actually using hers).

Anyway, we're saving up money for a new laptop for us. Brother Nowling will use the old one for just his Bible programs and sermons, etc and the new one will be for internet, pictures, camp and misc things. We almost have enough so we'll see.

Wednesday's our anniversary and seeing as Brother Nowling didn't go to the assembly with me we were trying to find a quick getaway, which shouldn't be a problem with the free flying...yeah the flying's not the problem. It's our jobs, I work during the week and he works weekends. I don't have any vacation time as I used it for camp, IYC and the assembly. I could pull off one day but the flights within Alaska have cut back to one a day to most places and that time table means taking the day before off. Not happening. So we'll be using the gift certificate my boss gave me a couple of months ago for this fancy restraunt downtown. Get this, it's $70 gift certificate but people keep telling me we'll still have to put more with it. That just seems sooo wrong to spend that much on food. But since the majority won't be coming out of our pockets, we're going to do it.

Speaking of work. Please pray for me. I am so far behind. I've worked the last two Saturdays and still don't seem to get ahead. It's only going to get worse with the holidays ahead...but the new person starts the first so that should help. But it takes time to train to...ugh!

I'm excited about the youth work this year. I have felt for some time with our youth group expanding so, we need to be more active. Well last night we met and the third Saturday of each month we're going to have a youth activity and each youth drew a month and they will be in charge of that month's activity. They did some swapping of months, and we eliminated March as Gracie's wedding and youth convention both are in that month. All in all they seemed excited. Along with that the first Saturday of each Month Jeremy's going to work with me and we'll have a regular youth Bible study/prayer service. AND I have Jackie and Heather working at directing a community outreach once each quarter, AND Tim Osborne is in charge of fund raising. Joleesa will be our secretary/treasurer as to be my laison with the youth in communication and such. I'm really excited and they seem to be too. I still have such a burden for the youth but I've found it difficult to stay on top of things to keep them busy and Brother Nowling didn't feel there was anyone ready yet to take over the group. Hopefully this will get someone trained for it in the future. We had 9 here last night. One of our regulars were missing and we have potential 6 more eventually. PLUS by each youth being in charge it'll hopefully cause them to invite their friends their particular activity. I've also stressed that each activity MUST beging with a devotional. I really feel God's going to move the youth in Alaska forward this year.

Well enough rambling. I think I'm going to take a nap. By the way I could still use prayer for my body. I have not been able to throw this sinus drainage and then coughing/choking spells. I'm beginning to wonder if it's allergies. This morning the drainage was so bad it was hard to teach SS and especially lead song service. And right now I have a terrific headache above my eyes and that the bridge of my nose. I need relief.

God bless everyone.

God is So Good

We had a great Sunday morning Sunday School, worship and service. We had 19 in attendance. Brother Johnny Furlong has been in town the last week and we've had a couple of opportunities to fellowship (and laugh) with him. He and Matthew came out to SS and church. I am loving teaching our VLB class this quarter. They have opened and everyone is sharing soooo much. Then we went into a wonderful worship. Brother Nowling then preached "Go and sin no more" and fit in with Noah's ark and how it's only if "we go and sin no more" that He'll be able to make us as indviduals be "fitly framed together" and finish the work and He did with Noah and the ark. It was great (and the man hadn't had but an hour of sleep).

God has been healing relationships. There's times you do all that you know to do and nothing happens but you continue praying and eventually God does the work. It is so great. And I know there's other ones He's working on.

I have not been able to throw this cold completely. I have so much drainage into my throat. My cough is lingering. It's been difficult teaching and leading song service, but that was even amazing. Before song service I was coughing like crazy. God stilled the cough during song service and soon as I was done the coughing started again. It was actually kind of funny...we had all put our whole selfs into the worship and when I got done and started coughing, Joleesa was giving me a cough drop to suck on and several others started coughing or clearing their throats so the bag got passed around. I'm beginning to wonder if it's allergies because I feel fine otherwise.

