For the past few weeks, my Monday night Bible study girls have been studying Beth Moore's Mercy Triumphs study on the book of James. If you have never delved into that book of the Bible, hold onto your hearts because it has been one of the most convicting yet strangely hopeful books I've read and studied. I could write many posts on it, but instead I would encourage you to dig in and study it for yourself.
Anyway, last night Beth Moore talked about how we, as Christians, need to mindful that we are not "of" the world (something I've heard time and time again). But, she was also talking about being mindful of where we get our "high" in life...is it in clothes, food, etc? She then said a phrase that will stay with me for quite some time. "There is no high like the Most High." Hmm...thought provoking. She also discussed how we, as Christians, can not become cynical
After Bible study was over, my shopping buddy and I stayed late and chatted with some of the other girls. We then left to grab a few needed items at Walmart. But my buddy passed by Walmart and headed to Dillon's. I just thought that maybe she forgot she needed something at the grocery store before they closed at 11pm. (at this time, it was 10:50pm). We got out of our cars and she said she thought we should either get a little tub of ice cream or a piece of cheesecake. How could I say "no"? We headed straight to the cheesecake and grabbed the package that had 2 pieces. Then we checked out the ice cream aisle to see what they had (and compared calories between the desserts.) After keeping our initial choice of cheesecake, we went to the register. There was a man with two elementary school kids checking out (we would later find out he was their grandpa.) I had my back to them, talking to my friend. Suddenly, my friend was going up to the register to check out the man's total. I hadn't noticed, but she had. The man didn't have enough money to cover his grocery bill so he was putting things back. He paid the cashier and was gathering everything up to leave. The cashier scanned our cheesecake and then my friend felt God prompting her to get outside of her comfort zone and reach out to this grandpa.
She ever so kindly asked if she could pay for the items he had to discard. He looked bewildered and asked, "Why would you want to do that?" She replied because God wants her to. He then said, "Ok." There were 3 Dillon's employees present and they looked as stunned as the grandpa. The cashier rang up the additional items and she paid for them. The grandpa said how much he appreciated her doing that and then left with his grandkids. We walked away with our cheesecake and the manager was locking the front door when we walked past and she thanked my friend for doing that.
We went to my car and ate our yummy cheesecake and discussed what had just happened. Did it matter that the food he discarded wasn't the most nutritious food? No. Who were we to judge what he was buying; when God prompts you to obey, who are we to rationalize why we shouldn't obey? The week before at Bible study, Beth Moore talked about an experience at the gas station where there was a dad with his kiddos who had to push their car up to the pump because they were completely out. Beth felt God nudging her so she asked him if she could pay for his gas and was able to show God's love to them through that situation. But what if we can't afford to financially help someone out? She suggested that we at least acknowledge their situation; tell them that we would love to help them out if we could. Do not ignore their circumstances.
I have been wrestling with how God wants to use me in my current stage of life. Being a stay at home mom has quite a bit of flexibility. How can I be used to minister to those outside of my family and friends? We are called to be God's hands and feet. We don't have to be thousands of miles away to serve. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, either. It could be paying for the $0.59 soda belonging to the person behind you at QT. Shoveling your elderly neighbors sidewalk after it snows, etc. I want to show my kiddos how we, no matter how big or small we are, can serve God.
Showing posts with label personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
New Decade, New Me
As mentioned before, my 20-something status is ending very soon. In less than a year, I'll be embarking on my journey as a 30 year old. For awhile, I have felt that I wanted to project a new image as a woman in my 30's (whether I felt like I was truly that old or not!) I want to wear clothing that is a little more sophisticated, a little more classy. But, I wanted to be mindful, though, of obtaining this look on a budget. I've watched enough "What Not to Wear" episodes to know that I need to get some basic items in order to obtain my "look". These items need to be very versatile so that I can dress them up or down depending on the need. While I will still enjoy some days of "lounging" around in sweats, I want to be more put together on a daily basis.
