FINALLY!!!! After a year of working a national and then a regional and finally a state team, the project that I started last December is rolled out to our field staff. I know this isn't interesting or important to anyone else but to me it is HUGE. There has been long hours of sitting on teleconferences with DC to Hawaii WME engineers. There has been arguments over the best way to make non-scalable engineering designs scalable. And I'm seeing from my auto-correct that scalable isn't even a word. "TOO FUNNY". DC sure thinks it is. I won a few of the arguments and lost a few but I know that I tried my best to represent the state of Arkansas and the engineering that we do here.
This past week, I, along with my fellow colleges who also endured this last year, presented these many changes and ideas to the field staff. Though there were concerns and grumblings, we heard good feed back from all the meetings. Will that mean the next year of implementation will be easy? No but it's a start.
It feels so good to have worked so hard and know that I gave my best. Now to relax a bit and then figure out what the heck I'm suppose to do now. LOL
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Sunday, November 04, 2012
I QUIT!!!!! ............ Making Excuses
Do you ever make excuses to not make a change for God or excuse to not follow Christ completely?
I have made excuses to not read the Bible daily or to not get up earlier to do a devotional.
I have made excuses to not participate in church activities.
I have made excuses for gossiping by calling it discussions the problem.
I have made excuses for not tithing.
God wants us to be happy, not walking around in misery and full of guilt.
God also wants to help us. He wants to help us get through the situation. He will give us words to speak; the support we need; the forgiveness we need. God loves us and will be our cheerleader.
Now go!!!! God sends you as you are BUT He goes with you.
God says, "is there anything too difficult for me?"
Maybe our problem is we quit because we put a limit on God's ability?
What excuses are you using to keep God at a distant?
I have made excuses to not read the Bible daily or to not get up earlier to do a devotional.
I have made excuses to not participate in church activities.
I have made excuses for gossiping by calling it discussions the problem.
I have made excuses for not tithing.
God wants us to be happy, not walking around in misery and full of guilt.
God also wants to help us. He wants to help us get through the situation. He will give us words to speak; the support we need; the forgiveness we need. God loves us and will be our cheerleader.
Now go!!!! God sends you as you are BUT He goes with you.
God says, "is there anything too difficult for me?"
Maybe our problem is we quit because we put a limit on God's ability?
What excuses are you using to keep God at a distant?
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Reflections
6 years ago, Marty and I and the girls stepped out of our comfort zone to go on a mission from God. We had no special skills, no great knowledge of the Bible, and at most we were baby Christians. Marty might have been a toddler but who can tell? There was no blinding and a sight regained instant or even a voice from God moment, just a feeling that I had that I need to do more to change my world after I had spent 72 hours on the spiritual retreat called Walk to Emmaus. Now we weren't going far. It wasn't like we were going out of country or even moving out of state, we were just going to help launch a new United Methodist Church on our side of town. Yet who could have dreamed of the experience and adventure and the transformation that we would experience?
When leaving Cabot UMC, we had done barely anything but worship and Sunday school. We had help start the contemporary service and a Sunday school class (God's creation), that are still very vibrant in that church today but other then me "serving my time" in the kids Sunday school classes and taking my turn with VBS and taking a Disciple Bible Study class, we really were just "Doing" church.
I think in the beginning we were just "doing" church at Christ UMC too but somewhere along this journey it changed. Over the last 6 years, I became the children's director where I researched and researched bible studies, nursery set ups, safe toys for special gifts, VBS materials for 4 very successful summers reaching 100 + children, worked with countless, amazing moms and dads and servants of God and learned what it means to work on a shoe string budget. It was tough but I loved working with the children and listening as they would sing the VBS songs with their motions and come running up and giving me hugs at the knees.
I learned what it means to be a roady in a band doing set up and take down and set up and take down and set up and take down. It gets old in a hurry and isn't very glamorous, especially in the 100 degree heat of July and August in Arkansas.
I became a part of a cell group during the first years of which I was so glad to have Marty lead. I so enjoy hearing him explain the Bible in a way that I can comprehend. But over time we thought it would be good to start a men's study and a women's study and for the life of me I don't know how, I was assigned to lead it. I found new joy in my life. I'm not great and I don't know much but I learned that God will equip me with what I need when I need it during the studies and now I offer a women's study every Thursday evening, we are small in size but these women help grow me more.
