I'm reading a book right now called, Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. The whole book is centered around the topic: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality. It is said of Donald Miller to be a man who writes out of a postion of total commitment to God, but still sounds as if he his being human and honest. I LOVE THIS!! I don't know about you but I'm tired of Christians who walk around and THINK they have this christian life all figured out and think that they are better than anyone else. Who are we to think that way? We are merely human beings, that by the grace of God, have been saved through faith. I definitely don't have this Christian Walk all figured out and I will never pretend to. I don't know that I'll ever come to a complete understanding of Christianity on this side of Heaven. There are tons of things I don't understand but this I know: Christ is my Savior and it is for Him that I'm going to live this life.
Donald Miller makes a comment in his book that I firmly believe is something we need to examine in our own hearts and lives. Here's the comment: "I didn't love God because I didn't know God." How can we truly love someone that we don't know? Our problem is that we are not taking enough time to get to know God. It can be done!! It's not something that is far from us. But, we have got to take the time out of our "busy" lives and spend it with Him.
Trust me, I'm totally speaking to myself here too. I get so caught up in day to day life that there are days I don't even talk to God, and I hate that because I enjoy my time with Him.
I guess I say all this to say: Let's truly take the time to get to know God. He wants to change our lives! He wants to give us purpose and meaning. But, we have to take the first step in WANTING Him to change our lives and give us purpose and meaning.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Matthew 4:1-4
Key Verse: "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
This is a remarkable portion of Scripture and even though it's a passage I've heard my whole life I am still amazed and stop in my tracks everytime I read it. How often do we try to fill ourselves up with everything else but Christ? I'm totally guily of it more often that I wish to be. And, yet here our Savior, Jesus reminds us that we need God, we need His Word, we need His teaching, we need HIM above all else in order to live this thing we call life.
Jesus is being tempted by Satan in this passage to turn stones into bread. Satan knew that Jesus was in the desert fasting, preparing Himself for the ministry He came to earth to do. Jesus was hungry, he had not eaten in 40 days and Satan didn't spare any time, he went straight to Jesus' physical weakness and tempted him to prove that He was the Christ by turning stones into bread and to satisfy his physical need for food. Many of our desires are normal and good, but God wants us to satisfy them in the right way and at the right time. It wasn't the right time for Jesus to satisfy his physical need of hunger, instead he had different purposes for being in the desert and would not allow Satan to throw him off course or lose his focus.
How did Jesus resist this temptation?
1- He Knew God's Word
2- He Obeyed God's Word
Ephesians 6:17 tells us that God's Word is a sword that we use to fight these kind of temptations. We have got to know and obey God's Word. It's our only hope in this messed up world. How could we ever survive without it? I don't think I'll ever understand how people live their day to day lives without God being a part of it with them. I rely so much on my relationship with Christ.. to help me be a better mommy, a better wife, a better person all together. But, I could never fulfill my God-given responsibilities unless I knew for sure that He was with me and that His Word was my sword.
I am falling in love with God's Word more and more each and every day I read it. And, I'm learning what Jesus meant when He said, "man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
This is a remarkable portion of Scripture and even though it's a passage I've heard my whole life I am still amazed and stop in my tracks everytime I read it. How often do we try to fill ourselves up with everything else but Christ? I'm totally guily of it more often that I wish to be. And, yet here our Savior, Jesus reminds us that we need God, we need His Word, we need His teaching, we need HIM above all else in order to live this thing we call life.
Jesus is being tempted by Satan in this passage to turn stones into bread. Satan knew that Jesus was in the desert fasting, preparing Himself for the ministry He came to earth to do. Jesus was hungry, he had not eaten in 40 days and Satan didn't spare any time, he went straight to Jesus' physical weakness and tempted him to prove that He was the Christ by turning stones into bread and to satisfy his physical need for food. Many of our desires are normal and good, but God wants us to satisfy them in the right way and at the right time. It wasn't the right time for Jesus to satisfy his physical need of hunger, instead he had different purposes for being in the desert and would not allow Satan to throw him off course or lose his focus.
How did Jesus resist this temptation?
1- He Knew God's Word
2- He Obeyed God's Word
Ephesians 6:17 tells us that God's Word is a sword that we use to fight these kind of temptations. We have got to know and obey God's Word. It's our only hope in this messed up world. How could we ever survive without it? I don't think I'll ever understand how people live their day to day lives without God being a part of it with them. I rely so much on my relationship with Christ.. to help me be a better mommy, a better wife, a better person all together. But, I could never fulfill my God-given responsibilities unless I knew for sure that He was with me and that His Word was my sword.
I am falling in love with God's Word more and more each and every day I read it. And, I'm learning what Jesus meant when He said, "man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Taking a Sunday Stroll
Here's Joshua going through the tunnel that g
oes from the student village, under the street, and up the other side to the Seminary Campus.
oes from the student village, under the street, and up the other side to the Seminary Campus.
Joshua coming up the tunnel to the Seminary.
Joshua driving along one of the sidewalks on Campus. He was very good about staying on the sidewalks and he's gotten really good at sterring his gator. :)
The Seminary has a really nice area on campus that has a pretty little pond and stream. This is a picture of the start of the pond.
Here's a picture of the fish in the pond. Joshua LOVED watching the fish.
Joshua watching the fish, trying his best to figure out way into that water.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Adjustments
Adjustments... Adjustments... Adjustments
Can I just say officially I'm tired of adjustments? It's not that I want to leave or anything, I guess it's just the fact that I'm around totally different surroundings and it's going to take some getting used to. I met a lady right around my age that lives right across the street from us the day we moved in and she has just been a great friend to me so far. Her and her husband invited us to have thanksgiving dinner with them last week because they knew we were just getting here and trying to get settled. She is so sweet! I went over to visit with her a little bit tonight and we were both talking about how much we miss our "houses". :) It felt so good to just get all that out and be able to say it. I don't want to be selfish or seem like I don't like it here because that would be totally untrue. But, I am missing home. This place is starting to feel like home, but isn't completely there yet.
Can I just say officially I'm tired of adjustments? It's not that I want to leave or anything, I guess it's just the fact that I'm around totally different surroundings and it's going to take some getting used to. I met a lady right around my age that lives right across the street from us the day we moved in and she has just been a great friend to me so far. Her and her husband invited us to have thanksgiving dinner with them last week because they knew we were just getting here and trying to get settled. She is so sweet! I went over to visit with her a little bit tonight and we were both talking about how much we miss our "houses". :) It felt so good to just get all that out and be able to say it. I don't want to be selfish or seem like I don't like it here because that would be totally untrue. But, I am missing home. This place is starting to feel like home, but isn't completely there yet.
I am excited about going to church tomorrow though. I really look forward to Sunday's here. It is so refreshing to just go to church and not have people watching every step you make. I can just go and be completely ME and WORSHIP MY GOD!!! We are going to church in Dallas tomorrow. Ed Young Jr., who is just an awesome preacher, pastors a church there and I have really wanted to go visit there for a long time. It will be about an hour drive, but it will be totally worth it I'm sure. You can visit his website at http://www.edyoung.com/ to find out more about him or hear some of his sermons.
Well, I'm off to bed. Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday tomorrow!! :)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Front of our Townhouse
This is the front of our townhouse. This is the only picture I've taken so far. I'll take more later. You can see Rodney out front and can actually see our Christmas tree in the window. :)
Our door is the one to the left in the picture, you can sort of see our neighbors door to the right. And, the bottom window to the left is our living room and the top window is mine and Rodney's bedroom. This at least gives you an idea on where we are. I'll post most pics later. :)
Our door is the one to the left in the picture, you can sort of see our neighbors door to the right. And, the bottom window to the left is our living room and the top window is mine and Rodney's bedroom. This at least gives you an idea on where we are. I'll post most pics later. :)
Playground
These are some pictures of Joshua on the playground right outside our front door!! He loves going out there to play. :)
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Big Move/November 18, 2007
Getting ready to leave South Carolina in the Big Penske Truck!! Joshua LOVED this truck! (Yes, we fixed his very crooked car seat before we left)
We got a little tired from driving so Joshua took over. (JK)
One of many masterpieces by Joshua while traveling.
