tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33398157829671241992024-02-20T04:33:21.266-05:00Confessions of an ErdmomLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-87335216313734944972015-06-27T17:05:00.001-04:002015-06-27T17:05:43.980-04:00When I See You AgainToday, amid the chaos and controversies taking place in the world, Rich and I attended the funeral for two high school sweethearts tragically killed last week in a car accident. Nick and Janeal were sweethearts in every sense of the word .... not just dating.... but sweet hearts to the friends and family who loved them, as evidenced by the crowd in attendance. They were eulogized as having beautiful smiles, warm personalities, and friendly to all who met them. I knew Janeal when she was in the awkward middle school stage, however, she still had that winning personality and I knew then she was on the high road to success. Nick was a football player getting ready to rev up for his senior year and loved to have a great time. He died on his birthday.<br />
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The funeral was slated for noon at a large church in our area and as we arrived to join the crowd already gathered, you could sense the shock and disbelief on the faces. As the ceremony began, we stood to honor the families as they proceeded into the sanctuary. And the outward signs of grief coming from a father, a mother, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and friends filled the worship center with only the groanings that one can understand who has lost someone so near and dear to them. The tears and sobs in the room matched the rain hitting the roof as if heaven itself wept along with us.<br />
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There were prayers, songs, eulogies, the usual. And you could read the silent hearts of the teen-agers: "Why?" "She just graduated." "I loved them both." "Don't tell me there is a reason, I want to know the reason." And just as if the pastor could read their minds, he said, <em>"Each of us has an assignment. If you play on the football team, you have an assignment. If you work at Walmart, McDonalds, or anywhere, you have an assignment. Nick and Janeal each had an assignment and when they completed it, God called them to Him.</em> <em>So, realize today your assignment and carry it out well."</em><br />
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And about 1,000 of us sat there listening, praying, crying, and hugging. And among those 1,000 people, some were black, some were white, some were mixed, some were Hispanic, and some were Asian. And among those 1,000 people there were old people, middle aged people, and young people. And among those 1,000 people there were fat people, skinny peoples, tall people, short people and they were wearing different clothing. And among those 1,000 people, I am guessing there were heterosexuals, bisexuals, homosexuals, and transgenders. And among those 1,000 people there were Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, Catholics, Muslims, as well as skeptics. But for two hours on a steamy, rainy late June afternoon, 1,000 people forgot their differences and honored the lives of two young sweet hearts. For two hours, we loved each other and didn't know anything about each other. <br />
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I've been looking for an answer to address those things on social media that shake me to the very core of my beliefs. Yes, the answer lies in Scripture, but it also is in the moments surrounding us. <br />
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Perhaps that was the assignment for Nick and Janeal. Perhaps in their deaths, it gives us new meaning for loving each other and for how to live a life of compassion. If so, well done children. Now go get your reward and soar everyday in heaven, praising the Father who gave you new life in Him. I can't wait to tell you all about it when I see you again.<br />
Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-35113997234716569352015-06-20T19:22:00.002-04:002015-06-20T19:22:59.764-04:00A Father's Day Story Worth RepeatingThe interesting thing about spending 10 days and nights with your 85-year-old mother is that a lot of repeating goes on. I say something. She says "what?" I repeat. And then she asks me questions. A lot of questions. They just happen to be the same questions over and over and over. It takes patience but I figure if she was patient with me for the 20 years I lived under her roof, then I could most certainly return the favor.<br />
Today (day 8 ~ but who's counting?) I decided I would play "name that great-grandchild" and test her knowledge of her umpteen great-grandchildren. We went through the whole gamut of April has four, Joel has three, etc., etc., and she was able to name everyone with the exception of one. I will not name that one for fear of offending one of her grandchildren, but I thought that 14 out of 15 isn't bad for a woman who can't remember how many times she has asked me if I have a new car today.<br />
But then the game took an interesting twist when I began to ask about generations. She easily remembered the names of my father's six siblings. And she and I both got a little tangled on her mother's family members, but that family was a little tangled to begin with. Then we managed to name the nine children my great-grandmother (her paternal grandmother) birthed. All nine.<br />
And that is where the story took a slight turn when we started talking about one of those nine: her father, Sid.<br />
Now, my sisters and I knew our grandfather very well. And we knew most of the stories. And most of the stories were not the kind you would sit around and fondly remember on a winter night by the fire. One of my stories in particular included spending the night with my grandmother and right when I laid my head on the pillow she reminded me her pistol was underneath and it might be a good idea to remove it. She had to have some protection just in case he came around after he had been drinking. My mother lived with her grandmother most of her young life because her father moved around a lot to find work. Her mother would track him down and live with him while my mother stayed on the farm. I'm not sure if my grandmother loved him so much that she tracked him down or if she felt the need to keep him on track when she finally tracked him down. Nevertheless, he gave everyone plenty of reason to worry with his, shall we say, colorful lifestyle.<br />
Finally the day came when his womanizing and his drinking caught up with him and he found himself in the state penitentiary. I think it was a culmination of too many DUIs or perhaps it was driving his riding mower on the downtown sidewalk and running over a man. Nevertheless, he was going to have to stay put for awhile.<br />
And so, the story goes, that my mother would visit him in prison. And while she was there she noticed a man with a Bible that also visited quite often. And as it turns out, the man was visiting my grandfather and speaking the Gospel into his life. As my mother continued to visit, she noticed the change in Sid's life. He began to confess and repent and ask forgiveness. He even wrote her a letter asking for her forgiveness. My grandmother had passed away and he was greatly saddened by the fact that he could not speak with her. My mother told me that if God could forgive him, then she certainly could as well. When he returned home from prison, mother told me he was a changed man and she knew it was only because of the saving grace of God.<br />
She told me this story THREE times in a row within a 45-minute period. But to me, any story of grace is definitely a story worth repeating.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-42353924922302527942014-04-22T22:08:00.000-04:002014-04-22T22:11:41.138-04:00Public School Teacher ..... Why Me, Lord? Many of you know the song...Why me, Lord? What have I ever done? Well, it is all about not deserving His precious grace, however, I am not sure that a day never goes by in the life of a public school teacher without the "why me, Lord, whatever have I done to deserve THIS??" Yes, I teach in PUBLIC school ... You know the very government-run bastion of hell that is so in the news today. And, I am going to confess.... I teach, gasp, common core standards - created by Satan himself (if you believe the current scandal surrounding that invention.). ( I am tempted to confess other things: I vaccinated my children, used plastic diapers that are still rotting in landfills, and occasionally rode without a seatbelt. I even let my children drink cow's milk.). <br />
Of course public schools are at the gates of hell because they are man-made institutions that do not allow God to be mentioned by people in authority. We spend lots of money going to foreign countries where the Gospel cannot be openly preached but yet we forget our classrooms are not too far removed from being mission fields in themselves. Which brings me to this: I teach in public school because I am called to teach in a public school. And while my sovereign Lord allows for my free will, I willfully choose to obey His calling. <br />
I have taught in Christian school and I believe that He called me there as well for those seasons in my life. I loved my experiences and believe that I helped to impact generations of believers and their future families. And there were challenges there that many times asked me to question "Why me, Lord?" But I would not look back on any of that with regret because I loved my students, my fellow teachers, and my administrators. And it was perfect training for the next step to public education.<br />