Some where among all this I found time to go back and work some of those Emmaus Walks where I was pushed into a new change, public presentation of a talk to women I don't know. I have never been a public speaker and would do everything in my power to avoid it. I even took a lower grade in school to avoid getting up in front of people. But either through the children, the cell group or the women's studies I had learned that God never asked the person we would pick to do it but the one that stuttered or the one that was not the most beautiful to do his work and so I stepped out of that box. I have since been blessed to give 10 Emmaus talks and 1 chrysalis talk and was even an Emmaus Lay Director where I had to stand up all weekend and read long passages to the women.
But God wasn't done yet, having taken a break from children's, He called me to begin working with the youth as a Youth Coordinator. I never thought I could work with youth. They seem like foreign creatures to me but I guess with the blessing of two of the most precious daughters and the blessing of several wonderful Jones boys + Cory, I found a new place to serve. The youth group of Christ UMC has changed so much in this last year. It has grown to 16 who attend regularly now and I can see the start of more growth on the horizon.
During all of this, I wasn't the only one changing or growing. Marty went on his Emmaus walk just 6 months after I did and felt the call to do more. He wasn't sure what but since we had just started with the new church start, he thought it was that. He soon realized it wasn't it and after going back and working an Emmaus walk himself, he came home to tell me that he thought God was calling him to preach. LOL. Good friends had been telling him that for years but I guess he finally heard it from God.
He has been on that path now for 4 of the last 6 years and just last week he completed the last course work and is now a local pastor for the United Methodist Church.
Who would have thought 6 years ago that today, I would be a pastor's wife. Children's - ok, I've always loved kids. Teaching women's studies - ok, they're not that hard you are really just asking the questions in the books and letting the women take you were God wants you to go. Youth - ok that is a bet of stretch but I grew into it with Emily and the Jones boys. But pastor's wife???? Boy does God have a sense of humor. He has been laughing at me for more years then I knew.
I never knew I was growing. I never realized I was being reshaped. I felt the heat of the kiln oh so many times as he would mold me into His design. I felt the pruning of the dead branches I clung so tightly too. And I cried at the pain as we would watch other members come and go.
In all the time, I don't think I ever really thought that He was reshaping me to work in a mission field other then Christ UMC, but today our family closed this book of our lives because God has a plan for us and it's time to move to the next adventure.
It's not good-bye Christ UMC but take care and keep the faith. Continue on this wonderful mission because God has a wonderful plan for you all. If you have been sitting on the edge just waiting for the moment then take the opportunity to jump into God's plan for you. I don't know what it will be, I certainly didn't but I know that if you open your heart and just follow where ever, doing what ever God calls you to do, you will be moved as Marty and I and the girls have been moved and grown during our time at this wonderful church we will always call home.
When leaving Cabot UMC, we had done barely anything but worship and Sunday school. We had help start the contemporary service and a Sunday school class (God's creation), that are still very vibrant in that church today but other then me "serving my time" in the kids Sunday school classes and taking my turn with VBS and taking a Disciple Bible Study class, we really were just "Doing" church.
I think in the beginning we were just "doing" church at Christ UMC too but somewhere along this journey it changed. Over the last 6 years, I became the children's director where I researched and researched bible studies, nursery set ups, safe toys for special gifts, VBS materials for 4 very successful summers reaching 100 + children, worked with countless, amazing moms and dads and servants of God and learned what it means to work on a shoe string budget. It was tough but I loved working with the children and listening as they would sing the VBS songs with their motions and come running up and giving me hugs at the knees.
I learned what it means to be a roady in a band doing set up and take down and set up and take down and set up and take down. It gets old in a hurry and isn't very glamorous, especially in the 100 degree heat of July and August in Arkansas.
I became a part of a cell group during the first years of which I was so glad to have Marty lead. I so enjoy hearing him explain the Bible in a way that I can comprehend. But over time we thought it would be good to start a men's study and a women's study and for the life of me I don't know how, I was assigned to lead it. I found new joy in my life. I'm not great and I don't know much but I learned that God will equip me with what I need when I need it during the studies and now I offer a women's study every Thursday evening, we are small in size but these women help grow me more.
