Melissa's Fall 2008 Top Ten
Greetings blog-land! I do believe it has been months since my last entry and I could not wait another minute to say hello. Seriously, I miss all of you fine women! Unsurprisingly, my Mom has been working me harder than ever before over the past few months. The name of the game has been ‘focus' and 'more focus' and so unfortunately my blog time was obliterated. So, in an effort to catch up with you, I’ve composed a list of my top ten Fall 2008 highlights. You’ll find that they are in completely random order. I know, how predictable, right? So here goes:
1. Living Proof Christmas Pictures. Have I mentioned how awful our Christmas pictures were last year? They were beyond hideous. The weather was so humid in Houston that not even photo-shop could cover the multitude of our hair sins. Well, this year we were determined to have better results. All was going well until my Mom looked at me half-way through and said, in front of everyone, “Melissa, check your barn-door.” This was my Mom’s archaic way of telling me that my zipper was wide open. Yes, apparently, my fly had been open throughout the entire first half of the photo-shoot. So much for earning respect from my fellow LPM staff!
2. Seeing a true Autumn season for the first time in my life. I walked around my neighborhood in Atlanta last weekend with tears in my eyes. The trees were raining leaves in all kinds of glorious colors. I will ponder that moment in my heart for as long as I live, a moment when I was content with merely having a set of eyes to see the beauty of God’s creation.
3. Reading Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense by N.T. Wright. What a great and refreshing read. Here is just one quote I love, “the Bible isn’t simply a repository of true information about God, Jesus, and the hope of the world. It is, rather, part of the means by which, in the power of the Spirit, the living God rescues his people and his world, and takes them forward on the journey toward his new creation, and makes us agents of that new creation even as we travel” (191). Just a glimpse into this wonderful book.
4. The Siesta Fiesta in San Antonio still makes the list! Not only did I have such a wonderful time seeing many of you in the flesh, but I am still pondering the profound implications that the theme of inheritance has for us as the covenant people of God. I have a feeling that we have barely scratched the surface of that one. What a great time of fellowship, worship, and the Word!
5. Walking into my home in Atlanta last week to find an embarrassing display of flowers and a new sweater from Colin Fitzpatrick. The best part was that it was completely unexpected. I mean, we weren’t in a fight or anything! I never knew that a little bouquet of flowers could mean so much. I’m learning more and more that little thoughtful things make the big things in marriage a whole lot smoother. I love my husband madly and I’ve had so much fun settling down into ‘normal’ life with him.
6. Auditing a Hebrew Reading class. We have translated Deuteronomy, some of the Psalms, and are scheduled to translate some of 1&2 Kings for next week. That is a whole lot of Hebrew, let me tell you! It has been so fun to be back in the formal classroom. My strength as a Biblical Research Assistant would be greatly diminished if I did not keep up with my Hebrew and Greek reading skills.
7. Driving to Macon, Georgia to visit our very own Georgia Jan. She is even more charming in person than she is in blog-world. We ate at a quaint little French-country restaurant called “The Back-Burner.” If you live near there, I strongly recommend it. Georgia Jan is my kind of woman- she can cook and talk some Scripture. A rare woman, indeed.
8. Teaching LIT. My Mom and I have been co-teaching a class for 17-25 year old women. This Bible Study is unlike anything we’ve ever done at Living Proof. For better or worse, I planned and outlined the study. It has been fun to actually see it run its course, in spite of how absolutely over-ambitious it was. I am really proud of my Lit ladies. They’ve paid attention to all kinds of tedious things, including transmission issues, translation theory, and biblical genres. And that is only a start. Just in case you may be interested, we asked them to do the following for their bonus project:
- Choose any passage (about 5-9 verses) of interest, preferably a passage that you are not overly familiar with.
- Read the passage several times, at least twice out loud.
- What book of the Bible is your passage in? Who is the author? Who are the Recipients? What is the occasion and genre of the book?
- Compare your original Bible translation (whether it is NIV, NASB, etc.) to other translations- use at least three or four translations. Make note of the significant changes/differences in a chart or some other helpful way.
- If there is a word that sticks out to you in your original Bible translation, use a concordance to do a word study on that word. What is the Hebrew or Greek word that your English translation is rendering? Where else is it used?
- Are there any topics/places/concepts in your passage that are unfamiliar to you? Use a Bible Dictionary to look up unfamiliar concepts and to answer general questions.
- After you have done as much of the leg-work as you know how or have time to do, then consult one or two solid commentaries on your passage.
- Conclude with how these resources contributed to your understanding of the passage. (P.S. I just noticed that I created an outline within an outline. I am annoyed by my own self. Anyhow, I really am so proud of the Lit girls. Some have already turned in their assignments. I could have cried reading one of them today. I was astounded by the spiritual insight. We all bring something important and different to the interpretive table, with our various experiences and backgrounds. It is beautiful. I can’t wait to read the rest of them.)
9. Making the entire Thanksgiving menu in Mid-October for our next-door neighbors. I made my very first Turkey! I labored for two days straight. I stuffed it with fresh sage and quartered onions and all kinds of stuff. I also made two different kinds of stuffings, a traditional cornbread stuffing and an apple-rye stuffing. Both were divine. Did I mention that my husband has gained ten pounds since we got married? Blush. I’m so proud.
10. Waiting in anticipation for my sweet niece that is coming into the world this February! Glory to God in the highest! I got her the cutest little diva boots. I am not sure Amanda went for them, though. Boo. (Amanda says: Whatever! I LOVED them!)
Enough talk about me, though, what the heck have y’all been up to? What have been the highlights of Fall 2008 for YOU? So please, de-lurk and tell me how you are, if only for the sake of proper social reciprocity!
Much Love,
Melissa
Labels: Melissa
posted by Melissa @ 7:41 PM
181 Comments
181 Comments:
Hi Melissa! Loved your Top Ten list. How awesome you met with GaJan! I agree totally on how fabulous she is. And genuine. Her heart is as big as Texas!
I'll do a quick Top Five...
1. Of course, the Siesta Fiesta was grand. The trip there and back, the city, the siestas I met, the TEACHING (so awesome!), the shopping and the worshipful singing at the event. It was wonderful and a memory I'll treasure forever. And I got to hug Amanda!
2. Praying 40 days prior to the election. Beautiful time spent with my Jesus. No matter what, He is my safe Haven.
3. A new nativity purchased! I bought a nativity this fall. One by Karen Hahn. I can't wait to display it for Christmas. Oh, I just can't wait for Christmas, period!
4. Studying Jeremiah. I am so humbled. It has been a much-needed reminder of how holy my God is and what He requires of me.
5. Fall colors and smells. Our leaves here in this part of Georgia have been so beautiful! I drive I-16 5 days a week and it is a glorious sight to see the trees decked out in their colorful drama. I bought a few candles the other day scented with "warm apple pie" and they have been adding a wonderful fragrance to my dining room. I see God in the creation and He just takes my breath away.
Enjoy those flowers from your sweet Colin...
Much love!
Deborah
Melissa I will agree with you about our Fall in Atlanta... breathtaking! God is so good to provide us with such beauty.
Thanks for the update and for wanting to hear ours!
My top three:
1. Campfires with my whole family on a mini-vaction "luxury camping."
2. Having mornings to myself now that my youngest is in pre-school!!!
3. Seeing God work in our church through the food pantry ministry (that I can volunteer with now - see #2) and our Monday night Wising Up study. You know, I decided to start leading Beth's studies at my church because I wanted to do them, but the ladies who take each journey with me have become as precious to me as the teaching.
1) Beautiful fall here in Colorado--good and slow in the turning of the colors!
2) Having Ethan and Ezra show up at our door on Halloween--both have been very much in need of prayer for their lives this year.
3) Seeing cookbooks go out our door and enjoying the comments from thankful Siestas!
4) My Chris having a wonderful job this year, where just today they told him he was awesome! An engineer likes to hear that once and again.
5) Learning to do new things, like knitting 2 washcloths!
6) Finding my energy again after a health issue a year ago.
7) Enjoying our family like nobody's business!
8) Seeing the Lord daily bear my burdens! Thank you, Father!
9) Finding that "face down" through Stepping Up has truly changed my life.
10) Seeing the LORD in the dailyness of life and finding such peace in knowing He really does care for me.
LOVED meeting you, Melissa! I have always thought we'd be such good friends, if we lived close by.
AND I love what God is doing through you and Amanda, seeing the up and coming servants in this generation. Well done, good and faithful ones. Your Mama and Daddy did so well.
You sooo do not need my top ten - BORRINGGG!!! :) Not really! But I thought I'd come out of the lurking shadows and share that your bonus homework sounds suspiciously similiar to our fall study on the Psalm of the Ascents - hmmmm mayhaps you are related to the author :) Glad to hear about your life and your vigorous study of the Word! You are a blessing!
Dena
Great to hear from you, Melissa. Thanks for the tips on Biblical exegesis.
I'm teaching a Bible study class on The Questions of Jesus. "What do you want?" "Why do you worry?" "Why are you so afraid?" "Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" "Where are you?" This has been an incredible study and very interactive when the Lord asks us the same questions. Jesus has such a unique way of clarifying what's really in our hearts and His use of questions shoots straight to the target.
Glad to hear you are still cooking up a storm. It's a great time of year for culinary delights!
Blessings to you!!
Melissa, one of my highlights this fall was going to my first-ever writers conference. Not only was the learning experience wonderful, but I got to meet a bloggy friend and also won first place in one of the categories of the conference writing contest. What a gift from God!
Another highlight was a surprise visit from our daughter and her boyfriend. I walked into church one Sunday, and there they were. I was beyond excited! :)
The fall colors have been magnificent here in NC as well. We moved a few miles down the road this year and have found that, in addition to cheaper gas, there's a nature preserve nearby that has put on a amazing display of colors. I grew up in Texas and my first fall out here simply took my breath away; I never knew it could look like this!
You are so right about the little things in marriage adding up to something big.
Best things for me this year?
My kids being healthy, happy, and both getting baptized in the last year.
My hubby and I enjoying our 12th year of marriage.
Teaching a SS class that has challenged me to study the Word and rely on the Holy Spirit for a talent that is truly only from Him. (I can't believe I actually read things in more than one translation and then look words up).
Deeper Still conference in Atlanta- just plain awesome.
The highlight of this season was the birth of my daughter on November 4th - three weeks early and "small for gestational age," she is a tiny four-and-a-half-pounds of perfection.
1. Soccer. 7 y/o daughter's team is in the semi-finals and hopefully finals tomorrow (Saturday).
2. A Christmas Carol. Our church is doing the broadway musical this year. Big undertaking. Both daughter and I are in it. She's playing Scrooge's sister at 8 yrs.
3. BSF. We are studying the Life of Moses and we're currently in Exodus 18-19. What an incredible blessing it has been so far.
4. Our group of couples is continuing to meet and we're going through a series of Nooma DVDs. Have you heard of them? Great conversation starters.
5. Our couple group's dinner party still makes my list. It was in September as we finished Experiencing God as Couples. We had Rack of Lamb with Sun-Dried Cherry Sauce, risotto and green beans. And chocolate fondue for dessert. It was a wonderful night of good food and good company. It will remain a highlight for a very long time.
6. Getting to attend the Life Today taping and joining up with some Siestas as we waited in line to be seated. It was a blessed weekend.
So, I didn't come up with 10.
FUN to hear from you, Melissa!!
Top three highlights:
1. My oldest daughter's wedding in September after she waited patiently for that godly man for 29+ years! Praise the Lord Almighty!
2. My middle daughter and her husband welcoming their first baby into the world and thus making me a Grandmother, just days ago! Again, praise the Lord!
3. Doing the Deeper Still study on the life of David. Could those 3 powerful teachers be any more anointed! Wow. It is knocking my socks off to study with them!
We love you and pray for you!!
LOVE your list! Here’s a look at my fall:
1. Enjoying the sunrises on the drive in to work-until the time change!
2. Facilitating the Stepping Up bible study.
3. The women in our small group bible study. Giving each one a devotional at the end-loved the surprised excitement on their faces!
4. Beginning once a week prayer with a prayer/accountability partner.
5. My husband baking me a made-from-scratch apple pie! Yum!
Oh, Melissa, I am still laughing out loud at the thought of your mom telling you to check your barn door!
Thank you so much for sharing with us! I enjoyed meeting you in S.A. and especially hearing you talk to and about "Dr." Bowen. We've faciliated your mom's studies together for the last few years! She's an amazing woman!
Blessings
Michelle
Melissa- It was so great to hear from you. Here's a quick update. I had a beautiful baby girl this fall. I had to smile when you said you bought your niece boots. I just purchased the cutest boots for my little girl.
Fall is the South is the best- especially in TN and GA.
Happy Fall, Melissa!
Glad you’re back and doing well. Are you going to share your stuffing recipes? Loved your Bible Digging outline.
As for me…doing well…thanks for asking.
1. Living Leviticus
Thanks to you, I’ll never look at infectious diseases the same again…hahaha… Started charting out the sacrifices (finished Burnt), when I was prompted to go to Hebrews 9-10. I took that to mean…”new covenant, Susan." He led me to the Timothys. Good thing… needed them for # 2 below.
2. False Alarm
On Monday, thought I might be moving to Raleigh, NC to join AnGeL Ministries. God made it clear that it was not the right time to go back to work.
3. Dinos playing with Lions
My Drew (6) and Devin (3) were a Dinosaurs and Lion. Probably last Halloween that I’ll be able to dress them in cute costumes.
4. Exam- 2 days/10 hours
Sweet hubby (also gained double digits our first year of marriage) left his career 13 months ago to study for and take the Certified Financial Planner exam on Nov 21-22. Were in the home stretch. PRAYER APPRECIATED.
5. Chick Night
Many lives were changed for eternity as a result of the outreach event. Thank you all for praying!!
6. 2008 Spiritual Resolution
Realized recently that the “Taming my Tongue” resolution was untamed. Taking “Conversation Peace” study.
7. Can’t leave off with the imperfect # six. Hahaha.
With that…let me tame this entry. So sorry so long.
Love you,
Susan
Melissa, It is great to hear from you. My fall actually wouldn't appear to some as a very great fall. But really it was a time when we are seeing blessings without measure. My husband has been sick since January and finally in July, a doc decided to do a EKG and discovered he had suffered several heart attacks and had "the worse blockage they had ever seen". The first doc's would not do bypass and said he needed a transplant. We stepped back and pondered that for a week and then decided to go for a second opinion. From the very first appointment things were different and to make a long story short, we have been home from the hospital for 2 weeks tomorrow and he is doing great! We saw Gods hands in everything that happened with us and I can not tell you the peace we both had through it all. It was amazing.
