She's a complex woman...

My Left Foot

2010-11-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

Here I am, resting comfortably on the sofa with my leg propped up and iced. I had surgery on my left foot on Friday and will have to stay still for a few days. This is the best time of the year to be laid up - for several reasons. First of all, Thanksgiving is coming up with the tons of preparation for the big feast and I can't walk. So .... Kara and Lindsay will be doing all the planning and cooking, with a little help on the appetizers from Ben. The menu they've planned sounds wonderful and I can hardly wait to taste their delicious creations. Second, while sofa sitting, I've spent hours upon hours internet Christmas shopping as well as searching for the perfect Christmas card and pictures for personalizing them. My favorties are on Shutterfly, but making a final decision is very difficult. It's a good thing I have three or four more days to decide! I'm attaching a link to one of my favorite Shutterfly cards. I'm excited about its simple design that is cool but allows for four pictures that will give all our friends and relatives an idea of what our family looks like this year! I also need to make our family calendars for 2011, which Shutterfly offers as well. I'm waiting not so patiently for Rick's siblings to send photos of their families. I can hardly wait to get started on the cards and the calendars. Tomorrow I begin the actual process, foot propped up and all!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/merry-montage-christmas-4x8-photo-card-5x7-photo?sortType=1&fa=8&storeNode=93476&fe=1

A Test

2009-05-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I've posted, I've forgotten how. So this is a test just in case I get the gumption to post again soon!

Incredible!

2007-10-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been three months since I've posted! I really meant to do better, really.
We've had lots of exciting things happening around here. Ben went to Texas Tech and so now he's a college man and we're empty nesters. Sophie June was born and she is absolutely exquisite and sweet and a very laid back, easy baby. We are all enjoying her. Two grandchildren are even better than one! I can hardly wait to have six or seven or eight or.......
I am no longer a stay home mom. I am a college student again at UT Dallas. It is so much fun and lots of work but I'm really enjoying my classes and all the things I'm learning. I'm taking 12 hours and I'll do that again next semester and then be finished and ready to start my new career next summer -- hopefully. I'm making good grades which is a relief because I was afraid that my brain might not work and all the youngsters would beat me! They aren't --- probably because they are thinking about boys and I'm thinking about school! I have lots of new friends at college but most of them are younger than Kara and Lindsay. That's a little weird and I'm sure they think I'm ancient, but I'm not -- well, maybe a little on the outside, but on the inside I'm just a kid!
One of my classes is Anatomy and Physiology. As I study the parts and systems of the body, I am more amazed than ever at its complexity and intricacy and what a creative God we have. Another class I'm taking is Normal Language Development. Once again as I learn about the marvels of how children acquire language and how predictably they do it without any instruction at all, I'm amazed at the way God made us. Then as if that wasn't enough, there's Sophie June -- perfectly made, all her parts put together just right in only nine months -- a real person! Incredible!

Believe it or Not

2007-07-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

After much "encouragement" from the Walkers in Ouray, I've decided I'd better post a little blog.
Let's see -- my back surgery is over although I did have to stay in the hospital for 3 days, not just 1 and the only people who sent chocolate were Kim and Keith. But I'm not bitter and that's good. What is really wonderful is that I feel great. I never have backaches. I must have had that cyst for years!
Ben graduated May 18 and is headed for Texas Tech around the 20th of August.
Rick, Ben and I went to Italy for 10 days in May and had a delightful time. The favorite Italian stop was the Cinque Terre.
Rick, Ben, Lindsay, Justin and I just got back from a Walker family reunion in Ouray. It was great fun and so good to spend time with those we love.
I'm going back to school beginning August 16. I'll be going to UTD and getting the hours I need to be a speech pathologist assistant. I'll be able to do therapy with patients but won't make their goals or plans. Since I already have a special ed degree, it will only take me two semesters so hopefully I'll be able to start working next May.
In September, we'll get our new granddaughter -- Sophie June Morris.
Rick's firm has lots of work which is a good thing! Right now he has a bad toothache. Hopefully he'll call Doug soon and get it fixed!
I have some moe stuff to say and thoughts to share but I think I'll stop now and post more about thoughts later.