Some where among all this I found time to go back and work some of those Emmaus Walks where I was pushed into a new change, public presentation of a talk to women I don't know. I have never been a public speaker and would do everything in my power to avoid it. I even took a lower grade in school to avoid getting up in front of people. But either through the children, the cell group or the women's studies I had learned that God never asked the person we would pick to do it but the one that stuttered or the one that was not the most beautiful to do his work and so I stepped out of that box. I have since been blessed to give 10 Emmaus talks and 1 chrysalis talk and was even an Emmaus Lay Director where I had to stand up all weekend and read long passages to the women.
But God wasn't done yet, having taken a break from children's, He called me to begin working with the youth as a Youth Coordinator. I never thought I could work with youth. They seem like foreign creatures to me but I guess with the blessing of two of the most precious daughters and the blessing of several wonderful Jones boys + Cory, I found a new place to serve. The youth group of Christ UMC has changed so much in this last year. It has grown to 16 who attend regularly now and I can see the start of more growth on the horizon.
During all of this, I wasn't the only one changing or growing. Marty went on his Emmaus walk just 6 months after I did and felt the call to do more. He wasn't sure what but since we had just started with the new church start, he thought it was that. He soon realized it wasn't it and after going back and working an Emmaus walk himself, he came home to tell me that he thought God was calling him to preach. LOL. Good friends had been telling him that for years but I guess he finally heard it from God.
He has been on that path now for 4 of the last 6 years and just last week he completed the last course work and is now a local pastor for the United Methodist Church.
Who would have thought 6 years ago that today, I would be a pastor's wife. Children's - ok, I've always loved kids. Teaching women's studies - ok, they're not that hard you are really just asking the questions in the books and letting the women take you were God wants you to go. Youth - ok that is a bet of stretch but I grew into it with Emily and the Jones boys. But pastor's wife???? Boy does God have a sense of humor. He has been laughing at me for more years then I knew.
I never knew I was growing. I never realized I was being reshaped. I felt the heat of the kiln oh so many times as he would mold me into His design. I felt the pruning of the dead branches I clung so tightly too. And I cried at the pain as we would watch other members come and go.
In all the time, I don't think I ever really thought that He was reshaping me to work in a mission field other then Christ UMC, but today our family closed this book of our lives because God has a plan for us and it's time to move to the next adventure.
It's not good-bye Christ UMC but take care and keep the faith. Continue on this wonderful mission because God has a wonderful plan for you all. If you have been sitting on the edge just waiting for the moment then take the opportunity to jump into God's plan for you. I don't know what it will be, I certainly didn't but I know that if you open your heart and just follow where ever, doing what ever God calls you to do, you will be moved as Marty and I and the girls have been moved and grown during our time at this wonderful church we will always call home.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
One dress, two different teenagers, 23 years apart.
One dress, two different teenagers, 23 years apart. |
| 1989 |
 |
| 2012 |
Thank you God for the blessing of my beautiful, wonderful daughter.
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Driving Fun
Running errands today to get the final pieces Emily needed for formal next Friday night: strapless bra, hoses, shoes and jewelry. While making all these errands Emily got to do the driving. She got to drive from Dark Hollow up North Hills Blvd to Fairway to Lakewood Village. She does really good but she need practice on the parking. Turning into driveways and parking spaces seams to be a bit of a challenge but she is learning. After finding her shoes at Shoe Carnival, she drove to McCain Mall. She did so very good. She is nervous and tense but hey she's driving my suburban. It's huge and has V8 under the hood. That's a lot of power underneath her foot. We're not allowing her to drive on the interstate yet, so I drove us from the mall out to Crystal Hill but she took back over at the Citgo and drove down to the Big Dam Bridge to pick up Marty who we had dropped off at the Little Rock submarine to do his long run. Then she drove back to the Citgo and Dad took over and drove us back to Cabot. Emily took back over at the Exxon station and drove home. She hasn't tried to drive out of our driveway yet but that will be soon. She is babysitting tonight and I did let her drive over to Mrs. Tina's house. It was just before dark and the latest time of day that she has driven.
