We launch our new church campus, Calvary North, this Sunday. Chaos fills the air as the staff scurries around trying to tie up loose ends before the opening day. In the midst of the business of "the endless list of to dos" I stopped by Sonic with a dear co-worker for a "pick-me-up coke." For 15 minutes, we took a time out to just breathe...to vent some frustrations, to laugh about the stress, and to encourage one another as we know this is a great thing getting ready to happen...and to think...God wanted to bless us by putting us in the middle of it all. God has given me a great new friendship with this coworker...she is quirky, she is sincere, and above all, one of the most influential people I have ever met. Her wittiness brings laughter to me all of the time and for that...I'm grateful!
Lord, thank you for my dear friend. Bless her in her ministry. God you know she loves our church and the families that are going to fill the new facility. Thank you for giving us a moment to breathe in the midst of all of the chaos today...good chaos, but chaos nonetheless. I give thanks for calling me to work for Calvary North. I'm excited to see big dreams come true!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
January 9, 2011: Sweet Husband of Mine
Today was a busy, busy, day, as most of our Sunday's normally are. With Paul's new work schedule, we haven't really been able to talk much lately and I left for work while he left for a deacon's meeting. I communicated by text that mom was having some weird chest pains and was admitted to the hospital.
When I called my mother's hospital room, I found my husband there...visiting his mother-in-law. After his meeting, he had another one for work (off site) and then stopped by to see her before heading on into the plant. What a guy...I mean I didn't have to ask or prompt him. Him showing love towards my "mama" shows just how much he loves me.
Thank you Lord for giving me a husband who loves my mama. I'm so grateful that you kept us for each other. Bless him tonight as he works...keep him safe both at the plant and on his drive home. Bless him for taking time out of his busy day to share God's love with my family. He truly is one of a kind....his love alone makes everyday extraordinary!
When I called my mother's hospital room, I found my husband there...visiting his mother-in-law. After his meeting, he had another one for work (off site) and then stopped by to see her before heading on into the plant. What a guy...I mean I didn't have to ask or prompt him. Him showing love towards my "mama" shows just how much he loves me.
Thank you Lord for giving me a husband who loves my mama. I'm so grateful that you kept us for each other. Bless him tonight as he works...keep him safe both at the plant and on his drive home. Bless him for taking time out of his busy day to share God's love with my family. He truly is one of a kind....his love alone makes everyday extraordinary!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 8, 2011: A Skip Away!
We spent the morning and early afternoon with mom...we had a wonderful time running errands for her, shopping with her, and of course dining with her. She had an enjoyable day too...something good to see and hear from her. It alone, is a blessing for today and made today special.
My extra-ordinary moment came this evening. The kids were not on their best behavior today, and I was a little put out. Okay, a LOT put out...so much, I was angry with them. I just want them to obey the first time. I get so tired of them pushing me to my limit. Hmmmm...guess I taught them how to do that. Well, if that isn't convicting! Anyway, Keaton is my child whom I butt heads with the most, probably because her will is so much like mine. She is a sweetheart, but when she is mad, she is MAD! (conviction again!) She got so mad today because all three of them had lost their privilege of going to the park-something they were so looking forward to. Her anger and attitude cost her a trip to her room where she breathed words of discontentment under her breath. After a 30-minute break she came to the kitchen a new child, asked for a drink of water, and then turned and skipped away happy as could be. Wow...if I could only change my attitude that easy. Now, this post just has conviction written all of it!!!
What made that moment so special for me was to see the innocence that comes with childhood. It seems like a hop, skip, or jump, automatically makes everything better. Those joyful moments scream of a child who is happy...a child BEING a child...a child not having to deal with the pressures of real life. A child who still has the blessings of not HAVING to grow up too fast. Life was different for me, and although I can remember some fun times, I can't remember many.
I was so blessed to see my child skipping to her destination...so blessed to see how God is so good to me!
Thank you Lord for showing me what a happy childhood looks like through the simple act of a skip. Thank you for giving us security in you. Thank you for giving us a life that allows our children to feel secure....not one that hinders them with financial worries, illness, alcohol addiction, or abandonment.
You ARE a GREAT God!
My extra-ordinary moment came this evening. The kids were not on their best behavior today, and I was a little put out. Okay, a LOT put out...so much, I was angry with them. I just want them to obey the first time. I get so tired of them pushing me to my limit. Hmmmm...guess I taught them how to do that. Well, if that isn't convicting! Anyway, Keaton is my child whom I butt heads with the most, probably because her will is so much like mine. She is a sweetheart, but when she is mad, she is MAD! (conviction again!) She got so mad today because all three of them had lost their privilege of going to the park-something they were so looking forward to. Her anger and attitude cost her a trip to her room where she breathed words of discontentment under her breath. After a 30-minute break she came to the kitchen a new child, asked for a drink of water, and then turned and skipped away happy as could be. Wow...if I could only change my attitude that easy. Now, this post just has conviction written all of it!!!