But, for now, He has me here in Paulding County, Georgia. How did I get here? I question that also. But that is not for me to question, just to bloom where He planted. And I am blooming. I am planting seeds that impact hundreds. My demeanor is not always perfect - far from it. My mood is not always pleasant - maybe 88.8% of the time it is. But my students know they have an advocate and they know that I am showing them tough love that otherwise does not exist in their lives.<br />
The odds are heavily stacked against my students. Many will be the first generation in their families to graduate from high school . Many are caretakers of both siblings and parents. Many are making decisions about which parent to live with. They want to be hip, cool, swag, and anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and marine biologists. They want to be heard and will use ANY, and I do mean ANY way, to be heard. Most of them are never heard by any other adult other than a teacher. Many of them come to school hungry with breakfast and lunch being the only meals they will eat. Some can't read, add, or subtract. They live through their cell phones because they believe the friends that text, snapchat, and kik are their true blood friends that will ALWAYS be there. Their insecurities take over, they see no relevance in an education, and they believe nothing that any adult has to offer them. They are our future generation that cannot see the future.<br />
And then, a shining light, usually in the form of a teacher, gets through and they begin to realize that maybe they do have value. Maybe they can succeed. Maybe they can try harder. That's where my part comes in. I believe that every student has a purpose in life and they have what it takes to fulfill that purpose. It just has to be discovered.<br />
Today started out as one of the most discouraging days I can remember in a long time. But by nightfall, the light shone through and I was so encouraged. I was invited to a Sensational Senior Banquet by a former student. I stood beside him as he told the audience how he knew I loved him because I was tough on him and I taught him well. I got a certificate!! And I heard other seniors tell the impact that teachers had upon them and the tremendous difference we had made. Then, following the banquet I was checking my messages and got this one: <br />
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Oh my gosh Mrs. Erdman I think I would be a failure in Literature if it wasn't for your class! I went from making a 55 on my first paper in your class to never making below a 98 on a paper as of today by the time I left your class. Best. Teacher. Ever. All of those warm ups you made us do that I hated paid off.. so after two years I thank you for the warm up torture. All of my teachers always compliment on my papers and I'm all like, "Pshhhh, yeah!" And then I think about you because you're the teacher that actually taught me how to write. c:<br />
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I really hesitate to write and publish this blog. I do. I don't want it to be a reflection of me. I want it to be a reflection of this:<br />
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<b>I Corinthians 12: 4 </b><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-4" id="en-NIV-28639">There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-12-5" id="en-NIV-28640"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-12-6" id="en-NIV-28641"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>There are different </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6">kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28641I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span> it is the same God<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28641J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span> at work.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"> What I have is a gift. A God-given gift that can only be explained by the Heavenly Father Himself deciding that I could be entrusted with it. That is an earth-shattering statement and an awesome, holy responsibility never to be taken lightly. And it is not just for me. I work with incredibly talented people everyday in the trenches who are frustrated, downtrodden, and just plain exhausted. But one thank you from a student makes all the difference. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"> So, why me, Lord? What have I ever done to deserve this privilege to serve You in this manner? </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text Eph-4-1"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; position: relative;">Ephesians 4:1 </span>As a prisoner<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29274A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29274B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> of the calling<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29274C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> you have received.</span> <span class="text Eph-4-2" id="en-NIV-29275"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29275D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> in love.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29275E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-4-3" id="en-NIV-29276"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Make every effort to keep the unity<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29276F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> of the Spirit through the bond of peace.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text Eph-4-3"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text Eph-4-3">That's a pretty tall order for somebody like me. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Cor-12-6"><br /></span></span>
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Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-3807260555304393122014-02-13T09:03:00.000-05:002014-02-13T09:03:58.013-05:00A Consuming FireThis is snow day three. I have literally been alone in this house - well, I have dogs - since Monday afternoon. It is Thursday. Stir crazy is real and cabin fever is a medical condition. But this morning, in the beauty of a quiet snow, I was drawn to my sun porch for my quiet Bible study in the book of James. Huge flakes are still falling. The neighbors' fireplaces are blowing. And it is truly a winter wonderland. And as the writer led me to Ephesians, I read the words .... "He is our peace." <br />
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So, after reading the commentary and going here and there, I wanted to continue writing out the book of James in my journal and offering my own commentary, but this circled verse in my Bible caught my eye before I even reached James:<br />
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<b><i>Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Let us show gratitude,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>By which we may offer to God an acceptable service with gratitude and awe,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Our God is a consuming fire. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Hebrews 12:28-29</i></b></div>
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I know this last verse. I hear it often in song and in sermons. But, for some reason, I has forgotten the reality of "consuming fire." I used my Bible references and found Hebrews 10:27 (<i>with fury of the fire and consuming adversaries)</i> and 2 Thessalonians 1:7 (<i>His mighty angels in flaming fire) </i>from the New Testament. But then turned to Deuteronomy <i>.... A jealous God ..... </i>And then Deuteronomy 9:3:</div>
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<b><i>Know therefore today that it is the LORD your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and destroy them quickly, just as the LORD has spoken to you. </i></b></div>
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And while I believe He was literally saying those words to Moses, He has figuratively spoken to me today. </div>
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I struggle. My mind is daily attacked ..... the temptations are overwhelming to put myself above a jealous God. To meet my needs on my own, knowing that His kingdom that I have received cannot be shaken. He figuratively will "destroy and subdue them before me" so that I can drive them out and destroy them. So, why won't I?</div>
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Because, in my flesh, I am weak. In His Spirit, I am strong. In my weakness I am made strong because His kingdom in my life cannot be shaken. </div>
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Having realized this, what is my response? Gratitude. An acceptable service of gratitude and awe. </div>
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So, here I sit. </div>
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The powerful peaceful natural beauty of a snowfall surrounding me and the knowledge of consuming fire. </div>
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I sit in gratitude and I sit in awe. </div>
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<i>Thank you, Jesus.</i></div>
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Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-46611561209140892342013-12-29T23:03:00.000-05:002013-12-29T23:03:07.669-05:00Roller CoastersI was sharing my blog with my students a few weeks ago and they agreed that it was unacceptable that it has literally been YEARS since I last blogged. I cannot recall everything that has happened in the past few years but I can tell you this much: I do not know where time has gone. It has flown by .... "fleeting" as the Scripture so accurately describes it.<br />
