I know, I know. We were supposed to find out what was going on last Wednesday, so why has it taken me SO long to let the rest of you know? Well. I am sorry, this has been a lot more stressful than I imagined it would be. But I am getting ahead of myself. Let me back up and start from the beginning or at least last Wednesday.
We didn't get the call until Thursday night at about 9:00. So Wed. was a pretty sad day. You know some of the details of Wed. from my last post. BUT we made it through another day and I was so caught up in the lastest episode of Grey's Anatomy thatI forgot to be waiting for the phone to ring! It was a tear-jerker. Anyway, then . . . . . the phone rang. My heart stopped just like it did every time the phone rang since Wed. afternoon. Long story short, we will be going to Iowa Park, in view of a call on March 25. Of course, this is all subject to their review of our credit report. . .so we will be going in view of a call on March 25! We have spent the last couple of days trying to figure out how to get pre-approved to buy a home and I haven't slept very well since, oh, last week.
Ok, ladies, tell me what you think of this. I have more free time at home than Dan so I thought I would start doing some research on first time home buying and home loans. I think it was a good idea but I made a mess of everything and all the information I collected assured me that we had no business buying a home and that we should just rent for at least 6 months! We really felt like that was just not the best idea for us and I was so worked up and laid it all on Dan as soon as he got home from work. NOT a good idea, ladies. Then I spent another restless night dreaming of scary loan papers and man eating houses. So, Dan wakes up this morning and calls our bank and has us pre-approved for a ridiculous amount of money in about. . .30 minutes!!! Are you kidding me?! I did at least 4 hours of internet research and EVEN talked to the same Bank that Dan talked to!? HUH? I guess the difference is he spoke in Man language and I was just "asking some questions".
You might like me to clarify for you my definition of MAN LANGUAGE. Here goes. Men often talk with each other in exaggerated truths. They speak as if everything is right on and WILL happen. It's a get er done kind of mentality. Women, well maybe not you, but I usually speak as if good things are a small possibility or COULD happen.
Apparently that makes all the difference in the banking industry. I just don't know how to speak the lingo apparently. Or it could be the fact that I have NEVER in my life talked to a realtor about buying or selling a home. I have never tried to take out a loan. I have never even seen other adults go through this process. I am CLUELESS!! So I was a little upset when Dan swooped in and in 3/4 of the time had every question of mine answered satisfactorily and had us in contact with a realtor in Iowa Park. Don't get me wrong, I am SOOO thankful that Dan is a genius when it comes to these kinds of things I just wish I could have forgone the hours and hours of worry and torment that our future was indeed doomed.
I know I could have forgone this time of despair if I had simply trusted the words and promises of my Lord, but. . . I didn't. I worried and despaired because my little brain couldn't wrap around how God was going to do this. There are still some scary questions that need to be answered. But those are questions that don't have to be answered right this moment. Somehow I am ok with waiting to find these answers.
SO if the Lord keeps leading the way we feel He is leading then we might possibly be moving into our first home sometime around April 1.
That's the update. For those of you that we promised phone calls to, they are coming, please be patient. The next few weeks are going to be CRAZY!!
Between now and then we have to(get to) find a house, go look at it, make an offer, get the FW house organized so it will be easier to pack up, go visit WSS and all our other loved ones in the PA area, Dan has some papers to write, school to attend, and a job to finish up. Oh, and then he needs to think about what to say to the whole congregation in Iowa Park on that Sunday morning. If we seem distant or uninvolved, please give us a little grace. We have never done this whole "American Dream" thing before so we need some time to figure things out.
But Yeah! We are so excited about the direction God is taking us. I can't wait to give you more details about this church body. The youth group sounds pretty amazing and didn't I mention the 5 youth workers who have kept it going since the last youth pastor left in Sept.? But, it isn't a Done Deal, not yet anyway. We are trusting God to lead us through every step we have to take between here and there and we trust that He will lead us to exactly where we need to be and we are praying that He will protect our hearts from moving ahead of His plans for our family. We would still covet your prayers. And I am sure I will find some time to let you all in on the craziness along the way.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
This is a hard post for me to write. God has revealed to me some dark places in my heart that need to be given back to my Lord.
You would think that I would have this, "trust God for all provision" thing down by now. But I was made sadly aware of my lack of trust today. We decided to go eat at Chick-fil-A for lunch today. On the drive there I was thinking of money and how irresponsible it was for us to be eating out right now. Especially after learning that our van was going to need repairs that would total $1100. So I was guilt ridden and wallowing in self-pity. "If only...things were different...if only...we were in a church making a salary... if only...." See I wasn't worried about the money we needed to spend or the money we don't need to spend what I was really worried about was having to adjust our lifestyle to fit with with the funds that the Lord is providing for us. I mean things are already hard enough, right. What if I have to give up my internet connection or our great long distance phone plan or HEAVEN FORBID...stop eating out!!!?
Then at an intersection while we are stopped at a red light Dan sees man with a sign that reads, "Hungry + Broke" He asks me if we have any money and I assume he is asking so we can pay for our lunch in cash. Yes, I too, had seen this man. My thoughts were so consumed by my own selfishness that I didn't even realize what Dan meant. We had $17 dollars in cash. Dan said, "I meant for that guy."
"Oh, yeah, how about three?" That was pretty generous. I mean it was more than 10%!! And I had to think about how we were going to pay for our lunch, RIGHT?
Dan gives the man the measely 3$ and his face lights up. "OH, Thank You! God Bless You." He says.
Dan asks the girls to pray for that man and as we prayed my heart was broken. I realized that We were supposed to give that man $17!! Dan offered to turn around and go back because I was obviously very distraught. Darn, those pregnancy hormones! We went ahead and ate our lunch but came up with a plan of action. We figured out an easy way to make it back to the intersection where the man was. It took all of the self-control I could muster not to bawl through the whole meal. I wasn't a very conversationalist.
We hurried everyone through their chicken nuggets and fruit and set off to try and set rught my convictions. When we got to the intersection the man was gone! I was so broken hearted! I missed my chance to recieve the full blessing of the Lord by giving more than I thought I could to someone in need.
The girls asked why we were coming back when we had already given the man money and "Mommy, why are you crying?" We got to explain to the girls that Jesus tells us in Matt. 5:42, "Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away." I explained that God wants us to trust Him to give us all that we need. And it makes Him happy when we give to others. But I was only thinking about us and not that man. I gave him a little but I should have given him all that we had. FL asked, "But don't we need money, too, Mommy?"
Yes, but we have other money and we should have given all of the money that we had with us to that man. His sign said he needed money and we had some and Mommy is so sad because God told me to give it all and I wasn't listening hard enough to hear Him in time.
Dan got to explain about convictions and he assured me that the girls learned much more from this than they would have if I had given all of the money the first time. I realize that I wouldn't have learned as much either.
I jsut kept picturing that man was Jesus and all I was willing to give Him of myself was 15%. Everyday Jesus asks us to give ourselves to Him. Today, I didn't. I was caught going through the motions. I was only giving enough of myslef to calm my mind. But Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
My treasure today was self. I was so deep in my own "troubles" I couldn't even see the gravity of other's. Now, it doesn't matter to me if that man was a professional or not. I don't care if he does that everyday and makes more money than we do. The lesson that I learned is that God can provide for my family and we still have so much more than some. When the Lord is my treasure and my portion then only will I be truly satisfied. If I have to give up every comfort I have ever known in order to follow my Christ, I STILL WANT TO FOLLOW HIM! I will probably grieve every loss but I am learning that if my treasure is stored above, then there is nothing of importance that can be taken away from me.
I am so sorry, Lord that I missed your call today. I pray that you would bring Your light to those dark places in my heart and that I would truly be willing to sacrifice anything in order to follow You. I pray that those 3$ that I begrudgingly gave that man will bring glory to you, Lord. I pray that you would bless that man and as FaithLyn prayed, Help that man and everyone else who doesn't have money get some.
Even if every cent is supposed to come from me. Thank You, Lord for your conviction and may it burn in my heart always! In Jesus sanctifying and Holy name, AMEN.
You would think that I would have this, "trust God for all provision" thing down by now. But I was made sadly aware of my lack of trust today. We decided to go eat at Chick-fil-A for lunch today. On the drive there I was thinking of money and how irresponsible it was for us to be eating out right now. Especially after learning that our van was going to need repairs that would total $1100. So I was guilt ridden and wallowing in self-pity. "If only...things were different...if only...we were in a church making a salary... if only...." See I wasn't worried about the money we needed to spend or the money we don't need to spend what I was really worried about was having to adjust our lifestyle to fit with with the funds that the Lord is providing for us. I mean things are already hard enough, right. What if I have to give up my internet connection or our great long distance phone plan or HEAVEN FORBID...stop eating out!!!?
Then at an intersection while we are stopped at a red light Dan sees man with a sign that reads, "Hungry + Broke" He asks me if we have any money and I assume he is asking so we can pay for our lunch in cash. Yes, I too, had seen this man. My thoughts were so consumed by my own selfishness that I didn't even realize what Dan meant. We had $17 dollars in cash. Dan said, "I meant for that guy."
"Oh, yeah, how about three?" That was pretty generous. I mean it was more than 10%!! And I had to think about how we were going to pay for our lunch, RIGHT?
Dan gives the man the measely 3$ and his face lights up. "OH, Thank You! God Bless You." He says.
