I Can Do All Things Through Christ... Except Math

I often wonder what my son is going to remember about his childhood. I grew up going to Christian kids camp (and later teen camp) in the summer and it definitely made an impact... Some years were more memorable than others. One year in particular, we had a very demonstrative speaker named Rick Olson. I enjoyed hearing him because he used puppets and other illustrative tools when sharing the Word -- he was trying to reach us on our level.. as kids.

One night, he was teaching us Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (or gives me strength depending on which version of the Bible you are using). Anyway, the puppet was to repeat the verse after Rick and every time the puppet repeated the verse, she would add something silly. For example, "I can do all things through Christ... except Math. Or, I can do all things through Christ... except play baseball." Then Rick would go on to explain that with Christ's help you can do anything that he has called you to do. It made an impact. A simple little lesson, shared over 20 years ago.... I remember it.

So, I'm thinking about all the kids out there getting ready to go to summer camps, VBS, or maybe just attending weekly Sunday School. Pray for their teachers... pray for them to be able to reach our children in new and exciting ways that will make a lasting and eternal impact on them.

Yesterday

Yesterday can be summed up in one word... TRAFFIC! I'm not the most patient of people (gasp!), and driving in NYC traffic is not on my top five things to do on a Friday afternoon. But, we went to visit some relatives on Long Island yesterday and no matter how you sliced it, I knew I'd be sitting in some sort of Friday afternoon summer traffic. I chose the lesser of two evils (the Bronx versus Queens traffic) and it literally took my ONE HOUR to drive 5 miles. To add insult to injury, there's nothing like listening to the "news" which was basically just broadcasters speculating about Michael Jackson... yes, it's sad, but I'm like enough already. Not to mention waiting for a traffic report that never talks about the road that you are on! That's painful people.

When we finally reached the NJ side, I decided we needed a break so we stopped for dinner at which time an unbelievable rain storm descended on the area. By the time we left, it was just drizzling so I tackled the next leg of the trip and sat in NJ traffic for another hour and a half.

I also had made a promise to my son that he could spend his allowance money yesterday. I didn't think we'd be arriving back home so late, but I really do try to keep my word when it comes to him, unless there are circumstances beyond my control. Did I want to stop at Walmart for him to pick up a can of bubbles? No. Did I do it because I love my son and want him to know that it's important to keep your word? Absolutely. It was 5 minutes of time to complete the task, and I'm so glad we did it.

By the time we got home, I was exhausted, but my son who slept for 2 hours in the car was recharged and ready to go (insert yawn).

Glad we made it home safely. Just found out my hubby is taking an earlier flight home which is good news, but I'll need to pick him up in Queens at JFK airport.. the bad news. Well, if nothing else, after the last 2 travel days, I know I'm ready for anything !!!

Modern Inconvenience

Yesterday we took a road trip to visit my Dad's twin brother and some other family in Pennsylvania. I hooked up our GPS (Magellen) and off we went into the mountains. We were driving and driving and climbing mountains, and turning onto roads that surely must not have been right. You know you are not in the right place when the road you are on does not even have a name. But, Magellen MUST know what it's doing, right? I mean, I did plug in "find fastest route". So, I trusted my magellen, over hills and valleys, twisty roads that honestly felt like we were on a roller coaster... an adventure of sorts.

Well, the adventure got a little tense when one of my indicator lights went on in the car. It was the tire pressure... great... just what a need. A tire with low pressure on a desolate, no-name road. Hmmm... couldn't pull over.. no shoulder. So, I kept driving praying that my tire would make it to some sort of gas station in some type of civilization that surely must be right around the bend.. or the next one... or the next one.

About this time, my loving husband calls from Puerto Rico -- I'm explaining the situation while driving and, as any loving husband would do, he tries to reason with me as to what I need to do (aka find a gas station). He suggests that I seek Magellen's assistance in finding the gas station.. So with one hand navigating the roads, I push some buttons and voila, a Magellen locates a gas station 10 miles away -- 10 long miles away. So, I quickly turn off the road I'm on and head off as Magellen suggests. Four miles into the 10 mile search for the gas station, we come across some men working on the road. We roll the window down and ask where the nearest gas station is. He assures me that we need to turn around and go back to the road I had turned off and make a right because the gas station is right there!? WHAT??!?!? You mean my almighty magellen steered me to a gas station 10 miles out of my way when there was one literally right where I was?!?!

So, I turned around and got back to the road... turned right.. and what do you know... a gas station/general store. I was a little leery because honestly, we hadn't seen another store/gas station/human being in many, many miles. But, Dad needed the restroom, as did little guy, and I needed to get air in the tire or have a service station check it out. Well, we found out that not only did this general store not have a restroom, but it didn't have an air hose either. So, poor Dad had to use the port-a-potty and Chris used the little potty that I have stowed in our minivan for such occasions.