Before I started shopping, I took inventory of what I already had and purged my closet of clothing that I no longer wear or doesn't go with my new look. I wanted to simplify my closet so that it wouldn't be difficult to pair items together. After doing that, I discovered that I had the basic pairs of jeans (minus a pair of skinny jeans...still trying to be brave enough to try a pair of those on!). Recently, I found a pair of trouser jeans at the Goodwill; it only took a few months of looking for a pair, but I'm so thankful to not spend a lot on them! Also, I have a few cardigans that will be great for layering. There were some shirts that would also be good under cardigans. But I was missing dresses, a jean skirt, shorts/capris and some shirts that could have multiple purposes. I also needed some updated shoe choices since my basic flip-flops aren't exactly the most fashionable footwear (oh, I will still wear them, but not as often!!!)
So for the past week and a half, I've been browsing the Internet for deals on what I need. If I didn't absolutely LOVE the item or if it wasn't versatile, I refused to purchase it. One store had a 25% off everything sale plus free shipping. I found needed items that were already on sale and then paired it with the 25% off, too. I'm was pumped =)
It's been a big mind-change, though, because I used to flock to the "Junior" section of a store. But I am now gravitating towards the "Women" section. Now, I will still shop the Junior section from time to time, but I don't want to project a "Junior" image anymore. I also noticed that I was attracted to more "womanly" stores i.e. Ann Taylor, Gap, etc. instead of Forever21 or Maurices (I did however find some basics at Maurices that were more womanly and for a good deal so I ordered them.)
Since I wasn't successful at finding a jean skirt that could be both causal or dressy at a reasonable price, I scoured eBay for one. I found a brand new Ann Taylor skirt that is right above the knees. It was under $10. Couldn't beat that, eh?
Saturday afternoon my shopping buddy and I went to the Goodwill and I found a few more basic items. I bought a pair of casual Bermuda shorts that will be great to go to the park in the summer; a pair of dark denim Bermuda shorts that can be worn with a wedge shoe or a simple sandal depending on the occasion. I also found a few more shirts. But I was super excited about a pair of Ann Taylor black wedge shoes. I've never worn wedge, but I was really attracted to these shoes (and the price!).
While a girl can't help but be excited about a new wardrobe, I'm also excited about how I am mentally trying to change my perception of the next decade. Yes, I still can't believe I'm not going to be in my 20's anymore, but I'm beginning to think about how this new era is a time to focus on what I do well and the things I want to change about myself. And that's exciting to me.
So watch out...I may not always be wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and a pony tail every time you see me. And that's a good thing!
Before I started shopping, I took inventory of what I already had and purged my closet of clothing that I no longer wear or doesn't go with my new look. I wanted to simplify my closet so that it wouldn't be difficult to pair items together. After doing that, I discovered that I had the basic pairs of jeans (minus a pair of skinny jeans...still trying to be brave enough to try a pair of those on!). Recently, I found a pair of trouser jeans at the Goodwill; it only took a few months of looking for a pair, but I'm so thankful to not spend a lot on them! Also, I have a few cardigans that will be great for layering. There were some shirts that would also be good under cardigans. But I was missing dresses, a jean skirt, shorts/capris and some shirts that could have multiple purposes. I also needed some updated shoe choices since my basic flip-flops aren't exactly the most fashionable footwear (oh, I will still wear them, but not as often!!!)
So for the past week and a half, I've been browsing the Internet for deals on what I need. If I didn't absolutely LOVE the item or if it wasn't versatile, I refused to purchase it. One store had a 25% off everything sale plus free shipping. I found needed items that were already on sale and then paired it with the 25% off, too. I'm was pumped =)
It's been a big mind-change, though, because I used to flock to the "Junior" section of a store. But I am now gravitating towards the "Women" section. Now, I will still shop the Junior section from time to time, but I don't want to project a "Junior" image anymore. I also noticed that I was attracted to more "womanly" stores i.e. Ann Taylor, Gap, etc. instead of Forever21 or Maurices (I did however find some basics at Maurices that were more womanly and for a good deal so I ordered them.)
