Friday?

I don't know exactly where the week goes. But it seems like I was just getting ready to start a new week, and now I am preparing for the weekend. I don't think we have a "slow weekend" for a couple of months. The older generation used to say, when we were kids, that time moves faster as we get older. It really DOES! I start everyday with a list, and it is a rare occasion that the list is totally complete. I have learned that this is ok, but I still struggle sometimes with that nagging feeling to be sure that everything is completed.

Changing topics completely, I have a confession. I have become addicted to rubberstamps! (I am sure that Glen may be planning an intervention with all those I love.) But I don't know if I am going into therapy to stop. My mom has said that even she enjoys making cards with me. So maybe I can say that the $$$ I have spent on this addiction is "a quality family time" investment? (Going to have to put some kind of spin on it.)

I also need to start sending more cards. Only problem is WHEN do I have time to stamp? I have a WHOLE room in my house set aside for crafting and unfortunately I don't even get in there very often. Occasionally a friend will ask for help with some project or something...and I get excited because I KNOW that I have everything that they will need to complete any craft project imaginable. I told you... it is WAY over the top.

This weekend isn't any different than our normal. We are overbooked and over scheduled. And that seems to be the American way of life. So that makes us "normal"

For those of you who are wondering how Caleb is doing in home school, he is doing well. The concepts are seemingly easy for him to grasp, but getting him to write something...UGH, BOYS! It is like pulling teeth. I guess that I am shocked that he is going into 9th grade with an inability to write coherently. I know that in the business world he will need the ability to communicate via succinct, clear email. So that is one skill that he and I will work on throughout the summer! Poor kid, thought that homeschooling would be easy for him. Little did he know that summer would be the time we do our best to tackle writing.

Other than that... I'll have an update later this weekend. I have been reading a book called Breaking Free, Discovering the Victory in total Surrender. If you had told me a couple of years ago that I would be reading something other than a fictional novel of some kind, I would have LAUGHED at you. Other than a daily devotion... I WOULD always choose a fictional novel. Now I find myself being drawn to "fill up" with something new that will allow me to "be" better. To make better decisions... To be a better mom... To be a better wife... I guess to be a better Jodi.

With Christ's help, and as I yield the controls...I know that there is coming a time when my "knee jerk" reactions will even honor God. I guess that is one of my "immediate" goals. In my walk, I see that there are times when this is easy, times of danger, or worry. But, I have witnessed that I struggle when I feel someone attacking my family, or someone that I love. That the gloves come off at times. Leaving me to have to apologize after the dust has settled. But that is a whole other post!!! And this one is LONG enough.

Love to you all!!!
^j^

Just had to share

So tonight I am not pondering the deeper things. I didn't make it to church this morning. We had quite a storm here Saturday night. Didn't last long, but it was lightning with thunder right on top. (Anyone who knows me knows that storms and I just don't get along very well.) Needless to say a disrupted sleeping night, left me extremely groggy and just miserable this morning.

Part of what I am learning, as I have been sick, is to not push myself too hard. I was gone ALL day on Saturday at the church. From 10am to 10 pm. And when I wake up feeling that bad, there are times when I can't even communicate clearly...so I stayed home... (and I hate missing church) so I guess I am a little down.

Thank goodness my mom rang me on her way home, knowing that I was really bad off, she offered to make lunch. Don't know if I mention it enough, she is very good to me. I try to reciprocate as often as possible. She and my daddy show their love daily. I just need to remember to thank them that often!

So on to the reason I am even posting. We have lived in this house for several years. 3 years now. Every spring, I drive by the baptist church just up the road from us. Along side this church are 2 Dogwood trees that are growing together; one pink and one white. It makes such a beautiful scene after a winter of no color.

So I have intended to take pictures of my family with this amazing color in the background. Never materialized. And just when I am ready to take the picture...a rain storm steals my color. All the petals lying on the ground. I didn't let it slip by for one little girl! I took Kelsey Jeanne up there this weekend, and took some pictures of her. Here are a couple of them...

So I don't consider myself a "photographer". Please don't think that sharing these is about looking at technique or anything. I am totally a "picture taker" I love the memories. To me a picture is a "remember when" moment. I need to be better about taking more everyday shots. Being a scrapbooker, you would think that I would do that. But for some reason, I am more often out somewhere...wondering, "Why don't I have my camera with me?"