Thankfully, my loving husband plans ahead for such unforeseen disasters and had a compact portable air compressor in the back of our car. If it had not been for that, I don't know what we would have done. My dad and I were able to put air in the tire which we figured would get us to our destination and then we would later deal with going to a service station.

We had a nice time with our family (once we arrived) and my loving Uncle took me to a service station that he uses so we had the screw removed from the tire for a small charge.

I'm really thankful that no one got hurt and that I was not alone when this happened. I learned that sometimes modern conveniences (Magellen's) are not all that reliable... best to keep a map, a port-a-potty, an air compressor and some snacks in the car at all times.

Fun In the Somewhat Sunny Skies

I wish the weather would cooperate a little more while my Dad is here visiting. We've been able to sneak in a game of mini golf which was tons of fun. I must say, I am quite impressed at my Dad's ability as a mini golfer -- he's good!. I think I've already mentioned that my problem with mini golf is the obstacles (duh.. that's the whole point of mini golf). You see, I have the "gift" of being able to hit the obstacles dead on ... every time. If there is a rock obstacle and the only way through that rock is by hitting your golf ball through the 3 holes at the bottom of the rock, you can bet on me hitting the rock in every possible location except for knocking that ball through the hole. It's quite comical actually. So, if you need someone to provide some entertainment on your next golfing adventure, give me a call. No charge.

Anyway, we took a trip to my favorite pizza place here in NJ yesterday so my father could get a slice of heaven. They don't make pizza in Florida like they do in NJ (with the exception of East Coast Pizza in Riverview, FL). Anyway, it was well worth the drive.

Yesterday, Chris & Dad spent time bonding over our Wii. It was quite amusing to watch my 5 year old son explain to my Dad how to work the controls. They had a real good time. Today we are off to Pennsylvania and tomorrow to Long Island to visit with some family. I have to do all the driving so say a prayer for me. Steve arrives back home from Puerto Rico late on Saturday night so I'm excited about that.

Well, we are off for today's adventures. Have a great day everyone.

Texting

I don't have text messaging access on my cell phone (as many of you found out the hard way in trying to reach me.) Maybe one day that will change -- I'm lucky I can even walk and talk on my cell phone at the same time without tripping over something, let alone try to respond back to a text message with the little buttons on my cell phone. Anyway, thought the following cartoon in the July 2009 Reader's Digest was funny though. Have a great day everyone

Father's Day

Happy belated Father's Day to all you Dads out there. We had a pretty typical day -- church in the morning, out to dinner at an Italian restaurant and home for some pastries and coffee. It was such an added bonus to actually have my dad here with us this year. The weather has not been cooperating for his visit so far, but I think it's supposed to get better in the next few days.

Summer is here and I know it's going to fly by. Chris has been playing outside with his neighborhood friends and giving me a run for my money. I don't know where he gets all his energy, but I'm trying to keep up. Speaking of which.. it's definitely time for a cup of coffee.

SOLD !!!!

After one and a half years on the market, our home in Florida has finally been sold in a short sale (The sale price was less than our mortgage). Trust me when I say that this is an answer to much prayer. It has been a journey of faith and trusting in God for a miracle. We have learned much about how great our God is and about what a "home" is. What we take away from this experience is that God doesn't leave you hanging.. ever. His answer may not be what you want to hear and it may take a long time to get the answer... but knowing that he has our best interest at heart and was working it all out was what kept us going. There were times where we questioned everything.. including did we really do the right thing by moving up here and trying to sell a home in an "unsellable" market. But in the end, we knew in our heart that this is where God intended us to be.. he just needed us to "let go and let God" so to speak.

A house is just that.. a house. After we moved to NJ, we established a new home... home is where your family is. Home can be a small cottage or a huge mansion.. but to me, it just needs to have my hubby and son to be a home. We made this little townhouse our home. Do we have a piece of paper that says we "own" it? No. It may be years before we are able to do so... and we're ok with that. We know that God blessed us with all that we have and we should be grateful for whatever circumstance we are in.

So, thank you Lord for the short sale of our Florida home. We are thankful for the times and memories we have of it and praise you for once again seeing us through a trying and difficult storm.

Thanks to the many of you who have been praying along with us. It gave me so much pleasure to call many of you yesterday to share this great news.