Joshua found the biggest sucker he could at one of our many stops. (no, i'm not talking about Rodney - LOL)
We got a little tired from driving so Joshua took over. (JK)
One of many masterpieces by Joshua while traveling.
Joshua found the biggest sucker he could at one of our many stops. (no, i'm not talking about Rodney - LOL)
Joshua enjoying some Jello during our trip.
The trip was so smooth. Joshua didn't give us a moments trouble, which is a miracle in itself. We decided we would just break our driving time up and not be in any hurry. We left Sunday and arrived in Fort Worth Tuesday morning at 9:15am. Joshua stayed pretty busy in the truck. We had everything from crayons, cars, puzzles, books and dvd's. So, he didn't have time to be bored. I am just still amazed at how well he did. Of course when we did get out of the restaints of the truck he released all his built up energy by jumping on hotel beds and running down hotel hallways.
Driving in Texas
Ok, so this isn't my official we've moved to Texas post but I had to share my first driving experience in Texas with everybody. I've been letting Rodney drive everywhere since I feel so out of sorts and have no clue where I am. But, I decided that I would give it a whirl tonight and see how I did in Texas traffic. And, believe me traffic is an understatement. There are so many people here. Well, back to the story. We were leaving Lowes and I knew I had to make a left hand turn to get back to the interstate but instead of looking at the OBVIOUS traffic sign that said, ONE WAY I decided to make it my personal one way street. THANK THE LORD there were no cars coming. I made the quickest Uturn of my life. Rodney was speechless and just held on dearly to his seatbelt, and then kept reminding me all the way home which way I needed to turn and NOT to turn.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Quick Update.. more to come
Yes, I know I'm such a slacker. LOL I'm so sorry I haven't updated my blog for so long. We are in Texas and I'm SO BUSY trying to get all these stinkin boxes unpacked. I'm hoping to be able to sit down tonight or tomorrow sometime and post some moving pictures and updates. But, until then I wanted to let everyone know we are still alive and kicking. :)
Friday, November 16, 2007
Reality Setting In
Today is my last day working at the Metro Association. This has been such a great job for me and I really hate having to leave. The people are great and I'm really going to miss the ministry I've been a part of here for the past 5 years.
Everything is starting to feel very final. I guess reality is beginning to set in. I dropped Joshua off at his preschool this morning and it was so sad. He has wonderful teachers there and we are going to miss them so much.
We have 2 more days left in Columbia, SC and oh my word.... we still have so much to do. I will more than likely be pulling an all nighter tonight. I haven't had to do that since college so this ought to be very interesting. :) Lots of people from sandy level will be coming over in the morning to help us load up the penske truck. And, speaking of the penske truck. Joshua is just head over heels in love with this NEW BIG TRUCK sitting in our driveway. We got home yesterday and it was sitting in the driveway. He looked at the truck, his little eyes and mouth wide open and then looked at me and said, "mom, WOW...i ride in that big truck?" I said, yes baby we are going to move to Texas in that big truck and he looked back at me and said, "mom, i ready move to texas" He is so ready to get in that BIG TRUCK. I think he'll probably be heartbroken when we have to turn in back in to penske. I'll take lots of pictures and post them when we get settled in Texas. :)
Keep praying for us. We have got a packed weekend ahead of us and I'm sure lots of emotions will begin creaping out. :( This is going to sound so weird... but it's me and what I'm feeling so I'll share it. I am so sad to leave our house. We have made so many memories in that house over the past 6 and a half years. This is the home we welcomed our precious Joshua home in. I used to just sit in his nursery and hold him and rock him, and I would sing to him, pray over him and just love on him in that room. This is just one memory of millions that we have made in this home. I know that God will give us many more memories in our new home, but I almost feel like I'm leaving part of me in this house. And, it sure does hurt. So, please remember us if you can through this weekend as we leave so many precious family members, friends, and good ol' South Carolina.
I'm not sure if I'll get a chance to post anything else before we leave.
So, I'LL SEE YA IN THE LONE STAR STATE OF TEXAS! (wow, it's so weird saying that) :) :) :)
Everything is starting to feel very final. I guess reality is beginning to set in. I dropped Joshua off at his preschool this morning and it was so sad. He has wonderful teachers there and we are going to miss them so much.
We have 2 more days left in Columbia, SC and oh my word.... we still have so much to do. I will more than likely be pulling an all nighter tonight. I haven't had to do that since college so this ought to be very interesting. :) Lots of people from sandy level will be coming over in the morning to help us load up the penske truck. And, speaking of the penske truck. Joshua is just head over heels in love with this NEW BIG TRUCK sitting in our driveway. We got home yesterday and it was sitting in the driveway. He looked at the truck, his little eyes and mouth wide open and then looked at me and said, "mom, WOW...i ride in that big truck?" I said, yes baby we are going to move to Texas in that big truck and he looked back at me and said, "mom, i ready move to texas" He is so ready to get in that BIG TRUCK. I think he'll probably be heartbroken when we have to turn in back in to penske. I'll take lots of pictures and post them when we get settled in Texas. :)
Keep praying for us. We have got a packed weekend ahead of us and I'm sure lots of emotions will begin creaping out. :( This is going to sound so weird... but it's me and what I'm feeling so I'll share it. I am so sad to leave our house. We have made so many memories in that house over the past 6 and a half years. This is the home we welcomed our precious Joshua home in. I used to just sit in his nursery and hold him and rock him, and I would sing to him, pray over him and just love on him in that room. This is just one memory of millions that we have made in this home. I know that God will give us many more memories in our new home, but I almost feel like I'm leaving part of me in this house. And, it sure does hurt. So, please remember us if you can through this weekend as we leave so many precious family members, friends, and good ol' South Carolina.
I'm not sure if I'll get a chance to post anything else before we leave.
So, I'LL SEE YA IN THE LONE STAR STATE OF TEXAS! (wow, it's so weird saying that) :) :) :)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Matthew 7:7-8
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
This is the verse I have been claiming since July 12. I have been asking, seeking and knocking (sometimes pounding) on Heaven's door. And, God has been so faithful to hear me and begin making clear the plans He has for my life. He has reminded me once again that ultimately it is Him who makes the plans for my life and I am simply to follow Him. He will never lead me astray. And, I am so thankful to Him for all He is doing in my life.
This is the verse I have been claiming since July 12. I have been asking, seeking and knocking (sometimes pounding) on Heaven's door. And, God has been so faithful to hear me and begin making clear the plans He has for my life. He has reminded me once again that ultimately it is Him who makes the plans for my life and I am simply to follow Him. He will never lead me astray. And, I am so thankful to Him for all He is doing in my life.
My Sweet Joshua
Good News!! Joshua has slept in his bed, all night long the past two nights. I think he was just ready for some "normallcy", and so was mommy and daddy. Monday night we all just ate our dinner and sat in front of the TV watching Joshua's new favorite movie "Cars". And, then we played "race" with Joshua, something Joshua made up. He has a WONDERFUL imaginiation. He went running through the house like he was a race car (making the vroom, vroom sounds) and ran into the living room and slid across the carpet (thank goodness he had pants on.. carpet burns.. yicky) and as he slid he was making the sound (uurrrcchhhhhhh, CRASH). Then he looked up at me and said, "Oh no mommy.. help me.. help me." Then, after all that of course he wanted mommy and daddy to be race cars too. :) It was quite a sight to see.
