Why Beyonce had it wrong-- it's Moms, not girls.

Beyonce sings a song that says, "Who runs the world? Girls." It says it over and over with a few expletives along the way. What did she know then? She didn't have a little girl. I wonder if any of that changed once she became mom to a little girl they are hiding from the spotlight (thank God she has some sense). I wonder if she realized that as a mom she makes decisions that directly impact her child.

I have been graced with a wonderful biological Mom who has made a significant impact on my life. When people tell me I look and act like her, I take that as a HUGE compliment. She is a wonderful woman who is selfless, genuine, gives people second chances, is patient and just loves people. She taught me (as well as my Daddy) the value of hard work ethic, sticking to commitments, and using your actions to back up your words. She realized the life she lives impacts my life, my sister's life, my Daddy's life, and all of those around us.

Because God has moved me away to college and across the United States, I have been blessed beyond belief to come under some women who I would also consider spiritual Moms and mentors who have taught me how to love Jesus more and have given me tough advice when I needed it and have been honest. Usually I talk to Mom first, but they follow her advice as if they've also spoken to each other in this weird way to say the same things. They know what's best for their kids.

It's moms like Carol Fulbright, who let me and Diana live with her family for a year, who taught me quiet times are better with Reese's and Diet Cokes, and it's important to look for Jesus in really tough times and see what He's doing. She followed my Mom in showing me a healthy marriage where it's fun to laugh and spent time together. Carol taught me the value of pouring into younger generations and seek areas God has called me to, being sensitive that they are often seasons. Edith Peters showed me how to raise Godly girls and Jamie Ogle showed me a servant's invested heart into her kids and the next generation. It was Lisa Clapp, our office Mom who always giggled with us and cried with us when we needed it, but also taught me the importance of loving where you work and loving people there. She was ever patient with us but always checking on us and making sure we were taken care of.

When I moved to Vegas, God shifted my moms a few times but ended up giving me Teri Dodd, one of the most honest women I've ever met in my life but one who willingly tells Godly truth and will take my side when I need it. She's always looking out for my best. She gave me Kristi, a mentor, who understands the field of education and where I'm going and has allowed me to share my passion with her. She dreams up new ideas for me and doesn't demand I go there, but asks kindly where I will join God's invitation.

I'm grateful that it's not girls who run the world, I'm glad it's Moms. Girls are obsessive and crazy (like me) and not well enough to do so but Mom's have special powers that allow them to do extraordinary things. I am sometimes called Mom at school by kids who see me like I see some of these women. I realize I'm not their real Mom and always make sure to point that out but I'm grateful that they feel like they have someone they can trust.

I can only hope that one day if I have kids or adopt kids or whatever, that I can be like these Godly, fantastic women. I hope that I can love despite hurt and forgive easily and function with patience. Love them all and hope they have had a fantastic Mother's Day! -Melis

God-Anxious

I feel super God-anxious. Like what's next, why not now, what am I waiting for, is the waiting over yet? It's like my kids will be tomorrow when we travel 5 hours by bus to California-- "Are we there yet? Where are we going first? When do we eat? I have to use the bathroom!"

After all that's gone down over the last few weeks and the changes that have come quickly and gone, after doors have opened and closed and opened and closed again, I am left to wonder, what in the world am I doing? Maybe I'm not even making the right decisions? I'm hiring anyone who will make good decisions for me! (Sort of kidding... but not)

I'm unsettled and I'm not sure if it's multiple reasons or just one. I'm not sure if it's my personal life, my job, people I'm around, I just am not sure. I do know one thing though-- that I trust God. A few weekends back, I had the sweet honor of MCing the Refresher Conference in Las Vegas. As I was praying for the weekend and especially the Friday of, I kept being reminded of this quote:

"Rarely, but probably once in each of our lives, He will back us into a corner where He will hurt us with His piercing questions. Then we will realize that we do love Him far more deeply than our words can ever say." (Oswald Chambers)

I told the ladies there that I felt like a lot of them were in that place. I know they were. Sometimes Satan uses the corners to tell us how worthless and despicable we are and Jesus uses the corners to remind us how much we love and trust Him. I had no idea that as I spoke those very words, I, myself, would be backed into a corner in the following week. That week has seemed to turn into an onslaught of weeks instead. It has been rough. I have gone to school several days (more than ever) not wanting to be there, not wanting to care and not wanting to please anyone. That is not like me AT ALL. I have a crazy genetic work ethic, an overwhelming perfectionistic nature and the ability to lie, I'm a great faker :) (Unfortunately, everything I've said here is true.) Even yesterday, I was having a conversation about God calling me to say yes in my life and that sometimes the yes closes and leads to another yes and so on. That yes turned into a closed door today and I had to stand back with tears in my eyes, and say, "God, I do trust you, more than anything, I trust you."

Even in the car while driving back and forth tonight, He just reminded me of how much He loves me and how much He wants a relationship with me. He is using these yes and no moments to beg me to talk to Him and spend time with Him. I am overwhelmed with not knowing but I must trust Him. I do trust Him. Please pray with me over the next few weeks for peace where there is anxious but more than that, my anxious would be used to make peace with those around me and those in my path. I have been able to share about what Jesus is doing in my life numerous, surprising times and I have been grateful for the response. Thank you for your prayers- I truly, honestly covet them as Jesus continues to see my corners as places of hope and peace. Love, Melis

My overdramatic list of the top 5 things every driver in Las Vegas should know

The following is a running list of things I've learned from driving in Las Vegas. This is, of course, over dramatic and sarcastic. I apologize in advance to the few of you left who think I'm the nicest person on the planet. Also, this is my out right confession that I'm the queen of road rage. There-- said and done. Here goes...

1. Orange cones are actually an indication that there is a road that ends and you're going to drive off a cliff, the city of Las Vegas has created an obstacle course for us to enjoy, or that absolutely no one is working there.
2. Your music isn't loud enough if the bass doesn't make all the cars at the same traffic light shake; almost as if there's a small scale earthquake.
3. The left lane is for passing must be a southern rule. In las Vegas, the left lane is for people who are angry at those going the speed limit and for those going the speed limit to make other people angry.
4. If there is a traffic, you can assume there is a wreck and all lanes of traffic are news reporters needing to record what is taking place or that someone can't merge (see the following).
5. "Merge" is a Latin word that means wait until the last minute to get in the correct lane and almost run over the other cars driving at a normal speed because you're going 20 under the speed limit.

Hope you enjoyed this list more than I do driving in it :) happy Wednesday! -Melis