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But I believe that if you are living and breathing, then you are reminiscing on 2013. It came in quietly, sneaking up, on the proverbial little cat's feet; knowing full well the happiness that would abound only to be followed by grief so deep.<br />
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For the most part roller coasters scare me. I hate the part where you are slowly chugging up, knowing full well that you will reach a plateau and then plunge rapidly, without any control of what is about to happen to you. That might be the part that scares me. The out of control part. And, so, in looking back on the past 365 days, I realize there is so very, very little under my control. <br />
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I look back to the spring as we held a memorial service for my sister's husband. He had been sick a very, very long time but death still surprises you. And now after the plunge, I watch my sister step off of that coaster ride, gather her belongings and the pieces of her heart and try out a new ride, cautiously and fearfully. But, I know my sister. She is a determined woman and I know full well that she will sing a new song and decide that living cautiously and fearfully is not living. <br />
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In September we anticipated Levi's arrival with the scurry and hurry associated with a new baby. We got on that coaster thrilled to see the outcome, only to get stopped at the top, hanging in midair, not wanting to take the inevitable plunge that we knew awaited us when we received the news. Oh the grief of holding your grieving children. Parents are pretty helpless people when it comes to sheltering their children from stark reality. It is so out of our control. And so, as a family, we plunged headlong into some dark days, lonely nights, and months of stumbling around. But I know my son and his wife. They are determined people and they, too, will sing a new song and decide that stumbling around is unacceptable and not living.<br />
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And so it begins again. 2014. Another ride. Another chug chug chug up the hill. Another plunge out of our control. So what is in our control? Do we scream? Do we hold our hands up with reckless abandon like we are so tough we don't need to hold the rail? Do we cry? Do we just endure silently waiting on it to finally come to a standstill in the station?<br />
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I suggest we ride it with great anticipation. Instead of dreading the plunge, we should look at it as such a great experience that we get to enjoy. While grief and death are not enjoyable, they are inevitable. And what is our gain? A closer walk with The One that is in control. A deeper, abiding trust that comes only when you have been through the valley.<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="" name="The Valley of Vision"></a><strong>The Valley of Vision</strong></span></div>
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">that the way down is the way up, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> that to be low is to be high, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">that the broken heart is the healed heart, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">that to have nothing is to possess all, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">that to give is to receive, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">that the valley is the place of vision. </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">let me find Thy light in my darkness, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thy life in my death, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thy joy in my sorrow, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thy grace in my sin, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thy riches in my poverty, </strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thy glory in my valley.</strong><br />
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<div class="buying" style="padding: 0.25em 0em;">
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<span id="btAsinTitle" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: small;">The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions</span></span></h1>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Arthur%20G.%20Bennett&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank">Arthur G. Bennett</a> <span class="byLinePipe">(Editor)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="tiny"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Valley-Vision-collection-Devotions/product-reviews/0851512283/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1" name="reviewHistoPop_0851512283__star__" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="swSprite s_star_5_0 " style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-image: url(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/common/sprites/sprite-site-wide-3._V375430972_.png); background-position: -30px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: inline-block; height: 13px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 65px;" title="4.9 out of 5 stars"></span></a></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></strong>Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-54368966131766205872010-11-14T22:00:00.000-05:002010-11-14T22:00:53.671-05:00Benjamin and the BrotherhoodThe first time I officially saw him kick a football was when he was in 8th grade. He scored a PAT at the end of a middle school football game (unheard of back then) and the bench and crowd erupted in cheers. Little did I know that kick would be the beginning of a journey of 100,000 miles.<br />
This week marks the end of Ben’s college football career. Lord willing, he will play in his last game as a Chanticleer on Saturday. This milestone brings back a flood of memories over the past nine football seasons. As a freshman at West Rowan, he and I began road trips that would take us literally all over North and South Carolina. I can still recall the Saturday morning he told me, “Football is a brotherhood. These team members are my brothers and I would do anything for them.” It was one of those “morning after” Friday night lights when we were going to Dr. Comadoll’s office for “treatment.” I really think it was just another reason for the brotherhood to gather together. <br />
I recall the road trips to Happy Appy for football camp and the same to NC State and then on to Laurinburg to meet up with Jay Wooten so they could work on Ben’s recruiting video. Many, many mornings we left before sun up and didn’t return for days. Ben and I had our “songs” …. “Skin” by Rascal Flatts, and “Better Together” by Jack Johnson. We talked about football, school, the future, God and, naturally, girls. We solved many of the world’s problems, only to be confronted by new ones.<br />
Like moving to Georgia. In 2005, when Rich felt led to move to GA, Ben and I were very excited. Ben was anxious for new beginnings and new friends. But once he was there, he felt the tug to return to West Rowan football and leave us at 16. Oh how I remember the day we were driving northbound on I-85, crying together. I told him I felt like a terrible mom … he told me he felt like a terrible son. I recall going to the lawyer’s office to “give up my rights” to the Nelson family so that it would be legal and we could protect West Rowan from anything illegal. I remember the long, long, long trip back home. But I also remember the tender loving care of the Nelsons and the graciousness of my school administrator who also had a love for football sons. She was so very, very good to let me leave early on those crazy Friday afternoons of rushing to Mt. Ulla for the 7:30 kick-off. (She even went with me once, but don’t tell anyone) And oh, how Rich and I remember those traffic issues in Charlotte.<br />
There were many things I missed during his last two years of high school, but I didn’t miss many of his games and I didn’t miss his Homecoming King ride around the track! I didn’t miss his senior night for football, nor did I miss his senior night in baseball. But, that was a fluke! I was only there because he had broken his nose the week before and I came up for the surgery! <br />
I definitely remember the summer we went to Carol White Kicking Camp at Coastal Carolina University. Rich and I were there when Coach David Bennett got his first look at Ben Erdman. Coach Bennett was talking to someone when he noticed Ben get up and address the entire camp about sportsmanship and coming together. His senior year quickly came and also meant signing day for Coastal Carolina and that was a hallelujah moment. There was a lot of rejoicing in that room that day. And so began the hunt for teal and black. I recall the day Rich, Ben, and I stood in our Georgia driveway and Ben said, “Here it is. This is what we worked for.” And then he was gone. <br />
College football took us in the opposite direction. No longer were we heading north, instead, I-20 became our friend. That first year when we were tailgating rookies and football rookies was really hilarious now that I look back on it. That dorm room was TERRIBLE and even more terrible was the accident that almost took Ben’s life. But God was gracious and healed him to bounce back and have the sophomore ride of his life. Sophomore season opened at Penn State. We traveled with friends and witnessed the game of Ben’s life. It was a glorious weekend, even though I am unsure if Rich will ever forgive me for forcing him to go. (It was at the worst possible time of his life.) Junior season had Ben hanging his head and saying, “I am the Job of punting,” but we all learned there was more to life than football. Senior season took us with the same friends to West Virginia University and then making a resounding statement to Liberty University this past weekend: don’t mess with us at our house. <br />