During my husbands recouperation I took the Psalms of Accent and began to re-read it at a slower pace, mapping out the Feast with dates and activites related to them. Also, I have added other teachings realted to the Feast one of which is a Jewish preacher who is familiar with the tradtions and festivities. While I was doing Psalm of Accent last fall, I was so excited about the timing of the Feast and the things that happen through out the Bible in these time of celebrations and the prospect of our Lords return happening during the last feast. I have wanted to go back and do a deeper study ever since. I have already learned so much and I'm not out of the first week! And I'm am SO excited!
It is a wonderful Fall! And I am so happy to hear for the third member of the DYNAMIC TRIO... :)
Hi Melissa, your fall sounds like it's been awesome. And that bonus project sounds right up my alley.
Here's my top 5 of the fall:
1) Leading a bible study at work- we are doing a Kay Arthur study called Lord Give Me A Heart For You- it has been soooo good.
2) The Christmas Open House at my workplace. We had great food, got to listen to some wonderful christmas music and enjoyed seeing a lot of people come through. Always a great time.
3)Arts and Crafts Fair here in town. It's one of my favorite things to do in the fall. Good food. Arts. Crafts. Good food.
4)The splendid fall foliage we've had in my neck of the woods. Absolutely divine!
5)Starting a blog. I wanted to do it for so long and finally got up the courage to do so this September. It has been such a blessing and I've met some wonderful people already.
The highlight? A year ago today, my marriage was on the rocks, and divorce was inevitable. But God did a miracle and this fall (as oppose to last) my marriage is back together and my children are doing great. Amazing what God can do in a year if you co-operate with Him and yield (and forgive). All Glory to God.
Florida Girl
It is so good to hear from you Melissa. I share this big city of Atlanta with you and yes, the fall and spring seasons are absolutely gorgeous with God's hand in full panoramic view. I live in the Dunwoody/Norcross area and I've always been taken back by the beauty of the trees and landscaping. I tell folks who only believe Texas is the place to live that they are missing what God created in landscape here. FYI ... A wonderful place to take some girlfriends for lunch is The Farmhouse in Dunwoody. It's in a historic home in downtown Dunwoody and has a delicious and delicate lunch menu ... be sure to make reservations. Also, you and Colin would love a drive to Elijay where you can often visit pumpkin/apple farms while enjoying the gorgeous drive through the mountains.
God bless you Amanda. I'm saying a prayer for you and Colin tonight.
Melissa! It is so good to hear from you! Thank you for the update on what you've been up to. The LIT class sounds like it is going great! And the Siesta Fiesta definitely is something that I will always remember too:) I had to chuckle when you told us that Colin has gained 10 pounds since you married. My husband and I did the same thing- Something about wanting to cook and making your home, just adds the weight on:)
A quick top 3 from me:
1. The smell of pumpkin and apple spiced candles
2. The colder weather that makes the warm sweaters and scarfs reappear
3. The beautiful array of colors in the leaves
Don't be a stranger around here- We love to hear from you!
Love,
Tara
Lots going on here in the PROFBAUGH household. Here are some highlights:
1. My son is finishing his senior year in college as an urban/cross cultural ministry major>. Looking at grad schools/seminaries now.
2. I'm working with a spiritual life coach who is "kicking my butt" by pushing me "deeper still".
3. We've been praying like crazy for our 4 year old pooch, Payton who has been very sick. PTL she's getting better bit by bit.
4. The Siesta Fiesta was a definite highlight of the fall for me.
5. We welcomed a new pastor at our church. He's been really great and our small, country, new-start church is growing.
OH MY WORD, Melissa. That assignment got my juices flowing! I'm going to do it...and man, do I need to sign up for a Lit class.
Also, love the quote from the book. My Mom is starting to come to terms with who Jesus really is after a long life of a lot of religion and not much relationship...and she has been wondering, "isn't God bigger than the Bible?" I'm going to send her this quote, it's just what I've been trying to explain.
Are you going to give us the recipe for the apply rye stuffing? Sounds yummy!
PS--I'm a new Siesta. :-)
Loved hearing from you! My highlight for the fall was having baby #4! Our sweet Daniel is now almost 4 weeks old and we are enjoying him like crazy! He was born at home with a midwife........I still get teary-eyed thinking about his birth. God is so gracious and the gift of life is so precious - He is THE CREATOR - and I am in awe of His blessings!
Hey chicadee! Love the post. The trees here in Alabama are breathtaking too! I am constantly trying to find the words to compliment God with on His fine work with creation, but my words are so limited. I can't help but think, if this is just something He thought up in His mind, then how much more beautiful He must be!
This season of my life is very intense. Starting in August I have been working on breaking free from the old man and learning to live through the Spirit. I have never known or believed or wanted God for myself like I have these past couple of months. Its like I am waking up to new life and I am noticing and appreciating His creation nowadays as if I have never even seen it before. The more I know Him the more I realize how much of a babe I am in Christ. I feel like, spiritually speaking, I am a little fawn trying to walk, but my knees keep wobbling too much....
Hey, is there any way you could post the work you give the girls at Lit? I know I'm pathetic for asking, but I'm desperate! I'm so ignorant when it comes to the Word compared to you and your mom and I often wonder what it would be like to know what you know. Pray that I keep going with Him and don't stop! I love you girl!
Awwl!! You went to Macon?? I am from Warner Robins!! I go there a couple weekends out of the month to visit family, because I am in school in Augusta, Ga..at the moment. I have one year left!! Woo Hoo!
Well.. it's fun to know that you're a Georgia Peach too! God does love fruit!!! *wink*wink*
Hi Melissa! I'm loving this autumn season as well! I don't remember when I've paid as much attention to how beautiful the fall leaves are! Two of my biggest fall highlights this year is finding this blog(feeling like I have met amazing sisters in Christ and friends) and my two children. Their birthdays are in October and November. It seems I've only blinked and they've gone from babies to teenagers! Awesome kids these two! God Bless!
charlotte - in Georgia
I saw some real live crowns in New Orleans today and they were BLING. I mean BLING. I was wondering if I should buy one to wear to the breaking free taping to show that I truly believe I am an heiress like your mom said. Then, I decided not to be a stumbling block. You know I am kidding I wouldn't have worn it!!
Love you guys!!!!
ps I am coming to thanksgiving!! I hate to invite myself
I love your being in awe over leaves.
I lost a baby a few years back and was in a funk I didn't know I'd ever recover from. God absolutely peeled my eyes back to His presence and tenderness toward me by allowing the colors of the fall leaves to invade my gray world. I'll never forget that moment as long as I live.
I always love your posts! :)
Melissa,
So great to "see" your sweet face! I've missed reading your posts. Here's my list for Fall 2008 Top (Let's not commit to a number just yet).
1. Attending the Breaking Free Live taping with your sweet Mom. In fact, we have one more day! What an amazing blessing this has been! (I've been so awestruck to look back at my old book and see how far I've traveled with the Lord. It's been an adventure)
2. A week in Smoky Mountains with my man -- love getting away for some us time! And I love that he loves it just as much as I do!
3. Finishing my manuscript after lots of edits, additions and all that wonderful jazz. But I'm blessed to have such an incredible publisher (Thomas Nelson) publishing my book.
4. Meeting Siestas at the Breaking Free taping -- love me some Tammy (Grateful in Ga), Jenny Hope, Traci from KY, Di from Ohio, Vicki from Eufala and Linda from KY. And all the others whose name I don't know.
5. Doing and then leading the No Other God study. The Lord used this study to make a huge impact on my life!
6. Spending time with my sweet daughters -- Paige and Charity (who's been married a whole 6 months now).
7. Enjoying the beautiful fall colors of the south (it's amazing, isn't it Melissa?). I love the changing colors!
Looks like it's going to be a top 7.
Hi Melissa......
1. Let's see, it's been football, football, and more football around our house.
2. I just received the "John, the Beloved Disciple" 90 day devotional and I am LOVING it.
3. I have perfected my mom's Green Chile Stew recipe, thank you very much HEB for your hatch green chiles.
4. I spoke for the first time at a women's event and now have even more admiration for you ladies that do that sort of thing all the time.
5. I've been dumpster diving for a retainer twice.
That about does it.......oh, how I long for some fall color around here, but Houston just does not bring it in the fall. I hope you enjoyed every second of it!!
oh...so good to hear from you girl!
Sounds like you have been a busy little bee!
As you've asked...here are my top events for the Fall of 2008:
1. Joining and completing "A Woman's Heart" with a wonderful group of ladies at church! Quite a story as the church is 50 miles away from my home so I've had the joy of sleep-overs on Monday nights with my table leader Robin as well as a sweet co-worker who is a buddahist(God is going to do amazing things in that relationship!).
2. Spending time with my new (2months)niece Kensley....ohhhhh she is soooo very cute! Never knew how much you could love another person but between her, her brother Cole, and my nephews Evan and Isaac, I am slayed!
3. Seeking God in the daily grind and stress of my job. I am an early intervention teacher for young children with autism and currently I am fatigued and struggling with sensing purpose and direction with my career. I know that I make a difference...just feeling overwhelmed right now!
4. Enjoing the unusually warm fall weather here in sunny California! Today it was 77!!!!
5. That said, anticipating the cold weather so that I can bust out my cute coats!!! (I have a slight love affair with cute coats!)
Fall Top 10..Session 1 - 9 of New Orleans Taping of Breaking Free. Tomorrow will be 10 & 11 but I don't think it will top 8 & 9. We keep saying that it can't get any better but each night it does. Worship tonight rocked!! I can't sleep tonight. I just keep hearing myself say over and over to God, "I love you , too." and He says it right back to me.
New Orleans may not have all the colors of fall, ours are very muted, but this fall we are blessed by Breaking Free. And what an incredible blessing it will be to the rest of the world.
Melissa, love the post. Living about 120 miles northwest of you in Fort Payne, Alabama, we are so blessed each year to be in a valley with mountains where we can see the seasons change. God is so creative.
Would like to share a few of my highlights-
1. Celebrated 20 years with my soulmate and partner in this life. He truly is the love of my life.
2. Attended LPL in Louisville with my best friend. What an awesome time of fellowship and worship.
3. About to wrap up He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer with a group of ladies on Sunday nights. Just what I needed during this season.
4. Have to lift up a praise for answered prayer. Have a 25 year old stepdaughter who has suffered with bulimia for 6 years. She is back at home with us since Mother's Day after being in the hospital twice and almost dying. She finally was able to find a job about 3 weeks ago. A major praise. I would love to hear from any siestas who have dealt with family members who have had eating disorders. Some days it gets lonely because very few people understand the rollercoaster ride. Things are so much better but lots of prayer still needed for a full recovery.
5. In our community we have been known as the sock capital of the world. But now we have had several factories close and so many people laid off in just the past several months. God has allowed me to witness some of the stuggles families are facing and is helping me see just how blessed I am and how we are called to help those in need right at our back door.
6. A son who is 17 and safely driving so far. He is such a blessing to me.
7. Coming to Atlanta December 5th for my hubby's birthday to see the Hawks play. They are finally doing good.
I love your writing. Your whole family is a blessing to me. Love to you and yours.
Melissa, I am totally jealous that your doing this LIT for 17-25 yr olds and teaching them how to dive and study the word. I wish I lived in Houston so I could attend. I loved the outline you gave us. Do you hear the printer printing????. Its a keeper for me. I pray that you and your Mom do somekind of video study for this.
As far as the fall, I have been preparing to do a speaking event for 500+ women on the Wonder of Gods love. I have anxiety already and overwhelmed. I dont know how your MOM does it with a stadium full!!! I cant tell you how many times I have had to run to the bathroom because the nervous knots are already starting. Strengthen me Jesus. I love you, I love your writing and you are precious. To God be the Glory in all you do for this ministry. PS.. I wish it was fall for at least 4 months so we could look at those colors.
Hey Melissa,
Loved your list! I loved that you got the baby boots! How cuute!
I'll give y'all my top 5:
1. Attending the Simulcast (wasn't fall exactly, I think, but I had so wanted to go to one. Thought I'd have to wait till next year..but we found out 3 weeks before that I could actually go.) I was beyond excited. We could call this one the Top Fav. thing of the yr.
2.Doing the "Breaking Free" study.
3. Being able to get back into choir, b/c I am no longer "stuck in night school" during practice night. :D
4. No more final exams, since I'm finally done with grad school (finished in July).
5. Reading y'all's wonderful blogs.
Hey Girl! If you ever get the urge to drive to Lexington Ky...come on up and we'll have a blast :) My treat!!
Here is my list:
1. walking into what I thought was the room for the siesta PJ party yelling "heyyyy siestas" only to realize I had walked into a military conference ceremony with everyone full salute. Oops!
2. Getting my picture taken with Momma Beth at the siesta! I photo-shopped it to look like it was just the two of us at starbucks!! I needed my moment OK?!!
3. Saving my own life and the life of the poor lady next to me from what I thought was a man jumping out of the bushes coming to attack us....but it was really just a noisy heater turning on outside the building and rattling the bushes! What can I say....Jesus will save your soul and I'll work on savin' your flesh!
I could go on...but I'll stop for now!!!
Looking forward to doing a scripture study in the manner you suggested. I've always wanted to have a way to guide myself to insights - just reading never seems like enough.
I enjoyed visiting a more seasonal region of the country this fall as well.
Most people don't realize that Florida also has 4 seasons there just different than other places - We have Summer's Almost Here, Summer, Summer's Almost Over, & the shortest - Christmas
It is nice to have jacket weather in October.
God has totally been teaching me to rely on HIm this fall. My husband and I are preparing to move to Tanzania (East Africa) as missionaries next March. We rarely know where our next paycheck will come from right now, but God has provided EVERY SINGLE TIME. I have never trusted Him more and it is such a peaceful thing to give Him all my worries.
I shall not be socially improper. Here goes:
1. Having 3 of 4 daughters and their families home in September
2. A perfect weather day at San Antonio Sea World with the Rowdy Girls, my twin 2year old granddaughters, and their parents and Grandpa.
3. Wednesday morning Bible study--Wising Up. I'm loving this study.
4. Playing in two adrenaline pumping symphony concerts
5. Attending the live musical, All Shook Up, with my husband.
6. Morning rehearsals with the piano ensemble.
7. 3 (so far) performances with my violin students. One on the city sidewalks, one for a music club, one for Junior League's Christmas fund raiser.
8. Raising funds and gathering gift cards for families devastated by Hurricane Ike and living in Austin.
9. Weekends with my husband, however quiet or busy they may be.
10. Listening to sermon podcasts while I work out at the gym. It's good for my body, soul, and spirit.
Melissa,
Our highlight this fall actually comes through the struggles we are enduring at this moment. Although my husband and I have 4 beautiful children, we have just suffered our 4th straight miscarriage in two years. We feel God has told us we will have another child but we have lost 1 at 8 weeks, 2 at 11-12 weeks and 1 at 15 weeks.