Graduation

We had a proud parenting moment as our little man graduated preschool yesterday. It was a precious ceremony, complete with Chris' own handmade purple cap. We rewarded him afterwards to lunch at the venue of his choice (Applebee's) and followed it with something he wanted to do for a very long time.... a boat ride. We decided to take a ride into NYC and rode the Staten Island Ferry, which much to our shock, was FREE. I guess they figured since it costs you an arm and a leg to drive into the city, not to mention parking, that the least they could do is throw in a free 30 minute ferry ride. He loved the ride and I was so happy to have remembered to bring jackets because that wind can bring quite a chill. We had great views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan, which honestly, still throws me off without the twin towers to anchor it all.

Anyway, we couldn't be prouder of our little guy and I must say, as leery as I was about his having to switch preschools mid-year, he did great and really thrived in this last preschool. His teachers were amazing and I am just so thankful that he was in such a loving and nurturing place.

Today marks more big things for us... my father is coming up from Florida for a 2 week visit. I told him this morning to pack an umbrella -- it's been raining almost everyday so far in June. Also, today Domingo comes home from the nursing home/rehab center. Please, please, please pray for him and for the family. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law will be caring for him at home and, since he is unable to walk or really care for himself, will require a lot of work on their end. We are still trusting in God every step of the way and believing for miracles in Domingo's recovery. God is good!!

A Word About Glitter

I detest glitter. I already have mentioned that I am not a "crafty" mom. Maybe I should restate that and say, I can do crafts that come in a box with instructions...just don't leave me to my own devices to create something from nothing.

So, not being a crafty mom, I don't have things like glitter in my house. For a reason.. I can not stand glitter. It gets on everything!! You know what I mean. Even glitter on greeting cards -- it gets all over. The only thing worse than glitter in my house is glitter in my car.

My little man excitedly came out of school one day not long ago with an art project. It was still wet and, yes, there was an overabundance of glitter. I guess depriving him of glitter at home just encouraged him to use as much glitter he could possibly place on the paper and bring it home. I tried to contain the paper, but as I mentioned, it was wet and since I don't have eyes behind my head and I was driving, I failed to see that it was being waved around. I had glitter everywhere. On seats, on the floor, on the console between the front seats. This stuff seems to multiply. It got on hands, feet, foreheads, necks.

Thankfully, hubby and I were able to deglitter the van with some heavy duty vacuum. Next time I know that any incoming art project with glitter goes straight into a ziploc.

In the Beginning...

Each night, I try to read through Chris' toddler Bible to help reinforce some key biblical facts. I guess I'm afraid that his Sunday School teacher may one day ask him about the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho and he'll wind up reciting the VeggieTales version complete with the giant slushies being thrown at the children of Israel as they walked around the wall.

Anyway, one night this past week, we were discussing creation and Adam and Eve. While tucking him in, I asked him some review questions:

"What did God create?"
"The heavens, the earth, the sun, moon, stars, animals..."

"Great. Now what was the name of the first man and woman that God created?"
"William and Eve"

"William!?!?! No.. it's ADAM and Eve."

"Oh.. ok."

The next morning I thought I'd give it another try.

"What was the name of the first man and woman God created?"

"Alan and Eve"

Hey.. at least we are getting closer.

Prayer Requests

Hi everyone - as you may have guessed, I pre-posted today's Five on Friday. So, I'm posting again today because of a series of events that have taken place. First, for those of you who are Facebook friends or mine, you already know that my brother, Stephen, is in the hospital. We don't have much information, but I am reaching out to everyone to hold him, his wife and their 5 children up in prayer. What I know is this: two days ago he arrived home from work and felt like he was going to pass out. He went to work yesterday, but when he arrived, his coworkers noticed that he wasn't making much sense. He had a severe headache. His coworkers got him to the hospital and they are running tests. He had no recollection of what happened to him in the morning. We are trusting God in this area and pray that the doctors are going to be able to find out what is causing the pain in his head and more importantly, that God will completely heal him.

On another note, please continue to pray for Domingo, my father-in-law. We are facing a crossroad of sorts in his treatment and it looks like the nursing home wants to discharge him because they don't feel he is making much progress. So, our family needs wisdom and guidance as this means he would have to be released home and, because he is not able to walk, he still has a feeding tube and limited mobility on his right side, there are many challenges ahead. Especially in his care and rehab.

I apologize in advance to my family if any of the above information is incomplete. I'm getting pieces of info and I'm just trying to get the word out to have people pray. If for some reason I need to adjust this, I will. Thanks everyone!

Five On Friday

From my recruiting days at a staffing company in Florida and my administrative experience at an executive search firm, here are some resume/interview tips:

1) You had me at "hello" - Be personable to everyone you encounter. From the receptionist to the janitor. First impressions mean a lot and not just to the hiring interviewer. Trust me - if you treat the employer's receptionist and/or secretary like dirt or treat him or her like you are better then them, you will not be invited back for a second interview. It matters more than you think.

