Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The last few days have been graciously quiet and simple. Sunday at church was simple in both services (Anglo and Hispanic). Many people were out of town for Christmas and the weather was really cold. It was a great day for a nap. I laid down at 3pm and didn't wake up til 6!! But I still was in bed relatively early that night. It felt good to relax and rest.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of working with some great volunteers who helped me sort and organize a lot of stuff in the Missions Office. It would have taken at least all day for me to do it myself. It only took a couple of hours with the volunteers. I was blessed to have them there! I got to take a late afternoon nap on Monday, too, and slept for another 2 1/2 hours. I must be getting old and worn out! ha

Today I was blessed to get to run some errands and do some chores and then walk at the Wellness Center (what a great place! glad I'm over 50 so I qualify to join!) and then have lunch with my friend Zandra. While I was in Pea Ridge to meet Z, I stopped by the pharmacy to have a quick conversation with my friend Michael. I need to get together with him and Vickie soon. (yes, his wife's name is Vickie, too, so we call me 'Vickie-not-my-wife'. it sounds funny at first, but it works great) Anyway, it will be good to spend some time with them.

This afternoon I stopped by a consignment store that people have been telling me about and found some wonderful bargains. I decided to use the money I made from cat-sitting on some clothes. It was a nice place. I found some good bargains.

Speaking of the cat... I went by the Breazeale's house the last 3 mornings to feed the cat (Toby) and give her an insulin shot. She is a very docile cat, but she gets under the furniture and you have to fish her out. She doesn't fight you, but you gotta reach her first. The first 2 days I had to move the love seat and coffee table to get to her. On Sunday morning, I had to crawl under the huge Christmas tree (with a very low clearance) where I got a very small touch of her paw. I grabbed her collar and it snapped off. After crawling on my belly like a Marine, I finally reached her and got her out. I was sweaty and had pine needles in my hair, but I won!!! She was sweet and we had no further incidents in feeding her and getting her shot taken care of. Today, I only had to grab her under the sofa, no furniture moving involved, and she came willingly. All in all, it was fun and I enjoyed taking care of her in the mornings.

I made a ton of fudge last week and I've been sharing it with people each day. I put some in jars and decorated the lids to look like snow people wearing ear muffs. They turned out kind of cute. They looked funny on the table all together like a crowd of snowmen. (and the fudge turned out good, too!)

I have a bunch of computer work to do tomorrow, so I'll be working from my little home office. I'm looking forward to checking a lot of items off of my to do list. Can't wait to see how God leads the day.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Ahhhh... a quiet day of relaxing. This week has been very busy and so much fun. I have truly enjoyed this Christmas.

Wednesday was spent finishing up delivering the Angel Tree gifts and Food Boxes. I was blessed to spend more time with the Janes kids while Mom did some last minute shopping and errands. I like hanging out with them. I went to bed early again. I'm getting too old for all these reindeer games at Christmas!

Thursday morning, I got up early and hit Walmart one last time. It was very pleasant to get there before the crowds descended. I got to spend some time with Sarah and be her personal elf. I wanted to get to Springdale and back before the weather got too bad. It sure changed quickly from one day to the next. Earlier in the week I wasn't even wearing a coat!

I came home Thursday afternoon and made some cranberry relish salad and some more fudge. I ended up making 36 pounds of fudge this year. It's so easy and I have so much fun trying different variations. It seemed to be a big hit with everyone. I like to taste it, and then I'm done. I'd rather pig out on savory stuff. But, it might be dangerous to have extra fudge around the house. Deanna has already called me a temptress since she is a fudge-aholic. I'll take some to church on Monday and tempt the staff.

Christmas morning was nice. I gave Deanna a snuggie with Arkansas Razorbacks all over it. Now she can root for the Hogs and still be warm! Deanna and I had a quiet morning and I cleaned up the fudgy mess in the kitchen. I had left about 8 batches to dry and needed to cut and bag it. Deanna finished cleaning house to get ready for company for the evening. Bryon and his 3 youngest kids came over for lunch. They were late and Deanna was starving. We almost started without them! After lunch, they went to Karyn's for awhile and we had a little more quiet time here.

Christmas evening was filled with lots of people and pets and food and fun. We had snack food and played 'dirty Santa' with some interesting gifts. We had 22 people, 5 dogs, 1 cat and 2 rats (yes, someone brought their pet rats to Grandma's house). But no partridge-in-a-peartree. I ended up with a car emergency kit as my dirty Santa gift. I really liked it. I also received an ice-scraper glove, too, so I'm ready for the road! A Haynie cousin was gracious enough to give me the gift box that her gift came in. The box is round and has the word JOY on the top. I love it!!

Cora and JD spent the night with us and we all had a quiet morning. It was really cold, but JD wanted to go outside for a while. We wrapped him up in his coat, my gloves, hat, earmuffs and scarf. He looked like a true New Yorker! He was sweet and cleaned off some of the snow from the sidewalk and driveway. Jake and Elaine came to pick up the kids and they all left around 1pm for their 22 hour drive back to Las Vegas. Heidi, their dog, had been staying with us and Jet especially enjoyed having her here. She is such a sweetie.

I took my Christmas decorations down from my 2 rooms. It took all of 10 minutes. Then dusted and straightened up the den. The rest of today was spent just relaxing, playing on the computer and reflecting. It's been a good Christmas.

I have enjoyed so much getting to be a part of the Angel Tree and Food Boxes. That was the best Christmas gift for me! Sharing the love that God gave us through Jesus' birth is the best! God has blessed me so much. I'm truly thankful.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Below is the Christmas Letter that I sent out to prayer partners.

Wishing everyone a great Christmas week!

Joy 2009

Greetings!
It’s hard to believe that 2009 is coming to an end in just a few weeks. It has been a year of many changes and lots of blessings, the fullness that only God can create.

I moved back to Rogers AR in May and began a period of time that included transition as well as service. It was really strange to acclimate myself back to suburbia after living in NYC for 2 years. There was a lot of adjustment on many levels.

It has been great to be working in NWA again. VBS, Mission Rogers Youth week, Back To School Bash, Thanksgiving Meals and Christmas Angel Tree and Holiday Food Baskets have kept me very busy. I have loved working with all the volunteers and getting to know new people and renew friendships. God has truly been faithful in His blessings!

After 12 months of feeling ill and 11 medical tests, a knight in shining armor finally removed my gallbladder in November and I am reveling in good health. I would have loved to have been ‘healed’ sooner, but God knew it would take me a year to really get committed to a healthy lifestyle. I’m thankful for His faithfulness and ready to respect the health He has given me.

God has been stretching and growing me through so many circumstances this year. A great Precept Bible Study, personal Bible studies, inspiring books, new friendships, many ministries to be involved with, Spanish classes, helping with Cuerpo Vivo (Hispanic Church), the promise of new ministry opportunities for next year… It’s been a full year.

I’m so thankful to all who help to support me through money, prayer and love. I’m so honored and humbled to be allowed to serve fulltime as a missionary. It’s my heart’s desire to please Him with every minute of my life and I feel very lucky to be able to do that.

As Christmas approaches, I am giddy as a child and reverent as an angel when I think about Christ’s birth and how important that moment in time is to all mankind and all eternity. I’m filled with joyous songs of celebration and praise.

My prayer for you is to have time to slow down during this season of hustle and bustle, to remember and truly celebrate Christ’s birth, and enjoy family and friends. Sing praises, lift prayers, share love and experience the Joy that God has given us as His children.

Blessings to you, my friends!
Vickie

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Saturday night and I'm relaxing with Gus.

Here's a couple of pics of him.

As of Friday evening, FBCR has provided gifts for 181 Christmas 'Angels'. Doesn't that put a smile on your face?

Some great volunteers packed and delivered food boxes today. It went really well. Those were some hard working elves! There's still a few boxes to be delivered next week (because of special circumstances), but a lot was accomplished today in just a few short hours.