Cut It Out

2006-11-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

So I've been having back pain pretty much for a solid year now. Sometimes it is not so bad but often I have to take pain medicine. I had three epidural steriod injections into my spine last spring and that really helped for a few months. But it's back! (A little play on words.) I have a cyst on a facet joint at L5 in case you are wondering. Since the cyst is not doing anything but getting bigger, I'm going to have surgery on November 17 to remove it so that I can get back to normal. I thought that would be a good time because then I'll be recovering during Thanksgiving and get out of all the work! I may have a backache, but my mind is sharp as a tack.
It is not a big surgery and I'll only be in the hospital overnight. I can't lift or bend for a month so I can't keep Walker until the middle of December. So sad. Even though it is not a big deal, I do expect plenty of prayers, sympathy and maybe even some chocolate.

The Little Monk

2006-10-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner and that means much more than just candy and pumpkins around here. It's Walker's 1st birthday and Reformation Day as well. So in honor of all those things, Walker is going as Martin Luther for his birthday on October 31.

Birthday Celebration

2006-10-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ben turned 18 on Saturday. Here he is in his new duds. We know he's grownup because he asked for clothes and books instead of toys for presents!

We celebrated with friends and family at Margarita Ranch on Saturday.

Aaron's Cadillac Nachos were quite a sight! They actually looked bigger in person!

We celebrated on Sunday evening with a joint birthday dinner for Walker and Ben. Snow White was there for the first time since Ben was 3 years old.

Three Whole Days?!

2006-09-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Today Walker and his parents are leaving for a weekend trip to Houston to visit Kara's college roommate, her husband and new baby girl. It sounds like a fun trip and they are excited. Rick, Ben, and I are not that excited because it means three whole days without Walker smiles and softness and kisses. We do get to keep their dogs, Belle and Abe so at least we have that to keep us busy. We'll survive and when they pick the dogs up on Monday -- Walker!!!

The Day Atticus Ate the Lotrimin, I Ate the Green Jello, and Walker Ate the Poop

2006-08-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

That would be today. I had one of those days that doesn't look that good to start with but with a little planning and a good attitude can be redeemed -- or so I thought. Bright and early tomorrow morning I'm going to Baylor for the experience that all 50 year and above folks are encouraged to have -- a colonoscopy! And just for good measure I'm going to have an endoscopy too. Those are the tests where they look up one end and down the other for stuff that tends to grow in old folks' innards. It's really no big deal since they do it while you sleep. However, there's a catch. The day before the Big Test you can only have liquids and while you're at it, nothing red or purple or pulpy. Being the "organized" person that I am, on Tuesday I bought jello (green, not red or purple and not orange because that's kind of like red), beef broth, tea and Italian Ice. Yesterday, I took the time to prepare the green jello in a beautiful cathedral mold because who wants to eat plain jello out of a plain old bowl. Since green jello, of all my choices for breakfast, sounded the most like breakfast food, I started my day with a big bowl full of the stuff. Well, I don't really like jello unless it has cream cheese, nuts and fruit in it and then only on holidays so about three bites into it I realized how much I hate it when it wouldn't go down so I just tossed it. On to the Italian Ice -- yum.
In the meantime, Atticus was having a very active day and had been playing with his ball by himself since his morning nap was finished. I didn't really mind because I don't have to do anything but I do have to be careful not to get in his way and I'm always "in his way."
Also, Walker has a pretty bad diaper rash (You think you know where this is going, but first I'm going to take you on another adventure.) and the advice nurse said that everytime we change him we should wash him in the sink, dry him with the blow dryer, put Lotrimin on the rash and let him go without a diaper as much as possible. Everything was all set up at the changing table -- Lotrimin, hairdryer, extra towel, vaseline -- the works. I took Walker from there to the bathroom sink for a good washin' and came back to dry his bottom with the hair dryer. When it was time for the Lotrimin application I couldn't find it. However, I did find a tennis ball where the Lotrimin had been. I picked the necked (They use the word, "naked" in the Bible, but in my world, people today are sometimes "necked" but the meaning is the same.) baby up and we set out to find the medicine. It didn't take long. I found Atticus stepping out of his bed with a funny look on his face and pawing his tongue. There, in his bed was the Lotrimin with just the cap chewed off and one hole in the tube. I hope it is not poison! Dogs -- why do we let animals live in our houses?
After returning to the changing area, I applied the cream and took Walker to the very carefully prepared area in the living room. Earlier I had made a Tee Tee (Some people call it urine. I call it tee tee.) proof cage in the living room using Walker's play yard over an old comforter on the floor. I put him in it (all necked) with his toys and he was happy as a lark. He was making his kissing noise, laughing, playing with blocks -- really, happy as a lark. So I just sat down at the computer to read Paula Deen's biography and chat with Kara on the phone. And then I looked over and there he was with something I didn't recognize in his mouth. I began to think what it might be -- maybe chewed up fabric, but from what? Maybe he threw up? But he only ate rice cereal for lunch. Oh no! "Walker, don't eat that!" See, there's more than one reason babies wear diapers. Not only do they get wet, they poop. I'd failed to take that into consideration in my detailed preparations.
Everything is all clean and calm now. Walker is wearing a diaper, the washer is going, and I'm telling you this tale.
I'm kind of hungry though. I think I'll go have a delicious cup of broth and wash it down with a nice glass of ice tea. That should do it. The only problem is that it's only 2:00 and that's alot of day left for a day like today!

