"100 Things"

I actually wrote this over two weeks ago while I was in Phoenix and had lots of time to think, pray and write. Saw this idea on another person’s blog and thought it was a great way to get my initial thoughts out…as well as to catch some people up on my life (since I haven’t blogged in over a year) it’s called… “100 things” 1. I’m currently in Phoenix. 2. My husband is here for training with his company – Cabela’s...I'm along for the ride. 3. I’m proud of him for getting a promotion after working there for less than a year. 4. When he took the job, we praised God for “something” – after a year of unemployment...it's been a GREAT place for him - great company and people. 5. We are now at about 60% of his former income - like many people we know. 6. God is good – the only reason we have survived the past two years is because of HIM. 7. Tom is one of the hardest working men I know. 8. I appreciate the fact that he has always been willing to do ANYTHING (job wise) to provide for our family. 9. I often feel guilty for having my “dream job” when has not had his. 10. ugh. 11. We have, once again, learned so much during this time of financial stress. 12. I’m thankful that we have remained a “team” and stronger than when we started. 13. I am fully aware that this kind of stress/hardship can kill a marriage. 14. Because of our experience(s), we have great compassion for people who WANT to work (and are willing) but just can’t find a job. 15. I often struggle with God over not having the desires of my heart – in the area of an awesome job for my man. 16. We have seen Him work in amazing ways as Tom has had great influence in his current situation and know that God has him there for a reason. 17. We are thankful for what He has done. 18. Brittney (oldest daughter) and her husband Phil (and dog, Ted) moved from Tulsa to Denton in December 2011. 19. It’s AWESOME to have them an hour away. 20. Phil is able to work his job from home…and Brittney just got a great job at an OB/GYN office. 21. Their apartment is adorable. 22. There is something cool about your daughter/son-in-law inviting you for dinner at their place! 23. Definitely worth the hour drive to be there! 24. Breanna (middle daughter – although I hate that “title”) got married almost three months ago. 25. On January 21, 2012 she married Jeremy and became “Mrs. French”. 26. There is truly no greater joy than to see your daughter marry the man you have prayed for/about since before she was born. 27. He is a good man who loves the Lord, comes from a great family and adores our girl. 28. Doesn’t get any better than that. 29. Their wedding was fun, God honoring and went by way too fast. 30. I wasn’t prepared for the let-down that I would experience once it was over. 31. I thought that it would be different with “wedding #2”…instead I think it was worse. 32. I can’t believe my baby girl is a married woman. 33. I still cry thinking about it and struggle with understanding exactly the “why” behind those tears. 34. I keep saying I need to “process through” the event…but I’m not sure how or what that really looks like. 35. I feel like everyone in the family went through the event, enjoyed it and checked it off the list and has “moved on”. 36. Not sure why I can’t. 37. I might need some professional help – which I do NOT see as a “weakness”. 38. Just sayin. 39. Breanna & Jeremy “technically” live in Duncan, OK. 40. However – He is about to be in Carrollton/Addison (TX) for 14 weeks. 41. He has a room-mate at the hotel (2 bedroom extended stay place)- which makes it difficult for Breanna to be with him. 42. She/they are sometimes in Carrollton, sometimes in our home, and sometimes in Duncan. 43. I know this is a tough time for them – especially her. 44. She wants so badly to be together in their own house, with their new wedding gifts – creating a home together. 45. On the bright side – this means we get to “host” their dog/our grand-dog, “Sky”. 46. While I was furious when Breanna brought this sick little puppy home almost a year ago, I have grown to love her. 47. Thankfully, our dog (Zoe) is learning to tolerate Sky’s puppy behavior – although she LOVES when Sky goes to her crate at night and Zoe gets to relax. 48. Right before the wedding we had our precious border collie, “Annie”, put to sleep. 49. I still look for her in the house and have moments of missing her sweet face and wagging tail. 50. Brooke wants another dog – “a friend for Zoe”. 51. Another reason I’m thankful that Sky is around – for us to hold off that desire! 52. Speaking of Brooke (our youngest/last) – she’s hilarious. 53. She’s a junior and I am blown away by the young woman that she is. 54. In many, many ways – I wish I was more like her. 55. She’s one of the most unselfish people that I know. 56. She reminds me not to judge others. 57. If we ever have a “ugh” morning (due to lack of sleep or waking up late) and words are said – I often get an “I’m sorry” text message from her within an hour. 58. She says sentences that begin with “Your mom…” about 100 times a day. 59. If she ever gets a hold of your iphone – you will surely find hilarious pictures that she took of herself on it. 60. Lots and lots of pics…and some are not “cute”. 61. She has been dating her boyfriend for over two years. 62. I love how healthy their relationship is – not ALWAYS needing to be together, supporting each other in their faith and making family and school the priority, etc. 63. They are fun to be with. 64. I can’t begin to imagine life without her in our home (when she goes off to college). 65. I’m pretty sure I’ll be on meds and in therapy after she leaves (that’s an authentic/not judgmental statement). 66. just sayin. 67. She’s an excellent student – I just need to teach her how to REALLY do the laundry! 68. She makes any day “worth it” to me. 69. She’s JOY…and a party… wrapped up in skin. 70. I love my job. 71. Women “do it” for me (in, obviously, a totally non-sexual way). 72. I’m beyond blessed with several really good friends. 73. I love that I have several different circles of friends. 74. They fill my bucket in different ways. 75. I have a hard time letting go of friendships. 76. I’m a “for life” kind of girl/friend. 77. I’m realizing that some women are not like me – and only do friendships that last for a “season”. 78. I don’t think that’s bad…just hard for me to do. 79. I have a group of women that I am able to be completely “me” with. 80. I think they love me any way. 81. I have friends that hold me accountable and would be on my doorstep in minutes if I called them – or if I was getting off track. 82. That’s a HUGE comfort to me and something I wish everyone had. 83. I also have friends that I unapologetically watch “The Bachelor” with. 84. Monday nights are definitely a highlight of my week. 85. It’s a gift to laugh as much as I do with my friends. 86. I love my church – and the fact that my girls wouldn’t think of getting married any place but there. 87. My heart grieves for those that don’t know connection like our family does. 88. I’m passionate about marriage - I hate divorce and HATE that I know several close friends feeling the pain of it right now. 89. I think marriage is not for wimps and people give up WAY too easily. 90. I do believe there are times when divorce is needed and the obvious answer. 91. I also believe that divorce happens way more often than it needs to. 92. I’ve often been “warned” that I shouldn’t be so vocal about my love for my husband and how strongly I value marriage. 93. I often have to remind Tom that some of the struggles we have, I believe, are a result of us being bold and strong on our stand for marriage – since Satan would like nothing more than to see US fail/be destroyed. 94. We have agreed and believe that God is bigger, better, stronger. 95. Our marriage is a process – I’m thankful that we both make it a priority. 96. Sometimes/often I suck at being a wife and mother. 97. I’m sure I’m going to make huge mistakes in my new role as a “mother-in-law”. 98. I’m thankful that God offers grace – and that my family does as well. 99. I can’t end this without mentioning how much I love facebook…oh, and my friends would be shocked if I didn’t make #100 - “just sayin”.