Dan asks the girls to pray for that man and as we prayed my heart was broken. I realized that We were supposed to give that man $17!! Dan offered to turn around and go back because I was obviously very distraught. Darn, those pregnancy hormones! We went ahead and ate our lunch but came up with a plan of action. We figured out an easy way to make it back to the intersection where the man was. It took all of the self-control I could muster not to bawl through the whole meal. I wasn't a very conversationalist.
We hurried everyone through their chicken nuggets and fruit and set off to try and set rught my convictions. When we got to the intersection the man was gone! I was so broken hearted! I missed my chance to recieve the full blessing of the Lord by giving more than I thought I could to someone in need.
The girls asked why we were coming back when we had already given the man money and "Mommy, why are you crying?" We got to explain to the girls that Jesus tells us in Matt. 5:42, "Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away." I explained that God wants us to trust Him to give us all that we need. And it makes Him happy when we give to others. But I was only thinking about us and not that man. I gave him a little but I should have given him all that we had. FL asked, "But don't we need money, too, Mommy?"
Yes, but we have other money and we should have given all of the money that we had with us to that man. His sign said he needed money and we had some and Mommy is so sad because God told me to give it all and I wasn't listening hard enough to hear Him in time.
Dan got to explain about convictions and he assured me that the girls learned much more from this than they would have if I had given all of the money the first time. I realize that I wouldn't have learned as much either.
I jsut kept picturing that man was Jesus and all I was willing to give Him of myself was 15%. Everyday Jesus asks us to give ourselves to Him. Today, I didn't. I was caught going through the motions. I was only giving enough of myslef to calm my mind. But Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
My treasure today was self. I was so deep in my own "troubles" I couldn't even see the gravity of other's. Now, it doesn't matter to me if that man was a professional or not. I don't care if he does that everyday and makes more money than we do. The lesson that I learned is that God can provide for my family and we still have so much more than some. When the Lord is my treasure and my portion then only will I be truly satisfied. If I have to give up every comfort I have ever known in order to follow my Christ, I STILL WANT TO FOLLOW HIM! I will probably grieve every loss but I am learning that if my treasure is stored above, then there is nothing of importance that can be taken away from me.
I am so sorry, Lord that I missed your call today. I pray that you would bring Your light to those dark places in my heart and that I would truly be willing to sacrifice anything in order to follow You. I pray that those 3$ that I begrudgingly gave that man will bring glory to you, Lord. I pray that you would bless that man and as FaithLyn prayed, Help that man and everyone else who doesn't have money get some.
Even if every cent is supposed to come from me. Thank You, Lord for your conviction and may it burn in my heart always! In Jesus sanctifying and Holy name, AMEN.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
My Big Three Year Old!!
Now: Feb. 16, 2007
Happy Birthday, ELISE DANIELLE!!
We are still trying to figure out what traditions we want to make part of our family. We both agree that birthdays are special. So Dan had the idea that I take Elise out for a very special birthday lunch just me and her. Dan took the girls to the Science and Cowgirl museums this morning to give me a chance to recoup after another night of sad, sick Olivia. He did a great job of preparing and building the excitement for our special birthday lunch.
Elise decided that she wanted to go to Chick-fil-A. FINE with me!! Beats MickeyD's any day!! So we talked about what she was going to order on the way and I took the birthday hats and noise makers along for a little treat. She was more interested in the noise maker than her lunch and I didn't even make eating an issue. I just let her enjoy her time with just Momma with out all the rules and regulations that usually accompany me. 
Then I let her pick what ever treat she wanted. She picked the brownie and a chocolate milkshake. I didn't even bat an eyelid when I realized she had taken one bite of chicken and one bite of strawberry. This is a special occasion, I say!!
Well, Mommy ended up eating the brownie and now that she is napping I am also finishing off the milkshake. Hmm...it's a good thinkg this is a once a year thing!
Check out those green eyes, Aunt Angie!
I am learning so much about this sweet little girl!! She is so very different from her sisters. Not that I am surprised but it is becoming so much more evident with each passing day. She is a little bit too much like her mom if you ask me. She is very independant but not in a loud pushy sort of way. That is all her own though because I have always been a little pushy about getting my way. She doesn't do anything until she decides that she can do it and do it well. This child will not settle for second best or mediocre. She has either mastered a skill or yet to try accomplishing it! Let's take potty training for instance. The last you heard she had finally gone poo-poo on her own. Well, now a few weeks later she is completely potty trained and has gone for at least a week and a half with NO accidents of any kind!! She's done. She doesn't even wear a pull-up for nap time. She makes it most nights with a dry pull-up. Skill mastered. I am sure there will be some accidents but this kid is amazing!! She just decided it was time! She is very grown up now.
I have learned that sometimes she needs a little push to help her get started but push too hard and she will shut down!! This kid can not be manipulated.
I am so thankful for her strong spirit. I am praying that she will carry that determination with her always. I pray that it will serve her well in those delicate years of peer pressure and the need/desire to fit in.
I have also learned that Elise knows what she likes and once she has decided that is that. There is no wishy-washy back and forth with this little girl. One day she decided purple was her favorite color and it has been ever since. Her favorite sandwich is Peanut butter and Jelly. That is what she wants for lunch, EVERY DAY!! She loves milk!! Would rather drink milk than water and sometimes even juice. Snuggle Bunny has been her bedtime pal since birth and she calls him Snuggs.
She is also a very good big sister. Elise would rather play with Olivia in Olivia's room than watch TV. No arguments here! She always trys to include her baby sister in what ever she and FaithLyn are doing. She never asks me to let Olivia play in her own room with the gate up. She wants everyone to be included. When she sleeps with someone, she is a cuddler. IF we are all watching Curious George in the afternoon she would much rather sit in my lap than on the couch by herself. If I am reading a book to the girls, my lap is her favorite place. Sometimes when I go in to kiss her goodnight she wraps her arms around me and says, "Mommy, I want you to sleep with me."
I know there will come a day when she won't even want or need me to come in and kiss her goodnight. But I know that she will always have her way of letting me know that she loves me. She is very good at making people feel special and she is very loyal. She has a heart of gold. I love this little girl and I am so proud of her. I trust that the Lord will cultivate that golden heart and use this sweet, tiny, little girl for His wonderful purpose. I pray that I can be a large part of that cultivation.
Then: Feb. 16, 2006
This a picture of Elise at her party last year. I remember thinking she was so grown up then. I have learned so much about this girl in the past year. She is growing up and I love her more every day I get to know her.
Happy Birthday, Elise. You are such a blessing and I am so thankful for you. May God bless you as you grow into the woman He created you to be.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
The Saga Continues
Hope everyone had a fun Valentine's Day! The girls and I made Dan a cookie cake and it's already gone!!
It only took me about 2 hours to make! But that was because Olivia had a fever of 103.1 all day yesterday! She wasn't too big on me having any projects that didn't allow for me to hold her. But we got it made and decorated for Dan before his lunch hour was over. I had to run out for more children's Tylenol and Motrin for Livie as soon as Dan got off work last night and fought with all of the shoppers who forgot it was V-day. When I got home I walked into a very romantic candlelit home with the table waiting for me to eat. FaithLyn had the idea to light the candles and she even set the table with fancy glasses for us. It was quite a treat after a very long day of caring for super sick baby.
I guess though that some of you are waiting for an update on the interview. It went really well and it was such a blessing for me to get to be there. Thanks again, Gerlthouse!!
It was so fun to see Dan get passionate talking about all his ideas for youth ministry. It really felt like God was going before us and preparing the way because several of Dan's ideas where things that the youth or youth workers had recently expressed an intrest in to each other. Dan really got going and I love to see him talking about his passion for the Lord!
We have heard from a friend that the commitee is calling all of our references. They are meeting next week to decide if they want to call us in view of a call or not. SO I guess next week at or around this time we know just how well the 2nd interview went. We, again, had a really good time during the interview and laughed a lot. It was a pretty special time to have with Dan. I was able to focus on him completely and we really enjoyed ourselves. But hope not to make interviews the norm for our time out alone!!
Please continue to be in prayer for us as we seek the Lord's will for our family.
I guess I should also make the official announcement that we ARE in fact expecting baby #4! I am due Aug. 21. We are praying that God will protect both baby and Mommy this pregnancy. I am specifically praying that this baby will be full-term, a champion eater, and fabulous sleeper! We would also appreciate your prayer for this little blessing. The girls are praying for a little brother and have been since we moved here to FW. I just want a healthy baby! Well, I also want a good eater and sleeper, too. But mainly just a healthy baby!
We will keep you udated!
It only took me about 2 hours to make! But that was because Olivia had a fever of 103.1 all day yesterday! She wasn't too big on me having any projects that didn't allow for me to hold her. But we got it made and decorated for Dan before his lunch hour was over. I had to run out for more children's Tylenol and Motrin for Livie as soon as Dan got off work last night and fought with all of the shoppers who forgot it was V-day. When I got home I walked into a very romantic candlelit home with the table waiting for me to eat. FaithLyn had the idea to light the candles and she even set the table with fancy glasses for us. It was quite a treat after a very long day of caring for super sick baby.
I guess though that some of you are waiting for an update on the interview. It went really well and it was such a blessing for me to get to be there. Thanks again, Gerlthouse!!
It was so fun to see Dan get passionate talking about all his ideas for youth ministry. It really felt like God was going before us and preparing the way because several of Dan's ideas where things that the youth or youth workers had recently expressed an intrest in to each other. Dan really got going and I love to see him talking about his passion for the Lord!