I was blessed to have some free time to have an early dinner with Nana Ruth and then to stop by Hobby Lobby for a few last minute things. Then I got to spend a little time with Deanna. Jet laid on my feet. I think he was trying to hold me down so I couldn't leave again. LucyAlice (the cat) just looked at me.

I'm going to bed early tonight and sleep very sweetly. I'm looking forward to working on tying up loose ends next week and making fudge and just having some fun. I like that it's a whole week of pre-Christmas Day activities.

I'm so thankful to be filling good. I'm grateful for God's healing hand. I'm so blessed to have the life that God allows me. He is so good to me.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

It's been a great week of working on Angel Tree. We've gotten calls for more people to help and we're up to 170 'Angels' who are receiving gifts for Christmas thanks to the wonderful people at FBC Rogers (and a few others in the community who wanted to participate - some loving people at the Sr Adults Wellness Center and Vicki and her co-workers at Jiffy Kwick all asked if they could help).

I'm very thankful to the Elves who have helped this week. Kenneth, Katrina, Tori, Connie, Deanna and Angie. They've put in lots of hours and we've gotten so much done. As fast as we could process the gifts, the school counselors and social workers came and picked them up. Kenneth has been great in delivering bags of gifts and bikes to Northside school this week. The school personnel have been blown away by the generosity and love expressed by FBCR's Angel Tree this year. It's such a witness to everyone who is involved in many ways. (we've been blessed to be able to go through the counselors and social workers to find the families truly in need)

A special Thank You to Chris, a young man who donated 2 'just like new' bikes to a family. And to Kenneth, who drove way out into Bella Vista to pick them up. Thank you to Mom, Charlotte, who brought it all together.

Elves have sorted gifts, wrapped many, bagged them up to go to the families, cleaned up our mess and made me smile all week. Wednesday was a long day, but I really enjoyed getting to spend time with Angie that evening. Thank you to her sweet hubby, who allowed us to have some 'girl time' to sort and process lots of gifts. He was nice to share her.

Tomorrow we will start preparing for the Food Box packing and delivery party on Saturday. We're only doing about 50 boxes this year (we've done over a hundred in years past), but with our congregation supporting our weekly Food Pantry, and also giving so generously to the Angel Tree, it's not surprising to do less this year. This will be the first year that we have multiple volunteers come to help pack and deliver the boxes. My prayer is for the number of volunteers to match the amount of work, so that no one feels overworked and no one feels under utilized. It will be nice to spend even the smallest amount of time with people who come to give of themselves to bless others. I treasure those times of working together.

I haven't made any fudge this week. I think I'll make some next week when I'm back home at Deanna's and maybe Cora (Deanna's granddaughter who's a missionary kid in Las Vegas) will want to help. I can give fudge as a surprise gift anytime, especially after Christmas.

Gus and I are getting along just fine. He doesn't even bark at me when I come in at night now. He loves to snuggle and just sit touching some part of his body on me. I especially like it when he puts his 'elbow' on my leg and just sits there. Sometimes he just leans on me. It's funny when he falls over.

Last night I got in late and he was wanting to play. I was very tired and just played for a few minutes. He decided to I might enjoy having one of his toys in bed with us. When I didn't play with it, he must have thought I would rather play with a different toy because he kept bringing in his toys one at a time. We ended up with a bed full of dog toys. I was so tired, I just went to sleep. Gus finally gave up and snuggled and went to sleep, too.

We played a while tonight when I got home. He is so strong and loves to play tug. He's a very fair playmate. And he's generous with his toys. We're getting along very well. (even if we keep each other awake at times with our snoring. I don't know who snores louder, but I'm getting used to him.)

I am so very thankful for the energy and good health that God has provided for me. It has made these holiday weeks enjoyable. Next week I'll get to tie up loose ends with Angel Tree and Food Boxes, make fudge, finish Deanna's gift and visit with Jake and Elaine and the kids at Deanna's.

Cuerpo Vivo is having the church Christmas dinner/party on Wed night. It will be fun and yummy! Oliver has been very good at speaking to me in Spanish as much as possible and I know it must be frustrating for him, but it's so good for me. I hope he gets blessed when I remember things that he has taught me.

While at Walmart this afternoon, I ran into the mother of my friend Megan. She is looking so forward to seeing Megan in February. She's been an M in North Africa for the last 2 years. I'll be praying for her family this Christmas as they miss Megan over the holidays.

My friend Sarah is very ill again. Another major surgery and complications from that. She made it home for a week or so and then back to ICU. What a roller coaster. I'm praying for her healing and for peace and comfort for Billy (husband) and Charlie (son). They cling to God's sovereignty and trust Him to get them all through it. I pray that people will see God at work in their lives. I know they would like that, too.

I'm praying about my future involvment with a ministry in Nicaragua. I'll be going on a mission trip in March. Please join me in prayer for God to supply the needed money for the trip. It will cost a total of $1500, of which $1000 is due on January 5th. I know God has His chosen people in mind to join me in this venture. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming to think of finances, but I'm know that God is the owner of all resources and He will provide through His people. I'm always humbled and blessed by the support of others.

Well, better go for now. Gus is trying to help me type...
I pray wonderful blessings on everyone during these weeks leading to Christmas. It's a precious time to reflect on God's love and most perfect Gift. I pray that stress and over commitment and in appropriate expectations don't distract people from enjoying their relationship with God and this special time with Him.

Merry CHRISTMAS all month long!!!

Monday, December 14, 2009

It's time for bed, but I thought I would post what has been going on for the past few days.

We are up to 161 Christmas Angels that we are supplying gifts for. People have stepped up and been so generous for these kids who need some Christmas cheer. I know the kids will love the gifts and the parents are getting the blessing of being able to put gifts under the tree. It is so fun to work on this project. I have always loved it.

Sunday I arrived at church before 8am to be around to accept the gifts that people were bringing in. By the time I left after Cuerpo Vivo worship at 2pm I was ready for lunch and a nap. I got lunch, but the nap turned into just a wish. Back to the church for a 5:30 meeting about the mission trip to Nicaragua. Some more gifts came in and I got them all locked up for the night.

Today, I was blessed with the help of 4 lovely Elves as we sorted and organized the gifts that have come in so far. School counselors and social workers were coming to pick up the gifts as we got them ready. We'll continue to do this the rest of the week. I'm so thankful for the people who have provided the gifts and for the Elves who are helping process them all. The school personnel are so grateful for how we are helping these families. The counselors and social workers see these needs week after week and it makes their hearts warm to see how FBCR has started projects to bless them. It's a blessing for us at FBCR to get to work through them so that all the blessings go to families who are really in need.

Saturday was filled with helping get items to the family who is relocating, shopping for Angel Tree and babysitting. I didn't make it to my ABF breakfast party, and I missed seeing the ladies, but there was too many responsibilities for the hours in the day. God allowed me to get a lot accomplished and of course, I had a blast babysitting for the Janes' kids. Little Phillip is getting bigger and had the most beautiful smiles. The kids were fun to be with, as always.

There were many items donated to the family who relocated. They couldn't believe the outpouring of generosity from people who don't even know them. It is so nice to be a part of this plan. God knows of all the resources that He spreads among us. He delights when we use those resources to bless each other. I'm thankful that He makes that possible.

I finally got my suitcase packed for house/dog sitting. Gus seemed to be happy to see me and in fact, he's laying next to me on the couch just snoring away! I believe he and I will be having a snoring competition tonight!

I had work to do tonight, so I didn't try to make any fudge. Maybe I'll work on it later in the week, or maybe I'll just wait till next week or even after Christmas!

I sure miss Jet and Deanna (ok, and LucyAlice the cat) already. I'll be stopping in a couple of time during the week to say hi. I'm sure Jet will take issue with the smell of Gus on me. I hope he forgives me once I get back home next week.

