It Never Hurts to Ask

This picture wasn't taken the same day as the events but this is what we usually look like.

One night coming home from work, I had picked up the kids and they asked to take a different route home than our usual one; down a back road that led through neighborhoods and by some of our family's property. I agreed and off we went talking about our day and weaving around curves.

That is until I happened to look down at my speedometer and I realized that I was going too fast. About the time I started to slow down, a trooper sped past, slammed on his breaks, to which I knew meant that he was coming after. Sure enough, he turned around and wasn't far behind.

The kids were, of course, thrilled that their mother was being pulled over. A flood of questions filled the van. Will he give you a ticket? How fast were you going? Are you going to jail? What will happen to us if you go to jail? -Meanwhile, I am trying hard to play it cool; hoping to come across at least polite while hiding any of the irritation that I felt.

I have no idea how I came across to the Officer but it didn't spare me from any tickets. Not only did I get the speeding ticket but evidently my tags had expired as well. It was a twofer! Hooray. If only I could've shared the same enthusiasm as the kids about this experience.

Colin and I both haven't exactly had great driving records. While I finally managed to get mine clean, there was a time that you could've wallpapered a small room with my tickets. (Yes, that's an exaggeration but let it serve the visual that there were many!) I didn't want another or the adjustment on my insurance.  So, I joked and secretly hoped and/or prayed that the officer wouldn't show up for court and somehow my ticket would be dismissed. I didn't get an attorney or anything but I was going to court to beg for community service, driving school or anything other than a speeding ticket on my record.

The day came and I went. I opened the courtroom to find it empty, with the exception of two ladies sitting on opposite sides. I slipped in, up front, on the right. We still had about ten minutes or so before court began. We each sat quietly in our places trying to make use of the time.

I suddenly had this urge to pray. I looked at both ladies and then up at the ceiling and thought to myself Dear Lord, I am not praying out loud, here, in this courtroom. -Make no mistake, I am not afraid of talking to anyone or even praying out loud when we're at church or when someone is hurt or clearly needing help in some way. -But even this, felt too out there for me.

I wiggled in my seat and happened to look over to the lady on my left who was fumbling through her purse, looking for something. As I argued silently in my mind about not praying, she whips out a little book with a picture of Jesus on the front of it.

I glance back at the ceiling and think to myself "Really God?!  You're funny." It is of course, a little harder to argue with God when you're staring at a picture of Jesus though, so I turn around to face both ladies and tell them about my secret joke of hoping that we'd get dismissed. Would you mind if I prayed? I asked. They said they didn't mind. They didn't want a ticket either. So there I prayed, right there in the courtroom.

When I was finished the ladies told me each a little about their experience that led them here. By then it was 11:00 and court would begin any minute. Then it was 11:02, :03, :04. -Still only the three of us. About the time that I start to consider the irony of a court session not starting on time, the clerk and security guard scurry through the door to declare that the Judge has had some sort of emergency and court would need to be rescheduled.

hmmm. That was weird... or was it?

Each of us stood in line to get our slip with the new date and then we went our separate ways.

Anyway, fast forward, my court date was this past week, again at 11. This time, the courtroom was vastly different. A full room, at least 20 or so people and court already in session. I sat patiently and waited for my turn. I got up the at the wrong time twice and fumbled my words and was told to sit back down. [oy] This wasn't looking good.

I probably irritated the Judge but when the real-time came, she seemed confused about something else I said. Although, I couldn't tell what it was. The ticket for my tags was canceled since I had already rectified the issue and had receipts to prove it. She reduced my speeding ticket to improper equipment. -Still a ticket but not a moving violation. So it wouldn't affect my insurance. I didn't have to go to school or do anything else but pay the fine and court fees. It was resolved. -Pretty close to how I asked too.

It might seem silly to pray for something that isn't life-threatening but I am a firm believer in "it never hurts to ask". Besides James 4:2 says as much "...You do not have because you do not ask God." I don't think that verse is intended to be used in the context of getting something granted by our Genie but how many things come across each of our days and yet we do not even consider something as simple as asking.

After all, other places also remind us to ask for ALL things:


Philippians 4:6  - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."


Ephesians 6:18 - "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people."

So stop for a minute, and think about it. Is there something that you could ask God about today? 

***

Dear Lord, I am thankful that YOU are with us everywhere we go. Give us each an increasing sensitivity to you and an obedience to you in prayer whether it is led by ourselves or in response to your prompting. Help us see your hand and want to lead others to it. :)

Storehouse

This picture belongs to National Trust. It is of the Doyden House, a cottage in the UK. (Can I go please???)

