Was just getting ready to post something for today. Have to tell you, that I didn't have much to say...and then I read my friend Michelle Logan's blog.
Such words of wisdom. Living in the moment. Not focused on what are menus are for next week...(and let's be honest, the last thing that I need to focus on is food) Not thinking about what bill will be the next one to arrive in the mail. Probably all thoughts that have traipsed through our minds one time or another. And not a "sinful" thing about them.
But how many times have we been focused on the things of "tomorrow" and forgotten to live in the moment? How often has the opportunity to give a kind word passed us by because our heads were in a cloud of tomorrow? How many times have we heard the Spirits unction to DO or SAY something right now...and we missed it? Because we are thinking about what will be TOMORROW? Even more importantly, how many times has God had something special just for us...and we didn't take the time to receive it because we are focused on a hurried life, and things flying by at record speeds, instead of taking the time to STOP...and listen....and learn.
Remember me mentioning that my work situation is definitely meant to teach me something? I believe that in taking the time to listen... God's life lesson is there. The scripture passage that came to mind... Matt 6: 25-33
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
If I need to go through trying times to remember to keep the MAIN thing, the MAIN thing...then it is well with my soul! So many times the truths in life are things that we know, and probably heard a thousand times. And then the "AH-HA" moment. When your heart is inspired by the head knowledge that has been there forever, and your spirit is encouraged.
I am encouraged! God isn't finished dealing with the girl, who knew it all. Not a great legacy, to be the know it all. Been in church my whole life... Heard it all before... No reason to tell me. Too proud to be used! Sometimes, we need to be humbled to understand that the things that we take pride in are NOT the things that God is proud of. How much more important is it that I make HIM proud today? Without worrying about tomorrow and asking "what situation will I encounter to make God proud tomorrow?" But living in the trials and blessings of today...and being grateful for BOTH!!!
Thanks Logey! Your short little post...inspired me to dwell on this...to meditate on it and come to a place where it means something new to my SPIRIT!
Love to all!!!
^j^
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
It's getting late...so it is time to BLOG!
Weekend is over, and so is Monday...well, almost.
I wanted to take a minute to share my thoughts before starting a new week. We are still suffering with some of the flu stuff. Caleb went to school today, and ended up getting sick again only to come home and sleep. Poor guy. He is so good about it. If I was his age and nauseated all the time, I would be complaining all of the time. He doesn't. He takes it in stride, and keeps on going. All the while, helping me. LOVE HIM! Some girl will be so lucky some day! He will be a catch. He is so much like his daddy. I dare say, it makes him the odd-man out right now...but, there will come a day, when his boldness will be the most attractive thing about him. I know it was the reason I fell in love with his daddy...and Hello...Glen ended up with quite a catch!! :)
Sunday was a good service. Lots of new faces for me. I love seeing the church grow, but it sometimes overwhelms me. I really am quite shy until I get to know someone, and not giving in to that is really hard for me when I have to meet new people at church. So many days, I shower, paint on a good face, and push through feeling sick. Some days it is a TOTAL God thing, to put one foot in front of the other. He always rewards me for pushing through.
For everyone who is out of the loop, here is the link for Glen's messages. You remember the post teasing Glen about being a rock star. You can listen to the messages that are being given to Calvary Faith each Sunday. HERE is the link to that site. Bookmark it and check back once in a while to see if there is something there just for you. I would encourage you to listen to the latest "Family Secrets" message about giving to the need. Definitely a new take on an old thought.
I have started my bible study. And I have to admit...I am torn. See, I started the books purchased for the church, but also decided to read a different book for my own quiet time. I am sure that I just need to be patient, and realize that God will give me the right path to choose. He always does. The good news...I still have a couple of weeks to be prepared.
I am mulling over a couple of big decisions for me right now. I hear a part of my brain telling me that I need to get back to work...and then there is another side, that says... there is no rush. There are a couple of financial stresses that are working on the "old" Jodi. I am trying my best to not use that stuff as the excuse that it once was in my life. I was definitely one of those people who hid behind work. I think that there is a HUGE life lesson in not working right now. I hear some of my closest friends talking about what a burden work life is. I want to go back to work, but I am ready for a job to be one part of my life, that I do it with excellence and go home to what really matters. Not the other way around.