I'm really surprised at the patience I have with her while teaching her to drive. I talk her through it and I don't think I raise my voice too much. Only on the turns into driveways or into parking places to keep her from putting the sub into a ditch or hitting that car. But more parking lot work is in the future. Marty and I are so very proud of how she is doing.
I'm really surprised at the patience I have with her while teaching her to drive. I talk her through it and I don't think I raise my voice too much. Only on the turns into driveways or into parking places to keep her from putting the sub into a ditch or hitting that car. But more parking lot work is in the future. Marty and I are so very proud of how she is doing.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
What is really Tithe?
Ok. I'm really trying to figure this out and I am totally torn. I fully believe that all mine and Marty's money is God's and we are blessed to have every penny and we only have every penny because of Him. Our church is a small church and like most churches are having financial issues because the world is having financial issues. One of the first things that people cut back on when their money gets tight is their money to the church. Marty and I are really wanting to do our part and feel it is our obligations to follow the word of God but here is where I'm confused. Is tithe 10% of our gross or our net?
Now I'm not trying to split hairs here or to short God. I would give him 20% if I could but I would like to know where the line is. Here is why I ask. (I'm using round fake numbers here to make the math easier and to not just say I make X amount so don't read anything into the numbers. If you want to know my income, call me. I've got nothing to hide but I'm not publishing it on the net.) I make a good salary. As does Marty. And because of that Uncle Sam really likes to collect "his fair share". From my salary is taken: retirement, social secrity, state taxes, federal taxes, health care insurance, dental insurance, FICA, TSP. This equates to 49% of my gross income that I never, ever see. At least I will see some (I pray) when I retire (which I will tithe on then), but 49% that is not available for use by Marty or me to pay any bill or use as we would like. So if I make $500 a week, Uncle Sam gets $246 a week and Marty and I get $254 a week.
So if Marty and I give $25.40 a week to the church, are we considered tithers? Or must we give $50.00 a week?
I'm really serious about this because my goal is to be a tither. I just don't know what that really is. This year we are reaching down and doing the 10% of net for the first time and it is really going to be scarifical giving. I don't know how the money will stretch each month, though I know God does. I guess that's why it bugs me so much because I want to be called tither but if it's gross I don't know if I have the faith to make that jump.
Now I'm not trying to split hairs here or to short God. I would give him 20% if I could but I would like to know where the line is. Here is why I ask. (I'm using round fake numbers here to make the math easier and to not just say I make X amount so don't read anything into the numbers. If you want to know my income, call me. I've got nothing to hide but I'm not publishing it on the net.) I make a good salary. As does Marty. And because of that Uncle Sam really likes to collect "his fair share". From my salary is taken: retirement, social secrity, state taxes, federal taxes, health care insurance, dental insurance, FICA, TSP. This equates to 49% of my gross income that I never, ever see. At least I will see some (I pray) when I retire (which I will tithe on then), but 49% that is not available for use by Marty or me to pay any bill or use as we would like. So if I make $500 a week, Uncle Sam gets $246 a week and Marty and I get $254 a week.
So if Marty and I give $25.40 a week to the church, are we considered tithers? Or must we give $50.00 a week?
I'm really serious about this because my goal is to be a tither. I just don't know what that really is. This year we are reaching down and doing the 10% of net for the first time and it is really going to be scarifical giving. I don't know how the money will stretch each month, though I know God does. I guess that's why it bugs me so much because I want to be called tither but if it's gross I don't know if I have the faith to make that jump.
Monday, January 02, 2012
Pinnacle Mountain Day
Headed to Pinnacle Mountain this morning to hike to the top but found that they are doing some trail maintenance. You can still go up the west side but you have to take the base trail around to the park access road and then go up from there.
The view from about marker 5, maybe 6 looking back north. It was a beautiful clear day. Just wish my camera lens had been clean. Dang it!!!!
The girls were full of themselves today. We laughed all the way up and all the way down the mountain. From watching them hanging out in trees, to scaling the rocks, to striking poses, they were cracking Marty and me up! The joy of being parents of two fabulous girls.
Dad found himself in a bit of trouble and required a hand from the girls. Ha Ha.
