It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas....

...well, at least it looks Merry in our living room!
The Christmas tree is up! The kids hung ornaments yesterday with Alvin and the Chipmunks (of course) singing carols in the background. And I have been hanging up Santa stuff and draping tinsel and lights like nobody's business.
Now, I am tired. But the result of our labor is pretty great.
I think I'll go make a cup of apple cider, stare at the Christmas lights...and then drift off to sleep.
Joy!

Mam-ma's Recipes...

I made pies this week. Apple, pumpkin and chocolate cream.

When I got married, Mom had Mam-ma write out recipes for me and Mom did the same.

Pretty remarkable how making a pie or cake off a recipe with Mam-ma's or Mom's handwriting can bring comfort to my soul.

But is sure does. For a brief moment, I am in Mam-ma's kitchen with her. I can see her hands...hear her voice. "Always wash your hands when you are cooking. One time I was at a friend's house and she kept wiping at her nose while she cooked. I'nt that AWFUL!!!" She said it with mock disdain and a smile.
"oooooo I can't wait for everyone to get here..." and she'd go through the list of what she had made for each person...

... apple pie for Dad, coconut cream for Pat, german chocolate cake for Tommy, angel food cake for Tanner and Reese, and I can't remember the specifics for the rest of us...but Mam-ma sure could...

That was her self-appointed job. Providing sweet treats for each and everyone. She loved it so much. And you didn't hear us complaining...:-)

After cooking, Mam-ma would wash every dish ("I can't STAND a messy kitchen!"), pour herself a glass of iced tea, wrap a paper napkin around the bottom of the cup and sit in her chair to watch her "story". Or, if she wasn't too beat, she'd pull out the cards or Boggle and play a game with me at the kitchen bar.

We'd answer the phone for Granddaddy's lawn mower repair business, wait for Granddaddy to come in smelling of gasoline and oil, and maybe get to eat a "good 'ole sanwich" before Mom and Dad came to pick me up!

Good times.

Funny how pie recipes can bring all that back...

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! May your day be filled with wonderful memories and the makings of more to come!

The Usual

The house is finally quiet. Two doll blankets, one Tonka truck and a few odd blocks litter the living room.The hum of the generator allows me to use this computer and the lights. Mosquitoes are buzzing...and I feel slightly chilled. It rained hard again today. It rains everyday now. The roads are very muddy and I wear sweaters morning and night. Hot coffee and hot tea are my mainstays.

This morning started with Silas..."momma (three pounds on the head) pahcohn (popcorn?)". After a muffled "no" from sleepy mom...he reconsiders... "appah joos?"

We got the apple juice and mixed the waffles. Everyone fought to have a turn at cracking an egg or stirring. Diapers were changed, clothes were found, many hugs given... Alex made me a construction paper burrito and Kinley said that she liked to tell me her secrets...(smile).
School consisted of dinosaurs, Tower of Babel and the Roman Empire. Discussed seperately, of course, but thinking back...might have been more interesting together.:-)
Alex practiced "u" and Kinley practiced the soft "c"--lace, face, pace...We added, graphed and counted.

Isaac's nap book was "Where is my Blankie" and Silas' nap book was "Touch and Feel Wild Animals" (actually not an idea we should support...) :-]

We had peanut butter and apples for lunch---sour cream enchiladas for supper. Isaac wore his patch for nearly two whole hours, cuddled with me for 15 minutes and asked for chocolate 187 times (okay, I didn't actually keep track...)
We cut Alex's hair, everyone took baths and the kiddos are now asleep in their beds.

I've just reconnected with friends in the cyber world and will now make one last walk through the house, re-situate mosquito nets over the kids, pray again for God's protection and peace...and eventually,I will fall asleep...

Its Thanksgiving week... and for all these "usuals", I am deeply thankful.

Jehovah Shamma---He is so very good.

Thank you Jeremy, Steven, Twila, Mac...

I love singing. Praising. Worship.

Besides my family, group worship in my own culture and language is what I think I miss the most about America.

I have been overwhelmingly blessed with worship memories. Devos with the youth group, devos around the campfire at summer camp, singing groups in college, Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night services all my life, Faith Quest...

Most of the distinctive memories involve close friends, being outside and really, REALLY GOOD singing!

I have come to love worshipping "the African way" a great deal. I love the rythyms, harmonies and MOTION that African music demands. Most folks here give in to that musical drive and can really let go with their worship.

