I met a beautiful, little girl this week.  Her name is Zoe.  This special Blondie had a way of charming you the moment her eyes met yours, and that cute dimple on her face made it’s mark on the fabric of your heart.  Now, Zoe is quite the miracle herself, a true gift coming into this would three years ago this week!

Zoe was cute and shy upon our introduction, as she clung to her daddy and one by one enjoyed her tasty Skittles, snuggled up next to my sister, Linda.  Zoe and I learned of a few things we had in common though – liking the color purple and warding off the tickle battles!  So our friendship began, and we spent an evening together with the rest of my family while in Cincinnati.

After Ty’s Lacrosse tournament, it was inevitable that we play with Lindsay, my sister’s lovable, white multiuse.  Zoe informed me that when Lindsay barked she was saying ‘Hello’, as we threw her ball back and forth to her.  Her tail wagged and Zoe squealed in delight.  Zoe made the most of the times Lindsay plopped in our laps for a rest, hugging her firmly with most affection.

Zoe became curious as far as why my toe nails were painted, so that ventured us on to a whole other ‘girl’ topic, giving Lindsay a well needed break – I think.  She liked “Winda’s pwetty pink towes”, so with Daddy’s permission our next concentrated time was spent painting our nails.  This little princess sat so close to me, being beyond her age careful to keep her tiny fingers on the paper towel while watching each stroke of soft pink color her delicate finger tips.  After her encouragement to paint mine too, she closely watched and patiently waited for hers to dry.  We even took turns blowing on each finger to speed that drying process.  Then, it was time to show all present in the house – boys and girls alike – how pretty they were.

We ate some smiley faced watermelon slices, opened a few birthday presents, and curiously looked at pictures while Zoe proclaimed her knowledge especially of the turtles being viewed.  Zoe liked to cuddle and be doted upon, notice how different everybody’s hair was, and inform me how to not give here too much pop as she proudly sipped some of mine out of the big girl glass every couple minutes.

Spending time with Zoe was a delight to my entire family, and it reminded me of what I too loved as a little girl.  I remember wanting to be pretty (as I still do!) and do girly things with my beautiful, big sister Linny.  And man, that cuddle time with Daddy sure couldn’t be replaced by anyone else either.  And how I loved that  time of hopping on my Mommy’s lap once my jammies were on, as she’d rock me and I’d drift asleep into dreamland. 

Once Upon A Time seems so long ago now … as decades have gone by and painful things have entered the ‘fairy tale’ scene, as they inevitably do.  Playing with my new friend Zoe reminded me of royalty God created us all to be … HIS, His treasured love and joy.  He created us important and continues to dote upon us and take care of us, no matter how the villain tries to taint our story.  We must focus on our Heavenly Daddy and concentrate on being what He’s uniquely made us to be.  We still may become impatient, skin our knee, and not understand why certain things happen as they do.  Yet one thing that will always be true is that we are royalty and He is there in meeting our every need.  That’s something that can’t ever be taken away!  Thanks for reminding me of this, Zoe! 

They guys are back from the Indy 500, and us girls are lovin’ them being back!  We went out on Linda’s boat today to enjoy some sun and plenty of laughter – especially when Travis, Dan and Ken went tubing.  (No worries, I didn’t attempt tubing myeslf due to my recent rib injury/chostocondritis!)  Here are some pictures I took today … crazy times!

Travis and I hit the road today … Memorial Day travels; fun, fun.  My dad, brother, two nephews and Travis started this ‘guy time’ over Memorial Day a few years ago that’s stuck.  The Indy 500 awaits them – Helio Castroneves’ autograph should soon be on Ty’s memorabilia just a few hours from now.  Mom, Aunt Carol, Linda and I will be enjoying some’girl time’ while the guys are at the races – chick flicks, the boat and possibly outlet stores await us. 

I’m sitting here in my sister’s living room … noise all around me from this awesome thing called ‘family’.  ‘Where will we all sleep tonight?  Linda, would you cut my hair?  Dad, what are you doing?’ … all phrases heard around me at what’s now 1:35am.  I wouldn’t trade it for the world! 

Make sure you thank God for your family and loved ones … just something on my heart tonight.

‘Waking up to another dark morning, people are mourning … the weather in life outside is storming…”

Nineteen-year-old Jenny Remple died in a car accident the other day.  She was the adopted daughter of a family Travis grew up with in Confluence, Pennsylvania.  Her parents being missionaries to China, adopted Jenny; she just completed her first year of college.  Her car ran off the side of the road late into the night.  Her family found her at 3am.  The funeral is tomorrow.

‘What will it take for the clouds to break; for us to realize each day is a gift, somehow, some way?’

Steve Curtis Chapman’s youngest daughter, Maria Sue (adopted from China), was hit in the family’s driveway yesterday afternoon by the car her teenaged brother was driving.  Years prior, God broke the Chapman Family’s heart and opened their eyes to the point of them even contemplating staying in China!  They said it was as if God was telling them they needed to take the story of the many orphaned children back to the church in America and around the world.  That’s apparently what this 45-year-old fella and his wife have done.  Steven just recently released a book about being a father titled “Cinderella: The Love of Daddy and his Princess” too.  I’m sure the line from his song Cinderella will never be sung the same again … ‘all too soon the clock will strike midnight and she’ll be gone.’

