Pool-Lift

Our pool is 15 years old and in dire need of a face lift. After major repairs we're finally ready for summer. Here's the before and after.








Lest you be tempted to think we have it made in the shade, with a pool in our backyard. Come sit by mama and let me tell you a little story. 

Fifteen years ago I was amidst tremendous grief as the reality of our daughter's disabilities began to weigh heavy on my heart.  To compensate for said loss, I felt I deserved a treat. A pool to be exact. Though able to afford the loan, we failed to take into account the cost of yearly chemicals, swimming supplies, and general upkeep.  As a result, in the early years, this long awaited treat quickly became an unwanted burden.  

We eventually paid off the pool and now enjoy it as originally planned, but the experience has taught me a very valuable lesson. Never again will I badger my husband, or God, for something we are all three not in unison on.  Never again do I want to be a modern day Delilah as described in Judges.

 

Judges 16:16 "With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death."

(I pray I have not take any years of my husband through this behavior!)

OLM Video Devotion Introduction

CLICK HERE to see all of Nancy's Video Devotions

Coming Monday!

Olive Leaf Ministries will be presenting a new blog feature beginning June 16th. You won't want to miss it.  

See you then!

In a Flash

I switched from mini-blinds to 3" blinds thinking they'd be easier to dust and I'd want to clean them more frequently. They are easier to clean, but I still don't clean them as often as I should. I have, however, discovered a remarkably easy way to clean the blinds, which does not involve running a cloth through each slat.

Lightly spray a disposable duster with Pledge (or any dusting spray) and run it over your closed blinds. The spray makes the dust stick to the duster, making your job oodles faster and easier. I cleaned all my blinds in a flash and have the evidence to prove it! (This is about as embarrassing as my facial mask photo.)

If cleanliness is next to godliness, I do believe my blinds have been saved!

What handy cleaning aid do you use to expedite your house cleaning?

Coasting...

With the cost of everything from gas to grapes soaring high into the sky, Jimmy and I are making efforts to creatively conserve. Though our budget isn’t as tight as it was when we first got married, everyone’s beginning to feel the crunch one way or another. We are no different.

In times like these I am glad we weren’t raised with a silver spoon in our mouths, because now we have something to fall back on; penny pinching habits we practiced in our younger days.  Here are a few.

Turn Off the Fans and Lights When Not in the Room
Now, this is tough for me. Especially when it come to lighting.  I like a lot of light and often keep lamps on in rooms I'm not inhabiting.  (After all, I might go back.) I also never clean after the sun goes down and prefer not to do it on a cloudy day, because I don’t feel I can see the dust as well. It's a weird little fetish, but it's who I am.

When we all get to heaven it will indeed be heaven to me since there will be no shadow or night. God's glory will give it light! (Revelation 21:23) We won’t need fans either for the coolness of God’s Holy Spirit will prevail. Oh come Lord Jesus. Come!

Consolidate and Coast
Last week I planned out all my trips so they would take me in one big circle. I thought I’d done a good job, only to discover I had to get out again the next day. I gave it an honest try though, and that’s all that matters.   

On both voyages I tried to see how often I could “coast.” If the road angled downward, I would let off the gas and cruise to the signal light or turn. Theoretically this saves a penny or two and it was actually kind of fun to scout out the terrain and calculate whether I could do this without impeding traffic. (Of course this method will go out the window when I’m in a hurry, but it'll be good on the other days.)

Ask God to Curb Your “Wants”
I love Zappos shoes online, Talbots, and Chico’s. I used to shop if I was hungry, full, happy, or sad. I also discovered that I often shop to cope with my husband’s full-time travel. (I'm always a little sad when he leaves town.) He’s been traveling for ten years, so you can imagine how many stores I’ve frequented!

Lately, however, I haven’t been shopping as much because I’ve been asking God to curtail my “wants.” John says, "...ask and you will receive..." (John 16:24) These are great words of wisdom, but believe it or not, they work in reverse too! We can actually ask God to help us not perpetually be in want for things. For me, when it come to the frills in life, this prayer does me a world of good.  You might want to give it a try too.

