The last day of 2012...where did this year go? Time to slow down and look back. All in all it has been a good year, although it has definitely come with its trials and heartaches.
We've traveled much more than usual during the past 12 months, which has been great! We've enjoyed two amazing meetings at Highway, as well as being blessed with new folks who have moved here. We still praise God over Frank's baptism! We've welcomed Ricky back into our (no longer empty) nest. I have truly enjoyed becoming a part of CASA and receiving these new young blessings into my life. I've searched for years for just the right fit in volunteer work, and it looks like I have finally found it.
I hope and pray that I have grown during this time...that I have drawn closer to my Maker and Redeemer. I hope that I have become a kinder, less selfish person. And I pray that the next 12 months will bring even more growth and greater commitment, as well as a more loving heart and right spirit.
Wishing all of you a wonderful New Year. May you live well, laugh often and love much!
Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
200 miles, 10 hours, and a full heart later
I set aside all day yesterday for visiting. I wanted to visit my CASA kids and take them a little something and also check on the Foxes. I started out by going to see Jim in the hospital. He is in a regular room now and doing ok. He is still very weak. They were able to sit him up on the side of his bed for a short time...he did get light headed tho. His spirits are pretty good, but he realizes the long road ahead that he has to navigate. Hoping that he is able to recover enough to begin rehab soon.
After leaving the hospital, I headed down to see my babies. It was my first visit since the last week in November. Where has the month gone?! They are both looking so good. I took a little stuffed lamb to my 21 month old little girl. She loved it...hugging it and carrying it everywhere...all the time with that sweet smile all over her face. I took a small stuffed bear to my 10 month old little guy. He still doesn't use his hands much at all, but I could wrap his arms around the bear and he would try to stuff it in his mouth...giggling all the time. I got so many smiles and giggles and sweet loving from him. I would squeeze him to me, giving him kisses on his sweet smelling head, and he would giggle and snuggle closer. Talk about having your heart melt! I love those little kiddos so much! If I could, I would bring them home and keep them. I will miss them terribly when they go up north to live with their grandma, but they do need a stable, PERMANENT home.
On my way back to MW, I stopped off at Mary's house for a "quick" visit (I never can pull that off!). This ordeal with Jim is so hard on both of them. Jim has always handled their business affairs, and now Mary is having to learn to handle that...as well as making all those trips back and forth to FW. She's no spring chicken anymore either!
I went straight from her house to the foster home of my teenage girl to spend a little time visiting with her before observing her visit with her parents. I never thought I'd enjoy taking on a case involving a teen, but this "drama queen" has also stolen my heart. I also took her a teddy bear (CASA supplied all the stuffed toys through donations) plus a couple of other things I thought she'd like. I had a good time catching up with her and then spent another half hour visiting with her foster mom and cottage "sisters". It was nice to have the time to get to know her new temporary "family". It is a special person who decides to become a foster parent. This couple moved down to Texas from Nebraska to take a cottage in this foster home community. They are so very patient and dedicated to the children placed in their care!
Then it was time for the scheduled family visit, which went really well. My girl got really emotional. Even tho this foster home is a very good experience for her (allowing her a "normal childhood" for a change), and she is really enjoying her time and experiences there, she still misses and loves her parents and wants to go home. I am hopeful that both "sets" of parents involved will learn a lot from their "services" and create a stable, loving, SAFE environment, so that their kids can be returned to them and they can have a good life together.
I finally made it home about 7:30 last night, grabbed a quick bowl of stew, and then documented everything from the day. I "chilled" the rest of the evening and then turned in a little early. It was a good but exhausting day! I broke down briefly, talking about my day with Dennis. This is a very emotional job but, oh, so satisfying! These kids break my heart, but also fill it.
Mt 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
After leaving the hospital, I headed down to see my babies. It was my first visit since the last week in November. Where has the month gone?! They are both looking so good. I took a little stuffed lamb to my 21 month old little girl. She loved it...hugging it and carrying it everywhere...all the time with that sweet smile all over her face. I took a small stuffed bear to my 10 month old little guy. He still doesn't use his hands much at all, but I could wrap his arms around the bear and he would try to stuff it in his mouth...giggling all the time. I got so many smiles and giggles and sweet loving from him. I would squeeze him to me, giving him kisses on his sweet smelling head, and he would giggle and snuggle closer. Talk about having your heart melt! I love those little kiddos so much! If I could, I would bring them home and keep them. I will miss them terribly when they go up north to live with their grandma, but they do need a stable, PERMANENT home.
On my way back to MW, I stopped off at Mary's house for a "quick" visit (I never can pull that off!). This ordeal with Jim is so hard on both of them. Jim has always handled their business affairs, and now Mary is having to learn to handle that...as well as making all those trips back and forth to FW. She's no spring chicken anymore either!