How can this be a highlight for me when my heart is aching over these losses? Because over these difficult two years, I have become closer to my God, learning to love Him more and asking Him to show me His glory and let me hear His voice. With past pregnancies, I have been reluctant to share the good news because it has been painful to have to return to tell them about our loss. However, this time, God told me it was alright to tell people. Thinking this pregnancy would be different, I began telling the women of my church and the ladies in my homeschool circle about this pregnancy, our struggles and asking for their prayers for this baby. I prayed daily, specifically, as Hannah did for Samuel ("I asked God for him") for this baby and making sure I gave everything to Him to do His will. When we found out we had yet again lost another baby, I discovered why God wanted me to share my story. I began to feel His warmth and love wrap around me through the concern, love and prayers of these precious women. To hear them ask about me and the baby, knowing that they really cared and that they were presenting my struggles before Him has been such a comfort to me. He is showing His love and I am hearing His voice through these dear friends of mine, some I barely know. They have come alongside me as true sisters in Christ and I am extremely grateful to Him who not only has blessed me with His Son but cares so much about me that he has blessed me with these friends. Although I'm struggling more this time physically and emotionally, I also feel stronger and more sure every day that it is NEVER a bad day when you KNOW that God is still on His throne!!! I have had more desire to be in His word, to reach out to other women in their hurts and struggles and to want more of Him every day until I'm just bursting with His love! I have also felt closer to my dear husband and am more in love with him now than I was when we married 10 years ago. He has been my earthly rock and support and is truly my best friend! Thank you, Jesus!!
I don't know what God has in store for our future or why we are struggling with this "secondary infertility" but I know that the "why" is not nearly as important as the fact that He loves and cares for me and I'm delighted to be able to say that, without a doubt, God is never absent, asleep or uncaring. He never takes a coffee break nor does He delight in watching us struggle. He is sifting me for His glory and as I cling to Him, I am thrilled to know that He has heard my prayer.....I am receiving more of Him every day, seeing His glory and hearing His voice.
Jesus is MY Fall 2008 highlight! Amen!
Praising Him!
tulip in Idaho
Ah, Melissa, it's good to have you back. Thanks for what you do behind the scenes for the studies that God uses in profound ways through your mom!
'08 has been a tough year in Kenya. Last week, though, I turned 40, and chose to look back over some of the highlights of my life so far. It was a fun excercise and a reminder of what an AMAZING GOD we serve.
I won't bore you with the details here. You can find the entry on my blog. It's called THE VIEW (since a teenage friend said I am now "on the hill." I thought the view from the top of the hill is rather splended.
Be blessed, siesta.
Melissa,
If you think fall colors are great in Atlanta, you should have been here in our North Georgia mountains. Strangest fall I've seen in a while. First we had the yellows in early October, then in late Oct and early November in came the reds and rusts. Stunning, just stunning.
My top 5 in 2008 are:
1. Siesta Fiesta - what a blast
2. That I did not find one gray hair in my head!!! Praise Jesus!! Could be cuz I don't let the color grown off enough for the grays to peek through!! LOL
3. How hugely the Lord has blessed my speaking ministry.
4. That my family have been healthy and so very blessed even in these tough economic times.
5. This is yet to come, but that I will be having an opportunity to co-teach our Sunday night sermon/message with my pastor (www.fbcvision.com) on 11/16 - tomorrow night. Being a Baptist, you can understand how very HUGE this is. I'm praying that there are no hymn books that get thrown at me!! LOL Only one other time have we had a woman speak a message/sermon from our pulpit and thankfully that was well received, so I am hopeful that the legalism that can be so rampant won't rear it's ugly head!!
It is good to hear from you. Come visit us in these beautiful north GA mountains!!
Leah
For you, I will happily de-lurk. Favorite things this fall:
1. Having my parents hang out in Alaska with my family for the past five weeks (we're getting a wee taste of what life is like for all of you who have family living nearby).
2. Attending more football and basketball games and gymnastic meets than I ever could have fathomed.
3. Writing and teaching a Bible study to a group of girlfriends (this one was SO MUCH FUN but SO MUCH WORK. Oh my. Beth - I would think of you so often and marvel at how you've let the Lord use you. Every week felt like "finals" week in college. I think for whatever study the Lord has next - I'll make sure it is all mapped out and written beforehand. Anyway - I didn't know my admiration and appreciation for you could get any higher - but I was wrong).
4. Picking blueberries one Sunday afternoon on a mountain's edge in the fog and keeping an eye out for hungry grizzly bears. It was beautiful and scary all at the same time.
5. Enjoying my new little Poogle puppy (Beagle and Poodle mix) - named Cosette (think Les Miserable - which, it turns out, is apt given how miserable house training has been); but little Cozy is too, too cute. I think God stopped Himself early on the "Dog Template" and realized He'd created something so perfect and uncomplicated (for the most part; albeit there are some dogs out there who could probably use a therapist's couch). Thank You, Lord, for dogs.
Warm in Alaska.
My greatest fall highlight has been seeing my eighteen year old daughter grow closer to the Lord and His word. I have terrific kids, no where near as rebellious as their mother was at their age. However, our oldest daughter started to turn away from God and even her family a bit. I finally figured out that my talking to her was doing nothing. After about two years of prayer and a careful eye on her, we have seen God do some pretty big things in her life. She has really develop a very tender heart towards her family and others. Totally God! Long story short, we now love to call her "little preacher" in a loving, not obnoxious way, because she is always telling us what she has read in devotions recently as well as living in out in her life.
Thank you Jesus!
Hi Melissa!
That's a wonderful list. We moved here to TN in 2005 from Phoenix AZ, where I had lived for 35 years, so this is my third "real" Fall, and it is just glorious. I stopped the car and pulled off the road last week to take some pictures; kids thought I was nuts....
OK - here's my list:
1. Siesta Fiesta - getting to finally meet my sweet friend Melana in person! Plus meeting Tiffany and Veronica...
2. Fall (see above)
3. Finished up a Bible Study I had started this spring - 'Secrets Jesus Shared' by Jennifer Kennedy Dean. The last week on the parables of forgiveness moved and convicted me deeply.
4. Seeing my kids participate in Fall sports - softball and football, even though both teams had losing seasons...
5. We adopted two new kitties - one named "Handle" (her tail is a completely different color from the rest of her body) and the other named "Blue Meanie", just because he's bluish-gray and feisty
6. Starting a blog.... Well I've set it up, and am motivated to start blogging...
7. Finding the nativity set my daughter made back in first grade - it survived our move to TN!!! She made it entirely out of paper and scotch tape, and when she first showed it to me, there was something like a picket fence, which she had colored yellow, all around the nativity scene. I asked her what that was and she said "...that's the glory of the Lord - it shone all around them." And then she gave me a look like I was dense or something....
8. Taking 8 girls to Girl Scout camp last weekend. Had an absolute blast, weather was perfect, and we made some wonderful memories.
9. Loving my family...
to Kittyhox - CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Enjoy your sweet presents from Colin! Yes, those unexpected surprises are wonderful no matter how many years married (13 for me).
Here are the highlights from VA:
1. Volunteering at their schools and learning the teachers ways. I do have a 6th grader this year so that is a big change with the block scheduling.
2. Sports: The constant rotation that happens. Done with football and now off and running with basketball starting today. This will be my 2nd year in helping coach Upward for my 2nd grader. My youngest son also does gymnastics.
3. I agree with everyone that the Siesta Fiesta is still on the list and maybe forever. The traveling, my wonderful roommates, the message given, worshipping together, hugging Amanda & Melissa to let them know how I appreciate all the hard work, etc. I might even get to meet up with one of my roommates over the Christmas holiday when I travel to TN to visit family.
4. Coffee once a week with friends at Starbucks while the kids are at school. The workers even wonder where we are if the day has been changed-hehe.
5. Apple Festival at Graves Mountain. The food, tree color, the fun are great but bringing apples home fresh picked and baking pies & making applesause is a highlight to me. The sky was awesome as we were leaving and hearing my 7 yr old son say "I love how God paints the sky with all these colors. Do you think I can do that one day?"
6. Now that the boys are older we have started volunteering at various needs. We will vol. at the Essex Village and put Thanksgiving baskets together for those in need. We just finished with the Operation Christmas Child with putting together packages but also helping the church with the organization of it all. The boys are enjoying it.
Thanks for reading one life in VA!
Melissa, I can relate to your fall story. I can remember the first time I looked at Gods creation and said, "wow this is completely amazing." I called everyone I knew and was asking if they had seen the sky that day. He gives us, "eyes to see," in so many different ways. Thanks for the book tip, I have been looking for one.
My fall highlights so far have been unexpectedly warm weather in GA. (On the coast) I know that sounds odd, but we were in NH last year and the continued sunshine and warmth is salve to my soul.
My parents are coming to spend Thanksgiving with us. I am beyond THRILLED! They live in San Antonio and I haven't seen them since Easter when I went for a visit to see them. Is it all right to be a 42 year old woman who wants her momma? :D
My son has a beautiful, sweet, wonderful, GODLY girlfriend! We adore her! And he will be home for Thanksgiving. (Sans said girlfriend *boo hoo* My daughter [who is a senior in high school, which is why I laughed so much at this] actually told me that she would be so glad to see Ashley [the girlfriend] when she comes home for Thanksgiving. I had to laugh, because of course, she will be going to see HER family [in Huntsville])
I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!!
I love your LIT Bonus Project - I wish we could all read everyone's Project. I bet that is good reading! I love how excited about the Word you are! What a delight!
My top Fall:
1. My 5 kid's are all in school (Kinder-10th grade)so my husband and I have a date day every other Monday! Love it!!!
2. Adopting a son. We had 3 boys when we moved to Texas from Maryland 5 years ago. 3 years ago we adopted a 7 year old. This year we are adopting her birth brother. She is now 10, he is 9.
3. Asked to be the MOPS Titus Coordinator for our local group. It's a wonderful ministry!(love it!)
4. Started a Moms In Touch group for my kid's elementary school.
5. Having women in my home to do Bible studies. Right now it is "The Miracle of Life Change" by Chip Ingram. We have done three Beth Moore studies! Those are our fav, of course! (o:
I love the Fall & Spring! Old life is gone, new life has come...
God's beauty is infinite!
Love reading your blogs!
Blessings over you & your hubby!
Hi Melissa,
In our family, we call those unexpected treats "Happy I Love You Day." Toben and I have been doing it since we started dating. In high school.
Seventeen years of marriage later, we still do it. A slurpee, flowers, a surprise trip to Carmel--big and small, we love it.
Sounds like it's your turn...
(Which reminds me, it's been a while since I treated Toben to a Happy I Love You Day--it's my turn too!)
Joanne
Melissa-Girl: We siestas have missed you and it is wonderful to hear from you!!!
I have had an amazing Fall 2008 - here are some highlights for me:
* Welcoming my first grandchild (a boy) into our family after the pain and heartache of infertility that my son and daughter-in-law experienced, she conceived and gave birth! I am so in love with that baby boy, hence the name of my blog...Gran Jan's JOY!
* Welcoming a new daughter-in-love into our family. She married my youngest son, my baby boy, and she is a DELIGHT to our lives. She is the answer to a mother's prayers.
* Learning that empty-nest-syndrome is a real experience, but that my heart is never empty because memories abound and Jesus fills my heart.
* Having lunch at a quaint restaurant called "The Back Burner" in Macon, GA with none other than our girl, Melissa Moore-Fitzpatrick! Y'all, she is the REAL DEAL, SO very beautiful and intelligent, and did I mention REAL? It was a huge blessing for me personally, an unexpected gift from the Lord. We NEVER lacked for conversation - talked non-stop and had a blast! This is a case of verification that the proverbial apple does not fall too far from the tree...SHE IS HER MAMA'S DAUGHTER!!!
* A trip to Savannah, Georgia for some R&R with my man, much overdue after our busy 2008. What a blessing. (Empty-nests can bring some R&R.)
* As painful as it is, welcoming conviction from the Holy Spirit in some areas of my life that need changing - praise His Name. He's still working on me.
* Experiencing REVIVAL in our church - Glory to His Name. I'm talking revial - hearts changing, folks getting saved, long services, true praise and worship...in a Southern Baptist Church!!!
* Though it was technically late summer, traveling to San Antonio with my friend Twinkle (Deborah) for the Siesta Fiesta and meeting face-to-face with some of YOU! Happy Birthday Grateful in GA Tammy! I love this Blog and I love you siestas. Thank you Kim & Patty for the Siesta Fiesta Blog!!!
I have already printed off Melissa's "bonus project" to do for my own bonus and can't wait to challenge my Bible Study girls.
Oh - one more!!! Hearing the UPS man drive up and honk the horn meaning a package was left at my garage door...guess what my package contained??? ESTHER..It's TOUGH BEING A WOMAN! Yee-hah...wait until y'all read Beth's dedication page and Melissa's Foreward Page...WOW!
Love all y'all siestas,
Georgia Jan
Romans 15:13
Yes! Your energy is contagious!
1)Sending Daughter #1 to WOLBI-Florida.
2)Completing 1Peter w/ Wiersbe.
3)Fall Harvest Horse Show - love the Palimino!
4) Watching God provide matching bags, pens & 2009 calendars for our winter Bible Studyy.
5)A scholarship for daughter #2 toward Bible School next fall.
6)Got a new recipe for Minute Mug Cake that is very addicting.
7)A face down encounter for me from God.
8)Seeing "Beloved Disciple" minister to a jail inmate!
9)Provision for son #1 in Ga.
10)Challenge from LIT I'm salivating for the DVD study version... upstate NY is HUNGRY!!!
all about Him, andrea t.
Well Good Day - 2008 was a miraculous year at our home. I had surgery to cure my Trigeminal Neuralgia and God had it work perfectly. I have been pain free and medicine free for a year now. What a miracle from above and we praise His name daily for it. No more face pain. There have been trials this year also but they are minor compared to others so we will let those go to God and focus on our accomplishments.
The family is doing well, Colorado is lovely anytime of the year, and we have a very good Church life.
Also, started Angel Food Ministries in our town. WOW WOW!! People have responded with gang busters and we are as busy as we could ever have prayed for with the ministry workings. What a true gift from our Lord!
Glad to see your post this bright morning. You have a wonderful top 10 list and I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings!
Kelli in Colorado
My highlight was my birthday weekend in September: Living Proof Live-Billings with my best friend and then a trip to Red Lodge in the beautiful Beartooth Mountains of Montana with our husbands!