Anyway, I’ve been practicing poetry assignments. -Different styles and rhythms… I used this image with my latest poem. It has 2 patterns (87877/ ABCBA) and if there is a name for either, you can comment below.

Storehouse

I am the storehouse of your love.

with open doors, rooms to fill

familiar lines, curious charms   

halls that lead beyond your will

I, the storehouse of your love.

I am the storehouse of your love.

where chairs embrace, volumes lend
inviting presence, mind at ease;

passing time, you’ll find you mend.

I, the storehouse of your love.

I am the storehouse of your love.

sturdy walls, in each a view

seasoned and warm, spiritual air

contented heart, naught to prove

I, the storehouse of your love.

I am the storehouse of your love.

table nurses, vessels slake                

truths are honored and lips rejoice

come to give but find you’ll take  

I, the storehouse of your love.

I am the storehouse of your love.

life is treasured, dreams unfold

an anthem reigns, the tempo soothes

a place to be, one to hold   

I, the storehouse of your love.

---

Photo credit: Both pictures are from: http://www.nationaltrustholidays.org.uk/

In Position

Yesterday morning, I went for a run in the mountains of Buchanan before heading back home from Colin's aunt's house. This is absolutely one of my favorite places and our events of the weekend left little time to take it in. If you've ever seen a mother dog fret while trying to reach one of her distanced puppies, there was a similar restlessness inside of me itching to get to outdoors. I had to go at least once before heading home. As if to stockpile serenity within- who knew when this opportunity might come again?

So, I ran with phone in tow, stopping here and there to snap pictures, looking at flowers, or to let a speeding car pass by.  I passed a bridge that went over train tracks and the river. I passed landings and swimming holes that we frequent, farmlands and pastures and old abandoned houses, another bridge....

About 2 miles in, I came upon another set of tracks. I thought it might be the perfect place to sit by the river and wait with God. Maybe I'd catch a glimpse of a train and feel the rush of its mighty wind as it blew by, I thought to myself. I am not sure if I wanted the train more for myself or the kids. But there I waited 30 minutes or more. Taking pictures, praying and admiring...

Finally, I knew it was time to head back. I wanted to get home early enough to spend time with the family before the week began. I dusted my britches and started running back home. I passed the first farm and there I could hear it in the distance. The train. It was coming.  I looked back and the tracks were far away. Would I be able to make it?

Coach Perrin, my middle school track coach, reminded the 7th-grade version of myself that I was a sprinter. And so I sprinted, as hard and as fast as I could back to the tracks, trying to outrun it. Oh, it sounded so close. I kept looking through the trees but could not see it yet. Faster and harder, fumbling with my phone, trying to get the video ready so that I could capture it's rushing by, in case I barely made it.

But I made it.

I hit the gravel platform and suddenly realized how hungry I was. I thought for sure I would collapse before I saw it come around the corner. Oh, the irony of making it this far just to pass out. But I didn't.

Louder and louder it grew and I was ready. I positioned myself to what I thought was the perfect place for this moment. -Still peeking between trees and back to the tracks.

A truck passed in front of me and went over the tracks I thought for sure the lights would come on soon, warning other drivers. But when the truck passed, the train was gone. Dead silence, like an empty stare blinking back at me from the forest.

As if the train came but was only a ghost, passing before my very eyes. I was confused. How did it do that? Where did it go? 

Then I realized, it must've gone down the other set of tracks that I crossed over earlier.

Overlooking the first set of tracks

I half chuckled, half snorted as I dropped my head and headed back home. Immediately, I thought of the verse in 1 Kings 19 when the Lord appears to Elijah. In verse 11 The Lord said,

“Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

And it was there that he had his encounter.

Isn't my experience with the train, just like trying to hear a Word from God sometimes? We run, full thrust and arms open toward the things with the 'most noise' like activities, studies and group outings. -You know,  in all of those places where he has been seen and would most likely be again. Sometimes, without listening for the direction. He sweeps by- maybe we see it or notice it.... and sometimes we feel as though we've danced everywhere else around it.

I was feeling thankful because, in the few moments of quietly waiting on the track earlier (the first time, before the train), I did feel like I had a moment with God. It came in the whisper, just like with Elijah. In the quiet and in the stillness, roadside on a dirty bridge overlooking the river. Just like our theme 'Be Still' from the Extraordinary Women's Conference that I attended on Saturday. It was after all, what brought me to the mountains in the first place.