Let me tell you what I am sure of. God is always working on our behalf. He knows what we have need of, even before we do. It is our job to get in tune with His will and His way for us. When that harmony happens, LIFE IS GOOD. The idea of chasing happiness in this world, is a pursuit of the bigger and the better... so many times we see that once that is attained, there is something else that is just out of reach. I know that the way God has prepared for us, may not always be the most glamorous, but it will ALWAYS be the most fulfilling. And that is more than I could ask out of life; that God is honored in the way that we live, and how we spend our money, how we maintain our friendships, how we treat those around us. What I call the intangibles. Those will be the things that last forever.
Spend some time today thinking about the legacy that your life is leaving on those around you.
Good night! Love to all!
^j^
I wanted to take a minute to share my thoughts before starting a new week. We are still suffering with some of the flu stuff. Caleb went to school today, and ended up getting sick again only to come home and sleep. Poor guy. He is so good about it. If I was his age and nauseated all the time, I would be complaining all of the time. He doesn't. He takes it in stride, and keeps on going. All the while, helping me. LOVE HIM! Some girl will be so lucky some day! He will be a catch. He is so much like his daddy. I dare say, it makes him the odd-man out right now...but, there will come a day, when his boldness will be the most attractive thing about him. I know it was the reason I fell in love with his daddy...and Hello...Glen ended up with quite a catch!! :)
Sunday was a good service. Lots of new faces for me. I love seeing the church grow, but it sometimes overwhelms me. I really am quite shy until I get to know someone, and not giving in to that is really hard for me when I have to meet new people at church. So many days, I shower, paint on a good face, and push through feeling sick. Some days it is a TOTAL God thing, to put one foot in front of the other. He always rewards me for pushing through.
For everyone who is out of the loop, here is the link for Glen's messages. You remember the post teasing Glen about being a rock star. You can listen to the messages that are being given to Calvary Faith each Sunday. HERE is the link to that site. Bookmark it and check back once in a while to see if there is something there just for you. I would encourage you to listen to the latest "Family Secrets" message about giving to the need. Definitely a new take on an old thought.
I have started my bible study. And I have to admit...I am torn. See, I started the books purchased for the church, but also decided to read a different book for my own quiet time. I am sure that I just need to be patient, and realize that God will give me the right path to choose. He always does. The good news...I still have a couple of weeks to be prepared.
I am mulling over a couple of big decisions for me right now. I hear a part of my brain telling me that I need to get back to work...and then there is another side, that says... there is no rush. There are a couple of financial stresses that are working on the "old" Jodi. I am trying my best to not use that stuff as the excuse that it once was in my life. I was definitely one of those people who hid behind work. I think that there is a HUGE life lesson in not working right now. I hear some of my closest friends talking about what a burden work life is. I want to go back to work, but I am ready for a job to be one part of my life, that I do it with excellence and go home to what really matters. Not the other way around.
Let me tell you what I am sure of. God is always working on our behalf. He knows what we have need of, even before we do. It is our job to get in tune with His will and His way for us. When that harmony happens, LIFE IS GOOD. The idea of chasing happiness in this world, is a pursuit of the bigger and the better... so many times we see that once that is attained, there is something else that is just out of reach. I know that the way God has prepared for us, may not always be the most glamorous, but it will ALWAYS be the most fulfilling. And that is more than I could ask out of life; that God is honored in the way that we live, and how we spend our money, how we maintain our friendships, how we treat those around us. What I call the intangibles. Those will be the things that last forever.
Spend some time today thinking about the legacy that your life is leaving on those around you.
Good night! Love to all!
^j^
Thursday, February 28, 2008
So...I wasn't really ready for the Lysol!
Ok. After a day and a half flat on my back with this flu, the world is seeming to be a nicer place today. Kelsey Jeanne is back at school, Glen William, back at work, and poor old Caleb Michael is HOME with me. The coughing is keeping him so dizzy...so I told him rest is what he needs. Haven't heard anything out of him all morning!
We have had a number of people drop by with soups...and snacks....and ginger ale...and NYQUIL. Our love to all of them. There are so many hard places to go through when you're the pastor's wife, but when you are sick, you have a church full of folks that minister to you. Thanks everyone.