"A Day of FIRSTS"

So - I am still in Phoenix and truly loving having this time away with God and my man. I'm bursting with things that I'm learning/that God is showing me and reading and writing a lot. I've stuck to a strict "no TV during the day" policy and I've been shocked how quickly the days go when I'm totally quiet! I'm also doing some things that I've NEVER done before - eating different places, stepping in to a conflict in the hotel pool (documented that story on facebook, if you care to hear more), first visit to "Trader Joe's" and FIRST TIME EVER THAT I HAVE BEEN TO A RESTAURANT AND EATEN ALONE!"

While the last "first" might not be a big deal to you - it was to ME. I've grown up believing that eating out is a "treat" and even though we do it way more than I ever did as a child, it's ingrained in me that it's "special". So - I guess that's why I've never done it alone...if I'm out and hungry, I wait till I get home or run through a drive-through and eat on my way. It's never appealed or made any sort of sense to me to pay restaurant prices to sit by myself. It also goes to a weird side of my "people personality" that I feel bad for those that I see doing it. I've often told my own father, "Please don't go to the movies alone...cause people like me spend the entire 2 hours feeling bad that you are alone and/or have no one in your life to share it with!". I know...I'm crazy...but it's just how I think.

So - Wednesday/yesterday was THE day that I was going to conquer the "I don't see the point in eating alone" thought. I entered Cracker Barrel (the only restaurant within walking distance) and GULPED as I said, "Just for ONE, please". Ugh.

