What's the Rush?

I'm not sure why it surprises me ever year that right next to the blow up pools that are now on sale

(we splurged for three) in August, are all things fall and next to it Christmas decor!

I mean can't we just enjoy the month we're in what's the rush?

Are we a society that is in such a hurry that we need to decorate for an October holiday as soon

as August comes to an end?

Typically, I decorate for a holiday once the month of the holiday arrives.

Once it's officially February (insert hearts), Spring, Fall, and Happy Birthday Jesus month. 

Not before.

Seeing it up in stores so early kinda stresses me out, as if its 

shouting I need to hurry!!!!

I don't want to hurry.

The days of hurry are gone for me.

I missed too much of the good in life because of the hurry syndrome. 

I confess I started Christmas shopping in September, quite leisurely I might add.

 We have cut back on that holiday budget, most of us have more than we need.

 I try and buy a little something that I know a person might love..

I prefer sailing into the holiday without the rush of having to rush to shop.

It's much more fun for me this way :-)

~

I was curious so I looked up the word rush...

 In red is how I see it....

verb: rush; 3rd person present: rushes; past tense: rushed; past participle: rushed; gerund or present participle: rushing

1. 1.

   move with urgent haste.
   

   Urgent haste....okay, in an emergency I will rush.

2. 2.

   dash toward (someone or something) in an attempt to attack or capture them or it.

   I did run the 50 yard dash in 6th grade... 

   I captured my hubby, though he was willing to be caught....

   
   

   I've been known to dash toward the voice of a grandchild as they wake from a nap, 

   
   

   in order to get them first.

   
   

noun: rush; plural noun: rushes

1. 1.

   A sudden quick movement toward something, typically by a number of people.

    Seriously, I'm 59 (not rushing to 60) there are no longer quick movements to speak of. 

    Doing so would likely cause some type of injury and then I would

    (see verb) be in an urgent hast to get to an E.R.

That said, no Turkeys until the Halloween candy is gone... (may possibley rush to help finish it) 

:-)

Turkeys are for November.

No Ho Ho man or Elf on a shelf until December.

No colored Eggs until we receive the invite to my sister Deanna's for Easter Brunch.

~

I do fly my flag everyday,

I do not wait for Flag Day, or the anniversary of 9/11

I thank Veterans each time I see one,

I don't wait for Veterans day.

Neither are a rush, just habits I wish to keep.

If in a rush  = I'm not enjoying the moments.

I confess, I will rush toward a big Papa bowl of Rocky Road Ice Cream....

and enjoy everymoment!

Avoiding the rush, its what echos from my heart today.

24 Beds

Often times in my life I have learned things the hard way. 

Rather it be a stubborn will, or a lack of complete trust,

it's in the hard I learn.

My spiritual journey for most of my life has been one of 

relying on God until things are good again.

I would get to a good place and I would basically think I 

could now do this thing called life on my own.

All the while still believing in Him,

but as the song goes,

I did it my way.....which never worked.

~

When I rely on self or put my faith in others I am often disapointed.

When I rely on God, 

It brings peace, full indescribable peace.

It wasn't until my late 40's that I was fully committed to  

never walking away and relying on myself again.

It has been an incredible journey once I surrendered  it 

all to a God bigger than any issue I may have had.

~

My faith was recently tested in a very big way.

I am the retreat coordinator for our annual Women's Retreat.

 Every year we contract a low number of how many we believe will attend

with the knowledge we can always add.

This has worked well  for the last four years, at minimum we only pay for the number in 

the contract.

Two weeks prior I make the phone call to turn in our final count, 

this year it was 84!  Myself and the team that makes it all happen, worked

very hard and we were sure God would be doing great things on our weekend retreat

that would benefit the women of our church.

We were very excited about what God was going to do.

Little did we know......

I actually sent my contact at the retreat center our final count of 84 via text message.

I didn't hear back that day which was unusual, so I copied the text and emailed it the 

following day.

I heard back right away...

" I'm afraid I have some bad news.  This year we can only provide you the 60 beds that were in 

the contract. We have never had a situation like this in the past, but a mega church

came in two days prior and bought every last bed on site and off site.

I am trying to figure something out and will be working on that until 11::00 P.M. tonight.

I can't even offer you one extra bed at this point."

To say I was shocked would be a complete understatement.

My heart immediately heavy, as I went into a very sureal state.

How do I tell 24 women they can't attend after all?

Oh and God, I have information on some that I know need this retreat more than ever,

the timing was so perfect for them!

