ISRAEL

Oh my goodness!!  It has been WAY too long since I've written.  I have so much to report, but honestly can't take the time necessary for a full update now.  I hesitate to do this, but I "promise" a complete report when I return from Israel.  I am leaving tomorrow to spend 10 days with Global Missions Project.  I am traveling with 40 other musicians and we're going to play free concerts under the baton of Camp Kirkland.  I am about half packed.  Yesterday I took care of several appointments.  You know, the important stuff like manicure, pedicure, hair cut, therapeutic massage, dentist, bike store!  It was a pretty cushy day.  I attempted to watch an episode of The Closer before bed, but I don't remember anything but the intro.  Sleep took over.  I really need to scurry.  I have one fitness class to conduct, then home to iron clothes and finish the packing.  After that, I'm going to put my feet up and watch that Closer episode.  Later then!  In HIS Service,

The Countdown Has Begun--One Week

One week from today, I will be somewhere in northern Ohio, riding in my first Pan Ohio Hope Ride.  My training has been going well; I'm riding close to 200 miles/week right now, which is just right.  I thoroughly enjoyed a 60-miler this morning with three cycling buddies.   Next week, if all goes as planned, I will ride from Cleveland to Cincy in four days.  The total distance is 328 miles and it's fairly evenly divided over the four days.  One day is a century and another day there is a 5 mile stretch of hill, which should be interesting for me.  I started my fundraising with a goal of $2500.00 and I am almost there.  Just about $300 short and I am still hoping it comes in.  I am riding in memory of my mother, Julia and sister, Jana...the funds go toward Hope Lodges in Ohio, where family members of cancer patients can stay while their loved ones are in hospital.  I am very grateful to my family for their incredible encouragement and support.  They have been nothing but cheerleaders when I leave the house for yet another training ride.  If you would like to support my ride financially, you can do that by going to: 

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jbfalldine

If you don't care to support in that way, please just pray for me:  safety, strength, strong mind, sleep well and that I would represent Christ effectively.  I'll be updating my Facebook page throughout the week via my phone, so check in and leave me a word of encouragement.
Thanks So Much!  God bless you,

Mother's Day 2010

This is my second mother's day where I wished my mother a happy day only in my heart and prayers.  Last year was brutal.  Jana had just died, and I was still reeling in grief from Mom's death 6 months earlier.  I feel so much better this year.  My, how time can change one's perspective.  How time can heal deep wounds.  I thought to myself, "this too shall pass" and it did.  The intense presence of their absence really did pass.   I still miss them, but it's a different kind of "miss" now.  Thank you, Jesus.

As I was preparing to teach Sunday school this morning, I wanted to speak something special to the ladies in my class.  Not all are mothers, so I needed a Word that could apply to all of us.  Proverbs 14:1 popped into my head.

A wise woman builds her house, 

but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

I did a word study on every single word and what I found was both surprising and encouraging.  The verse applies to every single woman; not one escapes the admonition.  "Build" is both literal and figurative.  It means repair, set up, make and build.  Similarly ,"House" is a broad word that can be applied literally and  figuratively.  It can mean a house, palace, temple, dungeon, prison, summer estate or home.  In addition, it can mean your family, your lineage.  When I combined as many of the possible variation of "builds her house" I found all sorts of hidden treasure.  Gosh, I am glad I am a woman; we get to do so many things and have so many opportunities!  When something is broken at home, whether it be a faucet or a child's arm or a teenager's heart, we have the privilege of building it back up, repairing it, mending it.   Who but a woman can do such varied tasks?  

Then I thought about our physical bodies; they are houses, aren't they?  You better believe it!  And we are wise to build them up, and fools to beat them down and pluck them apart with our own hands.

There is the next word that was interesting:  "hands."  Here we go again with a delicious word that has broad applications.  This "hand" is her power, authority, influence, means and direction.  See how these can all work together:  The wise woman encourages and builds up the people in her family, but a foolish one uses her God-given power and influence to pick them apart, piece by piece.  What a horrible picture!    Remember, this admonition applies to EVERY woman.  We all have family/houses that need building and repair.  I would guess the building process doesn't come naturally; it's the picking apart that comes so easily.  There have been times when I have nit-picked my children to absolute frustration, totally unintentionally.  They would feel like there was no way they would every be good enough for me.  I know I've done the same thing to my husband.