Well, time to go to bed so I'll be ready for another busy, fun-filled day of gift processing! I'll have a few Elves helping tomorrow, too. I'm thankful for that, among many other things that God provides. He is wonderful for thinking of all these ways to love each other and enjoy His plans.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Friday night and I'm home doing laundry and working on Angel Tree. It has been a really good week. Very busy doing all my 'elf duties'. I love it!!

We are now up to over 150 kids who are being blessed through the Angel Tree. I'm so thankful for all the wonderful people who have 'adopted' these Angels. It will make such a difference in these kids' lives this year. Reaching out and touching peoples lives is one of the most treasured feelings you can get. God just fills your heart with warmth and joy. He is the Creator of these feelings and He delights in letting us experience them.

I know I have said this alot, but I cannot express enough how blessed I feel that God allows me to live as a full-time Missionary. No matter where I'm serving, I get to be a part of touching peoples lives, sharing Jesus, and encouraging others to do the same. What could be better? (beside Heaven, I mean)

I went over to Gus' house (the dog I will be staying with next week). He (with the help of his master) showed me where his food and water bowls and supplies are, his favorite toys, how to work his doggie door, where he likes to sleep, where I'll be sleeping, etc. He is really full of energy. It will be a fun week. I've decided to make my multiple batches of fudge at Gus' house at night next week. I won't be in any one's way and it will give me a task for each night. (also, it won't drive Deanna crazy to have it all over her house) It will be good to have all of it made and packaged up and ready to share. Of course, I'll give Deanna some of each batch so she can be my quality control person!

I need to finish my Christmas cards soon, too. Time is marching on so fast. Maybe I can get them done this weekend between all the elf duties. I'm having so much fun!

We had our FBC Staff Christmas lunch/party this week. It was nice and simple and pretty and fun. I'm not the most exciting party guest sometimes and can even be a humbug at Christmas parties. I'm glad everyone had a good time and good food. And I'm appreciative of Lisa and Avis for putting the party together. They did a nice job.

My ABF (aka Sunday School) class is having a Christmas Breakfast/party tomorrow morning. I can't eat most of the food, but I have come to enjoy smelling foods that I can't eat and still feel satisfied. Also, it will be nice to visit with everyone. In lieu of sharing gifts, we are all bringing items for the food pantry as our 'gifts'. I like that idea.

Tomorrow afternoon I get to babysit the Janes' kids. What fun! I love spending time with them. Who knows what we will be up to!

We're working on helping a family get settled into an apartment. They have arrived with pretty much the clothes on their back and need everything. It has been awesome seeing how God is bringing people together to provide for this family. God knows every one's resources and what is available. He directs us to come together to take care of others. The key is to be open and tuned in to God's leading so that we can realize the needs and how He wants to use us. I love seeing Him at work!

Wow! As I am writing this, I stopped to take a phone call from someone who has a bed for the family and is going to deliver it tomorrow! Earlier this evening I got a call from someone who has another bed and all kinds of household goods for the family to choose from. Other families have contacted us today with lamps, kitchen items, a tv, linens, etc. How awesome! God is opening the hearts of His children to take care of each other. And I get a front row seat to watch it happen! I'm so thankful.

It's quiet here at the house tonight. Deanna is out with friends from church. Jet seems to find me boring tonight and instead of laying here in the living room, he keeps going to his bed in Deanna's room. He did get to go outside for a few minutes as I unloaded the car. He thinks anytime he goes out the front door counts as a 'walk'. I'm glad he's easy to please!

I think I better close for now and get some things done. God is so good and I'll go to sleep reflecting on all He has shown me today. That will make sweet dreams!

Monday, December 7, 2009

It's been a good couple of days.

Yesterday (Sunday) I wandered the halls of church with Angel Tree information and visited some of the ABF classes reminding everyone to adopt an angel. Quite a few were adopted and it made me very happy. I had to cover the traffic in the halls before and after all three services, so I missed out on Cuerpo Vivo's service. I did get home early (just after 1pm instead of close to 3pm) since I didn't stay for Cuerpo Vivo, but I missed being in that service, though. I told people that I was the 'walking Angel Tree'. Pat & Raleigh surprised me today with a headband that has a Christmas Tree on top that lights up. I think maybe I should wear it next Sunday when we collect the gifts for Angel Tree. :)

I am truly thankful for the people who are sacrificing money and time to give something to the Angels, who wouldn't be receiving any Christmas otherwise. It's interesting to see who participates in ministries like this. You can see the love of God in their eyes and countenance. I like to be around people like that. It makes my heart happy. There is a bond between people who put others first. That's my kind of people!

I spent a lot of hours this weekend working here at home on the Angel Tree info and Christmas Food Box info. I'm very blessed to be able to work from here. It's hard to get some types of work done when I'm at the church during the week, so I spend most of that time doing the physical stuff and running errands, etc. I do a lot of computer work at night and on weekends here in my little den. It's a good balance.

This morning I started bright and early with a 6:30am phone call about Angel Tree. Then I stopped by Walgreen's around 8am to pick up a few items that they had on sale with coupons. While there, I spied some fleece throws for a wonderful price. I loaded up for the Angel Tree. I was so excited about the bargains that I forgot to get a bottle of juice for my Spanish class!

Spanish class was very good today. We learned a lot, asked a lot of questions and even made Oliver excited with the way the class was going today. Oliver read John chapter 3 and also Luke 2 in Spanish. There was a lot of discussion about the names of Jesus. It was a very nice morning.

I stopped in the Food Pantry when I got to the church. They had 4 salvations today. Jim was all smiles. We need lots of food for the pantry, since we are seeing so many people come for assistance. I hope more people will volunteer for the new year, too. Those who have come to work it have really enjoyed it. Jim and Shirley do a good job of directing it. It's a good feeling to be part of God's plan in touching lives.

I got to have a nice lunch with Janalynn today. It was good to have a sit-down meal and have time to just chat. A little more work on the Christmas projects in the afternoon and then I stopped by Walgreen's on the way home to pick up some more bargains for the Angels.

Deanna had really yummy homemade vegetable soup ready for dinner. It was good on this chilly night. Jet went outside while I carried stuff in from the car. He seemed to think that was a good alternative to a walk, since it was so cold.

I downloaded some more Christmas songs on my iPod and did some laundry. I'm heading to bed early tonight. There's only a few more weeks until Christmas and I want to enjoy every moment of the season. I need to find the right time to start making fudge. I'm going to make 8 different kinds. It will be everywhere! I hope people will like getting it for gifts. Of course, I have to keep it out of Deanna's grasp. She told me she is a fudge-aholic and that I should lock it up. I'll have to pray over it!

I'm enjoying the life that God is allowing me right now. I'm anxious to see what He has planned for me in the coming year. He's so full of wonderful surprises!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

It's Saturday night. Cold weather, sunny today, just right for the Christmas season.

On Thursday, I got a chance to get a little work done from home and also go through a couple of boxes that I had shipped here from my apartment in nyc. I pulled out the stuff that I could pass on to some friends setting up an apartment here. It wasn't much, but it will help get them started. Then I got a call from a school social worker for some coats, so I ran them by the school on my way to run some other errands. So much for spending the day on the computer at home... but it was nice to be out in the cold sunny day.

Friday was a long day processing the Angel Tree info from the schools. I got to visit a little bit with the McGimpseys at the Food Pantry. It's nice to see new volunteers helping out there. I was soooo tired when I finished at the church about 5:30, but I wanted to run by the AT&T store to have a friend help me get my new phone set up, so I ran out to the Promenade before I went home. I did get to hear a little of the FBC choir singing at the mall. I would have hung around for a few more songs, but I was really wanting to get home and relax. (besides, Deanna had cornbread in the oven for dinner - yum!)

