Hi ladies!! I have just had a crazy busy last week or so. Doing Upward with Shannon, regular kids' activities, housework, errands, Bible Study, preparing meals, and last but not least, just spending time with my husband and kids---whew!!! My brain has not been able to think of an awesome blog this week. So I decided to open my Bible and see where the Lord takes me........
"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." (Jeremiah 32:17)
I am so happy that I serve a God who knows EXACTLY what I need. I kid you not, this is the first verse these tired eyes came across when I opened up my Bible. Just when I start to feel overwhelmed with stuff, God pulls me close and whispers, "Remember who is in charge here... don't try to take the weight of the world on your shoulders, dear one. I am capable of far more than you...."
Thank you God for that breath of life... the living word that freshens my soul.
I would love for you all to share your "Open your Bible and let God's word find you" experiences.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Total Excitement
Tonight is guys/girls night for The U! I am so excited!!!!
I spent the day cleaning my house and preparing to host the girls. I am like a teenager. I get so excited when I know that I get to spend time with the girls and female leaders from The U. We have so much fun together and laugh a lot.
Working with the youth staff at NWUMC has been an awesome experience. I have made many life-long friends, traveled the US, served alongside them, prayed with them, watched kids grow, pulled some shenanigans, and have truly been blessed.
Youth ministry is something I have been involved with for over 11 years. I am humbled that God chose me to be involved in the lives of so many teens. It is amazing and I have been changed because of it.
I encourage you all to find a ministry that you can be involved in. God did not make us to sit on our rumps and watch the world go by or let others do the ministry. He specifically calls us to get out there and do something. If you seek out HIS direction, I hope that you can experience the "total excitement" of being in ministry.
I spent the day cleaning my house and preparing to host the girls. I am like a teenager. I get so excited when I know that I get to spend time with the girls and female leaders from The U. We have so much fun together and laugh a lot.
Working with the youth staff at NWUMC has been an awesome experience. I have made many life-long friends, traveled the US, served alongside them, prayed with them, watched kids grow, pulled some shenanigans, and have truly been blessed.
Youth ministry is something I have been involved with for over 11 years. I am humbled that God chose me to be involved in the lives of so many teens. It is amazing and I have been changed because of it.
I encourage you all to find a ministry that you can be involved in. God did not make us to sit on our rumps and watch the world go by or let others do the ministry. He specifically calls us to get out there and do something. If you seek out HIS direction, I hope that you can experience the "total excitement" of being in ministry.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Love this verse.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
-Matthew 5:14-16
What is a verse that you love? Whether you share it or not with all of us spend some time thinking about a favorite verse of yours today and keep it on the edge of your tongue and the top of your heart.
Lord, thank you for your word. Thanks for seeking after me to be a light for you in this dark world. I love you! Ahmen
-Matthew 5:14-16
What is a verse that you love? Whether you share it or not with all of us spend some time thinking about a favorite verse of yours today and keep it on the edge of your tongue and the top of your heart.
Lord, thank you for your word. Thanks for seeking after me to be a light for you in this dark world. I love you! Ahmen
Thursday, October 15, 2009
God's Love!
My husband and I have four adult children which does not seem possible. It seems like just yesterday they were all still at home and busy with all their activities at school and church. Life flies by when you are not looking and soon you have one child married with a wonderful wife and a beautiful daughter and the other three busy in their own lives going to college, working, and figuring out what it is like to on your own. One thing that is cool about having older children is seeing them as adults (knowing how they were as children) and spending time with them. It is almost like you're getting to know them all over again.
We have almost survived the college years with at times two in at the same time. We have helped move them each several times. A couple have had a few first jobs. I remember the beginning of one summer a few years back when we had a high school graduation, a college graduation, a wedding and one preparing to go on a 9 month mission trip. There's always something going on... Well, we are adding another thing to our list of life memories.... our youngest is engaged and planning her wedding for early next summer. It is very exciting. I went the other day to help her try on wedding dresses! She was feeling anxious to get that marked off her list and of course, the gal said most of the time you order your dress a year out from the wedding. Yikes! She only tried on a few and we were pleasantly surprised - she found one! We had planned to have a group going along like some have on the wedding dress show on television, the mother of the bride, the sister of the bride, the sister in laws of the bride, and the best friend but it was just me. Sorry, girls! The first couple dresses were very pretty but when she walked out in 'the one' you could just tell!!! Yes, I cried!! ( Side note: luckily it did not cost as much as the ones on the tv show. Our 'price point' was not $4000-$5000! Yikes again!!)
Which brings me to my point of this post - four different children, four different personalities and different stages and situations in life. Loving them all so much, still wanting to take care of them all, wanting to please them all, and not wanting them to be upset. Sometimes, we as humans make things harder on ourselves and on each other, don't we!! It makes me think about and wonder how my mother of eight does it and it makes me think about times when I've been upset with or at odds with some of my sisters and brothers. My poor Mom!! I'm ashamed of myself! But still I continue to let things bother me at times. I wonder what God thinks about it all. Actually, I think I know because he is constantly reminding me that I need to love - sometimes it is the hardest to love those closet to us.