What are you doing to make ends meet? I have no doubt all my blogging friends know of some very creative and fun ways to cut corners and I'd love for you to share. Even if it's a small idea, please share it!

Isaiah 58:11 "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

The "After" Revealed

Your reactions to my day of pampering (June 5th) were fun to say the least. Some of you were shocked I'd voluntarily show such a vulnerable photo of myself, while others kindly requested an "after" picture.

Since I'm always happy to oblige, and you asked so nicely, here is the "after" result of my Noxzema Deep Cleansing Mask.

Oh!  No!  

This isn't it...hold on...

 Whewww!  Here you go.

"We ain't got no business laughing 

if we can't first laugh at ourselves."

Visit the Olive Leaf Ministries Website

Be Still Sunday

Exodus 20:8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping in holy."

Pray for Grant

My silly picture with the facial mask seems so trivial as I receive an update from my friend, Emily,  who's 8 year old son has an unknown muscle disorder. They are asking for prayer as the doctors search to find a diagnosis, treatment, and a cure for this life-threatening disorder.

Please pray for little Grant and his family.  They love the Lord with all their hearts, but are weary amidst these great trials.  My husband and I know what it is like to deeply love the Lord, yet ponder the vastness of His will as we helplessly watch our child suffer.  Such are the mysteries of the great I AM.  Who can fathom His great wisdom and knowledge?  Who can measure His great love for us? Far beyond what we can ever comprehend, God is God and we are not. Because of this, we give Him all the power, honor, and glory! Even in the midst of our trials.

You can visit his journal at:  Grant's Site.

Romans 11:36 "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen."

A Little Pampering

To "pamper" means to indulge, comfort, or spoil. 

Shouldn't I look more appealing while doing so?

Visit the Olive Leaf Ministries Website

This Too Shall Pass

Ecclesiastes and I walk by this beautiful field on our walk each morning. It's absolutely gorgeous any time of the day, but especially breathtaking at sunrise. I was sad to see a sign posted along side the road stating 121 homes would soon be build on this site. It prompts me to savor every moment of this awesome landscape for it shall soon pass.

As I grieved over the thought of construction, noise, and business invading this peaceful scene, God reminded me that just as good things come and go, so will the bad. One day Satan will be tossed into the fiery pit (Rev. 12:9) never to return again, and we will live with God in heaven for eternity. No more sin, sickness, pain, or tragedy. All will be perfect, just as God had originally planned. We will commune with Father God and His Son Jesus Christ forever and His kingdom will never end!

Daniel 6:26b “For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end."

Visit the Olive Leaf Ministries Website

The First Family

This bird house is at least seven years old. For years no bird would set foot in the thing and we think it is because it's on our deck.

Last year one brave couple moved in, laid their eggs, and successfully hatched four beautiful chicks.  We thought the curse had lifted until one morning, as I held a cup of coffee in one hand and opened the back door with the other, I discovered evident of a quadruple homicide. Blood, feathers, and baby chick parts lay all over the deck. The silence was deafening and lasted the rest of the season.

 The house remained vacant all these many months until a few weeks ago when a second brave couple began moving things in.  Fluffy white stuffing, straw, and a myriad of other unknown items were methodically shoved into the tiny front door and arranged to suit their specific need.

Now I am happy to report there is new life on the deck again!  With the sound of sweet little chirps in my ear, I watch the sun rise and praise the Lord each morning.  As this mother and father work diligently to feed their hungry brood, God feeds my hungry soul with His nourishing Word.  Thank you Lord for these blessings each morning!

 

Their home

Psalm 84:3 "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young — a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God."

Visit the Olive Leaf Ministries Website

Big Dog, Big Name, Big Bone

Jimmy's been waiting and waiting to get Ecclesiastes this big bone. Now that he's reached 80 lbs. (the dog) we agreed the time was right. It isn't allowed in the house because it's been basted in a sauce much darker than our carpet. Needless to say he now spends a lot of time on the deck chowing down.



I don't know what kind of animal this comes from but every time I look at this bone I think of Jurassic Park, you know, the scene where they lower the goat into the trees!

"Unusually" Good Sandwich

Jimmy has always loved trying new foods. Since I don't like to cook my palate tends to be a bit boring as I eat the same things over and over. Fortunately, this has never stopped him from trying to widen the horizons of my taste-buds.