Today I ran around to finish my Christmas shopping. I had to get Jet and LucyAlice their gifts. Jet got a new coat so we can walk in the cold. At first he kind of liked it, but then we ran into some of his dog friends on the street and they barked. I'm assuming they were making fun of his coat, because after that he seemed to want to rub on the ground to get it off. He actually whimpered after they barked at him. Poor Jet. He even sat down on the sidewalk and quit walking. I got him home and took off his coat and he went under the bed. Poor guy was humiliated. But - he'll get over it the next time I get the coat out with his leash. He'll put up with anything as long as he gets to go on a walk! He'll thank me for the warmth of the coat when the weather gets colder, too. By the way, LucyAlice's gift was 3 little stuffed mice that she immediately started playing with.

I hope to get most of the remainder of Christmas Angels adopted tomorrow and early next week. Almost half are adopted so far. Some people have contacted me through email, phone calls and even facebook. Since we can't have a physical Angel Tree along side the pretty decorations at the church, using technology and communication is a good alternative. I'll be in the halls between services tomorrow with Angel information, so that will be fun, too.

I feel so blessed that God has allowed me to live with little material things these last 2 1/2 years. Three years ago, I was planning to sell everything and move to nyc. As I put out my Christmas decorations that year, I really appreciated all the sentimental ones and enjoyed looking at them all. When it was time to take it all down, I saved one box of really sentimental ones for storage and all the others were either given to people or sold in my moving sale. It was okay to say goodbye to the 'stuff'. When in nyc, I had a small nativity set (a gift from the Janes family) with pieces about 1" tall. I put it on top of my tv. I also had 2 stockings I bought at Macy's (I couldn't decide which one I liked best) which I hung on the wall. That's all the room I had for Christmas decorating, except for hanging up all of my Christmas cards on the wall. It looked festive. Of course, in nyc, most people don't have the room or money to decorate their places too much. That's why the trees at Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Lincoln Center as well as the windows at Macy's and Bloomingdale's are all so popular. I also loved walking through the Christmas shops at Central Park and Bryant Park. It was different to celebrate Christmas there as you share it all with the rest of the city. I look forward to celebrating in other places and making new memories in the future.

Today I joined Deanna and 2 of her grandkids in attending the Christmas program at FBC. I loved the children's choir, youth ensemble, women's group, men's group and the 'big band' style song that Corey sang. The ballet dancing was nice and it reminded me of some of my friends in nyc who are dancers. There was a lot going on in that program.

I'll be spending the next few days trying to learn how to use my new phone. I'm thankful to have it and to transfer to a cheaper carrier and plan. It just takes me a while to learn new things. I'm getting too old I guess. ha I'm sure I'll love it when I learn it. I do appreciate it.

I got a message from a friend in Monterrey Mexico this week. How fun to remember times of serving on mission trips there. I'm thankful for friends and memories.

Time for bed for today. I'm so thankful to God for allowing me the life He has given me. Much of it has been unexpected, and for sure there has been many chances for growing. I'm thankful for the circumstances that lead me to depend on Him more and learn more of His unfailing love. And I am honored and humbled to be allowed to celebrate Him, especially at this time of year.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Wednesday night. A cold night and I'm excited to feel the appropriate weather for the holidays!!
I even broke out the flannel pj pants!

This has been a very productive week so far. The Christmas Angel Tree project is coming along well. I know that God people chosen to bless these kids. I pray for the right people to be open to His leading and be a part of the blessing. It is always so awesome to see the recipients get loved on with the gifts and to see the sponsors filled with the joy of giving. The same goes for the Food Boxes project. Love this time of year!

Jet has been sad that we couldn't walk the last 2 days. It was too dark when I got home on Monday and Tuesday and then today it's kind of rainy. He gives me these sad-eye looks that can make me feel guilty. Lucy Alice (the cat) decided to bless me with a quick stop on my lap and then she laid in Deanna's lap for a long session of scratching behind the ears. She looked like she was thoroughly enjoying it.

Thinking about how the animals feel and act tonight makes me think about how I am with God sometimes. I look to Him with sad, pleading eyes when I want something (like Jet's walk) but don't understand why I can't have it right now (rainy weather). I'll have to remember that I sometime have 'Jet eyes' when I look to the Lord. And when I'm having a wonderful moment of basking in God's peace and love, I'll think of Lucy Alice lounging all stretched out and just soaking up the love and attention.

Speaking of being pampered, Jet got fed twice tonight. I didn't know that Deanna had fed him and I filled his bowl again. He looked at me kind of funny and that made me ask Deanna if she had fed him already. At least he is honest! I put his bowl up on the cabinet until tomorrow. The funny thing is that we have been putting him on a little bit of a diet and here I was giving him an extra meal today!

This week I got a message from Father Baker of St Malachy's Church in NYC. Each December, a group of different churches in the Mid-town area gets together to do a Living Nativity, with caroling and hot chocolate. The411nyc and then Parable provided the hot chocolate each year. We had volunteers from mission teams serve. It was fun and very, very cold! Father Baker was asking if we would be able to provide the hot chocolate again this year. I was able to forward his message on to the pastor of the church that is meeting in our old building. I hope it works out for them to take over that serving opportunity. I know the new church was always looking for ways to reach out to the community. I sure will miss being there for that special night. Last year, a wonderful couple, Judy and Tom from NC, came up a few days before the rest of their team and helped me serve at the Nativity. It was soooooo cold! My goodness, I think I can still feel that chill! But it was a wonderful night and I will always remember it and have a warm spot in my heart for Tom and Judy.

FBC Rogers is performing a wonderful Christmas program this weekend. I can't wait to see and hear it. It will be quite the production!

Well, it's time to go to bed and dream of Christmas-y things. I love this time of year. It's fun to celebrate Jesus a little each day.
Blessings!!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

What a great and crazy week.

I enjoyed both services at church last Sunday (FBCR and Cuerpo Vivo). It is interesting that sometimes there will be the same song in each service (just different languages) and this Sunday there was a scripture used by both pastors. It reminds me of how connected my life is to both churches.

I spent most of each day at the church on Monday-Wednesday, helping with the Spanish calls for meal reservations and getting the final details put together for Thanksgiving. It was really pleasant this year. (It has made such a difference that I'm not glued to the front desk and phone like the years before. This gives me so much more time and flexibility to get the things done for the mission projects, without having to do the running around after hours. Thank you Lord for controlling my time.)

Anyway, we ended up serving 2500 meals this year. It is so fun to be there with everyone working really hard and having a good time. I think we have probably hit our limit on how many meals we can handle in the space and time constraints of the kitchen and fellowship hall. What little we had left went to World Garden restaurant to help with the 3 meals they were providing that day. We were done by noon and I was home before 1pm. I rested for awhile and reflected on how nice it was to be back at FBCR for Thanksgiving this year.

I got to spend Thanksgiving dinner with Deanna's family. We ate about 6pm, so that gave me time to rest up and to fix the sweet potatoes. I had made some yummy fresh cranberry relish/salad the day before. Karyn and her family, Bryon, Mary Ann Bennett, Deanna and I chowed down on some great food. We had lots of fun and laughs. I really felt at home with them. We missed Jake and Elaine and the kids, but we called them up on Skype on my laptop and everyone had a blast talking with them. Deanna even got all excited when talking to Elaine's dog. Everyone left by 8pm-ish, but it felt like midnight to us. We were tired and relaxed and happy.

I usually don't hit the Black Friday sales, but Walmart was having some really great deals that would be perfect for the Angel Tree kids at church. There was also an HP 3-in-1 printer/scanner/copier for just $29, so I HAD to go and get that for me! I woke up at 5:30am and was at Walmart by 6. A lot of the crazy people had already picked up the best bargains (which started at 5am) and some were still slinging stuff around. I veered my cart away from those spots. I did find a printer, which made the whole trip worth while. I found a few items that Deanna was wanting and then I got in line to check out. After 20 minutes of standing perfectly still, I decided that I could walk around and find more bargains while all those crazy early people finished checking out. I ended up finding more of the items that Deanna was wanting and I could finally get close to some items that the 'slinging people' were hogging earlier. Then I got back in a different line, which was moving slowly, but moving, and had some nice conversations with other shoppers. I even talked to my sister in Indiana on the phone for a while. (although I don't think she appreciated me waking her up)

After Walmart, I went ahead and ran to Target to get something they were out of at Walmart. The best thing is that I got myself a Christmas present from me! I have wanted an iPod forever and I got a nice iPod Nano at Target. I'm so happy! (Deanna has been laughing at me cuz I'm so excited to have it). Then I went by Lifeway Christian Bookstore to get a few special items there. A quick stop for milk and hummus and I was back home for a nap!! What a good day!!!