Going backwards on my weekend; Saturday was busy but good. I had to go into work for four hours and then I came and picked up Heather to help her shop for her dress. I wasn't sure how Walked into the next store, at first we were tag shocked and then this lady looked at me and said "what are you doing here?" It turns out I had been working with her all last week on a German fest ad. She was sooo sweet and helpful. As we looked around, it was getting difficult to find anything modest. Then all a sudden I saw it and called Heather over. It was so Heather and the price was reasonable. See God answered my prayer and then we went for shoes, wasn't successful at two stores but seeing as Payless was in the mall of the last store and we were running out of time, I said let's just take a quick look...and she found the perfect shoes for $14.99. God is good.

We came home, Joleesa cooked the best lasagna for about 8 people (poor Brother Nowling didn't get any as it wasn't ready by the time he left for work, and finished off). Then we set around for 4 hours an "ugly" fire pit that I had been begging to get (that's another story, but it's starting to grow on me). It was a busy but good day.

And Gracie, I haven't forgotten that I've been tagged. I'll do it here soon.

HAS IT REALLY BEEN A YEAR???

Wow! We've actually been here a year TODAY. A year full of so very many emotions. You know it doesn't matter what trials and tests that you face, when you are in God's will there's a peace that is there through every storm. I have felt the mountains of Alaska have been our friend this year. We have had a year full of many new experiences. The fear of the long dark hours was all for nothing. They didn't bother me. The long daylight hours, now I didn't fear them, but I found myself frustrated with them. I didn't WANT to go bed because it was still beautiful. Winter was more mild then Wisconsin's and much more beautiful.

The church here have seen many new faces throughout this year. I feel a real excitement, and as I feel God is going to take this Anchorage church to heights it's never been before. I'm looking forward to being a part of it and I'm anxious to see things move.

Another year...in a place I never dreamed of ever being and actually never desired to go. My family all here together, good jobs for all of us, and a local church with great things ahead for her. Yes, through it all, God's been so very faithful, and good to our family. I love Him so much.

I have two major goals for this next year...a bigger house (we have had more people into our home in one year then I think we did in 10 years in Menomonie), and a church building. I am patiently waiting on my God to provide as He has everything else for us. He is my perfect heavenly Father. He knows what I need and will even give me the desire of my heart in due time.

Doing Better

It has been a looooong, short week. I was swamped at work and had online training to do. I'm just amazed at my God and how He gives us strength beyond measure. I couldn't miss work, there was just too much to do. I even had someone complain that I was passing germs with my coughing. They were told I wasn't fevering, and unless she wanted to cover my desk, there wasn't anyone to do my work, so they were not going to send me home. Towards the end of the week I wasn't feeling too bad but I just couldn't stop coughing. Yesterday was too bad. I had some spasms. It was wierd. I'd actually sleep well, no covering and all. But once I got up and started talking the covering started.

Anyway I'm doing much better. Still got a little crackling in my throat and voice. I actually slept in until 10 am. That is soooo rare. I probably would've slept longer but I have the state books to do as well as clean house. I also, was afraid if I did I wouldn't sleep tonight. I fixed some breakfast and decided to check my email before I started the books and I can't believe how sleepy I still am. It's a dreary rainy day so that means good sleeping weather.

Brother Nowling has started with the cold. Please pray he doesn't get as sick as Joleesa and I did. He usuall is able to fight it easier. I had been sick before IYC and actually just felt good the day before we left. With being anemic, no matter the Emergen C or the Airborne, my immune system didn't get built back up to fight the germs from Joleesa. But hopefully this germ doesn't mutate here with Brother Nowling and make its rounds again. Any way thanks for your prayers, please keep them coming.

I am anxious to get busy with the church. I feel like God wants so much more from me than what I gave last year. And I'm anxious to get going. Hopefully Brother Nowling will make appointments soon and we can get moving Please help us pray for a building. We have been blessed 10 youth and potential for several more. A building would make a big difference for us BUT youth don't have much money so we're asking God for a mighty miracle but I believe it's out there.

