Simply Amazed

I am so amazed by the things that God can do. Yes, I knew He could create an entire world in 6 days. Yes, I knew He has power over death. Yes, I knew He could take down huge armies with small incompetent groups.  Yes, I know He has the power to move mountains.

But when you see that greatness in your own seemingly insignificant life? Simply amazing.

The beautiful pines in Angeles National Forest.

I boarded the plane last week still not fully aware of the odd place I was putting myself in.

Then, 5 minutes before landing, I looked at the lady next to me, who I'd learned would be returning to Omaha on the same flight as me, and said, "Here's the deal... and gave her the dish... yes, I was meeting a "stranger".  "So, you want me to call the FBI if you're not here? Got it."

I walked off the escalator, saw Bina and in that moment realized, we were not strangers. That was my friend. Waiting for me by the baggage claim.

Hey, remember when I thought you were going to be a serial killer?

That was my friend grinning from ear to ear, arms open and ready for a hug- not a (((hug))).

That was also my friend's pastor standing next to her.... they claim it wasn't because of lack of faith in me.;) I say that was a God thing. He sent a servant at that time to send a little reassurance to both of His daughters. This was His plan, and His guiding hand was on it, starting last August.

After an evening of many laughs, tear wiping- from the laughter, and belly aches- from the laughter, it was time to meet her family. More "strangers".

One by one her children greeted me with a hug- how sweet are these kids?! I think to myself.And then I see the 13 year old. Coming from the kitchen, butcher knife in hand. . .

. . . And I knew... these were my people. We howled with laughter as she says "oh, no. We won't hurt you..."  Simply amazed. She took the mostly unspoken fear, and brought laughter. Tension melted away.

As I met her friends one by one- preparing for a retreat on a mountainside- I was simply amazed.

The dearest women in the world, and maybe a little goofy too.

To be loved by one, is to be loved by all. These women shared their lives, their hearts, their faith, most important, they shared their love.

I left for California to meet one stranger.

I left California with an extended family of 7 and 6 fabulous friends whom I have been able to laugh, cry, and pray with. These friends and family radiate the joy and love of Christ. To say that He wasn't there would be impossible.

I'm Simply Amazed.

To my dear sweet Sister Bina. Words cannot express the joy that came with meeting you Face to Face. The fears gone. The insecurity wiped away. To pray, to laugh, to hold, to cry, to sing. (some of us more off key than others *ahem*). This past weekend was a gift so much greater than I could have ever imagined. I now miss you- and those looks- and I look forward to another day we see each other face to face.

God has brought us together through this crazy internet life. And I thank Him for you. I love you.

God is Good!!!

Sneak Peek

Haven't had time to put a real post yet, but here are some sneak peeks to show that we are having a great time!

Huntington Beach

Our names in the sand.

I promise I will soon have an actual report, but for now, this is as good as it gets! ;)

But WAIT! Head on over to Bina's Pad and check out what she's got to say about this... ;)

Unedited

We sit at computer screens and share our lives. Our joys. Our sorrows. Our fears. Our hopes Our laughter. Our tears.

Yet we edit.

 I can't tell these people how much I yelled at my daughter this morning over a pair of shoes!

I can't tell them how long it took me to find this verse that I wanted to share- that maybe I'm not as knowledgable as they think.

Thank goodness these people didn't hear what I said. Or thought.

Here's a good picture of me, at least you can't see how big my bottom is in it!

Let me put make-up on just so before taking a picture for this.

Type something funny and witty. Delete. Re-type. Delete. Re-type.

Crop here. Edit that.

We share our lives, yet we're able to tuck away the parts that cause our insecurities. Today, I will come face to face with one whom I've shared so many of those joys, sorrows, laughs, tears, and hopes with. FACE to FACE. For the first time.

There is no editing.

My thoughts invade:
She'll be able to see all of me- fluffy tummy and all. What if she's repulsed?

What if she is annoyed by my loud laugh?

She'll be able to see all of me- fluffy tummy and all. What if she's repulsed?

What if she's driven over the edge by my chatter and frustrated that as soon as more people are there, I clam up.

What if I cry to much during the retreat, or not enough. What if I giggle at the most serious time because that's what happens sometimes.

What if she finds me boring. What if we have nothing to talk about (so not likely!) What if I say something I would have preferred to delete and re-type.

She'll see me. All of me. Unedited.

I am bursting with joy and nervousness at the anticipation of a weekend with a friend that God has led to me. A friendship that only He can weave together from the heart of the midwest to the California coast. A time of reflection and spriritual renewal in the mountains of California.

I can't wait, dear Bina. To see you face to face. Unedited.

The view up here

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

(picture taken landing at the Omaha airport on our return flight from San Antonio)

I didn't mean to...

...it just sort of happened. A week goes by, and I haven't really turned on the computer. I haven't felt the need to check Facebook every hour. I didn't read 60 blog posts. I just lived the life going on around me. And the good news is, my world didn't fall apart. Apart from the occasional school webpage check and email, and what ever is available on my Blackberry, I didn't hit the computer. I have to say, it was a freeing week. I enjoyed time with family over the long weekend. Steve's sister and brother-in-law came down to our Nebraska acreage and we played. We had fresh air and enjoyed the mild fall days. The cool evenings around the campfire, the crisp mornings in the porch with a piping hot cup of coffee, a late night stroll in the dark through the woods to seek out critters, an even later night of card games and laughing. No computers necessary. (except to check those rules we always seem to forget between Labor Day weekends).

I have been learning a lot about addictions and strongholds lately and realized how dependant I've become on the computer for my entertainment. I feel that I can't start my day until I've read what everyone else is doing until I do something. I have found myself coveting other people's lives because of what they are doing and what they are making or what they're writing. I needed a little perspective.

I was able after the weekend to enjoy some girlfriend time. We laughed, drank coffee, made rich pasta dishes, and I frightened her to death with pregnancy horror stories. That's what friends do. No computer necessary. (except to help her find a crib online after it wasn't in the stores.)

So, if you missed me, I am sorry. I needed to take a little time to find my way back to the One who gave me all that I am. The One who blessed me beyond measure with amazing family and friends. I needed to step back and see all that I have and all that I am, yet I am nothing without Him. And if you're reading this, thank you for coming back, even after I disappeared. I'll try not to let it happen again, unless He calls me to. I look forward to catching up with my friends, especially with a little better perspective.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

I'll be rehydrated by next week...

The hubs and I are back from our quick trip to San Antonio! We had a great time and I can't wait to share some of it with you. Real life is awaiting me (in the form of a giant laundry pile) and my kids are on their way back to me FINALLY! So, for now, I will leave you with proof that I got one updated picture of the two of us..

And had some delicious food...

Thanks for stopping by, sorry I haven't been around to visit your blogs- hopefully I'll catch up this week!