Since I wasn't successful at finding a jean skirt that could be both causal or dressy at a reasonable price, I scoured eBay for one. I found a brand new Ann Taylor skirt that is right above the knees. It was under $10. Couldn't beat that, eh?
Saturday afternoon my shopping buddy and I went to the Goodwill and I found a few more basic items. I bought a pair of casual Bermuda shorts that will be great to go to the park in the summer; a pair of dark denim Bermuda shorts that can be worn with a wedge shoe or a simple sandal depending on the occasion. I also found a few more shirts. But I was super excited about a pair of Ann Taylor black wedge shoes. I've never worn wedge, but I was really attracted to these shoes (and the price!).
While a girl can't help but be excited about a new wardrobe, I'm also excited about how I am mentally trying to change my perception of the next decade. Yes, I still can't believe I'm not going to be in my 20's anymore, but I'm beginning to think about how this new era is a time to focus on what I do well and the things I want to change about myself. And that's exciting to me.
So watch out...I may not always be wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and a pony tail every time you see me. And that's a good thing!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
I Do Care
A few nights ago Malachi came into our bedroom long after he should have been asleep. With a heavy heart, he told me there was a girl at school who will say bad words (granted, I didn't ask what words they were because we are very strict about what they can say so the bad word may have been "stupid" or it could have been way worse.) But what concerned him the most was that she told Malachi that her dad doesn't care if she says the bad words; he just doesn't care. We talked about how sad that was and Malachi said that he was happy that James and I care.
This conversation has been nagging me ever since. Does this little girl have someone in her life who really does care about her? Does her dad realize that his daughter has this view of him? Why do some parents not take their role seriously? Do they think it's an option to be involved in their child's life? It's an option to raise these precious ones correctly? These are little humans who are desperately impressionable. What a reality check that at the age of 5 or 6, a child can tell whether or not a parent cares enough about them to teach them morals, values and discipline. And moreover, they are happy to have their parents care enough to teach them right from wrong.
Yes, it is exhausting disciplining kiddos; it is simply exhausting raising them. You have to die to yourself and think of what's best for them. But it's such a natural transition, though, too. When Malachi was first born, all I could think about was his needs, what I could do for him. Eventually, I had to remember that I had needs, too, that needed taken care of. But my first thought was about him. How do some parents not think about their kiddos' needs above their own?
With all of these thoughts, I then remembered going to Walmart last week just to grab a loaf of bread. I encountered a mother with 2 small girls down the aisle. I couldn't tell what the little curly-haired blond girl was saying, but suddenly the mom yelled at her to "shut up" and stop talking so *curse word* much. The little girl was crushed and told her mom that she wasn't being nice. I wanted to scoop that little girl up and hug her and tell her that Jesus loves her. She needed someone to love on her. Now, I am not the perfect "Walmart" mommy, but this just encouraged me to be that much more understanding and loving of a mommy. What did that teach that precious girl?
So for the record Malachi, Isaiah and Samara. I DO CARE. I do care that you are raised knowing Jesus loves you. I do care that you are hugged and loved on daily. I do care that you learn right from wrong. I do care that you are praised for your good choices and disciplined for your bad choices. I do care that you eat healthy, have clean clothes on your back and have a good home to come home to. I do care so incredibly much and I hope that you never have to question the depths of how much I care. I do care because I love you. It's that simple.
This conversation has been nagging me ever since. Does this little girl have someone in her life who really does care about her? Does her dad realize that his daughter has this view of him? Why do some parents not take their role seriously? Do they think it's an option to be involved in their child's life? It's an option to raise these precious ones correctly? These are little humans who are desperately impressionable. What a reality check that at the age of 5 or 6, a child can tell whether or not a parent cares enough about them to teach them morals, values and discipline. And moreover, they are happy to have their parents care enough to teach them right from wrong.