Can't forget to mention my miracle baby Allison's two year birthday with family and friends and time with 4 year old Benjamin digging potatoes we planted last spring in the garden.
We are blessed to live in a beautiful part of America. Living in the country where traditional values and thinking still thrive has allowed us to be somewhat buffered from the madness in our society.
Another highlight is our on-line study group doing "Living Beyond Yourself". I just finished the chapter on peace. What a great God we serve!
GeorgiaJan & Melissa, what a glorious combination! I only know that God allowed our connection because of this VERY BLOG! That Siesta has so much inspired and encouraged me. I only wished Macon & Ulysses were much closer!
1. Wonderful Weekend for Women was a joy and encouragement to my heart in Salina, KS in September.
2. Our church body coming together the night before the election and praying for our Nation. AWESOME! Something I hadn't seen us do since we have become involved there, in just a little over a year.
3. Being asked to lead our Community Women's study. A HUGE stretch, doing it afraid and loving it even more!
4. Doing some updating in our home after building it almost 15 years ago.
5. Believing GOD!
I love you all, dearly!
Yolanda
The highlight of my fall was the birth of my first grandchild. A beautiful boy, 6lbs,12oz. Brayden Christopher is our precious gift from God. I'm not jealous of Beth any more since I now have a grandchild!!!
Hi Melissa!
I loved your Top 10 List!
Fall is my favorite time of year. In fact, my joy is to decorate for Fall in September.
I smiled at seeing Georgia Jan's name because she is my Siesta that I am exchanging ornaments and Christmas goodies with and she is a special woman and we found out we have much in common.
It was a joy meeting you and giving you a hug at the Siesta Fiesta. I am still thankful over the generous gift you gave us! The Siesta Fiesta was such a blessing and so much fun. The siestas have such a special place in my heart.
I have enjoyed a beautiful Fall in Middle Tennessee. While Nashville doesn't have mountains like I am used to, God has blessed us with beautiful trees and I have taken a zillion pictures.
I turned 44 this Fall. Oh yes, loving the 40's!
I am having a great time with God and learning new things in His Word! Seriously, I love the homework and I cannot wait to start
Esther.
I am excited about Thanksgiving and I will leave you with this: I have already decorated my home for Christmas! Can you tell my love for decorating?!!
Love you,
Patty
What a great list! I'd love to have had some of that Thanksgiving dinner. (Oh well, I guess my day is coming up..) Okay, here's the highlights:
1. The most gorgeous autumn colors. (with the dry summer we'd had, I was concerned that we'd have brown for a fall color.)
2. still working through the chronological reading of the Bible. Made it to the Gospels, woo hoo! (I can't say enough about reading chronologically. It has been WONDERFUL!)
3. More baking. Fall means cooler weather which means no "oven guilt" which means cookies and pies and cakes and things!
4. A great series on first Corinthians at church.
5. anticipating the holidays!
So good to hear from you Melissa! Yes, indeed the fall in Georgia is breathtaking! I must admit though, every time I read your blogs I feel very challenged to run to the kitchen and cook something! :)
A few of my highlights:
1. Watching God move in our church in a very powerful way.
2. Getting to travel to Colorado with my son and tour Focus on the Family......what a ministry!
3. Digging deep into the life of David through the Deeper Still study! AWESOME!
4. Still walking in freedom gained at LPL in Atlanta! WOW!!
Please know that I am praying over your marriage and am praising God right now that you have such a godly man!
Keep the Faith!!
Another Georgia Girl
Ok...your life is just down right cool. Thanks for updating us and if you are ever in Louisiana (north Louisiana...let me clarify), the Shreveport, Ruston, Monroe area, we'd love to entertain one of the Moore girls for lunch, dinner or whateva. Let us know. We love to show visitors a real, "Lusiana" good time. :)
Love,
Lindsey in Louisiana
Melissa:
Thanks for the update. The assignment looks so enticing, not sure I have the time.
Highlights from around here,
1. My husband has been the pastor of the church here for 3 years and people are finally starting to let us minister to them in a deeper way. This is truly a great thing.
2 The year before we started at FBC they had about 30 people in attendance. When we got there it was about 60. Now we have a range from 60 something to 8o something in attendance and we have 6 different families joining our church.
3 My husband will be baptizing several non family members next week. (This is a first for him here.)
4. Attended many college recitals that my children were in.
5. My 10 year old had a wonderful soccer season.
6. I am doing No Other Gods by myself. God has definitely been pointing somethings out.
7. Celebrated my 20 wedding anniversary and yes I would marry him again in a heart beat.
8. My second child (a girl) turns 18 in a couple of weeks.
9. The SF in SA was great. I too am still overwhelmed by the whole being God inheritance thing. Makes me cry every time I think about it.
Add to all that a very busy schedule and you have a recap of my fall. Wishing we had lots of fall color here in the high desert. Kim B. in AZ
After reading your top ten, Melissa, I'm afraid mine would pale in comparison.
Having said that, my top ten would be the grace of God from top to bottom of list!
He is truly amazing and gracious with His children, I being the least of these.
God bless you, sweet niesta! (You're like a niece to me since I'm 47 :)
Even though I'm WAY past that 25 year age, I am challenging myself to your bonus project. Next week is it for our Bible study and this would be a great thing before Esther begins in January! My almost 40 mind could use a challenging spiritual workout like this. It's going to be fun to pick out a passage to use...can't wait to get started!
Thanks for sharing!
Kelli
Melissa!
Good to hear how things are going for you in Hot-lanta! :) Thanks for the tips on Bible Study... Good stuff!
It's so good to hear from you again. I think I'm only going to be able to come up with a top five (and that's pushing it).
1. My dad retired this September after pastoring for the last 22yrs. (it was a profession God led him to later in life). It was so honoring and humbling to see how he impacted so many lives. Tears flowed.
2. My kids have finished their fall sports (soccer and cross country). I put finishing as the highlight because by the time it's over I need a vacation.
3. Watching my man take up some of my slack this year and just looking like a pro doing it. Not even complaining either. How blessed am I?
4. I just finished Believing God. This study couldn't have come at a better time. (see #5)
5. Finishing up my next to last semester in nursing school. Why I'd let God talk me into going back to school with three kids is beyond me. BUT....instead of my usual panic, God has taught me to trust Him through this (been saying a lot of "I'm believing God"). He who called me is faithful. I've been more at peace and the courses/clinicals have gotten harder. I even did better! Only God!
Melissa,
I enjoyed your top ten, especially the ten pounds that Colin has gained. Yes, that is the mark of a good cook.
My top ten is really just two:
1)I spent 3 weeks in Tanzania. My husband went hunting while I stayed at camp reading, studying, singing along with my iPod, and watching animals at the waterhole. It was the ultimate. Intense time with the Creator of it all.
2) Coming home to my little grandson. How much can a child change in three weeks? He's not yet two and such a delight to my heart.
Thanks for checking in with us, Melissa. You are such a wonderful addition to the team.
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for sharing your outline within an outline; I'm inspired to tackle that assignment.
Top List...don't know how many there will be:
1. Spending 10 weeks with 6 incredible women of different ages and backgrounds studying "Living Beyond Yourself"!
2. Having the most amazing husband for almost 30 years to walk with me and support me during a very difficult time at work! He's the best!
3. Watching my Granddaughter Ashley 2 1/2 years old grow and learn from her awesome parents; Robert & JoJo.
4. Celebrating Bob's "50th" birthday with friends and all 3 of our kids; even the ones from Texas; Danielle & Toby...it snowed in the mountains while they were here!
5. Fixing a trial run Thanksgiving feast for family and friends today...one of my favorite meals to cook.
There are so many things to be thankful and grateful for...too numbeous to count; that how good God is all the time!!
Ruined for Him,
Joni AKA Grammy
Hi Melissa! So great to hear from you again. Love your list; you are blessed indeed. My list:
1. Watching our 10-yr-old play tackle football for the first time.
2. Watching our 7-yr-old play flag football for the first time.
3. Facilitating a small group Bible study for first time.
4. Having our 8-mo-old golden retriever crawl on top of me and fall asleep during a nap.
5. Having six little boys sleep over and laugh all evening long.
6. Being sad I didn't win the ESV Study Bible (but so happy for Lauri!), and then having my mom call the very next day and say, "Hi Sweetie! What would you like for your birthday?!" :)
7. Being distracted all through company last night with needing to pray for Beth and the Breaking Free tapings. I just loved that. Go God!
8. Seeing the picture of the Esther study in print.
9. BELIEVING GOD that a friend will be healed of neck and brain injuries and able to return to her medical work in a Brain Aneurysm Center (of all places!!!). Praying for God's glory to splash all over like a tidal wave.
Blessings! Linda in MN
1. My 9 yr old son telling me "Thanks for taking me to BSF with you, mom, I'm learning so much about God".
2. Our friends adoption of a little guy from Russia. God's outpouring of answered prayer in this situation has definitely had a profound effect on my faith.
3. The gift of birthdays, my daughter, 13 and my son, 9. I love them madly.
4. Quality prayer time.
5. Coming up on 15 years of marriage to hubby!
I'm just yearning to ask some QUESTIONS!
1. Melissa, a while back you wrote that Bible study is so much more fun with colored pencils. Could you, would you give us a quick lesson on what you do with them?
2. What devotional did "inkstillwet" give to her small group Bible study ladies?
3. What writer's conference did Cheryl Barker attend?
4. Does anyone have any recommendations for a devotional for a 10-yr-old boy?
-- LOVE the idea of studying the questions Jesus asked, moops!
-- Congratulations on all the Siesta babies, and for God's burst of color into your heart, Lisa@thepreacher'swife!
Linda in MN
Fall Highlights:
1. 15th wedding anniversary
2. Homeschooling six children for the first time. Wonderful.
3. Being a little Christmas crazy I put up the tree the weekend after Halloween - I couldn't help me myself, I LOVE Christmas.
4. Pitching some T.V. show ideas for a guy who does a lot of amazing work in T.V. land. Fun. Fun. Fun. I love thinking up ideas.
5. Working on an incredible Bible study.
6. Making chili. Having outdoor fires.
7. Getting together at my neighbors house having coffee on her back porch while viewing the beauty of fall. Tear b/c she's moving and we've been neighbor b.f.f.'s for six yrs. What to do?
8. My four year old learning to read. My eight year old finishing her math book already. She tackled that thing. Go girl!
9. My Jack had a birthday. Turned 37. Awesome time. Awesome husband.
10.My Nate-dog had a birthday. Turned three. That dog loves me. And through your mother's influence I have learned to love the Nate back. This dog follows me everywhere. He brings new definition to lap dog. Use to drive me nuts but then I learned that you've just gotta love someone who loves you so much.
We recently moved to TX (whoo hoo!) from the Midwest. While we love west TX weather (particularly in the winter), we miss the richness of the fall colors in the Northeast. My two little boys and I were blessed to be able to spend a few weeks in OH this fall and one of my highlights was enjoying those beautiful fall colors again (a close second was taking the boys to a pumpkin patch/petting farm).
Our Top Three involve seeing years of parenting and praying PAY OFF:
- Youngest child making mature decisions
- "Center" child striving to live for God
- Oldest child getting full-tuition scholarship!
Loved getting caught up with you, Melissa! You are so funny!
My best highlight from the Fall is that we are having a baby! My husband and I have had infertility issues for 18 months and thanks be to God- we are PREGNANT! Praising God for His timing, His provision, and His promises! HE IS GOOD!
I don't have a list but right now at this time in my life God is giving me new awareness of his love for me. I'm so emotional about it He has me in tears alot of time, good tears. After 35 years of marriage God is reawakening my appreciation of my wonderful husband. Not that I didn't love/appreciate, etc. him before but something is happening I can't explain but I'm seeing my husband differently. He has integrity, love's the Lord, loves children, our kids, grandkids, gives so much of himself to me, is so forgiving, strong, handsome, loves music and when he plays his guitar even asks me to sing with him! I thing I'm falling in love again! How sweet!! :) That's whats going on with me.
PS I just love, love, love the extra assignment you gave your class. That's my kind of study!! Can't wait for the day you write and publish. In the meantime,I'm going to tackle that assignment for myself. Do I need your copyright permission to download and pass out to my small group?
Hi,
It's good to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your fall highlights. Mine are:
1. Baptism of my 9 year old daughter
2. The overnight road trip I took with my oldest daughter and her buddies when we celebrated her
13th b-day.
3. My 3 year old son learning to say "I yuv you"
4.Finishing Wising Up with my Bible Study buddies and starting Jesus the One and Only
5. Coaching 4th/5th grade soccer
6. Teaching the Cubbies at Awana and playing my first game of Duck Duck Goose in 30 years.
We married in Jonesboro, GA 8 years ago this fall. We've just been stationed in Monterey, CA for a year and although it's been wonderful so far, I do miss the fall season. A couple from our OCF group watched the oldest two while we had dinner (with the baby) with a great view of the bay- a starfish even crawled onto the rocks for a spell while we ate.
Hi Melissa, it's great to hear from you. I enjoyed reading your top ten list. I don't comment very often here, but read faithfully. :) My husband and I serve with the IMB over here in the UK and I've done A LOT of cooking (from scratch)and usually enjoy it. I've enjoyed your recipes by the way. Tarts, Pavlova's, Cottage Pie, etc. Lots of British dishes. Anyway, just wanted to say hi to you. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas!
1. Homeschooling my 6 year old for the first time. Whoo hoo! God has really been helping me figure out how to do it every step of the way.
2. I'm doing a Precepts study on Isaiah. I was very intimidated at first--the women in this group are all brilliant. But I love it and I have learned plenty.
3. My baby girl started dance class. 2 year olds in leotards and ballet shoes are the sweetest things I have ever seen.
4. My hubby got a second job (crummy times for realtors right now) and with the new job comes the BEST insurance we have ever had. PTL!
5. Being asked to join the Women's Advisory Board at our church. Me?! :-)
6. As of today, Nov. 15th, I only have 3 more Christmas presents to buy and I am DONE!
7. The Lord taught me a never-to-forget lesson about hurting people's feeling when I joke around. I won't forget it for a long time.
8. Red Velvet Sprinkles cupcakes.
9. Watching my 6 year old whip around on the ice during hockey practice.
10. Watching T.D. Jakes preach it while snuggled up with my hubby before we go to sleep. Not many men would do that! I am BLESSED.
I've been wondering where you were! It's funny how attched we get to people on the blog isn't it? I'm not sure if I should give a list, I'm feeling a little in the dumps, lots going on and it feels like too much at times (then I remember to fork it over)! OK, no complaints...
