Hi everyone , Its been a while

Hi everyone. Its been a while since I updated this blog.

My family is doing okay, my grandfather died about 2 weeks ago, that was rough(but also okay), I have moved again, got married, and currently considering going back to finish my BA .


For the next month or so I am working on posting 3x a week. Today is day 1.

I decided to post things that made me think.  This is the first one that came to mind.


Proverbs 1-New International Version (NIV)

Purpose and Theme

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a]
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.^[b]

⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools^[c] despise wisdom and instruction.

Friday!!- Saturday

Today I have no school. :)
However, that does not mean that I am being lazy by any means. I have already been to Belleville and back. I have a baby sitting job this evening. The little one I am watching is a brilliant 2.5 year old.

I am trying to get my phone fixed, I have had several phone calls to customer support. I need to make one more. :(

I need to go grocery shopping, the menus are planned for the week. :)

Tomorrow, I am going to be running around like crazy, my schedule looks something like this:
7:00 am  Get up
7:15 breakfast
7:30 Shower
7:45ish check to see if dinner is in the oven
8:00 Be on the road headed to a different town
8:30-13:00 Church related class
(after this is subject to change if I don't get the groceries today.)
13:30 arrive home
14:00 start reviewing for Mondays class quiz #1
15:00 break for "tea"
15:45 back to studying
16:30 start prepping for dinner
17:00 dinner
17:45ish start doing dishes
18:00 check laundry
18:30 lay out clothes for Sunday
18:45 find directions for church
19:00 start the wind down process
20:00 head to room
23:00ish Lights out.

So tomorrow is a very busy day, but, its better than being bored.
The next few Saturdays are the same, different activities but the same amount of things to get accomplished.

Pax
 

Sunday

This post is slightly longer than I had planned!!


Sunday. This was the first Sunday I have been in my home church in a month. I have been doing practicum events. I enjoyed being back. Its fun to compare different church's and worship services. 
People got to see my new haircut. I cut my hair very short. People seem to be responding to it positively. I cut it for a different reason completely.

I leave in LESS than a WEEK!! AAHHHH. I need to find a few things( my passport, I know its in my file, my textbook, and my jacket.) Pray that this trip goes well.

Today I got on Facebook after church and saw the news about the bombing in Las Cruses, NM. If you haven't seen it on the news, 2 different churches had bombings this morning. NO ONE was injured. (thank you GOD) . Keep them in your prayers please, my other family attends one of the churches.

Speaking of prayer,
I am on a prayer list for children with severe medical conditions. All have heart issues, but most have multiple issues. There are good days and bad days. Today so far has been a mix. There is one little girl who has wrapped her way around my heart. I have never met her in person, but I have seen pictures. Her name is "M*", she needs a heart. She is in sever cardiac failure. She is a fighter, but this week has been hard, she has been re-admitted to the hospital and she won't be leaving until she has a new heart. :( . She looks so healthy, you would never guess she is soo sick. There is another little girl on my list "G*", she has received her new heart, but there seems to be some kind of complication. So she also has been re-admitted. Keep their families in your thoughts as the day continues.

**I have used the kids initials to protect their identities. Please don't ask me for their names.**

Life continues to throw curve balls, I decided it was time to learn how to catch instead of letting the balls knock me down. :)  But if I miss a few, (shrug) then I will just get back up again.

Pax

 

Sunday (I don't know what to title this!)

Today is Sunday. Thank you God. Normally I just go to the church next door. After all, its my "home" church, however this week I am going somewhere different. I am going to try somewhere new. My plan is to try several different churches in the upcoming weeks.

I got up early with mom  to pick up snacks in town, I have been up almost 3hours at this point.

I am excited for Church. I know ,I know.. this should be a weekly thing but let me be brutally honest.

 (Disclaimer: This is not aimed at anyone specifically at my church its just me needing to "talk it out")  ( WARNING  small rant )

Some Sundays, Church is just part of the job description. Being a PK even as an adult has some implied requirements.

