I left my house today . . . and it wasn't to go visit the Doctor!!

Went to church this morning.

Good and bad decision. I decided this after the first song began blaring in my head.

Imagine you are Ariel from Little Mermaid, thrust back to life under the sea -- yet you are still a human.

That's my situation right now. I am getting sound in my ear, but it all sounds like it is "Under the Sea." When the choir began to sing this morning, I wanted to cry from the cacophony of sound rattling around in my head.

Thankfully Libbyline came and joined us, which caused us to find a seat further back. In addition, we sat next to a friend who is a doctor.

That miracle man suggested I put some cotton in my ear for protection/insulation from the sound. No cotton handy, but a clean piece of white tissue did the trick. I was able to tolerate, no, enjoy the rest of the service and hear God speak through the songs and the sermon. What a powerful day of God showing up!

That was only the beginning.

After that we headed for a family lunch and then I proceeded to collapse in bed for a much-needed respite.

DP woke me up in time to let the bed wrinkles subside somewhat from my face while we got ready to go to an unexpected treat he'd discovered while on a jaunt with the kids yesterday.

We had the pleasure of sitting under the ministry and music of Shaun Groves tonight at a local college event. We thoroughly enjoyed his concert and had a chance to talk with him afterwards about our sponsorship of Juana through Compassion.

If you haven't gone to his site as a result of all Shannon has shared via her trip to Uganda with Shaun and a number of others, please head on over and check out some of his archives regarding his work with Compassion. God is changing lives, and He is using Shaun as a messenger to do so. Pray with him and for him if you feel led. We sure do.

So, I am feeling about 75% better than I did all last week.

I am still easily tired and really looking forward to getting back on dry land in the hearing department, but God is so good. I certainly cannot complain when I would rather praise Him for all He has done for me.

So, I will praise Him for:

• removing my fever
• stopping the ooze
• making the "bum stick" worth the pain
• plenty of rest
• the care of my precious family
• yogurt and other soft foods that help me avoid frightening eating experiences
• clearing my sinuses & any other dormant infection that might have been hiding inside me
• the ability to laugh at my cirumstances
• holding me close through it all

He is worthy to be praised!!

On His Adventure~

Pam

Labels: compassion, gratitude, happies, healing, illness, prayer

Don't tell DP, but I have a date this morning.

We've not gotten together in a long time. Until now I've not really missed him, but Tony's voice has been echoing in my head lately.

I guess it's the whole "new year, new you" thing that permeates every advertisement and blog post you browse lately.

So, in a very few short minutes, after donning my extra supportive sports bra and other sweat-worthy exercise togs, I will be increasing my heart rate and facing the challenge that is Tony . . . including the bonus AB RIPPER 2oo . . .

If you hear my groaning from the comfort of your own home, please call 911 and send them to my neighborhood.

Before I head off into the land of the physically challenged, I thought I'd do a quick update of:

Labels: exercise, freedom, happies, randomness

Welcome back to the Thursday Thanks Tank!

I've been struggling lately in the physical arena, so I took a break last week instead of making my list out of obligation alone.

It's been a crazy week so far, but one full of blessings. Let me get right to the filling of the tank. Here's how God is filling me up this week:

1. Warm weather: No, it doesn't feel like Christmas, but it sure does beat the weather found here or here. Please be praying for all those who have suffered damage and power outages as a result of the storms blazing a trail through the Midwest and Northwest. I am very grateful to wake up this morning to a smattering of fog alone.

2. New pets: I can honestly say I am thankful for the unending lessons being taught by the new members of our family. Read about the rest of the story here. We've already experienced being bitten (that's me), a death (that's Ghirardelli), a transfer of ownership (that's from Sweetcheeks to John Deere Green), and a name change (that's from Snickers to Skittles . . . all in the candy family, I guess), and a replacement pet for Ghirardelli (that's Everest, Libbyline's new Chinese dwarf hamster who filled the void left by the Black bear hamster). It's been a wild ride, and it's only been three days so far! Pray for me . . .

3. My precious DP: This man is truly the Darling Prince as the "DP" reflects daily. He willingly runs errands for me, takes surprise afternoon frolics in stride, holds dying hamsters to comfort our daughter, cleans up our kitchen nightly, negotiates with unwelcome phone callers, and brings me treats just when I need them the most. I love you so much, Honey!

4. Christmas Cards: I love this time of year! I haven't actually sent my own yet (hopefully today), but I eagerly await the mail every day so that I can see whose card is in amongst all the regular junk mail. So good to hear from all of you. I'll send you my address if you'll just send me a card!