Still no books in the mail. I want them to come YESTERDAY. I know, I know, like a little kid. Some would say that patience is a virtue...I choose to ignore this statement when I am the one waiting. :) If I could only get everyone else on the planet to give in to my way of thinking... Patience is a virtue, for everyone else BUT me.
I have been remiss in my duties lately. Glen has taken to sending a handmade card to every visiting family that comes through Calvary's doors. I had a stock pile of them for him to choose from, but with the number of visitors that have been coming, those cards are almost gone. Looks like I will need to keep stamping. I think this calls for a day with the scrap girls. Now I owe a ton of thank-you's to all of our care-givers thru what I am calling "The Flu of 2008"
Glen made it to church last night. (I didn't, but always get the Reader's Digest version when he comes home) He spoke about Jesus being asleep in the boat. When the storm came up, He ended up asking his disciples where their faith was. One of our guys raised his hand and asked Glen if this was the message that he was going to preach on Sunday. It wasn't, Glen told him that God had laid this message on his heart for that meeting. He said that it went along with exactly what was being discussed in the Sunday morning service that my whole family missed.
God is faithful. Through our faults and failures...and through our sickness. God is faithful. I know that I know, He is trying to teach something to our church. To stretch a little more, give a little more, be a little more, love a little more. That as each of us individually does a little more, God will multiply it. I know that we will realize the vision that God gave to my husband. A church that is seeking God's face and not his hand. I understand that once we get ourselves in line with the Master's plan, ALL of the details will be taken care of. That God's presence would rest so heavy on our ministry that lives will be changed.
We are seeing a harmony coming to our ministries. Sunday School runs into what Glen is teaching about, Weds night runs into the next Sunday school lesson. Without anyone looking to see what is being taught, God is orchestrating all of this. I'll sit in awe of one person's words confirming the one's that we were just taught. It is wonderful!!!
So...back to real life. HOUSEWORK! I don't really feel up to it, but I can't live like this. I have medicines and blankets and pillows everywhere!!! And the thought of people stopping by!!! OH MY!
Our love to all!!
^j^
We have had a number of people drop by with soups...and snacks....and ginger ale...and NYQUIL. Our love to all of them. There are so many hard places to go through when you're the pastor's wife, but when you are sick, you have a church full of folks that minister to you. Thanks everyone.
Still no books in the mail. I want them to come YESTERDAY. I know, I know, like a little kid. Some would say that patience is a virtue...I choose to ignore this statement when I am the one waiting. :) If I could only get everyone else on the planet to give in to my way of thinking... Patience is a virtue, for everyone else BUT me.
I have been remiss in my duties lately. Glen has taken to sending a handmade card to every visiting family that comes through Calvary's doors. I had a stock pile of them for him to choose from, but with the number of visitors that have been coming, those cards are almost gone. Looks like I will need to keep stamping. I think this calls for a day with the scrap girls. Now I owe a ton of thank-you's to all of our care-givers thru what I am calling "The Flu of 2008"
Glen made it to church last night. (I didn't, but always get the Reader's Digest version when he comes home) He spoke about Jesus being asleep in the boat. When the storm came up, He ended up asking his disciples where their faith was. One of our guys raised his hand and asked Glen if this was the message that he was going to preach on Sunday. It wasn't, Glen told him that God had laid this message on his heart for that meeting. He said that it went along with exactly what was being discussed in the Sunday morning service that my whole family missed.
God is faithful. Through our faults and failures...and through our sickness. God is faithful. I know that I know, He is trying to teach something to our church. To stretch a little more, give a little more, be a little more, love a little more. That as each of us individually does a little more, God will multiply it. I know that we will realize the vision that God gave to my husband. A church that is seeking God's face and not his hand. I understand that once we get ourselves in line with the Master's plan, ALL of the details will be taken care of. That God's presence would rest so heavy on our ministry that lives will be changed.
We are seeing a harmony coming to our ministries. Sunday School runs into what Glen is teaching about, Weds night runs into the next Sunday school lesson. Without anyone looking to see what is being taught, God is orchestrating all of this. I'll sit in awe of one person's words confirming the one's that we were just taught. It is wonderful!!!
So...back to real life. HOUSEWORK! I don't really feel up to it, but I can't live like this. I have medicines and blankets and pillows everywhere!!! And the thought of people stopping by!!! OH MY!
