Life

Do you ever feel like life is too complicated? I'm struggling with this issue of living in the world but not like the world. It's not as easy as it sounds. I work at an OBGYN office and though we're a Christian office there are a lot of patients that aren't. Surprisingly, I hear all kinds of language, crudeness and stories that would make you blush and yet I have to be professional. How can I filter through the bad and pick out what needs to be addressed? These women aren't coming to us for a sermon but for health care. At what point do I say..enough!
Drinking adult beverages in public. Does a stranger assume that because I am holding a beer or a glass of wine in my hand that I'm a sot? I don't have a problem with drinking in moderation but if I drink in public am I giving off a different impression?
How about secular music. There are so many songs out that are encouraging, uplifting, even spiritual sounding but if the artist is an atheist or a womanizer hooked on drugs and alcohol am I endorsing them by enjoying and buying their music?


Disclaimer:*I randomly chose three topics. I am not picking on one issue over another nor am I thinking about anyone in particular when I write about these things*


These are all tough questions and I have to be careful to not be a legalist when I address these issues in my heart. I want to be a light in this dark world. I want others to see me and see that there's something different about me, something peaceful. I want to be out and about enjoying good music, enjoying a glass of wine, working at my job but show forth Christ in my life. I speak out but sometimes I wonder if I speak out enough. Am I living my life differently than the world?

As I'm out in the world I really need to pray that God would show me wisdom in each situation. That He would use me to pull out the good and throw away the bad in everything I do. I want to love my patients and be bold in saying that I don't want to hear the unnecessary. I want to be able to enjoy that adult beverage while showing moderation. I want to love the beautiful song and speak up against the writer/artist who does not acknowledge his Creator.



I just don't know how to do that. Any thoughts? Any suggestions?


And then I wonder if it's possible to please everybody. I'm sure there are some who would be offended that I listen to the radio. And some would never drink in public but wouldn't mind it in the privacy of their own home. Some wouldn't listen to the patient because of her foul mouth and never get to the root of her problem. I don't want to be this person. Instead of being worried about what people are thinking, I want to be worried about what God thinks of me. Yet I have a reputation to uphold and others are watching. People watch more than you think.

Am I all over the place with these thoughts? Are they making sense to anybody?


I just need to pray that God would guide me, show me what I'm supposed to say, when I supposed to say it. I pray for conviction when I'm wrong and discernment to pick through the filth of this world and pull out what was meant for good. I pray for understanding for those are around me and boldness to speak up for truth. I pray for wisdom.



Does anybody else struggle with these things?

Bob That Head

A friend at work had two tickets to see Rascal Flatts in Atlanta last night. She wasn't able to go and when I heard that she was GIVING them away, I mentioned that I might be interested.

Ok. I practically begged her to think about me if she was seriously giving them away.

She did give them to me (!!) and I started on my quest to find another person to go. The first that came to mind was already going and I figured that Mona (from work) was always on the prowl for something random to do on the weekend, so I asked her.

She said yes!!!

We had planned on meeting up after work on Friday since we only had a half a day we thought that we could leave around 2:00, 2:30 and make it to Atlanta before all the traffic. I'm here to say that that did not happen. Work delayed us so we left right at 3:00 with wet hair and no makeup, starving and adrenalin pumping. We did get something to eat pretty quick and made good time to Atlanta despite the late start.

Mapquest gave us great directions and even took us around the traffic and we pulled in with time to spare. Parking was so expensive but a girl can't complain when she didn't have to pay for tickets.

It was about a 10 minute walk to Lakewood Amphitheatre and we stood in line for about an hour and a half to get in. When we finally made it to the front and they checked our bag (my trusty backpack), we were informed that backpacks are not allowed and we would have to take it back to the car. I nicely informed that lady this was an inconvenience but took my backpack all the way back to the car while Mona waited on me. In the mean time my other friends who are already in are probably wondering where I am and the concert is close to starting.

