Hey all!
I have been out of town for a few days tending to some family business. Well, not really business. Just tending to family. And the good news is...my trip has been well worth the travel. Things are looking up...and that is a wonderful thing!! I am praying that God will finish the work that he has started. He is faithful when we are not. I am so glad for that. I know that this weekend was not about anything I said or didn't say. It was truly about a God that is waiting...just waiting for us to take the first step toward him. I pray that the steps that are taken...will lead to a strong committed walk...that is the ultimate goal!!!
Funny thing...I got this email from a friend just before I left for my little trip. And under the guise of Christian sisterhood...tried to tell me WHO I am and how I have let her down. (The enemy knows what to whisper to you when you need it the least) I am so grateful that I know who I am in Christ. When an attack is SO far out in left field; it leaves me feeling very peaceful and a little sorry for the initiator. While I am far from perfect, I know that I know that I wouldn't intentionally have caused anyone harm. So for someone to think that I would ever be motivated by a vindictive spirit; it tells me that they never took the time to listen and get to know who I am.
Once upon a time, getting an email like this one from someone that I thought was my friend, would have devastated me. I have to tell you, that I am not upset. I truly feel that I can step over these types of stumbling blocks...and not even allow a step to falter. It demonstrates in my life...that I am growing...and changing and being transformed into the woman that God created me to be. THAT alone is HUGE for me. A year ago it would have mattered to me that someone was upset with me, at this point in time...I feel badly that she has misconstrued the situation and stewed about it so long, that it took on a life of it's own for her. God surely isn't in that. There are people in this world who are "takers". These are the people that don't really care what you are going through. I have never been one of these people. I am sure at times, that I have demonstrated some of these characteristics....but 94% of the time...I am a giver. I give when I don't have it to give. And you know what, I am learning that to be anything else is a black eye on calling myself a christian.
In this year of illness and challenges, I have learned that God's grace is sufficient. Man's approval, or friendship is wonderful, but I am convinced that should NONE walk with me, I will follow the God that I promised myself to so many years ago.
I am exactly who I have purported myself to be. The good, the bad and the ugly!!! :) No fake or false about me. While I am sure there are people who would protest and say that "Jodi, she is a piece of work"...I would agree. I hope that I am constantly changing, a piece of clay in the hand of a potter...growing, changing, being transformed.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Glen says I need to BLOG more often.
Glen feels like this is the only time that he knows what is really rattling around in my brain, so in order to seem less mysterious... I'll post a little something.
My family has been in town visiting. Last weekend my grandfather and my aunts came for a visit to see the newest member of the Smith clan. This weekend it is my uncle and his girlfriend visiting with her son. Phew, been busy!! Mostly preparing food. And I don't even cook for MY family!! LOLOL
So tonight at dinner, my older brother announced to everyone that I had been "terminated" from my job. It hurt my feelings...if that isn't weird! I pride myself on the work that I do...Hmmmm...and now that I am not working... Who am I?
I find myself trying to make excuses about WHY I am not working, from being sick...to why should I work when I can stay home and collect my unemployment money, until I can physically work a "full day"
Riddle me this, why do I define myself by the job I work/or not work? Why is my role as a mom and wife not enough? Maybe these are the real questions that I need to ask myself? Maybe the soul searching that I do should be to look inward to see what God sees when he looks at me? (And I am sure that it isn't my job, or my weight...or anything on the outside) The bible says "for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. ..." 1 Sam 16:7 If I believe that the bible is true, (and I do) then shouldn't I measure myself by the same yard stick that God is using to measure me?
I think that I could let go of a lot of things that trouble me, you know, that kind of stuff that keeps me up at night. LITERALLY! There have been rumblings about a book , actually a few of them, and maybe I should take that on as my accomplishment of 2008. And then I can "focus" on something beside how I feel.
Enough about me, we are scrapping at the church tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. I might get something done... Let's hope that the weather cooperates with us. They are calling for SNOW!!