I was seated (did I mention - BY MYSELF!) and purposefully positioned myself to see people come in - just to have some human interaction! After ordering, an elderly couple shuffled in - he was pushing his wife in a wheelchair and I was immediately struck at how tenderly he positioned her at the table and then bent to put on her "brake". Instead of sitting across the table from her, he chose to sit next to her and sweetly asked her what she would like to drink/eat. I, obviously, don't know her medical condition (and "shocker" - no, I didn't go up and ask!) but it appeared that she was mentally OK but couldn't really speak. She pointed to selections and he patiently asked questions and she nodded.

I was trying not to appear "stalker-ish" (although - YES...that's their picture at the top!!) but could barely take my eyes off of them as he spoke tenderly and even his interaction with the waitress was precious and kind. When their food arrived, he took her plate and cut up everything in to little bite-size pieces and then helped her get her fork and tucked her napkin in her other hand. Only then did he focus on himself and getting his food ready. During the meal he would ask her "yes" and "no" questions and she would nod or shake her head. With her limited ability to answer - they "talked"/communicated the ENTIRE MEAL.

I couldn't figure out why this was so touching to me but, as I stood to leave I just had this overwhelming urge to let them know. I wasn't sure how to do that so I paid my bill and then the "pay THEIR bill and write a note" thought popped into my head. At first I argued, thinking, "I don't want to embarrass them and they totally appear able to pay their own check!" (in fact, that was another thing that touched me - she looked beautifully put together in a pretty skirt and sweater set -which I'm assuming he helped her with). Still - the thought remained. So - I went back in and asked for their waitress and told her that I didn't want her to say anything to them but I wanted to pay their check and then asked for a piece of paper to write them a note. The waitress looked surprised and said, "I don't know how to do this so, I'm going to get the manager" (??)...but as she left, I wrote a simple note to thank them for the gift of watching them interact with each other - that I witnessed true love and devotion in action and was so thankful for the example/encouragement it was to me.

The funny part of this story is that as I wrote I was flooded with tears (more on the "why" behind that in a minute). I was standing at the hostess station writing and tears are rolling down one cheek. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a different hostess walk up and quickly offered me a napkin...and then, in a THICK Asian accent said, "Oh no lady - you ok? Your meal no good today? I sooooo sorry!" I said, "Oh no, the food was great..no problem!" but she would NOT let it go and got louder and louder with her questions..."Please, sweet lady - I help you. What's your problem? Why you crying today? Someone here not nice to you...you want to speak with the boss?". At this point I'm embarrassed (people are looking)...and laughing...and still crying! I couldn't get out of there soon enough and wondered why, of all days, I didn't have my sunglasses handy!

The "Why?" behind the tears? I didn't figure it out till later (when I was processing walking home) but - two reasons:

First: Yesterday was also the first time I have been away (not there/with them) while me dad was having surgery. It was suppose to be a "simple, no big deal" kind of thing but when I spoke to my mom in the morning, I could tell she was nervous - which made me feel anxious about not being there. The couple reminded me of my parents and my prayers for them that morning. It also made me thankful for the awesome ways my mom has always cared for my dad - during hospital times as well as "daily life".

And second: As I watched this couple, I couldn't help but think of how I serve MY spouse. I was convicted thinking/wondering about how I look at Tom and if others see devotion and love (and more importantly - does he?) and my willingness to focus on him and show my devotion by serving him well. I walked out of Cracker Barrel (which, by the way, I believe was my SECOND visit ever!) wanting so badly to BE this couple...knowing that whatever is to come we would be a team and devoted to serve the other. BIG GOAL...thankfully we have chosen not to try it alone ("I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me!")

By the way - please don't think "well" of ME for buying their meal...it was GOD'S idea/prompting - not mine. I pray that the gesture was a blessing and encouragement to them but - truly - it was the best $20.00 I've spent lately.

And, truth be told...while my husband is GREAT at doing things like that, "picking up a check in a restaurant for a stranger" was another FIRST for me. Just sayin.

"I'm Baaaaaack..."

I am both shocked and embarrassed at how long it's been since I posted on this blog..but "I'm back" and currently have lots to type/say!

God is giving me, once again, the desires of my heart...some time away with Him.

I'm currently sitting in a hotel room in Phoenix, Arizona. My man is here for business (more on that later) and I am "along for the ride" for a MUCH needed (more than I knew) time for me to sleep, pray, read, walk, study, work and BLOG/write! To say I've "looked forward to" this time away with God (and Tom) is a huge understatement but after arriving two days ago, I can say that I not only wanted this time...I NEEDED this time...desperately.