Heading back home I ran a little slower, walking even, trying to make the most of what was left. As I made it almost back to the second bridge, I could hear the train again in the distance. This time, at the tracks where I so patiently waited before. This time, I laughed. Whether or not it was God and/or if He was displaying a sense of humor, there is no doubt that He is everywhere we are...

Are we in the right position to see Him?

Picture of theme poster from the conference

***

If you are not sure how to hear from God, I can assure you that there are 3 things that play a significant role in your 'hearing'.  Your salvation, reading scripture and being 'still' with the Lord. Without those 3, I've missed it time and again. If you'd' like to read more, please see this collection of notes I've made over the years. It's not to be interpreted as 'rules'. It's also not glossed over and made pretty. It's just some notes between friends. Whatever item(s) speak to you are the places that I would tell you to start. But take your time with those things. I promise, it is worth your investment. His Word will indeed be something you treasure. Blessings to you!

'Good' Judgment(s)

Yesterday, I took Sophie to a Volleyball Clinic over in Seaford. It’s something that she has been wanting to do for a while now. A friend told us about this class last week and in the days leading up to it, Sophie couldn’t stop talking about it. Yet as we walked into the building, several families walked in with older girls passing us by. Sophie began getting nervous.

As we grew closer to the gym you could hear the girls inside. Their voices were getting louder. Suddenly Sophie stopped and began to cry. She didn’t want to go in. I asked her what was wrong and she replied, “What if they are better than me?” “I’ve never done this before.” “They have all played and they are bigger.” “I will be terrible because I don’t know what to do.” Leaning close to her face, I started trying to console her and encourage her. After all, fear is normal right? Everyone feels that way from time to time. I kindly reminded her that some of the things that she just said were lies. She didn’t really know IF those girls were better or had played before. She didn’t really know if she would be bad. I know the words that came after were God inspired when I said, you’re making judgments about those ladies out there and against yourself. The Bible tells us that judging others is sin. (John 7:24) We EACH are made in his image….

Then I told her that I didn’t bring her all that way to let her talk herself out of it. She was going in! Praise God for the coaches that came right over to encourage her some more and peel her off of my skin.

I share these pictures because I am proud of my daughter. She overcame fear and played her little heart out. (With many girls who had never played before by the way.) She decided that she loves it and we’ll be signing her up soon!

But I also share this message because it’s not just 8-year-old girls that get weighed down by fear and let “the stories we tell ourselves” keep us from achieving something greater. It’s also awfully easy to gloss over thoughts that aren’t “bad thoughts” about others and forget that such deeds are often accompanied by comparison and self-doubt. Negative thoughts about self really are judgments too. You and I are holy, divinely created and full of the power needed for our tasks ahead. Every time you step out, you can learn something new—about yourself and our maker, who is with you!

Eph 4:29 says “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up...” Let me encourage you today to encourage others BUT TO ALSO encourage yourself in all you do. Giving it all you’ve got, as God intended, is what it means to give Him glory. My friend, YOU were made for more! <3

A Bedtime Story | D.C.

Note to the reader: I go out of town for conferences and training with my jobs. With younger children, I don't always call home. It sounds like a great idea and of course we all miss each other but the little ones always seemed more upset. Then Colin was stuck with angry children that were hard to settle down. So now, depending on what they're doing, I let Colin call me when or if it's good for them. Thankfully, they're getting older and so this isn't as much of an issue for us.

But to get around it, I came up with this idea instead. I LOVE to take pictures and I usually don't print the ones I take. Since I have a blog, I post pictures of things I see that think they'd like and they can use it like a bed time story when it's time for bed.  Then I get to save them!

It's really hard to do on short trips like this one. It's easier when you're alone on your trip. If you're with others, you might want to reserve this activity for trips that are 3 days or longer. (That way you can visit with them and work on this too.) This is also a great way to use up that layover time! Sophie told me that she likes this better than any of the loot that I bring home from the conferences. :)

If you don't have a blog, they are free and there are ways to make them 'less public'. If you don't want to try a blog, I would NOT recommend email. The pictures may jumble and the message may be too big. Try typing it up in a word doc, then making it a PDF and emailing it as an attachment. :D



****Now, to the Fam!

Hello Lovies!!

So here's the first day. Paula and I are finally off work. Of COURSE we had to take a picture. As it turns out it was "National Woman Road Warrior Day" so we had to make this picture fancier than normal. After all, we are women traveling on the road!