I am expressing an opinion
If you are a PK this might ring true- "If you live at home you are expected to have your happy little self(no matter your age) in the church pews for worship with your family. "

Its not a stated expectation by most people in the church, but it can certainly have a negative outcome if the expectation is not met.

The other way this can go is that people just ignore the fact you are there, if you are missing they don't ask "you" the person who is gone, but rather, your parent or someone you know.

I don't think it is meant to come across the way it does. It comes across to me (my opinion) as if "you" the person are not important enough to email or ask yourself.( sometimes it makes sense to ask a family member, I understand that)

I am in a weird situation at the moment.  I can't use some of my spiritual gifts, my life is going through some changes and because of the dynamics of the group I can't share it. It is frustrating.

This turned more into a rant than I was planning.

If you made it through all of that please realize most days its not that bad. God is good, and his grace is Amazing. I have an amazing set of parents who love me no matter what. Their only request is that I do go to "A" church at some point during the week.

If you would take the time this week to pray for me, some things are coming to a close and just maybe there is a door opening.

Pax

 

A few thoughts

It's the night before Easter

People are all excited. The outfits are all picked out.The shoes, accessories are planned. Many people have family coming to visit.  Its a great time in the church, for we all knows what comes in the morning. There is a full day tomorrow planned for many people. The Church is going to be super busy. There are 2 services ,a breakfast, and family activities. Fun, Family and Friends. Sounds Great!


Not! I just don't feel good. I really don't feel well at all. Partly like I have a bug. But I also have a case of the blues. Tomorrow is Easter. Yippee... Not!.  I really don't feel like celebrating. I know there is a good reason to celebrate in the morning. But.. I just want to sleep. I know part of the problem. I will shake this eventually. I am angry( which I am well aware is a secondary emotion). And its ok. I have every right to be angry and exhausted. A dear friend told me that "it will get better. But, you have to allow yourself to feel" she knows me way too well. I have been numb or ignoring my emotions on and off. The anger is not that hard to hide anymore. The sadness.. I learned how to smile through everything, thanks to a job I held. I am slowly healing. I think once certain things are done it will be easier. But tonight just seems hard. Holidays will be for a while I think. Maybe once things are all completed I will post about some of the stuff, but for now.. I just needed to vent. 

Tomorrow is Easter. I will be at Church, just like its expected of me. And my attitude in the morning will be better, probably. Tomorrow is Really an Important day for Christians around the world, including me. Its a day to Celebrate new beginnings, Jesus's resurrection and His triumph over evil  and what it means to each of us as individuals.

 So, while I am not in the mood, for Easter

Easter is exactly what I need.

Sunday

Today was great, mostly. God is awesome. The good: I went to 2 church services today ( one Hearing, one Deaf) .

The Not so great, I went to visit a friend in the nursing home,( he has been living in an assisted living facility)  it was difficult, but it was right. He is in his 90's. Today he looked every one of his 90+ years. He almost seemed ready to go Home (heaven).
 I would love to say that he will live forever , but lets be honest... He is a great man of faith and I will miss him when he goes. But there will be a party in paradise when he gets there.

Moving on.. happier thought:
Deaf Church
Before church "started" we had a little fellowship time. I was so glad to be back.
I couldn't stay at Deaf church the entire time tonight, because, it was movie night. The movie? " Heaven is for Real" We had to leave about half way through. One person teasingly told me: I was spoiling my moms fun. They told me "I could leave her there and go do my homework." My response? "How is she going to get home?"  She came home with me.

The people at Deaf church are some of the most wonderful Christians I have ever met. They support one another and  pray for one another. I had missed Deaf church since the Christmas party due to various things. I walked in and it was like I have been AWOL. Questions/comments included :Where were you? I'm so happy you are back. Everything ok? People were asking about you.  ( I love Deaf people, they tend to be blunt, if you are gone and they are involved in your life... Its awesome)

My homework wasn't bad and I have studied for the quiz.