Everyone have a great weekend.

I'm Sick of Coughing

I cough at night, cough in the morning, noon and evening. I cough on the phone, in meetings...I am soooooo sick of coughing. I want to sleep but I can only seem to do it an hour here and hour there because I COUGH!. I didn't go to church because all I would do is COUGH and I'm sure I'd hear about it. I also hope to catch a little sleep when no one is here.

Life has not gotten back to normal since I've been home because I feel rotten and can't carry on a conversation without coughing.

Jody and I still haven't had any time together. Because I'm COUGHING! Now he's into his shift at work. They bid on their shifts again at the airlines and he got stuck with this same horrible shift (10 hours/day Wed - Sat, 9 pm - 7 am. Sunday-Tuesday nights off) that blows our weekends but he is available Sunday and Wednesday for church. I know that's what is important but I miss my husband.

I'm sorry for ranting. I want you to know I'm ranting as I COUGH! I'm going to see if I can nap now without coughing.

It's Good to be Home

Well we made it back from IYC and our general assembly. It was just Joleesa and I that went to IYC and then we picked Jenna up at the airport on Tuesday night for the assembly. It was really great to spend time with my youngest daughter. She is usually a daddy's girl. It's not unusual for me to spend time with Jessa or Jenna but Joleesa is usually with friends or her dad. I really cherished the time with her. Though she's 18 I found her being my little girl at this time. We took the red eye flight to the assembly and she would usually have her teddy bear dad to lean on but had her short mom instead ~smile. We have a new appreciation for those that have flown these long distance for years. It is really tough. I thought the long drives were, but you can pull off and get out and eat or even lay over for a night as to split it up but ugh, it doesn't work that way flying. The long hours in the air in a cramped, crammed airplane coupled with long hours in the airport are really tough. BUT I PTL! We flew standby to Chicago and then back from Chicago and had absolutely no problems getting on and none of our flights were late. Joleesa got sick to her stomach towards the end of our Anchorage to Chicago flight, I got nauseated on the landing of our Memphis to Chattanooga flight (both of us actually having to use the barf bags ~ ick) and then we both got a little nauseated on the Chattanooga to Memphis flights. But I cannot thank the Lord for how smoothly everything went.

IYC was great. There were a lot of new people and such a sweet calming spirit in the services. BUT IT WAS HOT! Averaged about 103 degrees and one day one of the units went out in our main dining facility which is also where we had class and services...even Joleesa, who loves the heat, was saying giving me our Alaska weather. But they got it working and we really had a great time with our precious people from around the world.

Then the assembly. Oh how we LOVED the new facilities. Parking was great, everything about it was great (except we froze with the air conditioning just like in the old facilities). The message were so full of meat right from the start with Brother Michael Jernigan's message, followed by Brother Kevin Werkheiser (I think their messages along with Brother Brian O'Dell's and Brother Hawkins were my ultimate favorites). Every part of the assembly was awesome. I did have one major problem...I was sooooo missing Jody. It just wasn't right him not being there. I don't know if I could do a WHOLE assembly without him again. Joleesa (and Jenna) were great to be with me although Joleesa got really sick with her sinuses and cough that she missed several sessions. I truly feel it was the enemy keeping her from getting what she needed. There were so many that were so sweet in helping me out with Jody not being there and just precious just because. Isaiah Peter was awesome for me and Joleesa at both IYC and the assembly. A new young man that I just met for the first time at IYC, Tim Cox of Virginia was great fun and helped in several ways. Then there were our precious brothers and sisters the Adams (Ray and Tammi), the Williams (Jimmy and Georgia), the Thompson family from Minnesota Johnny and Connie Wilson, and the Griffins (Tim and Sharon) such precious, precious people God has brought into our lives overthe years for some reason I found them so dear to me this year. I spent Saturday evening visiting with two of our dear sisters from Iowa. There were others as well that would stop and ask about Jody and Jessa. This really gave me a taste of what that last assembly over on the shining shore will be like some day as sooooo much love abounded.