Poor Kelsey, I carted her off on this morning. I don't think she was ready for pictures. She probably would have spent another 20 minutes playing with her hair..or applying a little bit of makeup...but that wasn't the Kelsey that I was looking to capture. It is in these pictures with the delicate flowers, you can see the little girl... the one who is on her way to womanhood, but hasn't arrived yet. Fully girl...with a touch of tomboy... And well loved by all! My helper, sometimes my mini-me in more ways than one... (we are praying about that attitude!! LOL)

Know I love you sis! You are a sweet girl...don't lose your way by listening to others. God has given you a good head on your shoulders. It isn't about what you wear, or the way your clothes fit...it is about Jesus love shining through all of the other stuff. Let him SHINE!

What a week!

So I missed my Thursday night post. I called out for it too. I was issued some new medication that is allowing me to get some SLEEP! (Thank goodness!!!) But one of my dearest friends has warned...that while she would like me to be well rested...the blogging doesn't need to be missed! So I better start posting earlier or we could go months until I post again.

I have been very intentional about avoiding prescription medicines to keep the side effect roller coaster to a minimum. This sleep aid though... has been a God send! Thanks to the folks who look out and take good care of me. I slept last night for the first time in months. I woke up this morning, a little groggy, but feeling better than I have in a LONG time. I am praying that getting back into the routine of sleep will allow me to resume a little more normalcy.

Also on the up side, I got to take care of our baby today! That boy... I love every inch of him. I also like to watch my Caleb with him. One would think that Kelsey would be all about a baby, but it is Caleb who wants to hold him and talk to him. I think Kelsey is still really scared of him. She loves him and wants to shop for cute things and such... but until he is a size where he can toddle, I think she keeps her distance. (I know, I know, Keeferkids have been very sheltered when it comes to taking care of kids... actually there are lots of things that they just haven't experienced) I was doing what I do when he is with me...snapping pictures of him...when I captured one that I just had to share!

How many mommies would love to get a little kissyface like this when they have to be at work all day! I know that it would make me feel better...so I sent it to each of his parents with the subject line *MWAH* Because that face is a kissable one!!

What else...

Things are pretty good. Busy... I guess with the weather breaking. Causes the need for yard work, and more get togethers that we are invited to. Add that to our already busy schedules and we are a train wreck waiting to happen! LOL We are currently planning a family vacation...because my dear husband has not had a FULL week's vacation since we started Calvary. We are going to visit my big-eared boyfriend in Orlando this fall! WHOO HOO...

My kids have expressed that they wanted to go with my mom and dad for a year or so now. My dad has decided that this is the year. They are SO excited! (me too, but don't tell) Start praying for me now. I would love to be able to enjoy Disney (rides and all). I know that God is more than able, question will be "am I ready to move through this test and come out better than I used to be?" Learning to wait patiently on His time and in His way. TRYING to not allow the things that would have normally blown me WAY off course to do that anymore. Realizing that He is worthy of ALL praise, when I feel like it or not. And that no matter what the situation appears to be, there is a spiritual lesson in it for me to learn.

Wait on those lessons. Look for those lessons. It has been a resounding theme in my blogging lately. LOOK closely to see that God is in the middle of our toughest times. Right there... teaching us to lean a little heavier...to rest a little deeper... to learn that the things of this life can not contain the spirit man. If we choose to not be beaten by the trials...we have learned a valuable thing. Perhaps in learning to lay down the flesh that is sick or hurting or battle scarred..and to TRULY pick up his cross daily, allows us to become the reflection of his Glory that we were called to be.

Oooohhh... I am off to bed... & it is only 9:30! YEAH!!!

^j^

Sunday night wind down

Ahhh... The hubbub of Sunday is now slowing, and it is time for bed. Been a BUSY day. Sunday's are always busy, but this one just seemed exceptionally busy. Glen conducted a meeting of his ministry leaders to be sure we are all on "the same page." It was very productive, but a meeting after church means that everyone needs to eat! So my mom...(love her) made LOTS of meatloaf, Joyce made her famous garlic mashed potatoes with green beans. I provided rolls and drinks...and then helped make dishes and serve.

Even bigger than that is the luau preparation that is underway. I am looking forward to that fellowship! Wanted to have one for a while, but didn't really want to under take that without lots of help. Thank God, he has sent us some real workers. They are working diligently! Love it when a plan comes together. Get your hula ready... CFC is going to Hawaii!

Any how... Back to my life...

Spent Saturday heading to a shopping trip with my brother, sister in law, and their sweet boy! I love Bry and Dawn... But Ethen is my favorite. (don't tell them!!) Every time his daddy talked to him, that baby smiled all over himself! And when his mommy had him, he was as good as gold. It doesn't matter how little they are, they know who they belong to. Hmmrph...I guess that is why I have to stand on my head and blow bubbles at him... to make him smile at me!!