I'm blessed to work in a place that encourages "DAWG" (Day Away With God) days. We are encouraged to take a few each year - days just to stay out of the office - go and do something that connects you with God and refills your soul. I've been a huge advocate/spokeswoman for "you need to take a DAWG day and get refreshed" with co-workers and friends..and yet I have been horrible at doing it myself. To that end - the last few months I have felt myself drying up mentally, emotionally and even spiritually (I'm picturing a grape shriveling up to a nasty looking raisin). I've been going through the motions and often have felt, "If I can just get through this week..." (unfortunately - I was beginning to think that EVERY week). I'm thankful for people in my life that finally said, "YOU HAVE GOT TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF AND REFUEL" - all the way down to my parents, children and siblings that purchased the plane ticket that forced me to be here. In regards to rest/refueling, I've definitely been living the "do as I say, not as I do" motto. Ugh.

While getting reconnected with God is top on my list..a very, very close second is reconnecting with my husband. Due to our non-compatible schedules, two very stressful (financially) years, and too much focus elsewhere, we are not in a great place (not to sound dramatic or alarming - just truthful). I can be honest and upfront about that since many would still consider us "good" or "OK" (and basically, that's true)...but we have always wanted to be "great"! Marriage is VERY important to both of us; we consider it a passion and a calling since, from day one, we have had to fight hard to have one that truly honors God and is a joy to both of us. So - I'm thankful for a week of eating dinner together EVERY night, some FUN (like going to see a spring training game for the Rangers) and some deep conversation that will help us work out some kinks and grow to love and respect each other more.

On our first night here (Sunday), Tom gave me a hug when we got in to bed and said, "I'm really glad you are here". The only thought I had was, "My biggest fear is that I'll leave in the same condition that I came". I'm thankful today for a God who has met me in both humorous and deeply personal ways in the last 48 hours....and am already beginning to feel like "Lori" again - which is so much better than the "??" I was being the last few months.

I feel better...more "me"...just writing/typing my thoughts out (and finally posting SOMETHING on this blog - that was God's idea in the first place!).

As I prayed over recommitting to post more on this blog (believing I do have plenty to say), I was going to make it my "goal" to not end EVERY entry with "Just sayin"...but, SERIOUSLY - is there any better way to end one's thoughts??

I'm JUST SAYIN!

This Is the Woman I Want To Be!

A few months ago I received this really cool invitation (really it was more like a MAGAZINE!) for a conference for women. It was (to be honest) a little “over the top” but – had some awesome photos in it. I was flipping through it (probably a little judgmental - like, “Why did they spend all this money?”… hey - Just keeping it real!) and I was drawn to this one picture - which I’ve added to this posting.

I remember just sitting in my office and staring at it for a few minutes…I couldn’t get myself to turn the page – but didn’t know why. I just kept looking at it and thinking, “Why am I so drawn to THAT?” I cut it out and hung it on my bulletin board and then took a picture of it with my iphone – so I could download it to my computer…still not really “getting” why I liked it so much.

Then it hit me…”THIS IS THE WOMAN I WANT TO BE”…Someone that would just carry around a chair and plop down to sit and enjoy some spontaneous time with a friend. Often in my job (and certainly in my family life) I’m just busy gathering information or doing a task and then moving to the next person/thing. Often I have the “task” in mind – not the PERSON.

The women in this picture “get it” – they stopped in the middle of the road to have connection…to “commune” with each other. I would probably be tempted to say, “Yeah, let’s set a date when we can get together…OK – I’ll call you!” and then try to remember to make that happen. This looks like they just decided to “right here, right now” spend some time together! I LOVE THAT!

I have people in my life that I’ve been saying, “Yeah – we need to have that phone date” (Rhonda- my sweet sister/friend from middle school…I’m sorry) and people that have even ASKED me to give them a quick call (Lisa…ugh/yuck – can’t believe I STILL haven’t called you!), and I just don’t make it happen. I think it’s either going to take too long or I’m already running someplace else…or whatever other lame excuses I give myself at the moment.

So – I’m grateful for some ministry out there that decided to spend WAY TOO MUCH money on their advertising (wait…was that judgmental again?) because, while I’m not interested in going to their conference, one of their photos REALLY has challenged me! I’m ready to just plop down a chair and talk!

Headed to the garage to put two folding chairs in my trunk – Get ready people!!
Lori

"I Call Today" (to FREAK!)