How are you living today?  What is breaking your heart, and what are you then doing about it?  Please pray for these families, and pray that God would show you how your life truly is a gift and how even your tragedies can lead you on to make an impact in this world like no one else can.

‘… and get our heads up out of the darkness; start to live life ’cause it ain’t gone yet.  Tragedy’s a reminder to take of the blinders and wake up.  Live the life we’re supposed to take up, moving forward with all the heads up ’cause life is worth living.  We live, we love, we forgive, and never give up ’cause the days we are given are gifts from above, and today we remember to live and to love.’

I was truly blown away by the response at the concert this morning.  It was held at Union Chapel Church, this tiny church in the mountains (well, mountains as we Western Pennsylvania folks call them!)  This sweet fella, Rodger, came to one of my first concerts back in September and was so touched by it, he brought a request to his pastor for me to come to his church.  The date was on the calendar for a couple months ago, yet a huge snow storm kept it from happening.  This morning it was windy and rainy, yet thankfully this precipitation didn’t stand in our way!  Before the concert, Pastor Herring handed me an honorarium, though he hadn’t a clue what would even take place!  I overheard several of the people in the congregation ask him why he was even there, prior to the service.  I guess when someone else comes in for the morning, he’s usually away!  He told them he didn’t want to miss the concert,.. I smiled and prayed God would work in his heart too.  I think He did, for as the concert ended, he handed me another check, doubling the initial honorarium amount!  God really moved this morning … one third of the folks in attendance raised their hands, indicating that they’d like me to pray for them, that Jesus would show them how their past has effected them today and invite Him to heal their deep wounds.  That was such an honor… And the greetings as they exited the sanctuary couldn’t have been warmer either.  Our God is so awesome!  I marvel at how He specifically planned this church at this time to do some pretty amazing stuff.  He certainly had a special purpose for the young and old at this tiny church in the mountains.  It brings me such joy!

It’s been one of those weeks where soooooooooooo much has gone on with trying to juggle the every day life with the ever important ministry demands.  Although life gets pretty nuts between both our schedules, I’m so thankful to be in this journey with my hubby.  This past Thursday and Friday night, Travis and I got to celebrate how local students are being missionaries in their high schools and honor them at Teens For Christ’s end of the school year ‘Released’ Banquets.  Talk about fun!  There’s nothing like hanging out with a bunch of students passionate for Jesus, fun loving youth pastors, awesome parents and concerned adults in our two neighboring counties.  Reality isn’t pretty when you realize that only 4% of teenagers profess to be Christians … that’s only 4 out of every 100!  Public schools are major mission fields, and these students are taking their faith seriously by making a huge difference each year as they embark on their 9 month mission trip to their schools.  It is sweet to see what God can do when one person, then another, then another decides to live for Him at their school.  I heard a story from one of the Bible Clubs last night how an average of 55 students each day meet to pray together when they arrive to school in the morning!  How sweet is that?!!  I was very encouraged as another fella who goes to my former high school shared how he’s not allowing the discouraging things and obstacle after obstacle surrounding him to keep him for being like Jesus and reaching his friends for Christ.  Man, how are we living like that in our day to day???  Some food for thought …

I just received detailed words from Julie, Ashliana’s mom and I have wonderful news!

Yesterday was a long day as they expected … up at 5am and at Children’s Hospital by 6:30am ready to begin the registration process.  At around 9:30am, Ashliana was beginning to become fearful with tears in her eyes as she waited for Dr. Alper to finish up with another patient.  She officially went under at 10:15am and Dr. Alper made his first cut at 10:45am.  Ashliana was to be under for at least 5 hours.  This procedure was dependent upon one thing – if Ashliana had the growth in her ear, it’s whereabouts, and how large or small it would be.  That all would determine the doctor’s next steps, how much he would accomplish that day, and how many more surgeries Ashliana would have to undergo. 

Dr. Alper came out of the operating room around 1pm with the biggest smile on his face Julie had ever seen in the two years she’s known him!  He said there is good news and bad news.  The good news was that he was already done because the cholesteatoma (http://www.earsite.com/tumors/cholesteatoma.html) was so small this time and so easy to remove that he got it out very fast!  The bad news was that since she had a growth (even though small) he would not be able to start the reconstructive surgery yesterday, so – unless God completely heals her Himself before then –  she will need another surgery.  The doctor believes that since there was no more damage done, it looks very positive to restore her hearing through the future surgery! 

This will most likely be the last removal of it, PRAISE THE LORD!  Dr. Alper is more confident that this is it … he thinks they finally have a grip on it!  Ashliana’s healing process is going to be easier too because Dr. Alper didn’t need to use packing like before and her recovery is going to be shorter with less restrictions!!!  She will be doing those back flips and tucks before we know it!  Her next surgery will be probably between 4-6 months from now … I’ll keep you posted.

Our God is an AMAZING GOD, with great plans for this sweetie.  Thanks so much for all the prayers.  God has heard them!