2) When trying to submit your resume to a headhunter/executive search firm, do NOT send money. Seriously, you would be surprised how many people attach a dollar bill in hopes that their resume would make it to the top of the pile. It didn't AND my boss always gave me the money attached... Maybe they should send $10 and $20.

3) Don't be late... and if you happen to be late - apologize! Know where your interview is and do a trial run before hand so you know exactly where you have to go.

4) Turn off your cell phone before entering the building. Absolutely no texting either!

5) Speaking of phones - my number one pet peeve -- Answering machines. Whether your cell phone or your home phone. Make sure your message is professional. If you are waiting for a call for an interview, trust me when I tell you that the interviewer does not want to listen to some hip hop or gangsta music on either your cell phone ring tone or on your home answering machine.

The Zoo... Finally!

Here is where I would insert the cutest photo of Chris petting a sheep, walking swiftly through the bird cage, riding the zoo's train or just relaxing and having lunch with his classmates, but my camera batteries decided to give up on me just as we got to the zoo yesterday. Isn't that always the case? I say we finally made it to the zoo, because this was the third attempt for his preschool class to get to the zoo. We've had so much rain that you would think it was April, not June. Yesterday, according to the ever-so-accurate meteorologist, was supposed to be partly sunny and 75 degrees. When the bus pulled up to the zoo yesterday it was 63 and drizzling. It's not nice to mess with a mom who is packing for a field trip. I had an umbrella but decided to ditch the jackets because I was only bringing a small tote bag in addition to another little cooler which housed our lunch. I knew this zoo was very hilly and I didn't want to be carrying anything extra then needed. Needless to say, I would have given anything for that jacket in the first two hours of our trip since I have such a low tolerance for being cold.

Chris rode the school bus for the first time too. Mind you, the zoo was 40 minutes away from his school -- that's a long bus ride for a kid who is experiencing it for the first time. Of course I prepped him for the ride, giving him a blow by blow description of what to expect, what the rules are for riding on a bus and making sure he knew that it would be bumpy. He was excited and I was nervous, especially since the parents were not allowed to ride in the bus. So, I followed closely and am pleased to report that he loved it. In fact, he told the bus driver upon exiting the bus that "this was the best ride EVER!"

The kids did really well despite there being 1600 other kids from around New Jersey at the zoo at the same time. It was really a site to behold. Thankfully no one got lost or injured. We had been at this particular zoo with Chris last year so he was all about getting through the exhibits as quickly as possible and then heading over to the play area and the new carousel. Hearing that he would have to stick with his class and painstakingly wait while everyone ohhd and ahhhd at each animal didn't excite him, but I was very proud of how he behaved (and we did reward him with time at the playground and carousel later in the day).

I know so many working moms don't get these opportunities to go on class trips and I'm so grateful that I was able to be there. Even if it wasn't recorded on my camera. I'm sure I can get copies from someone else. All in all a really nice adventure.

Oh and in case you were wondering, Chris' favorite part of the day --- walking through the huge bird cage (there were a ton of birds in there and, honestly, I was just trying my best not to get pooped on.)

Pay Stub Fiasco

I've been fortunate to have worked at some pretty great companies after graduating from college. I have had terrific bosses, and awesome friends who have become like family and were there for me during some very difficult times...especially when my mother was ill. In fact, 9 of my co-workers had rented a limo and came from Philadelphia to New York for my mother's funeral service. I was so moved and touched by that.

Several months later still healing from the loss of my mom, something very odd happened. Most companies have a direct deposit option for your paycheck and, for the sheer convenience of it, I enrolled in that plan. On this particular pay day, my manager gave me my pay stub and, I always opened it up just to ensure that my overtime was counted, etc. What I found that day when I pulled out the pay stub made my heart stop. There was over $800 missing from my paycheck!! What?!?!? I immediately called the bank to see if perhaps the entire amount was deposited and perhaps my company just made and error. Nope... over $800 missing.

Next, I went into my manager's office to see if she could shed some light on the missing funds. She had no clue and started to call our corporate office to see what was happening. All that was running through my head was, oh no! I have bills that get automatically paid and this money needs to be in my bank account!