I tried to compile a list of things I have learned in the past nine years and have come up with a short list, one that I am sure I will add to as the days go by.<br />
1. All fast food tastes the same, it just comes in different packaging.<br />
2. If you can’t find a rest area, Flying J has the best restrooms. (Even though my father-in-law swears by Cracker Barrel.)<br />
3. The most scenic rest area is Lake Hartwell, SC.<br />
4. It is humanly possible to change clothes in your car without anyone seeing you.<br />
5. KOA Kamping Kabins are a great place to spend with your 18-year-old son during his orientation week at college and especially if you want to sing “Father, I Adore You” in a round.<br />
6. Broadway at the Beach makes for a fabulous family weekend.<br />
7. And speaking of rest areas, if you frequent the Georgia rest areas as often as I have the past five years, you can accumulate enough literature to teach your Georgia history classes.<br />
8. You can knit 238 scarves and crochet 72 baby blankets/afghans if you are the passenger.<br />
9. Eighth grade essays are much more enjoyable to read on the way home if we win the game.<br />
10. There is more to life than football.<br />
11. And speaking of rest areas, I found the best quote there just today: “The little moments? The little things? They are not little.”<br />
12. Big boys not only smell bad after football games, they also cry.<br />
13. Some of the best moments are spent in the sand at Disney World boardwalk while your son and his girlfriend pray for you and then you pray for them.<br />
14. That athletic plaques are great, but the best ones say Academic Excellence Award.<br />
15. That you brace yourself when your youngest son calls to ask you something and then breathe again when the question is: Mom, have you ever heard of Charles Spurgeon?<br />
16. That a 1996 Toyota Corolla is, by far, the best ever car built.<br />
17. That motorcycle riders carry guns and know how to use them.<br />
18. That you really can go an entire football season and not use a credit card.<br />
19. That when you hit a dead object in the road, it is best to hit it while doing 80 mph so that the impact is not so great. (and, there again, kudos to the Corolla)<br />
20. That good administrators are a gift from God.<br />
21. That wonderful husbands are a gift from God.<br />
22. That safe travel is a gift from God.<br />
23. That God has plans that dwarf yours.<br />
24. That little boys grow up to be men right before your very eyes.<br />
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When Ben was a senior in high school, Rich and I were in a Chinese restaurant here in Georgia. On my refrigerator, I still have the fortune attached to Ben’s picture: “Ships are safe in harbor, but that is not why ships are built.” But, oh how I would love to hold on for some more time, for some more football, for some more teal and black.<br />
Thanks for the memories, Ben, and thanks for running the race in a worthy manner. There were lonely nights and crazy classes, but you finished well. You did not disgrace your team, you took your responsibilities seriously, and you made your family proud. <br />
We are very, very much looking forward to the next chapter.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-14954703619674618282010-10-17T22:17:00.000-04:002010-10-17T22:17:27.645-04:00Empty Gas Tanks and Divine AppointmentsI am having a difficult time writing this. You cannot really put into words how God works in the lives of His people. On October 2, Rich and I sat down and cut up every single credit card we own. We are finding ourselves in a lot of debt and that is not honoring God. So, we decided that the first step would be to completely rid ourselves of the temptation to use the cards. That means we live strictly by faith that support for the ministry would come through God's people. This has been a tremendous faith walk for me.<br />
Anyway, I have a job and I am getting paid but it just isn't enough to pay the debt and keep the household going so we pray our way through the month. This past week, on Monday morning, I found myself with an empty gas tank. Rich used the mower gas to put gas in my car to get me to work. That mower gas lasted through Wednesday. But on Thursday, there wasn't any more gas and there was $100 in the ministry checkbook. So, Rich took me to school in Blue Thunder (code for the Dodge Shadow) and he was going to get gas in my car and come back to get me. On Thursday afternoon, I was walking to the school office to meet Rich and checked my mail box at school. There was a card from a pastor friend of Rich's and in the card was a $100 bill, a $100 gift card to Kroger, and a $50 VISA gift card. Rich had spoken previously to this pastor and he wanted to bless us. Yay!<br />
But that isn't all. While I was waiting on Rich, a co-worker was also in the office and he had been wanting to get together with Rich for some talking time about marriage, life, etc. At that same time, Rich walked into the office and they were able to speak briefly and set up a time to talk together on Friday. We left and went home. I went to tutor my Thursday tutor people and returned home around 6:30. I checked the mailbox and found an envelope from Carolina Farm Credit. This is a company we used to have our real estate with. I ripped it open and found a check for $241. Yay!<br />
I also sell Pampered Chef and have nothing on the calendar for October. My neighbor saw me at the mailbox and asked for a catalog so that she could get some orders for a catalog show. Yay!<br />
As I ran back in from delivering her catalog, Rich said, "Louanne, you did not open this envelope all the way." Behind the $241 check was another check for $451! Yay!<br />
But that isn't all. On Friday, I came home from school and had an envelope in the mail for $200 for some quilts I had made for a friend. Yay!<br />
So, if you can add, the total so far in this story has reached over $1,000 in less than 48 hours. Plus several checks came to the ministry. Yay!<br />
But, that isn't all. The most important thing is that Rich was able to meet with my co-worker and give him the one thing necessary for a healthy marriage: the love of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit. <br />
What does this have to do with an empty gas tank? If I had used a credit card to buy gas, then Rich would have not had been at school that day and not spoken to my co-worker. If I had not had an empty gas tank, Rich would not have had the opportunity to share Christ with that particular person at that particular moment. <br />
We will be fine - some of you are worried because I didn't have gas money - God is definitely showing up and definitely caring for us. But sometimes He does it when you are in a most interesting predicament.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-59055743445189683902010-09-09T22:01:00.000-04:002010-09-09T22:01:10.485-04:00How do people make it in this world without HIM?"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait on the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14<br />
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This is my verse for the week. I came across it as I was reading last night. It was our anniversary. We had gone out to dinner and received a call that a student had been seriously injured in an accident. So, Rich left after dinner to head to Scottish Rite hospital. Even though I missed him, this is what he does best: minister to others in time of extreme need. And this was extreme need ... someone's son was seriously injured and the parents needed all the help they could get. I am so proud of the ministry that Rich does for our school system and our community and I was more than glad to share him. <br />
In a quiet moment before the dogs and I went to bed, I opened my Bible to Psalm 112 and then to Psalm 27. I realized then that I would have, indeed, despaired if I had not seen the Lord in this land of the living. This is a land of living that is hard and sometimes discouraging, but I will wait on the Lord and I will give Him thanks in the meantime for His blessing of everyday. I am so blessed to work with wonderful people, love a wonderful family and be loved, and I am blessed with fabulous friends. I really cannot wait to see what happens next. I am waiting.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-42151569580939388942010-08-22T11:31:00.000-04:002010-08-22T11:32:50.765-04:00I Love the Word of GodI love the Word of God. It cuts to the very chase. It rightly divides the truth. It is relevant for me today. If I am in the Word, I am out of this world. If I am out of this world, then I am in the Word. Beth Moore says, “Our great challenge is to take our place in loving ministry to a lost world without getting lost in worldly loves.” If I am in the Word, then I am not getting lost in worldly loves. This has been proven in my life over and over and over.<br /> What are worldly loves? We know about the lust of the flesh and the jealousies that consume. We know about the sins of slothfulness, of gluttony, but can worldly loves be beautiful things like family? Beautiful things like serving in church? Beautiful things like a job we love?