Erin was enjoying being at the top of the world striking poses for me. She has been looking forward to the day when I would let her scramble across the rocks without hollering at her to be careful.
I think the smile says it all!!! Thank you God for the beautiful day that you blessed us with.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
What is there to say?
I sit here trying to think of something to write and find myself without words. Or is it that I'm without subject. Of course I could use the obvious ones of new years and new resolutions. I could talk more about my hopes and dreams but really those are boring.
What about the fact that the tree is now down and the decorations (for the most part) are put away. I could look back at the many changes of 2011. The making of new friends or the lost of old ones. The many attempts to change either through weight lose to the journey of walking as Christ.
There have been moments of pure joy (not as many as I would have liked) and days of great pain that caused tears to fall without ceasing (far more then I care to remember). Each and every moment though, are pieces of my life that make me, well, me. Through some pain, I learned that each moment is precious and to take for granted our time with those whom we love could lead us regretting our choices and the priorities that led to those choices. Through other pain, I learned that we can only change ones self and it matters not if we forgive someone of their actions, we may still need to set limits concerning them if their actions continue to be the same. I have learned that secrets are some times kept by others because they think it is the best for all, but in all actually secrets only cause more pain and sorrow and leave people feeling lonely. Joy came from witnessing 17 women deepen their walks with God over a period of 72 hours and from seeing the joy on a 14 year old's face as she passed her driving test and made 3rd chair 2nd alto at All Region choir. More joy came through the deepening of a relationship over the summer with two family members that I had not had an opportunity before to really get to know.
There are many things from 2011 to think about and learn from but that's just it, they are to be learned from. They are not the to be hung onto and wallowed in. It's a new day. And a new day is a new opportunity to be whom God is calling me to be.
What about the fact that the tree is now down and the decorations (for the most part) are put away. I could look back at the many changes of 2011. The making of new friends or the lost of old ones. The many attempts to change either through weight lose to the journey of walking as Christ.
There have been moments of pure joy (not as many as I would have liked) and days of great pain that caused tears to fall without ceasing (far more then I care to remember). Each and every moment though, are pieces of my life that make me, well, me. Through some pain, I learned that each moment is precious and to take for granted our time with those whom we love could lead us regretting our choices and the priorities that led to those choices. Through other pain, I learned that we can only change ones self and it matters not if we forgive someone of their actions, we may still need to set limits concerning them if their actions continue to be the same. I have learned that secrets are some times kept by others because they think it is the best for all, but in all actually secrets only cause more pain and sorrow and leave people feeling lonely. Joy came from witnessing 17 women deepen their walks with God over a period of 72 hours and from seeing the joy on a 14 year old's face as she passed her driving test and made 3rd chair 2nd alto at All Region choir. More joy came through the deepening of a relationship over the summer with two family members that I had not had an opportunity before to really get to know.
There are many things from 2011 to think about and learn from but that's just it, they are to be learned from. They are not the to be hung onto and wallowed in. It's a new day. And a new day is a new opportunity to be whom God is calling me to be.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The Bowies of 2011
There are many things to reflect on from 2011. Many things that made me smile and many many things that made me cry. It was a very tough year, tougher than many know but because of my wonderful family and because of Christ love, I have made it through and feel that I am in a better place to start 2012.
My wonderful partner in this life who makes every day so much better. He holds my hand, kisses my check and loves me when I act stupid.
My beautiful but crazy daughters. My how they have grown! 14 and 11 and the most wonderful people to be around. They are warm and friendly and sensitive and loving. Yet they are smart butts with make me laugh smart mouths. They make me laugh, they make me cry and they bring more joy then I knew could exist. So many people talk about teens being difficult and hard to live with. I am enjoying every day with them and can't image what these other people are talking about.
Yes, occasionally one will grow a tail but it usually doesn't last long and it usually actually makes me laugh. They are the best gift I have ever received and I am so very proud to be called their mother.
I am thankful for the blessing of my family.
Friday, October 14, 2011
WHATCHA DOING?
Whatcha doing?