I had to return the hot boxes that we had borrowed from Pfeffer's catering for Thanksgiving meals. I was trying to coordinate having someone help me unload them, since they are way too heavy for me to be lifting. I didn't want to bother anyone on their family time. I was so excited that someone was at the place where they needed to go. He said he would unload them. So I ran over there in the church van (I had one of the guys load the boxes in it right after the meals on Thursday) and delivered the boxes. When I got back to the church parking lot I realized that I couldn't pull the gate at the bus lot because it is too heavy for me right now. I thought I would just park and lock the van by the gate and then go over to Nana Ruth's and have her call Benny to come and lock up the van. Just as I was walking away from the locked van Benny actually pulled into the parking lot! Perfect timing God!! Benny took care of putting the van away. I had to smile at God's provision at just the right time. But mostly I smiled that the fact that Benny (who I tease mercilessly sometimes) was the answer to my prayer! heehee

I had a nice visit with Nana Ruth, who I never seem to have enough time to talk with. I definitely want to spend time visiting with people and not be too busy this holiday season.

Today, Deanna and I went to Lifeway and then to Hobby Lobby (where I ran into and got hugs from Becca and Elizabeth Janes). I took a nap after lunch and then Jet and I went on a really nice walk. (Jet was exhausted yesterday after his dog cousins came for Thanksgiving dinner and he actually laid down on the sidewalk when we took a little walk!) He did really good today and we both got some good exercise and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon weather.

I ran to GNC and then to Walmart this evening. I picked up the ingredients to make 8 batches of fudge and also for a dish I need to bring to our Staff Christmas dinner in a couple of weeks. Now I don't have to worry about fighting people to buy those ingredients. I can just fix the stuff when I feel like it.

God is providing wonderful time management for me this year. I'm so thankful to Him for allowing me to do the holiday things that I have missed the last few years. The last 2 Decembers were extremely busy for me in nyc. Last year there were 5 church mission teams up to work, and the year before, there were 7. I spent most of December each year out on the streets working with the teams, doing free gift wrapping at Herald Square, serving hot chocolate at the Living Nativity on 48th Street, working in the soup kitchens and senior centers, visiting Fire Stations, etc. I will miss those times this year (and some of the special people like Judy and Tom and the North Carolina team and the Central Baptist ladies), but I will get to bake and make fudge and decorate and really enjoy the season here in a different way.

I'm excited about the Angel Tree and the Christmas Food Boxes at church this year. It's coming together nicely and people are stepping up to help make it work. I took what I had budgeted for my personal donation for Angel Tree and spread it out over many Black Friday deals and can give a little to a lot of different Angels. I'm excited to see it all come together.

This has been a wonderful holiday weekend. I have rested, eaten, visited, shopped, played, prayed and praised my heart out. I am feeling so much better physically - I haven't felt this good in over a year! I'm giddy about it! I'm really enjoying God's blessings in my life right now. I pray that everyone is getting the chance to slow down and enjoy every minute of this time of honoring God and His Son. What a beautiful gift to us!!!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

What a great week! It has flown by, but it has been full of good things. God has been so gracious. He takes such good care of me and all His children.

I started spending more time at the church on Wednesday and it really wore me out. I forgot how quickly your energy can go away after surgery. But everyday it gets better. Unfortunately, I didn't think I could have enough energy to make it through these days before Thanksgiving and still take care of Gus, the puppy. So, I had to beg off of that opportunity and let Cathy go to the plan B that she had in place. I'll miss sitting with Gus and I hope to get the chance again sometime soon. I just love spoiling people's pets! heehee

I'm spending all day at the church everyday for a while so that I can help with the phone calls for the Thanksgiving meals. I'll do this through Wednesday. The only draw back is that I don't get nearly as much done on the computer as when I work from home. And I'm up to my eyeballs with coat drive, Christmas Angel Tree and Christmas Food Baskets right now, along with the Thanksgiving plans. It will all come together, but I'm dreaming about turkeys wearing santa hats!

I can't wait for Thanksgiving day. It's always so fun to see everyone working together that morning and see hundreds of people getting those meals to recipients. To anyone who hasn't been a part of it, you are very much welcome to participate!

I usually stress over everything going as close to perfect as possible, but I really feel a peace about it all this year. The more that God allows me to serve in different ways and in various places, the more mellow I get about letting Him be in charge and show Himself in the 'small stuff'.

God has allowed me to be a part of blessing some special people this week. I love how He puts the pieces together in His way. All we have to do is be aware of Him and be open to obeying what He directs. The less we worry about our own selves and our 'stuff' the more we can see the needs of others. 17 families came to the Food Pantry yesterday. It was great to have more volunteers, too. It just about wiped out the food we had on hand. It feels good to know so many were helped just a little bit this week. The McGimpseys do a great job with running the Food Pantry and they'll have more food bought and stocked for next week. The congregation has been faithful in bringing food in. I wish they could all see how the blessings are flowing out from their donations. It's a great ministry and much needed.

Today I went to Lifeway Christian store for some really good bargains on Christmas presents. I have such a limited budget, but I want to give gifts to family, too. I'm so thankful for the really good deals I found today.

Then I went to Walmart and spent another hour and a half picking up some groceries and just looking around the store. I am a fan of the clearance aisles and I found some good gifts there, too. One of the nice treats I got at Walmart today was cozy slipper socks for me and Deanna. We'll have happy toes now!! I was excited to find sweet potatoes on sale for .25 per pound. (it doesn't take much to thrill me) I bought 10 pounds! :) Deanna and I both love them fixed just about anyway you can imagine, so we'll enjoy this bargain for a few weeks!

Deanna and I have been thinking of all of the ways that we will use the left over turkey. We have some tasty recipes in mind. We're even planning some turkey and spinach alfredo. yum!

Speaking of food, the roasted potatoes and squash that we are having for dinner is ready. Gotta go! (God is soooo good!)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I can't believe it's the week before Thanksgiving! ahhh!!! Wow, has time flown by!

I had my 1 week checkup with Dr. Rogers today and I'm doing great! I've been such a good girl and taken it easy physically, while still getting to accomplish a lot of work on my laptop. I've been able to rest when needed, too. I haven't felt this good in a long, long time. Thank you Lord!! Dr. Rogers says everything is good. My gallbladder was chronically inflamed, which doesn't show up on any tests. Now that it's out, I am a new woman! I'll continue to eat healthy (and as organic as possible) to heal my liver and to get as strong as possible. I want to be ready for every opportunity that God brings my way!

Dr. Rogers is in the Army Reserves and is being deployed to Iraq in a few weeks. I'll keep him and his family in my prayers. I'm glad that he could be my doctor when I needed him.

The weather has become chilly and seems to be appropriate for this time of year. It puts me in the mood for Thanksgiving and Christmas!! I am ready to see some pretty snowflakes. They don't have to stick, just flutter!

Tomorrow evening I'm going to meet Gus, a puppy who I will be sitting with over the next week. I hope we hit it off nicely. I'm very spoiled with good old Jet here at home. :)

I seem to be waxing sentimental lately. I'm so thankful for the different people that God has brought into and out of - and through - my life. He has shown me many different aspects of Himself in each person and situation. He allows our lives to be very full if we just open up and allow it.