We have heard from a friend that the commitee is calling all of our references. They are meeting next week to decide if they want to call us in view of a call or not. SO I guess next week at or around this time we know just how well the 2nd interview went. We, again, had a really good time during the interview and laughed a lot. It was a pretty special time to have with Dan. I was able to focus on him completely and we really enjoyed ourselves. But hope not to make interviews the norm for our time out alone!!
Please continue to be in prayer for us as we seek the Lord's will for our family.
I guess I should also make the official announcement that we ARE in fact expecting baby #4! I am due Aug. 21. We are praying that God will protect both baby and Mommy this pregnancy. I am specifically praying that this baby will be full-term, a champion eater, and fabulous sleeper! We would also appreciate your prayer for this little blessing. The girls are praying for a little brother and have been since we moved here to FW. I just want a healthy baby! Well, I also want a good eater and sleeper, too. But mainly just a healthy baby!
We will keep you udated!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The Best Friends in the WHOLE Wide World!
Today is Dan's interview. I have to admit it has gotten very hard for me to keep my perspective clear on this thing. Let's just face it, I am a drama queen. I confess. So it's pretty safe to say that my emotions often run away with me. I create these elaborate scenarios in my head. I know that I shouldn't because if I do I will more than likely be disappointed.
I realize it is doubtful that all of the people we meet with today will look at each other and feel the spirit leading them all at the same time to call us to this postion. I understand that there are certain protocol for situations like this. I know in my mind that they will not take us on a tour of my dream house that they have taken upon themselves to find and purchase for us. But in my mind's eye, I have a very elaborate idea of how things will go this afternoon.
I guess that's why the Lord has made it possible for me to accompany Dan at this interview. To knock a little sense back in to my overly active imagination. I wanted desperately to go. I wanted to make sure that I felt the same peace in this small town and loving church that I overwhelmingly felt at our last visit. I wanted to make sure that it wasn't my active imagination that created the connections I felt with the committee members. I also didn't want to have to hear about it second hand from Dan. He is a great storyteller but, bless his heart, he isn't the best about remembering the details of day to day. He might miss that one crucial facial expression, or be oblivious to that underlying question that everyone implied but didn't ever ask. Not that I will be vocal during the meeting, well, I am praying that God will help me, Today of all days, be the helper suitable that Dan deserves. I know Dan will represent us well whether I am present or not but to experience this first hand and be able to know right away if I can hold out hope or move on with my heart, that is a gift that I wasn't expecting.
Unfortunately, my good fortune comes at a price for those dear ones who are so willingly making it happen. Gerlthouse agreed to keep our clan this afternoon and into the night. They even offered to let the girls spend the night!! The only catch is, this is Chad's first real day off since he returned from a 10 day business trip! I am still a little ashamed of myself for even asking it of them but they are such gracious friends and hopefully they will give us the opportunity to return the dear favor. I am dealing with some guilt about it but I am also so very thankful to have this opportunity and a little time with just Dan.
We have so blessed by so many who have sacrificed for us in so many ways. Thank you Gerlthouse for your sacrifice of love and I am praying that God will bless you for it. What dear friends we have. Thank You, Lord, for this sweet treat right around V-Day and thank you for such loving, caring friends who make it possible!! We love you, Gerlts!
I realize it is doubtful that all of the people we meet with today will look at each other and feel the spirit leading them all at the same time to call us to this postion. I understand that there are certain protocol for situations like this. I know in my mind that they will not take us on a tour of my dream house that they have taken upon themselves to find and purchase for us. But in my mind's eye, I have a very elaborate idea of how things will go this afternoon.
I guess that's why the Lord has made it possible for me to accompany Dan at this interview. To knock a little sense back in to my overly active imagination. I wanted desperately to go. I wanted to make sure that I felt the same peace in this small town and loving church that I overwhelmingly felt at our last visit. I wanted to make sure that it wasn't my active imagination that created the connections I felt with the committee members. I also didn't want to have to hear about it second hand from Dan. He is a great storyteller but, bless his heart, he isn't the best about remembering the details of day to day. He might miss that one crucial facial expression, or be oblivious to that underlying question that everyone implied but didn't ever ask. Not that I will be vocal during the meeting, well, I am praying that God will help me, Today of all days, be the helper suitable that Dan deserves. I know Dan will represent us well whether I am present or not but to experience this first hand and be able to know right away if I can hold out hope or move on with my heart, that is a gift that I wasn't expecting.
Unfortunately, my good fortune comes at a price for those dear ones who are so willingly making it happen. Gerlthouse agreed to keep our clan this afternoon and into the night. They even offered to let the girls spend the night!! The only catch is, this is Chad's first real day off since he returned from a 10 day business trip! I am still a little ashamed of myself for even asking it of them but they are such gracious friends and hopefully they will give us the opportunity to return the dear favor. I am dealing with some guilt about it but I am also so very thankful to have this opportunity and a little time with just Dan.
We have so blessed by so many who have sacrificed for us in so many ways. Thank you Gerlthouse for your sacrifice of love and I am praying that God will bless you for it. What dear friends we have. Thank You, Lord, for this sweet treat right around V-Day and thank you for such loving, caring friends who make it possible!! We love you, Gerlts!
Thursday, February 8, 2007
More Encouragement!
We got a call last night from the church in Iowa Park. When the phone started ringing I knew it would be an important call because I had just convinced Dan to sit and take a break with me from reading to watch the premiere of Lost. But regardless of our plans this was a call we were glad to take!
Dan is going back next Tuesday to meet with the Youth Workers/Volunteers. This is a very important meeting because these people are the backbone of the whole Youth Ministry Program. But we are really excited about this next step. Again we are trying not to get ahead of ourselves because you never know! We are trying to take this one step at a time.
My Mom has already reminded me that Iowa Park is only 3 hrs. away from them!!
One funny tidbit: The gentleman that called us and has been our contact person, presumably the chair of the committee told Dan that the only concern that was expressed about Dan during the meeting was a fear that he might be too gentle and calm to connect with the youth. hehehe.
I guess they didn't get a full view of Dan's character did they? They did ask me this question during our interview and I had to laugh!! IF this where God calls us, then they will find out soon enough, won't they?
Please be in prayer for us. We want to follow God's will for us and we really feel like full-time church ministry is a part of that will. SO we want to be sure that this is the place that God is calling us. We will let you know!! The interview is Tuesday, Feb., 13, at 5:30.
Dan is going back next Tuesday to meet with the Youth Workers/Volunteers. This is a very important meeting because these people are the backbone of the whole Youth Ministry Program. But we are really excited about this next step. Again we are trying not to get ahead of ourselves because you never know! We are trying to take this one step at a time.
My Mom has already reminded me that Iowa Park is only 3 hrs. away from them!!
One funny tidbit: The gentleman that called us and has been our contact person, presumably the chair of the committee told Dan that the only concern that was expressed about Dan during the meeting was a fear that he might be too gentle and calm to connect with the youth. hehehe.
I guess they didn't get a full view of Dan's character did they? They did ask me this question during our interview and I had to laugh!! IF this where God calls us, then they will find out soon enough, won't they?
Please be in prayer for us. We want to follow God's will for us and we really feel like full-time church ministry is a part of that will. SO we want to be sure that this is the place that God is calling us. We will let you know!! The interview is Tuesday, Feb., 13, at 5:30.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Blessed Encouragement! Heavenly Provision!
Dear Friends-
God is so good and He always knows our hearts. I sent up a prayer for some provision a couple of days ago and found the answer to that prayer sitting in my mailbox this afternoon. We recieved an anonymous gift of money in an envelope with no return address. The only message was this verse typed out,
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Attatched to the note was a money order for a not at all small amount. So, to our dear friends and co-laborers, Thank You!! Thank you for blessing us, thank you for being obedient to the Lord's leading, thank you for the encouragement, Thank you for the Love.
Thank You, Lord for your faithfulness. Even when I lifted up a tentitive prayer you listened, comforted, and proved faithful. I am so humbled by my Savior's care for us, even when we feel unworthy and undeserving. This is a fight worth fighting and we will follow our God down any road that He leads.
I have a sneaking suspicion that our friends at WSS has something to do with keeping this a mystery. The letter was folded like it arrived somewhere else first in its own letter and was post marked from Altoona, PA. But that is as far as my deduction skills will take me. But that is unimportant because this way I can give complete credit to my Lord and Savior who heard my prayer.
This journey has been one of the most wonderful I have ever taken. I hope that others will be encouraged by our journey. I realize that is will never end. I am thankful for that. We have been so blessed!
God is so good and He always knows our hearts. I sent up a prayer for some provision a couple of days ago and found the answer to that prayer sitting in my mailbox this afternoon. We recieved an anonymous gift of money in an envelope with no return address. The only message was this verse typed out,
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Attatched to the note was a money order for a not at all small amount. So, to our dear friends and co-laborers, Thank You!! Thank you for blessing us, thank you for being obedient to the Lord's leading, thank you for the encouragement, Thank you for the Love.
Thank You, Lord for your faithfulness. Even when I lifted up a tentitive prayer you listened, comforted, and proved faithful. I am so humbled by my Savior's care for us, even when we feel unworthy and undeserving. This is a fight worth fighting and we will follow our God down any road that He leads.
I have a sneaking suspicion that our friends at WSS has something to do with keeping this a mystery. The letter was folded like it arrived somewhere else first in its own letter and was post marked from Altoona, PA. But that is as far as my deduction skills will take me. But that is unimportant because this way I can give complete credit to my Lord and Savior who heard my prayer.