I decided to just walk all the way back up the front of the line and not wait since I already had which made a lady behind me very angry. I told her that I had already waited for 90 minutes like she had and was sent away.

She didn't care. She talked ugly about me until I got through the gates. Thankfully I ignored her and didn't turn around and slap her which is what the old Susanna would have done. Only the saving grace of God turns a heart around so that I show love instead of hatred and anger.

Taylor Swift opened the concert and really put on an interesting show. She is a unique performer and has different songs that are so catchy.

During the intermission we looked for my friends a few times and never did find them. Sad!! I really wanted to see them. Sorry friends!!!

(they were somewhere around here...)

And then...

The drum roll starts. Getting louder. And LOUDER! Fireworks shoot up from the stage, the curtain falls and there they are. Up on a lift...

RASCAL FLATTS!!!!

Mona and I screamed and screamed and hugged and screamed some more. We were like a two high schoolers. But that's alright because we had a blast!!!

They sang all my favorite songs and we sang right along with them. There are few videos and much more pictures on facebook if you'd like to check them out.

The crowd was really neat where we were sitting. It looked like lots of families and couples who just wanted to watch the concert. But that wasn't the case all over. It seemed like the further back you got the more, how can I tackfully say this... interesting the people got. I don't understand the need to dress trashy and over-indulge in drinking to have a good time. And I was sad to hear one of the group using language that they don't use in their songs and talking about girls in Atlanta in a way that they don't portray in their music. Seeing trashy people and hearing foul language was a turn off but I really enjoyed the singing.

I had a blast and really enjoyed Mona going with me. Thanks Mona!!!

We did leave the concert a little early to look for the tour bus with no luck. I even asked a guy behind one of the fences where they were. He pointed to the back of the amphitheatre but when I asked him if we could get back there he said no. We knew he'd say that but at least we knew where they were and tried really hard to get back there and see them.

We left Atlanta in heavy traffic with big smiles on our faces, blisters on our feet, wearing Rascal Flatts t-shirts and lots of pictures and memories. I'm glad I went and owe a BIG thank you to my friend, my coworker who participated in such a fun-filled evening.

Grandma

I'm heading off to Virginia to see my family. My grandmother passed away this weekend. She was the last of the grandparents and it seems like the end of an era since we (my immediate family and I) have been driving up to Virginia to see them for 22 years.

The memories I have of this particular grandmother are many. In fact, some of my very first memories are of her. It's hard not to think about that as I try so hard to not be sad since she was 91 years old and is perfectly healed now but I sure do miss her already.

Thankfully, she was a believer. She read her Bible every day, always prayed over every meal and with her children and grandchildren. But most importantly she was a teacher of the Word. She practiced what she preached. She taught us to love one another when we were younger and always seemed to be in some kind of tiff. She taught us to forgive each other when we felt like we were wronged. She was always ready to talk when we called and would ask one more question when we told her we had to say goodbye. When we packed up our car to head home after a visit, she cried and hugged us tight, making sure we knew that we had a place to stay and could stay as long as we wanted.

But what I remember the most was a time when my heart was broken. I had the advice and consolation of friends and family but all there well-meaning words didn't seem to comfort my soul. When I called my grandma and told her my woes she simply said...God's in control. He wouldn't let anything happen to you or your heart that wasn't meant for your good. Just trust in Him...

So simple. And it was exactly what I needed. The simple truth. Trust in Him. Isn't that the solution to so many of our problems.

That's how my grandmother was. Simple in all she did. She wasn't simple-minded by any means but what I mean is that she was a country girl and she rolled with the punches. There was no "reading into" anything in the Word...either you trust God or you don't. Same with us when we stayed at her house. Either you lied or you didn't. Either you abide by her rules or you go home. Very simple. But the funny thing is, now that I look back, her rules weren't all that rigid and easy to follow. She was such a dear woman and the impact that she made on my life will never be forgotten.

I guess I'm rambling on and on about a lady you've never met. But she was so precious to me and I can't wait until I see her again on the other side and we can praise our Saviour together.