Gotta go to bed, I have to make my roast and potatoes in the morning...or we'll be eating PIZZA!! yuck!! Then still need to pack some stuff in order to have EVERYTHING that I need at the church for cropping time!!
It is late..so off to bed I go.
HUGS!
Jo
My family has been in town visiting. Last weekend my grandfather and my aunts came for a visit to see the newest member of the Smith clan. This weekend it is my uncle and his girlfriend visiting with her son. Phew, been busy!! Mostly preparing food. And I don't even cook for MY family!! LOLOL
So tonight at dinner, my older brother announced to everyone that I had been "terminated" from my job. It hurt my feelings...if that isn't weird! I pride myself on the work that I do...Hmmmm...and now that I am not working... Who am I?
I find myself trying to make excuses about WHY I am not working, from being sick...to why should I work when I can stay home and collect my unemployment money, until I can physically work a "full day"
Riddle me this, why do I define myself by the job I work/or not work? Why is my role as a mom and wife not enough? Maybe these are the real questions that I need to ask myself? Maybe the soul searching that I do should be to look inward to see what God sees when he looks at me? (And I am sure that it isn't my job, or my weight...or anything on the outside) The bible says "for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. ..." 1 Sam 16:7 If I believe that the bible is true, (and I do) then shouldn't I measure myself by the same yard stick that God is using to measure me?
I think that I could let go of a lot of things that trouble me, you know, that kind of stuff that keeps me up at night. LITERALLY! There have been rumblings about a book , actually a few of them, and maybe I should take that on as my accomplishment of 2008. And then I can "focus" on something beside how I feel.
Enough about me, we are scrapping at the church tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. I might get something done... Let's hope that the weather cooperates with us. They are calling for SNOW!!
Gotta go to bed, I have to make my roast and potatoes in the morning...or we'll be eating PIZZA!! yuck!! Then still need to pack some stuff in order to have EVERYTHING that I need at the church for cropping time!!
It is late..so off to bed I go.
HUGS!
Jo
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Baby is home
Ethen Michael is home...for a few days now and from what I know of his homecoming he is doing well. He is the sweetest boy! All ready has decided that he likes to be held all of the time. Just like his daddy used to be!!! LOLOL
We just got word from one of our dearest friends that their family is going through a struggle right now. The husband/daddy of the family is one of Glen's mentors. One of those guys who knew Glen back when and really helped shape Glen's life. He was just recently told that he has cancer. They have shared the details of the matter with us, and we are praying that God will sustain them through all of it. They have children that are my kids ages, and this makes for a scary situation for them as well. As adults we know about the power of prayer, sometimes our kids, who are still maturing understand that God is real, but haven't experienced the trials of faith that cause us grow. These kids are GOOD kids, and just need our prayers that they will have a peace as they watch the circumstances with their dad unfold. I want them to know that we are supporting them with prayer through this challenge, and when word comes back that all is well, we will celebrate with them as well. So as you whisper your daily prayers, just remember the Rotella family.
As for the Keefer's, we made it through birthdays and the holidays seemingly unscathed. Now to sit back and rest for a bit before we have to kick it into high gear. Church is going well, and Glen has been preaching some good messages. (A compliment that I don't share with him often for fear that I won't be able to fit in the room with his swollen head!!) The title of this message is KEEP MOVING FORWARD. (yes, he stole that from a Disney movie) It was a message to push yourself to do more, to be more, to reach the purpose that God has called us to. It is my motto for 2008. Keep moving forward....
Look for my next post, I'll keep you in the loop about our friends and will post some more pictures of the baby....