For instance, when we were first married he made the oddest concoction I'd ever heard of. I nearly died laughing when he sat before me a peanut butter, bacon, and pickle sandwich! I thought, "How strange can you get?" Well, his sandwich may have been weird, but what's even weirder was...I loved it.

I don't know why, but for some strange reason I got a hankering for this odd delicacy again, so off we went to get our supplies. I am happy to say that, just like the good old days, it was delicious and I encourage you to give it a try!

All you have to do is toast your bread, apply peanut butter, crispy bacon, and "Vlasic Bread and Butter Stackers" pickles. It's fast, easy, and delishy.





Mmmm! It's a perfect blend of sweet salty crunch. Let me know if you give it a try and what you think!

Memorial Day

The weathermen predicted 90% chance of rain for Kansas City on Memorial Day. By the grace of God they were wrong. Jimmy and I had invited the family over for a delicious cookout and since the deck is larger than our kitchen, it was vital the weather cooperate. We were pleased to see it did!

It was dry as we feasted on hamburgers, hot dogs, cookies, pie, and ice cream. After we caught up on all the news in each other's families, we piled into our cars and headed to the cemetery, which was especially pretty on Memorial Day.

Dad was so happy to see mom's grave. Next month they would have been married 57 years. What a wonderful example our parents have been to us kids. It is no coincidence that my sister, brother, and me, are still married to our original partners. I am the youngest of three and Jimmy and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary tomorrow!

                         

Dad

Cheap Thrill (One Dollar to be Exact)

Dani and I took my dad to the barber to get his hair cut. It's only a ten minute wait but I get bored easily so we visited the dollar store next door. 

As we walked in the front door we discovered a huge display of Dani's favorite thing...Hawaiian leis! We both knew we had struck gold and since you can't find them just anywhere, I grabbed one that was her favorite color and she wore it the rest of the day.  She proudly posed for the camera once we got home.

A dollar well spent!

(In case you're wondering. Her shirt says, "My Brother Belongs in the Zoo."  Since she cannot speak we let her shirts do the talking.)  

Did You Know?

Have you ever visited a website only to discover the font size was way to small or outlandishly large?  Did you know there is a fast and easy way to adjust it to fit your very need?  I love this tid-bit of information because I use it all the time and I want to share it with you. 

Press and hold your "control/ctrl" button (bottom left on your keyboard) and then press your "-/+" button, depending on which way you want to adjust the font.  As you do this you'll see the font size change right before your very eyes!

Now give it a try on my blog and see if it works.  You don't have to highlight anything.

(Waiting...)

Did it work?  Did you like it?  If so, congratulations!  You now have the world by the tail and can go out and surf the web with greater skill and dexterity!  

Let me know if this works and how well you like it.  

*If you find this tip didn’t work try these problem-solving tips.

Go to your browser header, click on view then text size. You should see an option to increase or decrees your text size. If you have a newer Browser you’ll see symbols telling you how to use your keyboard to change font size.

If you’re using Windows and Internet Explorer version 6 (click help to find your version) the keyboard option is not available.

You can download a new version here for free:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b&displaylang=en

A great browsers to use is Firefox, which you can get free at:
http://www.mozilla-us.com/firefox.htm

You may wonder why you need to update your browser if it works fine. One reason and is newer Browsers have better security features, which is very Important if you make purchases on the web. Another reason is they work faster and give more viewing options. Try updating your browser and see all the great improvements.

Spring in Eden

I absolutely love spring in Kansas City, especially on my deck in the mornings where I do Bible study. With the sun rising on the horizon and the busyness of the squirrels and birds all around me, it's like sitting with God in the Garden of Eden. It brings peace like nothing else can.

Did you know Eden means delight? At the dawn of creation God created this special place so He could commune and fellowship with man. It was where He walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening surrounded by the beauty of all His handiwork. (Genesis 3) Nature was made for us to enjoy and I suppose that is why it brings such joy. God loves His creation, He made us in His image, so we naturally enjoy it as well. Perhaps this is why I walk out my kitchen door each morning and say to the Lord, "Look at your beautiful sunrise! Thank you for letting me see the work of your hand."

