Climbing Walls with God

Today was a particularly difficult day for my family and I as we made arrangements to move my grandfather into a nursing facility close to us. This chapter- Psalm 18- really stood out to me today, and I trust it will encourage you also. 

Truly, God is perfect, infinite, all-powerful, and He doesn't need my help to be awesome. 

Psalm 18:29-35 (NLT translation)

The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.
²⁹ In your strength I can crush an army;
    with my God I can scale any wall.

* Our God is so awesome, that nothing takes Him by surprise! He has the power to do anything under the sun, and the power to equip us for battle. 

³⁰ God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

*Don't you love the 'ta-da' feeling of this verse? "God's way is perfect." the end. Why do we question His ways? Stop second-guessing Him! God doesn't need a supervisor. 

³¹ 

For who is God except the Lord?

    Who but our God is a solid rock?

*Don't worry about having a back-up plan when you rely on God; He's It. He's where the 'buck stops,' and nothing gets past Him. 

³² God arms me with strength,
    and he makes my way perfect.

³³ He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
    enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle;
    he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.

*God knows what trials await us, and He will adequately prepare us for each and every one of them- and give us the strength as we need it.

³⁵ You have given me your shield of victory.
    Your right hand supports me;
    your help has made me great.

Tonight, I'm sitting in that right hand, trusting it will support my family and me in the days and weeks to come as we care for my grandfather during this final stretch. With the help of the Almighty God, He will make me victorious in this continuous battle of trust, and give peace in the most difficult of times. 

until next time. . . 

e

God is great, God is good

I've done it again. 

That which I promised myself I would do at least once weekly, has become an unconquerable monster of once monthly. 

That which brings me joy has been replaced by a new sort of monster:

graduate school. gasp Oh yes. 

Well, enough with the dramatic soliloquy- but I really 

have survived my first 2 1/2 weeks of graduate school at UNCG School of Music.

And, besides the dreadful assignment last week in which I had to 

cite 200+ sources in turabian, I'm really loving it. 

I'm learning really great piano literature from a phenomenal professor.

Learning answers to questions I've had for a long time. (love that feeling.)

Making really good grades. (thank you, Lord.)

Hating Music Research Class. (it's to be expected.)

And thoroughly loving living my dream. 

So thankful to Jesus for helping to work out all the details! 

It's really incredible, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to further my education.

That being said, my sister, Kimberly, is also embarking on her

own educational journey by beginning her BSN Nursing at Bob Jones University,

and plans to continue schooling to become a Physician's Assistant. 

Miss her like crazy, but very proud of her. 

I can't reiterate enough how extremely thankful I am for God 

working out details in my life recently. Things I thought I had planned/prepared

quite nicely, He thought differently. 

I've been living by the motto: "Don't confuse the will of God with the will of the majority." 

No matter how hard you or I try, there's no possible way to please absolutely everyone-

that's humanity for ya. However, I'm realizing this. 

If: 

1) God says do it

2) Parents support it

3) It just makes sense, and even if

4) A few people you highly respect just 'don't get it,' 

do. it.  

Don't let the opinions of a few keep you from doing what you should. 

It's hard.

Difficult.

Confrontational.

Uncomfortable.

Weird.

Embarrassing.

all of the above, but it brings peace with God, which is worth it. 

And, in the end, God's approval is what really matters anyways, right? right. 

I'm done with my soapbox :), just thought I'd 'throw that out there.' 

(food for thought, if you will.)

God is great, God is good. 

until next time...

e.d.

Going Amish

Well, it's FINALLY the end of July- an exceptionally busy month. Hooray! My absence from the world of Blogspot.com is truly founded...and have yet another resolution to do it more often. Not just for readers, but for my own enjoyment. (not as selfish as it sounds.)


SO, I am thus blogging on vacation. Somewhere in Virginia. Near Staunton, I think.


Now, I know why you clicked on this link..."Going Amish:" it's kind of a strange, strong title, no? During our vacation these last seven days, we have visited beautiful and incredible places. Philadelphia, PA: first US capitol, signing of the Declaration of Independence/Constitution, home of many founding fathers, Liberty Bell, Chinese food, Philly Steak 'n' Cheese(s) a plenty, etc.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

China Town, Philadelphia. Home to David's Mai Lai Wah. 

Next stop: Lancaster, PA: home to enumerable Amish families, delicious Dutch food, Sight and Sound Theatre (went to see 'Jonah'), relaxing drives through the country, and more Dutch food. (You get the idea.) Here are a couple of photos from Lancaster to give you an idea...

Amish family working in the fields near their farm. Isn't it lovely?

Through the corn...

It's just so captivating and enchanting...

Amish workers finishing in the fields at sunset.