So, Travis and I ventured out to Pittsburgh for one incredible evening last night.  My dear sweet friend Hanna had her chorus concert, so that was our first stop.  She sung so beautifully, I felt like a proud momma or something of the sort … the song she sung a solo in being my absolute favorite!  I just love how God’s gifted and ‘wired you up’, girl!  That was a sweet time in and of itself, yet alone what was yet to come.

Remember Ashliana, the little girl I met at my May 2nd concert – the one I asked you all to pray for as she’s going into surgery this Thursday, May 15th?  Well, she and her family lived ever so close to where Hanna’s concert was, so Travis and I decided to pop by and love on Ashliana (age 7) a bit before her surgery.  Man, I wasn’t expecting all the fun she, Kasha (age 11), Julie (mom), Gary (friend), Travis and I sure would have … it was one energy filled evening, talking about their church, getting the official home tour, giving my McDonald’s order to Ashliana, climbing on backs, tickle battles and lots (and I mean lots) of posing for pictures.  Ashliana had such joy and played so relentlessly … she’s so strong about her upcoming surgery too!  She also proudly sported her back flip while doing a little hip hop with her sister too, as after Thursday she’s gonna have to take it somewhat easy for a while.

Here are some pictures from the evening … first of Hanna, then with Ashliana, Kasha and Julie. 

Please pray for Ashliana’s surgery.  To explain a few details Julie shared with me, Ashliana’s doctor noticed some hearing loss a while ago which saved Ashliana’s life.  Prior to now, Ashliana has had two major surgeries on her ear.  This Thursday will be the third, and it’s quite serious as they will be operating so very close to her brain.  Ashliana will be at the hospital all day, and ‘under’ 5 hours, assuming everything goes smoothly.  They will basically cut around her ear, push her ear back, and remove with a tweezer looking thing very tiny particles from what ‘looks like’ (yet is not) a tumor.  If this surgery is not done, it could cause serious problems with Ashliana’s brain, etc.  One of the things which could happen during this surgery that Julie especially asks prayer for is paralysis of one side of Ashliana’s face.  They will be monitoring her sweet face throughout the surgery very carefully, for if they hit a nerve, then such paralysis could occur.  Please do pray that this surgery is successful, no paralysis occurs, and that Ashlina has the beautiful opportunity of living this life healthy and becoming the remarkable woman of God I already see coming through!

Have you ever had a friend whom you admired so?.. Someone God put in your life at just the right time and loved you so lavishly you felt extremely undeserving but incredibly grateful?  That’s the kind of friend Erin’s been to me.  I met her at church, when I was 20-something, and I’m thankful to this day for the special part she plays in my life.  We live states apart, yet that doesn’t matter.  She even flew out my direction for my wedding … now that’s a true friend, eh?

Anyway, I wanted to bring your attention to a book that Erin just wrote and is now available through Harvest House Publishers.  It’s called Navigating Route 20- Something: A Lifemap for the Road Ahead.  Check out this tid-bit Erin shares about her new book:  

You’ve got one shot at life.  How will you make it count? 
We enter out twenties dreaming of a joyride of adventure and potential.
Sometimes reality exceeds our hopes.  But often confusion and disillusionment cloud our view, leaving us to wonder, “Just how do you work this thing called adulthood?” 

Thirtysomething Erin Keely Marshall doesn’t claim to have life all figured out.  But she’s learned a thing or two about avoiding hazards and lets you in on what she’s discovered along the way.  They’re signposts, really-bits of advice such as:

     *Comparison is the death of contentment.
     *You or your fears-one will win.  Make sure it’s you.
     *When relying on God, waiting is not a waste of time.

Navigating Route 20-Someting offers wise counsel to keep you out of the ditch and on your way toward a life full of purpose and free of regret.

Check it out, folks.  I promise, you won’t be disappointed.  You can visit Erin on the web and make a new friend too at www.erinkeelymarshall.net.

Love you, Erin!

We had the greatest time at FairchanceFree Methodist Church yesterday!  At first, I really was wondering how the concert was gonna go … this was, for the most part, such a traditional crowd.  I thought I was gonna give some heart attacks by the mere mention of standing up and clapping during that first song!  Fortunately there were no casualties!  What a privilege it was to be there … thanks, Pastor Paul!  What a great leader for the church … with such a passion for the Lord.  You were an encouragement.  And I was so encouraged by the greatest teenagers EVER, sitting up front to my right.  (I’ve got a great picture to upload … computer’s giving me some problems here … be on the look out for it in the days to come!)  Man, you guys were AWESOME!  I SOOOOOOOOOOOOO wanted you up on stage with me during Unwritten – you could SING!  It was so fun meeting you after church too – oh yeah, chinese buffet.  And happy birthday my sweet 16 new friend too. )  You all add so much life to the church … keep it up!  That passion God’s put inside of you … that fire for HIM that is so evident; I know it’s not the easiest to live that out sometimes, yet don’t stop living for Him in that awesome way!  He’s sooooooo alive in you and watch out world, when you continue to follow after Him!  Can’t wait to come back … someday. )