After further inspection of the pay stub, there was a little notation that said "Boston Coach - Beth - Personal" Now, Boston Coach is the name of the limo service that we used to provide travel for our company's clients. So, then I thought, maybe there was a mistake and that the travel arrangements I set up for one of my clients was mistaken for my own personal travel. Then the light bulb came one. What had happened was this - when my 9 co-workers came to my mom's funeral, my manager meant to have the charge go to the office as a personal charge. However, our corporate office mistook the information and thought that I had used a limo for myself and thus deducted the $800 from my paycheck. Can you imagine -- your mom just died and now we're going to bill you $800 for it.

It took a few days to straighten out the whole mess (not to mention that the entire Finance Dept was on a company picnic the day this happened and I couldn't reach anybody to help me). Thankfully, none of the checks I had written had bounced.

Check those paystubs!

All Dressed Up With No Place To Go

So today we were supposed to go to the zoo with little guy's preschool class. The trip was canceled last week due to all the rain here in the Northeast and, yet again, I got the call today as I was packing up our cooler that the rain has ruined our plans. What makes it even harder was that we typically don't have to be at school until 10:30 am, but with the field trip I had to meet at the school at 8:30 am. Huge difference in my schedule. So, I'm all dressed up and ready to go, but now have to unpack the cooler, and engage my son and refocus him on a regular school day. At least I had a good hair day. Rain, Rain Go Away!!

Up !

Friday afternoon we ventured out with little guy to the movies. You have to understand how much "prep" went into this.

Our last attempt at going to a movie with him was nothing less of a disaster. He was 4 years old and it was a VeggieTale movie so we figured since he loves VeggieTales, we'd give it a shot. My first clue that this was going to be a bad decision was that the movie theatre did not honor the "free voucher" that we had for Chris to see the movie. I should have just walked away then. But, we had 2 of our babysitter's with us because they just love Chris and we thought it would make him even more comfortable to have them around for his "first" movie experience.

Once inside the theatre, we bought the popcorn and drinks and were dashing into the theatre but Chris caught a glimpse of the video arcade. Once he saw that, he didn't even want to go in the theatre. So, by the time we got inside, the previews had started and the theatre was dark. Dark theatre + toddler + loud noises = disaster! I guess I had forgotten how that surround sound can really boom in the auditorium.

Chris was not having any of it. Having him sit in his seat was near impossible and Steve & I took turns bringing him into the lobby to try and "reason" with him and walk him/talk him through this "wonderful" experience. He was so restless that Steve finally just took him out of the theatre and drove around the neighborhood with him. I was inside the theatre watching the Veggie Tale movie with our son's 2 babysitters.

What happened next was even more unexpected. All of a sudden, I was nauseous... seriously. Sick in the stomach, where's the nearest exit sick. I told the babysitters that we had to leave... NOW! So, halfway thru the VeggieTale movie that cost us about $50 dollars to attend, we walked out. I had to call Steve who was still circling the neighborhood with Chris to swing by the theatre and pick us up before my lunch was displayed on the front steps of the theatre.

When we got home, it was not pretty. I was violently ill and the day was then ruled a disaster. I went to straight to bed and Steve was on patrol.

Needless to say, we waited a year and half to try this again. Chris actually saw the promo for the "Up" movie on TV and told us that he'd like to see it. So, this time, I "practiced" with him how we are supposed to sit in a theatre, I demonstrated how the lights would dim and then turn off, and made sure to mention that parts of the movie were going to be loud and he could just put his hands over his head if it got too loud for him.

Well, I'm happy to report that Friday's trip to see the new Disney movie, Up, was a huge success. He did great!! Very cute movie and it was in 3-D too which made it even better. I couldn't believe he wore the 3-D glasses and didn't complain. He managed to polish off a very large bucket of popcorn and only asked to use the restroom 2x. Hopefully we are well on our way to being able to do this more often -- although movies are expensive these days!!

Free Donut!

The first Friday of June (tomorrow) is National Donut Day, and Dunkin Donuts is giving away a free donut (when you purchase a beverage). Enjoy!!

Empty Me

One of my favorite songs performed here by Chris Sligh, a former American Idol contestant. May this be our prayer every day... to empty ourselves so we can be filled with Christ. Have a great day!!





Lyrics:

I've had just enough of the spotlight
When it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
And I've tasted my share
Of the sweet life
And the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough

I know how i can stray
And how fast my heart could change

Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So i can be
Filled with you

Ive seen just enough of the quick buys
Of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away

I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change
Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So I can be
Filled with you

Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
Compared to you
Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
So I surrender all

Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride

Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So I can be
Lord empty me of me
So I can be
Filled with you.

The Weaver's Work

By Corrie ten Boom

"My life is but a weaving, between my God and me.
I do not choose the colors, He worketh steadily.
Ofttimes He weaveth sorrow, and I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I, the underside.
Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why,
The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weaver's hand.
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned."