This flu is the worst.

So we all have a touch of this flu that is going around. Some of us worse than others. Caleb had it really bad. Glen is now really bad, and he has to preach in 10 hours. I don't know how God is going to work that out, but I know that he will. Thank goodness that I asked Glen to finish all prep before things got really bad for him. He has been in bed all day. I suppose that is the best that I can do for him right now.

Bryan's surgery went well, I guess. As well as can be expected for having one of his vertebrae removed. As part of his issues, the docs seem to feel that this will help with all of the other stuff that has plagued him for years. He is in a lot of pain, and has a scar running vertically down the back of his head, as well as staples closing the holes made by the halo they put him in to perform the operation. We are hoping that he will be home tomorrow. Please keep his family in prayer.

I have been looking for a study series to start for the ladies of our church. I have been really seeking that God will lead me to the right materials. I know that I could make anything work, but this new organization for Wednesday night, where the ladies will be meeting together weekly to do their own study; I want it to be a God thing for our church. While we are still small, to build our ladies.

In my recent trips, I have had the pleasure of visiting some LARGE churches. I have felt that we need to minister to the women that we have while we are still small enough to be effective in their lives. Not that I think there aren't huge benefits to large churches, because I think that some things are so much easier in a big church. I have been wondering how someone who has been out of church, how do they really get connected to the body of Christ in large churches? Some could attend for weeks before anyone really knows that they are there. There has to be a really big want to on that persons part to feel like they are an integral part of the larger body.

This has been a theme in our home. The extended body. The idea that some get caught up in building our individual "mini-kingdoms". It isn't what God wanted for his people. He isn't coming back for a baptist bride, or a catholic bride, or a pentecostal bride. He is coming back for his bride (singular); the one without spot or wrinkle. Part of this realization, is that we need to take the time to focus on what unifies us, and not the small differences that cause us to "build" fences.

While the world is ready to embrace the New Age answers being thrown around today, we have to stand firm with the brothers and sisters that are journeying with us. Even when the "name tag" they wear is different than the one that we do. There are too many false teachings that are easier to swallow. I believe that God is calling us to unity. A unity in the body that surpasses the name on the sign out front.

This post allows me some self-examination. That we can focus on something else beside our issues. When we get caught up in keeping score of the heartaches, or trials that we have faced, we are walking with our eyes on our own feet, instead being sure that our footsteps match the ones that Christ himself has prepared for us.

Thanks for listening!
^j^

Sickness has struck the Keefer house.

Caleb started this fun adventure, the first to succumb to the "funk" that is going around here. We have since moved on...Glen now suffers from the same yuck Caleb has. That leaves Kelsey and I...and as everyone knows, I am still "not well" so Kelsey J will have to lead the pack and help me take care of the "whiny" boys.

Got an email today from someone that I love. She has been going through a rough time. And I am happy to say, that she is holding on. I always thought of her as "delicate", easy to knock over. You know what I mean, more fragile than some... But in face of some serious life circumstances, she has been a champ. I am praying that God will be her comfort in a time when I can't be.

Bryan Michael's little man just went in for a check up with the Dr. He is chunking up...and now tips the scales at 12 pounds. I am enjoying seeing him grow. Bryan goes in tomorrow for the operation on his head. So...if you would please remember him in your prayer time. I am sure that he is nervous, and for some reason I am too. I guess I am praying that this will be the "thing" that helps him feel better. After dealing with chronic illness for almost a year, I hate to think of anyone else suffering daily with some ailment. With a itty bitty to take care of now, he needs his health. So I am praying that this is a God-thing for his family. That he will be restored to the "glory" of yester year. God is more than able...I know that he is.

Other than that...things are quiet on the home front. Nothing new to speak of. Sorry to say. But sometimes nothing new is ok. It means all is stable and God is on his throne. Even with the small hiccups of life. He holds our craziness altogether. We are quick to rely on Him when times are challenging. I am relying on him daily. Even when the sailing is not in the wind tossed waves of life. Daily... praying... reading... broken... restored... He is the same and needs us to understand that He is there in the easier times too. Everyday with Him is sweeter than the day before.

Hugs...

^j^

Yeah...I know, I know

Some of you have contacted me asking about the musings of my mind. LOL! Telling the truth, there haven't been many...(that may be an issue)

I went back to Charlotte to stamp with the girls...they had a great time, and so did I. I guess I should take pictures and post some of the things that I create. You would think that anyone with an obession this involved would want to show off their work...I guess I never really thought about it.