Our driver for the day, was one of my BFF's, Logey. After we hit the kid's clothing sale, Logey and I headed to take in a couple of the new neighborhoods in the area. Logey's family is looking at homes... and praying for God's will for their family. They are ready to buy a new home, but they want what God has for them, and they are waiting for that to be crystal clear. One thing that I am sure of, God will only honor them in their patience.

We didn't stamp one thing...not even a little bit of crafting happened on Sat. Even with that...I had a great day!

I think that I should post something about my VERY best friend. Some of you may know him. I married him almost 16 years ago. I thought that I could never love someone they way that I loved Glen Keefer at 17 years old. And do you know what I have learned? Compared to my love for him today, I didn't know anything back then. He is truly my second half. We are each other's compliment. Does he make me crazy... YEP... Do I want to pull my hair out some days... SURE DO... But when all is said and done. I love this man! He has put up with a lot from me. Some days I am sure that I could drive him up the wall... I am hoping on these days he remembers that I was the "gift" that God gave him. lolol

He called me out for posting about some of my girl friends. I want him to know that He holds a place in my heart that I can honestly say no one else has ever held. I believe that he always has. God set each of us aside for one another. Proves that God really does love us. As a pastor's wife, I have had lots of opportunity to share with teenage girls who are so anxious to find a "man". I have often said to many of these girls... if you don't find him in church at the altar with his hands raised in worship...RUN! With Christ at the center of a marriage, it can be long lasting... and LOVING!

Glen William... I love you with all my heart. Remember that when I make you nutso! When I push to have things done "my" way... When I am sure that your flesh wants to turn and run... My favorite place is anywhere you are. And you'll always find me there!

For everyone else reading...thanks for indulging me to share about my weekend...and the love of my life. Everyone needs to know they are special. I had to let my man know he is TOO!

G'nite
^j^

Do you just love Thursday?

I had to post something tonight...Thursday being my most favorite day of the week. You see, Thursday is the day my house has settled down after church Wednesday night...and we are looking forward to Friday together as a family.

For those of you who have been keeping up with the kids, Caleb is thriving in our home school situation. He is taking on work that is above his grade level, and he is excited about it! LOVE THAT! How often do you meet a teenager that is excited about learning. He was teasing me today about some books we had ordered from the library. He was challenging me to read more! (And I love to read)LOL. Who would have thought?

If all goes well, we may add Kelsey to the mix. But I am praying about that. I don't want to jump into it and then get overwhelmed with both kids. But we'll see. I want the absolute best for them.

Another update for you is about our ladies meetings. This is more than just a "typical" ladies meeting. We are meeting in a small group type setting... with a bible study each week...and then on to whatever "business" the ladies are in the middle of. Right now we are planning a luau fellowship for the church. Having all of these hands to help has been wonderful! I don't feel overwhelmed with it. And I would say that we have done 80% of the preparation work. I love it when a plan comes together. Thanks to our ladies... having the 12 or 13 other people help...makes this fun!

In this group, we have been learning about becoming a mirror image of Christ. That we reflect him to the world... and it is about time that we start looking a little closer at each of our lives to be sure that we are really representing Christ. I believe with all that I am our time is growing short. It is time that each of us become accountable for the picture that we portray in our churches... in our friendships... in our families.

I can't say that I trust God, and yet go about questioning everything that happens in my life. I either trust or I don't. I can't say that I have yielded my own will, and keep on making decisions that are best for my flesh and not my spirit. God isn't looking for the bride that is almost ready... He is coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle. It is time that the body of Christ push in closer, reach a little higher...and purge themselves of anything that will keep them from moving forward.

I have had several conversations with a good friend about God calling us to a higher plain. Where our feet haven't walked yet. It is hard to see that through the midst of trials and circumstances that are the catalyst for such change, God is molding and shaping as only the Potter can. Making us new... refining... creating the vessel that will be emptied and filled and emptied and filled and emptied again for his glory.

That is my heart's desire. I know that I have learned some valuable lessons in this year.

1. This life is about me and Jesus. All of the other stuff is what we make of it.
2. I am not defined by the job I hold. As a matter of fact, the things that used to really make me crazy in this area, I can say have been changed.
3. No human being has the right to "stir my pot" If someone comes to me with something that is not edifying or in loving correction, then I need to realize their intention... and leave it where it belongs.
4. That CHOICE is more than I ever thought it was. Knee jerk reactions are unacceptable in a Christian walk.
5. Selfishness is one of the most unattractive traits someone can display. I have had to sever ties with some who were self absorbed.
6. My time reading and studying the Word are more vital than I ever could have imagined. It is in quiet time with the God of all creation... I can change and be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
7. Priority in this world is UPSIDE DOWN. It isn't about the THINGS... They will one day be long gone.
8. Everything that we do is done before God. There is no fooling him. Our motives aren't hidden from Him. Read this passage from 1Corinthians Chp 3. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 16Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
9. God isn't waiting for us to mess things up. He is waiting for us to be better than we were. He is waiting for us to yield ourselves enough so that He can take the reigns and lead and guide us into the places he wants us to go.
10. God loves me. Even who I was a year ago. He loved me then... He loves me now. And He is proud of the changes that I have allowed Him to make.