Yes, it is exhausting disciplining kiddos; it is simply exhausting raising them. You have to die to yourself and think of what's best for them. But it's such a natural transition, though, too. When Malachi was first born, all I could think about was his needs, what I could do for him. Eventually, I had to remember that I had needs, too, that needed taken care of. But my first thought was about him. How do some parents not think about their kiddos' needs above their own?
With all of these thoughts, I then remembered going to Walmart last week just to grab a loaf of bread. I encountered a mother with 2 small girls down the aisle. I couldn't tell what the little curly-haired blond girl was saying, but suddenly the mom yelled at her to "shut up" and stop talking so *curse word* much. The little girl was crushed and told her mom that she wasn't being nice. I wanted to scoop that little girl up and hug her and tell her that Jesus loves her. She needed someone to love on her. Now, I am not the perfect "Walmart" mommy, but this just encouraged me to be that much more understanding and loving of a mommy. What did that teach that precious girl?
So for the record Malachi, Isaiah and Samara. I DO CARE. I do care that you are raised knowing Jesus loves you. I do care that you are hugged and loved on daily. I do care that you learn right from wrong. I do care that you are praised for your good choices and disciplined for your bad choices. I do care that you eat healthy, have clean clothes on your back and have a good home to come home to. I do care so incredibly much and I hope that you never have to question the depths of how much I care. I do care because I love you. It's that simple.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
My Dearest Uncle JR
The week of October 17th my Uncle JR was admitted to the hospital. He hadn't been able to eat for about a week. There had been other times when he wasn't able to eat and so it was everyone's hope that he would pull through yet again. You see he had battled colon cancer for the past 6 years. When he was first diagnosed, it was already at a Stage IV (the worst stage to be at). But, God performed many miracles during these 6 years and gave us way more time with him than ever was expected. By that Friday, the 21st, though, it was obvious to the doctors that this time there would be no miracle. The cancer was squeezing his small intestine causing him to not be able to keep food down. Because of his fragile state, he was not a candidate for surgery to insert a GI tube for feeding. Plus, the tube would only prolong the inevitable. My uncle had exhausted all chemo options; there was no hope for remission.
By late Friday morning, it was decided that my uncle would be moved to a hospice center and he would be made as comfortable as possible. He was not expected to make it through the weekend. My mom called me to let me know this. I knew I had to go up to say goodbye. I called James at work to let him know and he said that he would leave whenever I needed him to. After getting off the phone with him, I started crying. Malachi was home from school that day and noticed me crying. I explained to him and Isaiah what was going on. They immediately wanted to do something for their Papa since Uncle JR was his only brother and they knew he would be sad. They both decided to draw pictures for both my dad and my uncle. The pictures were of my dad and uncle together. It brought such joy and sadness to my heart. Even though they are young, they can understand the heaviness of the situation.
By 3pm, I was on the road. It gave me time to cry by myself, reflect on the many precious memories with him, and to pray. Prayer for comfort, peace, and for my uncle to be pain-free. I met my sister at her house and my brother-in-law drove us up to the hospice center. My mom had warned me that he was no longer able to verbally communicate, but nothing can prepare you to see someone you love so dearly be in that condition. He had lost a lot of weight since the last time I had seen him. He mostly had his eyes closed, but there were times when he would open them up and we tried let him see us. He would squeeze our hands and even though I knew he couldn't talk, he was talking through non-verbals. His 4 daughters were there along with his 2nd wife. I hadn't seen any of them in years and it was wonderful to be able to hug them and talk to them in person. After a few hours, we decided to go to my sister's house to get some rest. It was a pretty sleepless night.
The next morning I waited at my parents' house for my dad's sister to arrive. I was going to drive her up to the hospice center. My dad and mom had already left to go see him. While I was waiting, I looked at pictures of my dad and his brother. They had made some sort of smoker together and smoked a pig. These pictures showed them laughing and having an incredible time together. A true brotherly bond. I couldn't help but cry for my dad because he would no longer be able to make such amazing memories with his only brother. Their parents passed away years ago and my dad isn't very close to his sister so I couldn't imagine the hole in his heart this death would bring. After the cancer diagnosis, my dad and uncle really reconnected; they would call each other almost every day and talk for a long time. They would see each other regularly, too. They were best buds.