I know that one of the things I need to work on is not to be so task-oriented and to be more relationship-focused. I want to enjoy the journey and be a blessing to others along the way. I know I like to be around people who have that same mindset. And above all, He is to be adored.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Well, I'm a happy woman! They finally did my gallbladder surgery yesterday. God was so comforting to me. I woke up at peace. Everyone at the surgery center was nice. One of the medical people who took care of me is from my church and I hadn't met her yet and she prayed with me before surgery. That was sweet. Dr. Rogers came in right before surgery and said he had practiced up on the person before me. I felt in good hands. When I put the paper hat on my head it reminded me of wearing a hairnet to work in the soup kitchens in nyc. I got to share a little about being a missionary in nyc and here, too. They covered me up with warm blankets and put those leg massager things on me. The nurse asked if I was okay and I told her I was pretending that I was at a spa. (although a spa would be cheaper)

I woke up in recovery and got to go home shortly after. I was expecting to feel horrible like I did after the liver biopsy, but it was not as bad. That made me happy. After a quick stop at the pharmacy for some pain meds, Deanna got me home about 1:30. I took a nap and then hung out in the recliner for the rest of the day. They had told me to walk frequently, so I did some laps around the living room, kitchen, hall. Jet started with me, but soon decided I wasn't going outside, so he just sat and looked at me like I was crazy.

I woke up this morning with no nausea for the first time in over a year. I already feel so much better. I'm excited. I have to take it easy for a few more days and I got to eat real food for dinner today. That baked potato was good!

I have a tendency to push too fast and too hard. But I'm being really good this time. I want to be healed up and raring to go asap. I am so thankful that I can work from home so I don't feel unproductive. I've gotten a lot done in the last few days. I've even started on Christmas cards.

I'm sure you are all as tired of hearing about my health as I am in complaining about it. It's smooth sailing from here. I'm soooo thankful for God's hand on my life.

Thanksgiving is coming so fast. I love it. The plans for our church's free meals are on track. It's a big undertaking, but God pulls it all together. This year's biggest challenge is funding it. As we grow in number of meals (due to more need) the cost goes up, too. Vendors are not as able to supply donated food as in the past. I know God has a plan for the money to come from the right place. Please join me in praying for God's will to be revealed. I know there are going to be many people blessed by the meals.

Christmas blessings are coming along, too. Food baskets and Angel Tree gifts are in the works. It's a tight time for everyone financially. But it's wonderful to see how God can take the little bit we contribute and He makes miracles happen with it. He doesn't need what we have to make His blessings happen, but He wants for us to be participants in the process to grow us and to let us feel the blessing of helping others. What a perfect plan.

Well, time for bed. I think I'll turn in early tonight. Slow and steady for now. And plenty of time to rest in God's peace and comfort. I'm so blessed.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Great news! I got a call from the doctor's office this morning and they have scheduled my surgery for tomorrow! Thank you Lord! I can't wait to get it over and recover and feel good all the time!!!! It's been a long time and I'm ready to go go go and get the Lord's work done!

As I sit here working on missions stuff on the computer, I keep forgetting about the surgery and then I remember and think 'Oh, yea!' It's like remembering that tomorrow's a holiday when you're a kid in school. I know that it will hurt during recovery, but it's a pain that will go away. Each day will be better and better. I'm so thankful!

I rode along with Deanna to Walmart today for some groceries and got the chance to check prices for the Christmas Food Baskets. Now I just need to stop in at Aldi's and check their prices soon and that project can get underway. I'm supposed to walk a lot after surgery, so this can be a field trip that Deanna can take me on before I get to drive again. I can't wait to give out the food baskets next month!!

We're working on the Angel Tree families now. The names are coming from Northside school, church families and referrals from FBC church families. I pray that everyone who needs to be blessed will be brought to our attention and loved on through the Christmas season.

I've just about got my Christmas shopping done. I find great bargains on the perfect items for family throughout the year and hang on to them till Christmas. Sometimes it's a great surprise to me when I discover those items that have been hidden away. All the gifts for my family get mailed to Indiana, so I try to ship that off the first of December to try to avoid long lines and to allow the family to open the presents and enjoy them early.

I have bought some Christmas cards with the word Joy on them. (my word to celebrate this year) I need to get to work on addressing them! Maybe that will be a good project for my resting time this next week. Time is going by so fast!

Thanksgiving plans are on track. Hundreds of flyers are going out to the community, homemade pies are being promised, food is being ordered, volunteers are signing up. The morning of Thanksgiving is so festive with people coming together to bless others. The Holy Spirit is always felt. It's wonderful.

One of the best things about working with people on missions is the excitement and love that you feel from each other as we are sharing Christ's love. You just can't help but get a little on ya. :)

I do ask for your prayers these next 2 months that I manage my time and energy to be able to get everything planned, delegated, executed and followed up on in the way that is pleasing to God. It's all about glorifying Him and bringing people to know Him.

Well, it's time for me to get ready for bed. Tomorrow is a special day. I'm so at peace letting God handle things. I like Dr Rogers and feel safe in his care. Dr Bob has been a wonderful friend and doctor and I appreciate all he has done for me, too. Especially his prayers! How wonderful to have a doctor who prays for you!

Everyone keeps telling me that I'll be a 'new woman' after the surgery. I hope I'm taller and thinner. heehee

Saturday, November 7, 2009

What beautiful weather we have been having lately!! And more to come this next week! 70s in November?? We have really been blessed. Jet and I went out for a walk today. It's been a while and he was sooo excited. I think he stopped and checked out every blade of grass!

This past week has been a roller coaster of feeling good/bad, excited/disappointed, encouraged/frustrated with just about everything! But through it all, I'm thankful for God and His control of my life. Even when I don't like how things are going at the moment.

The Precept Bible study on Covenant ended on Tuesday. It was a good study, although I missed the 'real' Precept format. We had a small class that was very into sharing ideas and views. I got a lot out of the class. I'm going to work on some small Bible studies for the next few months until we start Precept classes again in January.

Part of the roller coaster of emotions last week was health issues. (I'm so tired of them!) Anyway, the doctor's office was finally actually trying to schedule the surgery for Monday and then the computers and even the fax capabilities of the scheduling system was 'down' yesterday. Soooo, they are trying to get me scheduled Monday morning for surgery on Tuesday. I'm really hoping, but I'm not holding my breath. Too many 'almosts' lately. I kept telling God that I trusted His timing and plans, but did admit to Him that I was cranky about it. (of course, He already knew that, but it's part of my growth to admit it. *smile*)

I was able to get so much work done this past week. I have my little office area set up in the den part of my rooms. I spent a few hours each day at the church doing the physical stuff needed to be done, as well as printing off what I had done on the computer at home. Things seem to be on schedule.

I also got to spend some time on my rooms and taking care of clutter and organization. It feels good to get that stuff done. I'm so thankful for the cozy, love-filled home I get to live in. God has blessed me so much with Deanna and her hospitality.

I've been trying to find info on Nicaragua to be studying up on. It's pretty darn hard to find stuff. I've been to Barnes and Nobel, the public library, Amazon.com... Lots of stuff on Central America in general, and all the other countries within Central America, but not much on Nic. Looks like I'll be spending some time on the net.

Spanish classes are going well. I'm trying to practice a lot. I want it all to stick in my brain. I'm enjoying the learning part. I can't wait to see where my language skills will be by year's end. And I hope to be a lot more improved by the time the mission trip in March comes along.

Time to call it a night. I pray that everyone is having a great fall and can take the time to step back and reflect on Thanksgiving and all that these next two months bring in terms of family and love and God. Blessings!!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

It's Halloween. I'm praying for God's light to shine over all the evil darkness that comes along with this day. Happy times of dressing up and having fun with games, fellowship, friends, and of course, candy. I'm staying in tonight and will miss the Trunk or Treat our church is having at the Frisco Station Mall. I know there will be tons of fun!!! I'll get to see a few trick or treaters who live in the neighborhood as they visit Miss Deanna's house. It will be fun.

It's a beautiful day today. So sunny and dry. I ran errands this morning and got to visit friends. It was a nice morning to be out.

