There were stars in the sky

Now I just put a song in both of our heads- nyuck, nyuck, nyuck;) So, last week I went to a home birth. She had made enough "progress" for me to stay and call it active labor. But, things were still managable. We had already watched a couple of sitcoms together. Her friends had come over. We had watched a few episodes of the show, Chopped (reality show on cooking- I really liked it). Then, we decided to go out for a walk. It was at least 1 a.m. at this point. It was Ch-ch-chilly, but nice to get out. The Dad and I were both cold and the pregnant Mom was surprised that she was the only warm one. I reminded her she has some extra insulation:). Anyway, you know how much I enjoy getting out of the house. It was a nice neighborhood and a REALLY gorgeous night. As we left the driveway, the Dad saw a shooting star. WHAT?! I missed it! I was hoping we would see more, though none. The stars were amazing though. The Little Dipper... Orion... Pegasus... Big Dipper... Mars... WONDERFUL!!! Back to the house. Several more hours. Things pick up. Baby! Postpartum. Office. Crawl into bed for a few hours. Out to supper. I love my job:)

Body of Christ

This morning I was sitting in church thinking how much God has given me, particularly through the church. I have so much to be thankful for. It is so important to remember this and to take time to thank Him. I am thankful for each church He has led me to and blessed me with over the years. St. Johns. The Cathedral. Calvary Chapel. St. Michaels. Grace Anglican. Servants of Christ. St. Andrews. Resurrection Beaches. Whether small or large, He has given me a home and family among each. He has taught me, spoken to me, changed me, blessed me, and most of all strengthened me bit by bit. Friends of all ages and all walks of life. So many smiles. Hugs. A knowing on the inside that we are in this together. Wisdom. WORSHIP. Laughter. Meals. Travel. Tennis. Children. Enjoying life together. Truth. I am grateful for the body of Christ. What a pleasure to enjoy such variety of life in Christ through many local churches. The church is a blessing.

A Nice Day

Joanna and I have enjoyed taking walks together around the neighborhood these days. I still go on plenty alone, but it is so nice to have the company. Last night we enjoyed a long walk around our beautiful neighborhood in the cool of the day. Birds were singing. Water was glistening. It was lovely. Then, we got back home and we were locked out. The worst part is on our way out the door Joanna asked if we should bring our keys. I said no because Lauren was home and saw us walk out the door. Plus, my car was blocking hers in so she couldn't get out anyway. Worst part after that, we laughed. Come to find out her brother had picked her up to go to dinner with her. Bummer for us. So, fastforward to our discovery. I went around back just in case the back door was unlocked. No luck. Darn. I asked Jo if we could get into a window. She explained the windows are designed to only open from the inside. She had the garage door openener in her car, but it was in her locked car. We did not have our phones with us either. So, we walked across the street to our neighbor's house (the one you met when you were locked out of our house!). He let us use his phone. She didn't know Lauren's number, but instead called Kurt (another mutual friend) to call Lauren to see if she could unlock the door. And, we wait. We were pretty tired since we enjoyed such a long walk. We were also hungry. I had been planning on making homemade nuggets, waffle fries, and peanut butter caramel chocolate chip cookies. I know, sounds unhealthy, right? I was ready to splurge plus I planned to bake the nuggets and fries. Anyway, back to my story... we were sitting on the driveway. One of our new neighbors walked by with his dog and asked if we were okay. We said yes and explained we were locked out. He offered us chairs, but we were declined. We were sitting for a while trying to make the most of the situation. But, we both knew Kurt might not be able to get Lauren and if he did, she might be in the middle of dinner. We might be waiting a while. We walked to the pond and back. I realized I had not prayed for help, so I silently presented a short plea for help. We approach our driveway. Joanna asked me if any of my windows are open. No. Then, she said she thinks their bathroom window is open! We walked around and sure enough it was!! She broke the screen so we had access. We lifted the window up. Our plan was that she would hoist me up and I would climb in. I was thinking this may not be a good idea because the bathtub is below. But, we weren't going to sit around all night. I stepped into her hands and she lifted me up. I was midair attempting to situate myself on the windowsill from the outside, when we heard a man's voice. We were both expecting to see our neighbor when we looked up and there was KURT!!! Just in the nick of time! He had driven out to meet Lauren to pick up her keys so he could let us in. What a good friend! He was glad to rescue us and we were glad to be rescued! What a wonderful answer to prayer. He always makes a way... Kurt ended up going home to take a shower and pick up some chili he had made to bring back over to hang out. I made my nuggets, fries, and cookies and enjoyed them. When we couldn't see a way for our problem to be fixed, God sent Kurt to our rescue!