This journey has been one of the most wonderful I have ever taken. I hope that others will be encouraged by our journey. I realize that is will never end. I am thankful for that. We have been so blessed!
The interview on Tuesday went well. No matter how it works out we had a really good time. That counts for something. You can't always say that about interviews. It's hard for me not to fall in love with every church we visit as a prospect but I am doing a better job this time of keeping it all in perspective. I know that God has a church for us to serve in and in His time He will lead us there. I have to be patient and wait. So I am trying very hard to be patient but we really liked the church and people that we met.
Dan started his Seminary job today. He is an electrician. . . . At least he is learning a marketable skill. He is hoping to meet some people and forge some relationships, too.
That's the update for us. I'll let you know more as we learn more.
Dan started his Seminary job today. He is an electrician. . . . At least he is learning a marketable skill. He is hoping to meet some people and forge some relationships, too.
That's the update for us. I'll let you know more as we learn more.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Reminiscing
I think David and Ellen and sweet baby Seth are going home today.
Every time a friend or loved one has their first baby I am reminded of my first baby experiences...
Leaving the hospital with that helpless little baby. Having to wait outside of the car for my Dad and Dan to hook up the car seat. The nurse saying "See you next year" and scoffing to myself, Yeah, right! (Prophesy?) Stopping at Wendy's for lunch on the way home!? Filling my pain med precription. The pain meds wearing off while I waited!! How I thought I didn't need any help. How ready I was to get home and do it myself. How bad it hurt when my milk came in for the first time. (Sorry guys, if there are any!) How mad I got at my sweet Mom for offering advice that I now know was great advice!! How greedy I was with my baby. How hard it was to figure out how Dan and I were supposed to work as parents. How tired I was!! (I didn't know anything about being tired yet!!) How I stubbornly did what ever I wanted regardless of the doctors orders on "no Stairs" and "No Driving". How hard it was to get my sweet baby to sleep. My first glimpse of her in the delivery/operating room. That overwhelming love for this tiny creature I was only meeting face to face for the first time. Figuring out what features she had from which side of the family. Trying to imagine her personality.
Those were such sweet times! I am so thankful that David and Ellen are making their own sweet memories to remember later. We have some pretty funny stories of late night fiascos. I hope, David and Ellen, that your memories are sweet, precious, and yes, even amusing!!
Here's to firsts!!
Every time a friend or loved one has their first baby I am reminded of my first baby experiences...
Leaving the hospital with that helpless little baby. Having to wait outside of the car for my Dad and Dan to hook up the car seat. The nurse saying "See you next year" and scoffing to myself, Yeah, right! (Prophesy?) Stopping at Wendy's for lunch on the way home!? Filling my pain med precription. The pain meds wearing off while I waited!! How I thought I didn't need any help. How ready I was to get home and do it myself. How bad it hurt when my milk came in for the first time. (Sorry guys, if there are any!) How mad I got at my sweet Mom for offering advice that I now know was great advice!! How greedy I was with my baby. How hard it was to figure out how Dan and I were supposed to work as parents. How tired I was!! (I didn't know anything about being tired yet!!) How I stubbornly did what ever I wanted regardless of the doctors orders on "no Stairs" and "No Driving". How hard it was to get my sweet baby to sleep. My first glimpse of her in the delivery/operating room. That overwhelming love for this tiny creature I was only meeting face to face for the first time. Figuring out what features she had from which side of the family. Trying to imagine her personality.
Those were such sweet times! I am so thankful that David and Ellen are making their own sweet memories to remember later. We have some pretty funny stories of late night fiascos. I hope, David and Ellen, that your memories are sweet, precious, and yes, even amusing!!
Here's to firsts!!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Our Poo-Poo Princess
We have had quite an eventful day at the B Casa!! Not only did we get a new cousin and nephew but another much anticipated and hoped for event happened this evening as well!!!
Elise pooped in the toilet BY HERSELF for the first time EVER!!
Now, some you may be thinking, is this really blog worthy information? Well, until you struggle with potty training a child don't even go there!!! Has anyone heard of the book, How to Potty Train in a Day? Well, I say to that, you have never met Elise B.!!! She can not be tricked, conjoled, guilted(not that I would EVER try to guilt my children into anything), or demanded to do anything until she is good and ready!! She can be forced. Everyone can be forced but the last time we tried to manipulate her to poop in the toilet was about 9 months ago.
We thought it was a great idea. Set up the TV in the bathroom and make her sit there until she poops. Well, you can see, 9 months later where that got us!
BUT tonight, (insert Hallelujah chorus) while the girls were taking a bath, Elise got out of the tub and went poop on the potty all of her own accord!!!
I might have mentioned previously that we cut a deal with Elise. I can't say I recommend that you negotiate with your children but potty training can really just throw all those rational ideas out of the water. Anyway, Elise kept saying that she would try when she got bigger. Well she turns 3 in Feb. I told her that 3 was bigger. I asked if she would start pooping in the potty when she turned 3. She said yes. Then Dan had the great idea to offer an early birhtday gift if she happened to do it ahead of time.
SOOO........Here is our Poo-Poo Princess and her very excited support group!
Welcome to the World!!
Our much anticipated and prayerfully hoped for nephew, Seth David, made his appearance into this big, big world today!!!
He tipped the scales at 7lbs. 5 oz. and 19 3/4 in. long! Baby and dear mother, Ellen, are doing well. I think Daddy David is doing ok, too.
Only one day after his expected arrival! I'd say that's pretty timely on his part but unfortunately he didn't have much to do with it. But I will leave all of those stories for his parents.
Our dear Seth, we pray God's blessings and love to you. May your mind hunger for the knowledge of God and your heart burn with the compassion of our Savior. I pray peace for your spirit, strength for your soul, and love for your heart. May you live to love our Savior and King all the days of your life and may that life be wholly honoring and pleasing to the God who created you.
David and Ellen, I pray confidence in Christ Jesus will accompany you each day that you strive to fulfill this honor of parenthood. I pray peace for your hearts, rest for your bodies, resolution and clear thinking for your minds, and joy for your souls! Enjoy the adventure!!
He tipped the scales at 7lbs. 5 oz. and 19 3/4 in. long! Baby and dear mother, Ellen, are doing well. I think Daddy David is doing ok, too.
Only one day after his expected arrival! I'd say that's pretty timely on his part but unfortunately he didn't have much to do with it. But I will leave all of those stories for his parents.
Our dear Seth, we pray God's blessings and love to you. May your mind hunger for the knowledge of God and your heart burn with the compassion of our Savior. I pray peace for your spirit, strength for your soul, and love for your heart. May you live to love our Savior and King all the days of your life and may that life be wholly honoring and pleasing to the God who created you.
David and Ellen, I pray confidence in Christ Jesus will accompany you each day that you strive to fulfill this honor of parenthood. I pray peace for your hearts, rest for your bodies, resolution and clear thinking for your minds, and joy for your souls! Enjoy the adventure!!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
I Think Today is Going to be a Good Day!
Since we have Dan around more we are trying to make meal times a family event and priority. This is hardest on Dan because he has to be at class by 8 and the girls always want to spend time with Daddy in the morning. But I am so blessed to have a husband who makes these kind of priorities and then strives to really keep them. Part of our breakfast routine is to pray using our Pray for China daily calendar. It helps us focus on Christ and help the girls learn to pray with us and hopefully make missions an everyday part of our family. It has truly been a blessing for us as a family. We all go around the table and decide who or what to pray for. Everyone prays. Except, of course, Olivia. She has a pass until she can talk. But this morning Elise wanted to pray for Mommy. Dan always helps her with prayers so she was repeating what he said but my heart melted when I heard her sweet little voice say, "Thank you for such a great Mommy!"
I am thankful for such a great Danny! He is always so good to help the girls honor me with the correct language and attitude. I am so prayerful that my attitude and actions toward Dan will foster the correct submission and respect for their earthly and heavenly Fathers.
Yesterday, I spoke of hope and God is so faithful. We got a call from a church we have been in contact with and they want us to come for an interview!! SO, next Tuesday at 4 pm, please pray for us. We are determined not to get ahead of God on this one. I am trying to keep everything in perspective and keep my excitement in check. Unfortunately that isn't as hard as it once was. I see this as a hopeful event but I am a bit jaded by the whole process and able to keep my head a little better.
It is a very hopeful opportunity though. Dan sent in his finished questionarre yesterday and we received the invitation for an interview late last night. It is nice to feel persued. All you ladies know what I am talking about and I am sure you men who have been looking for a job know what I mean too.
Every day God is reminding me is subtle and not so subtle ways that He has a plan for us and we are in good hands.
I am thankful for such a great Danny! He is always so good to help the girls honor me with the correct language and attitude. I am so prayerful that my attitude and actions toward Dan will foster the correct submission and respect for their earthly and heavenly Fathers.
Yesterday, I spoke of hope and God is so faithful. We got a call from a church we have been in contact with and they want us to come for an interview!! SO, next Tuesday at 4 pm, please pray for us. We are determined not to get ahead of God on this one. I am trying to keep everything in perspective and keep my excitement in check. Unfortunately that isn't as hard as it once was. I see this as a hopeful event but I am a bit jaded by the whole process and able to keep my head a little better.
It is a very hopeful opportunity though. Dan sent in his finished questionarre yesterday and we received the invitation for an interview late last night. It is nice to feel persued. All you ladies know what I am talking about and I am sure you men who have been looking for a job know what I mean too.
