Baby, it's Cold Outside!

We turned up the heat today. It's getting cold outside~the trees are shedding the leaves getting ready for ice and snow. I think we'll have snow this year. My heart and mind are full after a long week. Just want to bury myself under blankets and hibernate--for the winter. I have the song "Baby it's cold outside" in my head after watching the movie "Elf." Such a funny movie with Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel. Love it. Thom and I both fell asleep on the couch. We got home late last night after spending a couple of days in Charleston visiting his folks and some friends. It was a tough time as his mom and dad both have health problems. I wish there was more we can do. It was a humbling time as I am "used" to being served on Thanksgiving--the full meal with all the trimmings surrounded by lighthearted conversation, games, movies, etc. It was a heavy-hearted week where we went to Charleston to serve and love on his family. I wrestled with God in my "princess" attitude at times..."i miss the traditions this year" I told the Lord and He whispered in my ear "whatever you do for the least of these my brethren you do for me." Sacrifices please the Lord when our hearts are serving Him.



the view outside mom's hospital room at Roper hospital





thom holding his mom's hand

My heart is tested again and again. Forgive me God for being so selfish. Last night Thom and I headed over to Wal-Mart to help out his dad and buy him some groceries. It was this sense of placing the focus on another and serving for the sake of serving not to receive anything in return. He was grateful for the extra food and drinks even if he didn't like the Ramen noodles we bought him. Oh well, we are well-stocked with Ramen beef and chicken flavored noodles for the next couple of months!



The greatest blessing this week was being able to stay at our friends, the Schley's house as they were going out to visit family in Atlanta. They have 2 dogs so as we were pet-sitting Scrabble (my paren'ts Shih-Tzu) he had a ball bugging the dogs and getting some company. It was funny because Scrabble kept drinking their water and eating their food so eventually one of their dogs stole his bone. Serves him right, I guess. I sat outside their screened in porch just thanking the Lord..."Thanks God for simple things. A home to stay in..for free. 3 dogs to play with. A screened in porch and warm weather in Charleston."  



me and the 3 dogs. good times.

We didn't get to the beach or the mall but did make it to the community thrift store and found a tree stand for $1! We ate out a lot too some real yummy food and got to meet up with some good friends. We went to Del Taco, Ryan's for Thanksgiving (they had a great buffet dinnner), Yokoso japenese, Ye Ole Fashioned (Thom got a new sandwich that has 2 grilled cheese sandwiches with a burger in the middle), and to top it all off my parents fed us pizza! There is joy to be found even in the small things. Lord point these out to us when life is running fast and hard~let us live a thankful life. Amen.





us and friends at yokoso.





Rags of Righteousness...

 It's been a challenging week! It started with my allergies acting up and turned into a congested/filled head. Ugh. I went to the doctor and got on a z-pack=good stuff. Then on Sunday night I was taking my time printing off pictures at the local CVS when Thom took a bike ride and had a bad fall injuring his arm and bruising his shoulder. I told him "we are feeling 30, huh" the next day as both of us made our way to separate doctor visits. The most difficult of all from this past week was hearing from Thom's aunt yesterday morning that Thom's mom, Kathy was in ICU in Charleston. We are leaving to visit her tonight and spending Thanksgiving there. She is feeling better and in more stable condition that they will be moving her out of ICU in the next day or two.

The best way I know how to express my love in times of crisis is to buy gifts. Expensive at times, but yesterday was one of those days. I found my way to the gift shop (the joy of working in a hospital!) and bought mom Watson a white plush bear with a red sweatshirt that read "Feel Better." I also bought her a card of a chicken about to jump in a bowl of noodles. Haha! Too funny, and she has a great sense of humor. My prayer for her through all of this is restoration of her health. I pray God's healing hand on her body and comfort for the Watson family through this time.