Watching God love and save our friends here has been one of my favorite worship experiences...To witness men and women who are dead in their spirits...come to Life in Him...its spectacular. Their worship through the process is brilliant to watch. At first subdued, unnatural....then over time...passionate and emotional.

There is a gap in most young mother's lives. That time frame from your child's infancy to age4or 5 where your worship time in church becomes a wrangle session to serve those around you. Keeping toddlers and preschoolers occupied, quiet and respectful for a set period of time (longer than 30 seconds) is almost impossible without the aid of drugs. (which I officially, on the record DO NOT support--but have been tempted on occasion to actually use! :-))

These precious (?) and valuable(!) "training years" for my children have left me in a 7 year void of sorts. The constant interruptions during worship coupled with the singing of songs in languages I don't totally understand does leave something amiss.

So the Lord created CD's. MP3's. IPODs. :-)

And He gave His servants the songs.

When I get a CD in the mail, I devour it. Read the lyrics, the thank you's, any description of where the song came from. I listen and re-listen to the words. And after a day or two of learning the words...it happens. I am lost in worship. I am edified. I find a priceless and distinct outlet for my confession, renewal and expression of my love and thanks.

I think it is the desire of most Christian songwriters and performers that their listeners are taken before the Throne. I believe that their goal is realized in many different places and circumstances.

But I have never experienced the filling, precious gift of that music, like I have in this far off Africa place. There is a dimension to the worship I don't think I would have been forced to realize until I faced the challenges of service here....

Desperate desire.

...for God, His Healing and Grace, and my need to say "Thank you" and "please give me more. "

All in all... a pretty great thing. My needing Him.

So, "thank you" to Steven, Jeremy, Twila, Chris, Mac, Bebo...

I'll probably never meet you in person...but I join you in the worship you've recorded and shared. I am blessed and brought closer to our Lord.
He is good.

The Offer

There was a baby in the house the last few days! And it was delightful. Our friends, Doug and Destiny, went away for a few days to celebrate their anniversary and they entrusted us with their treasure named Jotham. He was a joy to have around. He is cuddly, cute and loved to smile at his Aunt Cheryl. I got to have all this enjoyment without morning sickness or labor. AND after two days of fun, I handed him back to Mom and had a whole nights sleep again. Being "Aunt" is pretty great!

When our friends came to pick up their little one, we invited them to join us for a cookout. As we were eating, IT happened. I think our friends were still a little giddy from their trip...or something.... but still, with our children as witnesses, IT did happen.

The Offer was made.

"So, guys. You should get away sometime. WE'LL WATCH YOUR KIDS."

Did we hear them right? Are they thinking clearly?

Who cares?!?!?! They OFFERED!!!!

And away we go... :-)

My New Friend

Our last trip to the capital of Uganda had my mind on one thing. I needed a friend. And I was set to find that friend.

I asked God to provide. I was asking, not for necessity. But out of longing. And a tad bit of desperation.

One shopping day. Pile of shillings in my bag. Deliberate walk to the back of the huge, amazing department store in Kampala.

And there....with etheral lights shining around it...and the hint of the hallelujah chorus in the background...was My New Friend.

Now, I was warned about buying my Friends in life. But sometimes you have to make the exception.

And so I did. My bright shining Friend stands proudly in my laundry room. Her name is Whirlpool and she hums delightfully as she works.
She gives to me graciously. Scrubbing, wringing, cleaning and releasing me to serve my family in other ways. All her valves and doohickies work brilliantly and the floods of the laundry room have ceased. And I love her.

Sometimes, friends are friends forever. I don't know if this relationship will last that long....but for now, she makes me smile everytime I see her.
And that is a great friend to have.

Lessons from the Blue Book

The Blue Book. I think I used a blue song book in church for all of my childhood. I remember going to college in Lubbock and attending church where the songbooks were green. It was a big change for me. :-)

The Blue Book makes me think of my Dad, pitchpipes, Sunday night singings, and learning to sing Alto. All very warm memories.

Very often, in difficult times, Jeff and I are drawn to our copy of the Blue Book. We sing through the songs and find comfort, encouragement, strength...community. We sing these songs to our kids. We want all that for them too.
These songs,sung a bazillion times in my childhood, come to my mind and heart at opportune moments...to alter my attitude, wake me up, make me smile and very, very often....remind me of my Hero and how He lives in many precious people in my life.

