Introducing Joy Beyond ... my friend Brenda's new book :)

Hello friends,

I'd like to share with you about my friend Brenda McGraw who has written a book called, Joy Beyond.  I met Brenda at church where she was one of the adult Sunday school teachers in a class Chris and I were in.  She has a heart for the Lord and is using her story to help bring others closer to Jesus.  I had the joy of helping edit parts of her book and she even shared one of my blog stories.  I am happy and proud to share with you about her book release, Joy Beyond.  Check out the link below to read more. 

 http://www.askgodtoday.com/2014/03/28/joy-beyond-release/

Be quiet and listen

Those of you who know me well, know that I put great emphasis on prayer.  I think it's the most important thing we can do for each other.  You can pray anywhere and at any time, and about anything.  Anyone can pray.  So as a woman who values prayer I started re-reading a book I've had for years called, Becoming a Woman of Prayer, by Cynthia Heald.  Yesterday while waiting on Olivia to come out of school I read a page that really made me think about how I approach my prayer time. The writer suggest that we quiet ourselves before prayer time and do as Psalm 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God"  Hmmm, I thought, do I do that? Do I have a time of quiet before I pray?  I'd have to answer that most of the time I am not quiet ...  When I know who and what I want to pray about  I usually just jump right into prayer time. Below is what the writer suggested.

 Well, my daughter came out of school and it was time to start the car and go home so I didn't think to much about what I had read ... Fast forward to my quiet time this morning.  The scripture reading was Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord

Hmmm, then I got over to the devotion page and well you can only imagine what it had to say:

It said to "Be still and know that I am God"

 

 

   I kind of sort of think the Lord is wanting to tell me something with this. I guess I better be still and take notice. What does the Lord want to show me? What does he want to show you? The above exert is from my daily devotion booklet titled In Touch found at www.intouch.org You know in sharing this with you I don't want you to think about me; I want you to think about how this relates to you and your prayer life. I am a sinner saved by Jesus grace. There is nothing special about me. I am just trying to do the best I can with what I know. As I get older I realize that there is still so much for me to learn. I am a work in progress.  I make mistakes.  I don't have all the answers. I am simply Susan. A wife, a mother, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a sister in law, a daughter in law, a niece, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend. All of those titles carry with them great pride and responsibility.  I admit I strive to be the best wife, mother, relative and friend that I can be.  I like to help people when I can and I want to be an encourager, but my most honorable roll is that as daughter of the most high King.  If I can live my life to do His will, seeking Him first, then I know I'll do ok at my other roles in life.  No I won't ever be perfect on this earth, but by seeking to learn how to pray, how to love, how to give, how to serve at least I'll know I gave it my best.  So if you are reading this and you don't currently have a prayer time let me encourage you to start right now.  If you'll sit quietly for a few moments and think about how wonderful the Lord is and how much He loves you, then ask Him to join you in prayer. Talk to the Lord and be quiet and listen ... I know I am.

 

 

 

Go be a blessing . . .

A basket of memories

This morning I feel led to share with you my basket of memories.  Years ago I cleaned for a lady in my neighborhood named Gwen.  She was super sweet and very organized.  In her living room was a large decorative container that held cards, lots of cards.  She said she kept them there so she could go back and read them.  Me being a card writing, stationary loving, pen pal freak thought that was one of the neatest ideas I had ever seen ... thus I began my own card basket.  I must say I had always kept all my cards, but they weren't out in public view.  All of my cards were stored in plastic containers under my bed.  Not anymore, Gwen had just opened my eyes to a very meaningful display of love.  I put the basket in our sitting room next to the love seat and every time a birthday card, anniversary card, thank you note, Christmas card, etc. comes for any of us it goes in the basket.  Pictured above are two very special stacks of cards.  The ones on the left started coming in November 24, 2006 after my dad died, the ones on the right arrived after May 28, 2008 when my father-in-law died.  I can't tell you how many times I've referred back to the basket to read the sweet notes of sympathy others sent to help us grieve our loss. What a comfort even years later.