Love to all
J ^i^
We just got word from one of our dearest friends that their family is going through a struggle right now. The husband/daddy of the family is one of Glen's mentors. One of those guys who knew Glen back when and really helped shape Glen's life. He was just recently told that he has cancer. They have shared the details of the matter with us, and we are praying that God will sustain them through all of it. They have children that are my kids ages, and this makes for a scary situation for them as well. As adults we know about the power of prayer, sometimes our kids, who are still maturing understand that God is real, but haven't experienced the trials of faith that cause us grow. These kids are GOOD kids, and just need our prayers that they will have a peace as they watch the circumstances with their dad unfold. I want them to know that we are supporting them with prayer through this challenge, and when word comes back that all is well, we will celebrate with them as well. So as you whisper your daily prayers, just remember the Rotella family.
As for the Keefer's, we made it through birthdays and the holidays seemingly unscathed. Now to sit back and rest for a bit before we have to kick it into high gear. Church is going well, and Glen has been preaching some good messages. (A compliment that I don't share with him often for fear that I won't be able to fit in the room with his swollen head!!) The title of this message is KEEP MOVING FORWARD. (yes, he stole that from a Disney movie) It was a message to push yourself to do more, to be more, to reach the purpose that God has called us to. It is my motto for 2008. Keep moving forward....
Look for my next post, I'll keep you in the loop about our friends and will post some more pictures of the baby....
Love to all
J ^i^
Sunday, December 30, 2007
So it has been a while...
I know...I know...it has been a forever since I last posted...but hello....Caleb's birthday has come & gone and so has Christmas! Phew!! Thought that it would never get here. I am glad that the busy part of the season is over. Now all I have left is Kelsey J's birthday..and then I get a break!
And I think that I need a break!!
Woke up with a really bad migraine headache. Didn't make it to church...made it to the medicine chest...took some meds and back to bed I went...QUICKLY. It was about noon when I got up and took another dose to finish off what was left of the pain. Tomorrow I have to prepare for the New Years Eve party we are having at church. Not too much more to do there.
Saw the scrapbook girls yesterday...I always have a good time with them. I gave Erin the bag that I made for her. I think that she enjoyed it. It has Ursula on it. Her FAVE disney character. Now I have to finish the other one that I started for Logey. Just having some trouble with the medallion that I want to put on it. Then...she get hers to
Today, I took pictures of my brother and sister in law. She is ready to have my newphew anyday...(I think that it is them every time the phone rings) So we took some pictures while she still has Ethen in her Belly! They came out so nice...Take a look at this one.
Upcoming....We have KJ's birthday like I said, and then Scrapbooking on the 19th of January. I am going to try something new with this crop. A little more structure. I am going to try putting together a "Love" themed mini chipboard book. See how that goes over. Some of these girls are very...Um....stuck in a rut of doing the same things over and over...let's see if we can shake 'em up.
All right ya'll gotta finish my Family Feud board for tomorrow's game night!!
Talk to ya soon...
J ^i^
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Just settled in for a long...
We just got home from Joyce's Christmas party. And it was WONDERFUL. There are VERY few people here that I am "at home" with. Joyce, Dale and Bonnie are some of those people. I always feel comfortable around them. And take it from me, that is saying something!! Food was great...the Christmas decorations were beautiful...and the fellowship was wonderful. I couldn't ask for more! Joyce had told me about a new set of Christmas dishes that she had recently purchased. My mom and I went to the store found the set, and then debated about which piece she would like. We went with the cake stand, and the salt and pepper shakers. She didn't have either of them!! I like it when a plan comes together.
Ok...gonna have to kick it up a notch. We are heading into the season of being BUSY. We start in 4 days for Calebman's birthday. 14....where has our time gone? MY BABY will be 14. Who can even believe it?? I was very proud of him today. We were talking at our fellowship breakfast about what Christmas means to us. Caleb made the comment about how grateful he is that Jesus came to be born...because without being born...he couldn't have died to save us. I guess that is a way of knowing that your doing the job that God called you to. When your kids start talking about the things of God in mature ways. AMAZING. After Cay's birthday, we move into Christmas. then New Years...then Kelsey Jeanne's birthday. Let's just say...things will be getting back to "normal" about February.