As I sit here at my desk (in the new chair I received as a gift today), I can think of so many scenarios that the scripture can apply to.  I'm sure you can think of some, too.

This mother's day is particularly special because I am blessed with great kids who love me despite all the mistakes I've made.  There is no greater joy in a mother's life than children that love the Lord.  I really do rejoice in the children that God gave me. There's no better gift...however, I am keeping the chair! 

Proverbs 23:25

Let your father and your mother be glad, 

and let her rejoice who gave birth to you.

LATELY AROUND THESE PARTS

The last few months have been full and slightly topsy-turvy.  It seems impossible that Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow....Happy Birthday, Monique!  I have been doing some traveling:  Spent a week in Springfield, Ohio with my dad in April.  We had a blast hanging out together.  One of the highlights of the trip was delivering Black Beauty (my first Trek FX bicycle) to her new home with my sister, Jolyn, who instantly fell in love with the wind in her hair and on her face as she learned how to "do the gears."  She said, "Are you sure this counts as exercise?  It seems so effortless."  I said, "Now you know why I like all those gears."  Maybe some day Jolyn will ride the Pan Ohio with me?

I spent the following long weekend in Lynchburg visiting David and Chris (and Nick and Brett and Andrea) and George!  We celebrated our 27th anniversary on April 23rd.  George gave me beautiful gifts, but the best one was the hotel room and time to put my feet up and read a good book.  (I read "The Last Song."  It was recommended by a dear friend who suggested I read it with Grace.)  Christian did the majority of the driving on the Lynchburg trip and spending 20 hours alone with him in the car was wonderful.  We don't take the time to sit and converse at home, so we took advantage of the uninterrupted hours in the car.  He's an interesting young man--few words, but thoughtfully spoken.

I have been very undisciplined about time spent working on "Free to be Fit" or whatever my book will be titled.  I did take one giant step by sending three chapters to the artist that is going to do the page layout and covers.  It really bothers me that this project continues to be so neglected by me.  I find it very difficult to make myself be still and work.  The projects around the house are so much more fun and I can instantly see progress when I am doing them.  I'm talking about things ike painting trim, re-arranging furniture and organizing closets.  I have been such a big talker about publishing it; now it's way past time to put feet to my words.

As you know, two trips are in my future, Lord willing.  First in July/August the Pan Ohio Hope Ride and then in October/November, the mission trip to Israel.  Interesting thing:  I have been putting links to financially support each of these trips in e-mails and on Facebook.  In the past few days, I have raised over $600 for the American Cancer Society Hope Lodges in Ohio and ZIP ZERO NADA NOTHING for Global Missions Project for my trip to Israel.  Cancer is a very "present" threat in so many lives and the need there resonates with nearly everyone.  Can you think of a single person whose life hasn't been touched by cancer in some way?  However, the ministry trip to Israel is just as far-reaching, but people don't seem to recognize that.  I am not going to lie; the thought of traveling to Israel is both exciting and scary.  I will get to play my flute along with other Christian musicians in an orchestra under the baton of Camp Kirkland, a church music hero of mine.  That is thrilling enough.  But the added joy of knowing that I will be serving in ministry--literally spreading the truth of the Gospel--is thrilling to me.  I have never been on a for-real mission trip, especially one that is out of the USA.  Both of my sons have been to several countries outside the States, but I've been nowhere except Canada and that was when I was a kid.  (Dad was USAF...we were stationed at Goose Air Base, Labrador Canada for two tours of duty.)  So, this trip to Israel is huge to me.  I keep telling George that the LORD will provide...I have no doubt He has "orchestrated" this trip for me. 

That's about it from here.  I have so many things to enjoy:  Riding my bike as much as possible to prepare for the Pan Ohio.  Working on raising funds for Israel.  Preparing for David to be home for the Summer.  Working on my book.  Rejoicing in God's abundance of blessings.  Thanks for reading.  God bless you.

PAN OHIO HOPE RIDE

Dear Friends and Family,

You may be aware that our family recently lost both my mother and sister to cancer.  Even now one of my precious nieces is battling cancer of the breast, brain, spine, ovaries.  She is a young mother of three little boys and is one of the most amazing people you would ever know.  In addition, two of my girlfriends from church are also battling cancer.  I am personally motivated to do anything in my power to support research for cancer prevention, treatment and survival.  Please consider supporting me on this event. 