We arrived about 11 pm Alaska time (which would be 3 am Tennessee time) ready to not be on another flight for some time and glad to be home. We had Brother Bobby Sutton and Isaiah (and all their luggag ~ grin) at our place as they didn't fly out to Bethel until Monday late morning. So after visiting for a short time with them and Jeremy we went to bed only to get up by 8 am this morning so I could get them breakfast and Jody could get them off to the airport. AND I started on the piles of laundry I had (it's still going now) plust unpacked everything and clean the house.

Now tomorrow it's back to work and back to routine (oh yeah I haven't found a "routine" yet and that's one of my goals ~smile). But I've got a major bummer. Joleesa shared her cold with me and once again I have what I had before I left. Scratchy throat, draining sinuses and coughing, coughing, coughing. NO! NO! NO! I can't be sick. Please,once again pray for me. And by the way, anyone that's a firm believer in Emergen "C" or Airborne; I've been taking them both for weeks...ugh.

Well I think I'm going to check some blogs.

Feeling Better

Thanks for the prayers. I'm feeling somewhat better. Last night was the first goodnight's sleep I've gotten in about a week. Between not being able to sleep because my throat hurt so bad to coughing all night it's been rough. My body needed sleep but couldn't and I had to keep going. Joleesa still is feeling rough so if you'd continue to pray for both of us as well as Jessa is sick again. The girl's been working so many hours she doesn't know if she's coming or going and she's gotten so rundown she is sick again. She'll not be able to go to the assembly either. She just really needs her prayers.

We leave out tomorrow night and I still don't have everything ready. I've never been so last minute, but life just hasn't slowed down at work, home or church.

We had 11 young people go to a park for a youth night Saturday night. We had 13 in SS on Sunday. Our church was 3/4 youth. How awesome is that. We had a great SS class and I know that they've had great time fellowshipping (Isaiah and Micah were here for Josh and Jackie's wedding reception). It's been a good but busy weekend.

I won't be posting now until labor day. God bless everyone. Have safe travel.

The Bug Has Found Me

Please pray for me. The bug that everybody had a couple of weeks ago finally found me. Sore throat, chest and head hurts. I can't be sick. Between work, home and trying to get ready for the assembly I don't have time to be sick. They let my co-worker go. She just wasn't cutting it. It's a long story but they asked me first because they knew I'd be the one covering most of her desk. I reminded them of my vacation before they did it and we all agree later would be worse. So here I am sick, I have to get my own desk caught up and get ahead AND cover her's too. But at least I'm not my boss, he has to cover both of our desks while I'm gone AND his boss is gone getting married at the same time.

Saturday I went and did a little shopping, went to Jenna's company's dept bbq and the met Heather, Matt, Codi, Joleesa and Jenna in a lot of laughs by playing I Buy. I won, because they didn't finish the game. I always lose in the last round. I'll take the win.

Last night Brother Nowling and I went and visited the Textures. It was a good visit. I find I spend so much time with the youth that I haven't spend time with anyone else. I've got to get more balanced. We then drove around town for a little while as we knew that the youth were at our house and just enjoyed the two of us being together. When we got home we had the pleasant surprise of Rusty Cabelas being here. He's here for training. So it was Tim, Larry, Heather, Rusty the girls and us. I'm not sure who gave us more laughs my husband or Rusty. Usually at my expense or the girls...but you know what it was ok. I love him any way and they'll come a time I'll get Brother Rusty.

Well, I think I'm going to eat and go to bed.

A Quiet Weekend

UGH! OK I lost my post and I couldn't restore it...so I'm going to bed. I'll have to post another time.