It is my prayer that they continue. That I become the woman that he called me to be when I gave my heart to him as a little girl.

This post isn't about boasting. This is about allowing others to see that even after 30 years of "church", change is required. If we think we have arrived, and that we are "ok"... that speaks volumes about the condition of the heart.

Be encouraged. God hasn't abandoned you to your own devices. He is there... working... waiting... for US to come up to higher ground.

Have a great day!

Our love to ALL!

^j^

More than I realized...

It must be that some of you are sharing my blog address with people that you know. I have seen more people visiting, and they are searching for specific posts. I pray that they can see the growth that I have experienced since I began this whole phenomenon called "blogging". It isn't about a gripe session...and some of you have been gracious enough to allow me that. I pray that in my own vulnerability you have seen some of your own issues and been encouraged to embrace the changes that God expects out of us.

I have been walking in places that where I know that the Holy Spirit gently leads me so that I can get rid of the "yuck" that still resides in my flesh. I have to tell you in being quiet before God... I can see that he burns out the "dross." A refining fire. And while my health issues seems to be at the forefront of some of this, I believe that this is so much more. It is about taking my place in my husband's ministry. It is about being bold enough to share with people what I have learned in my time here... and I am embracing that more everyday.

I don't want to get stuck in a rut of "us 4 and no more." I need to be open to embrace the people that God is sending our way. I am learning that doing the same thing that I used to do... isn't enough. We need to push beyond our comfort zone. To be more than we thought we could be. To use the authority that is Christ has given and reach places that we didn't know we could. This isn't about me being "so good"; it is about realizing that all of us who call ourselves Christians are on the SAME journey. If we aren't lifting one another up then we aren't accomplishing Christ's commandments. And what does that mean to the Christian?

There are some folks who have worn the "tag" Christian for years. And yet the fruits of the spirit are not evident in their lives. They will never reach the fullness of God's will for them. They want to march around the same issues that have plagued them for years...and refuse to embrace correction or change. I refuse to be a "right" fighter. Do you know what I mean? A right fighter is someone who takes the moral high ground and insists that they are right...even when they aren't. They can stand and say God blesses me and so I must be in God's will. And truth be told, God blesses us because we serve a GOOD God. One who loves us... A God who wants us to be better than we were yesterday. And because WE love him, we need to become the mirror image of Christ. To be anything less... is to never know God's full potential for your life, for your marriage, for your future.

We need to take off the paradigms that we look at the world through and ask God to replace our vision of things. We need to see things the way that Jesus would. What would we think of a Christ who snickered at the clothes someone wore... or the weight that they carry... or the flaws they openly display? I don't know about you...but that is taking away everything that I love about being a Christ follower.

So for anyone that I have done this to or with...Shame on me. I am sorry. Deeply sorry for any of Christ's beloved that I didn't defend like I would my own natural brothers. If I didn't give one of the hurting their time to be heard, I pray that God will give me the opportunity to make it up to them.

Lord, help me to be the WOMAN that you know I can be. Help me to not get caught up in the things that the enemy would use to destroy my witness. That everyone who reads my blog or happens upon it, that they would apply the things that are written here to their own hearts and allow the change that you want in each of us.

Good Night all... talk to ya next time!
^j^

Aye! What a headache!

So I am sure that there are bunches and bunches of people out there that have headaches. I have always had them. I get them when I am stressed...I get them when I don't get enough sleep...I get them when the sun shines...I get them when it rains... Are you seeing the issue? I have them a lot.

In sitting and thinking about things today, I don't know if I can remember a day when I really felt good. It has been so long. Some days are better than others. I just would like to see a few that are REALLY good. So if any of you are praying out there...could you just pray for some good days for me? I need 'em. So many things that I would like to be doing, and just don't because of the way that I feel.