Our love to all!!
^j^
Monday, February 25, 2008
Anyone have a can of Lysol?
So everyone was home again today...sick, sick, sick. Hopefully I will be able to kick some of these birdies out of the nest tomorrow. Glen can't really miss work, he doesn't get paid when he is out...so according to my checkbook...he needs to go back even though his cough is still pretty bad. The kids too. Caleb has missed so much school...I don't know if he will even be ok to catch up without a lot of help on my part. We'll figure that out once he gets back in class.
I made my purchase for the new Wednesday night meeting for the ladies. I will be starting a Beth Moore series...titled " A Woman's heart, God's Dwelling place" I am sure that as I begin to prepare for leading the studies, you will have a front row on what God is dealing with me about. I am hoping to have them by the end of the week so I can get started. I want this to be a study that the ladies can't wait to get to. Not something they feel obligated to attend.
This is big for me. Committing to teaching adults. I have filled in for my Mom & Dad teaching adult Sunday school, but that is twice in how many years? While I am not 100% "healthy", there are some days that I still don't really get out of bed. So committing to this, is a step of faith, really. #1- that I will be up to this weekly, and #2- that what I'll bring to the study will be what our ladies need to help us all get to the next levels of our Christian walk. ( I guess that is double speak for being obedient to give out whatever I get)
I also need to start looking for a job really soon. Something about cash flow. I am so used to being able to do what I like to do. Not really worrying about bills. With me being out of work, that situation is a little different. Not to mention the "life events" that have come up. The main TV that blew, some issue with our heat pump...blah, blah, blah. You know what I mean...LIFE stuff. :) I would love a family vacation this year too. Glen hasn't had a "real" vacation since he started Calvary. I would like us to go away for some time...well, AWAY. We'll see what works out for us...I am not stressing out about it.
I am planning some photo sessions coming up really quickly. I am ready to be over this flu so I can get my hands on that baby! He needs to have pictures taken all of the time, he is changing and growing so quickly. I am waiting for a few more flowers to begin their blooming and then I want to take my kids out for some spring pictures too. I love new pictures of the kids.
Only 4 days left in February, again...where is time going? Looking ahead to March... lots to do... birthdays... hoping for a visit from my aunt Julie... looking forward to a March...with our eyes focused on the One who holds our tomorrows.
G'nite all
^j^
I made my purchase for the new Wednesday night meeting for the ladies. I will be starting a Beth Moore series...titled " A Woman's heart, God's Dwelling place" I am sure that as I begin to prepare for leading the studies, you will have a front row on what God is dealing with me about. I am hoping to have them by the end of the week so I can get started. I want this to be a study that the ladies can't wait to get to. Not something they feel obligated to attend.
This is big for me. Committing to teaching adults. I have filled in for my Mom & Dad teaching adult Sunday school, but that is twice in how many years? While I am not 100% "healthy", there are some days that I still don't really get out of bed. So committing to this, is a step of faith, really. #1- that I will be up to this weekly, and #2- that what I'll bring to the study will be what our ladies need to help us all get to the next levels of our Christian walk. ( I guess that is double speak for being obedient to give out whatever I get)
I also need to start looking for a job really soon. Something about cash flow. I am so used to being able to do what I like to do. Not really worrying about bills. With me being out of work, that situation is a little different. Not to mention the "life events" that have come up. The main TV that blew, some issue with our heat pump...blah, blah, blah. You know what I mean...LIFE stuff. :) I would love a family vacation this year too. Glen hasn't had a "real" vacation since he started Calvary. I would like us to go away for some time...well, AWAY. We'll see what works out for us...I am not stressing out about it.
I am planning some photo sessions coming up really quickly. I am ready to be over this flu so I can get my hands on that baby! He needs to have pictures taken all of the time, he is changing and growing so quickly. I am waiting for a few more flowers to begin their blooming and then I want to take my kids out for some spring pictures too. I love new pictures of the kids.
Only 4 days left in February, again...where is time going? Looking ahead to March... lots to do... birthdays... hoping for a visit from my aunt Julie... looking forward to a March...with our eyes focused on the One who holds our tomorrows.
G'nite all
^j^
Saturday, February 23, 2008
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^
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^
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
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...
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^
Monday, February 18, 2008
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^
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^
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