We're Back

2006-08-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

We're back in "warm" Dallas from the wonderful and cool mountains of New Mexico. It has been so long since we've been to Red River in the summer that we forgot how very beautiful those mountains are.

While we were there we jeeped and made friends with cows,

spent a day at Bandalier and another in Taos,

hiked

had picnics,

ate a little dirt,

and took baths.

It was a restful and relaxing vacation for which we are very thankful!

V-A-C-A-TION

2006-07-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

Eight days till we leave for the mountains and escape this heat! From what I hear the whole country is in a heat wave so I'll try not to complain and be grateful for air-conditioning.

Did you all take a look at Atticus, Pet of the Month on our vet's website? (www.housecallvet.com) The other night I was ready to take Pet of the Month back where he came from or call Uncle Keith, if you know what I mean. But Atticus straightened up and is behaving himself a little better so I guess he can stay. Puppies can be very trying and then the next minute -- little darlings -- and then the next minute ...

Rick's 50 Today!

2006-07-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

When I was a girl, I had no idea that 50 looked like this! I was dum --mer than I am now!
Happy Birthday darlin'! You've still got it!

Boys and the finished pergola with new flagstone floor.

Rick wasn't the only one doing crazy basketball shots under the leg. We had an enjoyable Sunday with a brunch after church and some fun in the pool.

A game of the infamous "Noodle Ball" followed the board tricks. Thankfully, none of the players suffered injuries.

Not everyone got into the pool. Walker and Kara played bubbles. You have to be very careful to shield your eyes from bubbles.

The Visit

2006-06-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Grandmommy and Granddaddy Walker came to visit. Notice the poor sad corner of the yard. Notice the planning, measuring, and thinking.

Then posts went up. Whoops, they are not too straight. Quick, prop them up.

All straight and perfect and finally Rick and Dad were able to scale the structure and spy on the neighbors. Success.

There are lights at night in the flower beds now too. Very, very nice improvements in the yard! Thanks Granddad.

Lauri and family came for a short visit too! Doesn't get any better! I think those are Aaron's and Zachary's legs and arms. They were here too!
Atticus loved Lauri because she knows all about beagles.

New Tricks

2006-06-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here's Rick doing the famous Walker Baby Hand Standing Balance Feat with Walker Christian Morris. He's a natural. I think this picture looks just like the one we took of Kara standing in Rick's hand 27 years ago! However, if you look closely at Walker, he looks like Aaron too!

Swimming is lots and lots of fun.

This is the day I went in to get Walker up from a nap and found him standing for the first time. He was pretty proud of himself. He was also turning his mobile off and on. I think he's probably a genius based on his problem solving skills.

A Day in the Lilfe

2006-06-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Isn't this cute? I thought you might want to see what I get to do daily -- baby and puppy! Take a deep breath, Lindsay!

We (Kara, Walker, Rick and I) went to Odessa this weekend to visit my folks and to paint their study and do a little spruce up. Ben and Aaron stayed in Dallas to help Kathleen and Robert (Aaron's parents) move Kathleen's clinic to a new location. The Odessa group had a great, relaxing and productive weekend. It was especially fun because the Bingham's got to spend lots of time with Walker and get to know him and he them. The Dallas group had a great work weekend and pretty much accomplished their task.