I emailed three praying friends and asked them to start praying...

I made phone calls to local hotels and motels in the vacinity of where the conference center is.

Everyone, booked solid that weekend.

Really God?

How do I attend and remain upbeat about the weekend?

Some would be told that someone they were counting on being there with them

will not be there at all....

Oh boy, it was heavy friends.

It was a very long 24 hours.

One P.M. the next day I called, I just needed to know now so I could notify the church and

begin the unfortunate task of notifying those that could not attend.

The voice on the phone tells me my contact is in a meeting, in fact the whole office is until 2 P.M.

I privately thought, perhaps they are all brainstorming trying to find away?

I wanted so badly to remain hopeful but that negative voice would remind me, 

you are expecting 24 beds, pretty impossible.

I thought, I know I believe God can do anything but, perhaps a bed or two.

He could help them find one or two but 24? Well that would require a miracle of sorts!

As I wait for the hour to pass and the chest pains began...

my thoughts ranged from, how do I face anyone after this...as if I would wear the scarlett

letter to church every week so everyone would know....

 the big R on my chest

 (retreat fail).

 It may be easier to change churches never to be heard from again!

I wish I were kidding, these are real thoughts I was having.

Crazy but real.....

2:09 

My phone rings and I can see it's my contact from the conference center,

ugggh...

Upon hearing his voice I break, he says,

"you don't sound so good"

I of course replied, I'm not doing to good.

He continues;

"Well, I can't explain how because last night and today I have looked over rooming charts

for all the churches attending 50 times if I did once!

I have some good news."

I pipe in, did you find us any beds?

"yes"

How many?  I asked....(knowing I'd still have the same problem even if he found a few.)

" I found you 24 beds, exactly the number you needed! " 

As I totally break into tears of joy, 

"are you kidding me?"

He assured me again unable to explain, yes 24 beds!

I could tell he was as relived as I, he has such a heart for what he does.

I immediately confess, I feel so badly that I doubted God.

But I did. 

Really, 24 beds were just going to appear???

Why yes, all 24 of them.

Again I'm reminded I serve a God bigger than any issue that comes my way.

As I hung up I immediately text my prayer buddies and let them know the good news!

Then I went directly to Mark 9:24,

A father says to Jesus,

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

This was me, I do believe, yet I had to overcome my unbelief.

I have.

After the 84 women were welcomed to the retreat,

you can bet I shared my story.

Barely able to speak as it was just so amazingly big!

I ended it with, if anyone has any complaints this weekend,

I will remind you, 

You have a bed!

I'm so glad I choose to share my story of unbelief (doubt) with them, I trust many will remember it

at some point down the road when they experience something they believe may be 

to big for God.

Many times throughout the weekend when something amazing was shared and women were 

needing to hear just whatever it was, I would break into tears at the thought,

they may have missed this special time......but God!

As women left on our last day, many of them shared with me that 

they will never forget the story of the 24 beds!

Praise God for that!!!!

My hope is you too might remember when things seem too big for hope,

24 beds......

its what echos from my heart today.

 

 

s

Summer Was Here for a Minute, Already into Fall ~

It was just summer, I look up and Fall has arrived!!

It has been a very busy September to be sure.

I kept meaning to sit down and blog, it just never happened.

Busy with Ms. Khloe and little Ellery, the time flies by.

I stepped down from the Women's Ministry Team, freed myself up to

take some classes, I do love the study of my faith.

On Monday evenings I'm taking a class called The Way of the Heart, taught by the Pastor of my Church.

Course Description:  

The Way of the Heart Course is designed to be a robust and extended training in the Christian life.  It is an eight-month experiential, communal, and theological journey into the depths of our call to participate in the Triune life of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  It is the intent of this course to see our individual stories as sharing in not only the stories of others but the grand story of God Himself, and this will be accomplished through in depth reflection on the Christian life, open and honest sharing, and a furthering of the prayer life.

Big commitment but I'm loving it!

On Tuesday mornings I am taking my very first BSF class, (Bible Study Fellowship) and I'm very excited about it. The study is of the book of Revelation. I believe a seven or eight month commitment as well.

On Tuesday evenings Bob and I are back with our original Small Group doing a study on the book of Hebrews. So happy to be back with our old friends.

Whew....little overwhelming to see it all laid out together....

I have also been on the journey of planning (along with an amazing team), 

 our 

Women's retreat for the last 6 or so months.

The First weekend of October is the big event and I sense it's going to be awesome.