Tennis, Anyone?

Yeah, so I don't like the subject but just not coming up with anything else. This morning when I woke up it was raining out. On the one hand, it was so nice to listen to as I laid in the bed. On the other hand, I was supposed to be playing tennis an hour and a half later. Shortly after it stopped and the sun came out. Mmmm... would the courts be dry though? We decided to just give it a shot.

I was the first to get there and the only reason we got a court was because it was full of puddles. The courts have a clever method of drying the puddles. Perhaps it is common among tennis courts. But, I have never seen them. They are carpet pieces connected to a rope that you just pull over the puddles. My first suspicion when I used one, was "oh, come on, like this is really gonna work!" I am very happy to be proven wrong on this one. We were able to spread the water enough not to ruin the balls. Over the course of our play the wind and the sun did the rest.

We enjoyed ourselves as usual. Then, something neat happened. Side note: the park consists of several tennis courts, two baseball fields, a skateboard rink, and a playground. Some super cute children were learning baseball next to us. But, apparantly there was a "real" baseball game playing as well. Next thing we know, the star spangled banner begins. And, EVERYONE with the pee wee game, onlookers, tennis courts, and baseball field all stopped what we were doing and turned toward the flag and gave our attention until it was finished and told us to play ball:). (the skaters were the only ones missing out). I took it in, knowing one day we may not have the national anthem sung. I realized what a joy it would be to be able to hear it playing. I listened like one who had been deprived though I have not. And, it was good. I was glad for our freedom... the land of the free... and I prayed along with the words... the home of the brave. May it be so.

We finished up our tennis. Then, Robby and Gisella invited me to lunch at Two Dudes. I ordered a mango crab quesedilla and yes, it was delicious. We spent the time in conversation. They suggested setting me up with someone. I informed them I did not want to live in Florida. Later in conversation we decided it would be fun to have a gullah night and paint ourselves black and attempt speaking in gullah. Okay, so that was my idea, but they liked it. I told Robby he had to check out the clip on Meet Joe Black where Brad Pitt busts out in perfect gullah. We finished up and on the way out Gisella (originally from Germany) asked for a to-go cup for her beer so Robby could take it home. We informed her that you can't actually do that. Then, Robby joked to the waitress, "Oh, you can just stick it in the fridge. We'll be back in a few days." (They are regulars). It was a nice morning. Thankful for them.

New Mercies

It was one of those mornings that you just don't want to start the day... because the day before was one of those days you don't want to leave your home to come back to Florida. I was already wanting to be back in Charleston before I even left this time. It was a comfort to know I am coming to a good home and to loving friends and a job that I love. But, still the ache is just there and the thoughts, "is this really how I want to be spending my life? Will I regret being away so much? That is really what I want..."

So, I was so very glad to have brought one of my Corrie books back with me. I opened this morning to just the message I needed. I read the story she tells of Zonneduin. It is the home that her sis had a vision was to be opened after the war. It would be a place for healing to those who were darkened from the harsh conditions of the concentration camp. The home was part of the revelation, at least. The other part was that they were to go all over the world telling of God's love despite the deepest darkness and how his forgiveness is without limits. What a blessing that house must have been to Corrie- the fruit of her dear sister's vision, LIFE after cruelty, beauty, and a home for herself. She describes a room of her own with her pictures, paintings, and books on the bookshelf.

A girl whom Corrie was telling about the home asked her why she didn't stay there when she liked it so much. She was quiet for a moment to listen to the song of a nightingale. Then, she answered, " My life doesn't belong to me. I must follow where the Lord leads. I was bought at a high price and must be obedient to the One who purchased me." The girl commented that seemed an awfully costly way to life. Corrie agreed that it is, but that is more costly to disobey. She goes on to think of those around the world who need the message. She remembers that she is weak and only effective connected to the Vine... Not good if detached.

She finishes with the scripture: Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glory without fault and with unspeakable joy, to the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and majesty, power and authority, now and ever. Amen."

Strength to my heart. Quiet to my soul. In my weakness, I asked the Lord to please just speak to me. Almost as soon as I asked, I yielded knowing He had not only spoken, but perfectly. I got up off the floor where I had been seated. I gathered my belongings for work. I did this as an act of agreement to move forward in trust.

And because He holds us when we would fall, my heart is content without what I want. I know He is with me. I know that He cares. He has a plan. And it's not about me. It is good. He IS worth it. It will be worth it... To the God of my life.