Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Getting to know you
It was a classic V-8 Moment. We all have those moments when an idea or thought hits you and you smack yourself on the forehead. (Hopefully others aren't doing that to you. If they are, sorry, can't help there...)
I had one of those moments yesterday. I was visiting with a church family member who is in the hospital and realized that I have never taken the time to get to know her. I've seen her at church and even outside of church but shame on me for not taking the time to really find out who she is and what she's about! As I was sitting there talking with her about the weather and kids and television shows, I wanted to smack myself right in the forehead but she probably would have not wanted to get to know me better then.. =)
Sunday mornings are hectic - I am so busy trying to get ready for service and all that I don't have the brain space a lot of times to process much more. But that is no excuse really. For me, it's going to start being about others who are coming in and maybe needing someone there to listen or to hug or to just say Hi. Got to turn off the chatter inside and open my eyes a little more.
What a shame it would be to miss out on an opportunity to know you better.
I had one of those moments yesterday. I was visiting with a church family member who is in the hospital and realized that I have never taken the time to get to know her. I've seen her at church and even outside of church but shame on me for not taking the time to really find out who she is and what she's about! As I was sitting there talking with her about the weather and kids and television shows, I wanted to smack myself right in the forehead but she probably would have not wanted to get to know me better then.. =)
Sunday mornings are hectic - I am so busy trying to get ready for service and all that I don't have the brain space a lot of times to process much more. But that is no excuse really. For me, it's going to start being about others who are coming in and maybe needing someone there to listen or to hug or to just say Hi. Got to turn off the chatter inside and open my eyes a little more.
What a shame it would be to miss out on an opportunity to know you better.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Blessed
We have been a little worried about heating our house because we use propane and the price is still high. We finally gained the courage to check our tank, expecting to see it on 2%. We were so amazed!! We haven't had a delivery since last spring but the tank is at 32%! We use propane for hot water too so between water and heat... We both thanked God for taking care of us. Now when we buy propane, it will fill the tank up and get us through a good portion of the Winter. Another reminder of how blessed we are.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Grooming
It is said that that grooming is an important part of social order...
I am not sure...need to ask Dan and Jared. =)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Stuff
I like stuff. Not so much clothing (although Dave thinks I have too many shoes), but new technology excites me whether its something at home or work. If it has any type of "coolness" factor, I want in on it!
Over the past week I have had a few conversations about this topic and more importantly how the Bible shows us how to overcome the overpowering need to have more and more stuff. Wow, Ecclesiastics is powerful!!
I think the biggest hurdle for me was exactly as John the "Strimple Man" put it last night - being satisfied. When does the 27" television need to become the 52" HDTV? When does a 46' yacht need to become a 60' yacht? Don't misunderstand, if someone has the ability to purchase these items, then more power to them. But should we go in debt for them? Does it always have to be the biggest and best? Can we deal with moderate? Don't look around for the answer! The t.v. commercials are already pushing the "latest" gears and gadgets for the upcoming holiday season, making all parents feel guilty if they don't buy their kids the newest things. Look to the Bible to see...
I may have shared with some the story of our friends who are fortunate when it comes to business and earnings. They live very well and I don't fault them for that at all. They are genuinely great and giving Christians who share their wealth. However, their children were given all the newest and greatest things - computers, Ipods, 4-wheelers, dirtbikes, guitars, etc, . Recently one of their children fell into the wrong "tribe" and ended up spiraling out of control to the point that his parents enrolled him in a private Christian-based "military" school. This was the most difficult thing they had ever done but it was the right thing. The mother told me that she realized that they were loving their son literally to death. They were giving him so much, maybe to compensate for their own poor childhoods, that he and they had lost sight of any boundaries. Their insatiable need to provide and his insatiable need to have more and more almost ruined their lives. Neither could be satisfied. Through God, they were able to realize that something drastic had to happen. Last word we had was that he was doing awesome. They have all made it through the first part but they were told that this is the honeymoon stage so they should be prepared for some difficult times.
This could happen to anyone! This boy was the sweetest kid - we enjoyed the time he spent with our family. Pleasant kid with a smile that made you smile back. Keep them in your prayers.
Over the past few years I have been able to be more patient about new stuff (somewhat...) I think that through a combination of God, love from others, and age, I have learned to be more patient and most importantly to appreciate "stuff" for what it is: just stuff. It's fun but it's just stuff.
Over the past week I have had a few conversations about this topic and more importantly how the Bible shows us how to overcome the overpowering need to have more and more stuff. Wow, Ecclesiastics is powerful!!