It's such a blessing to be a part of blessing the women of our church with a weekend away from  their responsibilities of home. A time where they can actually retreat, relax enjoy the hot springs, pool, or taking some long naps!  We also have an amazing speaker lined up, Carol Hopson, who spoke to us last year and was very well received.

Not gonna lie, I will be glad when the weekend arrives,

and glad to have another one in the books and behind me.

The two weeks leading up to the event is full of last minute details,

Little bits of stress here and there, all the while hoping we haven't forgotten a thing!

 I haven't managed to get to enjoying all of your blogs as much as I would like...

maybe October will allow more time to visit you and to blog my thoughts.

(Seems I said this last month?)

This life is a journey glad to be on it with each of you !

It's what echos from my heart today....

Hello September ~

Well another August in the books.

Too many hot days and very happy to be entering Fall!

We did our 2nd annual Moonlight Ampitheater night with 

my son and his family.  This year it was Shrek and I can tell you

the adults enjoyed it as much as the children!

Picnic dinner,and birthday cake before the main event, 

our little Ellery Grace turned two!

This is her trying on the dress Namaw bought her, she is a girly girl!

 We sang happy birthday, several in the audience joined in and made it extra special.

This Khloe girl turned four (can't believe it) while we were on our trip.

She is a fan of the programs, she studies them as if she can read, it's adorable to watch

her study each page so carefully ;-)

Such a special time with them, I love it!

We have had some very hot days so we traded in our little round wading pool

for one this Namaw can enjoy as well!

Couple of beach days...

Several dress up days...

 Ellery walks around with her arms up so her bracelets don't fall off ...

Khloe and Ellery's Momma is back to teaching so hanging out with the girls and Pa...

Pa bought himself some golf clubs and is very excited about playing 

more regularly!

I hope the fall season brings you a slower pace, and peace and calm into your lives.. 

It's what echos from my heart today!

Marriages In Crisis ~

First a disclaimer, my intent is not to be insensitive to any who have divorced,
in fact I am one of you. For me it was a decision about self....as in selfish.
It took me years to realize that about myself, and I know I wouldn't have thought
so at the time if someone suggested it was the case.
I am not saying that this is always the case so please don't take this as such.
It is however, more common than not.....

I have seen more times then I care to count in life,
how vulnerable those who struggle with marriage are
to the deceivers that will fill them with lies.

When marriages are in crisis, the weak are the most vulnerable to deception from another.

All it takes is for a willing listener (many times from the opposite sex),
and it's most assuredly a guarantee they will tell you every thing you want to hear.

The same one who don't want you in their future, but are using you for the now.....
These types of people don't want your baggage, your children etc....

They will likely agree with your frustration in your marriage, they will likely even help you 

justify why you should leave.

There are also, so called friends that will also encourage you to walk away.

I will be the friend to encourage you to stand by your vows.

I have learned so much about the importance of vows, the hard way.

....and after hurting many in the process.

I can tell you this, those who encourage you to walk away from a marriage are not with you down the road as you attempt to do this alone.
 When you need emotional support, help with children, finances etc...

I find it oddly ironic those same people wouldn't walk away from their spouses in a similar situation.

It's always so easy to say they would, when it's not their family being torn apart.

Men (or women) who flatter and deceive you while you are in a tough time of your marriage....

are not the men (or women) who have a vested interest in you and your children....

they tolerate them at best and generally not for long.

(Obviously, this is not always the case.)

Too often divorce is selfish...

often it's only one of the parties wanting it.

Children never get a vote.

How sad is that, they never have a voice in regard
to the family, they didn't have a voice of becoming a part of in the first place.

We choose to create the family with them..
only to take them away from it :-(

Children of divorce are affected in so many ways....

What we should want is our children to see grown adults,

choosing to fight for their families.
If a family with faith in God,what an opportunity to show your children
what God can do to restore a marriage!

Because, families matter.

You be the parent that never quit,
it will mean something to your children down the road.....

 I highly recommend a book called, The Divorce Culture.

I sincerely  believe I never would have divorced if I had read this book.

The main reason being,  it really spells out how selfish the choice to divorce

generally is and how it really does affect our children.

As a Mother I never could have moved forward had I known just how

much they would miss,  how much they would have to deal with, how I took
away there vote! 

Often marriages go through really tough times....it's a matter of not quitting during that time.
That is what makes for a stronger marriage,
 making it through the hard.....
a marriage
when nobody quits. 

It echos from my heart today..