We're looking forward to lots of Walkers (the family, not the baby -- he lives here) visiting Dallas in the next few weeks.
Other than that -- babies and puppies for me!

Meet Atticus

2006-05-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Atticus running in the yard with his boy, Ben.

Watching a little 24.

Do you see the resemblance?

I get so tired that I lose control of my lips.

Okay, Never Mind

2006-05-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've missed blogging and talking to you and telling you stuff so I'm going to try again.
Here's the deal. I really think that proper blogging manners requires responses to the blogs I read. Since I cannot even read some of your blogs, I fear you think me rude because I do not make comments. If you can get past that, so can I.
So here's some news. Duke, our sweet beagle, passed away on April10. We were so sad and very lonely for a dog in our home. I began a mad search for a beagle. I had certain requirements that I won't go into or you'll call me crazy and obsessed and things I've already thought of. Anyway, by the next weekend I had located a little 6 month old male who was to be a show dog but didn't quite make the cut so was up for adoption. We drove the 2 hours to Granbury, picked him up and now he's ours. His name is Atticus Calvin Duke Finch Rex Clyde. Mostly we call him Atticus but sometimes we call him Duke because we get confused and the others are just because we're silly. He's darling and is working on learning all the house rules. He's kind of clumsy and falls off chairs and into the pool sometimes. He's very happy and entertains himself with squeaking toys and running and running and running around the back yard. Then he collapses in our laps as he thinks he's most certainly a lap dog. Anyway, all that to say, he's a little sweetie and maybe someone will help me post pictures of him soon.

The problem with computers

2006-03-20T16:15:00.000-08:00

So for the past several months, I've had trouble posting comments on most of your blogs. Then there's the issue that my computer hates several of you folks' blogs. I'm sure it's nothing personal, but every time I go to some of them, my computer just freezes. That is very irritating to me as I can't talk to you or use my computer! So until my computer decides to behave itself, I'm taking a leave of absence. I know, it looks like I've already been on leave. Well, now it is official.
Please know that I love you and will continue to read your blogs and if possible post a comment. But if you don't hear from me, you'll know it's not because I am being snotty. It is because my computer is snotty. And just so you know, I realize it could be my computer skills and not my computer! That's right, I can be humble.

Hard, but very pleasant

2006-01-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

I was going for a record of non-posting. How did I do? I've been very busy with my regular life and the addition of getting to take care of Walker every day while Kara works. So blogging has had to take a back seat. However, Walker is napping and I just finished teaching for the week, so I thought I'd post.
Unfortunately I just told you all I've been doing! No really, there's more.
Walker is foremost and such a sweetie. He smiles and makes my day. It is such a privilege to get to keep him and see him so much. I'm very grateful.

We're still searching for a pastor. Our committee is kind of discouraged in that we invited this really great guy to come in view of a call and after praying about it, he said "no." So we're back to square 1. Please keep praying for us and especially for our church. I know the members are getting tired and even impatient.
I've been having some physical problems so I went to several different doctors to get it all figured out. After lots of tests and x-rays and even a biopsy, I found out that I don't have cancer. That is the great news. But I did get diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis which is not such great news. I'm not convinced that I have it really. I kind of think that the doctor just wanted a new patient to add to his corral. So I'm going to another doctor to get a second opinion. I do wonder why my back hurts so badly and my wrist is swollen and my shoulders and ankles hurt. I'm still going to ask someone else because I'd rather not have RA. I may not get to pick.
I'm teaching Judges this semester. It's a great study as the Word always is. I hope we don't miss the point. Sometimes when we study, I think we get all involved in writing down our answers and paying attention to the little details and the application goes out the window. Surprisingly I think the point is "walking by faith." (It usually is the point and I'm still always surprised!) Israel failed to completely drive the Canaanites out of the Land because they were a generation who did not know God and so they could not trust Him to give them victory. Then the result was they lived among the Canaanites, married them and served their gods. All that was a direct disobedience to what God had told them to do over and over. So, God's anger was kindled against them and He brought pagan nations to defeat and enslave them. Then they eventually cried out to Him in their distress and He sent a judge to deliver, save and rescue them. As long as the judge was alive, they had rest in Israel. As soon as the judge died -- back to idolatry. And the cycle was repeated again and again. Sounds like me. I trust God, walk in peace and victory and then somehow find myself in disobedience and neglect of seeking Him constantly. The next thing I know I'm in a mess and calling out for deliverance. He comes running to pick me up because of His great lovingkindness and compassion and restores me to intimacy with Him. Then all's well -- till I fail to walk by faith and begin to walk in my own power and according to my own mind and BAM! Down I go again. As I've studied the New Testament scripture I've realize that is just not appropriate for a believer. Typical maybe, but not necessary. I've been freed from slavery to sin. It's power is broken by the saving blood of Christ and victory is assured by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Sin for the believer is not a result of slavery. For the believer, it is a choice. So I must pay more attention to the tests of life viewing them as put there to see if I'll obey (that's what God did with Israel in Judges) and more attention to living every minute by faith in God to accomplish victory as I submit to Him instead of to me. Hard, but very pleasant.
I hear my little darling calling for me. I love you all.