Tom and I have had this “rule”/understanding between us that we both can’t “freak” (regarding his job search/unemployment) on the same day. There are mornings that I get up and am just overwhelmed with fear – and while I know that is not where God wants me, it’s just where I am sometimes. So – we have agreed that we can “call the day” – meaning I can say “Today is MY day” (to freak, be a little cranky, need some reassurance, be MAD, etc.). Tom has the freedom to do the same…sometimes he “calls the day” and that means that he doesn’t need me to be "on him" about “who did you call/contact?”, “did you send any resumes out?”, etc. It’s a “freebie” to let me know that he might not be “all in” that day – and might just decide to spend the morning mowing the yard instead of sitting at the computer or waiting by the phone all day.

I encourage all of the wives out there to offer some grace/freedom to your husbands who are out of work. This is an area that I haven’t/don’t always do “well” (like I BITE at it often). There are moments that I want to jump in, offer “suggestions” (a.k.a. – take matters in to my own hands and tell him what he SHOULD be doing), or just scream “WHY ARE YOU NOT DOING ANYTHING?” I’ve come to realize that that reaction is coming from a place of gripping fear. I’m blessed to know that he really IS doing all that he knows to do…sometimes there just isn’t much that can be done – but wait and pray.

I also want to encourage you to be real with your husband. Let him know when you need an extra hug of reassurance, ask him to pray for you as you struggle with trusting that God DOES have a plan….and it’s for GOOD, or let him know when you need an “update” on how things are going (just to encourage you that “something” is happening…however, sometimes “something” is just posting another resume on a job board!).

Now, I don’t suggest you constantly walk around sharing your feelings of “OH MY GOSH…WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?” or “WE ONLY HAVE A MONTH LEFT AND THEN WE ARE GOING TO STARVE TO DEATH?”, ETC. While you might FEEL that way (and I do understand, believe me, how fear can take over our thoughts and sometimes cause us to go places God does not intend), I have learned it best to find a girlfriend to “vent”/freak with – especially someone that will listen but then ENCOURAGE me. I know that Tom FEELS the stress/weight/reasonability of providing for our family…I need to make sure I’m ENCOURAGING him and letting him know that I believe in him…that I still think he’s the GREATEST provider/husband. It doesn’t do ANY good for him to have additional “I can’t believe you don’t have a job” feelings coming his way – believe me, the enemy is quick to point out to him his “worthlessness” in not having a job. A man’s self-worth is so tied up in what he “does” (not who he IS, in Christ) that Tom feels bad enough – without me giving him ANY indication that I am not trusting that he will be able to provide for us.

I came up with this little “sign”, for Tom, that I needed some reassurance – I tap on his arm or back (when he gives me a hug) 3 times…and this means that I need him to say/remind me, “It’s GONNA BE GREAT”. (The funny part is that I think I did it initially thinking that that sentence had THREE words in it??) Regardless, there are times I just walk up to him and tap him 3 times, and he knows I just need to hear it! Come up with something similar that you both could use to alert the other that you need some encouragement.

I need to be honest and say that I need some accountability with the above…this is ANOTHER area that I’m struggling with…keeping my mouth SHUT and not adding pressure/stress on him. If you see me, feel free to ask me what I’ve done to ENCOURAGE my husband lately.

“IT’S GONNA BE GREAT” – I can’t wait until “great” (in regards to a job) arrives!

Lori

Finding the "Good" in Unemployment.... (Yes - I've found some!)

Well, it’s been a LONG 6 ½ months for our family…and I’d love to say we have remained trusting and at peace 24/7 but – that wouldn’t be the truth. However, while Tom and I have both had “our days”, overall – we are still FIRM believers that “God is Good, all the time…and ALL the time, God is Good!” I don’t know how people in this world make it through a day without KNOWING/believing that.

Currently, it’s 3:30pm on a Wednesday and I’m sitting at a table in Starbucks (with work spread out around me)…across the room, in a “comfy chair”, (the chosen seat) is a really good-looking man that keeps distracting me. I keep looking at him as he sits with glasses on and reading a book…Ok…I’ll just say it, “He’s HOT”!

“He” is also my husband of almost 25 years.

This is one of the “good things” that unemployment provides…some misc moments that would never happen if he was currently sitting in some cubical someplace. Now – don’t get me wrong, we both long (pray faithfully) for the day that he’s “someplace” making some $$ but – for now, in this moment, I’m choosing to praise God for the gift of an hour or two of just “being” with him…and seeing the stress (that this “job search” is causing) erased from his face. This afternoon, on this BEAUTIFUL fall day in Plano, TX – we are both “at peace”.