Once my aunt made it, I drove her to see her brother. I tried to warn her about what she was going to walk into. When we got there, he was less responsive with his hand squeezes. He was surrounded by family sharing some of their favorite memories and playing his favorite songs. I think most of us had a private moment with him to tell him what he meant to us and that it was ok for him to stop fighting. He deserved to not be in any more pain. There were times when his body would start to cool off and so we thought the end might be nearing, but my uncle is such a fighter that soon his temperature would rebound. His respirations were shallow and irregular and I would stop breathing for a moment if he didn't take a breath when I thought he should have. It was such an emotionally and physically exhausting day. Towards the evening, the hospice nurse thought that maybe he was holding out until no one was in the room. She advised us to say our final farewells and then wait in the family waiting room. Eventually, the doctor increased his pain meds, as well. But my uncle was not ready to go yet.
By 8:30pm, my dad was ready to go home. My mom had left a little earlier with my sister. I drove him home and then went up to my sister's house. That night I slept soundly. After showering the next morning, I made my way down to my parents' house. My dad hadn't heard any news and wasn't sure if he wanted to go back up there that day. I offered to call to get an update. His 2nd wife told me that he had some scary moments during the night, but his vitals were still stable. However, he looked worse than the day before and he was having more muscle spasms. She suggested that unless we felt that we needed to be there, then we might want to stay home since the day before was a great day with the family (unless you've been in this type of situation, it may be hard to understand that it could be "great", but it was wonderful to share all the memories together). My dad decided against going up and he requested that I go back home and my sister take care of her family. Before I left KC, my aunt, cousin, and grandparents came by to offer support and some hugs.
On Monday, my dad decided to go up to see him again. My mom accompanied him and my dad is so glad that he did. After Bible study that night, I heard the news that he passed away that evening. He was finally at peace. While it was expected, it doesn't ease the sorrow. There are 4 girls without their daddy, 16 grandkiddos without a grandpa, a brother without his brother, and so on.
The service was on Saturday, October 29th. James, the kiddos, and I were able to make it. This was the kiddos' first experience with death. My uncle requested to be cremated so the funeral home was filled with pictures of him along with Native American memorabilia because he was always proud of his heritage. The service was beautiful. There was a wonderful tribute written about him and they played a few of his favorite songs. He was an Army veteran and so the family was presented with a flag along with a 21 gun salute and "Taps" being played. Nothing brings tears faster than hearing that song; it reminds me of my grandpa's funeral and it represents the absolute finality of it.
My uncle made an impression on everyone he met. He was super ornery, but cared deeply about those he loved. He was generous and quite the story-teller. I loved how he called my dad by his first and middle name. Growing up, we had to make him his own pitcher of sweet, iced tea every time he came over. The last time he saw my kiddos was a few years ago when we came up for Easter. Even though he had grandkids to buy for, he still bought 3 huge Easter baskets for my kiddos. He loved to give all that he had. When I talked to him on the phone, he would call me "Baby Doll". While I'm glad that he no longer is in pain, it still hurts. He was so young to die...only 58 years old. I am so very proud to have known him and to have him as part of my family. Love you forever, Uncle JR.