He is such a NUT! I love my little Joshua soooooo stinkin much. God has sure blessed us with a wonderful son and I know that the Lord has a very special calling upon Joshua's life. I can't wait to see how the Lord uses him.
He is such a NUT! I love my little Joshua soooooo stinkin much. God has sure blessed us with a wonderful son and I know that the Lord has a very special calling upon Joshua's life. I can't wait to see how the Lord uses him.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Transition Time
We said goodbye to Sandy Level yesterday. It really doesn't feel real yet. We've been there for the past six and a half years and it just seems so weird knowing our time there has come to an end. I'm not sure when reality will set in, but when it does I hope I'm ready for it.
We also said goodbye to my granny yesterday. I won't get to see her again before we leave. That was sad too. She is my rock. My granny is everything to me and I can't imagine life without her. She has always been there for me and I can tell her absoltely anything and know that she genuinely cares for me.
I think Joshua may be starting to feel some of the transition. He has woken up the past two nights and came into our bedroom to sleep the rest of the night. I think the yard sale on Saturday really got his attention. We are just going to spend a "normal" night at home tonight (no packing, no nothing related to moving) and hopefully that will help him.
Well, I'm off to get somemore work done. I'll be in touch later!
We also said goodbye to my granny yesterday. I won't get to see her again before we leave. That was sad too. She is my rock. My granny is everything to me and I can't imagine life without her. She has always been there for me and I can tell her absoltely anything and know that she genuinely cares for me.
I think Joshua may be starting to feel some of the transition. He has woken up the past two nights and came into our bedroom to sleep the rest of the night. I think the yard sale on Saturday really got his attention. We are just going to spend a "normal" night at home tonight (no packing, no nothing related to moving) and hopefully that will help him.
Well, I'm off to get somemore work done. I'll be in touch later!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
off to dream land...
We had a great yard sale today. Got rid of lots of stuff!! YEA!!! I'm totally exhausted now though so it's off to bed for me and it's only 8:30pm.... man, am I getting old or what? :)
Tomorrow is our last day at Sandy Level. It's going to be a tough morning so please say a special prayer for us. I am also going to see my granny tomorrow and it will be the last time I see her before we leave for Texas.
I'll write more tomorrow. I'm so tired I can hardly hold my eyes open.
Tomorrow is our last day at Sandy Level. It's going to be a tough morning so please say a special prayer for us. I am also going to see my granny tomorrow and it will be the last time I see her before we leave for Texas.
I'll write more tomorrow. I'm so tired I can hardly hold my eyes open.
Friday, November 9, 2007
9 days to go
Well, the count down has started. We have 9 days before we pull out of South Carolina! I can't believe it. The reality of everything is really starting to set in. We are having a moving sale tomorrow... so if any of you are in town you should come!! :) 7am-2pm
I can't even begin to say how excited I am about this new opportunity. Of course we are sad and hate saying goodbye to so many wonderful friends and family members. But the thing that excites me the most and I think I've said it before, is that my God.. my HUGE, AWESOME GOD is ordaining each and every step towards this move. I know that He is in it. Ever since I was 11 years old I knew that my life would always be totally sold out for Him and I've never thought twice about living any other way. I only want to be in the center of His Plan for my life. I've got chills all over me right now just thinking of how He is going to use me, Rodney and Joshua to show His love to others. I want to be a firm, real example to all those around me that I belong to Christ and that life without Him is meaningless! Living my life for Christ gives me so much purpose and meaning. I can't imagine not having Him at the center of everything I do.
I'm listening to the song, "The Stand" by Hillsong United and each word of it just describes my heart's desire. I want my "ARMS HIGH AND HEART ABANDONED to Christ alone. MY SOUL, LORD, TO YOU SURRENDERED. ALL I AM IS YOURS!"
YEA GOD!! You're Awesome!
I can't even begin to say how excited I am about this new opportunity. Of course we are sad and hate saying goodbye to so many wonderful friends and family members. But the thing that excites me the most and I think I've said it before, is that my God.. my HUGE, AWESOME GOD is ordaining each and every step towards this move. I know that He is in it. Ever since I was 11 years old I knew that my life would always be totally sold out for Him and I've never thought twice about living any other way. I only want to be in the center of His Plan for my life. I've got chills all over me right now just thinking of how He is going to use me, Rodney and Joshua to show His love to others. I want to be a firm, real example to all those around me that I belong to Christ and that life without Him is meaningless! Living my life for Christ gives me so much purpose and meaning. I can't imagine not having Him at the center of everything I do.
I'm listening to the song, "The Stand" by Hillsong United and each word of it just describes my heart's desire. I want my "ARMS HIGH AND HEART ABANDONED to Christ alone. MY SOUL, LORD, TO YOU SURRENDERED. ALL I AM IS YOURS!"
YEA GOD!! You're Awesome!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Saying Goodbye
Saying Goodbye is definitely not one of my strong suits. Today, I had to say goodbye to my dad. I won't see him again before we leave for Texas. Even though I don't get to see him a lot now anyway, it's still hard leaving because at least I knew he was close by before. Now, I'll be in Texas and can't just drive over to see him. So, that was a tough and very emotional time.
And tonight, I'll be saying goodbye to my little doggie, Belle. A lady contacted us wanting to adopt her so we will meet her tonight around 6pm to leave Belle with her.
In midst of all these goodbyes that have to be said between now and next Saturday I have got to remind myself to keep relying on God to get me through this. I have never wanted anything more in my life except to be right smack in the middle of God's plan for my life. And, Texas is where He is leading.
Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God."
And tonight, I'll be saying goodbye to my little doggie, Belle. A lady contacted us wanting to adopt her so we will meet her tonight around 6pm to leave Belle with her.
In midst of all these goodbyes that have to be said between now and next Saturday I have got to remind myself to keep relying on God to get me through this. I have never wanted anything more in my life except to be right smack in the middle of God's plan for my life. And, Texas is where He is leading.
Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God."
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Texas Bound - November 16th
Well, I got a call from Southwestern Seminary and they have offered me a job. WOW>>> WOW>>> WOW
I never would have thought back in July, when we received the news that Rodney was being asked to resign as youth minister at sandy level that this is where I would be now. For so many months I was so devastated and just plain angry. But, God has opened so many new doors for us and if you ask me He's just starting to "SHOW OFF" a little. (LOL, just kidding) I'm so excited and through this whole thing I'm falling more and more in love with my Savior!! He is truly amazing.
Rodney will be able to attend school absolutely free since I got this job. God is truly blessing us and has turned what started out as an awful situation into something wonderful.
Pray for us, because this job offer was for an immediate position. They want me there this month. We've gone through every possible scenerio and feel like leaving on the 16th, even though we will miss Thanksgiving with our families, is the best way to go. And, also just pray that we will be able to really focus and get everything ready to move.
TEXAS BOUND!!! Thank you, Jesus!
I never would have thought back in July, when we received the news that Rodney was being asked to resign as youth minister at sandy level that this is where I would be now. For so many months I was so devastated and just plain angry. But, God has opened so many new doors for us and if you ask me He's just starting to "SHOW OFF" a little. (LOL, just kidding) I'm so excited and through this whole thing I'm falling more and more in love with my Savior!! He is truly amazing.
Rodney will be able to attend school absolutely free since I got this job. God is truly blessing us and has turned what started out as an awful situation into something wonderful.
Pray for us, because this job offer was for an immediate position. They want me there this month. We've gone through every possible scenerio and feel like leaving on the 16th, even though we will miss Thanksgiving with our families, is the best way to go. And, also just pray that we will be able to really focus and get everything ready to move.
TEXAS BOUND!!! Thank you, Jesus!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
My Little Dragon
My little dragon!!! He's so stinkin cute!! :) He loves his costume this year. He wanted to be the dragon from Shrek so this is the closet dragon costume we found to look like the one from the movie. I think we got pretty darn close.