May the Lord bless you this day in your own Eden. May you find pleasure in His creation and delight in Him your Creator!

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."

The "Grinch" Graduates

Today Ecclesiastes graduated from intermediate dog training class and most likely saw his friends, Teddy (German Shepherd) and Bella (Dachshund), for the last time. Though each dog is very different from one another, as a trio they get along great and were a hoot to watch and train. All three have been in class together for the last four months, so today was bitter sweet.

Teddy was the guard dog of the group. Forever watching what was going on beyond the class, he never hesitated to show his dislike for a particular person and as a result, I always felt a little safer with him around. Bella, on the other hand, was an irresistible flirt. You'd never guess this confident young pup was once shy and reserved. With a cocoa brown coat and milk chocolate nose, she showed impeccable taste by wearing a green leash and collar that coordinated perfectly with her olive green eyes. She's as cute as a bug's ear and I do believe she knows it!

Then there's Ecclesiastes, the lover of the three. While Teddy kept guard over the group, Ecclesi often entertained Bella by bowing down to her level so they could wrestle and play on equal standing. Somewhere between his 80 lbs. and her 13 lbs., they found a common ground that sustained a fun and friendly relationship both enjoyed. All three dogs were great buddies, which is why it's a little sad to say good bye.

There's one thing sure about this graduating class, each dog lives in a very loving home. The owners give the best of care to their animal and in return receives lots and lots of love. I believe this is one reason God created animals. They are wonderful companions, fabulous friends, and a joy to be around.

Here's a few pictures of our day!

Teddy

Bella

Ecclesi (Look...no green paws! Thanks Daddy)

The Graduation Class of 2008!

The Grinch

Guess who was running behind Jimmy as he mowed the lawn?

Don't Worry...Trust, Pray, and Soar!

Of all things in the world I awoke the other night at 3 am concerned about the price of oil. Not greasy oil itself, but the ripple affect of its soaring price. I was extremely concerned how it would affect our son who is about to embark on his new journey as an adult in the world. Then, I wondered what it would do to those who are already poor and in need. Would it usher in more desperate and violent acts by those unable to make ends meet? Surely the future holds many trials and tribulations for each and every one of us. So, I began to worry.

Peering into the darkness of the bedroom, I mulled over a multitude of troublesome scenarios. As my mind whipped into a tornado of concerns, the Lord spoke truth to my heart saying, “I have never forgotten my children in the past and I will not fail to provide for them today. Do not worry, simply trust in Me and everything will be alright.”

Like a fresh and Holy wind, His words parted the menacing clouds of worry that had begun to steal my hope in the wee hours of the morning. After all it is true. God has never forsaken any of His children, and He isn’t about to begin now. The Psalmist believed then what we must trust in today, “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. (Psalm 125:1)

Think of worry as an opportunity to pray. When you watch the news reports of cyclones, earthquakes, tornados, and terrorist attacks, choose not to worry and opt instead to pray for those in need. And when tempted to fear what the future holds for your children, use it as an occasion to ask God to protect and provide for them, then trust He will do it.

Worry never builds up. It only serves to deplete and tear down. But, when we trust in God, He lifts us up on the wings of eagles and grants us His peace that passes all understanding.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:25-27

“…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Mother's Day

(Picture) Drew, Nancy, Dani, and Jimmy (behind the camera) at Union Station, downtown Kansas City, MO.

With Drew home visiting from college, we enjoyed Mother's Day by going to the Country Club Plaza for lunch at P.F. Chang's, and then walking Crown Center. We stopped at Union Station where we saw at least five wedding celebrations and a child's birthday party. It was a cloudy and misty day, but that did not hamper everyone from having fun.

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Twice Tagged

I have been tagged for a "personal" themed Meme by a dear friend Dr. Boucher.

Here are the rules:
1. List these rules on your post.
2. Answer the following questions in your post.
3.At the end of the post tag 4-5 people. List their name with blog link and leave a comment on their blog to tag them.
4. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answers.

QUESTIONS:
1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was working as an RN in a school for children with communicative disorders.