Every day God is reminding me is subtle and not so subtle ways that He has a plan for us and we are in good hands.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
It Takes a Little Faith
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Have you ever lost hope? How our perspective on life changes when we lose hope is astonishing. As long as there is a small bit of hope floating around in my heart then I can press forward. But the instant that hope is gone I am ready to throw in the towel. BUT, that's where the second part of the verse comes in, CONVICTION of things not seen. That's the part that hurts. To keep believing when nothing in your life shows any reason to believe.
That's faith. It applies to every part of your life. From the smallest cirmcustance to the largest.
Here's a small example from my life. We have been potty training Elise for at least 12 years. HA! That's how it feels anyway! No, it has been more like 8-10 months. I had lost hope. There was no signs of this taking hold anytime soon. My Mom gave me an egg timer. Something that LOTS of people suggested. But this little apple shaped egg timer brought hope to this sad, tired, little Momma. Now we are seeing some great improvements and she promises that she will poop in the potty when she turns 3! That's only a couple of weeks away. But hope made all the difference in our small circumstance. I was ready to invest in Pull Ups! I was in for the long haul and already thinking of what to tell her Kindergarten teacher, unless of course that ends up being me! Now that I have hope, I am prepared to stay the course!
Now for a big example from our lives. We left the dream job, in the most beautiful place in the world, living in the most beautiful house in the world and came to Texas with no job a more than twice smaller house, and the direct leading of the Lord. We started out with hope. Hope that God had a plan for us, a purpose for good and not harm. We are so blessed to say that despite the crazy journey we have been on that hope is still alive and well. If we didn't know without a shadow of a doubt that we are where God wants us it would just not be worth it!! But we have a CONVICTION of the Unseen!! That unseen for us right now is a position in a full-time church ministry position, and a Masters of Divinity. Right now, we don't have a job, Dan is throwing himself full-time into classes and we are waiting and waiting to hear from a church that feels God is leading us to serve with them. On the outside we look pretty hopeless! But we have an assurance in things hoped for and a conviction of things not yet seen. So, regardless of how our situation appears I have never been more content! IT does NOT make sense. But I am so thankful for so many things!! All of our needs are met; we have a pantry full of food, a freezer full of meat, all of our bills are paid. What else could we ask for? We get to see Dan lots right now and he has plenty of time to get his homework done so when he's home, he's OURS! I mean really, what else is there? I guess the only thing that would make me more content would be to have each and everyone of you right here with me to visit and laugh with. I might even make a chocolate chip cookie or two.
I hope you aren't short on hope right now. It makes all the difference in how you are able to look at your world and circumstances. Once you give up on hope then you might as well just give up!
But, it takes a little faith. I am so thankful that God blessed me with a husband who has taught me the joys and adventures of a life based on faith in a God so much bigger than anything I can imagine! But faith is a muscle that needs exercise and use. With out use it just turns into fat or withers away. As long as My God is the ruler of this world then there is hope!
Have you ever lost hope? How our perspective on life changes when we lose hope is astonishing. As long as there is a small bit of hope floating around in my heart then I can press forward. But the instant that hope is gone I am ready to throw in the towel. BUT, that's where the second part of the verse comes in, CONVICTION of things not seen. That's the part that hurts. To keep believing when nothing in your life shows any reason to believe.
That's faith. It applies to every part of your life. From the smallest cirmcustance to the largest.
Here's a small example from my life. We have been potty training Elise for at least 12 years. HA! That's how it feels anyway! No, it has been more like 8-10 months. I had lost hope. There was no signs of this taking hold anytime soon. My Mom gave me an egg timer. Something that LOTS of people suggested. But this little apple shaped egg timer brought hope to this sad, tired, little Momma. Now we are seeing some great improvements and she promises that she will poop in the potty when she turns 3! That's only a couple of weeks away. But hope made all the difference in our small circumstance. I was ready to invest in Pull Ups! I was in for the long haul and already thinking of what to tell her Kindergarten teacher, unless of course that ends up being me! Now that I have hope, I am prepared to stay the course!
Now for a big example from our lives. We left the dream job, in the most beautiful place in the world, living in the most beautiful house in the world and came to Texas with no job a more than twice smaller house, and the direct leading of the Lord. We started out with hope. Hope that God had a plan for us, a purpose for good and not harm. We are so blessed to say that despite the crazy journey we have been on that hope is still alive and well. If we didn't know without a shadow of a doubt that we are where God wants us it would just not be worth it!! But we have a CONVICTION of the Unseen!! That unseen for us right now is a position in a full-time church ministry position, and a Masters of Divinity. Right now, we don't have a job, Dan is throwing himself full-time into classes and we are waiting and waiting to hear from a church that feels God is leading us to serve with them. On the outside we look pretty hopeless! But we have an assurance in things hoped for and a conviction of things not yet seen. So, regardless of how our situation appears I have never been more content! IT does NOT make sense. But I am so thankful for so many things!! All of our needs are met; we have a pantry full of food, a freezer full of meat, all of our bills are paid. What else could we ask for? We get to see Dan lots right now and he has plenty of time to get his homework done so when he's home, he's OURS! I mean really, what else is there? I guess the only thing that would make me more content would be to have each and everyone of you right here with me to visit and laugh with. I might even make a chocolate chip cookie or two.
I hope you aren't short on hope right now. It makes all the difference in how you are able to look at your world and circumstances. Once you give up on hope then you might as well just give up!
But, it takes a little faith. I am so thankful that God blessed me with a husband who has taught me the joys and adventures of a life based on faith in a God so much bigger than anything I can imagine! But faith is a muscle that needs exercise and use. With out use it just turns into fat or withers away. As long as My God is the ruler of this world then there is hope!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Life Goes On
Well, it's the official start of the new spring semester for Dan at Southwestern. We are trying something new this semester. Dan is going to take a full course load and try to get a campus job. He must first finish his paper for the J-term class he just took. It's due tomorrow by 5pm. I have never been so ready for a class to be over with!! This J-term class was a lesson we learned the hard way! But I am so proud of Dan for sticking with it. Believe me it hasn't been easy! So once this paper is done and Dan begins his classes on Monday then it will be the official start of something new for us. Since we know that God has called us here to do this we are trying what ever we can think of to make it through with out sacrificing what is most important, our love for the Lord and our family. SO, this is the next step in trying to figure it all out.
I decided that with this new step it was time to stop living like we are in transition. I am so tired of thinking we might not be here long! I am tired of waiting for something big to happen. All of that waiting is distracting me from what God has for me right here and right now. I took a long hard look at how things WILL be changing for us, new semester, less income, hopefully more of Dan. And it's not all bad. We have lots of great friends in the area, a fantastic church, and a few churches who are still remotely intrested in us. We have family in the same state for the first time in 4 1/2 years. We have an opportunity to go back to White Sulphur Springs for the Senior Staff Reunion!!! Dan is going to have 24 credits at the end of this semester!! And the stomach bug has been absent from our home for at least 72 hours!! There is a lot to smile about around here. Did I mention we even got an inch of snow this week!!?
It's a little late but I have decided to look at this year as the year of opportunity. Every day holds some new opportunity and I am going to look it full in the face and make the best of each one. I have a friend who once said "Do the thing you fear!" That is my motto for the year. And right now, the scariest thing for me is to settle down into this turbulent, month by month life we are currently living. I could tell you some stories about how God has already provided for our family and the blessings we have encountered for following His leading in our life. Maybe someday it won't be so fresh on my heart and I will share them with you, but right now, they are just between my God and me. He is good, all the time. And this scary transitional permanence that has become my life is exactly what Abraham must have known. God told him to go and live as an alien. He did and he lived his life. I believe he had a good life and I believe Abraham was thankful for the life he had. I know God has a promised land for us too. It's just not time yet and if I can't be happy waiting, I don't think I will be happy in the promised land either.
It's easy to keep looking forward hoping that some THING will make our crazy messed up lives better. A new job, a new start, a new house, a new car, more income, better body, more sleep, more motivation, more whatever, a new whatever; IT'S A LIE!! None of that will make you happier. If you can't be happy in the circumstances you find yourself in then chances are you won't be much happier ever! Sure circumstances can change who we are, but we don't have to let that change be for the worse. See I didn't have the power to let this whole scary transitional life thing go until I realized how much I was holding on to it. That's when I gave it over to God and that doesn't mean I am cured of it.
I watched a movie the other day about a man who thought he was a total failure. His marriage failed, his kids were a mess, his ex-wife hated him, and people who didn't know him kept throwing stuff at him on the streets. He tried to write a novel and failed. Everyone ignored him and he had a volatile temper. He was a mess. He got this idea that if he got this super $1.2 mill a year job then his whole life would just magically float back together. His wife would love him again and his marriage would be fixed, his kids wouldn't be messed up and his sick dad wouldn't die. But the funny thing is, he never made any changes. He just expected it all to get better if he could just succeed at this one thing. He realized by the end of the movie that that wasn't the case. His dad died, his wife got remarried, his kids got into more trouble. The only thing about this movie that redeemed it a bit is the fact that this man started to take responsibility for his part in why things where the way they were. He started to slowly make changes and he did get the bazillion $ job. IT didn't change anything.
It's just a movie so it lacks the answers that I believe will truly change this man's life. But I don't. I know that I can not make any changes, make anything good happen in my life apart from my Savior's presence in my life. That's where real change is made!
So. To changes and to a new start and to doing the thing I fear!