*Victory in Jesus--Known in our house as "Papa's favorite." Cuz it is...
*Amazing Grace--the only song my Granny could sing after a series of strokes. Couldn't say our names or remember recipes or even talk much at all...but she could always sing Amazing Grace.
*Follow Me--powerful...my Dad's other favorite :-)
*How Great Thou Art
*Oh Lord our Lord--Sung at ACU with tons of people--heavenly!
*Where We Never Grow Old--the song Mamma sang with us just before she went Home.
*I Have Decided to Follow Jesus-- sung when I was baptized
*Freely, Freely --sung when Jeff was baptized
*Blessed Assurance--
*Just As I Am--
*Walking in Sunlight
*Trust and Obey
*Sing and Be Happy
*Ring the Message Out--learned this song in Loy and Donna Mitchell's living room(the Mitchell's were my first Africa connection)

On and on it goes...a heritage in song of faith. Old tunes, sometimes old words...very current Truth.

So often, a phrase gets stuck in my head. This morning, "Grace, grace. God's grace. Grace that can pardon and cleanse within. Marvelous grace. Infinite grace. Grace that is greater than all my sin." Reminding me of His new mercy every morning. And how I should have that same mercy for all those around me.

And for the past few days, "Count Your Blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God has done..." With water and power off, I needed the reminder.

So, I'm thankful this morning. For Grace, His Blessings, and His Spirit for giving me yet another lesson from the Blue Book.

Hakuna

Pronounced "hah koonuh". You may recognize it from "Lion King". It means "there isn't".
And it is the theme of our last few days in the Cash Household.

Electricity---Hakuna.

Water---Hakuna.

Mom's Energy, Stamina and Ability to Cope---Hakuna!!!!!

It seems our water tank has a broken cover and has been filled with avocados from the tree that grows just over it. The avocados were rotting in the water...and, well, YUCK!!! Our water was smelling very rank and so my husband and Ronald spent Sunday evening mucking out our water tank.

In the process, our water pipes have developed a problem and no water has flowed into our home for three days. Not fun. Jeff has dug up pipes and worked to solve the problem, but today, in desperation, we have called in a plumber. This scares me. Jeff's problem solving abilities FAR exceed most...and if he couldn't get to the bottom of this himself....I fear for what the answer may be.

As to the electricity...I don't know. It has been on and off and on and off and then just OFF for days.

We are coping. We are back to "jerry can" living. All of our water is collected in jerry cans and used conservatively throughout the day. We heat water for dishes and baths on the stove, bathe in basins and creatively re-use water. (used bath water re-used to flush the toilets...)

It is amazing how very often I need to wash my hands though--we Americans sure do love soap and water!!!

So currently, Jeff, Ronald and the plumber are trying to decide what to do next (move to another house?!?!), the kids are waiting for school to begin and me, well, I am sitting at our computer, making use of the electricity that just came back on, reading blogs and trying to ignore the plumbing woes in our life. :-)
The reprieve won't last long though...reality calls me back from blogland. And I must go...

Aptly Named

I am so thankful for Laughter.

Process

I don't think I ever experienced "process" as I have since moving to Uganda. Order and rules are things I don't really mind.
Okay, they are, in fact, things I adore.
But, the processes of Uganda have threatened to catapult my love of such things into non-existence.

"Process" here takes on many forms...and I do mean FORMS. To pay one bill the other day I had to stand in a line for 20 minutes to pick up "the form"...which must be filled in EXACTLY correct...and has some interesting blanks:Surname, First Name, Specification (?)....

After solving the riddle of "specification", I stand in another line for 20 minutes. The teller takes my money, proceeds to fill another form in triplicate, rubber stamps everything in her path and then hands me my receipt.

The next step in the process here...apparently...is that the service you have paid for with great struggle, will now be cut off due to non payment. Which requires another form...another line...more triplicate...and FINALLY...on a good day...you receive the service you have paid for--be it water, power, phone etc.

Now, as fun as all that is...there is another process in Uganda I detest more. Business Meetings.

Think, "EXCRUCIATING." Business meetings are long drawn out speech-fests where men (and occasionally women) state, re-state, and-- in case you didn't get it--re-state their opinions. Usually in very hot buildings ,at lunch time, while your stomach growls.