 

 Just yesterday I attended the funeral of my friend Louan's mom, Mrs. Martha Waldrop.  Mrs. Martha and I have known each other since Louan and I became friends at church.  I'd see Mrs. Martha at her grandsons birthday parties, at church events or just around town.  She served in the Children's ministry at our church and was in her place this past Sunday teaching 3 year olds.  I remember when my dad died Mrs, Martha, sent a sweet sympathy card and again when Chris's dad died another card came in the mail. She and her husband sent cash in one and a gift card to a restaurant in the other, to help feed us in our time of need.  That was the kind of woman she was.  Martha worked behind the scenes in her service to the Lord and was happy doing things that way.  I, too, like to work behind the scenes.  I don't care who knows what I'm doing as long as I know I'm doing what the Lord wants me to do.  It's all for His glory anyway, not mans.  Yesterday Martha was honored in a way that I think she would be proud of ... a way I would be proud to be honored when my time comes.  Don't ever think a good deed or a kindness goes unseen, God knows. My goal in sharing this with you today is two fold; number one, if you are a person who throws away your cards let me ask you to reconsider and start a basket of memories.  On days when you feel blah you can go to your basket and pull out a funny birthday card or silly note and be reminded of the people around you who love you and took time to show their love through that card.  My second point is take time to make a difference in this world even if you and God are the only ones who know. Send cards, make visits or phone calls (do stuff behind the scenes for others) you will be blessed.  Life is really short ... eternity is really long and only what we do for eternity counts anyway.    I sincerely, love you all and thank you for taking time to read what I have to say.  I pray the Lord will use my words to encourage you on this journey.

 

Go be a blessing...

 

Please continue to pray for Doug as he is grieving his wife of 44 years. Pray for their only daughter Louan and her husband Stephen and two grandson's, Adam and Noah.  They are a close family who I know will appreciate your prayers. 

Dirty dishes in the stove :)

Yesterday this thought crossed my mind, "We are competing against people who don't even know they're in a competition with us".  Is this true in your life??? I think if we are all honest in some ways it is true.  Take for instance, a blog post a friend shared on face book.  I don't know the person who wrote it, but what she said reminded me of this thought.  She was writing her "mom confession".  She told how she has a couple of kids who are hard to put to bed and how she sits in the floor between their rooms until they fall asleep.  She confessed that she feeds them boxed macaroni and cheese and doesn't buy organic apples.  I got the feeling she was comparing herself to others, who I suppose have children who are easy to put to bed, always make homemade food and buy organic???  I'm not criticizing her, far from it ... I am wondering WHY we women feel the need to compete??? I don't know where it is written that we MUST have a perfect "Southern Living" home, buy only organic food and have perfect children.  We all know that isn't happening anyway.  This is the real world.  Women, wives, mothers, young ladies ... stop competing against people who don't even know you're in a competition with them.  Be the best YOU, that you can be.  I think striving for a clean house, healthy meals and respectful children is a must, but don't beat yourself up about it.  Life is taken one day at a time.  Do the best you can today.  Tomorrow, do better.  Prayer is a major part of my life.  If I didn't have the Lord to talk to and His word to read, I'd be a basket case.  The absolute best thing you can do for your husband and children is to pray for them.  Listen to them.  Be there. Sometimes the dishwasher is full, the sink is full and the counter is full of dirty dishes ( that happened to me yesterday).  I was out all morning cleaning for a friend of mine and left my house to clean up later.  Well as soon as I got in I found out someone was coming by unexpected.  I panicked, I didn't want her to see my kitchen in that big mess. So, do you know what I did??? I moved the rack in my oven to the lowest level and I shoved all of my dirty dishes in there.  Shazam!! My kitchen looked great !!! True story.  Why did I do that?  Did I need to make this lady feel like I had it all together?? I guess so.  Funny thing is she didn't even come in to my kitchen. Laugh out loud now.  I did. 