I decided that with this new step it was time to stop living like we are in transition. I am so tired of thinking we might not be here long! I am tired of waiting for something big to happen. All of that waiting is distracting me from what God has for me right here and right now. I took a long hard look at how things WILL be changing for us, new semester, less income, hopefully more of Dan. And it's not all bad. We have lots of great friends in the area, a fantastic church, and a few churches who are still remotely intrested in us. We have family in the same state for the first time in 4 1/2 years. We have an opportunity to go back to White Sulphur Springs for the Senior Staff Reunion!!! Dan is going to have 24 credits at the end of this semester!! And the stomach bug has been absent from our home for at least 72 hours!! There is a lot to smile about around here. Did I mention we even got an inch of snow this week!!?
It's a little late but I have decided to look at this year as the year of opportunity. Every day holds some new opportunity and I am going to look it full in the face and make the best of each one. I have a friend who once said "Do the thing you fear!" That is my motto for the year. And right now, the scariest thing for me is to settle down into this turbulent, month by month life we are currently living. I could tell you some stories about how God has already provided for our family and the blessings we have encountered for following His leading in our life. Maybe someday it won't be so fresh on my heart and I will share them with you, but right now, they are just between my God and me. He is good, all the time. And this scary transitional permanence that has become my life is exactly what Abraham must have known. God told him to go and live as an alien. He did and he lived his life. I believe he had a good life and I believe Abraham was thankful for the life he had. I know God has a promised land for us too. It's just not time yet and if I can't be happy waiting, I don't think I will be happy in the promised land either.
It's easy to keep looking forward hoping that some THING will make our crazy messed up lives better. A new job, a new start, a new house, a new car, more income, better body, more sleep, more motivation, more whatever, a new whatever; IT'S A LIE!! None of that will make you happier. If you can't be happy in the circumstances you find yourself in then chances are you won't be much happier ever! Sure circumstances can change who we are, but we don't have to let that change be for the worse. See I didn't have the power to let this whole scary transitional life thing go until I realized how much I was holding on to it. That's when I gave it over to God and that doesn't mean I am cured of it.
I watched a movie the other day about a man who thought he was a total failure. His marriage failed, his kids were a mess, his ex-wife hated him, and people who didn't know him kept throwing stuff at him on the streets. He tried to write a novel and failed. Everyone ignored him and he had a volatile temper. He was a mess. He got this idea that if he got this super $1.2 mill a year job then his whole life would just magically float back together. His wife would love him again and his marriage would be fixed, his kids wouldn't be messed up and his sick dad wouldn't die. But the funny thing is, he never made any changes. He just expected it all to get better if he could just succeed at this one thing. He realized by the end of the movie that that wasn't the case. His dad died, his wife got remarried, his kids got into more trouble. The only thing about this movie that redeemed it a bit is the fact that this man started to take responsibility for his part in why things where the way they were. He started to slowly make changes and he did get the bazillion $ job. IT didn't change anything.
It's just a movie so it lacks the answers that I believe will truly change this man's life. But I don't. I know that I can not make any changes, make anything good happen in my life apart from my Savior's presence in my life. That's where real change is made!
So. To changes and to a new start and to doing the thing I fear!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
BRRRR!!!
Texas weather is like no where else I have ever been. You never know what you might get except in West Texas where it is so flat. At least there you get to see the storm clouds rolling in about 1/2 a day in advance!
Right now it is cold!! I think the temp outside right now is in the upper 20's! And you know nothing says road trip like the threat of freezing rain!! Yesterday, on a whim, I decided to go visit Angie and Luke in Austin. I thought for sure that if I went south we would be safe and the weather would blow off by Sunday. Well, apparently, the weather was following us!! I woke up this morning after staying up most of the night with a very sick FaithLyn to find that the bad weather was coming straight for us and the threat of ice in Fort Worth was worse as the day went on! SO, naturally, I packed up all the kids, and a few extra plastic bags for FaithLyn, just in case, and we headed home!
I am not sure if Angie will ever let me come visit again. We were so tired from taking care of four kids that we weren't real enspired to do fun girly things. That was the intent of my visit. Anyway, Luke started feeling crummy with a 101 temp last night and FaithLyn reported that the food she had eaten for lunch hadn't been good to her tummy. We spent less than 24 hours there and most of those hours was filled with trying to comfort a sick child. Sorry, Ang, my intentions were good! But I am glad that I got to spend some time with Angie, regardless of the circumstances. It just doesn't happen often enough if you ask me!
But we made it home before the roads froze over. That is imminent any moment now!! SUnday school was cancelled this morning and the city is on the verge of pandemonium but I think now that we are safe at home we will all survive!!
Dan has been furiously plugging away at his assignments to complete this J-term class. He is really having to hit it hard. There is SO much work to get done between now and next Friday! The library will be closed tomorrow for MLK day so I hope Dan can still concentrate with all of us girls running around vying for his attention. I just hope no one else gets this stomach bug. I am really sick of everyone being sick!How many times do we have to run this stomach bug through our family?? AND does that say something about my housecleaning or is just a really persistent strain? I am choosing to believe the latter but think I know the truth behind that question. I guess you all know what I will be doing tomorrow? Cleaning the bathrooms!!
Hope you are all safe and warm. This is a pretty far reaching ice storm. Hope you get to enjoy a nice cup of Hot Chocolate!
Right now it is cold!! I think the temp outside right now is in the upper 20's! And you know nothing says road trip like the threat of freezing rain!! Yesterday, on a whim, I decided to go visit Angie and Luke in Austin. I thought for sure that if I went south we would be safe and the weather would blow off by Sunday. Well, apparently, the weather was following us!! I woke up this morning after staying up most of the night with a very sick FaithLyn to find that the bad weather was coming straight for us and the threat of ice in Fort Worth was worse as the day went on! SO, naturally, I packed up all the kids, and a few extra plastic bags for FaithLyn, just in case, and we headed home!
I am not sure if Angie will ever let me come visit again. We were so tired from taking care of four kids that we weren't real enspired to do fun girly things. That was the intent of my visit. Anyway, Luke started feeling crummy with a 101 temp last night and FaithLyn reported that the food she had eaten for lunch hadn't been good to her tummy. We spent less than 24 hours there and most of those hours was filled with trying to comfort a sick child. Sorry, Ang, my intentions were good! But I am glad that I got to spend some time with Angie, regardless of the circumstances. It just doesn't happen often enough if you ask me!
But we made it home before the roads froze over. That is imminent any moment now!! SUnday school was cancelled this morning and the city is on the verge of pandemonium but I think now that we are safe at home we will all survive!!
Dan has been furiously plugging away at his assignments to complete this J-term class. He is really having to hit it hard. There is SO much work to get done between now and next Friday! The library will be closed tomorrow for MLK day so I hope Dan can still concentrate with all of us girls running around vying for his attention. I just hope no one else gets this stomach bug. I am really sick of everyone being sick!How many times do we have to run this stomach bug through our family?? AND does that say something about my housecleaning or is just a really persistent strain? I am choosing to believe the latter but think I know the truth behind that question. I guess you all know what I will be doing tomorrow? Cleaning the bathrooms!!
Hope you are all safe and warm. This is a pretty far reaching ice storm. Hope you get to enjoy a nice cup of Hot Chocolate!
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
The Sleeper has Awakened
There is no need to worry but this blogsite has been undergoing treatment for depression. It was totally unmotivated, slept for days, and did nothing for a whole month!! But I think I have coaxed this site out of hibernation and will try to return to normal updates. It's no wonder, Everyone says the holidays are the highest time for depression and suicide and all those sad things. This poor blog became one of the sad statistics.
I don't mean to be glib, depression is nothing to laugh at but I did take a nice long holiday from my computer and all of my computer habits, (or addictions) for a while. Honestly, I just hadn't been motivated to share anything for a while. But there is nothing like the threat of a really nasty day of housecleaning to bring back the desire to sit and share my thoughts!
Here is the only family pic I have of the holidays. Ok, I am really holding back. There is one picture that includes me but I reserve the right to withhold any picture that I feel is not flattering! Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have to record the visit of Mimi and PopPop. They took the picture before church but we don't have any with them in it!! I really fell down on the job this holiday season. I don't have much to show of wonderful Christmas season!
But let's get back to the details. Dan's parents came for a whirlwind visit the weekend of the 16th and we enjoyed having them so much!! The girls loved taking them to the Cowgirls Hall of Fame Museum. I missed that one but heard they had a great time in the huge water fountain out front! Too bad we don't have that on tape!! I heard it was America's Funniest Home Videos worthy.
The Wednesday after Mimi and PopPop left the girls and I loaded up and headed for long visit at Nana and Papa's house. We had a great time! It took us a few days to figure out how to make the best use of our small space, especially since Angie and Luke were there also and Dan and Uncle Brett and Tres Arnold would be joining us on Saturday, the 23rd! We got creative and made it work. Unfortunately, we all passed around a nasty stomach bug, but enjoyed our time together nonetheless.
My favorite thing about being at Mom and Dad's was that we got to spend some good time with my grandparents, the girl's great-grandparents! My Memaw and Papaw moved to be closer to Mom and Dad so they are living right behind the house in shouting distance! It was so fun to see the girls react with and learn to love the grandparents I have always loved! 
This isn't the greatest pic but I love it anyway. FaithLyn decided to walk with Memaw to the mailbox. Not a big deal but it melted my heart to hear her chattering away with my Memaw just like I used to. These moments are the things that I hope to remember and hold on to for a long time.