Me and Scrabble

We are also "puppy" sitting for my parents this week which comes with blessings and challenges too. I feel like we have a furry baby with us as he needs TLC, to be let outstide, to be fed, and played with. He is a cutie pie and it has been fun having him with us these past 2 days and now for 5 more days. He looks so much like an "ewalk" from Star Wars. His pudgy little face and black nose and eyes. The funniest thing is he'll catch a glimpse of himself in the mirror and start growling--at himself!! I bought him a stuffed "bird" from Target with a little rope he can chew on. He loves it and it looks like he's carrying a real bird with him around the apartment!

On my way to work this morning I thought about writing a book--an autobiography as I don't know if I would have the diligence to write a whole fiction novel. I have a lot of time in the car so I do a lot of brainstorming ideas...! I was thinking of the concept of "rags" and "riches" as I find myself acting like a "princess" sometimes and enjoy considering myself as part of God's "royal" family. The concept of "Rags of Righteousness" struck a chord with me today. Maybe because some days when life throws multiple challenges my way I feel more like I'm "wearing" rags than I am "robes" but inwardly I am part of the family of God and made "right" or righteous through Christ. I'm thankful that the Lord has the power and the ability to transform this ragged, congested body into a robe of His righteousness every day. It's hard sometimes not to be able to "leap" over hardship but to "walk through" them. May we be thankful this Thanksgiving season in whatever we are facing as the Lord continues to turn our "rags" to "robes" for our good & His glory!

Scrabble Dixon (just chillin')

It's beginning to smell a lot like Turkey!

This morning there was ice on my windshield. It's going to be a cold winter this year--I can feel it in the air. I've been trying to wake up a little earlier before I hit the road to spend some time with Jesus. Even for just 5 minutes it helps to fill me up to start the day. "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Phil. 4:9). A reminder--put Jesus' words into practice.

I read these words in my devotional Walking with Christ in the Details of Life by Patrick M. Morley: "God makes us thirst for Him. He sends you to the thirsty desert of a blank page. His highest desire is that we would long for a personal relationship with Him, as a perishing prospector pines for a drink of water. "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." (Psalm 42:1). Thirst for God, and you will be filled. When your problems exceed your ingenuity, God is reestablishing the personal relationship. He knows a blank page will bring you back to surrender. "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." (Psalm 34:17-19).

I look forward to buying a Christmas tree soon and smelling the fresh pine smell throughout the apartment. Thanksgiving is next week and my mouth is already watering imagining all the delicious foods we'll eat. Today I am thankful. Thankful for peace, a great job, a loving/fun husband, awesome friends, and a patient Lord!

Courage, Conviction and Character...

I'm home now after visiting friends in Roanoke, Virginia. My friend Angela's mom, Judy Primo lived a fulfilling life after battling breast cancer for many years. She was 61 when she went to be with the Lord. It was a lovely service where friends and relatives from all over came to remember the amazing woman she was. Angela was the first to speak "what Judy taught me...as a daughter"--there was not a dry eye in the church when Angela began to weep at the pulpit. I grieve with her as they were very close and Judy lived with Angela and her husband David in Texas in hospice care during her final days. The sweetest testimony was from Judy's former 8th grade student--blonde hair, blue eyed boy fully decked out in a black suit. He talked about how Judy was there for him, like an adopted grandmother who accepted him as he was and was always there to encourage him and answer his questions. He spear-headed a tree-planting project where their class (of 2015) planted Judy's favorite tree--a dogwood out front of their school.



Angela outside the church with the dogwood tree.



The verses shared today were 1 Peter 5, Hebrews 11:13, 1 Corinthians 15, and Colossians 3:23. The pastor shared how Judy was a woman of courage, conviction and character. What a life she lived unto the Lord and others around her. We will miss her here but will join her one day in the Heavens.

On our way to Roanoke we stopped at Panera Bread for supper. That was fun catching up and just kicking back before making the 3 and an half hour journey. What's nice about this time of year is all the "pumpkin" things you can order. It was sweet how my dad said he misses my hugs and it was good to spend some time with him, my mom, and our friend Caroline from my parent's church. Thom came to supper too which was great to have him there. It was such a treat coming home to him have done half the laundry & fixed my car headlight--that's what husbands are for, right?!