Family is such a blessing, isn't it?

Where To Go? What To See?

Right now I can't get Italy off my mind. There was so much more I wanted to do and so much I didn't see. Not too mention that I got to spend time with fun friends and eat the best food ever. I miss it.

I want to get away. Visit a place that I've never been to before. See something new and interesting. Have you ever had that itch to just get out of town and away from the normal life, the mundane job, the same surroundings that I've seen for so long.

Any suggestions?

Top Ten Things That Have Run Through My Mind Today

1. I'm trying to find good books about heaven. Since Dr Perry passed away I've thought more and more about heaven and wonder what people's thoughts are. So far I've found Heaven by Randy Alcorn and 90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper. I know I have books that talk briefly about heaven...I just have to find them. I'm open for suggestions.

2. I totally enjoy frozen green seedless grapes.

3. The new show Wipeout makes me laugh out loud. Literally.

4. I am always amazed how I can think about something all day long, sometimes all week long. Then read something along that thought in the Scripture. Then someone sends me a devotional that totally fits with all I've thought about. And finally a friend calls and talks to me about something that exactly goes along with my thoughts. The providence of God is beautiful.

5. I can't wait to look at my pictures again.

6. Some of the people I went to school with look a lot older. Strangely, I don't seem to look older at all...snick!

7. My car seems to be using gas much quicker now that it's gone up. I think they're doing something different to it so that it burns up faster. It's all a conspiracy.

8. People are depraved and wicked.

9. I wish I had some frozen grapes right now.

10. I'm so glad I found my Bible study book so I can see Stacey.

How Do You Say Goodbye?!

I'm sad.

I can't help it but a dear, dear friend (and family) have moved to another state. Thankfully their last Sunday with us brought a message that helped my sad little heart.

I'm been considering how we are so different in walks of life and yet seem to have so much in common. She's married and has a full time job of raising five children. I am single, no children and seem to be working all the time. I know that our bond is Christ but I had no idea how tight that could be until I heard an excerpt Sunday.
A paraphrase: An Englishman and an African met, each having two very different backgrounds. One attending college and having the finer things of life. The latter having to hunt his own food and working for all he has. Yet when they meet they seem to have all in common because they have their all in Christ. In fact, they find that they have more in common with each other than they do their family and closest friends.

This is how I feel with Marie. And not just with Marie but with a few others as well. (One I meet with for Bible study!) This common foundation of Christ seems to make up for all other things. Amazing.

But I'm still sad.

I miss her. I miss those kids!




Ok, fine. I miss Ben too.
I don't like change but it's very obvious that change must happen for growth. For them. For me.

Wow! It's Been A Long Time!

First I must apologize to my blog readers who wanted updates while I was abroad (I like saying abroad because it makes me sound like I'm a world traveler). Unfortunately, the family I stayed with did not have internet for most of the time I was there and even if they did there were 7 people using one computer so I wouldn't have had much time. My brother-who loves computers and knows all about them-asked why I didn't just go find some public wi-fi. It wasn't that easy. All this to say that my lack of communication was not because I didn't try.

By the time I had to leave Italy I was thoroughly enjoying not having a computer or telephone. I realize now how much time I spend on both (usually necessary) and having a break was so refreshing. It was really nice to not have to multitask.

Where do I start?
My flights were good. I almost missed a connecting flight because planes were delayed twice. I literally jogged (with a 50 pound backpack on) off the plane to hear them paging..."Last call for Vaughan (and some other poor soul who was about to miss his flight)."...I made it just in time and they shut the door almost as soon as I sat down. Whew! that was a close one. I didn't want to miss any flights!

The flight to from JFK to Rome was good. There was some turbulence (for about 20 minutes which is a long time if you've never experienced it) and I am not ashamed to say that it scared me a little. It woke me up and I prayed and sang a hymn out loud...that's right, I said out loud. It was softly so no one else heard me. (and for those who are wondering I sang God Will Take Care Of You... I thought it fitting) Thankfully I sat on the wing and the seat next to me was empty so I was able to stretch out.