<br /> One of the most frustrating things is trying to put into words what God is revealing to me daily through His Word. I love I and II Peter and have been reading through that message. I have literally spent hours devouring these very short passages but I want to make sure I thoroughly glean every morsel and try to understand God’s message for me. First of all, you must understand that God’s message for me is not necessarily God’s message for you. That is another beautiful thing about Scripture: it speaks to the individual.<br /> Can beautiful things be worldly loves that must find their place in God’s plan for your life? Most certainly. I love my family beyond measure. I love my husband. I love my boys and their wives and their children. I love my parents, my sisters, their families. I love my in-laws. But God’s Word tells me that if I love these more than Him, then I have no place of service for Him. I love serving in the church. But God’s Word tells me that if I do not love Him and love the church, then I am a clanging cymbal and useless. I love my job (some days!) but God’s Word tells me that my work is worship and that if I am not worshipping Him through my work, then I am a failure.<br /> I would love nothing more than right now be preparing Sunday lunch for my boys, their wives, and their children. Sunday lunch with family is a delight. But it is not in God’s plan for me right now. I have wrestled with this for the last five years. I keep telling God that time is short and I need all the time I can get with my family. God’s Word says, “that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” His plan included sending Jesus to die in the place of my family so that our fellowship would last throughout eternity. It doesn’t make it easier, but it brings peace to my heart. God’s Word also has told me that His promises are true and that He is “not slow with His promise, but is patient toward me.” Through this, I have learned that His timing is perfect timing. Mine is not to question but to listen and obey.<br /> I would love to be serving in a church right now. But, I have also been that route in useless service. I was serving self and not serving others. God has rebuked me and my prideful attitude. He has told me, through His Word, that I am “lukewarm and He will spit me out.” He has kept me from serving so that my attitude would be His and not mine. The temptation is great, however, I have learned that serving Him includes serving my family – particularly my husband – and that the quiet heart of service is an immensely challenging job and humbling. “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and in due time, He will lift you up.”<br /> I use to love my job and I am struggling this year. But I am struggling because I love me more. Tomorrow I am going to challenge myself to think about how this work is worship to Him. I work with children who have no past that they can remember and give no consideration to their futures. They live for this moment and fail to see why work is necessary and they fail to see why effort is necessary for a future. It is a sad commentary on teen-agers today who live in lower middle class situations. But it is because they are lost and see no eternity. How can I give them glimpses of eternity in a public school setting where God is not invited? God’s Word tells me “Apply all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”<br /> In my life, I have had the privilege of holding membership in two of the largest churches on the East Coast. I have read books by famous Christian authors. I have traveled on mission trips. I have moved so many times and met so many wonderful people. I have had the love of a man that adores me in spite of me and I have raised young men that love the Lord in spite of me. But, it is the Word of God that speaks to me. It is the Word of God that chastises me. It is the Word of God that holds me together through His Holy Spirit. <br /> “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the GLORY, both now and to the day of eternity. AMEN.”Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-3001022292625499162010-08-19T22:47:00.003-04:002010-08-19T22:52:18.130-04:00My Friend, SamI have a friend named Sam that is 15 years old. She and I have been meeting together since she was in 8th grade on Thursday nights to sew together. We are quilt nerds and Joann shopping specialists. I love Sam's tender heart. She is definitely not high maintenance and, believe it or not, is not attached to her cell phone like most teens. (To be honest, half the time she cannot find it.)<br /><br />Sam has had a hard past few weeks. In May, her uncle found out he had cancer and died 40 days later. This past week, she lost a classmate in a car accident. They had been friends since first grade AND her two sisters and one brother all returned to college ~ it is quiet around her house. I just want to pray for her and tell her that it is going to be okay.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-31343343515066003412010-08-19T22:46:00.001-04:002010-08-19T22:47:23.169-04:00Happy Birthday, Skip!The past 30 years have been a blast ... except for the middle school years when your band teacher wanted to lock you in a closet. Other than that, it has been a fun ride !!! haha! I love you.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-64401523179116648422010-08-18T21:36:00.003-04:002010-08-18T21:47:06.825-04:00What do you do for fun during the day?I have rebelled big time this school year. It must have been something about starting school soooooo early that my mind just couldn't wrap around it. It didn't help having the crazy things happening around here. So I decided to write about some of the crazy things that go on in my day.<br /><br />Yesterday, I was teaching about the prehistoric cultures of Georgia using a power point presentation. All of a sudden, a yardstick comes sailing through my room, over the LCD projector and hit my white board. I turned to find the other social studies teacher declaring that he was practicing his spear throwing since I was teaching the atlatl weapon. And he just could not resist when he walked by my classroom. He's weird.<br /><br />Why don't cannibals eat clowns? Cause they taste funny. That was yesterday's joke of the day.<br /><br />Every day I try to come up with a creative way to dismiss the class for lunch. Usually I just alternate between letting the girls go first and then the boys the next day. Well, it is just the second week of school and already I have forgotten who goes first cause I can't keep up. And they argue over it. Yesterday I dismissed them by birthday month. Everything was going great until I discovered that one of my most rebellious boys was born on my birthday. But evidently it was life-changing for him as well because he was great today and we have a totally new relationship. Today while I was trying to think up a new dismissal strategy for lunch, one of my students suggested that I let the mixed hair people go to lunch. So, naturally, I said, "Ok, all you mixed-hair people go to lunch." And then I said, "Joseph Garcia, you are not a mix hair!" He said, "Yes I am, Ms. Erdman. I am Cuban and Puerto Rican!" So I had no choice but to let him go. <br /><br />So, what do you do for fun during the day?Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-60658727190889695592010-08-14T23:37:00.002-04:002010-08-14T23:57:07.037-04:00The End of a Very Long DayFor the past three years, I have just had a peaceful existence on New Hope Drive. I knew neighbor Kathy and neighbor Suzanne. I was fine with that. Until Kathy decided to move out. Today was perhaps one of the most unusual days I have lived through. Kathy's family was next door cleaning her houseand there was a knock at the door. It was a man asking if our dog was out in the middle of the street. It wasn't our dog, so he took it next door to Kathy's house and they said it wasn't their dog but that the girl across the street (meaning Suzanne) was a "dog rescuer". Ten minutes later, Suzanne is knocking at my door saying, "Louanne I have a DOG in my garage. A golden retriever! I have cats! I can't have a dog!" So, I told Suzanne we could put the dog in our fence in the back yard until we find the owners. Rich and I trotted across the street with a leash to rescue the dog ... or, rather, rescue Suzanne. She said the man that found the dog gave her $20 in case she had to feed the dog. She was going to give us the $20. Sooooo, we begin our trek across the street and an SUV rides by, stops, and backs up and says, "Uh, that's our dog!" One of our neighbors didn't realize their dog had gotten out and they were very grateful that we had taken such good care of the dog. (that we had in our possession for 15 minutes.) So, Suzanne, being the kind-hearted person she is, is standing with the $20 bill and doesn't know what to do with it. Wouldn't you know it? The man who originally found the dog in the middle of the road pulls into the neighborhood 5 minutes later and she returns the $20 to him. And THEN, Tonya pulls up and we all have a long discussion about Kathy and her recent passing. I had never met Tonya and I really enjoyed talking to her and her girls. As everyone was departing, I told Suzanne that it was interesting that Kathy was bringing all these strangers together and that we probably would have never met had she not passed.