My goal for the weekend (besides worship tomorrow) is to clean and organize my bedroom. It seems to be collecting clutter. I think I'll put on a praise cd and enjoy some rejuvenation time.

I should find out in the next couple of days when my surgery will be. I feel like I'm waiting on Christmas. What a blessing to feel good again! It's been over a year and I don't remember not hurting or feeling nauseous. I'm excited!

I stopped by the Janes' house for a visit today and came home with a bag of goodies. Not candy, but some spice grinders! I'm thrilled! I can't wait to fill them and grind away when cooking. I also borrowed a vegetarian cookbook that looks to have some really good recipes in it. Yum!

We made some really good cornbread in the baking stone pan. I've been craving fried cornbread, but haven't eaten anything fried in a very long time. Since the baking stone makes things crispy on the bottom, we decided to bake a regular batch that would go in an 8x8 pan (from scratch with healthy substitutions, of course) and spread it in the larger pan. It was about 1/2" thick and crispy on the bottom. Oh Man! It was good. We have decided to have it at least once a week. Especially since we are having a big pot of 'soup of the week'. This fall and winter will be extra tasty!

I've been missing parts of nyc this week. Grocery shopping at Whole Foods, walking down the streets and stopping in at my favorite juice bar, hearing the traffic noise, walking in Central Park, visiting the 3 story Barnes and Noble bookstore near my apartment... I even miss my apartment (although I am VERY happy and comfortable in my new digs here at Deanna's house). I think I just miss the special-ness of life 'on the mission field'. There is a special bond you feel with God and, even though I know I'm serving Him here, it's special when you make sacrifices for Him. I'll always be thankful for the good (and hard) times serving Him in nyc.

It's been crazy busy here in Rogers for me. Lots going on and lots coming up. The coat drive is going well. The school system social workers are getting coats for families. I've gotten to deliver a few coats myself. We are giving individually wrapped snacks to Northside school to send home with the kids who need food for the weekends. The Food Pantry is chugging along. The Medical Clinic is doing well. Preparation for Thanksgiving meals is gearing up. We're planning on serving 2400 meals this year. Christmas Angel Tree and Christmas Food Baskets will take up my time this week while I'm finalizing the details for the procedures and start sharing that info the church.

I'm excited to be praying about a ministry in Nicaragua that a family in our church leads. I know that God wants me to be involved with them and we are praying about the details and timing of that. In the meantime, I'm learning as much about the country, people, customs, food, needs, etc as I can and also lifting the nic people and the ministry's workers up in prayers. Please join me in praying about this. I'll share more as time goes on and as God reveals His plans.

I'm having a blast being a part of Cuerpo Vivo (our Hispanic congregation at FBCR). Jaime and Oliver and their families have always treated me as family, too. I love the people of Cuerpo Vivo (which means 'living body', by the way) and look forward to getting to know them better. Oliver has told the congregation to only speak to me in Spanish, so I'm getting immersed in the language. Pray for me people!! I need a clear heart and mind to absorb the language. But I love it!

Well, better go for now and rest up for the little goblins who will be ringing our door tonight. I didn't think to make Jet a costume. I'll have to think of something really quick. I'm sure he will like to great the kids who come by. (Deanna told me today that I have 'ruined her dog', but in a good way. )

Have a safe evening and pray for God's light to shine truth to everyone and overpower any darkness you may run into tonight. God's blessings are my 'treat' for you.

Monday, October 26, 2009

I'm sitting here trying to remember back to Thursday and what all happened that day. It took me a while of thinking and then I still had to ask Deanna if she remembered. (Am I having senior moments again?) Finally, we figured it out!

I worked from home in Thursday morning and then went to the church around noon to print off some of the things I had created on my laptop. I wasn't feeling too well and was hoping for the day to go by quickly, but I was looking forward to the things that were planned. There was some clothing and other items to be delivered to the Christian Women's Job Corp, so Pamela invited me to share the devotion with the class. Then I went to the church and visited with the people at the Medical Clinic. It was a nice day.

Friday morning I went to help at the Food Pantry and also moved more coats from the Coat Drive to the missions office. Vicki P, one of the Rogers Schools social workers, came by to pick up some coats and other things for some families. I enjoy her very much. We are both happy that FBCR is able to work closely with the schools to reach families in need. I also got to visit a family and drop off coats for them. It was nice to be able to supply coats to people on such a cold day. I'm thankful for all the people at church who are bringing in coats to share with families. What a blessing.

Saturday was a pretty, sunny day. Jet and I took a nice long walk to New Hope Park and relaxed there for a while. It was our first walk in days, so we were both very happy. I went to the library and Walmart (of course) and then settled in for a cozy evening at home. I received a phone call from my friend Mary Ann, who was up from Texarkana for the weekend. She invited me to a friend's house, where her former ABF class was having a party. I crashed the party and spent a wonderful evening chatting with Mary Ann and having fun with some crazy party games. I came home with a headache from laughing so hard. It was an evening that I needed very much, after a hard few days.

Sunday morning I woke feeling really bad, but I didn't want to miss church (or give in to my ailment), so I got dressed, but couldn't handle even oatmeal. Since I don't get home from Cuerpo Vivo until about 2pm, I've joked that I need to pack a lunch. I knew I would eventually get hungry from not eating breakfast, so I actually packed my oatmeal for church! I got the chance to eat a little of it, so it was worth packing a lunch bag to church. :)

I had treated myself to a new bilingual Bible and I enjoyed it very much. I had looked at 3 different Bible bookstores before I found one that was in the 2 translations I wanted and the right size. I figured that I would have to get a plain/ugly one and a cover. I ended my search at SKIA and they had 2 that would fit the bill. One was a perfect color combo and even had silver edges (rather than the usual gold) that I liked. It was like God put it there just for me. I started using it Sunday morning in both services. I think it will help me learn Spanish more and obviously it will help me follow along with the message at Cuerpo Vivo. Jaime asked me if I was able to get anything out of the Spanish sermon and I told him that I could follow along with the scripture references and read them in Spanish and English both. It really helps. Of course, I move my lips when I read in Spanish because I want to practice pronunciation. He said he would be looking for that. :)

Spanish class this morning was great. We have wonderful discussions about culture, lifestyle, customs, etc., as well as grammar skills. Oliver has a heart for teaching and really wants us to understand and absorb the language. I'm very thankful to be in the class. God is blessing me with the opportunity to be around Spanish speaking people. I pray for a clear mind, the ability to understand and the confidence to keep trying. I look so forward to improving on being able to meet and share with more people and I'm thankful for the chance to learn a language to make that happen.

God has been dealing with me on some things lately. I may share about it at a later time, but I'm thankful for the lessons He teaches (even though I don't like the pain sometimes). He is so faithful to love me and continue to grow me.

I have not felt well the last week or so, but it's a good time for that to happen, I guess, since I go to see the surgeon on Wednesday. Maybe he will agree to remove that stinkin' ol' gallbladder and I'll be 100% again. I don't want to ever take good health for granted anymore. It's been a year since this journey began and I'm ready for it to end. It will be wonderful to be able to sleep through the night and not be awakened with just enough pain and nausea to keep me awake for hours. At least I'm getting a lot of reading done... But I would rather sleep during those hours.

As with everything, I trust the Lord with my health. I am His to do with what He wants. I just pray that I will be faithful in representing Him in every situation. There's so many opportunities to grow if I just pay attention to Him. That's my biggest desire.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

It's been a busy, busy day and I loved it! It started out kind of rough after being up most of the night with the usual pain in my side. Just enough to keep me from a good night's sleep. But, with God's help, I chug along as best I can until I have to stop and give in for a while.

I had my weekly 15 minute meeting with John. I jokingly said that he gets up and leaves the room after 15 minutes even if I'm not through talking. :0 But I do email him the status notes of my projects with the new entries bolded so that he can review it before our meeting starts. This makes our 15 minutes much more productive. I told him today that he could have the conversation whether I was in the room or not, since he knows what I would talk about. Anyway, things and moving along steadily for the various ministries and projects.