A Very Sad Day

2005-11-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

A very sad thing happened within our church yesterday. Craig Lawless, our church administrator and the minister who has really been leading us and holding us together since we lost our pastor two years ago, died of a heart attack. He was 48 years old and leaves his wife, Lisa, and sons Chris and Mike, Chris's wife, Erica and their baby, Hannah.
Everyone is in shock. He was fine Sunday night at the Thanksgiving meal and he and Lisa gave a special testimony. He was fine at staff meeting Monday morning. And by 1:00 pm he was with the Lord.
Life is so fleeting, such a vapor. I've been thinking about this because everyone I talk to has questions. Why Craig? He was such a godly man, such a sweet husband and daddy, so essential to our church. Why now? He was so young. Why did God do this? Some have expressed anger at God. Those are always the questions and the anger is typical for us as well.
But here's the thing. Death is the result of sin in the world -- this is the curse. When sin entered the world, so did death. We forget this as we live our merry, superficial lives focused on worldly things and worldly endeavors. We know there is sin. We experience some of its results when we face problems, have relationship issues, or deal with other difficult circumstances. But we can't really understand the depth and pain of the Curse until death itself hits home. Right now those who loved Craig the most are experiencing the curse and it is unbearable, unspeakable.
That is the simple, harsh truth.
But here is the wonderful truth.
There is hope. Just as God judged the world because of sin, He also justified those who believe through Jesus Christ His Son. We have been redeemed from the curse. Craig is not dead. He lives with His Savior. Lisa, Mike, Chris, Erica, and Hannah will not grieve as those who are without hope because they have a Comforter who knows their every thought and loves them as no other. They will not grieve as if this is the end because they will one day and for all eternity celebrate around the throne with their husband, daddy and granddaddy. The day will come when they along with all who believe will be glorified, out of this nasty mess of earth, forever and ever.

But here is the reality of living in the middle of the curse even with the Hope of glory -- they do grieve because they don't want to live without Craig. They don't think they can live without Craig. I don't blame them. Their hearts are broken and their future seems dim. They, and we, don't understand. But we trust our God because He is sovereign and He is good, and He is full of lovingkindness.
Please pray for this devastated family and for our church as well.
Even so Lord Jesus quickly come. We long to be saved finally and forever from the curse.

I will give thanks.

2005-11-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

I realize it has been quite a long time since I've posted. I'm sure you understand that I've been busy working on my Mimihoodship. There is much to do in that realm. First of all I must spend every possible moment with Walker and his mommy, helping all I can and holding when I can't help. I have had a delightful two weeks going over to Wyatt Street every day and just basking in the presence of this precious little boy and his dear mommy.
This Tuesday and Wednesday will be our last Precept classes for the fall. We finish Joshua and will begin to study Judges in January. I will stay home tomorrow and finish my study. I don't know how I'll be able to keep away from Wyatt Street -- perhaps by God's grace I'll have strength!
I had a car accident on Saturday. I was on my way to pick Ben up from wrestling and was rear-ended. The car will need to be repaired on it's back side and my back side hurts more than usual. I'm not sure if it is the accident or just my achin' back!
Thanksgiving is coming soon. This is Rick's favorite holiday -- not for the eating so much as for the simplicity of celebration (although he admits to enjoying the food and football). The family will come together and this year as always we have much for which to give thanks. In addition to all the many rich blessing of this life, we are particularly grateful that Rick is cancer-free and strong again, that Kara has come through pregnancy safely, and that we have a new family member, Walker Christian Morris. God's grace toward us is amazing. We are so undeserving of His goodness and are continually humbled by His dealings with us. Most of all I am grateful that He has provided a Savior and that our family knows and serves Him. What could be better? Nothing! His lovingkindness is better than life.