<br /><br />I went back into the house and cooked something for dinner. I went downstairs to settle into some quilting and t.v. and Rich said something. I muted the t.v. and asked what was going on. He said there was a terrible accident somewhere. It was so loud Rich heard it in the kitchen. We left the house to find that a terrible accident had occurred between two teen-aged drivers and one had lost his life. He was 16 and a high school sophomore. The horrible scene included many kids and adults sobbing, but nothing was worse than the gutteral grieving outburst from the mom and the dad. It is every parent's worst nightmare. As Rich and I served the families with water and tissues, I stood in my other neighbors' yard - Gene and Marlene - I talked with them for several hours. I would not have known them if it weren't for Kathy's passing because I had to deliver the news to them. Little by little, our neighbors walked up to the scene of the accident and I met people on my street that I had never spoken to before. I really enjoyed talking to them.<br /><br />As I was totally surrounded by grief, I realized that these incidences are so surreal. You watching everything take place but not believing what you are really seeing. And you are meeting people you have lived near for three years but never noticed. Why does it take loss to recieve the blessing of friendship. Suzanne summed it up this way: "things like this bring us out of our houses and into the lives of others. that's the way it really should be." Long day.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-51786645705581480212010-08-11T20:28:00.002-04:002010-08-11T20:37:27.182-04:00Neighbor KathyMy neighbor died. She died alone in her house and all the while I was calling her to invite her to dinner and dessert. She didn't answer the phone, but that wasn't unusual. She always called me back after checking caller ID. I was concerned but didn't walk across the yard. It wasn't unusual for her to not answer the door either. <br />I have been physically ill since she left. I water our tomatoes and squash daily ~ the ones she helped me plant in my garden. I keep waiting for her to call me back with "Well hello little girl." That hasn't happened. I cry a little every day. We shared pizza and pasta, cake and cookies, and the most delicious food ever when she just felt like cooking and sharing. <br />I miss her terribly. One day I will open a drawer and I will find the little things she was always bringing me for my craft/quilt closet. I will cry again.<br />This has hit me harder than I ever expected. I expected this day to come, but I thought it would be after a longer life than her 71 years. I never expected it to come to this. And I never expected to react like this. My heart feels as if a heavy burden is on my chest and won't move.<br />There is no memorial service for her that I am aware of. There is no marker for a grave.<br />But I have the promise that I will see her again. And while I am grieving, I am grateful for what I had in her friendship. She was the one that encouraged Rich and me on his darkest days. She always told me that I needed to be lazy :) and that a day off was good for me. She told me that I worry about her more than she worries about herself. She told me I was good to her and that she had never had anyone to care so much about her. What she did not realize is how good she was for me. I miss her terribly.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-74432802870545122252009-09-16T19:28:00.001-04:002009-09-16T19:30:52.822-04:00Paulding County Fellowship of Christian AthletesIn July of 2005, Rich and I left our NC home to come to Paulding County, Georgia, with the calling of starting a church. Well, He never definitely defined what type of church would be started and so that is what this story is about. I remember leaving Cleveland that day with my mother and daddy and sister and neighbors watching us leave. While we excited about the next phase, we were sad to leave family behind. Little did we know that in a few short weeks, our youngest son, Ben, would leave Georgia and return to finish high school in North Carolina. You just do not expect your youngest son to leave home at 16. (Praise God for the Nelson family!)<br />We desperately needed jobs. Teaching jobs are not that easy to come by, and to be honest with you, I had been teaching in Christian school for 10 years and the thoughts of returning to public school intimidated me. I submitted resumes to every middle school and every elementary school in Paulding County. Only one middle school contacted me and they couldn't use me but they directed me to a teacher leaving their school to go to the new middle school as an assistant principal. She, in turn, sent my information to the principal. If you ask that principal today, she will tell you that something was telling her to keep pursuing me. Through a God-directed turn of events, I landed at Austin Middle School in the most perfect position created especially for me. (Praise God for Tammy Allen!) I have just started my fifth year in Paulding County. I know the spiritual condition of my students more than I ever knew in Christian school and have never felt intimidated at all!<br />Rich was privileged to serve at West Ridge Church as a part-time Church Planter intern and worked at Kohl's department store. Now, even looking back, the relationships he established there were God-ordained ....he counseled a married couple with financial difficulty, he counseled and married another couple, he prayed with people over matters with their children..... he was NOT just your average dock supervisor! (Praise God for Bill)<br />There are SO many stories about how God has worked in relationships here. I can look back on the past four years and see that lives have been dramatically changed just by a touch here or a spoken word there to encourage our fellow co-workers.One evening, some of our own children happened to be in town and were at Six Flags. Rich and I were driving over to meet them and Rich received a phone call from Brian Bloye, pastor of West Ridge Church. He was excited about a new ministry involving West Ridge and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He and Matt Willmington immediately thought it was a perfect ministry for Rich Erdman - former soccer coach, former bus driver, former youth pastor, dad and husband. After seeking the Lord's favor, Rich decided to join in that ministry - all the while wondering if he was to do this ministry or start the church.<br />That was three years ago. The first FCA kick-off for Paulding County was held in the Student Theater at West Ridge with around 50 - 75 people in attendance. The second kick-off was held the following year in the same location with around 200 present. This past year, for the third annual kick-off, we had to move to the worship center of West Ridge and hosted around 750 teens, coaches, parents, and pastors. Eighty-one decisions were made that night alone - one of them being a rec league softball coach.<br />In the three years of this ministry in Paulding County, hundreds of lives have been changed for eternity. Coaches are calling Rich for family ministry - he has attended funerals, weddings, and visited hospitals for the births of new babies.<br />Coaches are opening the Word of God in huddle meetings designed just for them. In the five high schools and eight middle schools in Paulding County, huddles meet weekly on every campus. You might ask, "What is a huddle?" A huddle is a time of fellowship for the teens as well as worship with music and specific prayer time. A speaker imparts the Word of God on our public school campuses. As a teacher on one of these campuses, I cannot begin to tell you how exciting it is when my students tell me that my husband (that FCA guy) spoke to their football/softball/soccer/basketball team the day before. All of this is part of the ministry of FCA. On the night of the kick-off this year, I turned to Rich and said, "Looks like you have your church!"<br />I am writing this to let you know that God is alive and well through the FCA of Paulding County. It is a life-changing ministry that reaches outside the walls of the church and into the campuses of our schools where the enemy thinks he has a foothold. I so appreciate you taking the time to read this letter.<br />Rich and I are asking that you will pray for this ministry. Pray specifically for Rich and his health as he continues to establish relationships with these students and coaches. Pray specifically for the ministry of FCA financially - funds are needed to continue to provide for the men and women on staff. Pray for the future leaders who will arise from these high school and middle school huddles; that they will be bold witnesses to a starving world. I heard recently that WE WERE CALLED TO INFLUENCE THE INFLUENTIAL. Other than the music industry, nothing else influences our world like athletes and sports. Please join us in influencing the influential.....pray that the Lord of the Harvest will continue to draw other unto Him.<br />Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-67910042157670778442009-09-10T22:39:00.001-04:002009-09-10T22:39:25.644-04:0010 Things I Love about JonathanToday is Jonathan's birthday !!! WoW! He's 28 years old and I CANNOT believe it! Ten things .....10. He is a great dad. He is there as much as possible to read to his children and tuck them in. He does diapers and dishes.9. He is a great husband. He and Ashley have overcome many obstacles but he has remained committed and provides for his family.8. He wants to be Frank. Actually, his wit and humor are another thing I love about him!7. He is considerate. He tries very hard to make sure everyone is included and taken care of.6. He is an ethical person. He really seeks to do the right thing with integrity in every circumstance.5. He is a big extended family man. He loves his grandparents and tries to communicate with them often.4. He has turned into a handy man! That is perhaps the biggest surprise! His house is a true testimony to his hard work and craftsmanship.3. He is a testimony at his job. Many people look up to him and admire the way he handles things at work.2. He's cute. :)1. This makes him sound perfect and he really isn't BUT He has the love of the Savior and the promise of eternity with his Heavenly Father .... can't wait to spend every day forever with him!Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-52066504369445283392009-08-23T21:45:00.003-04:002009-08-23T21:50:24.395-04:00Growing OlderWe have a very close family and I absolutely adore my nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. And I consider them my own children, and I never want them to hurt. While they were growing up, I was growing older in my marriage, going through all the things that big boys and big girls go through while being married - most of which is not fun. I always described things like this: having children was easier than being married.... because children come to you unmolded and you can kinda influence the mold. But husbands come with mold already and you can't unmold them!! Really, just being married is a lot of work. It is the most rewarding relationship this side of Heaven but it is HARD! So, while on the outside, you are setting this example for extended family, they never really see the hard part. Now that my nieces and nephews are themselves in this wonderful marriage relationship, they are living reality and it is even harder in this world we live in today. I just want to encourage them to see the big picture. God has a plan for your marriage ... it is to be able to say, in the end, we ran the race, we persevered, we will give You glory. While the everyday mundane business of staying in love seems like it is just too hard sometimes to accomplish, think about the big picture. Think about the legacy you will leave your children and think about how God views your relationship. You will be okay, you will persevere, you will be rewarded. But you cannot do it alone - He will give you the grace you need. I love you, and I am proud of you. You come from good stock.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-29620624931505461962009-08-23T21:45:00.002-04:002009-08-23T21:47:12.763-04:0010 Things I Love about Skip10. He is just a really nice guy. Always, he has taken up for the underdog - even if it meant school suspension.<br />9. He came to my rescue when I needed him the most at the beginning of last school year - putting his plans on hold to help us.<br />8. He's kinda cute still :).<br />7. He is a gentleman. When we used to see him travel with teams, he was always the guy carrying the girls' stuff.<br />6. He can talk with me for hours - still. We used to do that a lot when he was a teen-ager.<br />5. He had a big time chance to rebel when he was 16 and we moved him away from home and friends - but he didn't. It was so hard for him, but he was respectful and dealt with a difficult time very maturely.<br />4. He is a great mediator and people person. He can resolve issues.<br />3. He overcame a serious childhood illness to grow big and strong.<br />2. He loves his brothers and will take care of things when we are no longer able to.<br />1. But the best part is that when all this junk is over in this fallen world, we get to spend eternity together !! Whoo-hoo!Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-82369849147025600632009-08-13T22:16:00.002-04:002009-08-13T22:34:51.492-04:00The Marietta Erdman'sWhen we moved to Georgia four years ago, we were blessed to live near little brother Steve and his family. This guy cracks me up! I met Steve in 1979. He was sitting in the back of a station wagon - you know, one of those seats that turns backwards so that you can see where you've been. I don't know exactly how old he was when I met him but he was way cool. I know he was in high school - Rich was 22 and Steve is 5 years younger - so he was around 16 or 17. ANYWAY, I should say he was suave and debonair but I will stick with "way cool." The first thing he ever said to me was, "I love southern girls..... they have such expressive eyes." Uh, hello, I was probably the only Southern girl he had ever met but his comment certainly left an impression. Like I said, he was way cool. So, I really have not spent much time with him in the 30 years I have been married to his brother, but the times we spend together are fun. The really funny thing is that he is the same age as his son is now when we first met!<br /><br />I love to hear Steve talk about his family - not mushy gushy stuff - I like the challenging stuff. He has these really gorgeous kids that I thought walked on water until he starts telling his stories. He has a good outlook on stuff - he doesn't get really bent out of shape about anything and knows that "this too shall pass" with his young'uns and keeps it in perspective.<br /><br />I love to hear Steve talk about his wife, Janet. She is a great match for him! She actually keeps him in perspective so that he can keep everything else in perspective.<br /><br />This year begins his son's senior year - this is the year when all the parenting pays off. This is the year when the kid begins to really soar only this time with a little less parenting. While all of us know the time is coming, we all know that it IS time. Christian, you will be just fine. Janet, drink a lot of whatever it is you are drinking these days while you listen to a song that will wrench your heart out - you will thank me for this later - "Find Your Wings."<br /><br />Find Your Wings by Mark Harris<br /><br />It's only for a moment you are mine to hold<br />The plans that heaven has for you<br />Will all too soon unfold<br />So many different prayers<br />I'll pray<br />For all that you might do<br />But most of all I'll want to knowYou're walking in the truth<br />And if I never told you<br />I want you to know<br />As I watch you grow<br /><br />I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams<br />And that faith gives you the courage<br />To dare to do great things<br />I'm here for you whatever this life brings<br />So let my love give you roots<br />And help you find your wings<br /><br />May passion be the wind<br />That leads you through your days<br />And may conviction keep you strong<br />Guide you on your way<br />May there be many moments<br />That make your life so sweet<br />Oh, but more than memories I pray that<br /><br />God will fill your heart with dreams<br />And that faith gives you the courage<br />To dare to do great things<br />I'm here for you whatever this life brings<br />So let my love give you roots<br />And help you find your wings<br /><br />It's not living if you don't reach for the sky<br />I'll have tears as you take off<br />But I'll cheer as you fly<br />I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams<br />And that faith gives you the courage<br />To dare to do great things<br />I'm here for you whatever this life brings<br />So let my love give you roots<br />And help you find your wings<br /><br />we love ya!Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-30145204273165120632009-06-28T18:19:00.000-04:002009-06-28T18:20:02.174-04:00How did he live?Everyone is concerned about how MJ died but the question really should be: How did he live? And before passing any judgment that should be a question for us all … how did you live? A long time ago I found a quote by Betty Feezor (a 60s tv personality from Charlotte) that said "Live, so that when you are gone, it would have mattered that you were here." Very profound words.In my fifty years I have remained on earth while witnessing the passing of grandparents, church friends, and even students who have died much too young. Death is a fact of life but living is where it's really at.Last summer my husband's family endured the illness and death of his oldest brother; a man who lived his final years quietly inspiring those with brain injuries and MS; as he was a victim of those himself. This past spring I lost a dear friend named Doris to cancer; a woman who one day decided she wanted to teach and wow what a gift! She spent her final years quietly imparting her wisdom and teaching important skills to children in a most patient and loving manner. This past week in the chaos surrounding the deaths of show business icons, Elaine slipped quietly into eternal sleep after living a lifetime giving to all of her students everything that was within her to give after she first gave unselfishly to her family and church family. My friend DJ was simply riding home one Saturday afternoon and his life ended rounding a curve just feet from home. Now he is eternally home but while here, he lived a simple, quiet life absolutely in love with his wife and daughter and all of his other family members.There are no televised 911 calls wondering about the last few minutes of the lives of these people. There are no hour long interviews with doctors, no famous preachers calling for second opinions, no doubts about the future of their family members, yet these quiet people lived lives of dignity, unselfishness, faithfulness, joy, peace, kindness, and love. The marks they left on the world will be marks on the hearts of those people who were touched by significant and random acts of kindness. They left the world virtually unknown, touching a small crowd that, in turn, touched another small crowd, which, in turn touched another small crowd.<br />The point is this … why are we concerned about HOW he died and WHY he died then HOW HE LIVED? The Scripture says, “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wickedness. For the LORD GOD is a sun and a shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you !” (Ps. 84:10-12) <br />God calls some people to become famous, some He calls to remain anonymous, some He calls to lead quiet, gentle lives. I want to constantly think eternally ..... to consider being a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to live in lavishness, chained to this world. And when I come to die, just give me Jesus.