The View from my Seat!!

"The Apology". I don't know about you but I am one hard headed woman. Ty Bean is pretty stubborn as well but he apologizes 8 out of 10 times. I, on the other hand, will not be moved. But when you are RIGHT, there is no need to apologize. Ha, Ha!!! All joking aside, "The Apology", has become a "Forgotten Art". It is so easy to say, "I'm sorry, but...". How often do we give an apology and expect one in return? Ty nailed it when he illustrated the apology as a message in a bottle. You can send it out but you are never certain if it will be received. Growing up my sister would say "sorry" for everything. It got to the point that mom would tell her in advance to not even bother. There was no sincerity. We even began to think that she would plan the apology before she even messed up. Sincerity is the most important part of an apology. I am a firm believer that there must be change as well. There has to be some effort to not repeat the offense. One thing I can say about Ty Bean is that he is a man of change. From the time I married him eight years ago until today, I have watched him improve himself over and over again. He is never afraid to self evaluate. I think that in order for us to regain the art of apologizing, we must take a look at our self. What did I do? What can I do? How could I have done it differently? How can I do it next time? All important questions. If there is one thing I know for sure, it's that I can't change ANYONE except MYSELF! When we start approaching an apology as a character builder in our own life, no matter the outcome, we always win. And don't just give good apologies but receive them as well. Give those around you the freedom to make mistakes. There will come a day that you need someone to accept your apology. So, you go first. Restore a bridge that has been burned and see what God can do in that relationship. What a great series!! Simple but thought provoking. Sometimes I think it is the simple things in life that we need to be reminded how to do. You don't want to miss the last 2 weeks.

Girls Night Out!!!

What a great time we had last night! Thirteen ladies hung out for 3 1/2 hours at Pacific Rim in Hobbs. We had great food and great conversation. I personally enjoyed the Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll and a cup of Won-ton soup. Yummy!! We also celebrated Ashley Davis' birthday. Her close friend Carla made a pink and black purse birthday cake. It was amazing. She is very talented. If anyone is in search for a great cake for any occasion, let me know and I can give you her number. She can do anything and I mean anything.
Night's like these are so important to me. I love to be with a group of ladies and talk about a wide variety of topics. Our conversation went from childbirth to bowel patterns. We discussed the school system and relationships. I learned so much about these women. I left last night having rekindled old friendships and strengthened my new ones. One fault I see in the institutional church today is the lack of true fellowship. We come to church every week, find our seat upon arrival and once the sermon is over we make a mad dash to the closest exit. Why do we do this? Building relationships and having true fellowship is one of the greatest reasons for attending the local church. Now many may disagree. "Heather, the Word is the most important part of a church service." I agree, it is VERY important but I can study and learn the Word on a deserted island. What I can't do, is fellowship and ask questions. We are each called to be a friend to someone. So next time you get the opportunity, step out of your comfort zone and come make a friend.

The View from my Seat!

This weeks message was the beginning of a four week series called, "The Forgotten Arts". Four different things that we may have lost the art of doing. This week was titled "The Thank You". Ty spoke of the story found in the book of Luke about the 10 lepers that Jesus healed. Out of the 10 who were healed only 1 returned to fall at the feet of Jesus. Only one took the time to show his gratitude to the Lord before returning to his family. Ty shared that it is possible that some of these men may have been separated from their families for many years. Once they were clean and could return home, they could think of nothing else. Who could blame them? But one man wanted Jesus to know that he was thankful before doing anything else. He seized the moment.
Sunday morning I worked the Preschool class and right before service I had an interesting conversation with a new friend of mine. She works at a local restaurant in Hobbs. She shared with me that her least favorite day to work was Sunday's. When I asked her if it had anything to do with church people being her customers, she gave me that little grin. I knew immediately that I was right. I have heard many stories about the church crowd being horrible tippers but she proceeded to tell me how rude they were as well. I can't tell you how bad my blood is boiling right now. It grieves my heart to know that people in the world often treat others better than Christians do. I know that every church attender is not a Christian but there are those that give us a bad name. Of all the people in this world, the children of God should be the most appreciative for someones kind acts. When we go to a restaurant on Sunday or any other day, we should tip more than anyone. We should say, "please" and "thank you". We should never order our waitress or waiter to do something for us. In every setting, we should be a light in the darkness. Where did we go so wrong? When did we start believing that we were above others? As a Christian we should always raise others above us and never push them beneath. This weekend many of you may have thought the message was simple and something you didn't need to know. I am confident that the "Thank You" is a forgotten art. My friends story proves to me that it is true.

Four Seasons!

Isn't God good! Every season that comes I am ready to enjoy. My favorite is probably winter but that is because my favorite activity occurs in this season. I love to build a fire every night and cuddle up with all three boys and enjoy a movie. I love the purity and peacefulness of snow. But when the flowers come in at the local nursery, I get an aching to get dirt under my nails. Right now I am so excited for the Del Norte Pool to open. I can already smell chlorine and sunscreen. Late nights at the ball field and concession stand food. Can I hear an AMEN!!!!! Well, you may not agree with all of my likes but I'm sure you have some of your own. My last post I spoke about the "High Calling" we each have on our lives. I have discovered over time that I have a different calling for every season of my life. As a young college student, I had very little responsibility. I took care of me, myself and I. I studied the Bible often and I led studies at my church. God and I were tight. When the boys were first born, I wondered where God went. Though I had just experienced the greatest miracle in the world, childbirth, I felt alone. I couldn't see my bible over the stack of diapers and stuffed animals. Now some of you may have been able to find quiet time with the Lord during this season of your life but I require sleep. If it was quiet, I was sleeping. Today the boys are 3 and almost 6. My season has once again changed and just like summer arriving I am ready to see what is in store. The boys are getting older and I have found more freedom for myself. Life can still be crazy at times but that may never change. My point in all of this is that we must keep our eyes open for the new things God may be calling us to. I know that 3 years ago I would never have tried to start a blog. Today I am thrilled to sit at the computer and share my thoughts to all of you out there. No telling what I will be doing in 3 more years. I have learned that no matter the season, God has never left me. Isn't it funny how we allow our works to measure our relationship with Christ? God thinks it is funny too. I am living the life He gave me and He enjoys watching me live it. The seasons will change before we know it. Just when summer ends fall will begin. Oh, how I love to see the leaves change and feel the cool breeze in the air. God knows what we need and when we need it. Trust Him with your life and there is no telling which direction the wind will blow.