All in all today was good. Soon I will have to write about the bad... but not yet.

Pax to all.

Overdosing on God

Today was a good day.

A great Day.

But I had more than enough of God. Don't get me wrong.  I love God, He is always there for me. But today I was in a church service of one kind or another from 8 am - 7:55 pm, It has been a long long day.I felt like I was being fed by a fire hose.

I had Sunday School this morning. I was facilitating a discussion on Communion with the Youth. That lead to some interesting thoughts. It was good. Then it was on the  (A) Church. Communion was served, the youths brought it to the alter, their training paid off. We had a discussion group after Church . Then it was time to run home and eat lunch.

Lunch, .. 13:00 Time to wake up everyone else, and get them ready to leave by 13:30. Mom and I were out the door by 13:15. We drove to town to the Church where the Installation was going to take place. God blessed us with a great parking spot . I found the lint brush in the car and proceeded to get all the dog hair off. :)

(B)Church service . The service to install the New  DS (Distiric Superintendeant) was wonderful. The Music, The Preaching, The Word of God, and did I mention the music. :) I loved it. The 2 Choirs who preformed and the Brass Quartet, and the Pianists were amazing .  The New DS, is a great preacher. He did not shot gun the sermon at all. He made his points and was very clear with what he wanted to say. I think God got His messaged delivered through the DS today.

 I got to meet the Bishop for the fist time today. He made sure the new DS's wife got recognized also and I think that is very important. He looked content, even holy. He wasn't proud at all, but a great humble man.  I enjoyed him.

I got done with that second service and it was time to head to Deaf Church. Service (C) if you were keeping track. It also had cool music . The pastor had been to the Deaf camp in Michigan and had brought home a video with karaoke type words so everyone knew when to sing. I was watching them all sign instead. Its definitively easier to pick up words in sign when you are singing. ....

I am DONE for the day. Now to find my paper on being Deaf for 2 hours. Print it out, put it in the folder and call it a night.   Oh and contemplate on my skit that is due Tues pm. I had it figured out but ran into a few snags. It will be good.

God is good  and All the time he cares for US.

Pax 

Labor Day. Cookies, Church

The Air conditioner BROKE last night. It is HOT outside. I am not cooking dinner.

In other news , Deaf church continues to be amazing. The people are great, they tease and make sure both mom and I are included.  We watched the movie "God's not Dead", I liked it. It will more than likely continue to be a tool of discussion and salvation.The guest stars are amazing.  Watching a movie with an all Deaf church was an experience. I had tons of fun. I could sing along to the words and none of them cared.It reminded me of taking a 6 year old to a movie for the 1st time. The reactions, the transparency it was wonderful. The people there are themselves all the time.We laughed lots last night. And the monster cookies were a hit. We brought 2 dozen with us and they were all gone. :)

A Monday-ish Post

Its Monday,

I don't have much to write at the moment but I decided to at least put fingers to keys and start.

On Sunday in church we talked about Samson and Delilah. Our Object lesson was on Scissors, a simple tool that made an impact of the future of 2 nations.

Saturday I went with my family to the St Louis Art museum.We got there a little early and walked around the park.Once again I was blessed with a great parking spot. I think we saw about 1/3rd of the museum. I liked the Flowers of the Four Seasons in Chinese and Japanese Art exhibit.There was soo much to see. I didn't even get my sketch pad out because I couldn't decided where to look.

One the main level there were Gates from an abby(?), they were massive; had stars inlaid in the muliticolored wood work, it was beautiful. They had 2 sets of doors, 1 regular sized door a person could go out and then the actual hinged gates that were attached to the wall. I couldn't have done them justice sketching.

I'm not sure what else to write. Maybe more later today, if not tommorrow.

Peace to all

Craft Fair Recap

May 3rd  

It was craft fair day. I had been up until almost 2 am prepping (that's what I get for procrastination).