Today's little treasures included seeing Angela's son, Christian who I used to babysit since he was born! I bought him a pack of silly bands and he gave me the green frog named "Kiwi". I bought Thom an iron man pez dispenser--those things never grow old!

Alright, heavy eye-lids, signing off--sweet dreams cyber space and all those who read this blog! ;-)

I Can Only Imagine...

Verse of the day: "With all humility & gentleness, with patience, bear with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2). Today I would like to pack my suitcase with bikinis, sunscreen, a good fiction read, and fly to a tropical beach. Not to escape life but just to relax on the white sanded beach and float on the green water. I think that's what cold weather does to me. I feel like a clown today 'cause my pants feel too big and too short. Oh well, at least they are warm.

We did an art exercise today in group...you draw at least 3 shapes (circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, etc.), shade in the areas between the lines, and give the shapes a voice. For example, "I'm a red oval and I feel..." the feelings come out of the shapes position related to the other shapes. The next step is you pick out the shape you like the best and on a clean sheet of paper draw it again amplified. This time adding any details to complete the image...then title it and discuss. It was neat to hear what drawings were created from free drawing and imagery! I love stuff like this and I know it is not always effective for group therapy but such fun to observe what creations are made.

me on the phone at work!

I'm traveling to Roanoke, VA this weekend with  my parents and family friend to sing at my friend Angela's mom's memorial service. I'm singing the song "I Can Only Imagine." As I've been practicing the song in the car the words have reminded me once again...my life in light of eternity. "I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side...I can only imagine when the day comes and I find myself standing in the sun. Surrounded by your glory what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still? Will I stand in your presence, to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine!" Hope your Friday is blessed and restful for you!

"This is the good life!"

I met Mark and Will of Audio Adrenaline tonight. No big deal. Their worship songs have inspired me and have been part of my go-to songs of praise since I started in youth group. Mark shared his testimony where he and his wife of 10 years separated and got divorced and he developed a throat disorder. His voice was scratchy but man, what powerful words. He was broken and now is being poured out by the Lord. I sensed such a humility from them and it was inspiring to be a part of the evening. My favorite song went like this..."This is the good life..I have lost everything...this is the good life...all I have is found in your arms." Something like that--so real, so powerful.

Tonight's a short post 'cause i'm ready to hit the sack! Good night, sleep tight! ;-) Until later...

thom ran Audio's powerpoint! He was so stoked!

me and caitlin with mark--we helped out with the merch. table!

a scattered reflection...

My thoughts are scattered. You ever have those times your mind jumps from one thing to the next? That is how I feel tonight. Good things I'm blessed with, challenges, conversations from the day. That is one thing that never fades as a music therapist and counselor--people's stories. Each person common in their humanity yet strikingly different in their experiences and the way they process pain. We all feel the pain, but sometimes it just gets clogged up and stuck. I was so proud of a client that successfully discharged the program today. She shared how when she first started our intensive treatment she was skeptical, depressed and couldn't speak because she was crying so much. Today she was bright, filled with hope, a book of coping skills, and encouragement for the other group members! Seeing her today reminded me of the significance and privilege working with hurting people.

Yesterday I led 2 music therapy sessions with the elderly. That was fun! I felt the 2nd group went smoother and I had a better response than the 1st group. We used tone chimes to the tune of "Peace Like a River"--they loved the tone chimes and said it was easier playing those compared to the hand bells. The room was filled with about 30 residents in the 2nd group and man, are my muscles sore today was teaching how to play the chimes and moving around the room so much waving my arms! It is exciting to think about all the group possibilities with this population!