Floyd "JR" Cushenbery passed away on October 24, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. JR was born on December 15, 1952, in Lawrence, KS., to parents, Mary Ann and Floyd S. Cushenbery, Sr., who have preceded him in death. JR proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 6 years. He was a member of the American Legion Tirey J. Ford Post 21, and enjoyed many friends and good times there. JR worked hard for the U.S. Postal Service for 32 years, and retired in September, 2008. He liked to fish, go boating, and target practice. But what JR liked most, was to spend time with family and friends. He loved to joke around, tease people with a sparkle in his eyes, and make everyone laugh. JR was extremely proud of his Cherokee Indian heritage and we know he is now in the happy hunting ground. He will be dearly missed by his four daughters, Molly Chavez and husband William, Pam Razo and husband Bobby, Crystal Ledesma and husband John, and Kim Carr and partner Marvin Burchett. JR also leaves behind his brother Terry Cushenbery and Janice, sister Kay Cushenbery and 16 grandchildren, along with Donovan Carr, who preceded him in death, and many friends and family. Visitation is at 11 a.m., with services at 12 p.m., on Saturday, October 29, at Highland Park Funeral Home, 4100 State Ave., Kansas City, KS. May he finally be pain free and at peace with God in heaven. No one can take JR's place -- God bless him and his generous heart.
By late Friday morning, it was decided that my uncle would be moved to a hospice center and he would be made as comfortable as possible. He was not expected to make it through the weekend. My mom called me to let me know this. I knew I had to go up to say goodbye. I called James at work to let him know and he said that he would leave whenever I needed him to. After getting off the phone with him, I started crying. Malachi was home from school that day and noticed me crying. I explained to him and Isaiah what was going on. They immediately wanted to do something for their Papa since Uncle JR was his only brother and they knew he would be sad. They both decided to draw pictures for both my dad and my uncle. The pictures were of my dad and uncle together. It brought such joy and sadness to my heart. Even though they are young, they can understand the heaviness of the situation.
By 3pm, I was on the road. It gave me time to cry by myself, reflect on the many precious memories with him, and to pray. Prayer for comfort, peace, and for my uncle to be pain-free. I met my sister at her house and my brother-in-law drove us up to the hospice center. My mom had warned me that he was no longer able to verbally communicate, but nothing can prepare you to see someone you love so dearly be in that condition. He had lost a lot of weight since the last time I had seen him. He mostly had his eyes closed, but there were times when he would open them up and we tried let him see us. He would squeeze our hands and even though I knew he couldn't talk, he was talking through non-verbals. His 4 daughters were there along with his 2nd wife. I hadn't seen any of them in years and it was wonderful to be able to hug them and talk to them in person. After a few hours, we decided to go to my sister's house to get some rest. It was a pretty sleepless night.
The next morning I waited at my parents' house for my dad's sister to arrive. I was going to drive her up to the hospice center. My dad and mom had already left to go see him. While I was waiting, I looked at pictures of my dad and his brother. They had made some sort of smoker together and smoked a pig. These pictures showed them laughing and having an incredible time together. A true brotherly bond. I couldn't help but cry for my dad because he would no longer be able to make such amazing memories with his only brother. Their parents passed away years ago and my dad isn't very close to his sister so I couldn't imagine the hole in his heart this death would bring. After the cancer diagnosis, my dad and uncle really reconnected; they would call each other almost every day and talk for a long time. They would see each other regularly, too. They were best buds.
Once my aunt made it, I drove her to see her brother. I tried to warn her about what she was going to walk into. When we got there, he was less responsive with his hand squeezes. He was surrounded by family sharing some of their favorite memories and playing his favorite songs. I think most of us had a private moment with him to tell him what he meant to us and that it was ok for him to stop fighting. He deserved to not be in any more pain. There were times when his body would start to cool off and so we thought the end might be nearing, but my uncle is such a fighter that soon his temperature would rebound. His respirations were shallow and irregular and I would stop breathing for a moment if he didn't take a breath when I thought he should have. It was such an emotionally and physically exhausting day. Towards the evening, the hospice nurse thought that maybe he was holding out until no one was in the room. She advised us to say our final farewells and then wait in the family waiting room. Eventually, the doctor increased his pain meds, as well. But my uncle was not ready to go yet.
