Proud of our Ladies

So I took a project with me for our ladies group to do. These is a varied bunch of girls, of all ages, all backgrounds. And Me, being the crafter that I am, always manage to take something for them to. Usually things that I like to do.

Well, I took a project of altering a journal for our upcoming series on Wednesday nights. I had a blast. I also have to tell you, some being anti-crafters, they did a GREAT JOB! Their journals looked GREAT!!!! I even got a call saying how much fun it was, and how they thought ALL of the ladies enjoyed it. (Again, wish I had taken my camera, would love to have a picture to share.)

But because I had to take loads of stuff all ready, the camera was low on the list. Thank you CFC ladies, I appreciate that you are willing to try something new! That you will do your best even when your crazy leader comes up with this stuff!!!

Anyway, Glen and I are looking for a little time away. Maybe another day, maybe a one night get away. I can see when I look at him that he is tired. He needs rest, but I am not talking about sleep. I mean REST. Where he can shut his brain down!!! Hopefully, I can dream up something that is reasonably priced, but with enough scenery changes that he can feel at ease.

Thought that I would share a couple more photos of our day together. Hard to believe that was a week ago. I miss you today, Glen Keefer. Looking forward to family night tonight. I don't care if it is popcorn and a movie at home...so long as you are here with us!

Doing Better!!

So here I am...almost 11 pm.

Glen is watching some show about the universe on the science channel. Most husbands watch sports on the edge of the chair yelling at the TV, not my husband. Even better, He chooses an "educational" show about the universe, and then fusses about EVERYTHING that contradicts the bible. I offered to put on a craft show....but that didn't go over very well~ :)

We have been focused on the house for the last few days. Last week, I was really not feeling well. And my HOUSE showed it. I still get to the point of vomiting if I bend and do too much, so everything , including housework, is accomplished is in stages. Things are "better", but we haven't arrived yet. So the rest of this week, we'll keep moving forward, and toward a more orderly version of our home. Even today, my plans of going to the library, and then to pick up some last minute supplies for a project for our ladies to do in our meeting, were derailed by not feeling well.

After medication and a nap, we managed a nice dinner, (Thanks to Glen!!) And we all ate at the table TOGETHER! This is something new that we are trying. We are doing our best to be sure that we sit together and make the time to be a family. I like the comfortable feeling that comes with being deliberate about spending our time together.

On another note, Glen preached his Mother's Day message. I love it when he moves away from the "reminder" notes that he keeps in front of him. He is not keen on holiday messages, but this one was VERY good. I don't think that he has ever used the scripture found in Proverbs 23.

13 Don’t fail to discipline your children.
They won’t die if you spank them.

So many have asked me about my relationship with my kids. I am the first one to tell them. I am reaping the benefits of years of HARD work. Glen and I standby consistency as the number one reason our kids are pretty good. So many times, we didn't want to spank, or punish, or ground them, but because it was the right thing to do, we were quick to follow through. We kept our word. So many people that we know have lost control, and their kids are still in preschool or the first years of elementary school. Kids that back talk, that have attitudes, that throw temper tantrums. Now, I am NOT talking about a tired child who is acting out because of some occasional melt down. I am talking about parents who feel that they need to overindulge, overstimulate, and focus on the "easy" way out when it comes to parenting.

We are raising the next generation. If we teach them at 3 to focus on themselves and satisfying their needs before others, WHAT are we doing to our future? I thought Glen's message was great. And even better, I know that he has lived everything he taught from the pulpit!

Tomorrow is our ladies meeting. My mom has finished her teaching, so this week, I begin teaching. I am looking forward to the next couple of months. I am praying that this will be a great time of learning and growing for the ladies of CFC. I have a couple of ideas that I want to start with them. Things that will allow us to grow closer to God, to our families and to each other.

Universe show is over, and FoodTV is a repeat, the Reverend is off to bed, and I am going to join him.

Love you all!!
^j^

So I forgot to tell ya'll...

A couple of weeks ago, Calvary Faith had a baptism service. Here is a peek at who got baptised!

Don't do a double take. That isn't a double image of Glen. That is a picture of Glen baptising our son, Caleb. We had asked Caleb to wait to be baptised until he was sure that following Christ was what he wanted to do. I was so proud of him. This is one of those times when you know you are doing a good job raising kids. There were 5 people that took that next step of faith. Each of them very special.

We also got to take our first official "Keefer Day". We took the kids and spent the whole day together. Went to see a movie, we walked and laughed together ALL day. After a week of being REALLY under the weather, it was wonderful. Not only to have the kids, but Glen with us too. (Have I mentioned that I love him?) ;o)

Took along my handy dandy camera...and while I am behind the camera 99.9% of the time. We wanted to shoot something we could frame for Mother's Day. Here is the one that I have decided on.