I also need to take a minute to thank my friends. You are so good to me. You listen to me and MY issues... You pray for me when you probably think I would be better served in the loony bin! :) You are just there to be MY friends. I don't want a day to go by that you aren't sure that I am grateful for you. For my scrap girls... who I can be so real with...and you still call or listen to me rant for 2 hours! Thanks! For Joyce, who helps me accomplish the things that I need to accomplish. She has been such a blessing. Patti... know that distance doesn't keep you out of my heart or off of my mind. I love that you trust me. Jules, you too! I hope that you know that love runs deeper than our current circumstances...and I love you. For my Mom, who is my friend too. Her unconditional love has been a constant in my 35 years. She has loved me when I was sure no one else did or could. For those that are just getting to know me and my idiosyncrasies. Be patient... there is sanity in there somewhere...it is like a treasure, you have to look to find it!

And these are just the ladies. Please know that this is not the exhaustive list of people that I consider my friends... I just have been reflecting on the fact that God has blessed this displaced NY'er. I don't ever want to forget the people who SHOW their love to us. Talk is cheap. I am talking about a demonstrative love. One where you know that it is real. I appreciate these people because they SHOW their love. I hope that in some way I have been a friend to all of you as well... by some action or call...or email...or sharing a stamp set...(lol) something that is tangible so that you know that I do care about each of you.

I have heard it said many times that gratitude unexpressed in ingratitude. So many times we get caught up in what WE have going on...and forget to be about the most important things in this world. It is all about family...friends... Building relationships that allow you to not feel alone. To have someone that you can reach out to when you need an ear... or a stamp pad...or a meal prepared.

So while my head is aching tonight... know that I am grateful for each of you in my life. The role that you play was God ordained for you to star in. He gave each of you to me so that I could be blessed..and in turn bless you and/or someone else.

For all of you who read my blog, (and my audience is small) know that I am grateful for you. I am grateful to you, but more than that I am grateful to God...He chose to give each of you to me. And He couldn't have done a better job!

Ok.. Early Saturday II

One would think that I would be in bed now. One would think that it being the wee hours of the morning, I would be ready to lay my head on a pillow and just REST. But not this body. I am up and my mind just goes from one thing to the next. Sleep will not find me when I am like this.

I have had one of "those weeks". It is probably why I haven't written for days. I am UNCOMFORTABLE! I hate that feeling. Where my skin isn't quite where I belong. Some times I am perfectly content, and the next I am thinking about 28 other things that will satisfy whatever is lacking in me.

Next week we mark a full year that I have been sick. Have I mentioned that I am ready for it to be over? I am ready to be able to go INTO my closet and bend and get a pair of shoes without getting nauseated. (I really struggle in small spaces) Or to clean a full room without having to take a pill to just make it through half of the work?

I am still not taking any of the prescription drugs except an occasional phenergan. Other than that I manage the vertigo and the fibro with over the counter stuff. Not that it is any better for me, but 90% of the time I wouldn't get up and go if I didn't have some kind of appointment or task at hand. Ok...enough about being sick. That will depress me...and let's be honest, I am SO over it!

I want to get back to the place I was just a few weeks ago. Where I felt strong in my spirit. Where I knew that what I was hearing was just for me...and was straight from the Lord. I don't know that I feel down, I just feel like I am striking on the off-beat. Does that make sense? Like some how my steps, that were an easy stride, have become an awkward dance. One where I don't know the routine.

It is in times like this that I have to take the time to remind myself of ALL of the things that I am 100% sure of.

1. That God loves me
2. That He knows about everything I think and feel
3. That He sees my HEART, when men have no idea
4. That when my flesh is not cooperating, my spirit can rise above it.
5. That EVERYTHING will be turned around for my good
6. That He is ALWAYS on time, even when I am always late
7. That He has every situation in his control
8. That He won't allow ANYTHING to come my way that I can't bear
9. That He has a plan that is better than anything I could even dream up
10. That He didn't bring me to this place, to sit back and laugh at my failures. He is my biggest cheerleader....Coaxing me to RUN ...Run the race that is put before me. And to finish it with the grace and mercy he provides daily.

Maybe these are the things that I need to focus on. In dwelling on the things that I know for sure, I can find shelter from all the other stuff. You know what I mean, time to crucify the flesh so that the spirit can be victorious.

For anyone struggling, God knows right where you are too. He sees through all of the "stuff" down to the very soul...knowing even the intentions of your heart. He isn't throwing obstacles in your way. He is offering an strong arm to steady you as you have to step over those things in this journey. He is just waiting for us to CHOOSE to react differently than we did the last time... or CHOOSE to hold our tongue. Or CHOOSE to be patient and wait for his VERY best instead of settling on what we had planned. Or CHOOSE to not rely on our "feelings"but to remember that we serve a God who is more than able to work in all situations.

I am going to put this head on a pillow. Somehow I feel it will be a little easier to find some rest!!

Thanks all!
^j^