Unto Us

2005-11-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful day with Walker yesterday. In fact, we realized at the end of the day that the little guy had not been in his crib once. There was a steady stream of visitors and admirers from about 10:00 in the morning until -- actually I'm not sure when because when Rick, Ben and I left at 7:00, Aunt Lindsay was holding him. I'm not planning to rush up there this morning. I'm going to wait until 9 or so!
He is a little darling. He's eating well and doing all the other things babies are supposed to do. His cry is more of a little squeek right now, but I'm sure he'll get that worked out soon. He wore a white terrycloth newborn sleeper yesterday and was totally lost in it, but was so cuddly and precious.
Kara is doing well. She's a little sore but is moving better already. She was worried that she might sleep through his cries because she has always been a sound sleeper. But not to worry, she said his breathing woke her up several times last night. I guess the "Mommy" kicked right in!
Aaron is just as sweet as he can be with both Kara and Walker. He changes diapers and discusses type of poop and all those kinds of things.
We are pretty certain that they'll get to go home today. I know that Kara and Aaron are anxious to get little Walker home and start living together as a family.
What a miracle God has shown us in this precious new life. I so desire to be a mimi who teaches my little Walker and all the grandchildren who follow to love the Lord with all their hearts and to serve Him only.
"I will sing of the lovingkindness of the LORD forever;
To all generations I will make known Thy faithfulness."

Walker has come!!

2005-10-31T18:04:00.000-08:00

We just got home from the hospital and spending the day with Kara and Aaron and then finally with Walker! He is absolutely precious and tiny and pink and healthy. He spent the first four hours of his life being passed around from grandparent to grandparent to uncle to aunt to mom to dad ..... We just can't get enough of him!
Kara woke up this morning at about 3:30 and thought she was sick. Then around 4:30 she realized it might be labor! So she got up and she and Aaron and the dogs went for a walk, of course! After doing some laundry and taking showers they called the doctor who told them to call him again when the contractions had been 5 minutes apart for an hour. By 8:30 they were calling and the doctor told them to go to the hospital. They arrived around 9:30. Until that point, Kara's contractions were quite managable. However soon they got much harder and she asked for her epidural. After that was given, she was a very happy camper and we all just hung out. Rick and Aaron went to get a burger around 12:30 and while they were gone, Kara dialated from a 5 to a 10. When the boys came back at 1:20 ish she was ready to push. About the time we were escorted from the labor room to the waiting room, Lindsay, Justin and Ben arrived. At about 2:00 because Lindsay and I couldn't stand it any longer, we snuck back into the labor and delivery area and listened at the door of K and A's room. We heard the doctor talking and asking them what the baby's name would be, etc. Then silence, then ---- waaaaaaaaa!!!!! Walker was born perfect and beautiful at 2:04. And that is my version of the story!!! Only 12 more hours till I see him again! Praise the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever!

First you work, then you play

2005-10-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your encouraging words to me in regard to a new post. I would love to create a new one for your reading pleasure. However, I have a rule. First you work, then you play. And because of Walker's imminent arrival I have much work to do. I have to study for one last Precept lesson, make a menu for two weeks, buy the groceries for those two weeks, run by the World Market and stock up on coffee, clean my house, ferry Ben to and fro, choose a pastor, and get a pedicure (so Walker will like me better, of course). I also have to decide what to wear to the birthing. I may need to do some shopping if nothing I own seems appropriate. For this reason, I'm going to go to work starting with the studying and hopefully I'll have time for a deeper post later in the weekend. In the mean time, if you have any suggestions about what I should wear to the birthing, please let me know. Here are the requirements. It must be very cute, very comfortable, not at all wrinkle-y, cuddly so Walker can snuggle up against me when I first hold him, and at the same time be slimming. I'd like to wear my brown Merrells with it if possible. Thank you for your help in this matter. Oh my soul and body! Walker's coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You've got to always be thinking.