Over the last 6 years, a sweet ray of sunshine has asked me that question, over and over and over again. I would usually reply with exactly what I was doing when he asked it: cooking dinner; working on the computer; waiting on church to start; or trying to teach a Bible lesson. Or I might reply with some off the wall answer like: I don’t know; Picking daisies; or nothing. It didn’t really matter because he was going to ask me again within a matter of minutes. It would begin to irritate me after a while and I would wish he would stop. What I would give to hear him say those words again, but I know that if things were the same as they were just 3 short weeks ago those words would still just be an irritant instead of what they are today, a question of theological discussion.
See, when these words were asked 3 weeks ago, they were words from a special needs child, who though mainly none verbal, had great curiosity and no personal space. He didn’t think you needed personal space either and being right up in your business was exactly where he was going to be. Because of how my short sighted mind was, I reasoned that he asked this questions over and over again because this was a phrase he would say and since he couldn’t say much else then, what the heck, just say it all the time. I couldn’t phantom that there was any real question there or any real reason for him to ask it.
But I now know the rest of the story.
This young beautiful soul was one of the most free loving followers of Christ I have ever been blessed to be around, much less to actually be in his inner most circle. He knew Christ here on earth far more clearly then I believe even Christ disciples did. He understood that Christ is love and that all people are loved by Christ. He loved ALL people like Christ. He understood that Christ was not afraid of any situation or anybody. He was not afraid to walk up to someone and sit right down and touch them. He seemed to know when someone needed a friend beside them. He understood that Christ forgave everyone. He would forgive those of us who being so short mind and ill tempered would yell at him when he asked “Whaddya doing?” for the 6 hundredth time. He would just smile back instead with a big wide grin and rub his hands together in rapid motion like he was starting a fire. He had such insight into Christ that I believe he also understood that he was only going to be with us for a very short time and that he had to get the rest of us to understand and see Christ like he did. He did this through that one question, “Whatcha doing?”.
“What are you doing?” Are you being all who Christ wants you to be? Are you spreading the Lord’s message with all you encounter? Are you feeding the hungry and helping the orphans and widows? Are you actively seeking a relationship with God and working on healthy Christian relationship with others? How are you treating your family and friends? Why are you lonely when God is right there looking at you with His arms open wide?
These are just a few of the questions that I believe he was trying to ask………..but “Whatcha doing?” were the words that he had in his vocabulary that he could use to ask them. We just weren’t smart enough to hear the real question.
John Claude Scarborough was born June 12, 1995 to two loving parents John and Tammie Scarborough. Two parents who understood that Christ and God and church were a very important part of life and they loved their son so much they took him to church every Sunday and to every church event. They didn’t let his handicap stop him or them from their relationship with God. On October 8, 2011, John Claude’s earthly body could not withstand the challenges of this life and he ran on ahead into the loving arms of his Lord, Jesus Christ.
I will miss this beautiful follower of Christ but I now understand that he was trying so very hard to get me to listen; to stop and hear; to spend some time with our Savior so that I could have the inner peace and joy that he had. John Claude, THANK YOU. Thank you for being my mentor in my faith journey. Thank you for being a light in my life. Thank you for being you. I love you sweet boy and I will miss your sweet face but I know, one day, I will walk into Heaven only to be greeted by you and this words, “Whatcha doing?”.
Over the last 6 years, a sweet ray of sunshine has asked me that question, over and over and over again. I would usually reply with exactly what I was doing when he asked it: cooking dinner; working on the computer; waiting on church to start; or trying to teach a Bible lesson. Or I might reply with some off the wall answer like: I don’t know; Picking daisies; or nothing. It didn’t really matter because he was going to ask me again within a matter of minutes. It would begin to irritate me after a while and I would wish he would stop. What I would give to hear him say those words again, but I know that if things were the same as they were just 3 short weeks ago those words would still just be an irritant instead of what they are today, a question of theological discussion.
See, when these words were asked 3 weeks ago, they were words from a special needs child, who though mainly none verbal, had great curiosity and no personal space. He didn’t think you needed personal space either and being right up in your business was exactly where he was going to be. Because of how my short sighted mind was, I reasoned that he asked this questions over and over again because this was a phrase he would say and since he couldn’t say much else then, what the heck, just say it all the time. I couldn’t phantom that there was any real question there or any real reason for him to ask it.