Don't pay attention to my house though, it's a MESS! We're packing and getting ready to sale the house so it's crazy around there right now.
Don't pay attention to my house though, it's a MESS! We're packing and getting ready to sale the house so it's crazy around there right now.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Be Still Courtney....
I was listening to the song "Still" by Hillsong (which is on my playlist below, if you want to hear it) and the Lord so gently spoke to me and said, "Be still, Courtney, and know that I am your God." In the midst of all we've been facing that's the one thing I've needed to do is just be still and remember God is in control of everything going on and He is going to use it for His ultimate glory. As I looked at Psalm 46:10 the Lord really directed me to the second part of the verse which says, "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This I know for sure, God will be exalted through every circumstance/situation that comes my way. It may not make sense right away, but there is a peace that comes in knowing that the end result of even the most horrible of situations will bring Glory to God! Isn't that why we have life... to bring Glory to Christ in all we say and do? I just praise Him that He is working in my life and drawing me closer and closer to Himself.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Personality
I was looking at one of my friends blogs and saw this test so I thought I would pass it on. It is very accurate... at least for me it is. Feel free to check it out.
If you would like to take the test click here, http://www.careerdirectonline.org/personalityID/
If you would like to take the test click here, http://www.careerdirectonline.org/personalityID/
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Belle
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Prayer Request:
With us moving to Texas we can't take our precious little Belle with us. The Seminary housing doesn't allow pets so we need to find a good home for her. She is a full blooded Jack Russell Terrior and is 7 years old. If you could please pray that a good home will be provided for her I would greatly appreciate it.
Home Sweet Home
We are back home now. YEA!!!! We've been staying with my in-laws until Rodney felt like he could take the ride home. It was so nice to sleep in my bed last night. Joshua was even happy to be back home and get to sleep in his bed. I went in to check on him before I went to bed last night and he rolled over, looked up at me and told me, "NO mommy." He was enjoying having his bed all to himself and apparently didn't want me sleeping with him. He's such a stinker. :) We've had to share a bed at my in-laws and I think we both have had enough of that for a while.
I took Rodney for his follow up appointment today and he's doing really good. He just has to take it easy and not do anything strenuous for a while.
Other than all this we're doing good. Just trying to take one day at a time. With all we've had going on since July I think I'm finally getting it. I don't know why it takes me so long to catch on to what God is trying to teach me. He must think I'm a nut case sometimes. ;) But, at least I'm His nut case and He loves me regardless.
I took Rodney for his follow up appointment today and he's doing really good. He just has to take it easy and not do anything strenuous for a while.
Other than all this we're doing good. Just trying to take one day at a time. With all we've had going on since July I think I'm finally getting it. I don't know why it takes me so long to catch on to what God is trying to teach me. He must think I'm a nut case sometimes. ;) But, at least I'm His nut case and He loves me regardless.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Many are the plans... BUT
Proverbs 19:21
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
It is so neat and freeing when we lay all our plans aside and allow the Lord to take complete control. In the course of just 2 days now God has just overwhelmed me with His goodness. Rodney got his official acceptance letter from Southwestern Seminary and today I had a phone interview with a lady from Southwestern for a job. She told me the department head that looked at my resume was really impressed with my background experience and wants to pursue me for the admin. position. With this job, Rodney will be able to attend Seminary for free.!!!! Isn't our God awesome? I can't wait to see what He has in store for us in the days ahead. I am totally focused and ready for whatever His plans and purposes are to prevail above everything else.
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
It is so neat and freeing when we lay all our plans aside and allow the Lord to take complete control. In the course of just 2 days now God has just overwhelmed me with His goodness. Rodney got his official acceptance letter from Southwestern Seminary and today I had a phone interview with a lady from Southwestern for a job. She told me the department head that looked at my resume was really impressed with my background experience and wants to pursue me for the admin. position. With this job, Rodney will be able to attend Seminary for free.!!!! Isn't our God awesome? I can't wait to see what He has in store for us in the days ahead. I am totally focused and ready for whatever His plans and purposes are to prevail above everything else.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Reminiscing
I was looking through some pictures today and ran across some of my little Joshua when he was a teeny tiny little baby. I just started thinking about how precious those days were when I would sit and look at his tiny little self in my arms. I would sing to him, talk to him and pray blessings over his precious life. Now, he is a rambunctious 2 year old. However, around 8:00 every night that precious little boy crawls up into my lap with his blankie and just cuddles with me. There is something about being a mommy that just fills me up and more times than not my cup runneth over with pure joy and love for my little one. I never thought I'd feel what most mommies do since we were not able to have our own biological child. But, I was wrong. Joshua is my baby! Our great and awesome God picked this precious little boy out for me and Rodney and knew that he was a perfect match.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Home and doing good
Rodney is home and doing good. His surgery went very well yesterday and the doctor says he will be just fine. He's still in a lot of pain from the surgery, but that is to be expected. We're just keeping him on schedule with his pain meds and letting him get lots of rest.
We got some GREAT news today!! Rodney got his acceptance letter from Southwestern Seminary!! So, we're officially moving to Texas!! It was so awesome to see him read the letter and see how excited he is about going. I just started crying.. I guess that's the woman thing to do. As soon as he finished reading his letter it had the housing application attached and he filled that thing out so fast. He looked at me and said, "ok, it's ready. go to the post office and overnight it." :)
Well, I'm going to go rest. I haven't slept well the past couple of nights. I can't stand knowing my hubby is hurting and I just get so restless because I feel like I need to be helping in some way to make him feel better.
We got some GREAT news today!! Rodney got his acceptance letter from Southwestern Seminary!! So, we're officially moving to Texas!! It was so awesome to see him read the letter and see how excited he is about going. I just started crying.. I guess that's the woman thing to do. As soon as he finished reading his letter it had the housing application attached and he filled that thing out so fast. He looked at me and said, "ok, it's ready. go to the post office and overnight it." :)
Well, I'm going to go rest. I haven't slept well the past couple of nights. I can't stand knowing my hubby is hurting and I just get so restless because I feel like I need to be helping in some way to make him feel better.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Back Surgery
Rodney will be having back surgery tomorrow morning at 9:30am. He has a herniated disc in his back and has been in a lot of pain for a while now. So, we are just praying that the doctors will be able to take care of the problem and that Rodney will have a speedy recovery. We are going to stay with Rodney's parents as he recovers, so that will really help me a lot. I'm so thankful for them and how they are always there for us no matter what. I've been SO BLESSED with awesome in-laws.
I'd really appreciate your thoughts and prayers! Love ya'll!!!
I'd really appreciate your thoughts and prayers! Love ya'll!!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
PRAYER REQUEST
I was at church the other night talking with a lady about me and Rodney going to Seminary in January and she told me that her brother is actually a student there and is about to finish up his degree. She told me she was going to call him and let him know our situation and see if we could get in touch with him with any questions that we might have. Well, she came back to church the next night and said that she was telling her brother about me needing a job when we move there and she told him the kind of work I've done. He told that he knew of several admin jobs that are available that would allow me to actually work with the Seminary on their campus. So, he's agreed to get me all the contact names and numbers that I need and get me plugged in with the right people to talk about these job opportunities. OK, so here is the really exciting part. If this works out and I get a job with the Seminary my husband can go to school for free and it is possible that our housing would be free as well. I'm asking that you please pray very specifically that God will work this out and allow me to get a job working for the seminary so that Rodney's school can be paid for and so that we won't have to worry about housing expenses.
Finances is my biggest struggle with this whole move. To be totally honest, I'm TERRIFIED of how our financial situation looks right now. However, I know in my heart of hearts that God is moving us to Seminary. There is no doubt. And, I'm just praying that this job opportunity will work out and that God will be in control of this whole situation. I know He already is and I know that all these connections would not be happening had He not ordained each and every one of them.