 
So last night I went to the "Tast of Home Cooking Show" with chef Michele "Red" Roberts...what fun! She cooked 12 meals in front of us as we followed along with the recipes in the cooking school's magazine. I took notes, and felt like a student of food. The winners of the door prizes had to shout "I love food!" really loud. I didn't win a door prize--bummer. It was dumb of me to skip supper last night and go to a cooking show as my mouth watered with every new recipe she created...especially ginger on the skillet...yum! She made these chocolate chip cookie dough truffles, oh my. What a great idea to made food and get some nice cans or jars decorate it and give these away as Christmas gifts. I may do that this year just to save some money. That is, if the food turns out okay.



Here I am at the cooking show--there were about 800 people there that day it was crowded!!

  One blessing about being on the road so much is seeing the sunrise and sunsets. Each day is different, and often the Lord gives me the gift of seeing birds fly by in flocks. Probably because the weather's getting colder they stay huddled together in the skies. It is a gentle reminder that life is more than this life--it is for all eternity. May I live in light of eternity...when I drive, sleep, watch movies, talk to loved ones, counsel the broken, do the dishes...whenever, wherever may my life be a reflection of You, Lord.

whispy clouds...

Asleep in the Light?

It takes work to do what we love. Today I lead 2 Music Therapy sessions at my church's retirement home. The thing I look forward to the most is meeting the elderly and just interacting with them. It has been a long time since I worked on the elderly unit at the hospital. We've had elderly patients come into the counseling center from time-to-time but today I will meet many--I hope. Honestly I don't know how many will be there in my groups. I've been practicing the guitar with songs like "Peace Like a River" and "Bicycle Built for Two"...I gotta say today it's nice just to "ease" into the day and not rush around and hit the interstate.

Thom delivers his first RTS sermon today. He's preaching on Hosea 2--pray that the Lord speaks through him in a mighty way. I told him this morning as he was packing his books and getting ready to head out the door that he is doing all this training "for the kids." I know ultimately to complete what God has called him too--but to sharpen his skills and stretch him in ways that he'll be more effective as a youth  minister. I am so proud of him--especially on Sunday when he ran the high school youth group-from the icebreaker game, to worship, to the "talk" to the final game. That was a hoot! It was "Flamingo Bowling" where the students wore one long pink sock on one foot hopping up and down like a flamingo and trying to avoid getting hit by a dogeball being bowled into them! Wow, you never know what you'll see at youth group game-time!

I had a hard time admitting to myself yesterday first to my boss and to Thom how tired I've been feeling lately. I hate that word--"tired" it just makes me feel weak and yucky. I have been running hard. It does baffle me how quickly and directly God answers my prayers and speaks to my heart! I've been praying "Lord fill the gap between the now and not yet and give me peace and thankfulness as I wait on you." Something that I'd like to stop doing or do less of is complain. Lord, help me to be thankful today and find joy even in the small things.

Thom all dressed up for his RTS sermon!



Settlers of Catan battle with Chris, Bill, Mike & Chrissy!

 One verse that has really spoken to me lately is Ephesians 4:14: "For it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Wake up, O Sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you." Help me Lord find my soul-rest from You even when life is going a mile a minute! This reminds me of another Keith Green song where he sings..."how can the church fight for those asleep in the dark if they're asleep in the light?"

Drum circles,Taco soup & Mario...

My eyes are tired and I'm ready to hit the sack. Tonight we had some friends over for "Taco Soup". What a yummy meal and we had made a huge pot and dipped tortilla chips in it! The sound of the dishwasher going and Thom and our friend Chris playing Mario Brothers on the Wii fill the apartment. It was a better day today~work still a challenge but so stretching. I led a drum circle in music therapy today and the clients seemed to really enjoy thinking up different rhythms. We talked about relationships and how to balance out having a "voice" and listening to others. It was neat to listen to the drum circle as one rhythm in unison and various rhythms working together to create a "drum choir" as one client called it.