For the Record~

Dear Hotel, Restaurants, Gas Stations,

When you buy the cheapest thinnest toilet paper to save money,

you're not saving money, we use three times as much!

Winthrop Washington, Old Schoolhouse Brewery,

you win for best toilet paper in the Pacific Northwest.

The pleasure was all mine.

~

 Sheets and mattresses,

A good mattress is one that does not dip in the middle...

Good sheets, soft and cool, atop the semi firm mattress.

Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria British Columbia,

you win, the pleasure was all mine.

  

~ 

Greatest find, so great I have to share.

Five Pines Lodge in Sister Oregon.

Luxury cabins, top of the line furniture, the landscape alone,

screams peace and calm.....
awesome spa, brewery, movie house.

The friendliest staff, eager to help in any way they can.

Best Meal, 

Five Spice in Lake Oswego

Best Ahi EVER!

Most amazing experience of the trip,

High Tea at the Empress, Victoria B.C.

everyone should experience this! 

 Lessons learned,

I swear, I will not over pack again.

Bob was awesome about carrying bags in and out of Hotels,

glad he puts time in at the gym!

We will never again do short stays, 

minimum three days at

any one spot.

Best Audio book,
East of Eden
what a great story!! 

Personal highlight of the trip,
(though all were special)

meeting my blogging friend Judy and her husband.
We had such a great time with them!

 ~
 

Overall we had a most wonderful trip,

 spent time with some wonderful people,

had lots of laughs,

saw some beautiful country,

and made some new friends.

Special thanks to those who welcomed us into their homes,
Rene and Rocky, Dan and Nancy, Steve and Shelly, Aunt Marguerite,
Kathy and Steve, Debra and Tom!

To my cousins Greg and Shari, Cindy and Scott
thanks for a great evening in Seattle, too much fun!!
Thanks to the photo bomber as well.....

blurry photo but it's what I have...

How blessed are we ?

My favorite traveling partner Bob,
I love you and love that you are willing 
to chauffeur me around our country! 

Priceless moments, it's what echos from my heart today...

 

 

The Bad and All Good Things~

The Running Y Ranch, was a very nice spot and we're so glad we found it.
Below is our suite with a view of the last nine on the golf course.
Love the room, almost felt like a home :-)

First Nine of the golf course ~

Last nine ~

The day after my last post my back locked up on me :-(

It sorta came out of nowhere, yet I have my suspicions 

it may have been a bad idea to unload the luggage up to our room

while Buster was getting his much deserved massage...

Buster arranged a massage for me, hoping to nip it in the bud.

When I left the Spa, walking was considerably easier than when I arrived.

I went back to the room to lay down, while Bob was golfing with our new

friend Tom.

That night we met Tom and Debra for dinner at their home.

Picking up the salt shaker about sent me through the roof with pain.

We did have a lovely meal in their beautiful home, with a beautiful view!

I can't describe how great these two people are, I know I'm

looking forward to spending time with them in November when they

are in San Diego!
Below is a shot from above of their awesome home :-)
 

and....
view from the road heading back to the ranch.

~

The next morning the back became much worse. I could not sit or stand, which 

left me on my back in bed. Bob called the paramedics as he no way could

have gotten me to the car let alone, provide a way of laying down.
They say paramedics are good a looking sort,...I didn't notice, okay they were!

Bob quickly started loading the car with our luggage, cancelled our last

night at the Ranch and headed to the hospital.

 Three hours in the E.R. and four shots later, I was released.

Nothing they can really do with a locked up back other than mask the pain.

Clearly it was time to head home..... ~

But not without another look of beautiful Mt. Shasta ~

Within about two hours I was sitting comfortably in the car as we headed to Redding CA.

The next day started out ruff until the meds kicked in again and we drove to Santa Nella, CA

Santa Nella to home was about 5 1/2 hour drive.

~

Was so good to set foot in our home again to a warm welcome from our

friends George and Lynn who held down the fort while we were away.
We so appreciate you staying!!

The trip was great, I'm sure we will be talking about it for some time.

Thankful to all who met up with us along the way, you are each so treasured by us!

Please let us know if you are ever in the San Diego area, we would love

to pamper you as we felt pampered.

Thanks to each of you.

~

For those who followed along on this journey via the blog,

it was great to have you along for the ride, if only visually!

The bad back will pass,
and all the good things like this trip, come to an end.
~
The memories are socked away, only to be stirred up from time to time in times of reflection.

Great to be home, it's what echos from my heart today...