5. Laughter: I find lots of things funny, but this one had me howling the other day. You've got to read this post and remind yourself how wonderful it is to grapple with the beast of technology and win. Pray for our precious "Siesta". How I love this woman!

6. Gift Cards: My DP received a card from here the other day. He spent most of it on me. No more need be said. I love, love, love this man.

7. Baking: I love the smells of fresh cookies wafting through my humble abode. Yum!! These definitely smell like Christmas to me.

8. Health: I am so grateful for the routine health we've had this year. Sweetcheeks is currently recovering from a tummy bug, and I am thankful it was nothing more serious. We are truly blessed.

9. Friends: How grateful I am to be loved and cared for, simply for being who God created me to be. I care for you in the same way, not because you can send me gifts on time or that you send me gifts at all. The gift of your friendship is more than enough. (That's especially for you Kate and Jen).

10. Unexpected Gifts: Today my little flip calendar said this:


I've found that to be so true this week. Finances have been tight, tight, tight around here for months. We are trying to be good stewards and use our money as God would have us do so.

Last week I bought a used purse at a thrift store for $1.99, only to find out it had $28 in it once I got home. Unexpected blessing. AND . . .

This week my children received a DVD in the mail from a great aunt they barely know, only to have it be the very one they've been hoping we'd one day own. This one by Janette Oke has brought great joy at just the right time. God really does give His children good gifts.

Well, I've rambled on long enough. How has God been filling your tank this week? Let me know in the comments or take my cute button from here and take it to your own site. Invite me over, and I'll come share in the ways God is blessing you today.

Have a Thanks-filled day!

On His Adventure~

Pam

Labels: gratitude, happies, thanks tank, thanksgiving

This is sort of like My MIL says . . .

I very rarely talk to my FIL on the phone. We get along great, but he just doesn't like talking on the phone and conversations have become more and more difficult as his hearing has begun to fail. (the whole hearing aid issue will be saved for another post)

I got to start off my Monday with a call from my FIL. My MIL dials the phone, hands it to him, and it goes something like this:

PawPaw: Pam, (loudly) can you hear me ok up there? (everything is up when you're from South Louisiana)

Pam: Yes, sir. I can hear you just fine. How are y'all doing this morning?

PawPaw: Oh, good, good. We're doing good. Now, are you bringing your camera to our Thanksgiving trip?

Pam: Yes, sir.

PawPaw: Good, good. Now, I was wantin' to help you out with some film for that camera. Do ya' need some film?

Pam: No, sir. I have a digital camera. It doesn't take any film.

PawPaw: Hunh?!? What . . . how does it do? How will you get the pictures out of it so we can have some?

Pam: I can take the camera to Walgreen's while we are gone and get you some pictures made before you fly home on Saturday. Does that sound good?

PawPaw: (as he's still scratchin' his head over the whole film thing) Well, you go to wherever you need to go and get about $50.00 of pictures made for us and for you and DP, is that good? Can you get a few pictures made for that?

Pam: Oh, yes sir. I think we can get you some pictures made for that. Thank you SO much for even thinking about it. We'd be happy to have some pictures done for you. We are really looking forward to our trip later this week to see you.

PawPaw: (still reeling from the idea of all this technology existing totally beyond his scope of reference) Well, Pam, it was good, real good talkin' to you this morning. Here is your mother-in law.

I could almost hear his sigh of relief as he handed her the phone.

***Now, I just have to let y'all know this man is so precious to me. I hope I've not communicated any sarcasm or poking fun in a hurtful way by posting this conversation. I just got so tickled at his amazement with the changes out here in the everyday world that I take for granted.

Labels: funnies, happies, thanksgiving

***Hey Gals (and guys, too)
I've had comments that the video isn't working. I think I've got it fixed now. Try it again if you'd like to view it : )

Update -- I tried to write this post yesterday, but found internet connection problems with Bellsouth . . . again . . . keeping me from posting what I wanted to post when I wanted to post it.

Methinks we'll be looking for a new provider soon . . . just a hunch.


So, a little slow on the uptake today, but nonetheless grateful ; )

Yes, though I didn't make a huge deal about it on my blog this year, I did have a birthday Tuesday. Thanks so much to all of you who acknowledged, prayed, and celebrated with me.

