No...I am still here.

It isn't that I don't have a whole lot to talk about... it is really a matter of feeling "up" to sitting at the computer while I read and reread...always trying to be sure that what I say actually makes sense.

You'll be happy to know that the stomach virus that had the Keefer house captive, has left the premises. YEAH!! We have cleaned and sanitized and now are ready to start SUMMER. Kelsey Jeanne has another few days of school. So next week, I'll be home with BOTH of the Keefer kids. Look out Raleigh. We will be around taking pictures and doing some fun things this summer but will be staying close to home because GAS prices are CRAZY!


Our youth group had a yard sale last week to raise money to go Kingsfest. King's Dominion's version of "christian day at the amusement park". They did a great job...they worked together and raised almost $500 after all was said and done. I was so proud of them. Some kids are trouble makers. We really don't have any like that! They get along, they worked together, and made it a nice day to spend "working" at the church.



Here are a couple of pictures:

This is a little brother who came to help his older siblings raise some money for their trip. I think that he was what drew the crowds that we saw! Owen... he is a cutie!

I suppose that I should "retouch" some of my photos. But this one of Caleb, didn't need a whole lot. One would think that he spent some time in braces with those teeth...but he gets that from his MOMMA! Everything else...yeah....that is his daddy!!! Anyway, I thought this picture was a keeper! And yes, it is from the yard sale! My kids are ready to pose at a moments notice. LOVE THAT BOY! Speaking of Daddy....

He spent the day keeping a watchful eye on the crew. Can I say something about my husband? First... I love him. Second, he is unlike so many of the clergy that I have known through the years. He works full time... He pastors CFC... he took on the youth group on. They needed a leader...he decided that he would fill the position for now. He is a hands on worker. Sometimes to a fault, because he tries to do TOO much with the "extra" time that he has. (Let's just say, that we aren't winning any awards for the landscaping or the lawn color in our neighborhood) He isn't sitting at some head table barking orders. He isn't wired that way. I have had conversations with other ministers and wives, they seem to have an attitude of "deserving".

Here are my two cents about that. If we were given what we "deserve" by God, how many of us would still be alive? None, I fear. If I can be behind the scenes with my hands dirty with the tasks I have, so be it. My husband... is just that kind of pastor. He lives out Christ's example of bending to be a servant even when your "title" says you don't have to. I know that my parents taught us to serve others. To esteem them higher than ourselves, I am so glad that I married a man whose Christian leadership taught him that as well. When it is ingrained in us to be "do-ers", serving as an adult becomes very easy.

I pray that our kids have learned that lesson. My kids are not indulged. Some think that as pastor's kids, they would be. They are VERY compassionate. I have heard so many cute stories about other people's kids. I could tell a million about my kids as well, but show me kids that are well behaved, polite and don't have "typical" attitudes...and I'll show you parents that have done a GREAT job.

Ok...I'll leave the rest of that for my next post!

Our love

^j^

Wednesday is always a good day....

I should start this post by saying that *most* Wednesday's are good. I use the day to prepare my final thoughts for what I am going to share with the Ladies in our small group meeting. And the book that I have been using as a guide line has been really good so far. I love it when that happens. You know, when having something to say isn't an effort because you can identify with your teaching materials.

Tonight's lesson is a continuation in the study of Israel's relationship with God during the time of Isaiah. But it finishes in a really great place of soul searching. Our journal work for the upcoming week will be an examination of areas of our own life that we are still held captive by.

In this study, the word captivity is synonymous with the word bondage. What holds you back? What keeps you from realizing the best that God has for you? We are going to talk about issues in our past, issues of never feeling worthy or good enough, the issues of legalism that have crept into the hearts of so many Christians. Christ came to set everyone free. The bible is clear that God wants none of us to perish without coming to the saving knowledge of Christ. According to the scripture, Christ came as an ambassador of the HEART condition of men, not as the political figure that the Jewish people were looking for. Or to remove from us every trial in life.

"CHRIST came to set ALL captives free, no matter what yoke binds them
HE came to bind the broken hearted, no matter what broke their heart
He came to open the eyes of the blind, No matter what has veiled their vision."

We need to stop placing limitations on what God can heal and remove and cause restoration in. It is time as Christians we stop trying to qualify who is "good" enough. And rather than click our tongues with the words, "I told you so", we should hurt for those who have fallen away or choose to stand on the sidelines forever a voyeur of life. I am sure that if we could see the lives of those around us through Jesus eyes for just a moment, we would be forever changed. Transformed by the grace and mercy that God is so quick to show after repentance.

Wonder how many in church today carry around the "secret" things that they hide from the outside world? Maybe out of fear of judgment, maybe out of fear of rejection, maybe because they tried to share it once before and that didn't go over so well. Whatever the reason...God knows. Now if I can just keep remembering that there is no difference in God's love toward each of us. God doesn't love me 3x more than someone else because I was obedient last week. God's love is the same for each of us. So what are OUR issues that hold us back from accepting that fully? There is the real question. God isn't in heaven opening and closing the spigot on his love depending on who is underneath the flow. The question is why do we CHOOSE not to stand under it completely? Why is just getting our feet wet enough, or for some, why is just getting up to our knees wet, OK?

Enough, enough...I know. But when you have one of those moments that helps you to realize that NONE of us have arrived yet... You just want to tell it!

Blessings!!!
^j^

Erin...this post is for you!!

We had a Memorial Day picnic at my Mom and Dad's house today. And the subject of blogging came up. My friend, (and partner in MOST crimes) Erin said that she starts her day by reading the news and our blogs with her morning coffee. Needless to say this post is for HER!!! I didn't want her to start work on Tuesday morning without something new to READ!! (Sorry Erin, I know that you are not usually about a picture, but there are tons of people who don't know who you are!!)

I had a great time at the picnic, the big kids were too cool to hang with us, so once they ate, they were GONE...off to play with the Wii at my house or to walk and talk among themselves. The little kids played with a slip and slide that my friend Bonnie brought. It was fun watching them...of course I sent for my camera.

Below you will see Bonnie's daughter, Chloe. The next two are Lealer's smallest kids, Dayton and Heather. Last is Logey's little girl Hannah. I think each of them was grateful for that splash of cool water on a warm summer day!!!

We ate, and laughed and laughed and ate. Joyce brought her famous desserts. I just enjoy days like that. When you can let your hair down, and relax. There were a few spouses missing, some had to work, but a few of the guys managed a good game of horseshoes... (and this was the "young team?!?) LOL

Now on to things upcoming... We started our study last week in the ladies Weds night group. I have been in very prayerful about these teachings. I spend a lot of time preparing, and while I still feel very inadequate in teaching, I pray that the ladies will learn and grow with me through them. So we are using the journals that they made a couple of weeks ago!!

With school coming to a close pretty quickly for Kelsey, we are hoping to get a little more "fun" stuff in with my kids. Let's see if blogging will be a more "regular" part of my week!!! (I know, I know...not been really good about it lately )

Be on the look out for new posts...coming soon and more frequently!!! :)

Hugs to all of you!

^j^

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^