Glen's message this morning was very good. I am so proud of him when he allows God to minister through him. Sometimes...getting the flesh out of the way is a challenge. I can see him struggle with it some days. Today was a message of urgency. Letting our church know that God is a priority. He should hold the first place in our hearts EVERY day. Not only on Sunday. That he matters in every area...not only in church... or the areas that we have designated as his...but EVERY area. That God needs to be the first thought that we have in the morning...and the last thought before we rest our heads. Let's just say...he made Mama proud!
Ok...It is after 11pm...and I need my beauty rest. LOTS of it at this point.
Toodles!!
Jo
^j^
Ok...gonna have to kick it up a notch. We are heading into the season of being BUSY. We start in 4 days for Calebman's birthday. 14....where has our time gone? MY BABY will be 14. Who can even believe it?? I was very proud of him today. We were talking at our fellowship breakfast about what Christmas means to us. Caleb made the comment about how grateful he is that Jesus came to be born...because without being born...he couldn't have died to save us. I guess that is a way of knowing that your doing the job that God called you to. When your kids start talking about the things of God in mature ways. AMAZING. After Cay's birthday, we move into Christmas. then New Years...then Kelsey Jeanne's birthday. Let's just say...things will be getting back to "normal" about February.
Glen's message this morning was very good. I am so proud of him when he allows God to minister through him. Sometimes...getting the flesh out of the way is a challenge. I can see him struggle with it some days. Today was a message of urgency. Letting our church know that God is a priority. He should hold the first place in our hearts EVERY day. Not only on Sunday. That he matters in every area...not only in church... or the areas that we have designated as his...but EVERY area. That God needs to be the first thought that we have in the morning...and the last thought before we rest our heads. Let's just say...he made Mama proud!
Ok...It is after 11pm...and I need my beauty rest. LOTS of it at this point.
Toodles!!
Jo
^j^
Ok...have you noticed ??
So is it me? Or have you noticed that when I begin to feel encouraged...(and I write about it) that something else comes to steal my joy! Whether it is an argument with Glen...or a brawl with the kids. Today, I am putting my foot down. No more riding waves. I need to show the firm foundation that I have built my entire life on. The one that doesn't sway with indecision...the one that stands for all time!! So...no pity party today!!
I have actually been busy. Went to my sleep study...lived through that...but still have no results from UNC as of this post. Came home to spend some time with the scrapbook DIVAs. They actually were out of work for a few days...and wanted to see if life was truly better NOT working. (They said they could get used to my schedule) We laughed and cut up. Worked on some Christmas gifts. Chip board albums for some. Christmas cards for others. I served as the "helper" for both. Approving of the color...or cutting out the letters that were needed to complete that one page that is missing something!! Was a great couple of days.
Also this week, my parents wedding anniversary. Married 38 years, and my mom is still putting up with my daddy!! LOLOL They are a great example to us about what God expects out of marriage. They are as crazy as bedbugs...but they are MINE and I LOVE em.
Kelsey Jeanne had a solo in the school play. She did a great job...sang beautifully...hit every dance move...and looked adorable. (I'll take credit for that!!! Took forever to blowdry her hair!)
I somehow managed to squeeze in a little shopping for the kids. Still have my dad and Caleb to buy for. We hit some of the clothing stores today. These kids keep growing..and no matter how quickly I buy things...they seem to outgrow things before they even get the wear out of it. UGH...I know, I know...they are supposed to be like that at this stage in life...but I miss those little cuties that I used to chase around the house. Now...I chase them... but sometimes with a frying pan in my hand!! :O)
Tomorrow we have a breakfast instead of Sunday school...so I am making my famous biscuits and gravy. One of Kelsey's favorites. And I don't do a lot of cooking lately, but I figured I better try to keep my skills honed. Tonight we made our Christmas cookies. They were baked with love...(hope that flavor is the one to come through!) These will be distributed tomorrow after Morning church service. With everyone knowing that Rev Glen Keefer...didn't set foot in the kitchen to help...even though his name appears on the gift tag!! LOLOLOL
Heard from some of our NY family & friends. Yeah...for those of you southern folks that read this....THERE are still people left in NY. They have not ALL moved south! I love hearing about what is going on with them. Makes me miss home, and those comfortable places that we had before moving to NC. They know the Keefers...before we were the keefers..and that is saying something!!!