My point is this;  magazines and movies are where things are "staged" to look "perfect".  Real life doesn't always look that way, BUT it doesn't make it any less special.  So enjoy your life right where you are.  Stop competing with  people who don't even know they're in a competition with you. Live the life you were given, then you and your family will truly win.  They will win a wife and mom who realizes what is truly important and that is time spent with family.  Make a mess in that kitchen ... who cares if you don't know how to roll out homemade dough for cookies; I don't either.  Buy a bag mix and make some memories.  Leave your Christmas wrap and bows all over the floor and teach your kids how to wrap gifts (let them in on the fun and experience) it's ok if the tape is to long or crooked or if the bow doesn't match. Life is short.  Time is fleeting.  Come on, live a little and stress less.

Jesus said, ""Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need."1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

"He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."
Proverbs 16:20

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you are also being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."
Ephesians 2:19-22


 Merry Christmas my friends :) Go be a blessing. 

Christmas, what does it mean to you?

     Christmas.  What is Christmas to you? What does it mean? Do we really celebrate Christmas or do we celebrate something else that we've created?  Tough questions.  Christmas to me is the birth of Jesus.  It means that God kept His word when He sent His only son to be born of Mary at the time and place told about in scripture. We celebrate Christmas to honor Jesus? to share His story? Hmmm, do we do that? Do I do that?  Oh sure I teach Sunday school and I tell little children all about the birth and love of Jesus.  We've made beautiful ornaments and will see a nativity play. We'll have a "Happy Birthday, Jesus" cake and we'll sing to Jesus and yes that is celebrating.  I pray I'm not just going through the motions.  I want to feel it, experience it, share it ...
  
   Then there is time with family. On December 25 we'll eat a meal together, catch up on the happenings in each others lives and then open gifts.  Where does Jesus fit into that?  Maybe He doesn't.  Maybe, we are so busy and caught up with food, family and gifts that we accidentally leave Jesus out of Christmas.  Say it isn't so? I pray that we will be purposeful in reading the account of Jesus' birth from the bible, so that we don't overlook the guest of honor.   I don't want to miss it? I don't want to do Christmas wrong. Years ago people celebrated Advent in the weeks leading up to Christmas, some folks still do.  I'm not an expert on Advent, but I suppose it gives people an opportunity to yearn for what's to come, to pray and to prepare.  I like to be prepared.  I like to do things the "right way". Am I messing up Christmas? I hope not.  As I ponder Christmas in writing this I am reminded that Christmas is more than one day on the calendar, Christmas is Jesus living in my heart.  Jesus is with me every day of the year, not just on December 25th.  I may or may not be doing Christmas right, but I'm seeking and searching scripture and the Lord knows my heart.  I want to share His love with others the best way I can.  I want you to know that I am a sinner, but Jesus loves me just as I am and He loves you just as you are.   I'm never going to be perfect until I stand before the Lord and He gives me a new, glorified body.  All I want to do is obey Him while I'm here and help others along my journey.

   So to sum up my thoughts ... Christmas is the birthday of the most important person in the world, Jesus Christ.  He came to live a sinless life, to die on the cross and be raised to life ( all of which He accomplished).  Now He prepares a place for all of us who will receive Him to come live with Him in heaven.  That's what Christmas is to me. He is the ultimate gift.  Do you know Jesus? If you don't know Jesus, call out to Him in prayer.  He is there and He loves you very much.  Won't you receive Him this Christmas? Don't miss out on the reason for the season. Don't miss out on the best gift of all, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas with love.


Luke 2: 1-20

Christ Born of Mary

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,^[a] who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold,^[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”^[c]

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely^[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

 Go be a blessing . . .