I think the biggest hurdle for me was exactly as John the "Strimple Man" put it last night - being satisfied. When does the 27" television need to become the 52" HDTV? When does a 46' yacht need to become a 60' yacht? Don't misunderstand, if someone has the ability to purchase these items, then more power to them. But should we go in debt for them? Does it always have to be the biggest and best? Can we deal with moderate? Don't look around for the answer! The t.v. commercials are already pushing the "latest" gears and gadgets for the upcoming holiday season, making all parents feel guilty if they don't buy their kids the newest things. Look to the Bible to see...
I may have shared with some the story of our friends who are fortunate when it comes to business and earnings. They live very well and I don't fault them for that at all. They are genuinely great and giving Christians who share their wealth. However, their children were given all the newest and greatest things - computers, Ipods, 4-wheelers, dirtbikes, guitars, etc, . Recently one of their children fell into the wrong "tribe" and ended up spiraling out of control to the point that his parents enrolled him in a private Christian-based "military" school. This was the most difficult thing they had ever done but it was the right thing. The mother told me that she realized that they were loving their son literally to death. They were giving him so much, maybe to compensate for their own poor childhoods, that he and they had lost sight of any boundaries. Their insatiable need to provide and his insatiable need to have more and more almost ruined their lives. Neither could be satisfied. Through God, they were able to realize that something drastic had to happen. Last word we had was that he was doing awesome. They have all made it through the first part but they were told that this is the honeymoon stage so they should be prepared for some difficult times.
This could happen to anyone! This boy was the sweetest kid - we enjoyed the time he spent with our family. Pleasant kid with a smile that made you smile back. Keep them in your prayers.
Over the past few years I have been able to be more patient about new stuff (somewhat...) I think that through a combination of God, love from others, and age, I have learned to be more patient and most importantly to appreciate "stuff" for what it is: just stuff. It's fun but it's just stuff.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Kids getting into it!
The kids this week were making Get Well cards for Joan during the last part of class. They were really into it! Check out the art work! Notice the angel wings on the kangaroo and lion.
Sorry, they are not for sale...
=)
Sorry, they are not for sale...
=)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Sleeping in
It seems our days of sleeping in ended with our vacation. Just a few years ago, we used that as an excuse for not making it to church every Sunday..."I never get to sleep late..." Anyways -- my new responsibilities dictated that we even get up earlier the last two weeks and then there is Dusty's needs on the weekends, and then a wedding today. So, no sleeping late for over two weeks.
Today we attended Dave's nephew's wedding which took place at the Renaissance Festival. I have to admit that I thought it was going to be corny, BUT it was actually very nice. I would not have wanted to get married in that type of setting but for them, it worked well. And, the festival was fun too! We watched jousting and some other small performances. If it hadn't been so hot, we would have stayed even longer but the sun was cooking us (yeah, we know...wimps) plus Erin needed to get back so she could get ready for the homecoming dance. We never thought it would be worth the money, $20 per adult, to go but it is. Just plan ahead for the show times - it's fun. We were lucky to have free admission for the day.
Today we attended Dave's nephew's wedding which took place at the Renaissance Festival. I have to admit that I thought it was going to be corny, BUT it was actually very nice. I would not have wanted to get married in that type of setting but for them, it worked well. And, the festival was fun too! We watched jousting and some other small performances. If it hadn't been so hot, we would have stayed even longer but the sun was cooking us (yeah, we know...wimps) plus Erin needed to get back so she could get ready for the homecoming dance. We never thought it would be worth the money, $20 per adult, to go but it is. Just plan ahead for the show times - it's fun. We were lucky to have free admission for the day.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Bring on the rain!
Seriously, bring on the rain! Our well has been dry for weeks. We have had our third water delivery and I hope its the last.
This week has been great so far! I have to admit that my energy level is still not up to where I want it to be (falling asleep by 9:30 every night - how sad is that?) but my attitude has definitely improved. As soon as I shake this congestion, I know my energy will increase.
Has anyone else been receiving strange comments on their blog? I have mine setup so that I have to approve any that come through and I had a strange one last week. I let it go past but now i am wondering what's up. I read a very weird comment on another blog - very strange.
We're going to have another children's ministry meeting - probably the 19th, right after service. There are a lot of cool things coming up so let's get ready to rock!