But I now know the rest of the story.
This young beautiful soul was one of the most free loving followers of Christ I have ever been blessed to be around, much less to actually be in his inner most circle. He knew Christ here on earth far more clearly then I believe even Christ disciples did. He understood that Christ is love and that all people are loved by Christ. He loved ALL people like Christ. He understood that Christ was not afraid of any situation or anybody. He was not afraid to walk up to someone and sit right down and touch them. He seemed to know when someone needed a friend beside them. He understood that Christ forgave everyone. He would forgive those of us who being so short mind and ill tempered would yell at him when he asked “Whaddya doing?” for the 6 hundredth time. He would just smile back instead with a big wide grin and rub his hands together in rapid motion like he was starting a fire. He had such insight into Christ that I believe he also understood that he was only going to be with us for a very short time and that he had to get the rest of us to understand and see Christ like he did. He did this through that one question, “Whatcha doing?”.
“What are you doing?” Are you being all who Christ wants you to be? Are you spreading the Lord’s message with all you encounter? Are you feeding the hungry and helping the orphans and widows? Are you actively seeking a relationship with God and working on healthy Christian relationship with others? How are you treating your family and friends? Why are you lonely when God is right there looking at you with His arms open wide?
These are just a few of the questions that I believe he was trying to ask………..but “Whatcha doing?” were the words that he had in his vocabulary that he could use to ask them. We just weren’t smart enough to hear the real question.
John Claude Scarborough was born June 12, 1995 to two loving parents John and Tammie Scarborough. Two parents who understood that Christ and God and church were a very important part of life and they loved their son so much they took him to church every Sunday and to every church event. They didn’t let his handicap stop him or them from their relationship with God. On October 8, 2011, John Claude’s earthly body could not withstand the challenges of this life and he ran on ahead into the loving arms of his Lord, Jesus Christ.
I will miss this beautiful follower of Christ but I now understand that he was trying so very hard to get me to listen; to stop and hear; to spend some time with our Savior so that I could have the inner peace and joy that he had. John Claude, THANK YOU. Thank you for being my mentor in my faith journey. Thank you for being a light in my life. Thank you for being you. I love you sweet boy and I will miss your sweet face but I know, one day, I will walk into Heaven only to be greeted by you and this words, “Whatcha doing?”.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Big Dam Bridge Bike Race
What a gorgeous day for a 30 mile ride and doing it with my family was amazing. I have always enjoyed being with Marty but wondered when we were expexting Emily how life would change. I was curious what the future would hold as the girls grew into easy stage of their lives. We do almost everything together and always have and I think that is a huge part of how special our family is.
The girls are growing faster it seems and I know in a blink they will be grown but I sure do treasure the days like today and I am so glad we are doing it together.
I love you girls!
Monday, September 05, 2011
A little troll in the woods has a umbrella on it's porch.
Had a great weekend with my family. We enjoyed bike riding, working in the yard, playing Eartholopy, and more bike riding.
The weather has cooled and dried out and is starting to feel like fall. This is my FAVORITE time of the year. I hope to have many more weekends just like this with more photos to show.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Road to Emmaus
Today I journey back to a place where my journey with Christ changed paths forever. 6 years ago I went on what I thought was just a weekend retreat with others from my church but found something far different. I found love, healing, and grace. I didn't even know I needed it.
I am honored and humbled to go back this weekend as the lay director for this walk. This journey that could very well be a key change for some one who is where I was just 6 short years ago.
Lord be with us this weekend as we go about your work. May our words be yours. May our hands and feet do your will. And may we spread your love and comfort. In your Son's name. Amen.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Chauvinism
I have always been fairly lucky in my career to not really have to deal with chauvinist. Usually they have been rather removed from the positions I have worked, but there is this one engineer who is now elligible for retirement that is getting under my skin.
There are a few conservation practices that we do that cross between irrigation (what I do) and livestock (what he does). Practices are divided up among us based on what we specialize in. But those practice that do multi aspects will have one in charge and the others who have a vested interest in will consult on it. Well I am the lead on one such practice and consulted with one of the other specialist about the pratice. The other person was off that day so I typed what changes we agreed upon and laid it on this indivuals desk for his comment.