2005-10-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

The comments on my blog are getting increasingly scarce. I'm beginning to think you don't like me better.
Rick says, "You've got to always be thinking." So I've been thinking.
For months and months, while studying the Scriptures, I've been mulling over the issue of "walking by faith." What does that really mean? How does one consistently do it? When a difficult situation comes, I trust God to work it out and I'm pleased with Him when He does. I easily praise Him for that. But here's the thing. He doesn't always work it out in a way that is easy or pleasant for me. And there's the problem. I don't think it's very nice of me to say I trust God when really I'm scared to death of what He might do to me or to those I love. I think what I'm really trusting is that God will make everything turn out great. That can't be authentic trust in God but instead it is trust in the outcome of the situation. So the issue I've been "wallering" in is this: trust God for what? I think I may have finally figured out the words to express what I have to decide. I have to want what He wants. Based simply on God's character, I have to trust His mind instead of my mind. Seems like a no-brainer. But I'm very strong willed. I like my mind. I have great thoughts. I'm usually right. Right? As I wrestle with all this I've come to the conclusion that I must have no will or desire of my own, only His. You know, die to self, put self aside, old man is crucified, not my will but Thine. I know, I know, all of these things are in the Bible and I've read them all my life. Reading and doing are not the same. I want to live real, authentic faith in every situation. I want to be faithful. I want to follow the Lord fully and submit to the Holy Spirit's power in my life. Living this out is complex and very hard and requires much attention. You've got to always be thinking.

"And then he went to look for some parsley."

2005-10-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Okay you literature experts. Who said that?
I do feel just like him though.
We've been eating our heads off. Yesterday we went to buy Ben a suit at the suit store and we didn't eat there only because they don't have food or allow food at the suit store. Then Rick, Ben, and I went to the Great State Fair of Texas. We listened to bands, watched trained dogs do great tricks, longed after all the beautiful cars in the car show, walked and walked, and ate and ate -- corn dogs, Jack's French fries, fried snicker, and funnel cake. You know, fair food. My only regret was that we missed the pig races -- the real pigs not us. Next we came home and my parents had arrived for the weekend. My mom is feeling better and was up to the trip for the church shower this weekend. Of course, I wanted to make a nice dinner so we had molasses grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes, big green salad, rolls and of course two desserts so we could have the "George Bingham Special." You know, company food. Then because we had company this morning we had pigs in blankets and Krispie Cream donuts. You know health food. The shower was from 10-12 and we had coffee cake, quiche, banana bread, strawberries. You know, shower food. I'm skipping lunch because I'm full right now. I don't know how long that will last. Tonight we're celebrating Ben's birthday with a family dinner. The menu includes Theta Barnes (from Picayune, Mississippi) Chicken, rice, spinach salad with bacon, rolls, and now 3 desserts. The birthday cake has been added to the line-up. You know, birthday food. I'm not finished yet. Tomorrow we're going to the Cowboy game. I have no idea what we'll eat but I bet we do and I bet it's -- you know, football game food. "And then I'll go look for some parsley."

2005-10-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today I taught Joshua 6-8. Those are such exciting chapters. They are like a great war movie. The main events are:
Joshua 6 -- Conquest of Jericho because Israel obeyed God's Word and trusted Him for the victory
Joshua 7 -- Israel's Defeat at Ai because Achan did not obey God's Word and there was sin in the camp
Joshua 8 -- Conquest of Ai because Israel dealt with sin in the camp, thus purfiying themselves, obeyed God's battle plan and had complete success.
There you have it. Israel's success in battle depended on their trust in God and complete obedience to His Word.

Achan's sin in chapter 7 is interesting. He saw something he wanted, he coveted it, he took it, and he hid it. Same formula both Eve and David fell into. Same formula for the sin in our lives. The place to stop the sin is at that first step -- see/think. For me the problem is that often I don't really want the process to stop. Sin is actually kind of fun -- until I get caught or have to bear the consequences. My only hope for conquering sin lies in the power of the Holy Spirit in my life, my submission to Him, and obedience to God's Word. Only God can give me the power to stop at temptation and not go on to sin. His strength and His Word are my only hope for success in my Christian life.
Joshua 1:7-9 says (my paraphrase) to be strong and courageous being careful to obey every command of the Law, every word of God, meditating on it day and night. Be strong and courageous, don't tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way
When we do His good will
He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey.
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey.