If you have considered volunteering on the children's ministry team, come to our meeting and see what's what and who's who. Being involved doesn't always mean spending time in a classroom. There are so many opportunities available!!! Decorating, planning, snacks, outreach, parties, etc.
From the beginning I have said that this is a gift-based ministry. If your gift is coming up with ideas, then there is room for you on the team. If your gift is patience with children, then you are needed. If your gift is baking wonderful treats (hint hint Missy...), then join us! Our children are already wonderful disciples of Christ. They only need guidance, encouragement, and love to keep them going forward. Our group is growing every week - isn't it great?
By the way, in case I haven't said this lately -- THANK YOU!!! To everyone that has given time, energy, food, and supplies. Thank You Thank You Thank You
This week has been great so far! I have to admit that my energy level is still not up to where I want it to be (falling asleep by 9:30 every night - how sad is that?) but my attitude has definitely improved. As soon as I shake this congestion, I know my energy will increase.
Has anyone else been receiving strange comments on their blog? I have mine setup so that I have to approve any that come through and I had a strange one last week. I let it go past but now i am wondering what's up. I read a very weird comment on another blog - very strange.
We're going to have another children's ministry meeting - probably the 19th, right after service. There are a lot of cool things coming up so let's get ready to rock!
If you have considered volunteering on the children's ministry team, come to our meeting and see what's what and who's who. Being involved doesn't always mean spending time in a classroom. There are so many opportunities available!!! Decorating, planning, snacks, outreach, parties, etc.
From the beginning I have said that this is a gift-based ministry. If your gift is coming up with ideas, then there is room for you on the team. If your gift is patience with children, then you are needed. If your gift is baking wonderful treats (hint hint Missy...), then join us! Our children are already wonderful disciples of Christ. They only need guidance, encouragement, and love to keep them going forward. Our group is growing every week - isn't it great?
By the way, in case I haven't said this lately -- THANK YOU!!! To everyone that has given time, energy, food, and supplies. Thank You Thank You Thank You
Sunday, October 5, 2008
a new week
I have been telling everyone that this week is going to be grand. Over the last three weeks we have had one week of no electric, no water. One week of vacation (extremely fun but extremely tiring.) One week of recuperating from vacation, battling a sinus infection, little sleep, and beginning a new position at work while hosting sales training for 12 out-of-town guests. This coming week is going to be the start of a new era - new organization - new found energy!! I am gearing-up with nothing but positive thoughts and ideas!
When I returned from vacation, I knew that it was going to be hectic at work. I was officially starting a new position (definitely good), and would be moved to another area. Unfortunately, my furniture was delayed so when I came back ready to go, I really had no place to go. My old location had been filled by a new hire and my new office space was empty except for a phone and phonebook on the floor. I did find my new laptop and I was able to get help with a makeshift table and chair so all was good. Of course, I didn't have any of my "stuff" so there were roadblocks everywhere I turned. I needed to print something quickly - had to map the network drive and the printer. I needed to work with an old document - was on CD somewhere in one of those boxes behind me. It all worked out though and the few small things are definitely worth the change.
Have you seen the children we have in our church? They are simply amazing. They are all such great kids with such great energy. Exuberant. The biggest challenge is keeping ahead of them in thought. Before I even finish a question, someone is ready to answer. I hate to reel them back in when they get excited like that but to keep it fun and half-way organized, sometimes it has to be done. One word we talk about a lot is "Cooperation." lol It works...most of the time =) Kudos to all of them for coming to church and for participating in such a great way.
When I returned from vacation, I knew that it was going to be hectic at work. I was officially starting a new position (definitely good), and would be moved to another area. Unfortunately, my furniture was delayed so when I came back ready to go, I really had no place to go. My old location had been filled by a new hire and my new office space was empty except for a phone and phonebook on the floor. I did find my new laptop and I was able to get help with a makeshift table and chair so all was good. Of course, I didn't have any of my "stuff" so there were roadblocks everywhere I turned. I needed to print something quickly - had to map the network drive and the printer. I needed to work with an old document - was on CD somewhere in one of those boxes behind me. It all worked out though and the few small things are definitely worth the change.
Have you seen the children we have in our church? They are simply amazing. They are all such great kids with such great energy. Exuberant. The biggest challenge is keeping ahead of them in thought. Before I even finish a question, someone is ready to answer. I hate to reel them back in when they get excited like that but to keep it fun and half-way organized, sometimes it has to be done. One word we talk about a lot is "Cooperation." lol It works...most of the time =) Kudos to all of them for coming to church and for participating in such a great way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