By 8:30pm, my dad was ready to go home. My mom had left a little earlier with my sister. I drove him home and then went up to my sister's house. That night I slept soundly. After showering the next morning, I made my way down to my parents' house. My dad hadn't heard any news and wasn't sure if he wanted to go back up there that day. I offered to call to get an update. His 2nd wife told me that he had some scary moments during the night, but his vitals were still stable. However, he looked worse than the day before and he was having more muscle spasms. She suggested that unless we felt that we needed to be there, then we might want to stay home since the day before was a great day with the family (unless you've been in this type of situation, it may be hard to understand that it could be "great", but it was wonderful to share all the memories together). My dad decided against going up and he requested that I go back home and my sister take care of her family. Before I left KC, my aunt, cousin, and grandparents came by to offer support and some hugs.
On Monday, my dad decided to go up to see him again. My mom accompanied him and my dad is so glad that he did. After Bible study that night, I heard the news that he passed away that evening. He was finally at peace. While it was expected, it doesn't ease the sorrow. There are 4 girls without their daddy, 16 grandkiddos without a grandpa, a brother without his brother, and so on.
The service was on Saturday, October 29th. James, the kiddos, and I were able to make it. This was the kiddos' first experience with death. My uncle requested to be cremated so the funeral home was filled with pictures of him along with Native American memorabilia because he was always proud of his heritage. The service was beautiful. There was a wonderful tribute written about him and they played a few of his favorite songs. He was an Army veteran and so the family was presented with a flag along with a 21 gun salute and "Taps" being played. Nothing brings tears faster than hearing that song; it reminds me of my grandpa's funeral and it represents the absolute finality of it.
My uncle made an impression on everyone he met. He was super ornery, but cared deeply about those he loved. He was generous and quite the story-teller. I loved how he called my dad by his first and middle name. Growing up, we had to make him his own pitcher of sweet, iced tea every time he came over. The last time he saw my kiddos was a few years ago when we came up for Easter. Even though he had grandkids to buy for, he still bought 3 huge Easter baskets for my kiddos. He loved to give all that he had. When I talked to him on the phone, he would call me "Baby Doll". While I'm glad that he no longer is in pain, it still hurts. He was so young to die...only 58 years old. I am so very proud to have known him and to have him as part of my family. Love you forever, Uncle JR.
Floyd "JR" Cushenbery passed away on October 24, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. JR was born on December 15, 1952, in Lawrence, KS., to parents, Mary Ann and Floyd S. Cushenbery, Sr., who have preceded him in death. JR proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 6 years. He was a member of the American Legion Tirey J. Ford Post 21, and enjoyed many friends and good times there. JR worked hard for the U.S. Postal Service for 32 years, and retired in September, 2008. He liked to fish, go boating, and target practice. But what JR liked most, was to spend time with family and friends. He loved to joke around, tease people with a sparkle in his eyes, and make everyone laugh. JR was extremely proud of his Cherokee Indian heritage and we know he is now in the happy hunting ground. He will be dearly missed by his four daughters, Molly Chavez and husband William, Pam Razo and husband Bobby, Crystal Ledesma and husband John, and Kim Carr and partner Marvin Burchett. JR also leaves behind his brother Terry Cushenbery and Janice, sister Kay Cushenbery and 16 grandchildren, along with Donovan Carr, who preceded him in death, and many friends and family. Visitation is at 11 a.m., with services at 12 p.m., on Saturday, October 29, at Highland Park Funeral Home, 4100 State Ave., Kansas City, KS. May he finally be pain free and at peace with God in heaven. No one can take JR's place -- God bless him and his generous heart. Wednesday, September 21, 2011
On Hold
This afternoon James received news from DMU. He is on the "Wait List". While he didn't say much, I knew that he was discouraged by the decision. What does this mean for us? We wait.