I went straight from her house to the foster home of my teenage girl to spend a little time visiting with her before observing her visit with her parents. I never thought I'd enjoy taking on a case involving a teen, but this "drama queen" has also stolen my heart. I also took her a teddy bear (CASA supplied all the stuffed toys through donations) plus a couple of other things I thought she'd like. I had a good time catching up with her and then spent another half hour visiting with her foster mom and cottage "sisters". It was nice to have the time to get to know her new temporary "family". It is a special person who decides to become a foster parent. This couple moved down to Texas from Nebraska to take a cottage in this foster home community. They are so very patient and dedicated to the children placed in their care!
Then it was time for the scheduled family visit, which went really well. My girl got really emotional. Even tho this foster home is a very good experience for her (allowing her a "normal childhood" for a change), and she is really enjoying her time and experiences there, she still misses and loves her parents and wants to go home. I am hopeful that both "sets" of parents involved will learn a lot from their "services" and create a stable, loving, SAFE environment, so that their kids can be returned to them and they can have a good life together.
I finally made it home about 7:30 last night, grabbed a quick bowl of stew, and then documented everything from the day. I "chilled" the rest of the evening and then turned in a little early. It was a good but exhausting day! I broke down briefly, talking about my day with Dennis. This is a very emotional job but, oh, so satisfying! These kids break my heart, but also fill it.
Mt 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Challenges
Mike gave a very good lesson yesterday morning on Challenges...maintaining hope, providing encouragement to one another, and handling the challenge. Last week was full of challenges, both in our congregation and in the nation. Of course we are all appalled by the horrendous massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. The pain that we as a nation feels is nothing compared to what the families and community are dealing with. It always makes us sit back and reexamine our society, as well as our priorities, when something like this occurs.
On a more personal note, I've been keeping you informed about the situation with our dear Brother Jim Fox. Saturday, he lost the battle for his leg...having it amputated just above the knee. After over 2 months in the hospital and rehab and several surgical procedures to strip blood clots and cleaning out the wound, the doctors and Jim decided that the lower leg would never heal and be usable. His only option for renewed health was to have it removed. It was a tough decision for him to make, but once he made it, he accepted it with grace. (He and Mary lost their daughter in recent years from an infection turned septic after her leg amputation - due to complications from her diabetes.) Dennis and I visited with Jim the night before his surgery, as well as the evening after surgery, and his spirits were good. His focus on Friday night was one of shock and sympathy with the hurting in Connecticut and the horrible nature of this tragedy. His tender heart overruled his concerns for his own circumstances. He faces some very difficult challenges in the weeks and months to come, but I feel confident that he will persevere and be back as the same industrious, witty and compassionate man that we know and love.
I have also mentioned our Brother Gary Bell, who had back surgery a couple of weeks ago. He faced a large set-back last week, when a MRSA set in at his incision site. He also developed a blood clot in one of his legs and had to have a filter inserted. He has been transferred back to the surgeon who did the initial surgery (it is an old workman's comp injury) who has had to go back in twice to clean out the incision to try to fight this difficult infection. The hospital is in Dallas which adds to the family's difficulties. Gary is still been in extreme pain and faces a long road to recover and greatly needs your prayers!
Mike used the example of Nehemiah to show us how we can weather these and other challenges we face: by praying earnestly and constantly, by recognizing the power of the One to whom we pray and believing that He will prosper us, by working together and bearing one another's burdens, and by avoiding distractions which come our way. Just as Nehemiah recognized the challenges that his countrymen faced, prayed and fasted earnestly for God's direction and help, then faced the challenge despite all the obstacles that were thrown his way by his enemies; so can we as individuals, congregations, and even as a nation can rise up with God's help to face our challenges...if we truly love, trust and obey Him. A very timely lesson indeed!
Ne 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
On a more personal note, I've been keeping you informed about the situation with our dear Brother Jim Fox. Saturday, he lost the battle for his leg...having it amputated just above the knee. After over 2 months in the hospital and rehab and several surgical procedures to strip blood clots and cleaning out the wound, the doctors and Jim decided that the lower leg would never heal and be usable. His only option for renewed health was to have it removed. It was a tough decision for him to make, but once he made it, he accepted it with grace. (He and Mary lost their daughter in recent years from an infection turned septic after her leg amputation - due to complications from her diabetes.) Dennis and I visited with Jim the night before his surgery, as well as the evening after surgery, and his spirits were good. His focus on Friday night was one of shock and sympathy with the hurting in Connecticut and the horrible nature of this tragedy. His tender heart overruled his concerns for his own circumstances. He faces some very difficult challenges in the weeks and months to come, but I feel confident that he will persevere and be back as the same industrious, witty and compassionate man that we know and love.
I have also mentioned our Brother Gary Bell, who had back surgery a couple of weeks ago. He faced a large set-back last week, when a MRSA set in at his incision site. He also developed a blood clot in one of his legs and had to have a filter inserted. He has been transferred back to the surgeon who did the initial surgery (it is an old workman's comp injury) who has had to go back in twice to clean out the incision to try to fight this difficult infection. The hospital is in Dallas which adds to the family's difficulties. Gary is still been in extreme pain and faces a long road to recover and greatly needs your prayers!
