Because I don't know that I have been true to my word. Some days posting something is EASY, and others...it is tiring. Not because I don't have anything to say, but normally because my fingers are too tired to type.
SO...yesterday we pulled Caleb out of public school. Not an easy decision for me, but one that I have thought long and hard about. Caleb started out this school year with a good attitude, but was soon discouraged by a teacher that had some serious issues of her own. I met with his teaching group, and was very up front with them about the things that Caleb had to work on, and the things they could help him with. For some reason, out of 4 teachers, I would say 3 were fair, and one was just plain rotten. She made everything difficult for both Caleb and myself. I am sick and tired of fighting for a mediocre education for Caleb. So...with God's help, I am going to go where this mom has never gone before. And HOME SCHOOL my eldest child.
Leaving the younger one turning green with ENVY! Poor Kelsey Jeanne. She is so smart, she just doesn't understand that she is doing well right where she is. I know that she hates getting up before the sun to catch the bus, but other than that; she thrives on knowing she really is a SMART cookie. If the situation were reversed, I wouldn't hesitate to pull her out. And truly, if things go really well with Caleb, and our finances work out so that I can stay home, then I ABSOLUTELY will think about keeping her home with us as well. We shall see!
Preparing for tomorrow nights "Women of Faith" meeting. My mom is actually doing the study this week. I am doing our meeting feature. We are going to make some Thank-you cards for the good "Rev" to send to church visitors. It seems that with all of the other junk that I work on, his card selection is never very good. So I have enlisted this lovely group to aid me in taking care of this. I hope they enjoy the projects that I'll take! Maybe some will fall in love with stamping as much as I have...you know, where the smell of new acrylic or rubber...makes me smile. LOL
For everyone else that I haven't talked to, it has been determined that Bry has a staph infection in the spinal fluid. And today is STILL at UNC-Chapel Hill's hospital. I know how he misses his wife and son, I am sure that at this point, missing this amount of time is like missing MONTHS with a itty bitty at home...Ethen is growing and changing so much. Just keep praying for him, I know that God will give him the grace to endure whatever he has to in order to get better. That is what I am praying for...a HEALTHY Bry. We haven't seen one of those in years!
I think that those are all of the updates on the home front. We had our anniversary extravaganza this past Sunday. We had record numbers in attendance...and a week BEFORE Easter! Very exciting! Continue to remember Calvary in your prayers. I am so encouraged by the recent growth, but I want what God has for us. Nothing more, and nothing less! His perfect will has become so important to me. For our church, for my family, for my conversation...every where and ALL the time. There is no higher calling than to be a vessel used by the Master. Filled and emptied daily, and filled again! Sometimes we want to "feel" the fullness of the Holy Spirit. To hold on to those times when God is right there! But there are times that we all have to walk in, when the road seems so long and lonely. It is in these times, there are lessons to be learned, there are tasks to be accomplished. And to focus on what WE have going on in the world... is living so far beneath the place that God has called us to. I am not talking about neglecting the mortgage or the light bill. I am talking about accomplishing the things that are eternal while doing what we have to do.
If the things of God seem like drudgery, then we are living upside down. It should be the things of God that give us the most joy. I will admit sometimes they keep my so BUSY. But it is my nature to be busy. And knowing that what I do, no matter how small, is pleasing God...then it is worth a little bit of hustle!
Remember life is but a vapor! Here today, and gone tomorrow! Invest in something that will endure! Spend your time focused on what will bring you joy for eternity...and not just joy for a moment!
Love to all!
^j^
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Not defeated!
Know that post that I just left Sunday? I am re-reading it today! Things are tough this morning. BUT I am pushing through it. As many of you know my younger brother, Bryan, had some major surgery a few weeks ago. Well, yesterday things took a turn and he is back in the hospital.
My heart is heavy. I don't know how else to describe what I am feeling. But not out of selfishness or the "poor me" syndrome. I learned a very valuable lesson a few months ago. There are people who want to live in the past. They want to use life situations as a crutch to explain away their inconsistencies. They have decided that rather than live in gratitude for today, they want to be stuck in the mire of yesterday. They chose, years ago, to set up a tent in the land of hurt...and they go back every day for a visit.
I know that I was one of those people! And God allows me to cross paths with them, and there have been several that I have tried to encourage to leave it in the past...and allow Christ to heal those places that have been worn and are raw from hurt. I know that each of us could tell stories about those times. But those aren't the places that God has called us to live in. He wants us to know that he was holding us through EVERY circumstance that the enemy would use to destroy our future and hope! There is a refuge... And He truly is all that we need.
The conversation that I had with my brother on Sunday let me know that he is choosing to stay in his tent! I can't join him there! There have been others in my life... that choose that tent. There isn't a tent sturdy enough to shelter me from all of the 'hurt'. I choose the strong tower!! I choose to lay it at Christ's feet. I CHOOSE to leave it where it belongs when the enemy tries to dredge it up in me. IT IS A CHOICE!
As I have grown in my faith, choice is a HUGE word. It makes ME accountable for me. I can't blame my situation, I can't blame my family, I can't excuse it away, by saying that is just the way God created me! It is all about choosing DAILY...minute by minute, what is most pleasing to God. As Christians, if we CHOOSE to give in to what our flesh wants, we run the risk of losing our witness to the world around us. What does the bible say about that?
2It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3So watch yourselves... Luke 17:2-3
I believe that this scripture is talking about anyone who is not established in their faith. And let's be real...you can be in church your whole life...and be a baby in faith. I am praying for Bryan! He has choices that HE needs to make! The same way that we all do!!''
What choices have you been faced with? What is God trying to teach you in those choices? Look for it! It is there! The lesson that will allow you to not struggle as deeply the "next time" that circumstances comes your way.