2. What are five things on your to-do list today?
Have my morning cappuccino (I am still not awake), then a cup of Starbuck's Verona coffee. It's the best!
Walk
Take my book "Freedom" to Mardel's for them to place on their bookshelves.
Mail eleven books of "Freedom" to various book reviewers across the country who have requested it. Thanks guys!
Enjoy lunch with Jimmy (my husband) who is off today!

3. What snacks do you enjoy?
Chocolate covered pretzels

4. What would you do if you became a billionaire?
The same thing I am doing now, writing and teaching women the Word of God.

5. What are your bad habits?
I often battle taking time to rest from work.

6. Where have you lived?
In Kansas City, MO all my life, and I love it!

7. What are five interesting jobs you've had?
My first job was working at Zarda Dairy as a clerk and ice cream scooper. This job taught me I didn't like sales.
Then I was an orderly/aid at a hospital Recovery Room. (I loved playing frisbee with other orderlies in the O.R. hallways. Specimen lids fly quite well!)
I have also worked in ICU (this was my favorite job of all), hospital supervision, and as a school nurse with children with disabilities.

8. Who have you tag to continue the meme fun?
Kaytlynn
Valerie
Connie
Mommyluann

Thankful Thursday

With Mother's Day approaching I've been feeling a little sad. I didn't feel it much last year, because I was so tired and numb after months of caring for my mother who died of breast cancer in October 2006. This year, however, it's different. I am more rested and have time to reflect on this loss, which can surface in rather odd ways. Yesterday, for example, I pulled into my driveway and wondered what it would be like to see her standing there waiting for me. I don't know what prompted this thought other than she was simply on my mind.

Fortunately, as if to redirect my focus, God reminded of the blessings of being a mother. Pointing out the sweet spirit of each of my children, what a wonderful father my husband is to them, and the honor I have as their mother, I couldn't help but smile with delight. After all, I have nothing to be sad about. Mom is in heaven with God, fully restored, and I have a wonderful family to enjoy as I do what God has called me to do here on earth.

It was gracious of God to replace my sadness with joy and to remind me of all He has given. For this reason I am thankful and eagerly anticipate celebrating two things this Mother's Day: all the good thinks my mother taught me and the chance to raise my children to love, honor, and obey the great I AM!

Ecclesiastes 12:13b "...Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

A Dog-On Good Day

I actually once said Ecclesiastes would "never" be allowed on the furniture.
Then, I fell in love with him!

"Tagged" for a Memoir

I've been tagged by Connie for a "Six-Word" memoir. If you are receiving this you have been tagged too!

Here are the rules:
1. Write your own Six-Word Memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

My Six-Word Memoir: "Heal Me Lord Through and Through!"

I am tagging:
Michelle (Sorry Michelle. I see you've been tagged in another fashion already. With that said, I would still like to read your Memoir.)
Shari
Longmeadow Mama
Mommyluann
Awesome Mom

I must say I kind of enjoyed this, and it didn't even involve running around on a playground! I hope you enjoy it too and I look forward to reading each of your memoirs.

Spring has Sprung in the ole Show-Me State!

With camera in hand, I drove Dani to work the long way this morning. Taking pictures right and left we captured the beauty of spring in the Midwest. I found all the beautiful trees I wanted to see, but couldn't for the life of me find those dog-on tulips I was admiring this weekend.


Redbud Tree. They are all over!


Downtown Lee's Summit, MO.


Train Depot Downtown Lee's Summit, MO.


Floral Hills Cemetery. Way too pretty to pass up!

AND THE WINNER IS...

I am happy to announce that the winner of the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival and recipient of "Freedom, Healing for Parents of Disabled Children" is Michelle.

It was difficult to choose a winner; much harder than I anticipated. In my estimation every entry deserved to win, so to be fair I put the names of all eligible contestants in my pink baseball hat and let my daughter, Dani, pull out the winner. It wasn't high tech, but I prayed before the selection, so I trust the winner was God's choice. Congratulations Michelle!

To all of you who entered this drawing, thank you for participating! I wish each of you could have won, but of course that isn't possible. If by chance you are still interested in "Freedom," you may purchase it at Olive Leaf Ministries website.

Thank you again!