Can't really say this is a nice picture of me. And the breeze was blowing... (I don't choose to wear my hair all over the place) But it captures us. THE KEEFERS, and that was what I wanted to do. We looked ridiculous carrying the tripod and the camera bags...and all of the other things that were necessary. I even got tickled with us. Not to mention the lawn crew was out there working. I think we gave them a show as well. Embarrassing, I sure it is what my kids will say about me after I am gone. "Our Mom was embarrassing."

I hope that in taking the time to be WITH them. They know how much they are loved. That they aren't alone in ANYTHING. Their daddy and I will not only correct and coach them into adulthood, but that we will laugh and play with them as well.

I would hope that is my lasting legacy, a realization that our kids are our first ministry. Before "church", before the needs of others, our kids needs have to be a priority. And I am not talking about indulging them to a fault. I am talking again about the intangible things. Hopefully the memories of days like today, where mom crawled through fresh cut grass, or stood in a ditch or blew a bubble with them. And that Dad loved them enough to set aside EVERYTHING that he has going on to spend the quality time that I know he has missed.

I leave you with that thought. Our children are our legacy. The quality of character, the words they speak, the attitudes they have. All a reflection on us. I pray when people look at my kids, they realize in being preacher's kids, perfection is not what we are striving for. They are imperfect, but lovable, and forgiving, and sweet, and sacrificial in the time they have to share their dad.

Here is one more look at our day!!

Our love to ALL of you!!

^j^

Did you think that I disappeared?

So I have been MIA for over a week. That hasn't happened in a LONG time. But what a week. I haven't really been sitting and using a computer much at all except to look at spreadsheets of the luau preparation information.

I don't think that we have worked as hard as we did with the luau prep and execution. But we have never had such a large crowd turn out for a church social. My thanks to each and everyone that helped with preparation. I love you all!! For Joyce, Bonnie, Sis Jefferies, my friend, Michelle and her hubby, Tom. For my mom, and Glen... all of the ladies that came out to help us decorate...and the whole crew that helped clean up! I appreciate all of your effort. And I love it when a plan comes together, and this one wouldn't have with out these people !

I am hoping that one of the ladies, Lealer, was able to capture some pictures...because I was too busy to shoot my camera even once! And now you know that we must have been busy if I didn't use my camera even once.

Anyway, enough about what we did...next is what is up coming. And I can't tell you that I am ready for the next gathering, but it can't hurt to start thinking about it. :)

So I got my reservation information for our Disney World trip this week. My kids are so excited about this one. I guess because it has been awhile since we have been there, and the other is because my parents are going too. This is just a portion of our traveling crew, there will be several other family and friends that will be there. So exciting. I am hoping for a relaxing time...but one with lots of good memories. (No worries, I'll be sure to have the camera and USE it!)

Glen and I were looking for maybe a few days away between now and then. I find it can be frustrating for both of us to miss out on some "alone" time. Some would question, "If you have been married for so long, why do you need that kind of time?" But I really do. I need time to be a couple. We are working to set aside time every week to be the Keefers. I am tickled that he still loves me enough to do that for our future!

On a completely different subject...He and I had a discussion the other night. And it went something like this...

(Jodi) "Why can't you just stick up for me?"
(Glen) " I will when you are right"
(Jodi) "Can't you just say that I am right and be my support?"
(Glen) "Not when you are wrong."

Ever try to convince yourself that you are right...even when in your heart of hearts you KNOW that you are wrong? I was there! And my husband wouldn't support me in it! I have watched SO many people try to justify their actions, try to say "Well, bless God, that is the way that I was born" Or that it the way that I was raised... Or I didn't have (____) so I can't (____). (You can fill in these blanks)

My kids used to sing this little song when they were small...

Excuses, excuses, I hear them every day.
And the Devil he'll supply them, if from church you stay away.
When people come to know the Lord, the Devil always loses
So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.

If I am being honest, there are times in life when it is so much easier to "mail it in" Not work through whatever has a "bee in your bonnet" Do you think that anything gets solved that way? I am learning everyday...that it doesn't! It just puts off the inevitable. Either a melt down, or a confrontation that could be avoided.

I would love to tell you that I was right. But my attitude was so bad, even I could smell it! I was SO wrong...and there was my beloved... reassuring me that I was WRONG.

Anyway, my life lesson for this busy week. To focus on self is a bad thing. Even when you think that someone else's actions have warranted it. If the words that come out of your mouth are "I, I , I , I , I... " Then your issues are bigger than one mis-step in your Christian walk. I was reminded one more time that I am called to focus on MY feet. To watch my steps, not to look to the left or right....but to be sure that JODI is doing what she is supposed to.

LOL... Yeah I know...would have thought that I learned this lesson all ready. It is amazing how quickly we can fall into the "same old stuff"

Getting late, waiting for Glen to get home from one of those crazy Monday shifts. I'll be better about posting. (Or at least, I'll try!!!)

Our love
^j^

Friday?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love to you all!!!
^j^

Just had to share

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What a week!

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

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

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

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

What else...

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

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

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

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

^j^