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-19781520022988213942009-05-31T22:25:00.002-04:002009-05-31T22:38:35.320-04:00Happy Birthday Little Mermaid Snow White Princess<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FXWRiayh29U/SiM8ngx1CFI/AAAAAAAAACQ/mldNM6bMUnM/s1600-h/kaitlin+turns+four.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342180232503035986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FXWRiayh29U/SiM8ngx1CFI/AAAAAAAAACQ/mldNM6bMUnM/s320/kaitlin+turns+four.bmp" border="0" /></a> So, me being old and stuff, I did leave out a VIB on my last post. This Very Important Birthday belongs to a special four year old little mermaid snow white princess. I use all those terms because I just could not possibly decide which fairy tale princess is the best description of this little girl. She is so adorable, especially in her special pose that I caught at her birthday party. (This pose, by the way, prompted me to question her mother about the dance moves they practice at their house.) There is one thing about this princess, however, she is exactly like her mother.<br /><br />Jennifer married Randy 10 years ago and it was a very good idea. Randy is a fabulous dad and a great husband. I do not know much about his growing up years, but the past 10 years, he has proven to take his responsibilities very seriously. I am very proud of him. Jenny has had many obstacles to overcome. She has had to face many choices and she chose the high road. It would have been easy for her to become a "victim" or live in the "system", but instead she chose to get an education and use her gifts and talents to make the world a better place. She is an excellent sister and aunt; a loving daughter; and one of the most unselfish people I know.<br /><br />So, when I say that Kaitlin is exactly like her mother, I mean that in the greatest sense of the word. Happy birthday, Kaitlin, and many more. And it isn't so bad if you turn out just like mom.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-86240509603184385212009-05-09T11:57:00.003-04:002009-08-13T22:16:19.554-04:00The Merry Month of May<span style="font-family:georgia;">This is a HUGE month for so many people that I dearly love. I am just going to call this the top ten hits of May. I will invariably omit someone (basically because I am old and my memory is failing) so go ahead and let me have it if you are offended. And, they are in no particular order so don't get all upset if you aren't first !!!!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><br />1. Mother's Day - I am so so so so so so blessed to have a wonderful mother and mother-in-law. They support me in so many ways and I have watched them weather many storms with grace. They have been an inspiration to me as I have raised my own children and trained my own husband. (Did I say "trained", I meant to say "submitted to".) Even though I will not be with them, I hope that I express to them that they make me want to express "Happy Mother's Day" everyday.<br /><br /><br /><br />2. My own Mother's Day - wow! the memories ever linger on a day like today. I have so many awesome Mother's Day memories because I have the most loving boys anybody could ever ask for. I still have the cute cards they made and the gifts that tiny hands created. Even though I will not see them, I have the joy of knowing that I am loved and will be with them for an eternity. I have the comfort of knowing that, if they could, they would be with me everyday. And I have the peace of knowing that they will love their wives and families with commitment . Those are incredible blessings.<br /><br /><br /><br />3. Jonathan and Ashley's Anniversary - whoa~ whodda thought they would make it !!???!!?? hahaha (everybody said the same thing about us!!!) No, really, through their marriage I have been reminded of how very, very, very hard it is to stay focused and committed on everlasting love and relationships. It takes a tremendous amount of blood, sweat, and tears - all of which the two of them have experienced. Hang in there, guys, the BEST is yet to come - I promise - and it comes QUICKLY. Every ounce of energy you spend together is definitely worth the prize in the end. We are VERY PROUD of you both - you are an example to us all.<br /><br /><br /><br />4. Graduation Day for so many people takes place this month. I am loving seeing all my former LCA students excited about their future endeavors and I commend them for such hard work. Also, so many people that we know in Cleveland are celebrating that milestone and we are proud of you also. Best wishes for the next steps.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />6. Ben Erdman finished his second year of college. Let me repeat that because I cannot believe it. Ben Erdman finished his second year of college. WOW! Can I possibly be that old???? I am so proud to be called his mom. He never ceases to amaze me with his tender heart. And, I happen to like Ms. Kaylee Beck a lot also. I am also looking forward to spending some good times with them in the near future.<br /><br /><br /><br />7. Gavin turns a year old this week!!! Shaun and Amy are doing a great job raising him and I wish I could have been at his party. Patty is a wonderful sister-in-law and a wonderful grandmother. I am so proud of her for everything she has had to overcome. I love you, Patty. When I married Rich, I was blessed to also gain Jenny and her family and Sherre and her family. God is very, very good.<br /><br /><br /><br />8. Lots of birthdays and celebrations this month !!!! Wedding anniversaries for some special nieces and nephews and a big birthday for my brother-in-law, Neil! He's great and very wise in his old age ...... I love him. My sisters make my life merry all year long. Sisters were one fabulous invention from the LORD. When they gave me nieces and nephews, that was icing on the cake ! My nephew David is growing so fast and he is so sweet. April blessed us with many, many children and they are growing so fast. CJ just blesses us by his kind words and tenderheart and Joel is a great father, husband, and minister all rolled into one.<br /><br />9. Skip Erdman went to yet another Life class this month. Honestly, I don't know if I would have the stamina he has to work through everything he has worked for. I hear he is a great insurance agent and I hear that people really like to be around him. That, of course, does not surprise me, because I have always thought he was great. (Even when he was in trouble at school !) He was the greatest at getting in trouble! No, really, he is so tenderhearted and so concerned about how he treats people. He makes me proud in so many ways. I enjoy the time we spend with him and Stephanie and am looking so forward to the next time. I am proud of Stephanie for her school work and how she pours herself into the lives of her students. I just pray God's will and blessings on both of you.<br /><br /><br /><br />10. This month marks the 30th year that I met my husband, Rich. He is the light of my life, the sunshine of my days, and the rock I cling to. I can say that because he represents Christ to me in a way that I am sure that others just wish they could. He definitely is not perfect (that is another post) but if he is wrong, he will admit it. If he damages, he is the first to apologize. This has been an incredible journey for 30 years and I would not trade my life with anyone. I love you, Richie Rich, and I am looking forward to the next 30 years with excitement and anticipation.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-27759603057248316492009-03-31T22:30:00.000-04:002009-03-31T22:34:46.778-04:00Happy Birthday to my little Nathaniel!It is hard to believe that two years ago I was in the room when Nathaniel entered the world. That was a privilege beyond measure. And, tonight, one of the most precious sounds in the whole world ...... "Hey, Nana!" was my greeting before the cake ceremony. I am indeed a blessed woman. Happy Birthday, Nathaniel ....... Proverbs 3.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-2470717861608628522009-03-23T22:45:00.000-04:002009-03-23T22:47:33.136-04:00My New Book TitleI have decided to write a book entitled, <em>Help! They've Switched my Role and Forgot to Give Me the Script! </em>Subtitled: Life as an Empty Nester.Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3339815782967124199.post-43637250724406626512009-03-23T22:12:00.000-04:002009-03-23T22:45:20.786-04:00THE momentThis is a gem of a quote that came from my calendar (given to me by my precious mother-in-law). It is by Stormie Omartian: "<em>You never know when you will step into the moment for which God has been preparing you. And it is not just one moment; it's many successive ones. It doesn't matter whether you are a single career woman or a married lady with nine children under the age of ten; it doesn't matter whether you are nineteen or ninety, God is preparing you daily for something great." </em>This spoke so profoundly to me today in my classroom..... only the LORD know the moments for which I was created .... was it a moment of encouragement to a student? was it a moment of love to my own children? or was it a moment of ministry to my husband? I do know that when my faith becomes sight, He will reveal the moments and I will marvel at His infinite grace and wisdom. What a day that will be !!!Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927621471627219666noreply@blogger.com0