All right clock is heading for 1:30am...and this lady needs to be presentable in the morning...so I am going to try for a little sleep. We have Joyce's Christmas party tomorrow night. I am so excited. I pretend to bake. Joyce is our resident expert. I have not had anything that she prepared that I didn't like...(and that is saying something from this picky eater!!!) I picked up a gift for her...I hope she likes it!
All right kids...Have a lovely Sunday...spend some time with your creator...I hear that his birthday celebration is rapidly approaching. Don't forget that HE is the reason for this season!!!
Talk at cha
Jo
^i^
I have actually been busy. Went to my sleep study...lived through that...but still have no results from UNC as of this post. Came home to spend some time with the scrapbook DIVAs. They actually were out of work for a few days...and wanted to see if life was truly better NOT working. (They said they could get used to my schedule) We laughed and cut up. Worked on some Christmas gifts. Chip board albums for some. Christmas cards for others. I served as the "helper" for both. Approving of the color...or cutting out the letters that were needed to complete that one page that is missing something!! Was a great couple of days.
Also this week, my parents wedding anniversary. Married 38 years, and my mom is still putting up with my daddy!! LOLOL They are a great example to us about what God expects out of marriage. They are as crazy as bedbugs...but they are MINE and I LOVE em.
Kelsey Jeanne had a solo in the school play. She did a great job...sang beautifully...hit every dance move...and looked adorable. (I'll take credit for that!!! Took forever to blowdry her hair!)
I somehow managed to squeeze in a little shopping for the kids. Still have my dad and Caleb to buy for. We hit some of the clothing stores today. These kids keep growing..and no matter how quickly I buy things...they seem to outgrow things before they even get the wear out of it. UGH...I know, I know...they are supposed to be like that at this stage in life...but I miss those little cuties that I used to chase around the house. Now...I chase them... but sometimes with a frying pan in my hand!! :O)
Tomorrow we have a breakfast instead of Sunday school...so I am making my famous biscuits and gravy. One of Kelsey's favorites. And I don't do a lot of cooking lately, but I figured I better try to keep my skills honed. Tonight we made our Christmas cookies. They were baked with love...(hope that flavor is the one to come through!) These will be distributed tomorrow after Morning church service. With everyone knowing that Rev Glen Keefer...didn't set foot in the kitchen to help...even though his name appears on the gift tag!! LOLOLOL
Heard from some of our NY family & friends. Yeah...for those of you southern folks that read this....THERE are still people left in NY. They have not ALL moved south! I love hearing about what is going on with them. Makes me miss home, and those comfortable places that we had before moving to NC. They know the Keefers...before we were the keefers..and that is saying something!!!
All right clock is heading for 1:30am...and this lady needs to be presentable in the morning...so I am going to try for a little sleep. We have Joyce's Christmas party tomorrow night. I am so excited. I pretend to bake. Joyce is our resident expert. I have not had anything that she prepared that I didn't like...(and that is saying something from this picky eater!!!) I picked up a gift for her...I hope she likes it!
All right kids...Have a lovely Sunday...spend some time with your creator...I hear that his birthday celebration is rapidly approaching. Don't forget that HE is the reason for this season!!!
Talk at cha
Jo
^i^
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Ramblings in the wee hours
So it is late...or should I say early morning on Weds Dec 12.
I can't sleep again. Stress. That is why. Have my sleep study tonight. Can't say that I am looking forward to it. LOL.