I was sewing and the needle broke on the machine and I decided it was time to quit.

I went to bed and my alarm went off at 6 am. I ate breakfast, had tea and grabbed a water bottle.

Around 7:30 am, I headed out to set up for the fair. :) I had laid out my clothes and packed all my stuff the night before. I was fairly confident in my set up plan.  I got to the fair, found my spot,and started to set up.It was a bit chilly, but the sun was coming out. I had left a couple of things at home so I ran home and got them. I am glad I planned on some wiggle room for set up as I  had to do a bit of rearranging on my table . Editing is important even at craft fairs.  I was all set up by 9 ish, the fair was not due to open until 10 am.  The weather for the day was amazing sunny with a high of 75* . I did wear lots of sunscreen. The fair did not have great attendance but there is no way anyone could predict that. The space was great, the people were nice, the volunteers were wonderful.

All in all a good day. I got natural  Vitamin D, talked to people and had fun. 

I did not get "much" of a sun burn. After the fair, we (as in Hubs, Mom and I )went to lunch. Then we came home , I showered and fell asleep on the couch.

 

And now I am wide awake, church is at 8 am. I need to be over there at 7:15 am. 

Have a blessed day

May the Fourth( Force) of God be with you.

Easter ect

Lent is over
Easter Came :) Thank YOU

How did your giving up or taking up go?

I discovered I don't really like coffee, its ok, but I would rather drink hot coco-
 go figure

We had a good Easter service, and the breakfast was yummy(Thank you), the kids enjoyed their Easter egg hunt. The minions(and mini-minions) did a great job with their parts. I was grateful we did not have Sunday School.

Next Weekend , I have a Sunday off, I got a sub for my class and I am not attending my home church. (shocking)thought sarcastically.

Taxes are done, paid and now to plan for summer.
There may be a few cross country trips with mom. We are going to look at Universities,maybe visit a few friends. :)

The dear Hubby has 1 extra scheduled day off in July, (we already have the date) and I already have an idea what we are going to do :) Cabins/camping/relaxing- no technology. This could be interesting.

There is a craft fair on the 3rd of May . I am excited to see how it goes.
I am still working on finding a paying job. Only part time. God will provide.

Lent

Lent is almost over.

The next 9 days are heavy in church history.Not a happy time.

We had an Ecumenical Lenten service today. Ecumenical means-"representing a number of different Christian churches"

I gave up coffee for lent, I don't think I am going to go back to drinking it on a regular basis. I have gotten better at writing on a regular basis. I think this year, lent was more a period of discernment.

Its time...
To go BACK to SCHOOL.
 I need to finish my bachelors and then get my masters. Deep breath. Eventually I will get the courage to write about what I am getting my Masters in, for now, it is just a bit overwhelming considering knowing I am going back to school .

I have posted about the preaching class I was in, its done. I learned that I am a researcher, and presenter. The biggest critique I got was that I don't speak loud enough. And/or stay close enough to the microphone. I have a lapel mic at my home church. And someone who controls the sound :) ( Thank you)

I have many ideas for sermons which I have been encouraged to write down and put in a file. I think that is my next project. 

Timing is everything

I wrote this about 2 weeks ago. I was not going to post it at all but maybe it will help someone .

1 Final Appointment

A final appointment to keep have I

The time and location unknown

If I could make the appointment, I would be old and grey

But it is not my appointment to make

God picks the time and place

Some people’s appointments come way to soon-

 for those of us left behind

But your timing is perfect, timeless and divine

If I could change the appointment time, I’m not sure that I would

For if you call me for my appointment, it’s for your greater good

I hope my family misses me, when my turn does come, it’s true

But I am sure I will see them in the kingdom and I will celebrate with you.

 No, I am not ill. We had a young man in our church die, I was at the hospital with his family. It was not written for him,but it was shared at his funeral. 

This is an original work.

Please Do not Reproduce without permission

Written March 14, 2014