1. Just finished WGPDUGT... It was completely life altering.
2. Wrote a letter to President Bush and gave him 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 and told him how much I appreciate his obedience to God and all that he has done for our country, and how much I love him as a brother in Christ (that's ok isn't it?).
3. I've been praying for your mom and the Breaking Free taping and the attendies and the staff.
4. I've been putting feelers out for work cause my husband hurt his back.
5. I've been trying to raise my kids (this is one I have to fork over a bit more and let God have the reigns)....
6. I've been reading about all my friends here on this blog.
7. I've been hanging on to my Saviours leg for dear life lest I stray! lol! Sometimes thats the best I can do!
I love you all. Thanks for being out there!
Judy
Oh, Melissa. It's so good to hear from you. My top ten is a little too personal for this blog, but I loved hearing yours. I just wish I had the incredibly charming personalities that makes so many like them so much that other bloggers have.
You are right about the leaves here in Atlanta! Last weekend was glorious!
The best part of my fall was last weekend. My man finished his first 1/2 marathon up in North Ga. I posted about it and won't re-tell the whole story..but just watching him.. healthy and with a smile on his face, cross that finish line was a miracle. (He was diagnosed with Crohn's disease the first year of our marriage and was very sick for several years) I felt like I was watching a miracle...so powerful!
It's so good to hear from you!!
Blessings,
steph.
Melissa, I'm thrilled for your first Fall in GA. It's beautiful. You and Colin should head up I-75N about an hour to Dalton. Our leaves and mtns are gorgeous right now! My Fall Top Ten is...
1. Enjoying God's Fall paintings - red, orange, and bright yellow leaves!
2. Making piles for our girls to jump in and demolish!
3. Taking an occasional afternoon nap with our youngest.
4. Watching the Great Physician heal our 7 yr old's broken arm through a godly surgeon.
5. Crisp walks
6. Chili and cornbread
7. Experiencing seasons through the eyes of my children & preschool students.
8. Remembering that He is working on me even when I feel dormant.
Highlights of my fall:
1. Seeing the beautiful colors in the trees. My husband and I sat on the porch this morning and talked about how beautiful the leaves have been this year - while at the same time drinking some wonderful holiday coffee!
2. Finishing a "man cave" for my son. We converted our garage into a bonus room. We have had so much fun family time in that room.
3. Reconnecting with my Bible study sistas. We will finish Stepping Up next week. And I am so looking forward to our Christmas gathering.
It is so good to hear from you Melissa!!!!!!!!
Hahhaa...this makes me laugh, Melissa, because my October was such a blur, I had to write it out! If you're truly interested, my list is at the following link and Fidelicharis House (Latin & Greek) is the name of my house. :)
http://www.xanga.com/FidelicharisHouse/679358948/my-octoberin-short.html
Thanks for sharing the lovliness of your autumn! I'm glad you got to enjoy it this year! I was just referencing something you said about marriage to my best friend last night...still mulling it over. :)
Many blessings to you! :) We've been tearing into Habakkuk for the past 9 weeks...three weeks to go...and it's been wonderful!
Thankfully,
Deborah :)
I don't know if I have a top 10 but I have a top few....
1.)I'm not just saying this to brown nose, but the highlight of my fall so far has been "Living Beyond Yourself". Our last week is next Tuesday. Profoundly important to me. I have been moved to tears by who I am, but more so....who HE is and what I am to Him.
2.)Now, (and I know I mentioned this earlier on a previous entry, but if I'd known you were doing this one, I would have waited) Adrienne (fuzzytop) and I started writing each other as a result of this blog and now we are going to do "Stepping Up" together. Or as much together as a girl from Tennessee and a girl from Wyoming can be!! We're doing this till "Esther" in January!!
3.) It wasn't fall, but I'm thinking the Siesta Fiesta will be in my top 5 list for a long time. If you were there, you know what I mean.
4.)Driving to San Antonio for the Siesta Fiesta, with Veronica and Miesta Moose. Oh my! Almost needing to pull over, more than once, because I was laughing so hard and couldn't see through the laughter tears!
Our fall didn't quite "work" this year. Snow and freezing came before the leaves had all turned pretty. So they just turned crunchy brown and fell off. Bummer.
Loved your list, Melissa. You always bless me.
Melana in Wyoming
The Siesta Fiesta ranks right on up there in my favorite events of 2008. I took my grown, married daughter for her birthday and since we both have blogs and are both Siestas....we had a wonderful time together as well as with everyone else. I loved the q&a session after the conference.
Another favorite the trip to New York City I took with my 76 year old mom and my sister. We had the best time together. We even got tickets the day of to David Letterman! I told them my mom was 76 and had always wanted to come to NYC etc. :) Seriously, God's favor was all over our trip. I'll never forget it.
In July my husband and I celebrated 29 years of marriage!
That's a huge blessing. I'm so thankful for a godly husband.
I started writing on my blog back in Jan. 2008 and it has been such a fun & amazing experience. I've met so many amazing women from all over the country and beyond. I have a very sweet friend who lives in Canada. I met her through a comment she left on the LPM blog. They encourage and pray and are just plain fun. I just love it and have been so blessed. Now I carry my camera in my purse and want to snap a picture of anything and everything. I see things differently now and want to blog about everything.
I appreciate you and your family so much. We will be starting Esther in Jan. and I cannot wait!!!
Love,
Valerie
P.S. That was so sweet of Colin to bring you flowers! My husband goes hunting each year and I used to teach kindergarten and he'd come see me in my classroom before he left and he'd barely open the door and he'd have a little bouquet of flowers for me. I'd always tell the little boys how much girls love flowers. I bet they still remember him doing that.
Very sweet of Colin!!! Those little gestures mean SO much.
Highpoints of my Fall 2008...
1) God has been giving me understanding of some long term challenges and how they have been used to develop and be a blessing.
2) God has broken my heart for several years over the hurting, and the orphans and he is giving me yet another way to work in those areas!!!
3) He has allowed several exceedingly gracious and Godly folk to cross my path, who are so humble and just radiate his love and I am so blessed by even our tiniest interactions.
4) He is using even my failures... not such a new thing in my life, haha, but one that never fails to amaze me.
5) The ways he is working in the lives of my children. Smoothing out some social issues with one, and helping another with guidance to the future.
Fall Top Three
1. Going to Ridgecrest with my mom and her church for a "seniors retreat." Precious people for sure! The leaves in Asheville and Black Mountain were not quite peak but amazing nonetheless plus the dreamcicle cheesecake at Veranda's in Blk Mtn.
2. Trip to New Orleans with my husband week before last with a Sheraton hotel view overlooking part of the Quarter and CBD and the Mississippi River and praying mightily for that place and then finding out that your mom would be there the day after we left to re-tape Breaking Free DVD's. Plus the LSU vs. Bama game even though we lost in overtime but not getting bitter b/c after all, it's just a game (ha ha).
3. The Lifeway Women's Ministry Forum this past week in Nashville with 3 fun women on our WEM team-meeting and hearing Kelly Minter, Jennifer Rothschild, Angela Thomas, and Leighann McCoy speak a God word to me but then my family telling me that the only thing I mentioned when I called home was Travis this and Travis that, pix with T-rav and Lily Kate passing out candy canes. But his music ministers to me so what can I say.
Starting Ester........... That is about all I can say. I am so thankful that the Lord had you guys write that one just for me for just a time as this! Love you and all your hard work!
Kelly
As someone who has been married 22 years and has only mastered "pour in sauce mix and uncooked noodles" on the box of Hamburger Helper....I am so proud of your cooking! I think my husband has lost ten pounds since we got married. :)
Dawn:)
Welcome back to blog world Melissa. I have truly missed you. Our fall season has been very busy. The football team my daughter cheers for got beat in the playoffs so we are done with that and now basketball has started. I am having surgery right before Christmas so I am busy getting things ready for the "Big Man" to visit our children and to make sure the house is in order and there is plenty of food in the pantry and the laundry is done as my husband will be in charge of the house, children and the final last minute things for Christmas. My daughters birthday is just a few days before my surgery so I am planning things for that was well. We always have Thanksgiving at our house so I am preparing for that too. But the really BIG thing we have done this fall (wait for it)..... My three year old son is finally potty trained!!!! Praise be to the Lord!! I am the one that asked for help months ago. Thank you siestas for all your input and suggestions. IT WORKED!!!!
I hope all have a very Happy Thanksgiving and the merriest of Christmases ever. And always remember JESUS is the ONLY reason for the season.
God Bless
Hello Melissa,
You are so sweet to ask!
1. Have been doing the "stepping up" bible study with my church sisters. It is almost done! boo!
2. Almost done Christmas shopping! Something I always begin in the late summer early fall. I love Christmas.
3. Live up in New England so we loved seeing Beth last month!!
4. Also because of N. E. we have the most beautiful Fall ever!! Picked lots of apples and made many apple favorites.
5. Watching my boys mature, now 12 and 15, they're so wildly funny and fun to be around.
6. Lastly, My husband and I had our 17th wedding anniversary this month!
God Bless you Melissa!! xo
Gina from CT.
Fall's Fabulous Blessings.
November 21 - married to a wonderful, Godly man for 16 years.
Just got home from a playcation in the Big Apple.
Leading a Ladies Bible Study Class tops my list! I love it!!
Planning on 32 people (siblings and their families) for a Thanksgiving Dinner at our home.
Working on the 100 lb mark as I have already lost 92 lbs this year!
THANK YOU, JESUS!!!
Next weekend seeing my son in his 8th Grade Musical "Bye-Bye Birdie". I can't wait to see the fruit of his labor.
Last but certainly not least -
Enjoying the journey with Jesus as I try to ready myself to be a cleaned up, beautiful, healthy(body, mind, soul)bride for my Savior!!
God's richest blessings to all my Siestas! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Roxanne
Well, late this summer I was appointed to a leadership position in our convent. That has kinda turned my life upside down and inside out! I am learning to rely on the LORD each and every minute - perhaps that is why He ordained this for this time in my life.
This Fall has been a glorious display of His awesome creation! Glad you could enjoy it there in Atlanta!
Welcome back Melissa! You LIT class sounds awesome, keep up the good work. Here are a few highlights from my fall season:
1. Savoring every minute of the fall colors..I agree the leaves are something else in Atlanta. It looked as if it were raining leaves this morning.
2. Traveling to Florida to spend a long weekend at the beach for my friend's 30th birthday.
3. Beginning your mom's "Loving Well" series. Oh how I need to learn to better love the "testy" folks in my life!
4. Helping one of my very best friends prepare for her first baby.
Be sure to keep in touch!
Hi Melissa! I loved your post. So good to hear the good things happening in your life.
Hasn't this been a beautiful fall in the South? Here in TN we have enjoyed some gorgeous days. We have especially enjoyed these fall days with our 2 granddaughters (3 yrs and 9 mos). We have enjoyed some backyard weiner roasts over their fire pit (and s'mores, of course!), a visit to the pumpkin patch and building a front yard display complete with a "little girl" scarecrow that the 3 year old helped to make. The best part has been seeing that 3 year old, who has some development delays in communication (and a couple of other areas) respond to the therapies and special ed pre-school that she is attending. God has blessed us with the right people in the right place at the right time to work with her and she has blossomed like you wouldn't believe. With the glorious burst of color that fall brought to us came the glorious burst of new words and phrases out of that precious child. And for the first time came the sweet words, "I love you, Nana". (sigh) How great is our God to whom I give all the glory and praise for this little miracle!!!
Loved the list! Thanks so much for the assignment. Will we be able to purchase this study when y'all are done? I would love to be able to learn all of that!!
Hi Melissa!
This year was a year of loss. Lost my job, then my dog, lost a friendship, then, a very close friend of mine whom I've know since 82, she lost her husband to a brain tumor. They were married for 49 years. My mom sold her house that I grew up in. She sold that in May.
Thankfully, two weeks after my layoff I got a contract job at Baker Hughes through an agency and now they want to hire me at the first of the year and keep me as a contractor until then. That certainly is good news for a single woman! It is funny, where I am now working I go in the same direction as I did to my old job and take the same exit but instead of turning left I turn right and it's about the same distance down the street.
And with my dog, I do miss him. It was so neat to baby sit a puppy when I did! I fell in love with that sweet dog and want one like that. But, I am still missing Hershey and struggling with replacing him.
Just a couple of days ago I opened my bible. Guess the book I opened to, just opened to....OBADIAH! #2 (oh...what does this mean...?? :) Well, then I turned to Hebrews 11 (just turned to it!) I read both chapters 11 and 12 out load. I was stirred about faith. Didn't Jesus say when He came back to earth would He find faith? And the Centurion who just told his servant to tell Jesus just speak the word and his servant would be healed. What faith! And Jesus marveled over this. Only place that Jesus said He did not found faith like this no not in all of Israel. Take note! And there were no whiners or complainers in the Hebrews 11 chapter! Wow. Who for the JOY SET BEFORE HIM endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Faith, wow. That seems to be what Jesus was asking when He went around, wasn't it?
Ok...have a great week!
Love, Allison
I think that this fall has been a time of waiting on the Lord. Waiting for the house to sell then waiting on prayers for my daughter starting college and stuggling socially.
Liz Hinze
Hi Tara G from Monterey! Just wanted to say "welcome" to Ca! I am sorry that you miss your beautiful fall display. Not much beautiful fall foilage to see out here in Ca. but you will enjoy Monterey! (that is my getaway place when I need quiet time!) God will bless you in many new ways as you serve Him here in my home state!
Welcome again sister!
Bethany in Merced, Ca.
Melissa, just the other day I was thinking and praying for you. My sister (Melissa) just got engaged to a sweet man and I couldn't be happier. I was thinking back to your wedding preparations and your beautiful portrait that was shared with us. And I recalled a video series where your mom talked about getting a basketball in your hand and and now you are talking about translating HEBREW!! Girl, you have come along way!
The Best of Fall 2008 for me is my sister's engagement. He got down on one knee after they skydived for her 30th birthday! It was such a sweet moment that I will never forget.
That night, my first born attended his first Homecoming dance and I had to suck in a sob as his date (friend) pinned his flower on. I flashed forward to one day his bride being there..... needless to say....it was an emotional day!
Blessings, Stephanie
And watching my first
Hi Melissa,
I hate to say that your post was so cute, it did bring a smile to my face. Seeing as though I have been down with something lately (have not hardly checked the blog), I needed that.