Glen placed a call to NY to check on our friends there, and it seems that all is well. Mending after major surgery is difficult. So know that we are praying for you, Rotellas! Loving you from NC~

Glen has been preaching a message series titled Family Secrets. I have to say...I don't know what has happened to him recently, but his messages are getting better and better. (please don't email him and tell him that I said that though....again the whole head swelling thing..UGH!) I am hoping that the folks that he put in charge of uploading his messages will soon get caught up. Once they do, I'll provide the link. I think it makes Glen feel like a rock star to hear himself streaming from the web. LOLOLOL! (Wave your lighters in the air, girls, for my guitar playing hippie preacher!) :)

We had our Valentine's Dinner. Every church should have a Joyce. She is our resident expert in the food arena. That is one cooking lady. I have yet to have something bad that she has made. This dinner was no exception. I want her to know that not only do I appreciate her, but I know that God does also. She puts her whole self in preparing for our dinners. I know that her effort is not for Glen or myself. The bible says in Colossians 3:23- I

"Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do it wholeheartedly as unto the Lord and not unto men"

I try very hard to keep this scripture in the forefront of my mind...when I am attempting one of the zany jobs that I have been tasked with.

I have reached out to several "old" friends recently. Makes me feel so good that you can pick up where you left off 15+ years ago, and just chat. Also lets me know who I should be adding to my prayer list. There are so many that are lost and hurting...without hope. In the darkest times of my life, there has always been a hope. Sometimes it is the kind of hope that ties a knot in the end of my rope and allows me to just hang in long enough until the storm passes over. Sometimes it is the kind of hope that I know that I know that I know, I am not alone in anything I may have to endure. I have a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Sometimes that hope is a boldness to help carry a load for someone else.

To everyone out there that now read my blog, I am grateful....SOOOO grateful for those of you who are my friends. For those that I never thought would come to a saving knowledge of Christ, (and have!) For those who walk in faith with me, helping to shoulder my load. For those who make me smile, and for those who make me, hold my sides while the tears roll, laugh. Thank you. You help keep my sane. (And some would probably challenge that too) LOL

I am going to try to be better about posting.
Hugs for all of you!!!
Jo ^j^

Have you looked at a calendar?

Are you asking yourself where January went? Because I am.

Not that I am bragging about NC weather, but it was 75 here today...and Punxsutawney Phil said that we had 6 more weeks of winter... I never thought it wise to let a groundhog forcast the weather.

Do you mind if I vent a little? My darling husband works this NUTSO shift on Monday nights. He normally wanders in at about 1am. Not this morning. He came dragging in after 7:30 am. This is not ideal for a family, nor for a preacher. But even worse that this, I don't sleep when he isn't home. So I was up until he came dragging in. UGH!!!

After a couple of hours of sleep, I went cruising with my mom. Ran some errands in preparation for my weekend back in Charlotte. Really looking forward to staying at Julie's house with her and the scrap girls. I know that there will be lots of laughs, and maybe a little bit of papercrafting that gets done. So excited!!! I am praying that I will be feeling good...so that I can fully participate in the festivities. We are leaving the scrubbies at home! (Scrubbie=scrapbook hubby) And going away for a girls getaway. I enjoy my time away from "real responsibilities" I always end up getting to know something that I didn't about one of these girls.

I was telling my mom about my blog today during our adventure, and I think that she was surprised by some of the things that I have stumbled across in my utterances inside these 4 walls. Maybe I am not a great communicator, maybe I really have to push to get through the being the "quiet" one. (I know that this statement has some of you laughing hysterically) Because when you think of me, the adjective quiet isn't the 1st choice. But I do see myself as more reserved than one might think. Maybe living with Glen has left me...the quiet one...those of you who know Glen well, know that it takes tactical training to get a word in edgewise! LOL!!
(kidding)

I know there were some who maybe needed a smile today...thus the reason for my post.

HUGS to all
^j^

Peace in the midst of the storm

Are you as grateful as I am for a peace in the midst of a storm?

It seems that anywhere and everywhere we turn, there is someone who is dealing with something. Whether it be financial, or physical, or spiritual...God sees you & every situation you have endured or are still in the "midst" of. And he is working on your behalf. Sometimes our situations are a result of the laws of sowing and reaping. I made this decision, and because of it, I have to deal with this consequence. Other times, it is God calling us to a higher plain. Shaking us out of a slumber and asking us to be obedient and "step up".

I have always been one of "those" people who get caught up in what I have going on. Not self centered, but busy. But since getting sick, I have found that focusing on "ME" doesn't leave me anywhere but depressed. And trust me that is NO place to be. I don't want an attitude that is self serving, where does that get me? The bible says that "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30) It is when we allow this to happen that worry ceases, that the things that consumed our thoughts and kept us from praying without ceasing, seem to become a lighter load, and we can begin to see the things that matter in life. Maybe so we can help someone else who isn't in the place to step up for themselves.

Maybe God is asking us to bend and be the step that someone else needs to bring them back to the place he can once again use them, and speak to them. I can visually picture it. A "human" staircase. The backs of the faithful that we have all at one time or another stepped up on to reach the next level...or kept the waves of situations from overtaking us. Even more of a blessing to bend and be that stair for another brother or sister. Or for a lost family member...

