My last post on this blog (that I was going to write maybe just for me) was just before IF:Gathering in February.  I had intended to sit down in a quite reflective moment to put my feelings about that weekend down in words.  First finding that quiet moment has been difficult and finding the words I want to express my feelings after that weekend is almost impossible.

The planner in me could easily figure out the ways I wanted to improve the experience for all attending.  That’s easy it’s what I do.  How I felt about the time with those wonderful women on the leadership team with me is harder to put into words.  I stepped out in faith and signed up to be a local leader all by myself.  Most of the 4 other women who came along beside me knew nothing about IF:Gathering and little about the speakers etc.  How do I thank Debbie Parrish, Ashley Parrish, Nancy Hoover and Lee Ann Davis for “getting it” and catching my enthusiasm. Two of those ladies are in my extended family by marriage but now I have four close sisters in Christ who are becoming “my people”.  I have to also say thank you to Rachel Young for giving me so much support and insight. Rachel is an associate pastor at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church and even though this didn’t start out as an “official women’s ministry” event she smoothed the way for us. Even better she was able to attend with us as just Rachel Young with no official duties !!

The ladies who joined us were small in number but we had a wonderful weekend with time to make new friends and bond.  We had amazing times of worship and the teaching is still echoing in my head.  As soon as the new date for IF: Gathering was announced we booked space in our church.  I can’t wait for the next time.  FYI IF: Gathering 2016 is February 5 & 6

As soon as IF:Gathering was tucked away for next year I had a lovely wedding to finish up the details for .  This was my second wedding in this family and it was like working with old friends to send this second daughter down the aisle.  It is done and it was beautiful and I cant wait to share pictures from the wonderful Tomas Ramos as soon as they are available.

Before I could complete this wedding we were hit with the UGLY C word at our house.

My husband’s sister came to live with us last January.  It would take days and you wouldn’t believe me if I told you the struggles with her and for her.  Too many emotional and psychological problems to explain but she had lived with her parents exclusively until my father in laws death Jan 2014.  A trip to the hospital for a UTI exposed pancreatic and liver cancer in advanced stages.  She is now in a nursing home with hospice care and we are just waiting.  All we can hope to do is make her comfortable and peaceful during these last few days.  I am reminded how wonderful a church family is at times like these.

In the midst of this I applied for and was accepted as one of the 500 chosen to be part of a launch team for Jen Hatmaker’s new book For the Love. I’ve read most of the digital copy and sat down during lunch ( before going to the nursing home) with highlighter in hand to begin rereading the hard copy.  More to come on that  subject later.  Just know that  from what I’ve read so far this book won’t disappoint!!!

(Deep breath- I think I’m some what caught up)

This  weekend my husband turned 65 and both our boys , our daughter in law and both of our grandkids were around our table.  Those of you have littles at home you can’t imagine how this thrills this momma’s heart. My two precious babies are smart, funny articulate men and I can’t figure out how and when that could have happened.

Sunday night I met with four of the women from the Houston area who are part of the For The Love launch team.  How fun!!!  There was one in her 20’s one in her 30′ one in her 40’s and of course the wise elder me in her 60’s.  We laughed and shared our stories and our lives. We talked about the book  and how we can’t wait to see what happens when this book hits the shelves!!  We stayed 3 + hours and hated to end it.  I can’t wait until the next time when hopefully our number will increase.  What do you want to bet I’m still the wise elder *laugh*

Next post I promise won’t cover three months  but honestly it might!! That’s why this blog is called ” IT’s Crazy Ya’ll”

Pam