There it is -- the secret to the Christian's success. I used to like the song because it was easy to play on the piano and had a fun alto part. Now I like it for the absolute truth of the words. Maybe I'm growing up a bit.

A Very Fine Shower

2005-10-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today Lindsay, Miriam, and Mary gave Kara a very lovely baby shower at Lindsay's very beautiful apartment. Lots of Kara's friends from college and even high school came. It was fun to see everyone and get caught up. And then there were the presents. Baby things are so weet (I left the "s" off on purpose.). We are so excited about Walker's arrival. Only 5 more weeks -- how can it be that we will have a brand new person who will forever be a part of us and right now we don't even know him? Hurry little baby. WE want to hug you and kiss you and smell your sweet smell and love you forever.
My mom's tests were all negative and she survived the testing with no adverse side effects. But the doctors still don't know what's wrong with her. We're waiting and praying.
I wonder how Randy's talks went on Friday.
I wonder how Katie and Justin are coming with their packing. I wonder how Zachary and Brenda are coming with their unpacking. I wonder if Lauri and Caleb had fun in Ouray. I wonder if it will be 90 degrees here tomorrow.

Change of Plans

2005-09-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

Lindsay along with Kara's college roomates, Mary and Meriam are giving Kara a baby shower on Saturday. Mom and Dad were coming for the weekend so Mom could attend the event. But my mother is sick and they can't come. She feels terrible, can't sleep at night, can't function during the day, and has chest pains. They've been to the doctor and he is sending her to specialists. Today she's having two big tests at the hospital. I hope everyone will pray for her. She is very delicate and her body tends to freak out when given medicine or probed or tested. I love her so much and it is scary and sad to see her get old.

Musings on a Tuesday afternoon

2005-09-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

I just returned from having lunch with my friend, Jane. She came over from Fort Worth to pick up her dog, Remy. We've been caring for him while she and her husband went to Denver to visit their daughters and their husbands. Remy is a delightful little dog. He's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and just as cute as a bug. No, much cuter! We really enjoyed having him and will miss him greatly. I want one.+
I taught Precept this morning. We are studying the book of Joshua. Today we discussed chapters 2-5. In those passages God is finishing up with His preparations for Israel to enter the Promised Land. He's got Joshua all set as the leader, 2 spies went into the land and spied it out with the help of Rahab, the harlot, Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground while God held the water back upstream (the priests with the Ark of the Covenant went first, stood in the middle while all Israel crossed, and then came up from the water last), they built two memorials to the occasion so that all the peoples of the world would know that God is mighty and so that Israel would remember to fear God, they circumcised all the guys who had missed that privilege in the past, celebrated the Passover, the manna ceased and Israel ate the produce of the Land, Joshua bowed and worshiped the captain of the host of the Lord (showing that God was Israel's true leader) -- so they are ready to head on in to the Promised Land and conquer!
There you have it.
I'll teach that lesson again tonight to my night class and then tomorrow morning to the Methodists. By then I might even begin to understand a bit of what God wants me to get out of those events! I'm very, very dense in these matters.
My parents are going to come visit us this weekend because Kara's friends are giving her a shower. Next weekend the church ladies (my friends) are giving her a shower. Hopefully she'll be good and wet by then.
I have to make two more pillows before my parents come so that they'll like me better.
But right now I think I need a nap.

Now we're cruisin'

2005-09-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Lindsay clued us in last night about the bloggin' thing. We can't believe we've been missing out on this!
We're waiting for the hurricane which by the way went somewhere else. Ben and Rick did the yard with just a little wind. Now even though there is more wind they are in the pool for their usual cool off after yard work.
We are all anxiously awaiting Walker's arrival in early November. Kara and I have nearly finished his nursery. It is adorable even if I do say so myself. The only thing that is not finished is the crib. We ordered it in July and it is still not here. Hopefully it will come this week.
We are so excited that Katie and Jay (are you sure its not Ellyn and Justin?) are moving to Texas. San Antonio is only about 4 1/2 hours from Dallas so we expect to see you some!
We pray for you every night, Uncle Ran.

Finally we're cruisin the super highway...is that I-90?

2005-09-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

When I was younger I thought that those poor Chinese people had very boring lives, because they never got to meet me and now that I'm here in the blogging world, you all can breathe a great sigh of relief. Let the blogging begin!