Know that this post is about loving someone so much that you want them to do better! If I didn't care, I wouldn't be on my knees about it!
^j^
My heart is heavy. I don't know how else to describe what I am feeling. But not out of selfishness or the "poor me" syndrome. I learned a very valuable lesson a few months ago. There are people who want to live in the past. They want to use life situations as a crutch to explain away their inconsistencies. They have decided that rather than live in gratitude for today, they want to be stuck in the mire of yesterday. They chose, years ago, to set up a tent in the land of hurt...and they go back every day for a visit.
I know that I was one of those people! And God allows me to cross paths with them, and there have been several that I have tried to encourage to leave it in the past...and allow Christ to heal those places that have been worn and are raw from hurt. I know that each of us could tell stories about those times. But those aren't the places that God has called us to live in. He wants us to know that he was holding us through EVERY circumstance that the enemy would use to destroy our future and hope! There is a refuge... And He truly is all that we need.
The conversation that I had with my brother on Sunday let me know that he is choosing to stay in his tent! I can't join him there! There have been others in my life... that choose that tent. There isn't a tent sturdy enough to shelter me from all of the 'hurt'. I choose the strong tower!! I choose to lay it at Christ's feet. I CHOOSE to leave it where it belongs when the enemy tries to dredge it up in me. IT IS A CHOICE!
As I have grown in my faith, choice is a HUGE word. It makes ME accountable for me. I can't blame my situation, I can't blame my family, I can't excuse it away, by saying that is just the way God created me! It is all about choosing DAILY...minute by minute, what is most pleasing to God. As Christians, if we CHOOSE to give in to what our flesh wants, we run the risk of losing our witness to the world around us. What does the bible say about that?
2It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3So watch yourselves... Luke 17:2-3
I believe that this scripture is talking about anyone who is not established in their faith. And let's be real...you can be in church your whole life...and be a baby in faith. I am praying for Bryan! He has choices that HE needs to make! The same way that we all do!!''
What choices have you been faced with? What is God trying to teach you in those choices? Look for it! It is there! The lesson that will allow you to not struggle as deeply the "next time" that circumstances comes your way.
Know that this post is about loving someone so much that you want them to do better! If I didn't care, I wouldn't be on my knees about it!
^j^
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The party is over?
I had the pleasure of attending a "princess birthday" party on Saturday afternoon. I went with camera in hand. Here is one of Kelsey that I managed to capture.
She was a big help with all of the little kids. Kelsey Jeanne is a sweet girl! No matter what her daddy says! We had a very nice time. I am hoping that in the almost 150 pictures, there were some that the birthday girl's mommy liked.
Another Sunday almost over. I love to see Sunday come, but they sure are BUSY! I think we have had a total of 45 minutes of quiet time since this morning. And HELLO...I lost an hour. Well, not that I lost the hour, we all did. Daylight savings Spring ahead rule. Just an excuse to rob me of one hour of precious sleep!!! LOL, I really do like that the days seem so much longer. Gives me more time to get into trouble.
Glen's message was good, another in the Family Secrets series. We also had new people again this morning. Plus had all the recent visitors came back. Even more exciting, several people made a decision for Christ in the service. There is nothing better than that. How many times do we forget that is the most important part of ministry. I think Glen was doubly blessed because a few of them were teenagers. He has such a heart for young people. As part of the new Wednesday night family hour, he is taking on the youth group. We are in the process of looking for a youth minister, but if you know Glen, he will scrutinize everyone VERY carefully before allowing them access to HIS teens. I guess because he started in youth ministry, it holds a very special place in his heart. Always will...even when he is old and grey. (He is well on his way to that too!!! lol)
Went and saw our baby today. First time in a LONG time, because of the flu we shared for several weeks. He is getting SO BIG! HOLY COW!!! The Keefers were little skinny babies, Ethen Michael is a CHUNK...and so sweet and loving! At 10 weeks, he nuzzles and is starting to really focus and coo. So sweet, I asked his mommy if it was better now that she is a little older. (My sister in law has 2 teenage girls) She has assured me that it is better being a mom later in life. I can see when she holds him that she LOVES her little man. Here is a picture of him from today. (YES all of those chins are HIS!!)
I don't think he knows what his aunt Jodi looks like...because I am the lady with the black box on my face that just flashes bright lights at him...POOR LITTLE GUY!
Again, got together with the scrap girls last night as well. Let me tell you, I laugh SO hard with these girls. I always have a good time! Always. Last night was no different, and we had our daughters with us. All three of the girls have been known to scrapbook with us. We ate, and laughed, and ate some more. Did a little shopping...Was a really nice night. LOVE the scrap girls.
Tomorrow is a brand new day. Full of mercy that is new every morning. Aren't you grateful that Christ's mercies are NEW every single day? The past is left there. Each day we pick up our cross and make a CHOICE to follow him. A decision that is totally up to each and every one of us. God sees our hearts and motives...there is NOTHING hidden from Him. He knows the very intent of our heart. Can't pull the wool over God's eyes. He sees you, right where you are! And He loves you. I am SOOOOO grateful for that. I am so glad that God sees my heart, and knows WHO I am personally. There are so many that I know who have a great "head" knowledge. But when you fellowship with them...the depth that should be evident is missing. Another one of those things that God is teaching me. If you don't live what you "say" you believe, you will be called out for it. My dad talked about it this morning. I don't want to come across as "fake" or "phony". REAL is where it is at.
I guess that is one of the blessings of blogging. I sit, and leave my thoughts for ya'll to read. I hope that by seeing what rattles around in my brain, allows you to see ME. 100% of Jodi Keefer.
Our love to all of you!
^j^
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Tomorrow...?
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^
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^
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^
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