Shell Station

We had the opportunity to use a friend's beach house for a few days this past week.

At the risk of sounding covetous, I coveted.

It was a large, beautiful house on 2 lots 1/10 of a mile from the beach.  Wowzers.

There were tons of activities to do at the house, but on the beach, my favorite things to do included jogging and collecting shells.

There were a gazillion sand dollars.  The kids and I started collecting; I have devised a wonderful way to use them for a cool Christmas craft.  I cannot wait.

We started to get picky, however.  I would say, "oooh, that's not the right size" or "that one is broken".  We would toss aside the "undesirables" and continue our search for the perfect shells.

I am so glad that God does not judge me the same way.  I am not the "right" size and frankly, there are times I feel more broken than a mosiac.

He sees the beauty in me and despite me.  He loves and redeems all of me.  And He will never toss me aside.

That is good news for me today.  And every day.

Have a great week!  Amberly

Castle Hassle

We visited Hearst Castle yesterday.

It is an AMAZING collection of marvels in: architecture, mosaics, religious relics, tapestries, gardening, creativity, and beauty.

We got in the tour bus on our way back and without thinking, I said, "Can you IMAGINE having to clean that every day"?

Isn't it crazy that after admiring such a beautiful place, my first thought after leaving the property involved the chores that it might bring?

I am so thankful that the place that Jesus has prepared for me in Heaven does not involve a Swiffer, ostrich feather duster, nor a toilet bowl wand.

Have a great weekend!

Amberly

Write away

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”   ― Maya Angelou

I am working on a book right now. I have had some of my work published before (devotionals, Bible curriculum, etc.), but want to have a whole book published.

I have smiled superficially at my friends and colleagues who have books that have been published in the recent months.  I WANT to be happy for them without the weight of envy, but I frankly have not been able to.

I am envious of their works being published, no doubt. However, my real envy comes from the fact that they have had the tenacity to spend the time it takes to FINISH the work necessary to publish a work.  They have survived rewrites and rejection.  They have burned the midnight oil and the candle at both ends (and all the other idiomatic expression that involve burning) to be successful.

I know that the subject of my book is worth sharing.  I am excited about the encouragement and spurring it could bring to the readers.  When I speak on this subject, the feedback is undeniably strong.  I know the Lord has "given" me this message to share.

I am not excited, however, at the work ahead of me.   I relish your prayers as I continue on this journey as I juggle momhood, wifehood, three paying jobs, and trying to fit into my jeans.

Blessings and thanks!

Amberly

And we're back

After over 4000 miles on the road, countless meals, lots of memories, numerous educational experiences, hours of Broadway tunes, and hugs from family members, the Neese four have returned home.

When we arrived, Megin, one of the two people who took care of our abode whilst we were gone, made preparations for our arrival.  We had a complete dinner, milk, and the makings of a great breakfast in the fridge.   What a treat.

Although it does not fit the description of most people's definition of hospitality, that is exactly that.  She made others feel comfortable through service and care.  Fortunately for us, the "others" were four stinky, travel-weary, and grumpy travelers.

I need to practice more hospitality in my life.  I do not have a big house nor the gift of organization.  My house is often cluttered with homework, permission slips, lesson plans, unread magazines, and ungraded papers - all of which make me feel uncomfortable with the idea of having others over. 

I love the fact that the Apostle Paul encourages me to "practice hospitality" (Romans 12:13).  This is great hope for me.  That means that I need not "perfect hospitality" or "relish the idea of hospitality", I only need practice it.

Although my enchiladas are not as good as hers are, Megin's kindness taught me much about friendship...and true hospitality.

Amberly

Drivin' Me Crazy

We are 4 hours into a 12 hour drive across Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas.

It sounded great on paper to make such a drive – but then again, Communism sounds good on paper…

Already we have made a bathroom stop, played referee to stop a backseat brawl, realized what we forgot to pack, and listened to 40 hits from the 80’s.  We also thanked God for the wind; it made the morning drive much cooler.

That being said, I know that wind is not a blessing for everyone.  It surely cost the lives of 19 brave firefighters in Yarnell, Arizona last Sunday.  It messes up hair, changes golf scores, and takes boats off course.  I have even seen a marked difference in behavior in my classroom when the wind is blowing; the tumult in the air causes a tumult in their behavior.

Wind is a mixed bag (a windbag, as it were).  Jesus calmed it for the disciples, God spoke through it to one of His own, and it is often used as one of the adjectives for the Holy Spirit.  That same wind scared Peter and caused him to take his eyes off of Jesus.

As I write, I can see wind stir up the sediment on the desert floor of New Mexico. 

 

It behooves me to think: When God’s stirs me, do I acquiesce and blow like that dust or do I take my eyes off Him?

Most of the time, I blow it (all puns intended) and try and “understand” it all instead of trusting in His love, His care, and His movement in my life.

As the great philosopher / band Kansas once said, “All we are is dust in the wind.”  

Just a thought... now back to the 80's music.

Amberly