So, when our newly appointed benevolence committee at church asked me to attend and participate in the writing of the policies, I braced myself for the worst.

But I was surprised.

The committee consisted of me, Ronald, David and Dick. Dick was quickly asked to be reporter (scribe) and David was asked to chair. Ronald said a prayer and we began.

We did a lot of policy discussing and document wording...but the true process of the day...well that was something all-together different.

I watched a miracle. We were gathered to discuss two very hot topics in Ugandan culture. Money and problems. Money--hard to come by. Problems--everybody has one.

I heard these three brothers of mine discuss these issues, from a different perspective than most.
* I heard integrity ("we must be honest at all costs. down to the shilling!" "No one in our own families or our own selves can benefit from this committee!")
*I heard brotherhood("go ahead David, I interrupted you." "What do you think Dick." "Ronald makes a good point")
*And I heard submission ("I disagree, but I will stand with you.")

Hmmm....God's Spirit at work? Yep.
Transformation at Jesus hand? Definitely.
Another Standing Stone to amaze me in this journey ? Yes.

I was challenged, blessed, inspired, deeply grateful and well, pretty stinking repentant. In a day filled with processes I almost, cynically, missed the most important. Him. "Processing" any who are willing and even many who are not. Working us, changing us, guiding us, forgiving us...drawing us to Himself.

Transformation. Newness. Freedom from all that holds us back...

Now, that is a process I wholeheartedly embrace!

The Machine

When we first started our life in Africa, I had much to learn. My credentials for life in the Third World were not incredibly long.
My husband landed here ready to go. His Eagle Scout-years of camping-mountain climbing- survival training Self was prepared and SO VERY thrilled to tackle life in difficult conditions.

My list of credentials started as: Loves God. Willing to Learn.
After a crushing case of salmonella and parasites that we could not seem to get rid of , and dealing with the Kenyan public transport system on a daily basis-- my list of credentials dwindled to : Still loves God.

By some miracle...that list proved to be enough in God's hands. And I did begin to learn how to survive on this continent.

One of the first skills to master here was laundry. Of course, I had done laundry before. In machines-- already attached to water and power-- that worked when you pushed the buttons.
My first laundry facilities here were two basins, a jerry can and a clothes line. I constantly thought of Granny, Mam-ma and every Little House on the Prairie episode I ever saw, as I tried to make my laundry attempts efficient and effective. Besides the fact that I began to despise bluejeans (ever tried to wring out a pair--ugh!) I found the laundry task difficult and trying.

God helped me along...as did Nerea, Peter and Rebecca...precious souls who scrubbed, twisted, wrung and hung our clothes through those early years.

With the birth of our first child, came a new dimension to laundry. Pampers and Huggies were not available here yet, so we were left to cloth diapers. And our laundry woes increased.

It was at this time that we purchased a wonderful piece of equipment that our Ugandan friends referred to as "The Machine".

It is a Maytag and it was old 7 years ago. We recently traced its history, and discovered that it has been serving Africa missionaries for over 35 years. That's a long time for a machine to work in Africa.

The Machine has been through alot, washed so very many clothes and even housed the wayward rat on occasion. It has plugged along in its duties all these years and though it sounds like a jet engine taking off when it is in the spin cycle...it has made our clothes clean.

Several months ago, The Machine, began to make a different kind of noise. A noise accompanied by a strange burning smell....and, well, a smidgen of smoke.

I prayed over The Machine. Asked God to give it just a little more life. But, sometimes, the answer is no. The Machine has stopped spinning and though I gingerly fill its tub with smallish loads, I know we are on borrowed time. Very soon The Machine will stop all together and go to Maytag heaven. (?)

So, I write you today amidst mountainous piles of dirty laundry. We are back to hand washing and wringing, and despite our best efforts("I know you have worn those jeans 7 times, Kinley, but one more day won't hurt!")...we can't keep up.

I hope a New Machine is in our future. Until then, I guess I have more to learn.

Cruisin'

Bushara Island Camp. A beautiful, peaceful, serene setting...overflowing with life in the form of the Cash family for four days! Located in the southernmost part of Uganda, very near the Rwanda border. I had never traveled that far south before...what a beautiful place it is. Rolling hills, cool climate, gorgeous views. Delightful.

We walked, read, played cards, played frisbee, had a campfire, played on the playground...the kids had so much fun...we all agree it is a place we hope to visit again.

(all pictures by Jeff Cash)

Snack break!


View from our cabin


Boat ride to the island!


Girl time...


Blessings and joy...

Do You Know?

--the childhood games I played and names I gave my dolls?
--the things that make my Mom smile?
--the things that IRRITATE my Mom?
--the feel of my Mom's and Dad's hugs?
--my Dad's favorite hymn?
--all the words to "Preacher and the Bear"?
--how Mam-ma sounded when she sang in church?
--all the contents of Mam-ma's purse? (Certs in the center)
--the smell of Granddaddy when he comes in from the shop?
--the FEARFUL noise of lawnmowers starting?
--funny details of family trips--Brownwood, SixFlags, Disneyland and Hollywood, Nashville.
--how it feels to be the youth minister's kid?
--the smell of Mom's stew on a cold West Texas fall day?
--the sheer delight of shouting MOJO with an amazing community supporting kids in a really FUN game every Friday night?
--the camp friends who shaped and shared our Faith every summer for years?
--where the painted Santa Clause and Elves figures go on the coffee table?
--when to decorate the Christmas Tree? (Thanksgiving Weekend.)
--when to open Christmas presents? (Christmas Eve of course!)
--what irritates me?(horny toads, locusts, breathing outside my door..."Moooommmmm, please make her move!")
--every hairstyle I've had: the good, the bad and (ugh!) the ugly!
--all the words to "Sound of Music", "Karate Kid" and "Annie"?
--the history of Monahans High School class of '65?
--what made Granny laugh? (you!)


Cherise Knows. She is my sister.
And while there are many things she does know...I wonder sometimes if she knows everything...like...

--how much I miss her every single day!
--how Target runs with her on furlough are my FAVORITE THING!!!
--how proud I am of her faith and the beautiful way she lives it.
--how proud I am of her mothering--her dauntless (okay, sometimes daunted:-) way of tackling the issues and continuing on to make good lives for her boys
--how cool I think she is!
--how beautiful she is!
--how blessed Wade, Bryson and Cason are to have her in their lives?
--how often she makes me laugh?
--how much I depend on her friendship?
--how very much I love her?

Happy Birthday Cherise! I think you are the greatest. I'm so glad you are in my life. I just wanted you to know.




Who do you love today? Do they know?

Pebbles and Stones

Several years ago, Jeff and I watched the Focus on the Family video series filmed in Israel. It was a great series, but one of the lessons I remember most was about Standing Stones.
At many of the major happenings in the Israelites travels and wanderings, they would be instructed to take up stones and set them "there". These stones served as reminders so that those forgetful Israelites would be reminded of the Rock. A memorial that "God did something amazing here."
They were instructed to tell their children and their children's children so that each generation would remember the MOMENTS when a Heavenly King interevened on behalf of a worldly people.

I love this. The MARKING of an occasion. What a great idea. (God has alot of those!)

So, here I am at an occasion. Ten Years in Uganda. And I have spent many minutes over the last days looking at pictures, reading old journals and remembering our wanderings these last years.

Two things amaze me.
First, the unbelievable number of Stones in this journey. The breathtaking, exhillirating moments when I can say "God moved here." I cannot believe that He allows my weak eyes to see it. I do not deserve such an outpouring. And yet, He delights in revealing Himself.

The second thing that amazes me, is how often my eyes are diverted by the pebbles in the path. The distractions. The hassles. The problems. My own struggles. My sin. Before I realize it, I am engrossed in the pebbles at my feet and complaining about the ones that are in my shoes and I completely miss the Stones. God forgive me.

Today, I want you to see some of our Stones. This is not an exhaustive list. If you want that, come and see us. We will wander around with you here and tell you more stories---show you more Stones.

But for now, praise God with us over these unbelievable outpourings of Him. His goodness and His mercy on a weak and sinful people. He is Good.


Ronald and Dick

David Kabiito teaching the children on Sunday morning

Silas and Isaac

Alex

Kinley

Fort Portal Town Church

Fellowship with Christian Missionaries

Bright

Andrew and AimeeJo


May God grant you many Stone Sightings today and may your pebbles be few!

The Nap

I have always loved Sunday afternoons.