This year, I am helping save lives from cancer by taking part in the American Cancer Society Pan Ohio Hope Ride, and I’m hoping you will support me.

I’m riding from Cleveland to Cincinnati to save lives and help cancer patients celebrate more birthdays. One way your donations help cancer patients get well is by supporting the Society’s Hope Lodges. Ohio is home to two of the 28 lodges that provide a free home-away-from-home for those who must travel far from home for treatment.

Please support me in my efforts by visiting my personal web page to make a secure, tax-deductible online donation.

Every donation really does make a difference. I know that times are tighter than normal for many of us, but any amount you can give truly can help save lives.

You see, thanks to your support, the American Cancer Society can:

• Help people stay well by helping people everywhere take steps to prevent cancer or detect it early, when it’s most treatable
• Help people get well by being in their corner around the clock to guide them through every step of their cancer experience
• Find cures by funding groundbreaking research that helps us understand cancer’s causes, determine how best to prevent it, and discover new ways to cure it
• Fight back by working with lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and rally communities worldwide to join the fight

Each of us has our own reasons for caring about the fight against cancer - whatever your reasons, I hope you’ll choose to make a difference by making a donation online to support my efforts. I’m so grateful to have great people like you in my life who want to see an end to cancer in our lifetime. Together we can save lives.

Thank you! I will keep you updated on my progress.

To learn more about the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, please visit www.panohiohoperide.org.

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.  3 John 2

May God be Glorified!

On to Chapter 3--A Bookcase--Bahamas!

I am happy to report that my postponed mall trip resulted in the completion of Chapter 2's revision.  I am pleased with the work and thank Jan Leary for her assistance!  I am well in to Chapter 3 and it is coming together nicely. 

The things I am writing about have changed my life and I know God can use this information to change other lives, too.  When you step out in obedience to a God-assignment, expect opposition.  The distractions, interruptions and preoccupations are probably deliberate attempts to get you to stop.  That's where a consistent prayer life will be your most powerful weapon. 

Valentine's Day is the day after tomorrow...George bought me a bookcase for my office to help contain some of the visual clutter that distracts me.  I put it together in about an hour and then re-organized the stuff in my office and I already feel better.  I really have a disdain for clutter!  Not yours, so don't hesitate to have me over for a cup of coffee; it's just my clutter that drives me crazy.  Thank you, honey, I love you!

The youth from 2nd Baptist in Warner Robins, GA are out of school next week.  Their winter break got an early start today as schools were closed due to SNOW!  The last time it snowed here was in the 80's.  There was a lightness in the air today as everyone felt a little bit of "child" at the sight of the huge white flakes falling from the sky.  It really was beautiful.  The youth are going to spend their winter break on a cruise to the Bahamas next week.  The winter retreat typically was a ski trip, but Pastor Mike Dorough chose a more unconventional destination this time!  Due to difficult circumstances for one of the chaperones, I was offered the opportunity to go in her place.  You know, I had an inkling that I might get to go on this trip.  I can't tell you why...I just had an inkling.  I am so sorry for the circumstance, but I am very excited to be heading out on the Monarch of the Seas on Monday. 

Can you believe it?  I am going on a cruise!  Yippee!

Frustration Mounts

I am not going to pretend to be what I am not.  For the life of me, I can't figure out why it is so darn hard to sit myself at the keyboard and write!  Once I get into the manuscript, I have a great time.  These days I just have a knot in my stomach.  I was comforted by another author who said something to the effect that she, too, has pondered thoughts of inadequacy with every single project she has written.  People ask me frequently where they can buy my book and it's getting old to say, "Well, it's not out there yet.....but it's coming."  I have taken to my knees on this; I am asking the Lord to help!!  I have the time, but I dither it away with one thing or another.  I have a perfectionistic streak in me that wants everything in my house in order before I sit to concentrate.  I look around and see bathrooms that need tending to, laundry that should go in, vacuuming waiting to be finished and paper that needs to be dispatched to its places.  Ahhhhh!    Today?  Well, today I have time, but I am not sure.  I had planned to drive to Macon to return clothes that didn't fit.  That would take 2-3 hours minimum.  Or I could get a cup of coffee, ignore the visual noise, and open the folder that is just within my sight to the right.  (I glance over to see if it's looking back at me....)  OK, OK, I am going to get the coffee and open the folder.  God, help!  I don't like this part.