From doing online research, it sounds like in May we will find out where he is at on the list. And from that point on, we would be notified if there's an opening for him. The people that posted about their wait list experience said that they found out about their acceptance between 3 weeks to 1 1/2 months before school starts. Of course, you could be notified the week classes begin just depending on the students who choose not to attend. That's an intense time-line for a family of 5 to find a place to live, move, enroll in school for the 2 boys, and have time to breathe! But, I've told myself (and will keep reminding myself) that if DMU is God's plan for our family, then He has already gone before us and all the details are taken care of. I need to relax and rest in Him. (way easier said than done, huh?)
It seems that our life has been put on hold for the past few years and so it will continue for at least a little longer. James flies out Monday night for his Chicago interview on Tuesday. Then he has an interview at KU on October 31st. Maybe he'll get accepted into one of these schools and then our wait will be no more... we shall see!
From doing online research, it sounds like in May we will find out where he is at on the list. And from that point on, we would be notified if there's an opening for him. The people that posted about their wait list experience said that they found out about their acceptance between 3 weeks to 1 1/2 months before school starts. Of course, you could be notified the week classes begin just depending on the students who choose not to attend. That's an intense time-line for a family of 5 to find a place to live, move, enroll in school for the 2 boys, and have time to breathe! But, I've told myself (and will keep reminding myself) that if DMU is God's plan for our family, then He has already gone before us and all the details are taken care of. I need to relax and rest in Him. (way easier said than done, huh?)
It seems that our life has been put on hold for the past few years and so it will continue for at least a little longer. James flies out Monday night for his Chicago interview on Tuesday. Then he has an interview at KU on October 31st. Maybe he'll get accepted into one of these schools and then our wait will be no more... we shall see!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Rest
For about a year and a half, I've been going to a Monday night women's Bible study. There are precious women from different area churches, around 10-15 of us. It is a time of rejoicing, crying, growing in our faith, and learning from one another. I have been so blessed by each girl (well, woman, but I like the term girl, instead).
Currently, we have been studying Beth Moore's "Breaking Free". It's about breaking free from the bondage that has held us captive from growing in God. It has definitely been a study that has opened my eyes and caused a deep reflection of my life. Tonight's lesson really left an impact on me. The topic was on "Rest". Maybe it's because I've gone all day with only getting 2 1/2 hours of sleep (thanks to Samara being a restless sleeper) and the idea of rest sounds heavenly right now. But maybe it's because it's time to let go of the feelings of inadequacies, past poor choices, my flaws and to just rest in Him.
Matthew 11:28-30:
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Here are a few points that really spoke to me. I can:
Rest in knowing I don't have to perform for Him
Rest in knowing that I am not in charge of my loved ones
Rest in knowing that I've done everything I can in the situation
Rest in knowing that He'll fight for me
Rest in knowing who I am and who I am not
Rest in knowing where I'm going
Rest in knowing that I'm forgiven and I can stop repenting over and over for the same sin
She also talked about the "Captivity of Activity". It is being so involved in so many things that we aren't really called to do. In the church, there are needs and we want to help fill them. But at the same time, if we never say "no" we can lose out on the ability to excel at our God-given gifts. She said we need to be "quite unwilling" to do the things which God has not called us to do.
I need to be obedient and take some time to rest...
Currently, we have been studying Beth Moore's "Breaking Free". It's about breaking free from the bondage that has held us captive from growing in God. It has definitely been a study that has opened my eyes and caused a deep reflection of my life. Tonight's lesson really left an impact on me. The topic was on "Rest". Maybe it's because I've gone all day with only getting 2 1/2 hours of sleep (thanks to Samara being a restless sleeper) and the idea of rest sounds heavenly right now. But maybe it's because it's time to let go of the feelings of inadequacies, past poor choices, my flaws and to just rest in Him.
Matthew 11:28-30:
28
Here are a few points that really spoke to me. I can:
She also talked about the "Captivity of Activity". It is being so involved in so many things that we aren't really called to do. In the church, there are needs and we want to help fill them. But at the same time, if we never say "no" we can lose out on the ability to excel at our God-given gifts. She said we need to be "quite unwilling" to do the things which God has not called us to do.
I need to be obedient and take some time to rest...
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