Growing up, we had wonderful Sunday afternoons. There was church in the morning, Mamma's roast dinner or Mexican food for lunch, then several hours of pouring through the mammoth Sunday paper with football or golf commentators for background music. And of course, the icing on the cake, was always.....The Nap.

You know, the dozing--all is right with the world--peaceful--satisfying slumber. Ahhhhhh....

Since earning the rank of Mommy---naps have become a rare and priceless treasure. They are not just the restful moments I crave---but are also a feat of unprecedented planning and choregraphed timing.

Today was a banner day. After church and lunch...my three year old and one year old were ready for naps AT THE SAME TIME!!!! What a moment. My heartbeat quickened as we went through the napping rituals---stories, pacifiers, blankets. And then, in one breathless moment...they were out. A quick peak revealed the 7 year old and 5 year old engrossed in a video and with quick and silent (shhhhhhh!!!!!) steps, I tiptoed to my bed.

My pillow, suede throw, silence around me (can this be happening?!?!?) and then the moment of sheer delight---sllllleeeeeeeep. The last thing I heard as I drifted into that VERY GOOD PLACE was the sound of raindrops. Perfection.

TWO AND A HALF HOURS later, I was awakened by a sweet three year old hand patting my head.
"Hi Mommy. You were sweeping...."

Yes, my dear. I was.
And it was very good.

VICTORY!!!!!

Jeff Cash.

In the guest room.

With a broom handle.

The Rat Has Left the Building!!!!

Considering...

Definition: "to think about seriously" "to believe after deliberation" "to regard highly" "to think carefully".

I love to consider. To sit quietly and really think something through. The process of considering is peaceful to me. Satisfying. Filling.

Tonight I'm considering these things:

*head lice--after much internet reading I "believe after deliberation" that we may be near the end of our little epidemic. Kinley is clear of those pesky things...my bald males are clear and my obsessive washing of all the bedding wasn't completely necessary but since its done...nice.

*blog comments--- I love to hear from friends and family! I "regard highly" your love and encouragement

*Isaac's eye--our son is required to wear a patch at least two hours a day in order to train his weak eye to see. I "think seriously and carefully" on ways to actually make that happen. Tonight, I consider him a champ---he has worn the patch 5 of 7 days for the last several weeks.

*prayer--I "believe after deliberation" that prayer to God Jehovah is one of my most valued treasures. He is Safe. He is the welcoming place--ready to hear me. Whatever I have to say...

*need--I have been "thinking seriously and carefully" on needing. I don't personally enjoy "needing". I DELIGHT in "meeting needs"...but the actual "needing" myself. I'm not too good at it. Of course, I do have needs...but when asked about them...I often stare blankly ahead while my brain tries to formulate an acceptable answer. Why is that? I don't know. But needing is inherent in us...It is why we are with other people--- why we seek God.

I do love the considering of a thing...

God says : "Consider it pure joy....when you face trials and hardships of many kinds." James 1:2
and
"Consider how the lilies grow...they do not labor...yet...not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Luke 12: 27

What are you considering today?

Oh Rats!

Here we go again! The sound of scurrying feet...the unexplainable bumps and clunks from the kitchen....LOVELY telltale droppings of the not-so-welcome houseguest. A rat.
Stella spied him first behind my washing machine. Isaac and I spied him second when we turned the kitchen light on two mornings ago. Jeff spied him third during his 5 am study session. The kids and I all saw him today when he scurried over our feet (OOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!) as we walked to the kitchen for breakfast. Nice.
I have a lovely home. Comfy furniture. Color co-ordinated decor. We clean. And still that little nasty varmit has invaded.
I'll forgo the obvious spiritual applications and simply say, "I WANT HIM OUT!!!"
So, begins the process...the mad plugging and stuffing of old blankets and rags in any crack or crevice we can find. Strategically placing long sticks and broom handles to be grabbed at a seconds notice to pound a tiny beedy eyed head. The tenative first walk through the house in the morning (flip on the light, grit your teeth, search every corner and inch of floor space before you step...)
I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm sure we will be victorious. My husband, with all the masculine hunter/masacre-small-rodent instincts at play, will seek and destroy. Alex's big Rat Annhilator weapon ("its a BIG BIG stick mom that would SMASH 'em good!") has been carefully designed and stored. And my clean and tidy box of DCon has been placed on the highest shelf near the hole where he has been entering. One way or another, he will be escorted from the premises.
Preferably not by me.
Preferably, very soon.