Pray for us please! Pray that we will continue to seek Christ and His will for our lives and to fully trust that He will take care of each and every detail. I'm amazed and just totally taken back with how He has provided so far. Praise Him! WE SERVE AN AWESOME, MIGHTY, WONDERFUL GOD AND I LOVE HIM WITH MY WHOLE HEART!
Finances is my biggest struggle with this whole move. To be totally honest, I'm TERRIFIED of how our financial situation looks right now. However, I know in my heart of hearts that God is moving us to Seminary. There is no doubt. And, I'm just praying that this job opportunity will work out and that God will be in control of this whole situation. I know He already is and I know that all these connections would not be happening had He not ordained each and every one of them.
Pray for us please! Pray that we will continue to seek Christ and His will for our lives and to fully trust that He will take care of each and every detail. I'm amazed and just totally taken back with how He has provided so far. Praise Him! WE SERVE AN AWESOME, MIGHTY, WONDERFUL GOD AND I LOVE HIM WITH MY WHOLE HEART!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Nice Surprise
I haven't been going to church on Wednesday nights just because I know we are leaving in a month and I felt I needed to start transitioning out. However, I decided to go last night and hang out with the youth group. Youth group goes from 6:30-8:30 and I only get to hang out with them for about an hour because Joshua's class is over at 7:30. So, from 7:30 to 8:30 I'm usually just hanging out with Josh and playing around the church. But, last night I got a wonderful surprise. Two girls who have graduated out of our ministry stopped by the church last night to talk and catch up with me. I haven't seen one of them in so long and for her to stop by meant so much. She had received the letter about Rodney's resignation and said that she was just so sad to see us go, but that she was also excited about what our future holds.
In the midst of all we are going through right now I really, really needed this. Having them stop by and share with me how much the youth ministry has meant in their own lives just encouraged me so much and made me feel proud of what we have done at sandy level. Although things are crazy and people are trying to really tear us down right now I can stand confirmed in Christ, knowing that I have made a difference for Him in our ministry time at sandy level.
God is so good!! He gives us hope in the midst of our pain. He lets us know everything is going to be ok.
In the midst of all we are going through right now I really, really needed this. Having them stop by and share with me how much the youth ministry has meant in their own lives just encouraged me so much and made me feel proud of what we have done at sandy level. Although things are crazy and people are trying to really tear us down right now I can stand confirmed in Christ, knowing that I have made a difference for Him in our ministry time at sandy level.
God is so good!! He gives us hope in the midst of our pain. He lets us know everything is going to be ok.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
This IS My King
His grace is sufficient
His compassions never fail
His love is never ending
His name is above all names
His mercy is endless
His promises are true
His Kingdom is real
His forgiveness is mine
His strength is unmatchable
His home is eternal
His cross is my crown
His word is my shield
His ways are always prosperous
PRAISE JESUS! He is wonderful, glorious, holy, victorious and righteous, He's a strong tower and my best friend. Alpha, Omega.. SOON COMING KING!!!
He is my everything!!
His compassions never fail
His love is never ending
His name is above all names
His mercy is endless
His promises are true
His Kingdom is real
His forgiveness is mine
His strength is unmatchable
His home is eternal
His cross is my crown
His word is my shield
His ways are always prosperous
PRAISE JESUS! He is wonderful, glorious, holy, victorious and righteous, He's a strong tower and my best friend. Alpha, Omega.. SOON COMING KING!!!
He is my everything!!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Quietness
Nothing beats a Saturday afternoon when my precious little 2 year old is up in his room taking a nap and my handsome hubby is laying on the couch napping. All I can hear is the USC football game in the background, my dishwasher and my dryer. With everything taken care of I can take a couple of hours all to myself and simply do whatever I want. With the busyness of our life here lately this is definitely a luxury I don't get everyday.
Me and Rodney have been praying and both feel very confirmed in the area of our future. We have decided that Rodney should go to Seminary and pursue his counseling degree. He is so gifted in this area and there is no doubt that this is a huge gift God has blessed him with. We've been checking out all the seminaries and the only one that offers the kind of counseling program we are looking for is in Texas. So, yes we will more than likely be moving to Fort Worth, Texas in January. Rodney has turned in all his admission stuff so we're waiting to hear from the seminary for acceptance.
When thinking about this move of course I have some worries but more than all my worry I have an overwhelming excitement that is surpasses all my doubts. I am so excited about how God is going to use this time in our life. I know that God has something huge for us and in order to receive the ministry he's calling us to this has to be our next step. There is a chance I'll enroll in the Fall of 2008 to pursue my masters in women's ministry. But, I want to be able to get there and get everything settled and get Rodney started before I enroll.
In the midst of all the stresses and fears we've had over the past couple of months God is beginning to shine light on where we are suppose to be and little by little He is revealing His vision for our life. Please continue to pray for us. Pray that we will remained focused on Christ and allow Him to lead us.
Me and Rodney have been praying and both feel very confirmed in the area of our future. We have decided that Rodney should go to Seminary and pursue his counseling degree. He is so gifted in this area and there is no doubt that this is a huge gift God has blessed him with. We've been checking out all the seminaries and the only one that offers the kind of counseling program we are looking for is in Texas. So, yes we will more than likely be moving to Fort Worth, Texas in January. Rodney has turned in all his admission stuff so we're waiting to hear from the seminary for acceptance.
When thinking about this move of course I have some worries but more than all my worry I have an overwhelming excitement that is surpasses all my doubts. I am so excited about how God is going to use this time in our life. I know that God has something huge for us and in order to receive the ministry he's calling us to this has to be our next step. There is a chance I'll enroll in the Fall of 2008 to pursue my masters in women's ministry. But, I want to be able to get there and get everything settled and get Rodney started before I enroll.
In the midst of all the stresses and fears we've had over the past couple of months God is beginning to shine light on where we are suppose to be and little by little He is revealing His vision for our life. Please continue to pray for us. Pray that we will remained focused on Christ and allow Him to lead us.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
My Passion
We watched a video at church sunday night about a girl named Kim Jones. Kim was killed by a gunman who entered her church during a see you at the pole celebration in 1999. Kim's story and her passion was so huge. Seeing how she truly served and loved the Lord stopped me dead in my tracks. Everytime you would see her in the video she had a huge smile on her face. You could tell she had the joy of the Lord all over her. She lived her life here on earth but so many of her friends said her heart was always in heaven. When speaking about her relationship with the Lord one of her friends said that Kim didn't pray just to get answers from God, she prayed simply because she wanted to be with Him and she didn't read her bible to gain more knowledge, she read it so she could be with Jesus, in His presence. They said any time a worship service was going on Kim was always there. She never missed an opportunity to worship and serve our awesome God.
While watching the video I could hear the Lord whispering to my heart, "that used to be you, Courtney." Wow! It really did. I can remember back to my high school days where all I wanted was to be at church or doing something to serve God. And, then when the Lord placed a call into ministry on my life I couldn't wait to get started. That passion carried me through so much and looking back I see how the joy of the Lord was all over me. I was the girl that everyone knew would be at church if something was going on.
I've come a long way since then. I'm not sure at what point it happened but slowly over the past couple of years my joy has begun to disappear. I've gone to church because I had to not because I was excited to go. It has felt more like a chore to me and that smile I used to always have is gone as well.
Watching this video on sunday has really stopped me and got me to thinking about my walk with Christ. I do love Him and I want to serve Him with my whole heart. That's truly what my life is all about. I've just got some things to work out and I've got some things I need to let go of with God's help. I've seen the need for this "cleaning out" in my life but now that God has totally confronted me with it I see that I truly do want to change and become my joyful self again and I want to let go of all those things that are holding me back. I know with the help of my Savior, my Father... my Daddy I can be revived and renewed into the person He has called me to be.