High Calling!

What a weekend! We had a great Mother's Day at Cowboy Junction Church. We had a "High Tea Party" for some incredible women. Twelve ladies got to sit at a beautifully decorated table and enjoy a variety of teas, fruit, cucumber sandwiches, pecan tassies and chocolate truffles. I briefly shared with the ladies about the "High calling" that each of us have on our life. No matter what stage of life you are in, God has a calling for you. I've learned to appreciate this time of motherhood. I have realized that there is no greater calling than raising children who love the Lord. One day when I am old and gray, I will look back over my life and see what mark I made on this world. Though I would love to preach to thousands, pastor a church that is overflowing and see many come to Christ; I want my two boys to love the Lord above all. It is so common for Pastor's kids to run away from God and from their calling. From my own view, I know in many cases this is due to the church becoming the priority before the children. I can completely see how this can happen. Church can so easily become our life. I believe that most of us were raised with the idea that our Pastor must always be there at any hour and on any day. When we have a hospital stay, a death in the family, a question we need an answer to or an urgent prayer request; the Pastor should be a phone call away. Ty and I love the people of Cowboy Junction and we would love to always be there. But Cowboy Junction will NEVER come before Brady and Hudson. I don't ever want them to feel that ministry means more than they do. Just as you would never want your kids to feel second to your job. We are all the family of God, the body of Christ and each of us must play a part. My friend Marie was in the ER last week and she called another lady in the church instead of me or Ty. Why? Because she knew our mutual friend would pray. Ty and I carry no greater anointing than any of you. Your prayers reach God, your shoulder can be cried upon and you have an answer to somebodies question. We are each valuable to the Kingdom of God. Just like Ty said this weekend, we are Royalty. We are Kings Kids. This is a topic I would love to share more about. Please comment and ask questions. I will publish a similar post soon.

Simple Things!

Isn't it tough to work all day long and then make sure your family eats healthy? There is nothing better than knowing your family has had a hearty meal. You feel a sense of accomplishment. These past 2 days have been crazy for me. Did I say days? I meant weeks. Sometimes I feel like I am walking through a fog and I can't wait for it to lift. It is so cliche' to say "Just slow down". We would all love to slow down but sometimes there are seasons of life that will not allow us that luxury. I know with two little boys I don't find much down time. I wrote a few days ago about taking a break and getting away. The break was great but I needed another one the day I got home. Isn't life funny??? So today I thought I would share another recipe. Much different than dear ole' Rachel Ray. Her ingredient list is a mile long. This recipe calls for very few ingredients but loads of flavor. I could eat this rice for every meal. So if your life is as busy as mine, find some simple things in life that will make your life much easier. By the way, mine is in the oven.


Chicken and Rice

2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans water
2 cans Minute rice
10 chicken tenders
salt
pepper

In a 9x13" pan empty 2 cans of cream of chicken soup and rinse each can with a can of water. Salt and pepper soup to your preference. Add 2 cans of minute rice and combine. Salt and pepper your chicken tenders on both sides and place on top of rice mixture. Cover with foil and bake at 350* for 1 hour. Serve with green beans, corn, salad and rolls. It can be eaten by itself as well. Easy, easy and my family loves it.

Surprise, Surprise!!!

I can hear Gomer Pyle right now in my head, "Surprise, Surprise." That is exactly how I felt at 7:30 this morning. I woke up excited for the day and ready to share God's Word with my family at Cowboy Junction. I called my husband to get a few words of advice and to ask him to pray for me. He seemed a little groggy so I asked if I woke him up. His reply was, "No I am just passing through Jal, NM and I will be home in 45 minutes." What? He is supposed to be relaxing on beautiful Amistad Lake. Instead, he woke up at 3:00 a.m and headed home to hear me speak. What a gift he gave me!!! I always get a bit nervous when I speak in front of Ty. But today I had a boost of confidence. My husband believes in me and the support he gives is amazing. Ty inspired me today and I hope I can do the same for you. Let's get creative. Who in your life can you encourage today? Who needs a boost of confidence? I am confident that at least one person or more in your circle could use a smile. Surprise someone with a note telling them what they mean to you. Encourage someone with a kind word. Call a friend you haven't spoken to in awhile and let them know that you were thinking of them. Pop in to your husband's office and offer to take him to lunch. So many times in life we find ourselves stuck in a rut. We get up and follow the same routine as the day before. Sometimes we need to surprise our self and just be spontaneous. Everyone needs to know that someone cares and that they are of value. Who better than you to be that someone? Just recently I had a dear friend send me an e-mail just telling me what I meant to her. I was on a high for days. On Friday I wasn't feeling well and another friend dropped by to say hi and catch up. Just being with her made me forget how my body felt. When our eyes are focused on others, we forget the problems we face. Be a blessing to someone today. You may hold the "Surprise" that someone is needing.