Our Journey Through Wittier

Tuesday night was such a pleasant evening (read my previous post for more details). See us enter the tunnel, surrounded by cave walls, driving on railroad tracks, and seeing the "light at the end of the tunnel". Ryan, the young fisherman that you'll see turns into our tour guide and Brother Nowling had a great time having Joleesa with them trying to get her interested in "fish"(yeah right ~smile). The tall building you see is where the residents of Whittier live (with the exception of Ryan and one other guy who lives up the mountain in two seperate cabins). Whittier's post office and clinic are in there too. The walkway way is an underground pedestrian tunnel that gets walkers across town. Notice all the waterfalls going down the mountains all around the area. The river was gorgeous, the buildings unique. My girls looked beautiful and happy by the beautiful blue water. And the last picture is my favorite person in the world looking a part of the perfect diet Coke commercial.

Enjoy our evening. (Ugh - I forgot blogger reverses things; I attempted to switch some...so just explore).

A Great Evening

Jody and I have been like ships passing in the night the last few weeks with his working Wednesday thru Saturday nights and sleeping days and me working days, and then company and all. We've not been able to do anything together. So I checked into going to Whittier. There is a 2 mile long tunnel that you have to pay to go through and it is a one way tunnel so it's got a schedule as to when cars from the different directions can go through. My boss helped get all the information and for a whopping $12 toll and gas (no big deal it's just about 50 miles away) we had a great evening veiwing Whittier and the Prince William Sound portion of the Ocean with lots of glaciers. Jessa and Joleesa went with (Jenna chose to stay home, but as you read then wished she had gone, and being Joleesa doesn't spend much time with her family we insisted she go). See, I don't mind the girls going, I enjoy them going that way when there's something Jody would rather do usually one the girls will stay with me.

Anyway Whittier is another place where the world ends...you get there and all you can do is turn around and go back because all roads end at the ocean there. It's got all kinds of shops but more importantly we met a cute and polite young man (17 year old Ryan). Ryan's dad is a phsyciatrist and his mom a CEO of a bank and he has 12 brothers and sisters that all live in Anchorage but he has chosen to live in Whittier the last 5 years helping his uncle run his fish processing/gift shop business. He owns a cabin up the mountain. He was out fishing and Jody started talking to him. To shorten things up some here, I asked him if he had time to be our personal tour guide and so he took on underground pedestrial tunnel that led to the side of Whittier where the 14 story building was that housed most the residents, the post office and a clinic. They have mobil community church, no banks or bars (but a liquor store), and a school that has about 27 students. They get abot 25 feet of snow so they have underground tunnels that they use in the winter. On the other side of these buildings and 100's of boats is the mountain and river and the most gorgeous waterfalls coming right out of the mountains. It was a peaceful, unique place and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and Ryan was awesome. Brother Nowling introduced himself as Pastor Nowling and it opened the door for questions. We thought he may be mormon, but not so. He seemed very interested and may come out to services, but before school starts I hope to take the youth to Whittier for a day of hiking and roasting hot dogs and we'll call him so he can join us. I had Jessa get his phone number and email address (Joleesa is too close to his age although he was having a great time telling her about fishing and teasing her along the way; with her dad's help).

Anyway, the night was perfect except for two things...my camera had no flash card in in it. Grrrr. Someone had taken it out to download pictures on to the computer. Fortunately Jessa had her camera with so we put her flashcard into my camera, until the batteries went dead (unfortunately my camera doesn't let me know how much life is left in the batteries). So back to Jessa's camera until her batteries went dead (before you think I was smart enough to think of switching batteries too, her's only takes two mine four)and the second bummer was the stores were closed there so, no we couldn't even buy batteries. It was 8 pm by the time we got there but one of the first places we went to was Ryan's store (by the way Joleesa came out quickly saying it stunk of fish ~ go figure it was a gift shop but there's a big sign on it that said FISH PROCESSING ~ Ryan was standing there talking to Jody and I when she came out, how perfect for HIM). There were a few other stores still open but we started our looooooong walk (to me it was long, and I don't even hurt this morning) and by the time we got back we were so thirsty and the only thing open was the liquor store and he assured us we didn't want that kind of drink (dah~grin)so he went into his store and got us some pop and tea. Jody insisted on paying for them.

