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| Life has a way of changing in an instant. As a single parent, I always worked hard toward a better life for my kids and myself. All three have grown up so fast. Lindsey is a sophomore in high school, Nathan is working full-time at Lowe's. Andrea got her real estate license and married Michael Mathis just three weeks ago. All seems right with the world.
Until today. Shortly after an MRI this morning, Andrea was diagnosed with MS. | | |
| Well, three years ago we had a major incident with a family in our church. The entire church took the side of the other family. They are awful, deceptive people that the Bible refers to as wolves in sheeps' clothing. They did a number on my daughter, as well as us as an entire family. Of course we left the church, unwilling to allow my daughter to remain under their influence. We were not the first to experience the pain this family causes, nor were we the last. I've been praying that God would reveal them for who they really are and, it appears He is doing just that.
The other day I received a message from one of the former leaders of the church. The church has fallen apart and, one-by-one, this same family has done a number on several other people ... individuals and families. They are causing Christians to stumble and leading many astray. This former leader wants to get together and talk about our situation. They, too, have been victimized by this family that insists on pretending to be Christian while engaging in other activities "behind the scenes" that prove they are not.
The darkness involved in this is so incredible that you would have a tough time believing it. I am amazed and appalled that there are actually people in the world ... in this area ... that are this evil. Please pray with me that God continues to open people's eyes to what this family is and does. Pray also that God will find a way to penetrate the evil and reach the souls of these individuals. There is still hope for them, too, if they can truly find Christ.
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| I found my mother-of-the-bride dress today! And the great news is it was on sale and I bought it for $55! Yay! And the wedding isn't until October, so I'm way ahead of schedule.
Well, Nathan made the tough decsion not to join the Marines. The ACL injury/surgery he had a couple of years back has created some difficulties with his knee. Not bad, just some stiffness and such. But enough so that it would hinder his ability to pass all of the testing. He's working on becoming a certified electrician.
I'm going to attend the Write to Publish conference in Wheaton, Illinois. I'm anxious to go. I hope to present some of my work to some of the editors. Kim Peterson and I have been working on a devotion gift book I intend to market.
Also, for you writers out there who want to get your name out on the Web, I registered at ehow.com and I've written seven how-to articles. Depending on how many hits, comments and ratings, you get paid. It's not much, but it's something. So far, in two months, I've made $2.63! (OK, I 'm doing it more for the exposure than the money.)
The school year is almost over and there's a lot to do on the yearbook still. Sigh. Here we go ...
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| Wow it's been a long time since I've been on Xanga! It looks so different I think I'll need to learn how to use it all over again.
This semester has been busy. I'm taking a Web design class and I designed my own professional Web site. It needs tweaked before I actually upload it. But it's sweet!
I finally graduated December of this year. I will be getting my fifteen-year degree. Go, me!
Anyhow, boring entry, but I'm tired.
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| Sorry. I must confess, Facebook is an easy tool for keeping in contact with everyone. But, for those of you who have noticed my lack of keeping up on my Xanga, this is for you. :0)
My kids and I are doing great, minus the flu that we're battling right now. My oldest is at Bethel and doing great. And, he's plays rugby and (despite my approval) fights at the extreme fight club in Elkhart periodically. Despite his ruggedness, though, he is a great kid with a good heart. I hope that never goes away.
Andrea's getting married in October 2008 to a great guy from a wonderful family. I think they're a bit too young, but you can't tell them. They're really good for each other. Andrea's gone through some major growing pains, but has come through beautifully. She's an amazing young lady.
Lindsey started a new high school this year and absolutely loves it. She has more friends than she knows what to do with, is on the honor roll and love it. Now, if I can just get her to quit fighting over her computer time ...
This year has turned out much better than I could've expected. God is faithful. I've been able to concentrate more on the yearbook while shedding most of my Beacon responsibilities. While reluctant at first, this has proven a great blessing. Not only do I have time to breath, but I have more time to devote to my classes and freelancing. I now freelance for Inside Granger which, in turn, should help me to break into some other magazines. I've had a few articles published in Focus on the Family's Single Parent Magazine, too, but that's been a while. My goal is to do more magazine vs. newspaper articles.
I'm also looking forward to spending a week with Kim Peterson (Now currently carrying the title of Bethel's writer-at-large) in North Carolina at the Blue Ridge Christian Writer's Conference. Kim is going to help me polish up some work to present to editors and agents at the conference. I get exhausted after a weekend writer's conference ... I can't imagine a week. But I'm excited nonetheless.
Other than that, thanks for everyone who sent me birthday wishes and I pray this New Year brings many wonderful blessings to everyone.
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