The Sanctuary

What is a sanctuary? Webster defines it as "a consecrated place:  a: the ancient Hebrew temple at Jerusalem or its holy of holies b (1): the most sacred part of a religious building." When I think of a sanctuary I think of a holy place; somewhere you can go to feel the presence of the Lord. A quiet place, reverent, solemn, joyful, peaceful, calm. A place with stained glass windows, prayer alters, the Lord's Supper Table, bibles, candles, hymnals, pews, pulpit, piano, choir loft and a baptismal. I asked my fellow facebook friends what comes to mind when they hear the word "sanctuary" this is what some of them had to say: peace, safe place, worshipping, safe haven, God's word, souls saved, total mercy, a song called Sanctuary, the presence of God, a refuge ...   I think the sanctuary should be considered a holy place and treated as such. Sadly the world has changed the look and feel of the sanctuary and it makes me sad. I don't think there is anything "holy" about darkness, flashing lights or even smoke in the sanctuary (not on purpose anyway). I suppose modern churches must think that too, considering they've changed the name of the sanctuary to the "worship center". I know it doesn't change what it is, but it does change how I perceive it. I am not saying that people aren't worshipping when they go into a worship center.  That is NOT the point of my post. However, my heart longs to keep the sanctuary just as it is; a sanctuary ( a holy place of quiet reverence).  I want my sanctuary back.   I am praying that the church will rise up and be what it has ALWAYS been, a sanctuary.

Exodus 25:8 "And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them."
 

This is an old hymn my mom and I used to sing at Tucapau Baptist. My heart longs for this type of worship. Read the words:

Just as I am written by William B. Bradbury

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

2. Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

3. Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
sight, riches, healing of the mind,
yea, all I need in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

5. Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

6. Just as I am, thy love unknown
hath broken every barrier down;
now, to be thine, yea thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Go be a blessing . . .

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of myself, Susan Boiter Neal and not of anyone else.   I speak on behalf of myself and what is on my heart. I am open to listen to other peoples thoughts and ideas as well.  If you'd like to comment my facebook feed is open, however, if anyone says anything disrespectful I will remove it. 

In memory of dad ...

Seven years ago today I stood in an ICU room holding my dads hand as he entered into the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus. I am so thankful that he was a Christian and because of that I know I will see him again in heaven. So many memories flood my mind as I look back over my life with my dad. He loved me so much; I don't think I realized how much. He was very strict and at the time I didn't appreciate all of the rules. Now I realize that raising a daughter is tough and he wanted to protect me just like I want to protect my daughter. He did a great job!!

Some of my best memories were of us fishing together and drinking chocolate milkshakes. We loved to eat at the Beacon and Joe's Lake and many other dives. As a little girl I can remember going outside after a big rain and holding the flashlight while daddy picked up night crawlers.  We'd walk through the woods hunting deer tracks and then when I got older he taught me how to shoot a 38. Our country rides and the stories we shared probably meant the most to me.  He was an excellent listener and cared about ALL of my heart breaks. When I found true love he walked me down the aisle on my wedding day in spite of having a kidney stone attack.  He was in pain yet fulfilling his fatherly role of giving me away. He was my biggest cheerleader. He was not only my father, but my friend.   Memories that I will always cherish.

I've traded in my tears for smiles of great memories. I am happy knowing how much he loved my mom and our family.  He loved Chris and Olivia. Dad and Chris were buddies from the beginning and Olivia's big brown eyes melted his heart. Chris is a sweet dad to Olivia just like my dad was to me. He is so good to us and I am thankful that all of us are Christians. This earth is just part of our journey home. We will all meet up in Heaven one day.

Remembering my dad, Ray J. Boiter, Sr., today and always ...