After the meeting with John, I attended the first staff meeting for Cuerpo Vivo (our Hispanic ministry) since I began working on the admin/missions duties for the church. Oliver, Jaime and I spent 1.5 hours discussing tons of stuff. We used Spanish part of the time and English the rest. I love practicing the language! I have a long to-do list for the next few weeks. We are all excited about getting some of the issues addressed and organized, and plans made. I'm very happy working with Cuerpo Vivo.

After this meeting, I went with Janalynn, Elizabeth and Darin to the site for Trunk or Treat, to think about how to set everything up. It was a nice meeting with the property manager of the mall. It should be a good event. Now, we hope it doesn't rain, but there is a plan to have everything inside the mall if necessary. Praying that God rains down candy from heaven so that we will have plenty to give away!

I went by the hospital to pay off my balance today and they couldn't find any financial info on the 4 tests/procedures that were done at the Bentonville hospital. I did pay off the liver biopsy balance for the Springdale hospital. The lady kept asking me if I was sure that the tests were done at the Bentonville hospital. Duh!!! I think I remember all those tests! It wasn't a lobotomy, after all! I guess we'll get it all figured out sooner or later.

Tonight we grilled more veggies on my new baking stone. Squash, peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, onions... We had a plate of veggies and then added the rest to a pot of tomatoes and grilled chicken. A little Mediterranean spices and other goodies and it's a yummy soup! I love experimenting in the kitchen. (last week's Cajun soup was smokin' hot!) I'll have to pick up some flatbread and we'll be enjoying hot soup in the cooler days to come this week.

I have a to-do list a mile long for tomorrow, so I will work on my laptop here at home and then go to the church and print everything off. By Friday afternoon, I think I'll have most of that list taken care of. Well, that's my plan. Now, let's see what God has planned...

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Oh man! The weather has been beautiful the last 2 days! Jet and I went for a couple of walks. Today's was especially nice as we felt the sunshine, heard the lawnmowers and smelled the aroma of some one's supper on the grill. It was great!

Friday evening I got to go to one of the craft fairs with my friend, Zandra and her daughter, Hannah. I don't really get into craft fairs like I used to years ago, but it was special for us to go together. I did pick up a couple of Christmas gifts, and of course, an idea for making some gifts! It was so nice to spend time with Z and I can't believe how much her kids have grown up. Oh, a couple of interesting things about the craft fair... I knew that I'm back in NW Arkansas when we saw Michelle Duggar, and then we saw some flowers made out of duct tape. :)

Sunday morning I began attending the worship service at Cuerpo Vivo (the Hispanic ministry at FBCR). I attend the 9:30am service in English at FBCR and then go to Cuerpo Vivo at 11:00am. Although, the service at Cuerpo Vivo is much more relaxed and follows 'Latino time', so we didn't start till later. The music and message were great. I could understand some of it and even took some notes, in Spanish! I'm looking forward to understanding more as I learn more Spanish each week. It was 2:00pm before I left the church. A very nice, but long time of worship. Many in the membership of Cuerpo Vivo hugged me and welcomed me into the 'family'. As I was sitting and listening to the music and watching the praise band and then listening to Jaime's familiar voice, I just felt like I was at 'home'. I'm so thankful to God for allowing me to be a part of both of my church families here in Rogers.

In Sunday night's service, we observed the Lord's Supper. Our Covenant Bible study has given insight about the symbolism of all of the covenants that God has made with His people through out the Old Testament and the importance of the Lord's Supper as a reminder to us of His most wonderful Covenant. I've always known that it was a symbol of what Christ did for us, died on the cross as a sacrifice to pay our sin debt, but it really has a deeper meaning for me now that I have studied God's promises and how He remembers them and keeps them forever. It's an honor to remember Him in this way.

Spanish class is going so well. I'm learning a lot. I know it's all because God is allowing me to have an open mind and such a great hunger to learn. Oliver is a very good teacher. God has gifted him with great communication skills. Even so, I need prayers to learn and retain the language. PLEASE keep me in your prayers as I learn and practice Spanish as much as possible.

Today I got to share with some of the ladies of the Women's Ministry Bible study group about local missions that FBCR is involved in. I also got to hear presentations by Becky at Saving Grace and Pamela at Christian Women's Job Corp. I have been in contact with them via phone and email, and it was great to meet them in person and to hear in detail about their ministries.

I love to see where and how God is working all around us. Part of my job as a MIR is to share that info and encourage people to listen to how God is calling them to serve. I love getting to meet so many people in the community doing His work. It reminds me a lot of how my life was in nyc. I am thankful to be able to be a missionary here right now and to be a small part of His big plans for this area.

I'm waiting for the surgeon to call for an appointment. At least this time has given me a chance to get over my cold. Now I'm ready for that phone call and to get on the next step. But I know God's timing is perfect. (I just hope the doctor's office is tuned in to that timetable :)

Time for my comfy bed and another relaxing sleep. Thank you Lord for letting me rest in You.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

A cozy night. Dinner over, dishes done, trash out to the curb, healthy apple crisp for dessert, tv on, laptop on, jammies on, ahhhh.

It's been a busy couple of days. I've been packing my personal stuff up from my office at the church and moved it home to set up my office in the den. This weekend I'll work on getting this all organized. I work from home most of the time and it will be nice to have everything here. The main reason for the move is to free up the room at the church to be the Mission storage area. It's needed for all the projects going on in the next months at the church. I just felt it a better use of the room than to hold my personal office stuff, especially since I work from home most of the time anyway. I hope to finish setting up the 'missions room' tomorrow.

Today I delivered a lot of items to Northside school to be included in the Friday snackbags that go home with needy kids for the weekend. That will be a regular Thursday duty. I pray the donations continue to come in weekly. These are snacks for kids to have something to eat over the weekend. There are 96 kids eligible for this program at Northside and only 75 bags available, so siblings have to share, and there are usually only 8-10 items in each bag. Donations are very important. We take for granted having snacks whenever we feel the slightest twinge of hunger (or even eat out of boredom) and these kids are really hungry all weekend long, until they can get back to school for the provided lunches. Lord, open our eyes to the needs around us...

I got to take a long nap late this afternoon. Man! Did that feel good! It's been a busy few days. I love the luxury of a good nap!

I went to see Sarah for a while today. She has finally gotten rid of the catheter (after a few months) and is going through the pain and issues that go along with that change. To celebrate the milestone, I took some fall garland and decorated her bedside commode. The aides looked at it suspiciously, but I think Sarah is deserving of a Diva Purty Potty! We have to celebrate all the blessings God gives us! There is a little man in the room across the hall from Sarah. He is a character. I stood in the hall for a while today and he and I had the same conversation (of about 5 sentences) over and over. It was almost like the Groundhog Day movie.

The doctor's office called and said that they were referring me to a surgeon to see if we can get rid of my old gallbladder. I'm waiting on the call from the new doctor. Hopefully, we can move along on this and I'll be all fixed up before we know it!!! Also, good news is that my cholesterol numbers are getting better all the time. Some of the improvement is amazing and it's all due to the healthy diet and supplements. No statin drugs allowed (or tolerated by my body)!! I'll keep up the good work! And I thank God for being my ultimate physician. I also thank Him for Dr Bob being a great doctor, too!

I've been sending emails back and forth with some friends from back in Indiana. I haven't seen them in years. It's good to catch up. How do you share so much (20 years worth) of life into a few conversations? It will take a lot of them. I'm looking forward to re-connecting.

It's time for my nightly ritual of one spoonful of Nutella. for medicinal purposes, of course! I think about my sweet friend Erin in nyc, who introduced me to Nutella on a crepe with bananas at a street fair near my old apartment the weekend before I moved. I love having special things to remind me of people. It's such a sweet blessing to keep loved ones close to our hearts.

Time to think about sweet Erin...