We went and ate Christmas dinner with my other grandparents, Memaw and PawPaw Wayne. Memaw always has lots of food and the homemade pumpkin pie is always the focal point of the meal!! She has learned to make two so that family feuds don't errupt over that silly pie! We didn't get to stay as long as we would have liked because Dad was home sick with the stomach bug so we all rushed back to make sure he didn't enjoy his few hours of peace and quiet too much! The girls were especially sad to go because they made fast friends with their cousin Zeah who was also there for the day. 
Olivia has always adored her Nana. They have a very special relationship, Nana does what ever she wants and that has bonded them together until the ends of time! This is the only picture I have to document their time together but I am not kidding that this child has it fugured out!! She knew who to go to get her needs met!! It was lots of fun while we were there but the 5 and 1/2 hour drive home we sure did pay for it!! The seperation was just too much for Olivia and she screamed for Na-Na just about 5 hours of that 5 and 1/2 hour drive!!
But really, I am so thankful that the girls love their grandparents and great grandparents!! We had a lovely time with family. AND cousin Luke eventually warmed up to Aunt Kelli. It took a while but he finally taught me how to play and we had lots of fun tickling and chasing each other!
Nana and Papa got the girls a new kitchen for Christmas. The girls were so excited but we couldn't put it together until we got home. They have had more fun with this kitchen!! Thanks Nana and Papa!!
I wish that I could say our return home was just as lovely but let's face it coming home from a long trip is never as good as you imagine it to be!! The piles of laundry, the suitcases to be unpacked and put away, the reality of a home that you left in a rush, It is still home, though and we were glad to get back to our small space where at least our stuff fits.
On Saturday after we returned I was awakened by a sad croupy coughing Elise. We got her comfortable and back to sleep and then Olivia woke up coughing but not with croup. So we had two very sick little girls and then Daddy got a second visit from the stomach bug and we ended up taking him to the emergency room with abdominal pain. IT was pretty scary, he couldn't even stand up straight but thank goodness it wasn't anything serious. Just a nasty case of stomach flu! I don't think Dan was thankful but I was sure thankful it wasn't something worse! The girls didn't mind because they got to spend some time with their friends Grace Anne, Gibson, and Hayden Mize while daddy was in the ER. Thankfully we didn't, as far as I know, pass on any of the illnesses to them.
Once we got Dan on the up and up we had a great week together. We really enjoyed having Daddy around for meals and bedtime. This week Dan started his J-term class and is sitting through 8 hours of lecture a day!! I am not sure there is a professor on this earth that could make that fun! But it will be worth it when all the work is done and he is one class closer to finishing! We are still glad to have him for meals and bedtime! That's one trend we would be grateful to keep up!! We didn't realize just how much we had been missing having Daddy around. Dan and I have been ecouraged about his choice to quit his job. We have experienced immediate rewards with the girls. They are doing so much better and we can tell that not having Daddy around as much taking a toll on them.
We are still trying to wait patiently to hear back from Jacksonville on the position we interviewed for in December. We just can't quit thinking about it and hoping for it. We are in a very new place right now. We have always trusted God to lead us but He has always shown us the way before we started hoping for it. This time we are waiting to see what God has for us, knowing He has something perfect for us, but at the same hoping and praying that this is what He has. We have both been afraid to go ahead of God in hoping for this position but at the same time want to have faith that what we are feeling, this hope, is from the Lord. Either way, we know that God is in control and we are satisfied with HIS best for us. Right now we are enjoying more family time!!
I forgot to mention Dan and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! We are thankful for God's blessing on our marriage and hope to experience that blessing for many, many years to come!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
What a weekend! Friday Olivia threw up all over her car seat!! We prayed and prayed and tried to figure out what to do about the interview. We decided to giver her some milk and send her to bed. It seemed like the best way to see if she had a virus or just an upset stomach. She was fine and we loaded up after Dan finished his last paper of the semester. PTL! We just kept praying that the other girls wouldn't get sick while we were there.
We had a great time in the nice hotel room that the church provided for us. The girls and Dan went swimming and we stayed up late and got up early. The girls choice, not ours! Then we headed over to the church to get the kiddos settled in to extended care during the worship service and really enjoyed the atmosphere of the church. Then we were invited to one of the committee members home for lunch. I felt really comfortable and able to be myself. The girls were great and a big hit with all! We got them tucked in for naps and started in on the interview. I felt like it went really well. Before hand we had prayed that we would just be able to be ourselves instead of trying to always say the "right" things. Dan did a great job and it was so fun to be interviewing together. They wanted to know as much about me as Dan and Dan was really sweet to point out some of my strengths. I tried to do the same for him.
It feels to me like this church and position would be a good fit for us. But you know how it goes...now we just wait for the Lord to work and reveal His plan for us. Dan and I both agree that this interview solidified our call to this type of ministry. It is very family focused and we are passionate about that. SO even if this isn't where God has for us, we feel confident that there is somewhere out there that will desire our passion for the family as a whole.
Dan did decide to go ahead and quit his city job. It has been a really great job for this time but we feel like this time has come to an end. We promised each other that we would not sacrifice the family in order to accomplish this God directed path. It was time to honor that promise. I am so thankful for Dan and his leadership of this family. What a hard thing to do. He was most likely about to be moved to a permenant position. From the world's point of view his decisions don't make a whole lot of sense. It looks like he is just quiting and he isn't quiting for another job. This is yet another step of faith for us. The Lord has never disappointed us when we call on Him to provide for us or guide us to the next step. No matter how uncertain that may be the girls and I will definitely benefit from having him around more.
I am so excited about the future!! It can hold any number of adventures for us, and with Dan that is just a given! Thanks for all your prayers, but please don't stop!!!
We had a great time in the nice hotel room that the church provided for us. The girls and Dan went swimming and we stayed up late and got up early. The girls choice, not ours! Then we headed over to the church to get the kiddos settled in to extended care during the worship service and really enjoyed the atmosphere of the church. Then we were invited to one of the committee members home for lunch. I felt really comfortable and able to be myself. The girls were great and a big hit with all! We got them tucked in for naps and started in on the interview. I felt like it went really well. Before hand we had prayed that we would just be able to be ourselves instead of trying to always say the "right" things. Dan did a great job and it was so fun to be interviewing together. They wanted to know as much about me as Dan and Dan was really sweet to point out some of my strengths. I tried to do the same for him.
It feels to me like this church and position would be a good fit for us. But you know how it goes...now we just wait for the Lord to work and reveal His plan for us. Dan and I both agree that this interview solidified our call to this type of ministry. It is very family focused and we are passionate about that. SO even if this isn't where God has for us, we feel confident that there is somewhere out there that will desire our passion for the family as a whole.
Dan did decide to go ahead and quit his city job. It has been a really great job for this time but we feel like this time has come to an end. We promised each other that we would not sacrifice the family in order to accomplish this God directed path. It was time to honor that promise. I am so thankful for Dan and his leadership of this family. What a hard thing to do. He was most likely about to be moved to a permenant position. From the world's point of view his decisions don't make a whole lot of sense. It looks like he is just quiting and he isn't quiting for another job. This is yet another step of faith for us. The Lord has never disappointed us when we call on Him to provide for us or guide us to the next step. No matter how uncertain that may be the girls and I will definitely benefit from having him around more.
I am so excited about the future!! It can hold any number of adventures for us, and with Dan that is just a given! Thanks for all your prayers, but please don't stop!!!
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Blind Faith
Well, Dan did a great job preaching last Sunday. We really enjoyed the church, too. They were a very sweet church and it was very evident that the spirit of the Lord was among them. They were very outward focused. Our eyes were opened to the responsibility that comes with a pastorate. It is a lot of work and dedication. We do not feel a definite leading either way as far as this church is concerned.
This weekend we are traveling to meet and interview at another church in Jacksonville, TX. The position is Children and Young Adults. The church is trying to make their children's program more family centered. This minister will also be responsible for initiating an Upwards Sports program. I have to admit that it has been VERY hard not to get ahead of God on this one! This position seems a bit tailored. Tailored to the needs of the church and tailored to fit our specific talents. I do not believe that the church has tailored this position to fit us, I give credit to the Lord for that. This may not be where God is leading us but it is so encouraging to see that there are specific ministry positions that will fit our family and Dan's personal giftings. It is also encouraging to see that there has been a purpose for what we have been learning in these past six months. We knew very specifically that God provided the current job that Dan has. He has learned so much about implementing and perfecting programs. He had a lot of knowledge in this area concerning programs that were well established, but his experience here at Fort Worth has given him a lot of understanding in how to create, implement and perfect new programs.
I am not sure why I doubt God to lead us to work out the passions He has laid on our hearts! He has proven himself faithful time and again. Dan has encouraged our family to trust God implicitly in each step of our lives. We have stepped out in faith numerous times to follow God's call with out seeing how He planned to fulfill that calling. We have never been disappointed or abandoned! I have faith that God has a plan for our family and I have faith in Dan to lead us in the middle of that plan. So if you need some encouragement in seeing God work, you are more than welcome to accompany us on this journey!! The Father is continually revealing next steps for us to follow and we are on the edge of a big one!! It is an exciting place to be, following God blindly. But it is not for the faint of heart!! SO take courage and we will keep you posted!!!