The New Toothbrush

It all started with a free Oral B toothbrush my dental hygienist gave me.  I didn't put much thought into this toothbrush prior to using it, but boy as I brushed, I was singing it's praises.  I walked into the hallway and began to tell Chris and Olivia how awesome this new toothbrush felt.  It was like I was giving myself a professional cleaning.  This brush has two round sets of bristles in the middle and longer bristles on the sides AND it has a soft rubbery part on the back.  I told them if I had known it was going to be that nice I would have used it sooner.  End of story? not quite. . . By the time I took Olivia to school and came back home to have my quiet time the Lord had pressed into my heart a very strong point.  He said,  if I liked that toothbrush so much and I didn't even need it, how much more would someone who really needs one enjoy it? We have some dear friends that we've been exchanging gifts with for years.  I love and cherish this small group of friends and enjoy the gift exchange, but somehow this toothbrush issue changed my heart.  It's honestly like the Lord said, "Susan why buy your friends another scarf or book to add to their collections when you can pack a toothbrush (and many other items) for a child in need instead? So I prayed about it ... I talked to Chris and Olivia about it and then I typed a letter sharing with my friends what the Lord put on my heart.  Instead of us buying for them or them buying for us we could pack shoe boxes in honor of each other. The letters went in yesterdays mail and Olivia and I already shopped and started packing the five shoe boxes after school yesterday. Our church is one of the collection sites so we will drop them off next week. We are so blessed in this country.  We use so many things everyday (like a toothbrush) and we don't even give it a second thought.  A toothbrush or even a hairbrush will be a luxury item for the child who receives it. Maybe you will consider packing a shoebox in honor of one of your friends?  It's fun to shop for the shoebox items and just knowing that we get to be a small part of making a child's day brighter is worth it.  I am going to share pictures of some of the items that can be packed in a shoebox.  If you are interested contact me or you can go to www.samaritanspurse.org

 

We plan to add more candy like lollipops and smarties, but as you can see it's very simple to do.  AND you know what the best part is, each of the children will receive information about Jesus.  They will know that someone cares about them and that makes me smile.  It's the little things friends, the simple, little things that matter most.

Go be a blessing . . .

Trick or Treating with Jesus :)

It's that time of year again when I start thinking about Halloween. Yes, I think about Halloween and I get excited planning how I am going to celebrate it.  Some of you are thinking what is that bible breathing, Sunday school teacher talking about?  Well let me tell you.  Several years ago the Lord  put on my heart this ministry of prayers and scripture for Halloween.  I've blogged about it for years and this year will be no different. I want  to share with you so we can join forces to protect our children on Halloween. Do I think Halloween is evil? I think Halloween is as evil as the individual makes it. So instead of debating whether to acknowledge Halloween or not my thought is this … we all have opinions and ideas about it ( convictions if you will) follow your conviction. As for me and my house we are going to serve the Lord. We are going to light the pumpkins, turn on our porch light and welcome many sweet faces to our door.   We are taking something meant for evil ( and I am 100% sure evil will be lurking and maybe in more force than a “normal” day), but it is still a day the Lord has made. We are choosing to serve the Lord on Halloween. We are in a spiritual battle 365 days a year, but today we are choosing to help children by covering them with prayer and scripture. Today I am printing up a bible verse and a little saying about Pumpkins and Jesus.  Olivia and I will make treat bags and attach these sayings to them.  She and I will pray over the bowl of treats and for each child who receives them.  This has been a tradition at our house for many years.  I truly believe by sending children around with Jesus' name in their bag we will help protect them and make a difference in their lives on this “dark” day. Life is a choice. You can sit by and complain and argue opinions, you can choose to do nothing OR you can take a stand and make a difference. The choice is yours. 

Go be a blessing ...

John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Joshua 24 :15 “ And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

 

Golden rod

About this time every year I notice golden rods growing by the side of the road. Instantly I begin to sing a little song that my mom taught me and I taught Olivia. It goes like this; "The Golden rod is yellow, the corn is turning brown, the trees in apple orchards with fruit are bending down."  There are more words, but that is all I know. Since I decided to write about this tune I thought I would investigate this song to find out where it came from and how the rest of it goes. It turns out that it's not a song at all, but a poem called September.
I will post it below. It is very addicting to sing considering all the Goldenrod that grows in the South. It's amazing how a weed that grows by the side of the road stirs a song within me? A weed. I am writing about a weed today. A weed that caused a lady I never knew (Helen Hunt Jackson) to write a poem that my mom liked enough to teach to me and I taught to my daughter (well not all of it, but we know part of it).  Words are so powerful. We surely need to be careful how we use them. I have the following Bible verse on my refrigerator: Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Oh that I would do that!!! Lord please use the Goldenrod ( God's Golden Rod of correction) to remind me to watch my words. Thank you Lord for this beautiful fall day. Lord Jesus thank you for blessing me with a precious family, go with them throughout their busy day. Bless my friends Lord, I am so grateful for them. May we all humble ourselves before you and recognize the beauty you have freely put before us. May we give you the praise that you deserve. Thank you for pretty weeds by the road that stir up songs within us and bring simple joy. In your precious and holy name I pray.I love you Jesus. Amen.