While watching the video I could hear the Lord whispering to my heart, "that used to be you, Courtney." Wow! It really did. I can remember back to my high school days where all I wanted was to be at church or doing something to serve God. And, then when the Lord placed a call into ministry on my life I couldn't wait to get started. That passion carried me through so much and looking back I see how the joy of the Lord was all over me. I was the girl that everyone knew would be at church if something was going on.
I've come a long way since then. I'm not sure at what point it happened but slowly over the past couple of years my joy has begun to disappear. I've gone to church because I had to not because I was excited to go. It has felt more like a chore to me and that smile I used to always have is gone as well.
Watching this video on sunday has really stopped me and got me to thinking about my walk with Christ. I do love Him and I want to serve Him with my whole heart. That's truly what my life is all about. I've just got some things to work out and I've got some things I need to let go of with God's help. I've seen the need for this "cleaning out" in my life but now that God has totally confronted me with it I see that I truly do want to change and become my joyful self again and I want to let go of all those things that are holding me back. I know with the help of my Savior, my Father... my Daddy I can be revived and renewed into the person He has called me to be.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
YEAH BABY
The painting is officially done!!! :)
We have finished painting all the rooms that needed it to get our house on the market. Rodney is calling our realtor tomorrow and hopefully... keep your fingers crossed... the house will be on the market by the end of the week. I've boxed up tons of stuff this weekend also. So, that's great. I can't believe we've got it all done. I'm so stinkin TIRED... but excited to be moving forward. My sister in law came over this weekend with her family and helped us so much. Oh my word, I'm so thankful for them. Now, I need to go to work tomorrow so I can rest. (LOL)
Keep praying for us though. Rodney has his resume out and is getting some responses so that's totally awesome. Just pray that we will really seek the face of God and allow him to lead us wherever He's calling. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the here and now and I don't want to miss God and His perfect will in this whole situation.
But, Elisabeth.... I'm keeping my fingers crossed.. ;) You know what I'm talking about. ;)
Nighty Night my precious friends. I'm BEAT and it's totally time for BED..
We have finished painting all the rooms that needed it to get our house on the market. Rodney is calling our realtor tomorrow and hopefully... keep your fingers crossed... the house will be on the market by the end of the week. I've boxed up tons of stuff this weekend also. So, that's great. I can't believe we've got it all done. I'm so stinkin TIRED... but excited to be moving forward. My sister in law came over this weekend with her family and helped us so much. Oh my word, I'm so thankful for them. Now, I need to go to work tomorrow so I can rest. (LOL)
Keep praying for us though. Rodney has his resume out and is getting some responses so that's totally awesome. Just pray that we will really seek the face of God and allow him to lead us wherever He's calling. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the here and now and I don't want to miss God and His perfect will in this whole situation.
But, Elisabeth.... I'm keeping my fingers crossed.. ;) You know what I'm talking about. ;)
Nighty Night my precious friends. I'm BEAT and it's totally time for BED..
Friday, September 14, 2007
Mommy Time
I'm sitting in my living room relaxing and oh my word, it feels so awesome to just kick my feet up and do nothing. Joshua is playing with his "choo choo" and Rodney is on his way home from visiting some church members at the hospital. It's not very often I get a little quiet time like this. Since I get Fridays off at work my weekend gets to start early and they are always totally busy. So, I took advantage of a little down time today and took Joshua to Leapin Lizards. It's a really cool children's play place. They have all the big inflatable bouncers and just lots of cool stuff... all indoors. :) And, all the mommies get to just kick back on the comfy couches and watch the kids play. I don't get to go there much, but when I do it always reminds me of how much each of us mommies need each other. We need times to just sit and spill our guts about being mommies. Don't get me wrong. I totally love being a mommy and would not trade it for anything, but every once in a while it's nice to know other mommies struggle with the same things I do. :) Once you get to just pour everything out to someone else who really understands it helps relieve all we have bottled up and gives us the motivation to keep going.
Thanks Mommies!!!
Thanks Mommies!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
LEGO straight to the eye
OOWWIEEE!!! Oh my word, I never knew my eye could hurt the way it has been the last 3 days. I went to put Joshua to bed Monday night and when I bent down to give him a goodnight kiss he reached up and was trying to hand me the lego he had in his hand and that thing went straight in my eye. Poor little Joshua felt awful for hurting mommy. I told him mommy was fine and just endured the pain long enough to get him in bed so he wouldn't worry about mommy and then I went to my room and cried and tried to get my left eye open. I ended up going to the eye doctor the next morning and they said the lego had actually cut my eye so they numbed it up for me and gave me some medicine to put on it. But, they pretty much said this is just one of those things that will be uncomfortable and hurt until it heals up. This is the first time I've actually been able to sit down at the computer and type. Before the light was way too bright for me to try and look at and my left eye was so blury I couldn't see a thing. And up until about 6pm tonight it felt like something was just stuck in my eye and I couldn't get it out. Thank goodness that pain has seemed to stop for now. We'll see how long that last when I have to put more drops in it before bed. My left eye is still still very blury. I'm pretty much typing with my left eye closed so if something sounds weird that's probably why. I go back to the doctor in the morning so they can take the contact lense patch out of my eye and hopefully that will take some of this bluriness away.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Prison Picnic
I had the opportunity to go to the Women's Prison here in Columbia this past Saturday. Where I work we do an annual picnic for the inmates. We take things like fried chicken, fresh veggies, and lots of desserts... stuff they don't get the priviledge of having on a consistent basis.
Oh, I have to tell you the very deepest part of my soul was touched and forever changed as I came in contact with each of these precious women. Yes, their stories are much different from mine just from the kind of things they have done but PRAISE GOD their future can be as secure as mine as the Lord of Lord's holds them in the palm of his hands. He has not turned his back on them and will never, ever give up on them. I went into the lock up area where they keep some of the ladies that they have had discipline issues with and they also keep new women that have just come into the system. The only way you can talk with them is through the door of their cell. We went from cell to cell talking and praying with each of the women there. Talking with them, and just seeing the pain in their eyes totally broke me. Many of them are so young and scared to death. Yes, they know why they are there and they know they've done wrong. But, you know one thing I learned is that even though they've done some horrible things... they are human and are truly hurting over their present circumstances. They want to be different. They want to change. However, our society is so harse to them and in no way takes the time to encourage them to be different and change. Our society automatically slaps a label on them and considers them lost causes for eternity. Oh, may the God of Gods change our hearts and attitudes towards them. May we look upon them with eyes of compassion and hope. I spoke with one lady who has 5 children and she told me, "there is no more hope for me, but just pray that my children will chose a different path than I did." It broke my heart to hear her speak with such hopelessness.
Let's lift these precious women up to God praying that each and every one of them will know they are not forgotten... but that they are LOVED and TREASURED above all else to the God of gods and the Lord of lords!!! PRAISE HIM!! I couldn't help but think of the song, "shackles" while I was writing this blog. Watch the video above and get up and do some of praise dancing of your own!!! YES LORD!!
Oh, I have to tell you the very deepest part of my soul was touched and forever changed as I came in contact with each of these precious women. Yes, their stories are much different from mine just from the kind of things they have done but PRAISE GOD their future can be as secure as mine as the Lord of Lord's holds them in the palm of his hands. He has not turned his back on them and will never, ever give up on them. I went into the lock up area where they keep some of the ladies that they have had discipline issues with and they also keep new women that have just come into the system. The only way you can talk with them is through the door of their cell. We went from cell to cell talking and praying with each of the women there. Talking with them, and just seeing the pain in their eyes totally broke me. Many of them are so young and scared to death. Yes, they know why they are there and they know they've done wrong. But, you know one thing I learned is that even though they've done some horrible things... they are human and are truly hurting over their present circumstances. They want to be different. They want to change. However, our society is so harse to them and in no way takes the time to encourage them to be different and change. Our society automatically slaps a label on them and considers them lost causes for eternity. Oh, may the God of Gods change our hearts and attitudes towards them. May we look upon them with eyes of compassion and hope. I spoke with one lady who has 5 children and she told me, "there is no more hope for me, but just pray that my children will chose a different path than I did." It broke my heart to hear her speak with such hopelessness.