Now, do you see why it's so lovely? Thought you would. Anyways, 'Going Amish:' here's how it fits in. Nope, I'm not going to start wearing a long, dark colored dresses, aprons, black stockings in summer, and large mesh bonnets. And no, I'm not going to move into a house without electricity, running water, or car. And I'm certainly not going to trade my car for a horse and buggy. But honestly- I'm tired of life (in general) being so complicated, cluttered, and well, complicated! We Americans have so much material 'stuff' that sometimes it's easy to become centered on 'stuff' instead of the important things. That being said, I'm not going Amish. It was just a catchy title. :) But I am planning on stepping back and de-cluttering life when I return home from this vacation. Life is too short to be spending time, energy, and emotion on things that are unimportant or lacking in eternal value. May God help me. 

Ah well, soap-box #1 for today- check. :) 

One last thought from C.S. Lewis: "It remains true that all things are possible with God...but nonsense remains nonsense even when we talk it over with God." Perplexing, no?

Springy Breakage

 Ahh. There's just something about the blooming tulips, green grass, hint of green in the foliage, and puffy white clouds contrasting the robin's egg blue sky that announces the arrival of spring in such a way that also commands a spring break immediately following. :) 

So, of course, I gladly obliged mother nature's bidding, and thoroughly enjoyed a rather splendid break last week. 


I began by indulging my crafty-side by making a wreath for the front of the house. 

Supplies:

grape vine wreath (Michael's, $4.99)

stem flowers

berry vine

wire

hot glue gun

wire cutters

Voila! One of the easiest crafts I've done recently,

and very frugal. (less than $11 total, much 

more affordable than the $50 at other stores)

Our family had a brilliant time with mom's family for a few days in Tennessee. Beautiful weather, fun activities, and lots of laughs decorated our mini vacation. Fun was had by all. :D 

We play mini golf (I sorely lost to a younger cousin...)

My cousin, Tiffany, and I. At just 3 weeks apart, we've been
close since childhood. We had a blast together! 

We enjoyed time outside by the camper, just 'catching' up. 

AND...Last (but certainly not least...)

We had an old fashioned photo taken! 

(I know, high-collar dresses aren't exactly

at the height of fashion, but it was all they had

that wasn't well...immodest, to say the least)

We had far too much fun, and laughed hilariously! 

The infamous "WHAT?! You took that already?" photo.
I'm modeling the 'deer-in-the-head-lights-look quite well.
Ha. Ha. Ha. 

The 'smile nicely' pose, which is a bit better than the first.
We had a marvelous time!

And so, though far too short, time with family was enjoyed, as well as the interruption of the daily grind. :)
Happy April! (tomorrow.)

New Year Hullabaloo

Before I pontificate , may I just say, 

Happy New Year! 

The days since my last posting (Thanksgiving) 

have been a bit hair-raising, unpredictable, and difficult for our family, thus is the explanation for my non-postage. (don't you love odd words? not sure that one is uh, accurate in that usage, but it sure is fun to use.) 

If you're not friends with me or my family on Facebook, here's a quick overview...Dad went to Raleigh for a short, quick medical procedure on the Monday after Thanksgiving, and ended up back in Raleigh with a diagnosis of kidney failure on Wednesday morning. It's been a definite roller-coaster ride for all of us since then, but dad finally got to come home on December 14. We took him back to the

ER Christmas Eve night and was released Christmas Day afternoon with diagnosis of MRSA. He is still on dialysis and strong antibiotics, so he is definitely not back 'up to par,' but at least he is home and improving! God is so good. and we are thankful.

The Christmas holidays were interesting, to say the least, considering the previously

explained situation, but it was wonderful getting to spend the Holidays in NC...

where the crisp winter air wafts through the bare trees, cardinals adorn the frost-covered 

clothesline wires, and the early-morning frost decorates the brown, dead grass. 

I love it. It's quite superb, actually. 

Christmas programs (3, actually), school/church parties, Christmas caroling (with students

at the Hospice House, then with church friends to shut-ins), Christmas-cookie-baking,

The K-6 Christmas Program at school- "Not a Creature was Stirring."
It turned out so cute! The kids looked adorable, sang their hearts out,
and did an excellent job! I was so proud of them! 

favorite Christmas tunes on the radio, Christmas movies by the fire, ... the list goes on, 

but I love it all! and so very thankful to get to share these times with my family. 

Fun Gingerbread-baking with 7-8th grade at school.
Whew. This was the 1st time most of them had ever cut out Christmas
cookies. Seriously? How sad is that! the room was a wreck when we
finished and we were all covered in flour, but we all had a blast.
and they tasted great. :)

Our gorgeous live tree (from the NC mtn's) upstairs,
decorated with Waterford Crystal and
ornaments from overseas. It was beautiful! 