Mike used the example of Nehemiah to show us how we can weather these and other challenges we face: by praying earnestly and constantly, by recognizing the power of the One to whom we pray and believing that He will prosper us, by working together and bearing one another's burdens, and by avoiding distractions which come our way. Just as Nehemiah recognized the challenges that his countrymen faced, prayed and fasted earnestly for God's direction and help, then faced the challenge despite all the obstacles that were thrown his way by his enemies; so can we as individuals, congregations, and even as a nation can rise up with God's help to face our challenges...if we truly love, trust and obey Him. A very timely lesson indeed!
Ne 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Blue Norther!
Looks like we skipped fall and are heading straight into winter! Bring it on...I'm ready for jackets and hot drinks!
Last week was pretty full. I picked up pecans on Monday. After cracking and shelling them, we ended up with a gallon of nutmeats...means lots of goodies! (Ricky keeps saying, "Pie!") Along with cracking pecans, Tuesday I had to go to Stephenville to observe a visit, and then we butchered deer after supper. Thursday I drove to Benton for Reba Kelley's funeral. Got home Friday just in time to meet up with Dennis and the kids for supper at Pastafina. Saturday, James and Renee invited everyone over to their house for a party. It was to celebrate Alan White's return to health. The cake James ordered read, "...we're glad you are alive and well!" That became the catchphrase for the evening. (Actually it was shortened to A & W...alive and well, or Alan White...take your pick!)
Emily Westbrook came down and spent Saturday night with Rebecca, so we had all the kids over Sunday afternoon. We had our first deer steaks of the season...yummy! This will be the last time Chris will be around for awhile...he's heading home for the holidays this weekend and will be working in Arkansas for the foreseeable future. We are sure going to miss him!
Last night we all went out to Rosa's to celebrate Linda Moore's birthday. Good times!
A couple of prayer requests: Brother Jim Fox is back in the hospital and struggling to keep his leg. It has been a constant battle since he developed blood clots a couple of months ago. The doctors are supposed to be deciding today what course of action to take. I think Jim is in a better place, emotionally, now than when the issue first arose. However this is really difficult for he and his sweet wife, Mary.
Also, Gary Bell had back surgery last week and is currently in rehab. He has been in excruciating pain from back spasms since the surgery. (He had been in pain for years prior to that!) Please pray that he will have relief from the pain and that he will heal quickly.
Got another busy week this week...court, one day; possible surgery for Jim; doing a cake for the girls' bank for Friday; helping Ricky with a benefit garage sale for Saturday; and possibly helping with a CASA even on Saturday...along with the usual. So I guess I'd better get off here and get busy! Hope your week goes well...enjoy the cold!
Job 37:9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
Last week was pretty full. I picked up pecans on Monday. After cracking and shelling them, we ended up with a gallon of nutmeats...means lots of goodies! (Ricky keeps saying, "Pie!") Along with cracking pecans, Tuesday I had to go to Stephenville to observe a visit, and then we butchered deer after supper. Thursday I drove to Benton for Reba Kelley's funeral. Got home Friday just in time to meet up with Dennis and the kids for supper at Pastafina. Saturday, James and Renee invited everyone over to their house for a party. It was to celebrate Alan White's return to health. The cake James ordered read, "...we're glad you are alive and well!" That became the catchphrase for the evening. (Actually it was shortened to A & W...alive and well, or Alan White...take your pick!)
Emily Westbrook came down and spent Saturday night with Rebecca, so we had all the kids over Sunday afternoon. We had our first deer steaks of the season...yummy! This will be the last time Chris will be around for awhile...he's heading home for the holidays this weekend and will be working in Arkansas for the foreseeable future. We are sure going to miss him!
Last night we all went out to Rosa's to celebrate Linda Moore's birthday. Good times!
A couple of prayer requests: Brother Jim Fox is back in the hospital and struggling to keep his leg. It has been a constant battle since he developed blood clots a couple of months ago. The doctors are supposed to be deciding today what course of action to take. I think Jim is in a better place, emotionally, now than when the issue first arose. However this is really difficult for he and his sweet wife, Mary.
Also, Gary Bell had back surgery last week and is currently in rehab. He has been in excruciating pain from back spasms since the surgery. (He had been in pain for years prior to that!) Please pray that he will have relief from the pain and that he will heal quickly.
Got another busy week this week...court, one day; possible surgery for Jim; doing a cake for the girls' bank for Friday; helping Ricky with a benefit garage sale for Saturday; and possibly helping with a CASA even on Saturday...along with the usual. So I guess I'd better get off here and get busy! Hope your week goes well...enjoy the cold!
Job 37:9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
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