Lord, help me to be the step for someone who is lost or dying. Help me to be ever mindful that the places you have set before me to walk in, will NOT overtake me, they will cause me to grow, to help in the perfecting of the saints. That I would see them as the opportunities you have allowed to draw me closer.

Our prayer list is growing, folks are reaching out everyday to have someone else help shoulder the burden. There is no better ministry.

Thanks all!!
^j^

Friend....now that is a title of honor!

I have to start my post tonight...on Super Bowl Sunday...(Go Giants!!) with a THANK YOU.

I opened my email, after a couple of days away from my keyboard, to find an email from a friend. A sister, who is going through a hard time, who didn't write to get caught up with what I bought, or what "things" I have been up to. She took the time to write to me to ENCOURAGE me. How I needed that! Patti, thanks for loving Jesus enough to reach out when you are riding in storms of your own. Thanks for loving me enough, to take the time to let me know it. We all need that. I needed it today big time...and what God planted in your heart 2 days ago...ministered to me sitting on the couch in my pj's. LOVE you, Love you, love you!!! You are my friend...I am glad that no matter how far apart we are in distance, that doesn't change.

I have been going back and re-reading some of my blog posts. There are some that I have a hard time with...sometimes the tears are falling so fast...I have to step away to come back and finish my thoughts. Boy, I am so glad for those posts. I hope that anyone reading can know that I am human. Sometimes frail, sometimes confused, sometimes so lost, I couldn't find my way out of a paper bag. Other times, I walk in the knowledge of who I am in Christ. And my feet are barely touching the floor... you know what I mean, not full of myself, but giddy to look back and see that God is awesome. I am thankful that I decided to Blog. I hope that it ministers to someone out there.

I have been a Christian for all of my life. My testimony is one of God's keeping power. I have been in church my whole life and heard countless ministers preach, sometimes sharing the same thoughts, sometimes bringing to light something new. As much as I love the Word, there has always been a part of me that was only ministered to by music. Maybe it is because I came up in a family that always seemed to be gifted in music. I love a song that speaks to the place in my life, that I hold close. You know the place that I am talking about, the one that you don't thrown open the shutters and invite EVERYONE into.

Today Glen and I sang this worship song...

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
Amazing Love, now flowing down
From hands and feet that were nailed to the tree,
His Grace flows down and covers me.

As I remember the times in my life, that seemed insurmountable. Those times when I thought for sure that life had me beat... God would plant in my heart a song...that would minister to that place where I needed something that no human word could touch. I remember a situation that had me at a place where I was so broken. It was just one of those things that in my flesh, I couldn't deal with. My parents were still living up north...and ALL the way home to NC, I listened to the SAME song...OVER and OVER and OVER again. Until it got ALL the way down in my spirit. That song was an FFH song, Lord Move or move me.

There was a time in my life that I asked God, why it is that music moves me so deeply, (I used to be ashamed to cry as much as I do) But looking back, it has always kept me tender. Lord that I would ever be tender at the stirring of your Spirit. It is here, in obedience, lives are mended, circumstances are changed, and He alone stands carrying the burdens of my situations squarely on his shoulders. I am so grateful.

Patti, know that we fulfill the law of Christ when we bear each other's burdens. Thanks for being obedient...thanks for loving even from far away!!! You ministered to me 600 miles away...I am grateful that God loves us enough to give us special people to help us through!!

Thanks everyone
^j^

Always Interesting

Life, with ups and downs is always "interesting"

I know why the bible tells us to bear one another's burdens. Sometimes you have just the same experience, and coming from someone who has been through the same thing, can be a comfort in hard times. But what about when you haven't shared the same experiences? What if there are no words...or you don't have the $$ or you don't have the "magic bullet" that will soothe someone else's concern.

I recently heard a pastor preaching about worry. He came out with the statement that worry is nothing more than an arrogant prayer to oneself. And after contemplating that for a while, He was so right. Think about it...

I worry...and so I think about the situation, and those thoughts consume me. And in some cases, I plan the situation, and do the whole..."if they say this...then I'll say that...if they say that then I'll say this." I don't remember Jesus having this response when he was tempted in the Wilderness or even when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. I don't want to worry about situations. I have learned that there is a level of concern, a "bearing of a brother or sister's burdens." I want to be an effective support for anyone going through a rough time, but sometimes that is all that we can do. Sometimes, God is calling someone to a deeper place, somewhere they haven't walked before. There are times in our lives where we need to walk alone, these are the hard times, but they are also the times when our faith becomes more than a family tradition. In learning to rely on the God of creation and Him alone, we learn that he is more than words on a page.

I look around and see good people, going through difficult circumstances. And I want to "DO" something! Anything that will help, but I also know that God is the only answer to some situations.

The refuge in time of trouble. Maybe a word to say....that God is enough. Let him be the refuge in your storm. When we allow God to become real, there can be peace in a storm, joy among trials, and love that never fails.

Thanks for listening!
^j^