Like I started out it was A GREAT EVENING. I went to bed PTL and in awe once again of his creation.

2 Place

I don't know if I already bragged (yes, I know that's what I'm doing) about having the 2nd highest sales in June for ADN advertising. I was quite surprised as my month started off really sluggish but it picked up in the last two weeks. Then on Thursday I had my 6 month review 4 months late. It was the best review I've ever had. Out a possible 5 I received 4.2. On the quantity of work handled I received a 5 and I got nothing lower than a 3.75. It's hard to believe as the first couple of months I thought I was in over my head and wasn't sure I was where I should be. But now I really like my job MOST the time. As I did I've been covering two desks as my co-worker is out on FMLA due to her health. I actually put in 3 1/2 hours today as I had gotten behind and at the pace of the newspaper business, if you get behind, you may drown. I got sooo much done with no phones or email.

I came home though and it was just Jody and I and he'll be going to work. I was feeling the empty nest syndrome as the girls are all doing their own thing and I have nothing to do and I'll actually be here alone tonight as Joleesa is spending the night with a friend. I hate Jody's schedule. I hope the next bid allows him weekends because otherwise we're just ships passing in the night. I DON'T like it. But I thank God He's provided and keeps providing for us.

It seems like blogland is quiet. I'm going to work on IYC devotions.

Jenna's Caught the Bug

Please pray for Jenna. She is now down sick. She even called into work. Head, chest and cough. Jody, Jessa and her have all had some form of this. I've been taking airborne and emergence-C to try to keep from getting sick. But I haven't slept well for several days so that doesn't help. My co-worker is actually in d-tox (the truth is finally coming out) so the burden at work is quite heavy and I can't afford to get sick (not that we ever can). Pray for her too if you would. Things are really messed up for her. She came to our ladies retreat. I just don't know how to help and/or family except through prayer.

By the way, if anyone's heard the news of a bridge in MPLS collapsing that is so scary. That is the bridge near the airport. We've crossed that bridge many times. It's been under construction forever it seems. The traffic on that thing gets really heavy during rush hour and it collasped at 6 pm, the hight of rush hour in that area. I pray for the people involved. What a mess.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Everyone is pretty much recuperated

I thought I better let everyone know that Brother Nowling is feeling better and so is Jessa. Brother Nowling actually made it to church Sunday night and Jessa headed out to Bethel today to spend a few hours with Sister Jacquelyn and Sister Annette, hopefully berry picking.

Saturday Jenna and I took Jeremy to Aleyeska and took the tram up the mountain. Jenna and him hiked on up the mountain while sat at the outside pavilion of the restraunt until I saw some paragliders gettin ready to take off. So I went down the mountain a little and sat on a rock and watched the rich people (it cost $189 for about 15 minutest)take part in it. It was beautiful to see them in the air, but I couldn't take any pictures because Jenna's camera was dead so she took mine hiking. Ugh, kids these days.

You all heard how Sunday went. Jeremy hung out with the youth without me, Sunday afternoon and Monday night so I rested Sunday and then Monday went to co-sign for Joleesa's car. Oh by the way, I've been feeling real old these days as we helped our youngest, our baby get her first car. She bought a 2002 silver, Dodge Stratus. It's a very nice car and she's lovin' it. I believe too she's having a hard time believing she's at this time in her life.

Joleesa and Jenna have just left to take Jeremy to the airport. Brother Nowling and I had a heart to heart, open and honest conversation with him regarding his moving to Alaska. We know the seriousness of his being in the will of God. We had prayer with him and we'll probably be seeing him soon. For the last 3 weeks we've had company for the last 3 weeks, so will life be back to normal? I don't know that I've ever established what normal is, so we'll see.