I won't give you 10 fall highlights. I am just glad to get settled in after moving from WV to TX!!!! I will say that I am dissappointed that I did not get to see beautiful fall leaves here, yet, I find myself sweeping up STINKIN' PINE NEEDLES all over the place. What kind of deal is that??? I don't mind raking what used to be gorgeous maple leaves b/c I get to see a beautiful
display of color.That's okay, one came down already, and I'll have the other two chopped very soon. Also, we are all terribly homesick for our extended family, especially our little niece, Bella (her name is Bella, not Isabella). One of many good things about living here (and don't any of y'all native Texans try to tell me this is the best place on earth, I know to you it is, but most of us think that way about our home, just sayin'), is that there is no shortage of sassy little cowgirl boots. I am going to get myself a pair. Back to my niece, her mama grew-up in WV and TX, she spent a lot of time here with her dad. She still has a love for Texas, of course, who wouldn't? Anyway, she had a little pair of red cowgirl boots that she would not take off so it is my mission to find a pair for Bella. I've tried, I have not been able to get them in her size. Also, I have a very special little girl back in WV named Kyndal, she is five and loves horses more than anyone I have ever seen, except Bella's mommy. Kyndal wants to be a cowgirl so bad, she even told the judges in a beauty pageant that. So, I was able to send some really adorable Texas cowgirl stuff to her, bonafide boots included.
Aside from all of our missing family, we are all going to Converge, so that is one trade-off of living here!
Anyway, Melissa, your post about Colin (I love how you always call him by his whole name, ya' old married woman you!) was so sweet. Yes, you are right, those little things count so much, they can make what used to be molehills that became mountains into nothings!
Oh, and the reason I posted, I am delirious with flu or something, is the first turkey thing. It is really good to take fresh herbs, such as sage and thyme, and put them under the skin and rub the turkey with olive oil. The flavor is really strong that way. I'm a little OCD, so when I made my first turkey, I about died. We lived in AR. and I was talking to like three grandma's that morning (they were all really worried). I went through about ten disposable gloves, a bottle of Clorox clean-up, two rolls of paper towels, two trash bags just for turkey germs, one bottle of soap. I could not look at the stuff inside the turkey, I was so wigged out. Many turkeys later, I don't act like that anymore.
Okay, I told you I would not give a top ten, but I gave you a lot of rambling anyway!! Now, I am jealous that you went to see Georgia Jan, actually, I think that it is completely AWESOME that you did that!! Now, when you come home, you call me and I will show you how to make some real Italian food. The real authentic kind. My paternal great-grandparents immigrated from Italy. My mom's side of the family is as southern and country in their cooking as you can get, so I could not teach you anything there. Seriously, I don't know any little joints here yet, because I'm new, but I will teach you how to make some real Italian food!
Thanks for sharing your info. with us.
Melissa, I am having lunch with N.T. Wright on Wednesday! He goes by Tom. :)
I shouldn't make it sound like he and I are just kicking it; he is speaking here at Harvard Divinity School and a few of us are lunching with him before. Having labored through all 900 pages of his "Resurrection of the Son of God," I am super excited to see him! He and Peter Gomes are two of my favorite modern theologians/preachers--how excited am I to be meeting him? (And Gomes is my professor for scriptural interpretation!)
Love your top 10 list, MMF! Autumn is so gorgeous. I am daily amazed and in thanksgiving for tree that are bright red, orange, yellow and every color in between. Blessings, J
Okay sister- I'm a cook too. I thought you might enjoy the recipes so I provided the link- I've fattened my husband up too. And Amanda- I have prayed for that baby girl over and over- hang on, you're in for one wild ride. I had a boy first- then the girl. All I can say is wow- what a ride! And Beth- thank God for you- your studies and your teaching have been a blessing to me that you will never know! God love you all, and may all of you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving together!
You could have simply written you cooked a Thanksgiving meal for your neighbors to impress me much less the other 9 cool things. I picked up some great chicken sandwhiches tonight at Chick-fil-a!
my brief Fall Top 10:
1. our 7-year anniversary this month
2. college football!!
3. preparing for our third baby's arrival in May (we all have winter birthdays, so this is uncharted territory for us!)
4. seeing the holidays through my 3-year-old daughter's eyes (our oldest): she's finally old enough to "get it", and experiencing the magic from her perspective has energized me for the stressful time with our divorced families and having to juggle all of those holiday obligations with them.
5. red Christmas cups from Starbucks and their winter specialty drinks!
6. getting all my Christmas planning, shopping, gift wrapping, etc. done EARLY--before december!!
7. my daughters' birthdays--my 3-year-old is was born in october, and my 11-month-old was born in november.
8. looking forward to me and husby's birthday in december--we were born on the same day, same year, in the same hospital about 2 hours apart!
9. getting to put the down comforter on the bed (we're in north texas, so we don't get to use our winter bedding for very long! which is sad for me because i love layers of bedding!)
10. autumn baking and warm comfort foods for dinner i love baking pies and cooking casseroles, pot pies, roasts, etc.--winter foods are my favorite!
Wow Top ten
I would have to start with
1. Birth of my third son- it was truly miraculous and we named him Sean because he truly is a precious gift from God!
2.Homeschooling my daughter and teaching her how to read-at IHOP today she read "KIDS EAT FREE" and was grinning from ear to ear.
3. A son who has now learned how to pee standing up and is VERY proud of himself!!
4. Hearing from the Lord that I needed to stay home more so that He could be my true identity. A choice that is so hard it makes me cry some days, but is settling me in ways I only hoped to one day feel.
5. Rearranging and decorating my living room. I love it and we have been keeping it so clean since the change
6. I. LOVE. FALL!! I took a walk with 1st and 3rd child the other day and just absorbed the beautiful colors that no man can make only my God could create.
I think I will stop there since all three of my babies are in bed and I can get some uninterrupted sleep.
Melissa, I am so glad you have been able to enjoy the seasons here in GA. I have grown up here and there is always a feeling that takes over my heart and emotions when I hear the crunching of leaves under my feet in the FAll. Thanks for checking in. Oh and tell your sweet man that you are just getting him ready for when you bear childrena nd he sympathy eats with you when you have your cravings. He will gain another ten then too!-hehe
Melissa,
So great to hear from you. I know you are enjoying Atlanta. We went ther this summer on vacation and visited all the sites. We stayed out at Stone Mountain. It sounds like you are enjoying marriage and work.
Love you
Mrs. Melissa! Girl, good to hear from you again!:)
You are funny:)...The trees in the South are georgeous!-vivid yellow and reds. The reds remind me of blood-Jesus' blood, does that make me weird or what?...That quote is profound. It is true. I want to learn more about what he has to say about being a new creation:)...I do wish I could have been there, will the message be offered on cd? I hope so. Knowing our inheritance is important:)...Aww, Colin is a sweetie, gift from God to you:) Got a lot of respect for you learnin' Hebrew and Greek...That's cool that you got to meet Georgia Jan!...I'm interested, that LIT class would have been good for me, I have much to learn, Aww diva boots for Little Siesta!:)
Let's see, this Fall...transitioning from a very hard Spring and Summer, but the Lord had done soo much in me, amazing...to a break of sorts; a breather if you will. Also, getting ready for Missions Conference at my church this weekend; then in Jan-Feb, an overseas mission trip, and then in May, most likely invitro. Lord help me!! It will be an adventure for sure...never been overseas on missions and never had to have soo much courage...The Lord is with me, that's all that matters...:)
Love in CHRIST,
katiegfromtennessee
Psalm 119:25-26
So glad to catch up with you, Melissa! I must admit that this fellow Texas girl is envious of your new discovery of His creation - I want to see a real fall, too!!! Sorry. I know there's no whining in blogland.
My Fall Favorites:
1. Siesta Fiesta - Too fun!!! Loved "meeting" you, Amanda and your mom.
2. And I agree, I think the conceptual understanding of our inheritance is going to take me awhile.
3. And there was that other really significant learning of the weekend - Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. Hallelujah!!!
4. Trip to Alabama - Went to Refuge - a refueling for youth ministers (this wife went along!)- Worship with Chris Tomlin and teaching from Louie Giglio - Oh, yeah. There was some glory in the room!!
5. Trip to Alabama - I married an Alabama boy, and for his birthday I got us tickets to the opening home game. We stayed with one of the most gracious, Godly couples. Old friends of his, new ones of mine. What a blessing they are!!! Oh...one more thing about that - ROLL TIDE!! (sorry, again)
6. Leading your mom's study on Paul. I did it years ago, so it was so cool to make the journey again with a wonderful group of ladies.
7. Friday Night High School Football in small town Texas!
8. My baby girl, McKenna, being named 6th grade girl Student of the Month by the teachers at her junior high. Certainly it is a great honor, but it is also reassuring to a mom. I KNOW how she behaves when I'm around, but it is nice to know it must be "sticking" since she is obviously pleasing adults when I'm not around!!
9.Venti No-Fat Xtra shot Peppermint Mocha with 4 splendas.
10. Visiting classrooms and seeing how far some of our most challenged students have come: a precious little girl with Down's syndrome who is learning to sign and is trying to talk; a sweet little boy with autism who is participating with other kiddos and loves to "boxercise" and is learning his letters; playing ball and laughing with a little guy who was all but non-responsive a year ago. As the special education director, I need those times to remind me why I keep showing up everyday. Those teachers and kids are my heroes!
Top Five:
1. Enjoying my first fall with my little girl!
2. Slowly learning how to cook.
3. Spending so much sweet time with my mom now that we live in the same city.
4. Meeting new friends.
5. Reading the book of Exodus and learning more than I ever knew before!
My Top....well let's see if I can come up with THREE....
1) Falling more and more in love with Jesus Christ, and wanting to know more about Jesus and God.
2) Quitting my job as a special education teaching and becoming a nanny.
3) Believing God and seeing the fulfillment of some prayers and God's promises of the Bible. Hurray!
Melissa, it was so good to hear from you and read your top ten!
And it is alwasy fun and amazing to read what the Lord is doing in all the other siestas! I am constantly amazed at the unity of the Holy Spirit when clicking on so many different blogs (from the comments) and seeing the Lord saying the same thing!
My top five would be:
1. I too love the fall and was particularly moved by the colors this year - as obviously many others were too! But I was especially pleased this year because my middle daughter was well enough to actually get out and take some beautiful fall pictures of God's amazing creation.
2. Having God's peace as we eneter a new season of having my oldest daughter away from home at college. It is quite a different experience to "hear" about all her adventures through email, blog, webcam and phone. (Although we still get to say goodnight either by text or email chat!)
3. Doing Stepping up with two different groups. (God knows I am a slow learner and needed to lead two groups just to get it!) It is the perfect follow-up for our 'nog' study this summer!
4. Starting a blog but really enjoying all the other siesta blogs that I read from seeing their comment here. Boy have I been encouraged. And now getting to know a precious siesta across the country for the Christmas Ornament exchange!
5. Getting ready for Christmas and playing Christmas songs starting in October - It is never to early to start listening to Christmas' songs of hope!
Thanks for asking about us. Loved the outline for lit and can't wait to share it with my daughter! Who is so like you!!!
lovingly,
mk
who is hoping this one goes through unlike the others recently that just don't seem to! :)
Marvelous Melissa,
What a great post! Loved the book suggestion! Thanksgiving has totally snuck up on me. I also live where there are no seasons (Hawaii) so that happens!
My top 3:
1. An extremely difficult start to fall that led to some major spiritual growth for me. So grateful and thankful for how God will use everything!
2. Making some new friends!
3. Enjoying with my sweet babies the final countdown before Daddy gets home from his deployment! 3 weeks exactly! Thank you, God!
Love you and your mom and sister so much!
Kristen
I was just noticing how beautiful the changing leaves were on my way to work one morning this week. I live in Dallas and drive to Marietta. A small portion of the drive goes thru a national park and the leaves were breathtaking! Maybe I'll remember to take my camera along for a ride this week so I can snap a few photos. I hope I remember...
Every Fall, My Hub and I take a trip since our children are all grown up. This year we spent 2 weeks at Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The weather was wonderful, getting out of the Texas heat was such a plus! Every element was wonderful, animals, scenery, snow, time for the 2 of us, hiking and so on... I had one of my nicest birthdays which we celebrated in Yellowstone.
Worshipping the Creator in the splendours of His creation, it doesn't get any better than that for me!
Each fall in Atlanta I say this is my favorite time of year, and then spring comes, and I say no, this is my favorite time of year! Love the leaves, football, soups, sweaters, afghans, hot tea or coffee and blog-reading time. I am now a grandma and this fall has been transformed by thoughts of this sweet 3 mo old boy! God is so good! I forgot my southern upbringing and didn't welcome you to GA when you moved here (my grandma would have baked you a pie for sure), but this seemed a perfect time to make amends!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kay in Atl
Hi Melissa,
Didn't you get to see the Fall colors when you went to school at Moody ?
Anyhow, here is a great website for seeing our Lord "show off His glory" --
http://home.att.net/~hideaway_today/t083/fall.htm
Love, in Christ Jesus,
Jennifer
Southern Wisconsin
Hi Melissa! So glad to have you back! And I would have to agree the leaves in GA are just so wonderful this year....ok one of my highlight of the fall was dancing at my brother's wedding.
blessings from Ga
Jennifer (Southern Wisconsin),
I did get to see some Fall colors at Moody but really does pale in comparison to what I have seen here in Georgia- the colors sparkle. And in Chicago it is very short since it gets cold so quickly.
I know I'm late but it took me a while to think about what really mattered this Fall. Here is my Top 3 (in order):
1. The wonderful gift of repentance and the realization that my heart had grown cold.
2. God's Word which finally became exciting again. This includes my awesome church, my own quiet time and awesome teachers. I was in San Antonio as well and that was a huge part of reaching my turning point.
3. God's favor. I can't even begin to fathom how He has already blessed me beyond measure, truly restored the years that the locust have eaten and taken me far beyond anything I would have ever imagined. He is amazing!
Hi Melissa it was good to hear from you! Thanks for sharing some of your highlights with us.
Here are some of the things that I have enjoyed this fall:
1. The Siesta Fiesta was wonderful. I was able to visit with my real life siesta who lives in San Antonio, meet so many wonderful siestas, and get a Word about my inheritance!
2. My husband and I just began teaching our church's 11th grade SS class. They are an awesome group of young people. We are doing the Daniel study and they are really hanging in there.
3. I started a blog. Up until now, I had always been a lurker. I enjoyed everyone's blogs but usually didn't comment. Then in October God instructed me to begin a blog. I am not a writer by any stretch of the imagination. But it will be exciting to find out why if He chooses to reveal it.
4. The fall itself is always a huge blessing to me. I live in the North Ga. mountains and God puts on a display of color every year that is something to behold. I think it just gets better every year.
5. I led a small group of ladies from our church in the "Stepping Up" Bible study. Psalm 130 was my favorite. God will fully, completely redeem us.