September by: Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)

"The golden-rod is yellow;The corn is turning brown;The trees in apple orchards With fruit are bending down.The gentian's bluest fringes Are curling in the sun;In dusty pods the milkweed It's hidden silk has spun.The sedges flaunt their harvest,In every meadow nook;And asters by the brook-side Make asters in the brook,From dewy lanes at morning The grape's sweet odors rise;At noon the roads all flutter With yellow butterflies.By all these lovely tokens September days are here,With summer's best of weather,And autumn's best of cheer.But none of all this beauty Which floods the earth and air Is unto me the secret Which makes September fair. Tis a thing which I remember;To name it thrills me yet: One day of one September I never can forget."

Go be a blessing ...

How can I hear, if I'm not listening ?

September 21, 2012 I woke up with terrible ringing and static in my left ear.  I went to the doctor that morning which set into motion many other doctor appointments, tests and an MRI.  I didn't know on that day I was losing my hearing.  As the days and weeks passed the ringing turned to static which is with me now.  At the same time our church was going through some changes.  We had been praying about what to do in regards to teaching.  You see our church was starting a new schedule with traditional worship at 9:30 which is when we teach 5 yr. old Sunday school. Contemporary worship was coming to the 11:00 hour and I wasn't crazy about that type of music.  I'm old fashioned.  I like to wear a dress to church and sing hymns.  Well the good Lord has a plan and a sense of humor.  Not only did I NOT like loud music, at the time of this church change the Lord takes part of my hearing.  Well when you lose part of your hearing in one ear, the other ear likes to compensate for the loss.  So ... the first few weeks after I lost my hearing I could hardly stand to go anywhere crowded.  The noise was overwhelming.  Music which I've always enjoyed became a pain in my ear and would give me a headache.  Teaching the children was difficult as I'd have to leave the room just to collect some quiet.  I thought how in the word am I going to survive this? Then there was the new worship service (that contemporary music --- drums, guitars and did I mention loud guitars).  Each week I'd wear my ear plugs and cry out to the Lord why? Why Lord do I have to sit through this? Why Lord? I like the choir.  I like to see people in dresses not skinny jeans.  Why?  Poor pitiful me, right?  NOT.  Poor pitiful attitude.  In this past year the Lord has grown me and taught me so much about the loud music and jean wearing folks.  You know what? He loves them and they love and respect Him just as much as I do.  He's taught me so much about pride and acceptance. I am so grateful.  I remember last fall Charles Billingsley was doing a concert at a local church.   Charles is my favorite singer.  I was kind of scared to attend the concert because what if my ears couldn't take it? As wonderful as his voice is my ears were still adjusting to all the changes.  Of course Chris and I went to the concert and it was wonderful.  I was so grateful to know that yes music would still be apart of my life.   Many have asked how bad my hearing loss is ... well since a picture speaks a thousand words I thought I'd share a copy of my hearing test taken 11/15/12.  I am in the Profoundly deaf category for my left ear as you can see the line going down to the bottom of the chart.  My right ear is in the normal range.  I have an appointment Oct. 1st to test my hearing and follow-up.  I don't put the phone to my left ear and I still need time for quiet after being in the mall, grocery store, church, really any place loud and crowded.  Has this loss kept me down or stopped me? Not at all.  Some days my balance is off and I am dizzy so I take it slow, but you won't find this girl missing Charles Billingsley when he's in town :)  Speaking of which ... I get to go hear him tonight at a CEF Banquet in Taylors.  I am so excited and thankful.  When God takes something away ( like some of my hearing) He gives us something greater (like a clearer awareness of others around us).  I feel like for the first time I am not only listening to others, but I am hearing them too.  Same goes for the Lord.  He has spoken volumes to me this past year.  Praising Him today and always.

Go be a blessing . . .