Living room upstairs- partially decorated for Christmas.
Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of it completed :(
It was beautiful, though! 

enjoyed nifty Christmas decorations 'downtown'
Thomasville during the Thanksgiving parade with
friends from church.

And, just for a laugh....

A snippet of the hilarious older ladies featured in the Thomasville
Christmas parade. Hysterical!


All around, it was a terrific (but flexible) Christmas, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the bustling,
shopping, gift-wrapping, traffic, programs, decorating, etc. that are involved in making the
Season memorable. And, most of all, I love celebrating and reading about the Birth of Jesus.
Still marveling in the Gift of God's Son!

The hour grows late, and I must needs rise early to provide and education for the children
of Thomasville. :) More posts to come later.

A'dieu, until then...

morning by morning.

If yesterday's blog post wasn't exciting enough for you, this one may slightly rouse your interest. :) I want to go on record to say that I am ending this day even more thankful than yesterday...for a variety of reasons. Why? Ah, I'm so very glad you asked :)...

1- I had a lovely day. in many ways.

2- enjoyed absolutely gorgeous pre-fall weather. 

Mmm. low humidity, car windows down,

you get the idea. Happiness was emanating today!

In the words of the song: "How can I keep from singing 

Your praise? How can I ever say enough, how amazing

is Your love!" 

3- God kept my sister, Kimberly, her friend, and 

all students at GTTC (2 community colleges campuses) 

safe during a bomb threat and evacuation this morning.

I couldn't get the link to work in my blog, so here it is:

http://www.myfox8.com/news/wghp-gtcc-evacuates-two-campuses-due-to-bomb-threats-20110823,0,1978670.story 

Needless to say, that is a huge praise! 

Hoping and praying they find the culprit...

4- No one was harmed in the earthquake today,

even though it was definitely felt here in NC today!

Saddened by the damage done to the 

National Cathedral in DC, though. 

I have some exciting new classroom photo updates to share, but they must wait until tomorrow. I shall leave you desiring to return with bated breath... :) 

In closing...my friends, God is truly so much better to us than we deserve...every day, but especially when His lovingkindness and mercies are so evident in circumstances and events. 

"...Morning by morning new mercies I see...ALL I have needed Thy hand hath provided: 

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me..." 

until next time...

Anniversary Antidotes

Today is mom and dad's 24th Anniversary! After 21 years of being exposed to other people's parents, and now being a teacher, I can honestly say a few things about our home:

We have a lot of fun together! Laughing is a daily routine at our house, and we much prefer having fun at home or simply being together over high-dollar entertainment.

Mom and dad's communication with each other makes the world go 'round. That's why Kim and I love it when mom and dad still take time to go on 'dates'. It makes our home a happier, more relaxed place. :) Enjoy the P.F. Chang's card, mom and dad! =)

Our home is full of love, laughter, honesty, blonde moments, Hogan's Heroes, and we revolve around reveling in the simple things in life.

Happy 24th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

The closing of a Chapter...beginning of a life.

Alas, such exciting things have occurred in my little corner of the world since my last posting. Do allow me to include you in this bulletin:

1) I am an official college graduate! The proud owner of a beautiful diploma and nifty pink tassel (representing my BA in Music).

Graduation celebratory pictures with the Davis side of the family.

Two graduates of the evening.

The tassel truly was worth the hassle! (I think...)

2) I am no longer a resident of the dorm- gleefully home in NC for the summer with my family, basqueing in the glory of Lexington BBQ and setting up my portion of the house.

3) I am pleased to announce exciting plans for this fall, God willing. I have accepted a position as an upper-level Piano Instructor and Accompanist at the Bach Children's Music School in Stuart, FL and will also be teaching private piano lessons in the surrounding areas. (Stuart, Hobe Sound, Port St. Lucie.) I will also be working part-time at the Hobe Sound Bookstore with the famed authoress Jenness Walker. :) I also plan to begin my MA in the spring at FAU.

The end of this summer vacation does not lead to college for me. A simple, profound, but shocking reality nonetheless. All entailed with College life has come to an end. Memories of choir, final exams, classes, frivolity, and fun times are but a black and white page of cluttered photographs in my yearbook. The signature on my diploma serves as the fine' to this chapter in my life, yet there is a Coda awaiting. Many individuals see the completion of a college degree as an ending to the 'fun' of life and a harsh introduction to reality, but I see it a little differently. It is true that the college-stage-of-life is complete for me, and yes, it is a little bittersweet. But do tell me HOW, in the name of Feta cheese, can a college degree be the end of life?! Mere irony at its finest! Therefore my beloved readers, it is with great anticipation that I dream uninhibitedly about the future and begin my career. So there you have it.

Let Life Begin.