I couldn't get into Snapchat to see if there was any kind of warrior filter (like the puppy dog faces) and so I eventually gave up and searched for another ap. I found ArtEffect instead. Oh my goodness, I love it. We kind of look like warriors in this picture, don't we? It's the winner!

So then we drove for a while...

[A couple of hours later]

We're here! Here's a peek at my room!

There's also a little writing spot with a couch. 

That's where I'll be putting this together.

This hotel has a rooftop restaurant. -Super Cool!

Hey Look- it's the Washington Monument way over there!

I had fish tacos and Caprese salad! mmmm

The next day we walked to our conference.... [Digital Summit]

It turns out the Fire Dept is at the bottom of our hotel.

Here's a pretty cool playground that I thought you'd like.

Look Jaxie. I haven't seen any combine harvesters here but check out these cranes.

There is a lot of construction taking place around here.

Our conference is at the Arena Stage at the Meade Center. It's a crazy cool place.

They do a lot of shows here. I'd love to come back and see one.

The inside of the building is neat too!

Here's a hallway...

The Ceiling

This is where I sat for one of the sessions while we listened to a speaker.

That black row down the center is a bunch of large river rocks. No, I didn't get one to paint. :)

Sophie, this part is just for you. I know you'd want to do this when you saw the stage. 

So I did it for you since you weren't here!

We walked through town some more on the way to dinner.

Here is a beautiful old church.

Oh look, A TRAIN!! 

I couldn't tell if the train is permanently in this place or just parked 

but I had to grab a shot just for you!

-This one is farther away, so that you can see how high it is. Pretty cool, huh?

The Washington Monument

The Capitol Building

"The City"

This is just the sidewalk. I thought the trees looked really cool. So, I took a picture. 

They don't look as cool this way. 

oops- got a shot of my foot.
"I was here."

Here is a bunch of people getting a professional picture taken outside of the Trump Hotel. Yes, the guy who's running for President. I almost yelled "You're Fired" when we walked by... hoping to make them laugh but I decided to behave.

The City is a fun place to look around.

This picture isn't great but it shows details around the windows. Maybe you can zoom in.
I just love looking at the buildings.

Here's a revolving door.

It spins in a circle and people pop in and out of it to enter and exit the building.

And just for you Ethan, here's a picture of the White House. :)

Here's a bad picture of one of those double-decker tour buses that we used last time we came up.
(Note to other readers, night tours on the top of that thing are pretty cool way to see the monuments.)

Then we ate at a place right around the corner from the White House called "Old Ebbitt Grill".

The food was amazing! (Reader: put it on your list if you haven't been.)

And look boys- There's all kinds of dead animals on the walls!

Sophie, they even had these girlie chandeliers too!

I had hanger steak for dinner and It was so, so, SO good.

The meal-- well, the whole place kind of reminded me of Uncle Michael (well except the dead animal part). There is a lot of art on the walls and the ambiance (or way the room feels) just seemed like him... One of his favorite wines was on the menu, which they don't serve in Gloucester. Then I found a few orange tomatoes on my plate like he used to grow. He would always save a few for me. I don't always see things that make me think of him so much but he loved the city and art. I even thought I smelled his cologne earlier... It just felt like he was here. That made it extra special. Kind of like if you were here too!

This trip was shorter than some of the others. So, I won't have much more to show you.
Besides, I need to sign off and get home so I can squish you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Remember that fun app that I used earlier, well look. I used it on a picture of you guys too!

This picture is the original.

Then here are only a few of the art effects in the ap! (Scroll down)

Cool, huh?! YES, we can install it on your ipods...

I'm sure that like this picture, you guys are all in my bed now too! So you give Daddy some extra kisses for that! Steal your snuggles while ya can, cuz this big ole' booty will be all up in that pile soon to --interrupt!

And finally, I saw this verse today: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - 2 Corinthians 13:14

Fellowship kind of means friendship and hanging out. Just like I was hanging out with Paula tonight while we were at dinner. It might even include how, if good ole' Uncle Michael really was hanging out with me on this trip... After all, you know, how much you like hanging out with your friends too, right? Think about why that is...? Is any of that different than when you and I hang out?

Anyway, we can mull over some of those similarities and differences after I am back home. So think about it and see if you have questions. :)

The good news is, just like you and I are family, we are also part of God's family and he loves you (us all) and wants to hang out with us too. I pray we all get a little closer together! Sweet dreams my loves. See you soon!