Not a good night at the Keefer house. I am frustrated. With Kids...husband, and a lack of support and obedience from them. Ever get the feeling like you are in over your head? I am SO there.
Maybe I was meant to be a Doctor or a lawyer? Maybe an astronaut? Maybe anything but what I am today. I am just NOT feeling it. AT all. Life seems like it is passing me by and I sit at the sidelines waiting for the other shoe to drop. Maybe I need to take a more active role in shaping my future. Maybe I need to go back to school? Maybe get back to finding out who I am.
I mean, I got married so young. Then only about 6 months of marriage...I was pregnant with Caleb. Not a whole lot of time to "chart my own course" as an adult. I feel like I went from being my father's daughter to being my husband's wife. I never really did anything on my own. EVER. Yet I am quick to try to instill that in Kelsey. I want her to grow to be self sufficient, to stand on her own two feet as a woman. Maybe I am not the right person to teach her how? Maybe she needs the mentoring of someone who has been there and done that.
Glen isn't much help when I start pondering these things. His answer to everything is that if you ignore it; it will go away. I don't want this to go away. To put the issue on the shelf only to have it resurface again. I want to deal with it so that future decisions will not leave me in the quandry of what the "next" thing to do is. I am feeling like that is not the answer to this one. I am definately feeling inadequate. My husband let me know that I don't do much right anymore. So what now? Pretend like everything is ok again....
I don't think so. I feel like I need to do something. Maybe a change of scenery. Maybe that is exactly what I need. Hmmm.... Wonder where a middle aged woman can go to "find" herself?
Maybe I could be useful to my family if I had a better handle on who I am? Then again...maybe they would decide once and for all that they really don't like the "me" that I have become. And then what?
Gonna try to get some rest and mull this one over. Not feeling so "triumphant" tonight. Not feeling like there is hope at the end of the trial. Just feeling kind of beat up and beat down.
I can't sleep again. Stress. That is why. Have my sleep study tonight. Can't say that I am looking forward to it. LOL.
Not a good night at the Keefer house. I am frustrated. With Kids...husband, and a lack of support and obedience from them. Ever get the feeling like you are in over your head? I am SO there.
Maybe I was meant to be a Doctor or a lawyer? Maybe an astronaut? Maybe anything but what I am today. I am just NOT feeling it. AT all. Life seems like it is passing me by and I sit at the sidelines waiting for the other shoe to drop. Maybe I need to take a more active role in shaping my future. Maybe I need to go back to school? Maybe get back to finding out who I am.
I mean, I got married so young. Then only about 6 months of marriage...I was pregnant with Caleb. Not a whole lot of time to "chart my own course" as an adult. I feel like I went from being my father's daughter to being my husband's wife. I never really did anything on my own. EVER. Yet I am quick to try to instill that in Kelsey. I want her to grow to be self sufficient, to stand on her own two feet as a woman. Maybe I am not the right person to teach her how? Maybe she needs the mentoring of someone who has been there and done that.
Glen isn't much help when I start pondering these things. His answer to everything is that if you ignore it; it will go away. I don't want this to go away. To put the issue on the shelf only to have it resurface again. I want to deal with it so that future decisions will not leave me in the quandry of what the "next" thing to do is. I am feeling like that is not the answer to this one. I am definately feeling inadequate. My husband let me know that I don't do much right anymore. So what now? Pretend like everything is ok again....
I don't think so. I feel like I need to do something. Maybe a change of scenery. Maybe that is exactly what I need. Hmmm.... Wonder where a middle aged woman can go to "find" herself?
Maybe I could be useful to my family if I had a better handle on who I am? Then again...maybe they would decide once and for all that they really don't like the "me" that I have become. And then what?
Gonna try to get some rest and mull this one over. Not feeling so "triumphant" tonight. Not feeling like there is hope at the end of the trial. Just feeling kind of beat up and beat down.
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