Here is how God is filling my "older" tank this week:

1. Birthday Breakfast: My three darlings made my entire meal without my knowledge Tuesday morning. I had a heart-shaped omelette created by my Sweetcheeks, orange juice poured by JD Green, green tea made by Libbyline, and the customary rice cake with pb & j instead of toast for the gluten-sensitive mama thoughtfully added by all three. I was touched and humbled by the care of these precious children.

2. Serving: It is totally true that when you are helping others your own problems seem to shrink. We had a blast packing cartons for Operation Christmas Child at our local drop off center this week. I love being able to remind my children that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive. They are such willing and cheerful helpers. I am so proud of them.

3. Example: My oldest is going to a birthday sleepover for a friend tonight (Friday) and it was such a joy to watch her carefully choose gifts for her friend that would please her and communicate my daughter's care for this friend. I saw a maturity in her choices that set a great example for me as I make choices for others.

The rest of my tank was filled with the following. I don't think I need to say anything else but "Thank You":


Thank you, too, to all of you who have begun posting your own Thanks Tanks. As always, feel free to take the button to your site and let me know in the comments, so I can come visit you. Welcome to all of you who have joined us in recent weeks!!

Labels: giving, gratitude, happies, thanks tank, thanksgiving

The brainchild of Sweetcheeks, our first water balloon fight in honor of her birthday was a huge success. We definitely plan to do this one again. Next time we just want to fill all 200+ balloons ahead of time so we can blast everyone uninterrupted for more filling sessions.

As you can see, the mama did NOT get immunity for the good hair day I'd been having up to this point. Libbyline nailed me in the first round and that was it for the superb-looking coif I'd been sporting : ) Oh well, I want to be fully engaged and who really cares about my hair anyway!

I am slowly learning that playing with my children is the best way to build a relationship with them and letting go of my agenda is so freeing.

Bring on the balloons. This mama is ready!

Labels: celebrations, happies, summer fun

Getting a late start here at the old blog, but I've been on the go today.

Considering we are still having temperatures in the 100+ range, it is imperative that we get an early start to get anything done.

So, we took my DP to work and headed to a lovely walking trail by the river, ending up at the local park and playground. The breeze was actually cool, the sounds of the squirrels and birds welcoming. We spent about an hour and a half there, enjoying the company of another mommy and her two children. What a pleasant respite from the hot and sultry days we've been treated to lately.

On to the other ways I'm filling up my tank this week:

1. Prayer: DP and I have resumed our morning times together, and it has been so refreshing. I feel physically bolstered by the words spoken to our Father together. I also draw strength throughout the day as I remember those quiet moments before the bustle of the day begins.

2. Food: Yes, I am always thankful for this! In addition though, this week I am most grateful to be remembering I can feel hunger and know how much less it takes to really cause me to be satisfied.

3. Change: Usually I don't respond too well to change in general, but I am totally liking the changes I see occurring in our household. Part of me wants to hold my breath and wait for the "other shoe to drop", so to speak -- yet I can't help but give God all the glory and eagerly anticipate more changes ahead as we exert obedience in the areas He's pruning.

3. Jesus: My new favorite song we're practicing in choir is Something Happens, and it's all about Jesus. There truly is something about mentioning His name. Jesus.

4. Check Marks: We've devised a new system to "help" our son make good choices throughout the day. I am so glad to see two check marks in a row that indicate good days rather than the big X that identifies a bad one.

5. Reading together: We are reading books together as the "Peachy" (our last name) Lunch Bunch. So far we are really enjoying our trek through The Wind and the Willows together.

6. Ant Traps: I know it isn't exactly a glamorous thanks, but I am grateful for something so small obliterating something even smaller that annoys and invades my home at just about some point during every year.

7. Children's Ministry: Our kids are so loving being involved on Wednesday nights, and now we have more reasons to memorize Scripture. Thanks, Miss Amy!

8. Beauty: It is all around me, yet during the stifling heat of the summer I tend to forget this exists. I'm anticipating more of it soon. May fall come quickly!

9. The Present: The past is behind me and God holds the future, so I will be grateful for the present. Today is good. Actually, today is great!

10. Hope: I have renewed hope and strength in Him as I see my Jesus at work in my life and the lives of those I love. May He renew your hope this day as well.

". . . those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Now it's your turn. Please feel free to take my little Thanks Tank button and post your own list of gratitude on your site. Or, if you prefer, just leave me a comment here as to what is filling your tank this week. Our God is big, and I know He's doing things in your life as well. Let me know so I can rejoice with you!!

Labels: gratitude, happies, thanks tank