The weather was nicer today and I took a picture of the sunset on my way home. The commute is long and this morning it was tough getting out of bed! I look forward to working a job locally but love what I do and where I work now too. I was talking to one of my best girl friends tonight (who came over for soup) and we decided to start a "book club." My counselor showed me a new book that just came out by Tim Clinton called "God Attachment"--we're going to start reading that together.http://www.timclinton.com/

The guys sound so cute in the background..."we can do this!" "go, go, go...look out!" It's a war, a battle to beat the turtles, enemies in order to make it through to the next level. Man, it's tough playing as a group! The funniest and irritating part was in Mario we can jump on each other's heads, throw each other, and get ahead which could make one of us die...when we worked together that was awesome. At some hard parts, Thom (as Mario) would carry me (green Toad) on his shoulders and walk me through. I'll tell you what, video game competition can either enhance the intimacy in marriage or TEST it!!! (especially seeing that Thom is a "gamer" and I die a LOT--I just try to survive and don't even try to get the extra coins or power-ups.)
Tomorrow's Saturday and I'm looking forward to some "time" for R & R!




Tonight's Sunset!



It was a dark and dreary day...

Today's a dark and rainy day. I feel like Snoopy--"It was a dark and stormy night..." I just felt like crawling in my tan armchair with a good book and a giant mug of herbal tea. Days like this the Lord gives me an extra boost of energy and strength to make the drive to work and be a counselor. I think my clients wanted to crawl up on the couch and call it a day too. Stacks of papers fill up my desk and thoughts flood my mind. I pray on days like this that God would just "take over" and help me--days when I don't have the energy to get up and get going with the daily routine.

I taught a group today on "Codependency"--we discussed what it is and how to cope if you recognize the behaviors. Codependents Anonymous group says the patterns are denial, low self-esteem, compliance and control issues. Everyone wants to be needed but where do we draw the line and not "lose" ourselves in others? Especially as a Christian, I wrestle with the balancing act of serving others and paying attention to my own needs and goals. I think that "self-ish" means centered on the "self"--either too much or too little. The poem a co-worker shared with me really helped sort this out for me. Here it is:

We are all born little.
And of a specific man and woman.
Between birth and today,
Everyone has accumulated vast experience
Which we know as the past.
In a way, all things you have done up to the present,
If you are still around,
Have worked.
The question again is,
What is the price
and
Could the price be lower...
(Virginia Satir)

Stuff to chew on...

Speaking of Snoopy...Thom saw this at CVS today for $15! ;-)

Day 1

The apartment is quiet. The smell of the dish detergent mixed with soaking dishes and the apple pie scented candle tickle my nose. Today is "Day 1" of my blog. My husband, Thom rolled his eyes at me this morning as he exclaimed..."Welcome to 2001 Amy!" The year I guess, when blogs came out. It's good to be here!

We made a "quick" shopping trip to Wal-Mart this morning. A tall Christmas tree greeted us in the entrance of Wal-Mart fully decked out with glass ball ornaments. Man, that place is chaotic! I was rushing around like a mad woman in search for groceries. I kept bumping into people..."excuse me!"
Life has been slowing down a bit lately, maybe it's just my spirit that feels slower. Reaching the big 3-0 a couple of weeks ago can do that to a girl. I cherish days like this when I can just stop and gather my thoughts. This week I've been playing and replaying Keith Green's greatest hits CD. I grew up listening to this Christian singer-songwriter who is now with the Lord. He used his songs of praise and worship to inspire, encourage and convict the hearts of those who listened. I loved his one album title "To Him Who Has Ears." I saw this picture of George Clooney on the internet wearing a giant ear. Sometimes that's what I need to do in my life--just stop and listen.

I pray to be a woman in the present--a great wife, counselor, music therapist, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin...all the many roles I play. It is so tempting to be distracted with all the things that grab for my attention.

This blog is called "Amy's Cafe Ole" (with the accents) because for anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE coffee and it is a play on words. In college I used to use the expression "OLE!" to express great joy and excitement about something. So this is a place where my random thoughts, stories & ideas find rest.

Journey with me through this great adventure called life!