What made that moment so special for me was to see the innocence that comes with childhood. It seems like a hop, skip, or jump, automatically makes everything better. Those joyful moments scream of a child who is happy...a child BEING a child...a child not having to deal with the pressures of real life. A child who still has the blessings of not HAVING to grow up too fast. Life was different for me, and although I can remember some fun times, I can't remember many.
I was so blessed to see my child skipping to her destination...so blessed to see how God is so good to me!
Thank you Lord for showing me what a happy childhood looks like through the simple act of a skip. Thank you for giving us security in you. Thank you for giving us a life that allows our children to feel secure....not one that hinders them with financial worries, illness, alcohol addiction, or abandonment.
You ARE a GREAT God!
New Year...Capturing the Small Things
2011. My mother says time goes by faster the older you get. That sure seems true these last couple of years. People die, friendships change, and kids grow up. Of course I've realized that maybe I'm just too busy this year, this month, this week, ...TODAY to notice all of the little things that make life worth remembering...that make it worthy of "slowing down."
This is my resolution for 2011...to take time to enjoy the small things: those small things that could be embedded in everyday life that make it special. ...those small things that could make my ordinary day, an extraordinary day! I know some days it will be obvious what "it" was, and other days I'm sure I will have to look for it. But I'm trusting it is there...I'm trusting that the Lord loves me so much that HE wants my every day to be extraordinary...it's just up to me to find it!
So, with that being said...I will start with today, although a week behind already. :) Paul started his new position with ExxonMobil tonight and the kids and I were able to go visit with my mom. She has been really sick since dad died, and to be quite honest it is sometimes hard to discern if it is truly physical or emotional. Whatever the reason, she doesn't feel well most of the time. Tonight, however, was different. She looked good and was feeling good. We so enjoyed our time together...I love to see her interact with the kids. I love to see her gently pat the kids on the shoulders, arms, or whatever she can reach ...you know, that sweet, little pat that tells them she loves them. I love to see their laughter as they relate to one another. Caleb is full of questions about when she was a little girl and she has said that tomorrow we will get the "box of pictures" down and go through them. She seems amazed at how big Bailey has gotten and how she worries over how Bailey is going to eat with all of the teeth she has lost. :) And then there is Keaton...she truly adores Keaton, and I know Keaton feels the same towards her MawMaw. They share a special bond.
The kids and I will go back and take her shopping tomorrow...as long as she is feeling well. We are even hoping to get in a picnic at the park...the kids are so excited to have MawMaw attend, and I think she is too. :) I know I am!!!
Dear Lord,
Thank you for today...a beautiful day...a day my mother felt well. Thank you for my children and the relationship she has with each of them. You know it was my prayer that my kids would be able to have the chance to really get to know her. Thank you for the simple, BEAUTIFUL evening we had with her tonight. You have blessed me so!!!!
This is my resolution for 2011...to take time to enjoy the small things: those small things that could be embedded in everyday life that make it special. ...those small things that could make my ordinary day, an extraordinary day! I know some days it will be obvious what "it" was, and other days I'm sure I will have to look for it. But I'm trusting it is there...I'm trusting that the Lord loves me so much that HE wants my every day to be extraordinary...it's just up to me to find it!
So, with that being said...I will start with today, although a week behind already. :) Paul started his new position with ExxonMobil tonight and the kids and I were able to go visit with my mom. She has been really sick since dad died, and to be quite honest it is sometimes hard to discern if it is truly physical or emotional. Whatever the reason, she doesn't feel well most of the time. Tonight, however, was different. She looked good and was feeling good. We so enjoyed our time together...I love to see her interact with the kids. I love to see her gently pat the kids on the shoulders, arms, or whatever she can reach ...you know, that sweet, little pat that tells them she loves them. I love to see their laughter as they relate to one another. Caleb is full of questions about when she was a little girl and she has said that tomorrow we will get the "box of pictures" down and go through them. She seems amazed at how big Bailey has gotten and how she worries over how Bailey is going to eat with all of the teeth she has lost. :) And then there is Keaton...she truly adores Keaton, and I know Keaton feels the same towards her MawMaw. They share a special bond.
The kids and I will go back and take her shopping tomorrow...as long as she is feeling well. We are even hoping to get in a picnic at the park...the kids are so excited to have MawMaw attend, and I think she is too. :) I know I am!!!
Dear Lord,
Thank you for today...a beautiful day...a day my mother felt well. Thank you for my children and the relationship she has with each of them. You know it was my prayer that my kids would be able to have the chance to really get to know her. Thank you for the simple, BEAUTIFUL evening we had with her tonight. You have blessed me so!!!!
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