This weekend we are traveling to meet and interview at another church in Jacksonville, TX. The position is Children and Young Adults. The church is trying to make their children's program more family centered. This minister will also be responsible for initiating an Upwards Sports program. I have to admit that it has been VERY hard not to get ahead of God on this one! This position seems a bit tailored. Tailored to the needs of the church and tailored to fit our specific talents. I do not believe that the church has tailored this position to fit us, I give credit to the Lord for that. This may not be where God is leading us but it is so encouraging to see that there are specific ministry positions that will fit our family and Dan's personal giftings. It is also encouraging to see that there has been a purpose for what we have been learning in these past six months. We knew very specifically that God provided the current job that Dan has. He has learned so much about implementing and perfecting programs. He had a lot of knowledge in this area concerning programs that were well established, but his experience here at Fort Worth has given him a lot of understanding in how to create, implement and perfect new programs.
I am not sure why I doubt God to lead us to work out the passions He has laid on our hearts! He has proven himself faithful time and again. Dan has encouraged our family to trust God implicitly in each step of our lives. We have stepped out in faith numerous times to follow God's call with out seeing how He planned to fulfill that calling. We have never been disappointed or abandoned! I have faith that God has a plan for our family and I have faith in Dan to lead us in the middle of that plan. So if you need some encouragement in seeing God work, you are more than welcome to accompany us on this journey!! The Father is continually revealing next steps for us to follow and we are on the edge of a big one!! It is an exciting place to be, following God blindly. But it is not for the faint of heart!! SO take courage and we will keep you posted!!!
Friday, December 1, 2006
The Arctic Blast!
You have to love the weather in Texas. It is original at least! You never know what you are going to get. Yesterday we had winter. Who knows if we will get any more winter weather this season but it would be ok with me if we didn't. In Pennsylvania, winter was just something that came and everyone knew it was coming and they paced themsleves to make it throught the weeks of teen and twenty degree weather, the snow and the icy roads. But in Texas, people get crazy!!
It was spitting sleet most of the day yesterday but you have to remember that the day before it had been 80 degrees!! Just about every private school was closed or let out early and everyone was warning you about the dangers of driving. When Dan left for school and work I told him to be careful but I wasn't worried about him driving to work. I was worried about him driving to work with all the other crazies that were driving 20 mph on the interstate that wasn't even very wet! Granted the bridges did get a little slick and caused some significant problems. For example, Dan ran to the library around lunch time. On the way back is a very long bridge that gets pretty steep. Several drivers were having a hard time getting up it. Probably because they were driving 20 mph. Dan saw a woman in trouble and pulled over to help push her car up the rest of the incline. While he was pushing and red in the face with physical exhertion, a woman drives up and rolls down her window. She proceeds to yell at Dan from her window, "Stop it!! Are you crazy!! Don't do it! You are going to die!!" Then she goes on her way.
I assume that she was afraid the car would slide back and pin Dan to the wall of the bridge. I am thankful for her concern for Dan if that's really what she was expressing but I am not completely convinced of that.
The rest of the story goes something like this...a typical Dan story;) As Dan got out of the car to run and help a damsel in distress he locked the door, out of habit, of course! Good habit to have, except when you forget to grab the keys first! SO I get a call from a very flustered and frustrated Dan. I pack all the girls in the car and we meet Dan at work. Luckily someone was nice enough to offer Dan a ride and take Dan to his home to make his telephone call. That doesn't always happen anymore. Anyway when we drive back up to the bridge the police have closed the bridge. I look wide-eyed to Dan and he quickly informs me that he called the police to tell them about the car blocking the middle of the bridge. I guess I misunderstood him because I was sure he told me he pulled over. Apparently not. He just parked the car and ran over to lend a hand. Well, the story ended well despite the drama. Dan got his car and the police were very friendly and helpful. We aren't sure if they closed the bridge because of Dan's car or if they closed it because it was causing so many problems. But either way we have the red cavalier back safe and sound!
As Dan and I were discussing this story later it made me think of the way some christians, myself included, approach spreading the gospel of Christ. We, like that frantic woman, just take enough time to yell the dangers of hell at others with out actually stopping to explain why we are concerned for them or better yet, getting out and helping them ourselves. Jesus ministry was very personal. He always took time to speak with people and love them. Even the woman who was healed by merely touching the hem of his cloak. He stopped and deliberately asked who it was so that he could make a connection with her.
Yesterday, it felt a little like the apocalypse around here!! Everyone was running around like crazy and unfortunately some were only concerned for themselves. That woman that slowed down enough to yell at Dan was either overly nervous or truly concerned for Dan. Her concern was not taken very well by the two men who were straining to help move the car. In fact, it wasn't helpful to them all. Yes, sometimes we are called to point out the dangers of this world and its coming doom to others, but I believe that Jesus, when asked what the most important commandment was, answered like this, "The most important one, ...is this: 'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.' The second one is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31
They go together. They have to go together. We cannot love others as ourselves if we are not loving God with all we are.
I too often just pass people by. I am in too much of a hurry or to engrossed in my own affairs to take notice of those around me. Other times, I slow down only enough to tell them what's going to go wrong or the danger I can clearly see in their lives. We have to offer the whole picture from beginning to end and sometimes that takes an investment of time and energy. But if we are really loving them as ourselves that won't matter or shouldn't anyway. The message isn't only of sin, eternal damnation and seperation from Christ it is also about the love that caused God to send his Son to this world to take on the sin of the world in order to restore us to a right relationship with Himself. You can't have one without the other. They go hand in hand. We are doomed if you leave out the hope and if you only tell of the hope then we cannot grasp the fullness of that hope.
This apocalyptic ARCTIC BLAST sure did cause me to rethink the way I approach others with the message of Christ and his miraculous gift of eternal life. It also made me smile a little.
But really, it WAS only one day of freezing weather and the whole city goes crazy! If only we(I) could get that excited about the coming of our Lord!
It was spitting sleet most of the day yesterday but you have to remember that the day before it had been 80 degrees!! Just about every private school was closed or let out early and everyone was warning you about the dangers of driving. When Dan left for school and work I told him to be careful but I wasn't worried about him driving to work. I was worried about him driving to work with all the other crazies that were driving 20 mph on the interstate that wasn't even very wet! Granted the bridges did get a little slick and caused some significant problems. For example, Dan ran to the library around lunch time. On the way back is a very long bridge that gets pretty steep. Several drivers were having a hard time getting up it. Probably because they were driving 20 mph. Dan saw a woman in trouble and pulled over to help push her car up the rest of the incline. While he was pushing and red in the face with physical exhertion, a woman drives up and rolls down her window. She proceeds to yell at Dan from her window, "Stop it!! Are you crazy!! Don't do it! You are going to die!!" Then she goes on her way.
I assume that she was afraid the car would slide back and pin Dan to the wall of the bridge. I am thankful for her concern for Dan if that's really what she was expressing but I am not completely convinced of that.
The rest of the story goes something like this...a typical Dan story;) As Dan got out of the car to run and help a damsel in distress he locked the door, out of habit, of course! Good habit to have, except when you forget to grab the keys first! SO I get a call from a very flustered and frustrated Dan. I pack all the girls in the car and we meet Dan at work. Luckily someone was nice enough to offer Dan a ride and take Dan to his home to make his telephone call. That doesn't always happen anymore. Anyway when we drive back up to the bridge the police have closed the bridge. I look wide-eyed to Dan and he quickly informs me that he called the police to tell them about the car blocking the middle of the bridge. I guess I misunderstood him because I was sure he told me he pulled over. Apparently not. He just parked the car and ran over to lend a hand. Well, the story ended well despite the drama. Dan got his car and the police were very friendly and helpful. We aren't sure if they closed the bridge because of Dan's car or if they closed it because it was causing so many problems. But either way we have the red cavalier back safe and sound!
As Dan and I were discussing this story later it made me think of the way some christians, myself included, approach spreading the gospel of Christ. We, like that frantic woman, just take enough time to yell the dangers of hell at others with out actually stopping to explain why we are concerned for them or better yet, getting out and helping them ourselves. Jesus ministry was very personal. He always took time to speak with people and love them. Even the woman who was healed by merely touching the hem of his cloak. He stopped and deliberately asked who it was so that he could make a connection with her.
Yesterday, it felt a little like the apocalypse around here!! Everyone was running around like crazy and unfortunately some were only concerned for themselves. That woman that slowed down enough to yell at Dan was either overly nervous or truly concerned for Dan. Her concern was not taken very well by the two men who were straining to help move the car. In fact, it wasn't helpful to them all. Yes, sometimes we are called to point out the dangers of this world and its coming doom to others, but I believe that Jesus, when asked what the most important commandment was, answered like this, "The most important one, ...is this: 'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.' The second one is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31
They go together. They have to go together. We cannot love others as ourselves if we are not loving God with all we are.
I too often just pass people by. I am in too much of a hurry or to engrossed in my own affairs to take notice of those around me. Other times, I slow down only enough to tell them what's going to go wrong or the danger I can clearly see in their lives. We have to offer the whole picture from beginning to end and sometimes that takes an investment of time and energy. But if we are really loving them as ourselves that won't matter or shouldn't anyway. The message isn't only of sin, eternal damnation and seperation from Christ it is also about the love that caused God to send his Son to this world to take on the sin of the world in order to restore us to a right relationship with Himself. You can't have one without the other. They go hand in hand. We are doomed if you leave out the hope and if you only tell of the hope then we cannot grasp the fullness of that hope.
This apocalyptic ARCTIC BLAST sure did cause me to rethink the way I approach others with the message of Christ and his miraculous gift of eternal life. It also made me smile a little.
But really, it WAS only one day of freezing weather and the whole city goes crazy! If only we(I) could get that excited about the coming of our Lord!
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