Bloggy Giveaways Carnival: Enter Today to Win "Freedom"

“With tears in my eyes and a bony finger pointing toward the heavens, I shouted my biggest grievance of all… “God why won’t you heal her?” In response He said, “Nancy, I won’t heal her for two reasons. First of all, you want her healed for you. You don’t want her healed so much for her sake as you want it for you. You want out. Second, I can do more through not healing her than if I do.” ----- Freedom.

In the pages of Freedom, Nancy Douglas candidly shares the pain, grief, and trials of having a disabled child. From the initial storm of discovering her daughter was Autistic, deaf, and Failure to Thrive, to the agony of knowing she would never receive physically healing, her compelling and honest account of life with a special needs child will transform the heart of all who read it. Walk with Nancy through the pages of her journey and discover for yourself the true and lasting freedom God has waiting for you!

*Leave a comment on this blog to ENTER DRAWING. Drawing will be held Saturday April 26, 2008 and the winner will be announced via blog post at 3pm (CST). International participants welcome. $14.99 value. Free shipping and handling.

PREVIEW "Freedom" at Nancy's website: Olive Leaf Ministries

Visit Bloggy Giveaways

Dani at Work

It’s been a month since Dani began working at the workshop, so I thought you might like to see her in action!

Today she separated the contents of New Hampshire advertising packets due to a misprint in one of the magazines. It’s an important job that needs to be done and just the thing to keep her busy.

Dani loves to go to work. She sees friends, learns new things, and stays busy all at the same time. Her biggest battle, however, is staying on task. She’d rather watch co-workers work than perform the duty herself.

This of course is nothing new. She’s always been a passive observer and her perpetual staring has driven us all up the wall at one time or another. In the evening Dani and I “must” lie side-by-side on the couch to watch TV, because if she sits at my feet between the screen and me, she watches me watch the TV. It ruins any show I try to watch.

It’s a difficult transition for Dani to move from full-time home to full-time work. The bar is higher than ever before and it's proving to be bit stressful. Never the less, we feel she'll meet all her job expectations and grow into a fine young hard working lady.

Dear fellow blogger, if the Lord ever prompts you to think of our little Dani, please pray she’ll adapt to her new job soon! I’ll keep you posted.

Visit Nancy's Website: Olive Leaf Ministries

Open Blog House!

Welcome to my newly remodeled blog! While I loved the look of my old blog, I absolutely adore the warm and sunny look of this new design.

I'm thrilled you've stopped by for a visit so please come in, sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a tour of my newly renovated home. I have lots of rooms for you to visit and plenty of pictures to peruse along the way.

Take your time and enjoy. Then, before you go, leave me a note so I can pay you a visit in return. Thanks for stopping by!

Visit Nancy's website: Olive Leaf Ministries

A Faithful and Godly Man

Married May 28,1983

“Thank you for being such a godly man.” These are words I’ve said to my husband, Jimmy, more than a few times these past few months. With so many marriages around us scattering to the wind, we find ourselves stunned by what lies in so many relationships. Distance, disrespect, infidelity, selfishness, greed, anger, and abuse, just to name a few. What’s most distressing is these are marriages within the church.

In April of 1982 I made a deal with God. “Lord, I am no longer going to look for the man you have for me. Instead, I am going to begin praying for him.” And, that’s exactly what I did. Praying for God to prepare him to be a godly husband, father, and leader, I went to bed each night with a huge smile on my face asking God to tell him I loved him, trusting He could accomplish this though we were still yet strangers.

Six months later Jimmy and I met and within seven months were married. Twenty-four years later, we are still best friends. We love, encourage, support, and pray for one another more than ever before. I never get tired of this wonderful man and I can’t tell you how much I admire his ability to stand faithful and true to his God and family in the midst of such a troubled world. He is a rare commodity and a priceless treasure I thank God for daily.

Like all marriages, ours faces the usual 50/50 odds of survival, but that’s not all. We face far more ominous odds. With an 85% chance of failure due to Jimmy’s full-time travel and an additional 80% chance of breakdown as parents of an Autistic child, we should have parted ways long ago. But oddly enough, we grow stronger each passing year. Why? Because we have a bond that is not easily broken, the love of God in our hearts.