Mission to Israel -- October 2010

Exciting News Today:  I am going to travel to Israel with Global Missions Project in October of this year.  Global Missions Project began in 2003and is an interdenominational mission organization committed to leading Christian musicians in sharing Jesus Christ with the world, encouraging believers, and ministering to people through music.  I will travel with one of my dearest friends, Monique Gatton, and church music maestro Camp Kirkland!  This will be my very first missions trip and I am very excited about it.  Please consider contributing toward my trip via the GLOBAL MISSIONS PROJECT LINK TO THE RIGHT.  Just put my name in the "Participant Name" box.  Thank you!

Looking Up

Psalm 3:3
But Thou, O LORD, art a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

Last week at orchestra rehearsal, Dawson Hull (our orchestra conductor) shared a brief word.  I can't get it out of my head and it has nagged me all week.  Job had it right when he said that "Man, who is born of woman, is of few days and full of trouble."  (Job 14:1)  Life has trouble and that's just the way it is.  Even knowing the nearness of God in the times of trouble, sometimes discouragement and disappointment can sneak up on you.  I love the chorus:  Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.  The psalmist kept his eyes on the Lord and God plucked him out of his trouble.  (Psalm 25:15)  The thing is, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus.  It's when the noise of life storms draws our attention away that we forget just how big and able God is.  It's easy to turn your attention from God to whatever it is that's going wrong just now.  Troubles grow, faith dissipates, and our heads follow our gaze.  That's when the LORD takes His hand under your chin and lifts it for you, bringing your eyes to meet His.  He is the One who will lift your head, even when you can't muster the strength.  What a gentle thought.

Back to It

I can hardly believe the time that has passed by since my last post.  Christmas was VERY hard this year.  It was our first Christmas without my mother and sister.  People tell me that grieving the loss of family members (even when you are assured that they are in Heaven) takes time.  It seems like forever.  Sorry to say that I am glad the Christmas season is over.  What a horrible thing to say, I know.

We traveled to Ohio to spend Christmas Day with my father and sibs.  It was a wonderful family time.  There were lonely moments; Mom and Jana's absence was palpable, but there is a comfort that only your family can provide and we comforted one another just by being there.  The car trip was just too much for my ailing back to take.  In November we traveled all the way to Michigan by car and my back never really recovered from that trip before it was time to drive to Ohio.  On the return trip, my legs ached continually.  About 2 weeks ago my back said, "I quit."  Several visits to Butler Chiropractic (where I saw Dr. Chris Jackson) helped to get me up on my feet.  This past Monday, however, I dropped something on the floor, and without even thinking about it, I bent right over to pick it up and BAM! it did "it" again.  So I have done nothing much in the house for these past two weeks except watch some TV and study my Bible.  This week it was actually kinda nice because I watched all of the Passion 2010 conference main sessions online.

I have a few news items to report:  First of all, George bought me a new bicycle for Christmas.  It is being built at The Bike Store and is probably ready to pick up.  It is another Trek hybrid but this time it's the Rolls-Royce version.  Trek says this bike "eats hills."  Ha Ha!  I cannot wait to ride it; I am so excited to get it home.  I couldn't ride it even if it was here, but I am inclined to put it in my living room so I can at least look at it until I can take it out.  (The weather has been incredibly cold, especially for Georgia--snow is a possibility today.  I doubt I would be riding even if I could.)  Second, I am going to get to go to Israel in Oct/Nov of this year!  I will be going with Global Missions to play flute in an orchestra conducted by church music maestro, Camp Kirkland!  Third, it's a bittersweet thing that my son, David, will be leaving for Liberty University in 6 days.  God called him to vocational ministry several years ago and he has been taking classes online for two years. It's time to be a resident and I am so happy for him.  He is going to love it there.  I sure am going to miss him around here, though!

I haven't worked on my book for weeks and I am itching to get back on track with it!  I am not going to lie; this last two weeks has been terribly discouraging and I haven't felt like doing anything.  I was so emotionally spent during Christmas holidays that I had no desire at all.  I woke up feeling encouraged today--for the first time in a long while--thank You, Father God, for restoring my hope.

That's all for now....have faith in God!