Let's lift these precious women up to God praying that each and every one of them will know they are not forgotten... but that they are LOVED and TREASURED above all else to the God of gods and the Lord of lords!!! PRAISE HIM!! I couldn't help but think of the song, "shackles" while I was writing this blog. Watch the video above and get up and do some of praise dancing of your own!!! YES LORD!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Yes, I'm still Here
My post have been so on and off again. I feel like I just don't have any time to write anymore.
Joshua was sick this weekend, running a high fever and all so I was busy keeping him comfortable and hydrated while painting and packing. Sounds like fun, huh? Life is so busy right now and I am just ready to get out of this whirlwind and have some calm for a while.
Other than that, we are doing really good. Just doing a lot of praying and practicing our faith right now. :) But, God is good. He is really upholding us and keeping our spirits high during this difficult time. We have our moments when all the stress builds up and we just loose it, but it's really not that often... thank goodness. And, it's mostly me loosing it. :)
You know, this will probably sound silly but when I get stressed out to the max I just look at Joshua and see how he just takes one day at a time and just goes with the flow. I know why Jesus tells us to be like the children.
Thanks for all your prayers and encouragment. I love ya'll!!!
Joshua was sick this weekend, running a high fever and all so I was busy keeping him comfortable and hydrated while painting and packing. Sounds like fun, huh? Life is so busy right now and I am just ready to get out of this whirlwind and have some calm for a while.
Other than that, we are doing really good. Just doing a lot of praying and practicing our faith right now. :) But, God is good. He is really upholding us and keeping our spirits high during this difficult time. We have our moments when all the stress builds up and we just loose it, but it's really not that often... thank goodness. And, it's mostly me loosing it. :)
You know, this will probably sound silly but when I get stressed out to the max I just look at Joshua and see how he just takes one day at a time and just goes with the flow. I know why Jesus tells us to be like the children.
Thanks for all your prayers and encouragment. I love ya'll!!!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Courtney Update
Hey Everybody! You have no idea how much your love and concern for us right now has blessed and encouraged me. We are doing ok. Yesterday was my last day teaching the middle school sunday school class, so that was difficult. I've taught sunday school in the youth department for the past 6 years and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself on sunday mornings since we still have to go to church there until Nov. 11. Which is another issue I'm totally confused about all the way around.
I am doing better and know that God is in Control!! And, thanks for all the reminders letting me know that. You know how it is when you are in the middle of a huge storm.. you just tend to forget God is in Control and need those little reminders along the way.
My relationship with God is really growing so much stronger during this time. I find myself just clinging to His Word and His promises for my life constantly. He is my rock and my safe place right now and I just love Him so much for being here with me.
Pray for Rodney. He is having back problems and will have to go see a back surgeon at the end of September. He's in a lot of pain by the end of the day so just pray for him as he is dealing with this pain and the stress from having to find a job. He is such wonderul, awesome husband and I just hate that he has all of this on him at once.
I am doing better and know that God is in Control!! And, thanks for all the reminders letting me know that. You know how it is when you are in the middle of a huge storm.. you just tend to forget God is in Control and need those little reminders along the way.
My relationship with God is really growing so much stronger during this time. I find myself just clinging to His Word and His promises for my life constantly. He is my rock and my safe place right now and I just love Him so much for being here with me.
Pray for Rodney. He is having back problems and will have to go see a back surgeon at the end of September. He's in a lot of pain by the end of the day so just pray for him as he is dealing with this pain and the stress from having to find a job. He is such wonderul, awesome husband and I just hate that he has all of this on him at once.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Hanging On
Please pray for us tomorrow. We have a realtor coming to look at our house tomorrow afternoon. I am totally not looking forward to this for the simple fact of I'm not ready to let go of my home. I hate having to do this, but we have no choice. With Rodney's pay ending in November there is no way with all our other bills that we can keep the house. So, please please pray for us. This is so hard!! Anytime I think of moving it brings back bad memories from my childhood and I really don't want all that stuff resurfacing.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
My Little Swimmer
Joshua has begun to swim on his own!! I can't believe it. We have him wear his floaty bathing suit (pictured above) when he is in the water and he used to hang on to us and would not dare let go. But, we were in the pool Monday night and he decided he had enough of having to hold on to us and he let go and started kicking and moving all around the pool himself. He was so stinkin cute! We've been in the pool every night this week so far and he is doing great. He loves to turn around in circles and swim to the sides. I'm so proud of him. He just amazes me everyday at all the new stuff he is trying! I love being a mommy!!!!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
HELP LORD, HELP
Lord, we’ve got a lot going on right now. So much that I just have no clue where to even begin with it all. I am simply at a complete loss as to what, when, where, why and how. I haven’t been in this sort of position before and I honestly don’t want to be here now. But, I am.
But, understanding and fully believing that my life is in your hands I have to trust that you know what you are doing. I was reading in one of my devotional books that, “your strength is not dependant on you or the size of your faith. It is dependant on the size of your God. He is your strength.” If I’ve ever needed you, it’s right now. I’ve got to have you as my strength during this whole process or I’m not going to make it. My focus, emotions, understanding and just everything about me is so messed up right now. I have no clue which way to turn and I know that in order to make the decisions that need to be made during the next couple of months I’ve got to rely on you. I’ve got to know that you are in control.
But, understanding and fully believing that my life is in your hands I have to trust that you know what you are doing. I was reading in one of my devotional books that, “your strength is not dependant on you or the size of your faith. It is dependant on the size of your God. He is your strength.” If I’ve ever needed you, it’s right now. I’ve got to have you as my strength during this whole process or I’m not going to make it. My focus, emotions, understanding and just everything about me is so messed up right now. I have no clue which way to turn and I know that in order to make the decisions that need to be made during the next couple of months I’ve got to rely on you. I’ve got to know that you are in control.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Tough Times
Everything is official now and reality is starting to set in. Rodney resigned from the youth ministry at Sandy Level yesterday. It feels so weird knowing we won't be there anymore. The youth are all shocked and some are pretty angry about the whole situation. I wish there was something more I could do for them, but I'm not even sure how to deal with all of this myself. I keep telling myself that God is in control! And, even though it sounds simple, it's really what's getting me through this so far. I have no idea what our future holds. This is not something we saw coming so it's hard to know what to do or where to go.
Please remember us in your prayers. I think our next step is to get our house on the market and try to sale it. We need to begin eliminating some dept since Rodney's pay stops in November. Also, pray that we won't give up and that we will daily remember God is in this! We want His will for our lives, wherever that may be.
Please remember us in your prayers. I think our next step is to get our house on the market and try to sale it. We need to begin eliminating some dept since Rodney's pay stops in November. Also, pray that we won't give up and that we will daily remember God is in this! We want His will for our lives, wherever that may be.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
New Covenant Ministry / Point #1
I'm starting a new study in the book of 2 Corinthians. I'm looking at 2 Cor. 2:14-7:1. In this portion of Scripture it is outlining New Covenant Ministry. It gives 8 different points to new covenant ministry and I'm taking them one by one and studying the points in depth.