Outside of things being busy at work, and OH I took 2nd for the highest sales for the month of June. In January I took third, I don't know that I'll ever get first but I'm greatful for 2nd. It means BONUS. PTL.

Other than preparing for my cabin time for IYC not a whole lot of plans between now and then. That actually sounds good.

An Infestation of Germs

No not JERM! Germs. Actually Jeremy was the first to get sick. But PTL he was able to still complete the revival. At times he thought it was just allergies, but it was a cold. He was able to get a lot of rest, and although the cough is still there, he is definately doing better. But Brother Nowling and Jessa have been really sick. They've had to continue going to work as there are so many sick and/or vacation that the airlines is really shorthanded so they had to stick it out, fever and all. Brother Nowling's week at AA at least is done but Jessa is actually covering a partial shift for someone so is having to put in a 12 hour day. They both so need your prayers.

By the way, I just read Northwest Airlines cancelled 166 flights this weekend due to pilots calling in sick! Ouch! I'm flying out of Chicago to Chattanooga for IYC on Northwest. I hope they get their act together before then.

Brother Nowling won't be going to church this morning. Both for his sake and the members sake. He doesn't want to pass it on. So I'm preaching. As I was thinking about it dawned on me if I preach that would mean I'd teach SS, lead song service and then preach. Not to good of idea for several reasons. So Jenna, Jeremy and I were sitting outside enjoying the beautiful Alaska 70 degree weather about 8 pm last night and I asked Jenna about teaching, and asked Jeremy about leading song service. Though neither jumped at the opportunity Jeremy made a deal with Jenna that he would if she would. I know God can use us all.

Wow-What a couple of Weeks

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. First with my mother-in-law being here, then going to Bethel, and then revival with Brother Jeremy. I thank God my girls are older and help out because I can't keep up. Work was the busiest it's ever been. I go all day without it slowing down. By the time I get home, there's only one hour before church. The girls have been good and had dinner ready all but one night, and that was ok because that night on the way home from work the screw came out of my glasses and I had to have Joleesa drive me to get them fixed before church. To top of everything, almost every day from Wednesday on, my stomach has been feeling yucky. Also, Jeremy's had a bad cold/allergies/asthma so he hasn't felt the best. Now Brother Nowling's got a horrible head cold. He stayed back from revival last night as to get some extra sleep as he couldn't call into work as they are really shorthanded. Jessa has been putting in a lot of overtime because they're so short.

I think I'm beginning to agree with Brother Ray, 3 night revivals are perfect. Though Jeremy preached good messages (that were even short - so we were out by 8 pm or a little after), it's really tough doing the full week.

Heather Mac also came to Alaska the same day Jeremy came through town on his way to Bethel. She's in the airforce and is now stationed at Elmendorf here in Anchorage. Brother Nowling spent Monday and Tuesday car shopping with her and Joleesa. So that's the sightseeing Jeremy did the first two days. Wednesday, Jessa took him to flattop, Thursday I came and got him at lunch time and took him downtown and dropped him off. You know girls are really more decisive then boys. In asking what Jeremy would like to do this week ~ NOTHING IN PARTICULAR. Girls/ladies would at least give suggestions. So anyway, we did take him to Earthquake Park and Lake Hood (sea planes-but he only cares for planes if he's in them~ugh). I think his interest isn't too much in the beauty of the mountains, and the water ~ grin.

Anyway today, we're going to the bank for me to co-sign for Joleesa's car loan. We'll get brunch and then head to Alyeska to take the Tram (this is something I've wanted to do and Brother Nowling doesn't so I've saved it for when Jeremy was here). It'll be just Jeremy, Jenna and I which will be a first because we have had someone else with us all the time ever since he came. I hope the fickled Alaska weather holds out for us.

Joleesa found a car she really wants so please pray, if she's suppose to have it, it'll all come together. And please remember Brother Nowling in your prayers, he has already asked for me to cover tomorrow morning as he feels so rotten.