Warrior Dash Momma

This past weekend, we took a short, tiny, mini vacation to Mountain City, Georgia. (Get the point?) We went on many, countless, winding roads and landed at one of the craziest races. Why, of course the sanguine in me says it was to have fun, and that we did. But the real reason is that crazy boy in the middle with the warrior hat on. It was a 5K race through mud, fire, water - only for a true warrior. (Notice, I did not participate in this race.)ha
Caleb finished and we have great pictures, but this one is my favorite because it is us as a family, all together supporting him. I guess he looks back at the mud, fire and the water and the fun of the race. I look back at a young boy turning into a warrior - a different phase of his life. (Although, he has always loved playing in the mud.)ha The reality is that I pray everyday that he will be a great warrior and have great victories in his Christian walk.

Mentos & Diet Coke -Match made in Heaven

This first picture, is what you might say the 'before' picture. The second one is the 'after'. I wish I could post all the kid's reaction, but this one is my favorite. This was my last night with 'counsel' time before the summer break. At the beginning of the school year, I started with one diet coke and mentos. I encouraged them to never miss a night because all through the year I would surprise them and each time I would double the amount (went to 2, 4, 8 and then this final night of 16). They all got to have their own bottle and mentos. They had so much fun - it was so exciting for them! (Don't think they realize how cheap this activity is.) I wonder when they look back on all the lessons I taught them this year if this one will be their favorite. (Who am I kidding? It will be!)

There is no 'vacation' in VBS

Wanted to post couple of pictures from yesterday's VBS training clinic of my room. Hope you can tell enough from the pictures (too bad you can't see all the hard work I put into it).ha Do you see the 'Cowboy Tenny'? They liked that a lot. I couldn't take a picture of the nine 'boots' hidden throughout room (like the 'hidden mickey's' at Disneyworld). Also, the 5 baskets contained all the visuals from each day. Although I am still recovering from all the work, this slave/servant (ha) is thankful for how God helped me. I am thankful for how He has gifted me because I sure would not do this on my own! Did I mention that crazy footwork on the song that nearly got the best of me?
Signed, Cowgal Karen

Rummage Sale Season is Open

Finally, rummage sale season is here and it officially opened with the Jr. League of Nashville's big sale which just so happened to be when I was there this week (coincidence, I think not). I got so many great buys. Most things still had the new (not just new to me) price tags. I love my brand new Dolce and Gabbana purse. Ok, I love it all. Anna, do you see your White house/black market skirt?

Prednisone is my new best friend

As most of you are aware, with my recent setback with difficulty in walking, blah blah blah blah, I thought that the Wegener's disease might be coming back (so did Dr. Hunt which proves I can self-diagnosis.ha) But thanks to God (just making sure He gets the glory) and the steroid Prednisone I am kicking and taking names! Now, you may be asking (I will tell you whether you or thinking it or not) - Why did she post this goofy picture of herself? It reminds me of such a happy time I had with my sister Sandy, and her daughter, Rachel, and my daughter, Anna at Tybee Island on our girls weekend out to Savannah, Georgia. Life is not filled with just happy moments (deadgum!) For a sanguine that is not so easy of an adjustment. For you melancholy folks, guess that is typical day!ha There are days when it is difficult to walk without pain and there are days filled with laughter and spirit of a marathon runner (that is the prednisone talking). What makes it all worthwhile? A faith that all my steps are ordered by God. (Psalm 37:23 "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."

Friends not by chance

OK, I know you have seen my Ecuador pictures, but yesterday I had lunch with my dear friend, Monika. This is a picture of us on our second mission trip (Ecuador) where we served together. (Great memories!) Our friendship began almost 5 years ago when we worked together at a CEF afterschool program at the Boys and Girls club in Huntsville.

We are so much alike in so many ways although she has a german accent and I have a very southern accent. I believe God sent her into my path as she challenges me in many ways especially in my service.

She gave me a great quote yesterday from Thomas A'Kempis - Hope you enjoy it as much as I did -I have it in my kitchen window - "JESUS HAS MANY WHO LOVE HIS KINGDOM IN HEAVEN, BUT FEW WHO BEAR HIS CROSS." I told you she challenges me! Thank you God for sending Monika - I know it was not by chance!

Me and my lines

I cannot believe that this year's Dinner Theatre has come and gone (hope you enjoy pictures). I could not let this time go by without giving complete thanks to God for helping me with my lines. Each time before I went on stage, I had my flashilight backstage looking over lines and I whispered many a prayer throughout performance. Trust me, if it were not for God's help - this 'granny' would not have made it. In this scene, this rich cousin (a.k.a. Mary Ann) has just told me she is too 'fatigued' to work. I said, "I ain't interested in your medical symptoms." In other words, I did not understand the meaning of 'fatigued'. Now that I look back at all the work involved in Dinner Theatre - I personally understand that word and felt it quite well by the fifth performance!