Returned to Reality

My vacation to Florida and Missouri has come to an end and I am trying to get back into the swing of things. It was such a blessing from the Lord to be able to have the time off from work and spend it withthose I love. I am so thankful to Him for it. Disney World was great as I was able to connect with my inner child. ;) I am not much on rides but I did venture on to some pretty crazy ones. I was also able to meet and get my picture taken with Mickey & Minnie (who gave me a kiss, hehe), Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Belle. We also went to Universal Studios and the beach.

I returned from Florida on Saturday and then hopped in my car to drive to Missouri. When I got home I showed up my hundreds of pictures (of course!) and I played Uno with my family until three in the morning. Sunday I got to go to Meadow Heights and see my church family and then...I was able to go to See You at the Pool where several people were baptized. The Lord blessed us this year with 117 baptisms...that is 117 people in whom God miraculously awakened dead hearts to see the worth and beauty of His Son Jesus Christ. He alone deserves the credit but I am so thankful that He used our church as His vessel in the process.

Oh and I would like to update y'all on my mom. It has been three weeks since her surgery and she is doing very well. The gash in her foot from the surgery has shrunk two inches. This is no doubt the Lord's doings. The doctors think she should be up on her feet in a few weeks! I cannot wait until the Lord completely heals her foot so she can use it normally again. What a gracious, faithful, and powerful God we serve!

Greetings from Florida!

So I lied; I find a little time to post during vacation. The weather here is pretty toasty but the late afternoon showers bring some relief. Yesterday, we spent the entire day at Disney's Hollwood Studios park. It was so much fun! I saw a 3-D muppet show, road the Aerosmith roller coaster, watched the Beauty and the Beast (my favorite Disney movie ever!) and The Little Mermaid plays, saw a few characters (though none of the "big names"), took in a stunt show, and enjoyed an incredible and beautiful light show. It was a full but delightful day. I feel so blessed to be here.

Well, we are about to head out to Disney's Magic Kingdom. I am so excited!

"Sunshine on My Shoulders Makes Me Happy"

Tomorrow I leave for the Sunshine state. I am very excited! Disneyland, Universal Studios, the beach...sigh. This will be my first visit to Florida. After I return on Saturday, I am heading to the Show-Me-State to visit family, my church family, and pick up my sister who will be staying with me for a week or so. To top it off, next weekend in my church's See You at the Pool picnic/baptism celebration! I am so thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to attend.

Prayer Request: remember how my cousin got married last December (2nd marriage)? He is now getting a divorce. He called me last night for advice and stuff. Please pray for me that when he calls again, the Lord will give me words to speak that will guide and comfort my cousin and cause him to see that the satisfaction he longs for can only be found in Christ.

Well, I just wanted to make a quick post since I probably won't be able to blog until after I return from these two trips.

Oh, one more thing: I have red hair.

Interesting...

Last night, when I needed a break from Greek, I turned on the TV to flip through the channels. When I came to ABC, I stopped. They were talking about Jesus. I was like, "what in the world?" And they were talking about Him in an appropriate way. The show was called Wife Swap (dumb, I know but I had to see what was going on) and both families claimed to be Christ-followers. One family was a very conservative Christian family and the other was a very liberal one. It was very interesting (and a little sad when it came to the beliefs/practices of the liberal family). I don't know if the episodes are available to watch online, but I would recommend it--just that episode :)--if are they.

Thanks to all who prayed for my mom. She is doing well and is scheduled to be released from the hospital tomorrow. Please continue to lift her up in prayer while she recovers. I know God's hand is upon her and He will restore her foot as good as new. :)

Worth noting: tomorrow is my last day of Greek!

The Foot Saga is Coming to an End!

As many of you know, my mom had surgery on her foot three years ago and the healing process has been a complete nightmare. She has been in and out of the hospital, contracted staff and strep infection, and even had the infection spread to the bone. In all of this, however, the Lord has been gracious and has kept the worst from happening to her foot. I know the end of this mess is near. The doctors believe they have found the source of what has kept her foot from completely healing: a pin. She had pins put in the bones near the top of her foot 13 years ago. Most have been taken out over time, but one remains and the doctors traced the draining in her foot to it. She is scheduled to have surgery on her foot (again!) early Monday morning to remove the pins and clean out any infection. Our family trusts in the Lord that this is the answer to our prayers. It has been a long road to recovery but I think that the Lord has shown Himself not only faithful, but even more glorious. He alone is the great Healer. Doctors cannot be trusted but He can. They may have the degree, but they don't always know the why and how, but He does. What a wonderful Savior!

Please lift up my mom in prayer. Thank you!