# 1: New Covenant Ministry is Triumphant (2:14-17)
My First Reaction to these verses:
THANK goodness God is On My Side!!! Thanks be to God that it is Him who leads us and equips us to be witnesses. Paul asked the question, “who is sufficient for these things?” And then says, “we are not.” We cannot do this on our own. We must rely upon the power of Christ working in and through us. But, we must not only rely on Him; we must live our faith out with sincerity, being truly committed to the call of Christ. (2 Cor. 2:17)
I believe this is saying that yes, we had life before. We were living, breathing beings. But, as a believer we have been brought into a new life, a life that will last forever. Without Christ we would not have the life “sufficient” enough for doing the purposes and will of God. But, with Christ we are sufficient. It states it this way in 2 Corinthians 3:6, saying that, “God has made us competent to be ministers.” The definition of competent is, ‘having suitable or sufficient skill, knowledge, experience for some purpose, fit, capable.’ Meaning, now we’ve been brought into this relationship with Christ and we now understand what “real life” is all about.
We have just enough knowledge, experience that we need to live the Christian life victoriously right now. Yes, there are more experiences to come and more circumstances that will arise, but we can always trust that we are competent ministers because WHO we have in us makes us sufficient.
I absolutely love that this is the first point to new covenant ministry. It means to me that no matter what the other points are, no matter how hard things might get, I'll always be triumphant in Christ. My life will be successful in Christ Jesus because it is Him living in and through me.
# 1: New Covenant Ministry is Triumphant (2:14-17)
My First Reaction to these verses:
THANK goodness God is On My Side!!! Thanks be to God that it is Him who leads us and equips us to be witnesses. Paul asked the question, “who is sufficient for these things?” And then says, “we are not.” We cannot do this on our own. We must rely upon the power of Christ working in and through us. But, we must not only rely on Him; we must live our faith out with sincerity, being truly committed to the call of Christ. (2 Cor. 2:17)
I believe this is saying that yes, we had life before. We were living, breathing beings. But, as a believer we have been brought into a new life, a life that will last forever. Without Christ we would not have the life “sufficient” enough for doing the purposes and will of God. But, with Christ we are sufficient. It states it this way in 2 Corinthians 3:6, saying that, “God has made us competent to be ministers.” The definition of competent is, ‘having suitable or sufficient skill, knowledge, experience for some purpose, fit, capable.’ Meaning, now we’ve been brought into this relationship with Christ and we now understand what “real life” is all about.
We have just enough knowledge, experience that we need to live the Christian life victoriously right now. Yes, there are more experiences to come and more circumstances that will arise, but we can always trust that we are competent ministers because WHO we have in us makes us sufficient.
I absolutely love that this is the first point to new covenant ministry. It means to me that no matter what the other points are, no matter how hard things might get, I'll always be triumphant in Christ. My life will be successful in Christ Jesus because it is Him living in and through me.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
2 year old + Restaurant = Total Disaster
I tell ya what I'm not taking Joshua back out to a restaurant until he is 30!!! I try to give him credit and think he'll do ok, but it always ends up in disaster. He ends up screaming, getting out of his chair, running around, or something. My sister in law's birthday is today and her husband was throwing a surprise party for her so we were all there and when we sat down to eat Joshua was just awful. So, I got up and tried to calm him down but he was having none of that. So, we came home.
Oh well... guess it's good ol' homecookin for a while. Because I'm definitely not doing that again for a long long time. :)
wheewwww... just had to get that off my chest! : )
Oh well... guess it's good ol' homecookin for a while. Because I'm definitely not doing that again for a long long time. :)
wheewwww... just had to get that off my chest! : )
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Reliance upon God
PSALM 56
Verse 8: "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle."
This is a huge comfort to me right now. Knowing that God cares enough to catch my tears and hold them in his hand. In my Bible notes it says that sometimes, in the ancient East, mourners would catch their tears in bottles and place them at the tombs of their loved ones. I really believe God mourns with us, cries with us, and his heart breaks when our heart breaks. He is our Father and when a father sees his child hurting, he hurts too. I picture my Heavenly Father comforting me and reassuring me and at the same time telling the ones trying to come up against me to leave me alone. Enough is enough! Why is it that people like to attack you for no specific reason? They just think it's ok to hurt you because you're not the way they want you to be.
I'll tell you something right now though, I'm getting just about sick of it and am getting to the point where I want to fight back. I wonder if that's not why David says at the very beginning of Psalm 56 and 57, "Be gracious to me, O God; Be merciful to me, O God". I think David might be saying, ok Lord, I'm ready to take these people out on my own BUT please be gracious and merciful to me as I have these thoughts and help me to remember You are in control. It's so easy to want to take things into your own control, but you know what, I'm not going to do that in this situation. I'm going to let God deal with these people. I'm going to let him fix this situation. The only thing I need to focus on right now is keeping myself and my attitude in such a way that will bring honor and glory to Christ when all is said and done.
Verse 8: "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle."
This is a huge comfort to me right now. Knowing that God cares enough to catch my tears and hold them in his hand. In my Bible notes it says that sometimes, in the ancient East, mourners would catch their tears in bottles and place them at the tombs of their loved ones. I really believe God mourns with us, cries with us, and his heart breaks when our heart breaks. He is our Father and when a father sees his child hurting, he hurts too. I picture my Heavenly Father comforting me and reassuring me and at the same time telling the ones trying to come up against me to leave me alone. Enough is enough! Why is it that people like to attack you for no specific reason? They just think it's ok to hurt you because you're not the way they want you to be.
I'll tell you something right now though, I'm getting just about sick of it and am getting to the point where I want to fight back. I wonder if that's not why David says at the very beginning of Psalm 56 and 57, "Be gracious to me, O God; Be merciful to me, O God". I think David might be saying, ok Lord, I'm ready to take these people out on my own BUT please be gracious and merciful to me as I have these thoughts and help me to remember You are in control. It's so easy to want to take things into your own control, but you know what, I'm not going to do that in this situation. I'm going to let God deal with these people. I'm going to let him fix this situation. The only thing I need to focus on right now is keeping myself and my attitude in such a way that will bring honor and glory to Christ when all is said and done.
Monday, August 6, 2007
The Storm Is Coming
Have you ever stood off and watched a storm approach?? It's a really neat thing as you sit there and watch the clouds move closer and closer bringing the rain, wind, lightening, thunder, etc, while right where you are standing it's calm and dry. Yes, you know the storm is coming... you can see it.. the wind is starting to blow a little harder and you can feel the mist from the hard rain heading your way. I feel like I'm standing on the edge of the storm in my life right now. It hasn't hit full force yet, but it's inevitable, I'm going to get wet really soon. I can't disclose what's happening just yet but I'm writing this pleading with you to please pray for me. The days ahead are going to be very stormy and I hate storms. I don't do well with them at all. Pray that I will remember I'm not alone in the storm, that God is with me and will not leave me no matter how hard things seem.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Something Familiar
Anytime we are away from home Joshua likes for me or Rodney to sleep with him. I got to thinking about that last night when I was laying in bed and here is what I thought.
When we are in familiar territory we feel safe and secure and don’t really need any affirmation in that respect because we just know it’s there. However, as soon as something changes, whether it be a circumstance we find ourselves in or a change in our surroundings we become insecure almost immediately. We want something familiar to give us our security back.
You know, God is our something familiar. Everywhere we go and no matter how many changes we go through he’s always there. He doesn’t change. He invites us into the security that only he can offer, so that no matter what we may face we can do so knowing that nothing can ever overtake us because we are children of the King of kings.
When we are in familiar territory we feel safe and secure and don’t really need any affirmation in that respect because we just know it’s there. However, as soon as something changes, whether it be a circumstance we find ourselves in or a change in our surroundings we become insecure almost immediately. We want something familiar to give us our security back.
You know, God is our something familiar. Everywhere we go and no matter how many changes we go through he’s always there. He doesn’t change. He invites us into the security that only he can offer, so that no matter what we may face we can do so knowing that nothing can ever overtake us because we are children of the King of kings.
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