Ms. Metzger finds the Lord!

I had something on my mind earlier this morning to blog about today - it has totally evaporated! So, in my dedication to blog more frequently (ha!), I am going to share some random thoughts that I don't want to forget.
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Tonight, Rick is taking Malaya on a date! They are going out to eat and then to Blockbuster to choose a movie. How cool is that! He is so excited! She is a great date for a Friday night of fun!
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I am doing a retreat tonight and tomorrow for Southside in Fort Worth. I pray the Lord will just be HUGE as we focus on God's Story Through the Lives of His Daughters. Tonight we will be glimpsing into the lives of the 5 women in the geneology of Jesus (and in the Word that is all we have - a small glimpse into each - no details - boohoo): Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Isn't it just the coolest thing ever -- that God carries His story on through us!
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I am on my way to Wal-Mart to get Flat Stanley's pictures developed. Do you know the story - the little boy that gets smashed when the bulletin board falls on him. He loves to travel! He went with me last weekend to Salado to a ladies' retreat. We had a blast! He had his picture made with John Wayne's saddle. Will Malaya's kindergarten class know who John Wayne is????
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Dad is scheduled to come home today! I know Mom is exhausted - spending 17 days in Tyler. Louis and Jane Jones (Jeff's parents) have been so wonderful to my parents. I love the fellowship of believers!
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Drum roll, please! The best news ever! Most of you know I went to Germany in November for a mission trip. Messages circulated this last week: The manager of hotel came to the States to find out more about Jesus. She said her life has been forever changed because of the family love she witnessed. She was baptized last night into the Lord Jesus! YEA!!!!! How coool is that?!?!?!!?
Thank You, Father, for allowing us to cross paths with her at just the right time!!!! You are amazing like that! Thanks, Lord, for the story you will tell through her! - Your awesome story!

I am a blessed child!

Thank you so much for your sweet prayers, notes, calls, etc. following my Dad's surgery. He did great for the two days immediately following his surgery then the pain meds did a number on him and the oxygen level of his blood went way down. He has spent a week recovering from that trauma. Today has been his first good day. YEA!
I do feel so blessed to have a dad like mine. There is a proverb that I want to dedicate to him. Proverbs 20: 7 reads "The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him."
One of my most treasured memories growing up is listening to my parents whisper their prayers after the lights were out. Our only cooling was an attic fan so we all slept with our doors open. Late into the night I could hear my mom and my dad whisper my name to the Lord. I never want to forget that precious sound!
I am traveling tomorrow morning to Salado to do a retreat with the Crestview Church of Christ from Waco. I am so delighted! I was with them a few years ago and loved it! The topic is "Light the Fire" and it has been a total blast to write! Can't wait to present!

Dad's Surgery

One of my new year's goals has been to blog more! It still is my goal even though I have been so crummy at it so far. BooHoo!
My dad is having major back surgery tomorrow morning. My sister and I will be with him and my mom tomorrow - I will stay for a few days.
Please pray for the doctor's hands and for Dad's recovery. Please pray for my mom - this has been so stressful for her.
Thank you, sweet friends!

Happy New Year!!!

What a major blessing the last two weeks have been! I never want to forget them! Sounds of laughter everywhere; great food; sweet talks; tea parties; warm hugs; warm weather (I love it!); Mexican food in San Antonio! Oh, my! This list could get really long! Blessings! Blessings! Everywhere!
We spent from Wednesday - Friday in San Antonio with Josh and Kayci. They went for the Alamo Bowl game - the Cornhuskers won! Yea! We had a blast! Even traveling on 35 South - looking for other Big Red fans was an experience! (I wish so much we had a sign to share with other Christians like that. I wish we had a rush of excitement when we found fellow-travelers to heaven.) Thanks, J and K, for inviting us! I LOVED seeing the riverwalk during the Christmas holiday! I LOVED where we stayed and having time to spend with the Lord and writing my goals for '06. I want to be more intentional than ever in this new year.
I want to continue my study of Luke - I want to KNOW Jesus! I want to love people the way He would. I want to see people through His eyes. I want to introduce people to Him. I want to share in His compassion. I want to speak words - enthusiastic words - of hope, joy, and mercy.