I was reminded last night as I watched a Beth Moore video called "Loving Well" that first we need to allow God to love us well and then in turn to love others with His love that flows in and through us. She talked about the 'Joys' in our life that are easy to love, the 'Testy' people that challenge us to love them, those she called 'Far' who are those we meet in our daily life that we need to show God's love, and the hardest of all to love, the 'Foe', those that for some reason have hurt us beyond our comprehension. I struggle on a daily basis with the 'Testy' and 'Foe' in my life. I know I need to allow God's love to love those people until I can and I know that He will help me with this.
Another thing Beth said in another bible study was that we need to be encouragers of each other in these times. That 'the evil one' hopes we don't get along with our sisters or brothers, (our real families or even, our church families) and that he in a way wins when we choose to be upset or petty like we can be sometimes. I'm again challenging myself and you maybe, to love 'all' people with God's love. I'm reminded of 1 Corinthians 13 where it talks about what love looks like - it is something we all have to strive toward. Thank heaven God is willing to forgive us when we fail and continues to love us no matter what so we need to forgive others with that same love.
We have almost survived the college years with at times two in at the same time. We have helped move them each several times. A couple have had a few first jobs. I remember the beginning of one summer a few years back when we had a high school graduation, a college graduation, a wedding and one preparing to go on a 9 month mission trip. There's always something going on... Well, we are adding another thing to our list of life memories.... our youngest is engaged and planning her wedding for early next summer. It is very exciting. I went the other day to help her try on wedding dresses! She was feeling anxious to get that marked off her list and of course, the gal said most of the time you order your dress a year out from the wedding. Yikes! She only tried on a few and we were pleasantly surprised - she found one! We had planned to have a group going along like some have on the wedding dress show on television, the mother of the bride, the sister of the bride, the sister in laws of the bride, and the best friend but it was just me. Sorry, girls! The first couple dresses were very pretty but when she walked out in 'the one' you could just tell!!! Yes, I cried!! ( Side note: luckily it did not cost as much as the ones on the tv show. Our 'price point' was not $4000-$5000! Yikes again!!)
Which brings me to my point of this post - four different children, four different personalities and different stages and situations in life. Loving them all so much, still wanting to take care of them all, wanting to please them all, and not wanting them to be upset. Sometimes, we as humans make things harder on ourselves and on each other, don't we!! It makes me think about and wonder how my mother of eight does it and it makes me think about times when I've been upset with or at odds with some of my sisters and brothers. My poor Mom!! I'm ashamed of myself! But still I continue to let things bother me at times. I wonder what God thinks about it all. Actually, I think I know because he is constantly reminding me that I need to love - sometimes it is the hardest to love those closet to us.
I was reminded last night as I watched a Beth Moore video called "Loving Well" that first we need to allow God to love us well and then in turn to love others with His love that flows in and through us. She talked about the 'Joys' in our life that are easy to love, the 'Testy' people that challenge us to love them, those she called 'Far' who are those we meet in our daily life that we need to show God's love, and the hardest of all to love, the 'Foe', those that for some reason have hurt us beyond our comprehension. I struggle on a daily basis with the 'Testy' and 'Foe' in my life. I know I need to allow God's love to love those people until I can and I know that He will help me with this.
Another thing Beth said in another bible study was that we need to be encouragers of each other in these times. That 'the evil one' hopes we don't get along with our sisters or brothers, (our real families or even, our church families) and that he in a way wins when we choose to be upset or petty like we can be sometimes. I'm again challenging myself and you maybe, to love 'all' people with God's love. I'm reminded of 1 Corinthians 13 where it talks about what love looks like - it is something we all have to strive toward. Thank heaven God is willing to forgive us when we fail and continues to love us no matter what so we need to forgive others with that same love.
Prayer Update
I wasn't sure how to give this update. I wanted people to see it but wanted people to read Shan's post too. So, if you didn't read her awesome post yet...DO IT! And then hit your knees for Linda.
An update for prayers:
Linda is being given less pain medication, so that she can be more responsive to the doctors. This way they will be able to see more details on what effect the accident has had on her brain. Of course this also has to be incredibly hard for her as I can't imagine the pain. I know it would be difficult to see a family member suffer as well. She is still on a ventilator although she has been taking most breaths on her own. Hopefully this will be removed by the weekend. I cannot even count how many times I have said this but the truth is incredible to me. I can't imagine what that must feel like, my family and friends are so important to me. And I know that Linda is that important to Pat and the rest of her family too. Please pray for continued healing in Linda's body. For knowledge and wisdom of treatment for the doctors and nurses. And for peace of mind, strength and courage for Pat and her family. I know that God is there, we are praying for a miracle. Praying that Linda would come from this place just as vibrant, and lively as she was before. May God Bless them!