This morning I hear him at the other specialist's cubical whom I did consult with talking about the changes. Three times the other specialist told him it was my practice and he needed to go see me. He leaves his cubical, of which I expected him to come to mine. He didn't. Instead I received an email 20 minutes later with his opinions. I work 2 cubical away from the other special and in the very cubical this specialist inhabited for umpteen years. Are you kidding me?
There are a few conservation practices that we do that cross between irrigation (what I do) and livestock (what he does). Practices are divided up among us based on what we specialize in. But those practice that do multi aspects will have one in charge and the others who have a vested interest in will consult on it. Well I am the lead on one such practice and consulted with one of the other specialist about the pratice. The other person was off that day so I typed what changes we agreed upon and laid it on this indivuals desk for his comment.
This morning I hear him at the other specialist's cubical whom I did consult with talking about the changes. Three times the other specialist told him it was my practice and he needed to go see me. He leaves his cubical, of which I expected him to come to mine. He didn't. Instead I received an email 20 minutes later with his opinions. I work 2 cubical away from the other special and in the very cubical this specialist inhabited for umpteen years. Are you kidding me?
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Friday, May 13, 2011
Enjoying Life
I am so blessed. I have a wonderful life. I received a new swing for my back porch from Marty and the girls for Mother's day and I'm sitting out here on the beautiful spring evening wrapped in a blanket enjoying this gorgeous weather.
The wind is causing the leaves to rustle in the trees and the birds are signing. I can imagine many of evening right here. Hope your not needing anything from me any time soon. I can't wait until a bit later though when the Hwy 5 traffic slows down. It's rather bothersome.
I think I just found my new space to read my Bible and my books.
So where is your favorite spot? Do you have a retreat spot? A personal space?
Got to go. I feel like vegging.
The wind is causing the leaves to rustle in the trees and the birds are signing. I can imagine many of evening right here. Hope your not needing anything from me any time soon. I can't wait until a bit later though when the Hwy 5 traffic slows down. It's rather bothersome.
I think I just found my new space to read my Bible and my books.
So where is your favorite spot? Do you have a retreat spot? A personal space?
Got to go. I feel like vegging.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Mt. Magazine with my Family
Monday, January 24, 2011
First Assignment
Well, my first photo is due tonight. I'm so unsure which photo to submit. But i think it is going to be the cat. Who knows. It's the first for all of us. It should be interesting.
The A student in me is having a hard time though because I want to be everyones pick. Now I remember why I wanted ou of college so bad. The pressure is tough on me. Lol. I will let you know Tuesday night what photo won.
The A student in me is having a hard time though because I want to be everyones pick. Now I remember why I wanted ou of college so bad. The pressure is tough on me. Lol. I will let you know Tuesday night what photo won.
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Thursday, January 06, 2011
Running Late
Slept right through the alarm this morning. That is not good. Even though I ended up only 10 minutes late for work, it puts me out of alignment all day. I could blame it on the cold medicine I took last night but the fact of the matter is I just need a lot of sleep. One of my sisters sleeps maybe 5 hours every night and I just can't see how she is functioning. Maybe her body is just use to it or maybe I'm just a sloth. Not sure which but I had better find some time to sleep before working the Chrysalis Flight next weekend.
Speaking of that, prayers are requested for that flight and also for me and the walk God has entrusted me with. I am starting to get nerves now because Patti has submitted her team list and she is the last women's walk before mine. There is lots to do and the pressure to really listen to God and do what He is calling me to do is scary. I don't want to fail Him.
Speaking of that, prayers are requested for that flight and also for me and the walk God has entrusted me with. I am starting to get nerves now because Patti has submitted her team list and she is the last women's walk before mine. There is lots to do and the pressure to really listen to God and do what He is calling me to do is scary. I don't want to fail Him.
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Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Running
Considering I didn't run all of December, I didn't loose as much ground as I would have thought. I had got to week 5 day 3, though never completed it, but starting back at week 4 hasn't been too difficult. We ran and completed day 2 last night and now for this week I just have to do day 3. I can then move back to week 5. I'm rather proud of myself. I would never have pictured me as a runner and I am only interested in 5Ks but running for my health isn't too bad.
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