Marriage is tough there is no question about it, but ours is a testament to the truth that any marriage “can” survive. Even a marriage on life-support can be revived and brought back to life by the great Physician and it starts by praying for your spouse, marriage, and family. It is the most powerful thing you can do and should never be left as the last resort.

If it’s difficult for you to trust in the power of prayer, keep in mind that God is always at work, even when we cannot see what He is doing. I know this is true since it’s no coincidence that in April of 1982, when I began to pray for God to bless my future husband, Jimmy accepted Christ as his Savior and was transformed into the very man I so highly value today. Without question God honors our prayers and seeks to preserve all marriages, but we must put Him first in our hearts. Call on Him today and see what He can do for you!

Visit Nancy's website at: Olive Leaf Ministries

A Visit to Not Just “Any” Bible Study

I had the best time in Bible study today. It wasn’t just any Bible study either. I visited the women at the Church of the Resurrection in Olathe, Kansas who were concluding my 10-week study, Draw Me Near. They had asked if I would come and visit them, to which I not only said yes, but offered to teach! They accepted my offer, so off I went to meet these wonderful ladies.

As I prepared for class, the thought crossed my mind, “I wonder if they will feel comfortable and talkative or uneasy and quiet with me, the new gal, in class.” To be honest I expect a little of both, but was pleasantly surprised to discover they were a very talkative, fun, grateful, and energetic group of ladies. Before class ever began it was clear this group was going to be fun, and they were!

I don’t know whether my lesson blessed these precious ones or not, I certainly hope it did. One thing I know for sure is they were a blessing to me and God was definitely present. At the end of class they asked to pray over me, which they did with utmost love. I was humbled in their presence and blessed to meet such dear sisters in Christ.

Thank you ladies for a wonderful morning. I pray our paths cross again soon!

Visit Nancy's Website: Olive Leaf Ministries

Ecclesi's Brave Return to the Fishpond

Baptized in a Fishpond

I’ve been gone more than usual lately working with Dani at her workshop. We’re out of the house at 7:30 am and home around 2:30pm. Though not long hours for the average worker, they are plenty long for a puppy’s bladder. To compensate for Ecclesi having to be in his crate all night and much of the day, I try to give him a treat each evening by taking him out for a spin. Yesterday we drove around town doing errands that only required a drive thru window and today we went to a nearby wildlife preserve. It proved to be doused with excitement.

Winding my way down the rough gravel road, we stopped at a beautiful fishing pond. The water was smooth as glass offering a double view of the sky and tree line set before us. After parking the car I let Ecclesi out to run free and then proceeded to coax Dani to do the same. Since she had grumbled and complained over the fact we'd left the house in the first place, I wasn’t surprised when she refused to get out. Perched in the car as if on strike, I left her door open so she could watch Ecclesi have his fun.

Skimming the ground like an industrial vacuum, he sniffed every stick, rock, tree, and bush. Then he found the pond! Approaching the water’s edge with cautious delight, he vigorously pawed at the water causing huge droplets to fly in the air. Discovering this massive amount of water had proven to be an unexpected joy and he was quick to bask in this dog's hog heaven.

Patting the water with increasing force, suddenly, as if the floor of the pond had dropped out from under him, he disappeared under water. Afraid to stray too far from Dani, I stood half way between the car and the pond with my eyes and mouth opened as wide as they could go. “Oh God. Help him surface! He’s only seven months old. He’s never had to swim before!” I’d always heard dogs automatically know how to swim, but could it be my little Ecclesiastes had been born without the DNA to swim? No one could know, but I was about to find out.

About the time it took for me to process these thoughts, my little sugar cookie with two chocolate chip eyes and a big prune nose immerged from the abyss. Paddling for his life, he swam in one tidy circle then straightened his course and headed for shore. After promptly unloading the excess water from his coat, he resumed vacuuming the land, no worse for the wear.

I think I witnessed a baptism today. Ecclesi was completely immersed in water and experienced a bit of heaven, I called on the name of the Lord as I watched, and we all left with big smiles on our faces! (Thank goodness for leather seats.)

Visit Nancy's Website: Olive Leaf Ministries