I hoped that when I got into Rome that smells and sights would trigger memories. I'm hear to tell you that the very first smell was not pleasant and absolutely no memories were triggered. Ever. My first smell was the baggage claim in the bottom of the airport which smelled like most of the people there hadn't bathed for weeks and musty shoes. Not a good combination.

I made it up to the top in record time and even beat Cheri getting there. I came inside to look for her again and saw her rounding the corner. She had a sign that had my name on it like all the other people who were picking up tourists. Silly girl! She had Lydia with her who is a young lady from Pennsylvania who recently graduated from college. She did two years in the states and two years of school in Italy and fell in love with Rome and the Giulianis so she came back for a visit and doesn't plan on going home. She is such a sweet, good-natured girl and Cheri and I had a lot of fun picking on her.

The driving in Rome was so...interesting. They have two lane roads but chose to make them into 4, sometimes 5. Stop signs are suggestions and not heeded unless a car is REALLY close and sidewalks aren't for people to walk only but also for Vespas and scooters. Strangely enough, none of that bothered me like Cheri thought and I had no problem riding in Rome.

Cheri and I did most of the sight-seeing. I'm sure the kids are tired of seeing the same 'ole buildings every time a visitor comes. I learned even more that Cheri and I are a lot alike and we had a marvelous time! We saw the Vatican but I didn't go inside because the line went all the way around St Peter's square. In case you were wondering, St Peter's square is really round. I was shocked and perplexed. I took a picture with a police officer and found out that they don't really do that. I also learned that you don't smile at people, specifically men, when you make eye contact while you walk down the street; you don't wave at people while driving down the road. It just isn't done. I like being friendly to people and this way of not paying attention is new to me.

I also went to downtown Rome and saw the Colosseum, the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain and tons of buildings, flowers, people, tourists, and odds and ends. There's too much to even mention.

We went out of Rome for a day and drove to the mountains of Isola. It was absolutely breathtaking! I still look at the pictures and can't believe how gorgeous it is there and how much the pictures do NOT do it justice. I could easily live there and never talk to society again...but then I'd miss my family and friends. But it is beautiful and God's creation is breath-taking.

I ate a lot of good food and my favorite was...everything! There wasn't one thing I didn't like! Except for maybe the octopus tentacle that I ate. I think that was more of a visual thing. I had gelato (ice cream...the best ever!), real pizza, fish, potatoes baked with herbs, pasta (of course), lasagna, fresh fruit, fresh cheese cake, fresh-squeezed lemonade made from the lemons in Renato's mother's garden...and the list goes on.

The church was so delightful. Cheri was such a doll to translate for me and Renato even spoke in English every now and then when Cheri had to step away. It just did my heart good to hear the messages and to meet the people I've been praying for for some time. They are so loving and so appreciative. Which leads me to another topic. I was kissed more times in those ten days then I had been in years. And I loved it!

The Renato, Cheri, the children and Lydia were such a blessing to me. I miss them. I can't even begin to tell you how much I more they mean to me since I spent time with them. God does place people in our lives that are such inspirations and they are the perfect examples.

I would love to go back to Italy one day to help them out in their ministry but I know that I have a lot of preparation. I need to learn Italian. Bad. I don't necessarily see me moving there full time but I would love to go back and stay for a month or more helping them spread the gospel, bringing light to such a dark world. And then I'm convicted as I see that the light needs to be shown here as well. Such a need...everywhere. Oh that God would raise up many more who are burdened to take the gospel around the world. And I know that it starts with me, with you, but there is so much to be done.

Over all...I had a wonderful trip! I can't wait to go back and I am so appreciative, thankful for all the prayers. I thank you for asking about my trip, for suffering through A-L-L the pictures, for listening to my stories and for being as excited as I was. I love you all!


And it's good to be home.