Thanks for wanting to hear from us.
So good to here from you! We have several Siestas living here in Rome, GA - come for a visit. I will do your "homework" - I can't wait.
Loved hearing from you!!!
My top three:
1. My five year old son accepting Christ in May, baptised in June and starting Kindergarten in August!
2. Celebrating twelve years of marriage---some days it feels like forever and sometimes like just yesterday I was walking down the aisle.
3. I am waiting for this one...cuz I just KNOW my three year old little princess is GOING TO BE POTTY TRAINED BY THE END OF 2008. (she has a stubborn streak that seems to be interfering with her desire to get out of diapers.
So...are you cooking for Thanksgiving this year? Can I come? :)
Paige
Loved your top ten. We lived in ATL (or just outside but doesnt everyone call the out skirts ATL?) and I loved the fall leaves. now we live some where more glorious! oh the leaves are so georgous!
My favorite fall of 08:
1. The birth of my thrid child and first daughter! It's ben so fun to have a girl after 2 boys!
2. Taking a vacation to visit family ... gosh I wished we lived closer to each other.
3. Not a favorite but definitely can't wait to see how God meets our needs by supplying my hubby with a job.
Melissa, for the sake of proper social reciprocity:
It's always a joy to hear from you!
I'm an Atlanta native, but this past year moved close to Athens, GA. The autumn colors in this neck of the woods have been stunning - to say the least. I thought to myself whoever came up with the notion that Jack Frost brings the fall in with his paint bucket is sadly confused, because only God can do something like this..
My fall highlights:
1) Have been overwhelmed at God's magnificent creation and beauty. While driving, have clapped my hands and told the Lord how awesome He is. My husband saw one of our favorite trees - a hickory with the sun glistening on its gorgeous yellow leaves, and said that tree seemed to speak: I am the I AM of all the trees. After reading Georgia Jan's comment about her tree named Mr. Glory, I thought how interesting it is for these trees to speak to different folks in different ways, yet each bringing glory to the Lord with one of the different names He has for Himself! The Lord has uplifted me through His creation because our family is going through a tremendous time of suffering in family relationships.
2. I completed "Believing God" study for the second time in four years. It is life-changing. One thing I will remember: Your mom said if you don't know what to believe God for in a certain situation, just believe Him to be HUGE.. What comforting words.
Lastly, thanks for the Bible study tips.. We are hungry for such information so we can feed ourselves..
Denise
Great to hear from you Melissa. Sounds like your fall has been very full. How sweet of Colin to think of his "honey".
Our fall in NO MI is gorgeous....however it is bittersweet for me....cause now the white stuff comes for several months. Snow is gorgeous and so beautiful hanging on the trees, but I personally am so tired of it by late March and early April and we can still get some pretty bad storms.
Our church moved into our new building on Nov 9th....Praise and glory to you Father!! We have been renting out one of our high school auditoriums and several rooms for the children. This is a very young church, only six yrs old and God has provided a beautiful building. Again, to Him be all praise, honor and glory. He is so Faithful!!!
Our group did the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn. Now everyone is chomping and I mean chomping at the bit to do "Esther". We being on Jan 6th. WHOOOHOOOOO!!!!!
Have a great Thanksgiving!!! I pray it is a blessing for all. What with the state of our economy and people being without jobs, I am concerned. May God richly bless us all!!
Blessings,
Bible Bunny in NO MI
Hi Melissa! So glad you wrote us a note! I am just busy being a mom of 3 littles. It's good, exhausting and rewarding. But besides that, I'm being put through a HUGE season of refining. I'm not sure where the end of it is. But I am so glad to know the Refiner is close and watching, making sure the fire is just right. Trying not to be too Pollyanna about it, but if it's going to hurt so much, I'd just as soon laugh a little =) I love fall - it's one of my favorite seasons, anywhere I've lived. I love your list and wish I had time to write, let alone think of mine! Thanks for sharing and hope to hear from you again soon! Ah, and I'm so looking forward to getting into Esther!
Hey Melissa Glad to hear all is well with ya'll . Your Hubby is a sweetheart with with flowers and sweater.
Dealing with my kiddos they'll be off for a week for Thanksgiving . I'll be married fifteen year on the 27th of this month. Oh one more thing My Husband went to church with me this morning and I never bugged him to go either.
God Bless You I love the Fall weather and the leaves but living in Lousiana you never really get the Fall weather like you are suppose too.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Colin
Love your Sister in Christ
Sue
De-lurking to say that the highlight of the season was tonight when my husband started his first ever bible study! PTL! He does answer prayers!
Sooo glad to hear from you, Melissa!
I too have had tears in my eyes at the beauty the Lord has displayed here in West TN! I think it has been one of the most glorious!
Since you asked...I am preparing to teach on Ruth and Boaz in a couple of weeks...love this story! and how I wish I could have you over for a cup of coffee and apple crosta (Yep! I've made 3 this fall!) and discuss this scripture...
blessings, sister!
Teresa
Great top 10 list! Here's mine...
1. finally cutting down some HUGELY overgrown bush/trees in the backyard (just call my lumberjill)
2. Teaching a highschool class about world religions and having them be able to tell me where those religions fall short of the mark (Makes me grin thinking about it)
3. having our a/c replaced, our alternator die and our pipes back up all within a week...and NOT loosing my mind!
4. Studying Daniel with a great group of women.
5. Experiencing first-hand the saving power of God when I choked on my pizza and no one could hiemlich it out of me- but "somehow" it just unlodged itself. :)
Sounds like I had a crudy fall, but really it was wonderful. I learned that everything is really out of my control, but it is all in God's control.
N.T. Wright preached at our church today, and he was AWESOME!!!
Hey Melissa! Thanks for helping me know how to do some Bible study on my own. I live in the Atlanta area where my husband pastors. Would you ever be interested in doing the LIT class closer to home?
Definitely on my top ten ever: being surprised with a miracle pregnancy and beautiful baby girl after 17 years of marriage, 2 gorgeous adopted boys who are 10 and 8, and being totally content with life. We were half way to empty nest and totally content! God has been so generous!!
I've been doing the Stepping Up study with an amazing group of women from my church.
Jean
Melissa, with that "bonus" question, I dare say it would be interesting to see what the other content of your class is! WHEW! As I read through that bonus question, I couldn't help but think of the small group that is benefiting from your school (master's degree) greatly!
You have kept us bloggers on our feet by sharing the bonus question with us. I feel challenged just reading it and thinking about my fav verses. I guess I will have to partake of the challenge of this bonus question myself!!
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to be challenged!!
Janet
Hey Melissa,
I wrote a post about Wright's sermon today and posted a link where you will probably be able to download an mp3 of it.
http://beneshes.blogspot.com/2008/11/church-nt-wright-etc.html
:)
Lauren
Typically a lurker... I figured I would leave a message because never does it fail that when I need encouragement, your blog and the wonderful comments of the amazing siests lift my spirits and remind me of what ever it is that I need reminding of!!!
My Top 3 list-
1. Its beautiful Fall!! I love the fall- the colors, the weather, the football, Thanksgiving, everything about fall is wonderful.... I look forward all summer to fall!
2. I am an AUNT!!! My sister had her first baby, a wonderful baby girl!!! She is beautiful and after a quirky birth and a few day stay in the hospital, she has been home for 2 weeks and is doing GREAT!!! Praise the Lord!
3. I have been listening to a series of sermons from a church near where I live. The series is called Beautiful (from Newspring Church in Anderson, SC... all are available from Itunes for free as podcasts). The series is for women, married and single, and for men who want to understand women and God. It has really opened my eyes and changed how I think and the life and person God wants for me to be as HIS daughter and his beautiful creation. Wowy! Zowy!! God is So good!!!!
My best fall blessing? My 21-month-old, who a year ago age NOTHING, got her G tube taken out on October 30th! What a LONG road, but we survived! Praise the Lord!!!
Hello Melissa sounds like you are having a busy and wonderful fall here is a quick update.
1. Over half way through my fall semster in seminary. Got a couple of outlines to complete and 130 questions in church history.
2. Enjoying the beautiful fall colors here in Attalla, AL.
3. Helping Troy decorate his new house and get it ready for us to have Thanksgiving there.
4. Teaching youth discipleship training on How to Study the Bible. Writing a lot of the study myself, which is a first. God is good.
5. Planting fall flowers and enjoy the colors.
I know there is probably a lot more but these are a few that come to mind. Enjoy your fall and look forward to reading your next blog.
Becky
Attalla, AL
Beloved, what does "de-lurk" mean???
I am just thrilled right now, that here in south Louisiana, it is COLD!!! I just love it. I love the season and feel so much happier when it's here. One BIG highlight is that I studied Daniel with our group of ladies at church and we have ONE week left!! I never thought the pages of Daniel in my bible would look so wonderfully weathered! And that I could explain just about everything in there to someone else! Praise God and thank you Beth!!!
Amazed at how God is preparing our family for a short-term missions trip. (This is like the culmination of a 2 year period of knowing God was asking us to do something - just not sure what, when, where, etc.) He has shown us where and has connected us with the people we need to. Now we trust Him to show us the when, how long, and provide the financial end of it!!
Melissa,
I know you don't know me, but I feel connected to you as a fellow Atlanta. Stop by the Emory Chemistry Department sometime and say Hi.
My biggest thing I've got going on this fall is my tiny little 11 week old daughter. a real gift from God.
Glad you are enjoying Fall here.
hugs,
Deirdre
What a great fall! Thanks for the update!
My sweet hubby and I just enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary! We flew to California and drove from the gorgeous Humboldt redwoods to the wild coast at Big Sur, hiking and taking many (many!) photos along the way. What an amazing Creator we serve! Beauty and variety that defy words. Mmmmm.
Back on the homefront, we're still adjusting to an empty nest - thankful every day for our two wonderful, Jesus-loving college-age kids - and our women's group at church just finished Psalms of Ascent - wonderful!
I SO want Christmas to be a sweet season this year - not mired in stress, overscheduling and buyer's remorse. Any tips?
You said “de-lurk”. Way to go! You’re totally cool!
Okay Fall 2008 highlights. This means September through November correct?
OMG! I’m so jealous of the beautiful foliage you get to enjoy. I miss the fall in Connecticut. When I went to college in West Virginia it was amazing! No words to describe it. I never wanted to be outside so much! It was like living in a beautiful painting.
Okayokayokayokay. Fall Highlights. 1. Yesterday my husband and I enjoyed the Renaissance Festival. So fun! Some of the rides and foods we enjoy every year makes life worth living. 2. Went on a business trip to Midland, TX and met this girl that is just like me! I never thought I’d every find friends that I could relate to! The Lord blessed me with Kate: Smart, beautiful, loves the Lord, brilliant, kinda dyslexic in some ways (just like me!), we are both married with no children, we have dogs that we just love to pieces, and we love to write and are computer savvy. Oh! The Lord is good and his mercies endureth forever! 3. Hurricane Ike brought our little neighborhood together and my husband made me again believe in the goodness and heart of people. 4. We turned on the fireplace last night and it was so cozy and sweet! 5. My little Sahsha-baby-girl (my doggy) plays little fun games with me and makes me laugh laugh laugh. She came to a picnic with us and was the belle of the ball. Oh yes she was. She’s so prim and proper and well behaved.. until those yummy ribs come out. Then she’s all of a sudden best friends with whomever has the biggest bone. Then she moves on… and on.. and we laugh and laugh. I like to put her in the baby swings and she loves it.. and then we laugh and laugh some more.
That’s it. I’m lost in my sweet puppy-doodles thoughts.
Hi, Melissa! Glad to see your post. I enjoy reading what you have to say. A few of the things I love most this Fall 2008 is...
1. Finally, low temperatures and humidity! I'm a Texan born and raised but have never gotten used to the "dog days" of hot/humid summers. I've missed sitting on my patio and marveling at the glory of God displayed just outside my door.
2. Able to use the oven more because "finally, low temperatures and humidity!"
3. The garden is low maintenance, it gets dark earlier, and I can focus on knitting in the evenings.
Hi, Melissa! Glad to see your post. I enjoy reading what you have to say. A few of the things I love most this Fall 2008 is...
1. Finally, low temperatures and humidity! I'm a Texan born and raised but have never gotten used to the "dog days" of hot/humid summers. I've missed sitting on my patio and marveling at the glory of God displayed just outside my door.
2. Able to use the oven more because "finally, low temperatures and humidity!"
3. The garden is low maintenance, it gets dark earlier, and I can focus on knitting in the evenings.
Hi, from a lurker who is delurking. :)
Fall of this year was the best for me too. We have just recently moved to North Carolina..in the mountain area...and fall was breath taking. There were times when I was just speechless and then so many times I had to complement God on the creativity of it all. He is an incredible artist!
And, I just wanted to thank you for sharing the points from the Bible study...I think I will take them and try them out. It reminds me a little of some of the things we did in my inductive Bible study in college. It brought back some good memories.
Hello Melissa
So good to hear from you!
I have to admit the siesta fiesta ranks pretty high on my list for the biggest blessing of my year!
You were so funny! I love your sense of humor! Also, it was so great to speak with Amanda briefly; and your mom brought a mighty good Word to us! And of course meeting all my siestas was the icing on the cake!
This fall we have welcomed two beautiful blessings to Mission Raleigh! Little Littia Ruth born in October and Iona Christine born November 1st are just precious! I love being Mission Raleigh granny!
I also love buying girl clothes!
And of course what would fall be without doing a Mama Beth Bible study!
Keep us updated on what's going on with you!
Much love!
Kristi B.
Melissa,
Thanks for your top ten. I do not think I have blogged in a quite a long time also but still read all the time. I'm in central florida and the only fall colors are the ones I decorate with :0) but today its cold with a high of 67! My top 5 for Fall:
1) Doing the James Macdonald study "Lord change my attitude before its too late" It was some of the best practical teaching I have ever heard.
2) Reading "The Shack"
3)Surviving 7th grade with my daughter!
4) Getting to know Sarah Palin
5) Becoming a talk radio junkey because of the elections
Have a good one.
Well we moved from NY to VA, started school back up (we home school). Hubby started a new job, and I am still trying to go through boxes.
Working through Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World,that is a super study. Really makes you look at your relationship with the Lord.
I love fall and the colors, smells, baking the whole fall experience.
1. Last night for "A Woman's Heart"..it's been great!
2. Spending week with newborn grandson in Hill Country of Texas..
3. Watching our two teenage grandsons play football.
4. Serving on Pastor search Committee.
5.Updating 100 year old home and looking forward to completion.
6.Enjoying beautiful weather, even though very little foilage in our part of the world.