Please and Thank You

Everyday, I repeat these words a thousand times as I teach and train my little charges to exist in the world in a pleasant and orderly way. "Silas, say please." "Kinley, don't forget to say thank you!"
Over the last week, I've been reminded why I spend so much time on those simple words. I'll tell you why...

We have been watching the catastrophe of Katrina escalate and ravage.
Unfortunately, we do not have choices for which American news network we can watch. We are forced to endure the politically biased messages of CNN (did I say that outloud?).
I am frustrated and dismayed over the angles and stories CNN reporters and producers continually choose and chase.

For days we (and the international community) have seen images and stories on CNN. People demanding help with curse words and accusing everyone under the sun for their pain. CNN and its reporters continually hammer the message "too little is being done", "work is too slow","chaos exists", "NO ONE is helping". We've often had to switch the TV off to protect our children and our own selves from the words being chosen as people plead for help.
Many people see these images and are fed only negative messages. And we wonder why people think badly of Americans. Could it be our own news agencies feed negative information to the world in their own efforts to get the "gritty story" (and the most viewers and thus the most money...). Just a question. Okay, I'll admit it. Its an accusation.

Occasionaly, a calm person is put on the screen. A person who asks for help and prayers,without offensive words. Someone who explains the situation and analyzes what needs to be done. That is a person we listen to. A person we can hear.
It is possible, and very admirable, to be calm in the face of disaster. And it saves lives over and over again.

Jeff and I have wondered about the stories not being told. Coast Guard rescuers, FEMA workers, superdomes opening up, churches providing food- shelter -clothes, a Weather prediction system that alerted us TWO DAYS ahead that the storm was coming, Lousiana citizens who drove out of New Orleans in an orderly fashion... we haven't been hearing very many thank you's on CNN.


Several years ago, Jeff and the church members here in Ft. Portal were involved in aiding catastrophe stricken people here. They spent days driving food, medical supplies and people to help those who had lost everything. The days were long and unbelievably, thankless.
I remember one evening in particular when Jeff dragged in exhausted and more emotionally spent than normal. He related some of the events of his day and at one point, his eyes filled with tears and his face lit up. In the midst of a chaotic mess of people, one woman approached their truck and said, "Thank you." He described the words she said, the look on her face...he remembered every detail.
At that time we remembered the story of 10 healed lepers. Men who because of a horible sickness, lost everything. And in one amazing moment, a man named Jesus, gave them everything back. Was he showered with overwhelming gratitude? No. Only one man came back to Jesus and said thank you. It was, apparently, a moment worthy of mention because it is included in holy scripture. A Thank You.

So, for today, in this cyber world I will use my space to say, "thank you." Thank you to all who are going without sleep and sacrificing their time, money and resources to help. Thank you to Louisiana and New Orleans citizens who showed kindness to each other as they evacuated. Thank you to the weather experts who gave warning in advance so lives could be saved. Thank you to the heroes who may never get airtime.
I know you are out there serving. Because it is America we are talking about. And my America is full of heroes.


I will continue on this quest for manners with my children. You never know in this big 'ole world what amazing circumstances may land my children in front of a camera or allow them an opportunity to speak to the world. I pray they will choose words that are effective and kind...and bring blessing to the hearers.

Freeze Tag

I got tagged to list my top ten favorite songs...and its not that I don't enjoy a good game of tag...I've just been a bit stumped. We have one radio station in town that boasts a variety of 80's greatest (or not so greatest) hits, Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers duets and rap songs featuring offensive lyrics to disgust any English speaker around. So to choose my top ten, I am limited to our own CD collection--which I love but is definitely not exhaustive.

So currently in my CD player is Steven Curtis Chapman "All Things New", Casting Crowns, and Newsboys "Adoration".
Top favorite songs are:

*"What If His People Prayed" Casting Crowns
*"Your Love is Extravagant" Casting Crowns
*"Praise You with the Dance"Casting Crowns
*"Only Getting Started" Steven Curtis Chapman
*Unfailing Love" Chris Tomlin
*"The Way I Was Made" Chris Tomlin

I know that is only six...but I did my best. I am a big fan of Harry Connick Jr., Norah Jones, Mercy Me, Third Day, Rascal Flats, Kenny Chesney... and many more.

Thanks for including me in the game...