An update for prayers:
Linda is being given less pain medication, so that she can be more responsive to the doctors. This way they will be able to see more details on what effect the accident has had on her brain. Of course this also has to be incredibly hard for her as I can't imagine the pain. I know it would be difficult to see a family member suffer as well. She is still on a ventilator although she has been taking most breaths on her own. Hopefully this will be removed by the weekend. I cannot even count how many times I have said this but the truth is incredible to me. I can't imagine what that must feel like, my family and friends are so important to me. And I know that Linda is that important to Pat and the rest of her family too. Please pray for continued healing in Linda's body. For knowledge and wisdom of treatment for the doctors and nurses. And for peace of mind, strength and courage for Pat and her family. I know that God is there, we are praying for a miracle. Praying that Linda would come from this place just as vibrant, and lively as she was before. May God Bless them!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Stop and Sit a Spell
We had it all planned. A trip to Grandma's in Indy for the weekend and then we were headed down to Brown County for three days. We've never been to Brown County but I've been looking forward to going for a long time! We were excited about the leaves, hiking with G at the park, and going to the town of Nashville and going through all the cute shops (ok, I was probably the one excited there. Shane- not so much!). I was thrilled that my husband was taking some much needed time off of work and we were getting away.
The first part went wonderfully. We had a great time visiting Shane's mom. We spent time with his brother's family. We watched some tv while Grandma played with G. (before you think we are lazy.... we don't have cable so going to Grandma's is a treat!) and then it happened.... it started with a little runny nose, then a cranky baby.... then we realized that G had a full fledged cold.
We decided to stay at his mom's an extra day and see how she felt the next. We all literally spent that day in pajamas. Between the three of us, there were 5 naps had. We got our sleeping bags out and zipped them together and watched movies inside them. I read a book and took a bath.
The next day... no change. So it was another day at home for us. I was at first very disappointed. I took time away from responsibilities and commitments to go to Brown County but not to lay around all day. But as that day wore on, I realized that this was exactly the vacation we needed. Doing NOTHING but not being home where there is always SOMETHING to be done. We didn't rush around visiting new sites or spend our time hiking or being outdoors but it was instead a time where we were forced to just "be" I was able to spend some great time with God. We needed to be sidelined for a day or two just to relax. And Grace needed that time to recover.
I am so good at planning life... I have it all figured out and need it to go exactly how I've planned it. This week was a great lesson to me that I am not in control but SOMEONE so much more capable than me is. Thank you Lord that you have a plan for me. Thank you for the best family vacation (minus the sick child part!) that was better than we could have planned. Than you for knowing just what we need.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Prayer Request
**Update.
I just got off the phone with Pat. The doctors are being somewhat encouraging about the status of Linda's head injuries. There will be more tests run in the morning to check the swelling and bleeding that her brain was showing today. We can be thankful that God has all of the family members to her safely and they are working well as a team to provide the best care for Linda. Of course with a head injury the next few scans and hours are precious. Please pray for continued healing in her brain and entire body. For strength as the family endures something that none of us want to experience. And that God's amazing healing powers and endless love would be revealed to and through this situation.
And finally as a side note, I would encourage all of you to call someone who you haven't talked to in a while and let them know that you are thankful for them and love them. Love you all, thanks for being prayer warriors for my friend.
*Update.
First, thanks to Kristi for getting this online so quickly. We have since her from Pat that her sister, Linda has level 3 head injuries. The scale is 1-15; 1 being the one you don't want. Linda's children are with her at the hospital and responding to their voices by squeezing their hands. The next 72 hours are critical, please continue to pray.
Friends- I am writing on behalf of Monica this morning. She has a prayer request she would like to share with you all. Her boss, Pat, received a call this morning that we all dread to get. Pat's sister was in a terrible car accident and has a head injury. Monica asks that we lift up Pat's sister and their entire family in prayer. Monica will update this post when she has more information. Thanks you all for praying for her!
Kristi
Dear Lord, we come to you in prayer for Pat's sister. Please heal her injuries and lessen her suffering. Please be with her family and comfort them in this stressful time. Make your presence known in their lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
I just got off the phone with Pat. The doctors are being somewhat encouraging about the status of Linda's head injuries. There will be more tests run in the morning to check the swelling and bleeding that her brain was showing today. We can be thankful that God has all of the family members to her safely and they are working well as a team to provide the best care for Linda. Of course with a head injury the next few scans and hours are precious. Please pray for continued healing in her brain and entire body. For strength as the family endures something that none of us want to experience. And that God's amazing healing powers and endless love would be revealed to and through this situation.
And finally as a side note, I would encourage all of you to call someone who you haven't talked to in a while and let them know that you are thankful for them and love them. Love you all, thanks for being prayer warriors for my friend.
*Update.
First, thanks to Kristi for getting this online so quickly. We have since her from Pat that her sister, Linda has level 3 head injuries. The scale is 1-15; 1 being the one you don't want. Linda's children are with her at the hospital and responding to their voices by squeezing their hands. The next 72 hours are critical, please continue to pray.
Friends- I am writing on behalf of Monica this morning. She has a prayer request she would like to share with you all. Her boss, Pat, received a call this morning that we all dread to get. Pat's sister was in a terrible car accident and has a head injury. Monica asks that we lift up Pat's sister and their entire family in prayer. Monica will update this post when she has more information. Thanks you all for praying for her!
Kristi
Dear Lord, we come to you in prayer for Pat's sister. Please heal her injuries and lessen her suffering. Please be with her family and comfort them in this stressful time. Make your presence known in their lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
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