7. Looking forward to family coming home for Christmas.
8. Packing "Twelve Days of Christmas" box for missionary family.
9. Excited about first fire in fireplace and homemade soup.
10. Rejoicing in who God is in my life and in the lives of friends and family.
I loved the Top Ten, Melissa! However, I think that #8 is my favorite...because I am so thankfully reaping the benefits! :)
Lindsee
Hey Melissa,
You had a great top 10 list. You are amazing. I just read the foreward you wrote for Mom's Esther study and was awed and inspired by you. Here's a few highlights of 2008.
1. Welcomed my 4th grandchild and 2nd granddaughter, little Mercie into the world in February. What joy!
2. Finished teaching "Stepping Up" and was truly humbled and at the same time so thankful to my Lord that He grew me spiritually and put me on a higher plain.
3. My husband and I both participated in a "Walk to Emmaus" and were truly changed by our experiences.
4. Just being thankful that my children are all Christians and that my 2 daughters that are married with children are raising their kids to love Jesus! As a parent there is nothing better than that.
5. Anxiously waiting to welcome grandchild #5 - a precious little boy - into the world around the first of April.
6. Traveling to Shreveport in August to go see Beth Moore (simulcast) with my mom! Hallelujah! It was fantastic.
7. Falling more in love with Jesus and not being able to get enough of His Word.
Thank you for making all of us feel so loved and special!
In the Grip of His Grace,
Beth Herring
Top 5 for Fall
1. Watching my baby boy grow and change. He just turned 6 months.
2. Watching my daughter be a wonderful big sister.
3. Our wonderful new pastor. We were without one for 2 years after our beloved, long-time pastor retired. God answered the patient prayers of our church and gave us an amazing man of God.
4. The beautiful fall colors.
5. 4 friends having new babies.
Good to hear from you Melissa!
I have a fast Top 5:
1. The Totally Focused women's conference at our church where many women dropped their shackles and chose to be free!
2. The LPL conference in Billings with my sweet sisters from church. We had such a great time and were truly blessed.
3. A wonderful visit from good friends from our home in Georgia. They came when we had 2 ft of snow! They loved it!
4. Getting a new computer that has all the keys on it...yeah!
5. DSL. What more can I say being in MT and finally getting rid of dial-up!
I have missed my family and church family dearly in GA and can't wait to see them. I miss my hugs from the grandkids so much!
Take care.
Sandy
I love reading your posts! They always challenge me, so welcome back. My favorite Fall moments were my birthday! It's in late October and my husband took me to the United Tour with SCC and MWS. Incredible concert!! You're right the Metro Atlanta fall leaves were breathtaking this year. I also got to spend a Saturday walking around the Marietta square with my prayer partner and catching up. (She moved to Colorado a year ago, so it was a sweet day.)
My bible study group is going to do the Esther study starting in January. The ladies are so excited that we're having a pre-Esther party in a few weeks. If you're ever near the Marietta square on Wednesday mornings, come join us. It's an eclectic group, from 30 somethings to 70 somethings, some who believe, some who are not so sure!
Regina's Fall Top Five-
1. An October 6 Birthday Extravaganza. My handsome husband went all out to make the entire weekend special. From the most beautiful yellow roses to new paintings for decor to quality time just sitting together.
2. Teaching Tuesday night Bible study to 100 something beautiful women at Long Hollow and seeing 4 of them come to know the Lord :) Glory and praise be to HIS name alone!! I just love it!
3. Of course, the gorgeous turn of the leaves. It's my personal favorite season, right up there with spring. Although, I do love them all.
4. Finishing up at Southern Seminary. Including the end of all things Hebrew :) at least in the academic setting.
5. Being married for a year and a half to the God's chosen one for me. It's the sweetest blessing. And I love doing weekly devotions together-we are reading Love and Respect right now.
*AND of course COOKING-the holidays will be so much fun!
Don't ya just love doing life together? God is gracious to us and very good!
In Christ,
Regina Gibson-
Top three:
1- husbands that return to the LORD
2- sons that grow into men
3- kitties that sleep on you neck
Suzanne in RI
Oh Melissa! You are a Disciple Diva if I've ever seen one! Love IT! I'm going to do the LIT lesson just 'cause I love the Word so dog-gone much.
My FALL top ten:
1. Talking to Lora O. on the phone at least once a month! WE HAVE THE BEST CONVERSATIONS. I'm telling you the ladies I met at Siesta and shared a room with blessed my soul, too.
2. My wonderful group of grieving moms. That may sound like an oxy-moron, but it is true - these women are incredible. They bless me more than I them. I am teaching the tenth week of my nine week grief recovery curriculum. This week we break pottery or decorative glass representing the brokeness in our lives due to loss as well as the strongholds we need to break down to fully heal through our grief. I will take all the broken pieces and make them plaster, mosaic crosses with the healing verse God gave me at the Siesta Verse (Isaiah 60:20, "And the days of your mourning will come to an end.")
3. NEW HAIR COLOR AND STYLE! I'll post a pic on my blog soon. It is a fabulously fun do! I got some layers, and a darker blonde over brown winter shade. (I know.. that maybe TMI for anyone else, but I told my girls today that I have "Re-invented" Myself yet again!
4. Praying through the election! God is so amazing and what He has shown me through my face down time for this nation has been so humbling, so freeing, so... well, It has increased my faith exponentially - the book of Joel is all marked up from that journey.
5. BIRTHDAYS! I think we have the Birthday Crazies in the fall. My husband and youngest girl's birthday are in September -(Youngest, my baby girl is 17 this year! HARD TO BELIEVE. But, 'tis true.) My eldest turned 19 years old today. I'm crossing my fingers that this week we will go get her driving permit so she will get some time behind the wheel before taking her driving test and driving herself places for a change. I know, I know... a long, long story, but our story just the same. My dad, both my brothers, my cousin and her son, and two of the women in my group had October birthdays. Another lady in my group and my cousin's grandbaby and daughter-in-love, and my sister-in-law this month round out our fall birthday line up!
6. BIBLE STUDY! I did Stepping UP with some women in my hometown this fall, and am doing an amazing study written by my Life Group leader on the Song of Songs. OH GLORY, the Lord is so God and His Word so precious. (Oh and the New Chronological Study Bible I picked up a couple of weeks ago!)
7. Corrie Ten Boom. I'm reading "The Hiding Place." Her story truly blesses my heart. Especially how she served the women around her while she was in the hospital even when they did horrible things like wrapping their puss filled bandages around her head. She is such a warrior and such an example of God's grace in extreme and devestating circumstances.
8. HOLIDAYS! I bought Christmas gifts for charity this weekend and am so blessed by the experience. We usually give gifts in honor of my son who passed away three years ago, but this year, I just loved shopping for children again. Not thinking of "Jay-Jay," but instead of the children who will be opening those presents and experiencing God's love and gift at Christmas through the outreach of our church. We are also helping my brother and his family who are having a rough go of it this holiday season.
9. PRE-EMPTY Nest Jitters! My eldest is moving to Austin either in January or next fall - just depends on how things work out for her. Art School for Photography is on her list of things to do and I am so, so excited for her. A little trepidatious as a Momma Bear as well, but truthfully - I want to see her live her dreams. I just want to see her live her dreams. My youngest will be 18 in the fall, with a year of high school left. We are examining her options and she may make a move of her own in January 2010.
10. My husband went to the Houston/Baytown area to work after Hurrican IKE and he came home... after 7 weeks, the last week of October.
My fall bonus: serving on the altar ministry team at church.
I'm just loving life these days. You know last fall, I was in a season of alone sorting through the changes God had brought in my life and discovering where He wanted me to focus my attention. Today! I'm serving, feeling ever closer to Him everyday and seeing Him at work in my life and my family as well as my church. God is so good and Thanks for asking!
I'm a Word Diva, too. I like lots of words... but I'm working on that.
Love You, Melissa. You are a transplanted Georgia Peach!
Hi Melissa! I loved the boots!
1. Celebrating 2 years of marriage this past September 2nd.
2. Attended my very first Razorback football game.
3. Praying fervently over the presidential election and all of that craziness!
4. Race for the Cure in Little Rock in October and how amazingly overwhelming it is to walk with 50,000 other women!
5. Being greeted every single day with unconditional love from our slobbery puppy.
6. Cooking up Pumpkin Rolls for our churches annual Thanksgiving dinner for those in need. Mmm...so good!
7. Learning how precious life is every single day especially when you lose someone you love unexpectedly.
8. The glorious fall colors! God really out did himself in the paint department.
9. Anticipating the Christmas season and making Christmas breakfast for our family.
10. Making a ton of cotton candy for our church Trunk N Treat. What an awesome ministry!
Ok I loved this post!
Is it too late to leave a comment? On the off chance that I can sneak one more little thing in I just have to say, one of my top 10 is most certainly, hands down, no question, the worship music at the Siesta Fiesta. It was my first time to hear Travis and company and I will not forget it for a long time! I knew the teaching would be great, I anticipated loving the QandA with Beth and her girls, but never in a million years did I anticipate such a powerful time of song(s). I am also pleased to say that my 6th grade son doesn't take the bus in the mornings because I am pretty sure the bus driver doesn't play tracks 4 and 10 every morning!
Loved your list.
1. Just finished the Deeper Still bible study.
2. Parent's Weekend at Baylor -- going to the game with daughter and the Bears won -- sic 'em Bears!
3. Getting to spend some time with hubby and even doing some early Christmas shopping.
4. Birthday celebrations with family.
Hugs from Texas!
Hi Melissa, Now that I know what it means to de-lurk (thanks to the comment of another siesta) I think I'll do that myself, since I typically read your post and others' comments but don't tend to leave one myself. In the interest of time and space, I'll only share my top fall highlight: Re-reading Breaking Free and just this morning going through the deprogramming and reprogramming steps. I have my Truth Cards right here and I'm feeding the Spirit and starving my flesh by sharing this testimony. On the other side of my captivity in this area, I can see how the enemy's attack was subtle during a season of transition that had rendered me more than a little vulnerable. Here's the thing, I have during this season (that began when my husband joined the ranks of the unemployed in January) daily walked the faith walk. I can say with a clean conscience, that I cannot, nor have I started any day without retreating to my quiet place of prayer. I have spent many tears and hours there with little idea what was happening until this morning when God graciously removed the blinders and exposed the lies. I love the fresh new wallpaper of God's truth that now adorns the place where the enemy's lies had been. So you see, my #1 fall highlight is God's perfectly timed divine appointment for me to read with new eyes "Breaking Free"
I always enjoy reading your posts and hope you have a blessed day.
Much love,
Patti Hayes
Melissa, This was great. So Glad to hear that Amanda is having a new little girl in Feb. My niece is having our first in April in Reno and it is a girl as of yesterday. I make custom embroidered fabric or satin baby booties and embroider the child's name on one sole of the bootie and the birthdate on the other sole. I would love to bless your new niece in February with a pair. Your MOM's teaching is such a blessing to me here in the desert of So California. I would love to do this for her FIRST grand daughter, could you please let me know that information and then I will send them to the Beth Moore office for Amanda and her daughter to enjoy!!
God Bless.
loved reading this, and can i just say i have lived here in atlanta my entire life, and this is by far the most beautiful fall we've had in years!
top of my list right now?
just started a new photography business!
Melissa,
Thanks for the update. I love hearing all the stuff you all are up to.
I am a lurker but I couldn't help myself.
My husband and I just returned from adopting our sweet baby girl from China. We are jet lagged and trying to get back to normal here but she is settling in nicely and her 2 brothers and 1 sister are in love, as are we (mom and dad).
We missed the NC mountain peak of the leaves this year but what a reason to miss.
God is soooo good!!!
Janet in NC
PS am I allowed to post our travel blog?
www.yougottahavealittlefaith.blogspot.com
Hi Melissa,
Good to hear from you. My favorite part of your post today was how proud you were of yourself that your sweet husband has gained ten pounds since your marriage! Ha! My husband went from a 32 waist to 36 in a matter of months! It is so much fun to play house and cook - not so much fun to gain the weight.
Another favorite of mine is just the appreciation for the fall season. It is breathtaking. I have enjoyed the movie Fireproof this season as well as the book The Love Dare. I dare you read it and try it on your hubby!
Wish I was young enough and close enough to take your class!
Love,
Kristen in TN
Oh Melissa, I so enjoy your heart and mind for the Lord. Thank you for sharing. :o)
Here's a few of mine:
1. Having my 9 yr old daughter insist on us getting back to our family night devotional (football greatly interfered!) and hearing our kids speak their insight into scripture. Precious.
2. Being reminded by our Lord that I am a beloved child of GOD.
3. I've also been praying to look/act more like Jesus. The Father spoke to me about this the other day. He said, "Child if you want to look like my Son you're going to have to hang out with him more." He reminded me of how after I've been with my mom (even for 5 minutes) I'll make the same faces and use the same expressions she does. Why? Because of all the years I've been with her. He said, "You'll resemble those you spend the most time with."
4. Last and most importantly: FINALLY feeling as though I'm really truly drawing near to GOD again, as well as hearing HIM and interacting with HIM again. Ah, it's the best!
Blessings In Christ!
Anna
My fall started with the joyous birth of my 3rd child, a boy, Eric David weighing, ready? TEN pounds and EIGHT ounces...the same as my 2nd child, also a boy. Whew! Then three weeks later, I had an appendectomy and three weeks later, a case of the shingles which caused my newborn to come down the chicken pox. Now I'm dealing with thrush and mastitis. Yesterday, I just lost it in front of my kids and scared them with my fit of rage. I had to have a "sit down see here" talk with God (and my kids as I apologized) aan just bawled into his chest. Oh how we take our good health for granted! And how we must depend on him for our EVERY need. Praise God for His goodness and faithfulness in the midst of every storm. Sarah in MO
Thanks for the top 10 list! :) And I love that you used the term "social reciprocity" (I was a communication major as an undergrad ;)).
My fall highlights have been:
* Graduating with my MA in Counseling! (OK, that was in August, but the delight of that certainly spilled over into fall as everyone else headed back to school and I was FREE!)
* Watching my fabulous DH in his new pastoral role.
* The healthy growth and development of two baby boys inside of me (and my own body changing!)--and just the miracle and blessing of it all.
* Getting ready for those two little miracles, who should be here in about 4-6 weeks.
Melissa...I loved reading you list. You asked what we have been up to? Well, at the age of 37 I decided to go to college! I am almost done with my first semester and it has been great! It is a Christian college and one of my classes is a Bible class...our text book is N.T. Wrights Simply Christian. I have enjoyed it too!
I tell you what Melissa, Your mom can zip through posts like no other moma can! Bless her sweet heart! I'm glad you have a great mommy!
allison
Post a Comment
<< Home