I encourage those reading this to look for the “good” in whatever situation you are currently in - that you may be “wishing away”. The phrase “Journey Well” keeps coming to mind…that’s what I want to do. I want to see God in EVERY day/situation. Some days are “easier” than others…but, I do know He’s there…24/7! Thank you Jesus!

So – today, in this moment, I’m thankful for an unemployed husband…and the joy I have just looking at his cute self across the room (actually, he looks like he’s about to nod off! Sleep… it’s a good thing!!) ;)

“This too shall pass”…I want to enjoy it while it lasts.

What tough time are you going through that God wants you to find joy in?

Thankful for the “good” in the “bad” times -
Lori

It's Fall Ya'll

I love the fall - it brings a new school year (even though in Texas we begin in August and it's still, usually, over 100 degrees!)...it brings new things to sign up for (classes, kids activities, opportunities at church and in the community) and usually some "new" clothes (can't wait to wear the warm, comfy, sweats from last winter!).

We started a new bible study at my church this week...it was crazy for me to organize it to begin the day after Labor Day weekend...I was alittle stressed from having the family all here and receiving emails all weekend from women that forgot to sign up but wanted "in", etc. So - Monday night I spent some time getting "right" (with God) about the start of the study - and wrote out the prayer below. God prompted me to share it/read it with the women that came to the Morning and Evening study - and a few asked for a copy, so - decided to leave it here. It might not mean anything to those that aren't involved but - just my thoughts on starting "another new study"...from a girl that has participated in her share - and hasn't always gone in to them with the right mindset.

What are you doing this fall? Have you prayed about your committments and what GOD would want you to say "yes" to?

Keeping it real -
Lori

September 6, 2010

Lord:

So many thoughts are running through my head about starting the Tuesday morning and evening bible study tomorrow…first – NEXT YEAR, please remind me not to do this the day after labor day! :)

My heart’s prayer tonight is that we, as a group of women gathering at Chase Oaks, will seek after you, and TRULY engage in your word over the next six weeks. That we will choose to make spending time with you a priority and that your words would leap off the page to the women who will be bold enough to set aside time – maybe for the first time ever. For those women (including myself) that might feel “too busy” during the week – will you prick our hearts and call to us…and allow us to hear your voice and turn our attention to you. For those of us that might be stubborn and still not get it…May our cable go out, our computers not be able to log on to facebook (ouch) and opportunities that only you could orchestrate happen – in order to get our attention.

For those of us that have done study after study – Father, will you pierce our hearts anew with your words. Lord - we have had so many to choose from, been given so many opportunities to learn from great teachers and great material, and now the freedom to AGAIN gather as a group of women to share what YOU will teach us. I pray that we would not take this for granted…that we would not just check this study off a list or add it to the rows of other studies we have done. I pray that THIS would be life changing and that a year from now we will look back and remember the truths we learned at THIS time.

Lord – you know how I’ve grieved as women (in the past) have signed up to participate, only to fall away in a few short weeks. I pray that the women will have an eagerness to be here – that their hearts would be so full of what you have shown them, that they can’t wait to gather to share their thoughts and the truths they found hidden in your word. I pray that those that might struggle will come to be encouraged and that we might love-on and support each other as you would want. Lord, I pray that I would be a woman of my word – one that would keep the commitment that I made when I signed up - to be here/listen to others/spend time with you each week and then come back to share. I pray the same for my friends.

God –forgive me for the times I’ve taken WAY too lightly the gift of the Bible. I know it must grieve you when I casually throw it in the back seat after church…and way too often find it in the same place the following week. Lord, I believe your word is truth and life changing. I believe I’m WAY too careless with the instruction and wisdom you preserved for me – written so many years ago, yet so applicable for my life today. I know that I have much to learn about how to treat your word from people in other parts of the country and world that, if given the chance to own a bible, would cling it to their chest and read it daily...and possibly all night. I know that I mistreat your word – for that I’m deeply sorry.

Lord – I feel you have guided me, as a leader, to this study – in order to bring it to the ladies at Chase Oaks. I thank you for that. Because it is truly YOUR words – straight from the Bible – I know it has the power to transform our lives. Thank you Lord for free-will, that you give us the freedom to choose to make this a priority or not…but oh how I pray that we, that I, would make it a priority the next six weeks. I pray that we would be begin each day asking you to be more real to us than the day before.

I offer you all glory and honor of what will be.

Love, Lori